Der Fuehrer - Hitler's Rise to Power (1944) - Heiden

FEW FLAMES BURN IN GERMANY 305members seldom joined the S.S. The Black band did not expand untilabout 1929, when the party began to attract broader sections of thepopulation and wealthy men rushed to its banners. To them it was apoint of honor to make the sacrifice of the expensive S.S. uniform, andthus the Black troop became a reservoir for the more prosperousmembers. There could not be much objection to this, for Hitler said thateconomic prosperity was often a sign of greater ability and hence betterrace; and better race was just what the S.S. was intended to embody.Hitler gave the S.S. the 'blood banner' to keep. This was a flag thathad been carried on November 9 at the Feldherrn Halle, and hadbecome a fetish of the movement. When Hitler, whom his men in thatperiod nicknamed the 'Manitou,' consecrated a new flag, the bloodbanner had to be brought forth. Manitou grasped one of its corners, atthe same time holding the new flag; he let the spirit flow from flag toflag through his person, as he pronounced his words of consecration.Berchtold was not only S.S. leader, but also an editor of theVolkischer Beobachter, letting himself be bullied into the mosthumiliating services by the efficient and violent Amann. Consequently,Berchtold had to instruct his troop 'to recruit readers and advertisers forthe Volkischer Beobachter.' Finally, forced with the choice of leadingthe Black elite or earning his modest living on the party paper, hepreferred to earn a living. The S.S. was then led for a time by a certainErhard Heiden, a stool-pigeon of the worst sort. Not until 1929 didHitler find the right man, an old friend of Rohm's and later collaboratorwith Gregor Strasser; an eccentric who made his living from a poultryfarm in the village of Waldtrudering near Munich. He had studied to bean agronomist, but in his free time concerned himself with genealogy.This man was Heinrich Himmler.The post-war generation now begins to assume prominence in theparty. Himmler was the first party leader who had been too young toserve in the World War. Born in Munich in 1900, he grew up inLandshut, where Gregor Strasser later lived. He attended thegymnasium, and like all German gymnasiasts of that day was given anopportunity to become an officer. He spent the