The Washburn leader. [volume] (Washburn, McLean County, N.D.) 1890-1986, 1908-05-22

lance, IN the nope Cnat from some
Granny of his wrecked mind might
come some calculating phrase, how
ever slight. The most important
thing that apparently could be relied
attack had been, it was observed be.
fore the blow was struck. This was
shown by his repeatedly exclaimdng:
tits coming! it's coming! It'll get us,
sure, and we can't fight back!"
And so the nations watched by the
bedside of a common sailor. From
Japan came long messages of con-
dolence to her ally, which were re-
ceived in a spirit Of fellow suffering.
The peculiarities of the situation
were in nowise lessened by reports
from Canada, where the troops still
massed along the border maintained a
friendly spirit, committed no acts of
encroachment. showed ne a%pprehen.
sion of war, and seemed as ignorant
Of their own governments plans or
what it had done as were the Cana
dams themselves. Indeed, their mys.
LITIGATION over the disappearance Of
the Japanese and British fleets was as
complete as that of the most humble
farmer on the Canadian frontier. Their
officers, shocked by the terrific news,
fastened to give statements to the
effect that their instructions were to
avoid giving ~offense, as the United
States had no intention of engaging in
war with Great Britain. Coupled with
the loss of the fleet, these interviews
seemed singularly inconsistent, it be-
rlg impossible to reconcile annihila-
ton on the sea and a cry for peace on
land.
1t was generally admitted in Eng
land that Canada was now in a help
less position and completely at the
mercy of a well-drilled and we'll.
equipped army along her borders,
which was undoubtedly within con-
slant reach of supplies and reinforce.
ments. The futility of any attempt
either to relieve or to aid her by
sending more men across the Atlantic,
now absolutely under the control of
the Americans, was obvious. 1t began
to appear to the British government
that the United States was deliberate
ly planning to take the dominion Of
Canada whenever she deemed the time
opportune. That she could now do so
at her own convenience was unques-
toned.
An e%xasperating condition was the
attitude of the Canadians themselves,
who, as far as appearances went, were
in a state of the utmost placidity. In
deed, the farmers along the border
prosperous and thriving through
the increased demand for their sup
plies, which the American quarter
masters purchased literally, and for
which they invariably paid American
gold. It actually seemed as If an era
of good feeling was being established
across the boundary. The loss of the
feet threatened a rupture for a brief
time; but the province, now con-
WINGED of the hopelessness of taking
an active side either way, showed an
inclination to stand aloof and remain
absolutely neutral. It was agreed be.
tween the officials Of the dominion and
those of Great Britain that Canada
could do nothing but endeavor as best
she might to remain passive pending
further developments.
This lack of partisanship proved
anything but an assistance to Hitler
In his attempt to break through the
Gordon, and it was this as much as
anything else that hampered him in
his mission.