The Paducah evening sun. [volume] (Paducah, Ky.) 1906-1929, 1908-06-03


means OF appeasing 1t. II was well
enough to talk Of revenge when the
means were at hand; but the country
In the face Of this dread enemy was
helpless, and so 1t was that the bit
terness OF defeat gave way to the
hopelessness of terror when a calmer
and more judicial spirit prevailed. 1t
was beginning to be comprehended to
the full that not only Great Britain in
all her strength, but the combined
forces of the world. would stand no
chance OF conducting even a defensive
war against the United States-now
become a swordfish ravaging and de-
regulating the seas.
In the meantime, while all this con-
sternation prevailed and the heads OF
nations, fearful and trembling, lspecu-
lated as to the outcome, the sailor
from the Dreadnought was being
watched and cared for by the most
distinguished savants and specialists
OF the old world. There lowered over
his bedside through every minute OF
the day men dispatched by every
European power. who were doing all
that science might suggest to bring
this lone and stricken mariner back
TO sanity and let him give tongue to
what he Knew OF this scourge Of the
waters. Hourly bulletins of his con
ditlon were posted on street corners.
and round these stood men and won
en- In suspense. His least word was
recorded as OF monumental impor-
lance, in the hope that from some
Granny Of his wrecked mind might
come some calculating phrase, how.
ever slight. The most important
thing that apparently could be relied
upon was that whatever the form OF
attack had been, it was observed be.
fore the blow was struck. This was
shown by his repeatedly exclaiming;
ITS coming. It's coming! TN get us,
sure, ana We can't night backl"
And so the nations watched by the
bedside of 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. whore the troops still
massed along the border maintained a
friendly spirit, committed no acts OF
eucroachment. showed no apprehen-
sion Of war. and seemed as ignorant
Of their own governments plans or
hn u
dams themselves Indeed, their mys'
tiflcatlon over the disappearance Of
the Japanese and British fleets was rs
complete as that Of the most humble
farmer on the Canadian frontier. Their
officers. shocked by the terrific news.
FASTENED 20 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, IL be-
ing impossible to reconcile annihila-
tion 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 well-drilled and we'll
equipped army along her borders.
which was undoubtedly within con.
slant reach OF supplies and re-euforce.
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. II began
TO appear to the British government
that the United States was deliberate.
~ 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 exaspeTating 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
were 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. 1t actually seemed as IL an era
OF good feeling was being established
across the boundary. The loss Of the
fleet threatened a rupture for 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. II 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 20 break through the
Gordon, and it was this as much as
anything else that hampered him in
his mission.
ITO be continued i'm next issue.)
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