The evening times. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1906-1914, 1909-06-16
ENTHUSIASTIC MEETING Of GOOD ROADS
CONVENTION BEING HELD At: LAR|M0RE
ENGLAND's WAR CRY
Loyalty by Colonies Across
,. Ia Reforming Army.

a. W Loyalty by colonies Across
c3fy,. Ia Reforming Army.
Lonu> ne 16.-The series of re-
markable sreeches by the leaders Of
both the conservative and liberal par
ties before the Imperial Press con-
ference Is the topic of the day, not
only in London, but throughout Eu-
rope Dispatches from all the colon
les indicate that the entire empire
has been aroused as never before to
mother country.
It cannot be doubted that a reviv-
al of patriotism and the unification
of the empire such as was never be-
fore known will result from the con-
ference. Nor will sentiment long
precede action. Fevered or rapid
and extensive, preparations for war
will soon be universal, and the ques-
tion becomes more pertinent than
ever. What form will the crisis
take that will bring the impoverish-
ing struggle to an end?"
Germany, Of course, resents the
British excitement more than any
other nation. The German press di-
vides its comments between ridicule
and bland assurances # Germany's
peaceful intentions.
Russia is Preparing.
The cars coming series of inter-
views with European sovereigns Is
the principal point of immediate po-
litical interest. Stalwart assurances
come from all Russian official sourc-
es Of the increasing strength of the
triple entente and of Russia's deter
mination to equip herself speedily as
great military power. It is en-
phatically affirmed that the Russian
army within two years will be the
highest in point Of efficiency ever
known.
A tremendous stimulus was given
to Russian pride by the kaiser's per-
emptory demand in March that Rus
sia yield forthwith to the Austrian
claim concerning the annexation of
Bosnia and Herzegovina. Events DEM
onstrate how shortsighted was Ger
many's policy on that occasion.
Press Delegates See Fleet.
Portsmouth, England, June 12-
The delegates to the Imperial Press
conference, who are spending the
day here as the guests of the ad-
miralty, have witnessed naval
spectacle that represents a concen-
tration Of sea power unparalleled in
the history Of the world.
Stretched out in seven lines in the
far-famed roadstead and extending
from Cowes road to the sea forts
guarding the entrance to Spithead,
the visitors saw the "warhead" of the
British navy-that is to say, that Sec
tion of the fleet which always is fully
manned and equipped in readiness
for instant action.
Would Extend Eighteen Miles.
OF the 144 ships, estimated to be
worth, all told, something like $780,
100000, that had assembled for to-
days maneuvers, not single one
had been especially commissioned for
the occasion.
Among the twenty-four battleships
were seven dreadnoughts, while sup
porting these lines of capital ships
lay twenty-four cruisers, thirteen
scouts and auxiliaries, forty-eight
torpedoboat destroyers, and thirty
five submarines. Had they been
placed end to end they would have
formed a double line eighteen miles
long.
Black With Sightseers,
All the vessels were dressed with
flags, and with the crews on deck
manning ship and the bands playing,
the scene was full of animation and
color.
A salute from Nelson's old flagship,
the Victory, announced the arrival Of
the admiralty yachts bearing the
lords of the admiralty and the news
paper guests. After traversing the
lines of the feet the visitors went on
board the Dreadnought and witnessed
sham attack of submarines and de-
stroyers on the battleship.
The sea front of Portsmouth was
eblack with masses of spectators and
the roadstead was filled with steam
ers thronged with sightseers from all