The San Francisco call., 1909-05-09


upon the breakfast table one Saturday morning
q and glanced the while he partook of
81 that most eisurely and delightful meal-with
no school in prospect
AS Jack read his brow contracted in
thoughtful frown
"Humph" he said; $50 Europe believes there will
be war between the United States and Japan. Now,
I hadn't heard of that"
When his mother in Jack and asked
her:
How about this war with Japan, mother? You
haven't told there anything of the kind going
on. What we doing to get ready? Are going
to stay here in the city going into the
country"
His mother began to laugh.
"Jack, you're funny boy Do you expect to go to
war with your air rileF'
"Its nothing to laugh at" Jack insisted. Those
Japanese are lively little chaps read about their
taking Port Arthur, and the Russians didn't find it
was any joke. Besides, there are the arships. How
do we know that feet of airships may come in
few days and drop bomb right down through our
roof"
"I don't think there's any danger of war;" his
mother answered II haven't heard of any"
But you don't know anything about politics. Jack
declared You say you take interest in such
things The mikado tycoon emperor of Japan
may have the deadlest designs without your suspect
ing it. S'pose he has? What going to do
about it?"
well, if l felt as you do, | should ask your
father Mrs. Townsend advised
Jack thought this good idea and since he wasn't
sure how much time might elapse before began
he decided to give up his idea of skating at Van
Cortlandt park and instead consult his father
at the latter's Office
"What is it, Jack? Anything wrong at homer" Mr..
Townsend asked, uneasily.
mo, sir, not yet," was Jacks reply "but I've been
looking the newspapers, and thought I'd like
to know what you and ought to do about the war"
"War? What WARP" asked his father.
This with Japan the control of the Pa
ciic" Jack answered, quoting the newspaper
Mr.. Townsend began to grin This excited Jacks
wrath
You're as bad as mother he broke out. "She
thought the idea of our flags being traled in the dust
was as good as minstrel joke. And when |
give up important engagement go skating and
come down to talk the great war you seem to
think the situations funny don't Sposing
the Japs should come and burn house and lay
you dead on the doorstep and carry mother and
Janet away savesi Would you think that funnyf
Cause wouldn't. If you grown people are not go
ing to do something, boys will
what will you dor" his father asked, he lighted
cigar and sat back to listen.
well organize band of volunteers-the Young
Defenders of Amerca-and we'll plant the whole
coast with torpedoes SO thick that not tor
pedo boat pass Well get every man in the
country to practice rife shooting in his back
yard
"But, Jack" Mr. Townsend could not help object
ing If do that tfere'll be more persons killed
than even in war"
Cant help that" Jack said they'll have to die for
the good of the country. Then when the airships
come"
"Airships" his father quered; ARE there airships
coming?'
I'm afraid So" Jack declared And to tell you
the truth, father, that's why am here / wanted
to know what could be done about the airships-"
4 haven't thought much the subject" his
father admitted And as I'm pretty busy this morn
ing, suppose wait until Sunday to talk it over?
You don't think Japan will do much before Monday
do your?
But Jack saw twinkle in his fathers eye. and he
hurt. He rose to 60
Pm going, said he, "but when it's too late please
remember that did my best to the country"