The Bottineau courant., 1909-04-09
The VANISHING FLEETS
Continued from page 81

\O4 SAAANSN 44OAA pdSO ~
will be glad"
"But her allotment?"
"The privilege of being one of the
foremost in the movement"
with dignity and honor?"
Eyes, and with an opportunity to
play her part voluntarily"
England's king, grave and gray and
reading men from the serene heights
OF long life and philosophy, had ex.
pected a tempestuous outburst; but to
his conttntment none came. He
studied the face of the ruler who had
gained a worldwide reputation for
warlike ambitions and constant true
ulence, whose mailed fist had long
been clenched in readiness for a blow,
and was surprised. No sign of storm
was apparent, but instead a calm and
placid pair of eyes stared back at
him.
In rapid sentences he told of the
presidents design, which Great Britain
would accept and which she had
helped outline in detail, and closed by
predicting the results which would
follow. He talked low and earnestly,
leaning his elbows Oh the table before
him and addressing himself only to
the emperor. His summary concluded.
he Strengthened back into the hollow
of his chair and waited for the others
to speak.
The chancellor, who had been so in
tent that he had never changed atti.
tude or expression, shifted his gaze
from the king to his sovereign, who
for time sat wrapped in thought AS
II he had come to a quick conclusion,
he looked up and in three words ex-
pressed his views. "It looks perfect" I"
he said. The chancellor smiled, the
king looked satisfied and the prime
minister with sigh of relief gave a
quick sidelong glance at the American
secretary of state. The lord of the ad-
miralty was rubbing his hands.
Germany asks nothing more than
fairness" the emperor said, "and
think she will gladly accept and enter
into the conclave. It will upset her
more than any other nation perhaps,
because she is founded on military
form; but the whole world shall un-
derstand that she permits no nation,
race or people to go beyond her in en-
nghtened Methods His stern ex.
preston changed to one Of warmth.
He smiled at some thought of his own
and continued:
1--WE all change, suppose, as we ad.
vance. I have learned that one may
have his ideas enlarged by accident.
have known for many days what it is
to be free to think, to learn profound
lessons in philosophy from the forest
and streams, and have come nearer to
men of the American nation than I
had ever hoped. I have formed new
friendships, and by the camp fires at
night have been given other views Of
life, Of men and humanity, by a most
admirable teacher"
He nodded his head toward Brock
ton, paused for moment and then
laughed aloud. II caught trout that
weighed nearly four pounds and shot
four caribou!" he chuckled.
At this incongruous termination of
his speech his hearers gasped, and
then waited for him to continue,
which he did in humorous vein, inter-
spersed with comments of graver
trend. And in this recountal of advell.
ture they read of his broadening. BY
suggestion he conveyed to them that
he had gone away on strange jour
ney wrapped in the cares and djgnities
Of position to be taught many lessons
in democracy.
He had worked with his hands,
shared the annOyances of his cOmpan-
ions, and known the Joys Of indepen-
dence and self-support. He had dis
covered the trappings Of courts to be
shallow emblems and tawdry when
contrasted with the true coats of prim-
tive nature. He had learned that men
when stripped of outward rank and
demand only such respect from their
fellows as they were entitled to by
merit. Honest companionship which
sought no other return was a price
less treasure. And now with this new
view Of life, stronger in health and un-
jaund1ced in mind, he was glad to ally
himself and his empire in a movement
which promised advancement without
conquest and gain without aggression.
The drums of war sounded very hol-
low, and their unmusical beatings
were dying away in the distance, going
to inglorious silence and disuse. 1t
was better so!
In response to an order from Bevins,
servant with noiseless feet and deft
hands brought refreshments to them.
The king rose, and the others immedi
ately stood.
Before we part company and re-
sumo our way to our hon.es," he said,
II shall ask you to drink my toast"
He stood erect, lifted his glass high in
the air until the lights above caught
the quivering opalescent liquid in their
rays, and then in voice Of extreme
reverence said: