The Rice belt journal. (Welsh, Calcasieu Parish, La.) 1900-19??, 1909-05-14
ILLUSTRATED
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populating the seas.
In the meantime, while all this con
sternation prevailed and the heads OF
nations, fearful and trembling, Specu-
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 10
what he knew Of this scourge of the
waters. Hourly bulletins of his con-
dition were posted on street corners,
/ and round these stood men and WON
| en- in suspense. His least word was
| recorded as of monumental lmpor-
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! It'll get us
sure, ana We can't fight back'
And so the nations watched by the
bedside of common sailor. From
Japan came long messages OF con
doence to her ally, which were re
ceived in spirit of fellow suffering.
The pecullarities of the situation
were in nowise lessened by reports
from Canada. where the troops still
massed along the border maintained
friendly spirit, committed no acts O
encroachment, showed no apprehen
sion of war. and seemed as ignoran
of their own governments plans o.
what 1t had done as were the Cana
dams themselves. Indeed, their mys
LITIGATION over the disappearance o
the Japanese and British fleets was a.
complete as that of the most humble
farmer on the Canadian frontier. Thei
officers, shocked by the terrific news
: fastened to give statements to TIA
, effect that their instructions were t
avoid giving offense, as the Unite,
States had no intention of engaging Il
war with Great Britain. Coupled wit
the loss of the feet, these interview
seemed singularly inconsistent, it be
Ing impossible to reconcile annihils
ton on the sea and cry for peace O.
land.
5 1t was generally admitted in Eng
l land that Canada was now in hell
2 less position and completely at tn
4 mercy of well-drilled and wei
: equipped army along her border
f which was undoubtedly within col
4 slant reach of supplies and re-enforc'
Y ments. The futility of any attemI
: either to relieve or to aid her b
a sending more men across the Atlantl
n now absolutely under the control {
e the Americans, was obvious. 1t bega
6 to appear to the British governmel
that the United States was deliberat
ly planning to take the dominion
II Canada whenever she deemed the tin
q opportune That she could now do {
l. at her own convenience was unique
l. toned.
!, An exasperating condition was I'll
e attitude of the Canadians themselve
s who, as far as appearances went. wei
e in state of the utmost placidity. l
u deed, the farmers along the bord
It were prosperous and thriving throus
< the increased demand for their 81
" plies, which the American quartz
d masters purchased literally, and I
u which they invariably paid Americ,
a. gold. 1t actually seemed as If an e
le of good feeling was being establish
| dSiOo0 ZIG Uouhooiy. lhC lOSo vi u
d feet threatened rupture for a bri
IS time; but the province, now &C
"a WINGED of the hopelessness of takil
Is an active side either way, showed
y. inclination to stand aloof and rema
Of absolutely neutral. 1t was agreed |
re tween the officials of the dominion a.
lr those of Great Britain that Cana
N could do nothing but endeavor as be
" she might to remain passive pendi
n further developments.
IS This lack of partisanship prov
az anything but an assistance to Hill
s. in his attempt to break through t
"a Gordon, and it was this as much
e anything else that hampered him
~ his mission.
e. (TO BE CONTINUED
ut Enough Said.
III ssrea and coffee" said tho doot,