The Colfax chronicle. [volume] (Colfax, Grant Parish, La.) 1877-1981, 1909-01-30
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"oiuusH IdFdSlnS anu ue
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
MS 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-
dition 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 bis 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 enchanting:
It's coming! It's coming! It'l get us,
sure, ana We can't fight back"
And so the nations watched by the
bedside OF a 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, where the troops still
massed along the border maintained
friendly spirit, committed no acts of
encroachment. showed no apprehen-
sion of war, and seemed as ieeorant
OF their own governments plans or
what 1t had done as were the Cana
dams themselves. Indeed. their mys-
tiication over the disappearance OF
the japanese and British fleets was as
complete as that of the most humble
farmer on the Canadian frontier. Their
officers, shocked by the terrific news.
fastened to 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 feet, these interviews
seemed singularly Inconsistent, it be-
ing impossible to reconcile annihila-
ton on the sea and 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-enforce-
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. 1t began
10 appear to the British government
hat the United States was deliberate.
y planning to take the dominion of
Canada whenever she deemed the time
'pportune. That she could now do SO
It her own convenience was unques-
toned.
An exasperating condition was the
altitude Of the Canadians themselves.
Who, as far as appearances went, were
n a state of the utmost placidity. In
Iced. the farmers along the border
we're prosperous and thriving through
he increased demand for their sup
lies, which the American quarter ,
masters purchased literally. and for
which they invariably paid American
old. 1t actually seemed as IL an era
4 good feeling was being established
cross the boundary. The loss of the
eet threatened rupture for . brief
line; but the province, now con-
inced of the hopelessness of taking | /
n active side either way, showed an
aclination to stand aloof and remain
bsolutely neutral. II was agreed be-
ween the officials of the dominion and ,
hose of Great Britain that Canada :
ould do nothing but endeavor as best ,
ne might to remain passive pending | !
lrther developments.
This lack of partisanship proved I
nything but an assistance to Hitler {
his attempt to break through the q
ordon, and 1t was this as much az
nything else that hampered him in Z
Is mission. .
(rO BE CoNTINUED.)
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