Baraboo weekly news. [volume] (Baraboo, Wis.) 1912-197?, 1914-09-10

As unexpectedly as clap of thunder
from clear sky the war dogs in Eu-
rope broke loose about the first of Aug
ust. We were on the mountains and in
coming down experienced some delay
before Geneva was reached. We eX
pected to go on to Germany, but by the
next day our tickets through the en-
pire were not worth the paper they
were printed on, so far as immediate
value was concerned. Nearly all the
railroads, telegraphs, telephone and
postal arrangements are owned by the
governments. Almost before one could
catch his breath the powers had taken
every passenger train for soldiers and
it was impossible to move. Around
France, Germany and other countries
four mile belt was established and
many passengers were dumped out of
the German and French trains as they
neared the border and had to- walk the
four miles. They either had to carry
their baggage or lost it. AS many as
possible fled from Germany and France
to Switzerland, neutral ground, AS
soon as possible Germany and France
threw line of soldiers all along the
frontier and it was next to impossible
to get out or into these countries. Italy
was the only way out of Switzerland
and that was very uncertain. TO about
400 Americans in Geneva the only thing
to do was to make the best of a very
serious situation.
No Money
The money markets fell with crash.
The banks virtually closed as suddenly
as clam and if you presented Ameri-
can paper they looked at you as If you
had asked them to pick the moon out OF,
the sky and place it in their pocket,
Silver and gold instantly vanished and
the Swiss government issued paper
money. Business was at a standstlIl.
During one of the first days not single
sale was made in store near the no.
tel. Everyone quit spending money un-
less it was absolutely necessary, for
the outlook was serious.
Swiss soldiers could be seen marching
to the railway stations which were un-
der martial law. At the French, Ger
man and other consulates the men were
hurrying to obtain military passports in
order that they might return to their
native countries. There are large num-
ber of Russians in Geneva and they dare
not cross Germany or Austria to return
home. Some who are visiting here will
never dare to return to their homes as
even the suddenness with which the
war came does not excuse them.
Meager News
The government has such close GEN.
sorship on the news that not much ap-
peared in the papers. What news was
given was more and more serious and a
it was not long before all realized
quick return home was very uncertain.
The first step taken was public meet
ing at one of the hotels followed by
another at theatre. It was decided
to appeal to the home government
through the American ambassador at
Paris for special train to the coast as
soon as possible. Then the long wait
began.
Although the prices of food went up
the Swiss authoraties gave the assurance
there was plenty in sight. The hetel
rates advanced slightly and all was done
that could be done for the Americans.
The bankers held meeting and agreed
to pay small sums to the visitors which
was a great relief. Fortunately we
were with a good company and they
looked after us. Mr.. and Mrs. Charles
Wild and daughter of Janesville, for
merly of Baraboo, Jared as well. The
Swiss are fine people.
The news grew worse day by day as
the declarations of war and skirmishes
were reported. The fate of four
Frenchmen was terrible. They dressed
as Red Cross women nurses and in an
automobile attempted to enter the
German line. Of course, they were
stopped, their indentify disclosed and
heads shot off. Three Germans dressed
as priests entered Belgium and were
shot as spies. The fate of spy is as
certain as death, even in the twentieth
century.