The Cape weekly tribune. (Cape Girardeau, Mo.) 1914-1914, 1914-08-28

preSSeu lutO SerNlCe, DuI ledTHeu Ildl
the La France was willing to attempt
the journey, but the Marine Commits
sioner refused to permit it. Each day
there were rumors that the vessel
then to the police headquarters, and
from there to the steamship line.
"The order came from the Gov ern-
ment that no foreigner could get out
without proper credentials and none
to travel about without first obtain
ing papers from the American repre-
sentatives.
81 knew that we We're to remain in
Havre for number Of days and /
would depart, but each nightfall found
us still there.
Everybody had purchased their
passage and were very anxious that
the trip be begun. In the meantime
every American had to get proper
credentials. We were first sent to the
Consulate, then to the Embassy, and
endeavored to witness the prepara-
tions for war and watch the people.
One day while strolling down near
the heart of the city, was tapped on
the back by a gendarme (policcman),
who inquired: who are you and where
are you FROM told him that l was
an American and was waiting for NY
ship to leave. You had better come
with me- he said, and | didn't argue
with him. simply walked along w,tn
him until we reached the police sta
ton.
There l was Il,2Aed at length. ]
was asked to she" my passport, and
when | stated that | did not possess
enc, they became greatly excited,
carried passport the last time |
went over and it was mole OF less Of
a burden to me. l decided never to
carry another one, but l have now de-
cided to keep one handy when travel
on the other side of the pond.
well, after being questioned at
some length, during which time | pro-
duced my trunk check, the man in
charge said | could go and stated that
the man who had arrested me had only
moved in from the couL-ry. He had
learned that German spies had been
arrested disguised as priests and
when he saw me he thought he had
captured prize. l told the policeman
| was what might be called a cosmo-
politan. l explained by saying that ]
was born in the United States, was of
Irish parentage, spoke French and
possessed some of the features of a
German.
THAT was the only real trouble |
had during my trip. When the mobili-
cation order came, | discovered that
travellers checks were not worth any
real money. | then went to the head
of st. Vincent's order in Paris and
borrowed 1900 francs. | was really
surprised at the prices. | naturally be-
lieved that excessive rates would go
into effect shortly after was declared,
but the increase was hardly notice
able.
During the time that l was in
Havre lived on the ship and was only
charged something over $3.50 per day.
The service was bad and so was the
food, but that was to be expected
The chief chef and many other en-
ployes were ordered to report for duty
which, of course, they did.
"While | remained in Havre 10000
English soldiers landed. They marched
through the streets and their scarlet
trousers made the soldiers noticeable
a long distance away.
Fourteen days after | arrived in
Havre announcement was made it it
was ready to sail. Our trip across the
ocean was without interest so far as
the war affected US, but we almost
had a collision shortly before we
reached New York. We were running
through fog and came very near hit
ting the light ship off Nantucket. The
crew stopped our boat just in time.
All together it was a very interesting
trip.