The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1914-09-03
SWISS REAssURE TOURISTS.
Government ana People Do All In Their
Power to Relieve Plight of Americans.
From the Rfaton TranscriDt


From the Boston Transcript
A vivid picture Of the situation in Lucerne a
week after war was declared by Germany il
contained in . letter from Mrs. George P.
Builard Of West Newton, written in Switzerland
on Aug. 6 and received in Boston Aug. 9th.
Mrs. Bullard tells how the tourists are COM
pletely bsttled up in the little republic. how
some are hysterical from fear Of what is to be-
come of them and how the Swiss Government
has courageously treasured all that they are
safe and that none need leave the little re-
public. Mrs. Billiard writes:
The situation here has been very hard to face.
One hundred letters Of credit were refused
payment the other day. but the Swiss Govern.
ment issued circular. stating that Switzerland
we need not fear. There has been q run on
every bank every day for a week. and the
banks have opened for two hours only in the
morning-and then if they were able to get
more money again for little while in the
afternoon. The crowds standing for hours in
the sun outside the nix doors have been ter
rible. women screaming with hysterla and the
police officer let's into the bank but five people
at time. Thomas Cook & Son have made no
payments and done no banking business for
three days, and if one is successful in drawing
any money against a letter of credit, he is only
paid at the rate of "a francs to the pound
sterling, and this week drafts are limited to so
.
letter of credit is being limited TO drawing
only once week.
We chose a moderate priced hotel, but not
knowing what is before US we hardly dare
spend q centme. We have to pay each day
for our board. as in spite of the report that
the country is well provisioned, meats cannot
be bought on credit and must be paid for In
cash. Eggs have scared to high prices and in
spite of the splendid assurance which was
issued on Wednesday, we feel from the little
things that we see that there may be scar
city of provisions.
The following is the official notice that was
posted: THE Town Council of Lucerne here
by gives further notice that all foreign visit
ors NAV remain in Lucerne in complete Sc
curity, that foreign visitors will not under any
circumstances be called upon to leave Switzer-
land, that Lucerne and Switzerland generally
are we'll supplied with provisions. There
had been rumors that we would be asked to
leave as Switzerland would need all OF her
provisions for her own people.
Many hotels have put up prices. all of them
have cut down service. There are only three
horses left in town. and those only because
they are TOO old for war service Thirty thous-
and Swiss troops are guarding st. Gotharo
Pass, &c 900 the Simplon Pass, and many more
at the other gateways out of Switzerland. This
country depends upon France and Italy for its
vegetable supply. her crops being much later,
even potatoes have not yet matured Mere, and
all coal has to come from outside. 1t is report
ed here that there are $1,000 Americans in
Switzerland, 5000 in Lucerne alone. and that
in all Europe there are 100000 American
clamoring to get away.
There appears no way of escape. we are bot
| tied up and the world has stopped for US. No
| mail, no letters, no newspapers. People stood
| around open mouthed when l got your cable.
| gram yesterday At the mass meeting OF
American citizens only two instances have
| been cited of cablegrams coming through this
! week, Switzerland has certainly been loyal
and cordial to US. She has to guard against
French and German armies crossing her terri.
tory on their way to attack each other, and
also against Italy, which is not dependable,
although neutral as yet. We have had no
home letters since those bearing date of July
IT, but your cablegram has given US fresh
hope and courage.