Webster City freeman. [volume] (Webster City, Hamilton County, Iowa) 1884-1946, 1914-12-29
AN INTERVIEW WITH
DR.. FOREST HALL
Talks Interestingly of Feeling
Among English People as to
the Deplorable War.

an interview recently with DR.. For
est F. Hall, who lately returne,
from London, in regard to the atti
tude and feeling of the English PEG
pie as to the deplorable European
war. In reporting this interview W,
will doubtless refer to facts wei
known to the public, but necessar,
IN order to get an appreciation Of
the interview, as a whole.
The Triple Entente between
France. England and Russia provid.
ed that if war, either offensive or
defensive, were engaged in by any
OF these nations, the others would
be ready to join forces in case they
so desired or were called upon for
help. The Triple Alliance between
Germany, Italy, and Austria, howev-
er, was different, as in this case all
would necessarily be involved only
in case of defensive warfare, which
justifies Italy in taking no part thus
far in this gigantic struggle for ma
tional supremacy.
England had evidently not expect
ed to enter into warfare as she was
not particularly in readiness-but a
treaty, similar, however, to those
between Belgium and all these war
ring nations-provided that Eng
land could not honorably refuse aid
and protection should Belgium be
invaded by any other nation. This
furnished an eXcuse-and a good
one-for England to join forces
with Russia. Of course many peo-
pie look upon this as only an ex-
cuse, but the masses of the people
in England consider this the reason
why their nation is involved.
While business conditions are
certainly depressed in England, and
the pleasures and gayieties of life
somewhat destroyed by the shadows
Of war, yet the nation is not cover
ed with gloom, as all are confident
in final victory for the allies; or at
least feel that their country will
continue to hold it's present status
among nations. They believe that
with conditions as they were, war
was inevitable and are prepared to
light to the bitter end.
Newspaper reports in regard to
ack of recruits are misleading, says
Dr.. Hall. Recruits are there and
lave been in large numbers, but the
lifficulty lay in lack of equipments,
which difficulty, however, is being
apidly overcome.
The British take great pride-and
Justly, in their navy. They surely
lave been supreme upon the sea, and
expect to remain so.
they have thoroughly fortified of
curse, any points where invasion
vas at all likely, and have absolute
y no fear of successful invasion by
he enemy.
The English and French officers
cad their armies, personally, and
,reat number of officers belonging ,
o high and influential families have
lready fallen at the front.
General hospitals in London have
een taken over by the government
S base hospitals and all private
mes are also used for as many of :
he wounded soldiers as can be &C
D.,
The mansions of many Of the no. ,
ility have been opened and equip
ed as hospitals, and a number of
emporary hospitals are being erect
d.. :
DR.. Hall says that he saw but lit
lie difference in the cost of living in =,
.ondon and in the United States
he greatest difference being in the
ost of clothing. However, he says I
hat the people live much more SIM
ly, and life is much less strenuous ;,
han it is here. The English people =,
Guild not be called money mad" ,,
They give much time to out door
ports and men and women all seem
ecidedly physically fit" as they
all it.
One most interesting occasion
uring his stay in London was the
pening of parliament by the king.
he procession from Buckingham
alace to the House of Parliament
yas most imposing, and no doubt
imilar to that on such occasions
ince the sixteenth century or be- {.
ore that time. The coaches and
our-or siX," with the liveried serv-
nts, the long rows of soldiers
lounted and foot-lining the way I
rom the palace to the House, made s
scene long to be remembered. ]