The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1914-09-17
Washington Whisperings.

WASHINGTON, D. c., Sept. IA, 1914.
1t was Tolstoi who promised the Arma-
geddon, but in 1918 instead of 1914, and
that out of it would come man from
the north, little known, who as newspa-
per man, journalist and statesman would
be the great central, dominating figure
until 1926, when conditions would sweep
him off the worlds stage, and in the
place of monarchies, municipalities and
powers would rise republics to welcome
the birth of the twenty-first century.
And who is this man that Tolstoi fore
cast in the now famous prophecy which
the great teacher wrote for Gar Nicho-
las more than five years ago?
Albert of Belgium seems at this mo-
ment to fit into the prophecy like glove
upon lady's hand, for Albert was not
born to the expectation of kirgship, he
just ''growed" into his present plans of
the King of the Belgians, and a mighty
good king he is too.
Albert was born in 1875 and was we'll
educated He is a good engineer, an
efficient amateur aviator, writes excel
lently and has been corking good news
paper reporter in both Brussels and Ant
werp, He worked at the business Just
as seriously as young men who don't
happen to be princes, did police and
"ship news" and, after time, got the
idea that he wanted to see the world be-
fore settling down. And SO he came to
America, visiting New York, Washing
ton and Chicago, and for a number of
months lived in St. Paul. When he went
home he wrote 'bully good" book about
America, making it clear that our demo-
cratic sort of government was just about
what the people needed.
Then he came to rule over the Bel
gians, and now he qualities as Tolstoi's
striking figure in this awful war OF the
nations. Perhaps others may outshine
him later, but up to now he is easily the
first in the worlds thought.
Thirty thousand employees of one kline
and another will be furloughed on Octo
Der LIST, if the River and Harbor appro
priation bill fails to pass by that date
That is the toll the government exacts
from those who have nothing to say al
to the merits or dement's of bill which
has the unqualified endorsement of the
Corps of Engineers of the U. 5. Army
ninety-nine per cent of the items in the
bill having been passed upon originally
by this same efficient body of men who
know no politics, no favoritism, only
duty to the country, the flag and the
Corps to which they belong.
Senator Simmons of North Carolina,
who is in charge of the River and Harbol
bill in the Senate, has announced public
" that the bill will pass by October LIST,
Notwithstanding the obstructive tactics
of Senator Burton of Ohio, aided and
abetted by several other legislators from
Western States.
"Peace, peace and there is no peace!'
On a balmy day in April of last year
CONGRESSMAN Richard Bartholdt OF st.
Louis. the most outspoken advocate OF
peace in either house of Congress. plant
ed an oak tree along one of the sheltered
pathways between the Capitol and the
House office building and dedicated it te
the Hague tribunal and to world peace
The tree grew apace, spreading lts
branches around and seeming to sing
hosannas to the statue that caps the
capitol, looking forever toward the east.
Lately, however, the leaves of this sturdy
young oak have begun to turn yellow and
sere, the branches have commenced to
droop and. now only one Of its 1.-the young
arms remains green. The tree 10 dying