The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1914-09-09

Smith, N. Y. commissioner of Navigation,
chartered steamer and it sailed on the 18th
with about 500 on board. First class was
$250.00, four in cabin. They have lists of
Americans at the Consulates, and those on
the first list are taken first. Now, Mr..
Blodgett, lumberman from Michigan,
who knows father and Jack, is trying to
charter another ship which may sail this
week. He has to pay 100000 francs gold for
it, ($l60,0OO). He is trying to make up the
amount by charging high prices for first
class accommodations. We put in our
names for first class but when it was an
nounced that first class would be $4,000
apiece, four in a stateroom, we withdrE
them. 49,
We have been finding out aboutt
by rail through France to London, anBwill
try that by way of Marseilles, LIONS and
Paris. We nearly boarded British steam
er which sailed last Thursday, but as we
would have had to go steerage and there
was pretty rough looking bunch of Brit
ish Subjects" aboard, the food supply not
certain, and the boat would take nine or
ten days, we gave it up. British subjects
were taken first, then Americans who had
the tag end of the steerage given them. As
it was, almost 80 Americans tried it, most
of them being women, most of them out
of money, and all much wrought up.
1t looks now as if we could get through
France as the soldiers have been mostly
transported to the frontier. We can judge
great deal better about conditions in Eng
land by being there.
Some of the touring agencies have suffer-
ed very much in reputation, as at first they
would not cash their own letters of credit,
or redeem any tickets. American Express
held up very well, cashing their checks to
certain degree; also American Bankers
Association checks.
1t has been quite hot but we are taking
things moderately and are getting accus-
toned to the climate. hope so much that
you are not worrying; that is one thing,
would make us hurry home, but conditions
don't warrant that yet, and it would cost a
lot at present rates, unless you can buy a
boat. The Government is very slow in act
ing. The Consul here could havegotten all
the Americans out of Genoa, about 1900,
in ten days, he stated if only he could get
authority from headquarters to act. But
we have heard of the two-and-a-half mil
lion grant, and of the transports, and the
Tennessee" aud l suppose most of the
Americans will find their way back event
ually.
We have only Italian newspapers here,
and they are French sympathisers. Here
we get only that side Apparently Germa-
ny is having hard time with Liege and
Namur; we hear nothing of the two fleets
in the North Sea. imagine some decisive
battle will be fought this week. Italy is
still trying to keep out of the war; it is for
tunate for Americans it has remained neut-
raj so far. Many Italians say that If the
government holds to the alliance with Ger
many and Austria there will be revolution,
as the people hate the Austrians and will
not fight for them. England and France
seem to command the high seas so that
passage there will not be obstrncted.
1t has been great experience to make
our own way with what French and Ger
man we have, without any help from
guides. We have been studying Italian
so we can read the newspapers, and that is
interesting, too. We have heard many
wild stories from various refugees. Pm
sure we will be safe. ! have seen the Amer
ican, French and English consuls, have our
passports, and tickets through to London.
We will cable you when we arrive there.
W. X. WHEELER.
Since the foregoing letter was written ca
Diagrams have been received from Mr..
Wheeler telling of their safe arrival in Eng
land, where they expect to remain for some
time unless troubles should arise to make
their stay too disagreeable.