Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1914-09-16
LONDONERS BEAR
/ STRAIN OF WAR
/ WITH QUIET SPIRIT
Sober Rejoicing Greets
News of Successes and
Casualties Are Heard
With Fortitude.

NEW. YORK, Sept. 16-Estene w.
Stead. IN special correspondence to the
American graphically pictures conditions
in London under the strain OF war time
order is perfect and tldnss both OF dis
aster and victory are met with quiet dig
nifty. Miss Stead writes;
"only little more than a month ago
the majority Of Londoners were preparing
for their summer holdays-a good rest
by the sea or trip on the Continent
peace and quiet everywhere.
Now, with scarce a warning, We are at
war, and. as We gradually realize what
war means. is meaning across the Chan
ney, we thank God that we are a strong
hold surrounded by moat more efficient
than any moat ever dug by man-that our
navy Is strong.
And perhaps here may be allowed a
special thrill as I realize that the British
navy would not be what 1t is today II It
had not been for one man who dared, in
1sSi. to write the truth about the navy
and so forced a reluctant government TO
vote immense sums for the rebuilding of
the British navy in order to bring IL up
to an efficient standard. That man was
w. L. stead my father, and I am proud
TO be able to say II.
But how has London taken this deba-
Gle, this upheaval of all its natural do
ings?
ORDERLY, DGGNGF1ED. CALM.
1--WE watched anXiously There was no
noisy excitement lust waiting crowds
outside the Houses Of Parliament. cheer
ing as we'll known members passed in
and out. Crowds in Whitehall. and out
side buckingham Palace cheering as the
King, Queen and Princess appeared to
greet them. on Sunday a large labor
demonstration in Trafalgar Square to
protest against England going to war,
carried on IN an orderly and dignifed
spirit.
Then When IT came. the news that we
were at war, London seemed bewidered.
The suddenness. the unexpectedness
seemed to overpower her. there was a
strange Stiffness everywhere. II was not
for long. The Stock Exchange closed.
the banks closed for four days. Great
placards appeared on the walls calling
Britain to arms. Then London woke
realized, and responded,
THE thought of that gallant little
country not many miles away, fighting
bravery against terrible ODDS to Keep its
independence. stirred US one and all to
the deepest depths, She had called on
Britain to stand by her. Britain answered
with no uncertain note. Every Londoner
and Briusher thrilled to that note aud
vowed that what they could do they
would do 10 bring their mite Of power TO
help.
STARVATION FEAR FIRST.
'Ready and full of enthusiasm We
were. Still it was difficult to know or to
realize what it really meant. Did it mean
scarcity OF food! starvation prices?
THE West End shops were crowded
and overcrowded, but down in the poorer
neighborhoods 1t was quiet there was
little rush-for TO buy in stores in great
quantities is impossible where salaries
are so small that little can be saved.
RED CROSS FLAG FLYING.
People are now busy everywhere-sll
anxious 10 help. and gradually out of the
first confusion right organization is grow
shire House and over many another
house throughout the kingdom lent to the
Government during the war.
up Whitehall, lust beyond the War
Office, crowds of men are enlisting each
day, and II is the same at every recruiting
Office throughout the metropolis. Every
day more men in khaki are TO be seen.
I'VE wonder for days where the expedi-
tlonary force is and what the navy is do
ing. When we hear OF the spendid man
ner in which the transportation OF the ex-
peditonary force has been carried out We
thrill with pride and We follow in our
minds the men they push forward to
the hght; we hear they are fghtng and
we pray God TO help them. Then, at tho
news of gallant fight, a roll OF 200 casu-
alties, we glow with Joy for our men and
loss entailed.
so London Is calm and cheerful. Grad
ually those who can are going again to
their ordinary work"