Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1915-05-27
Mid Atlantic Notes.

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the three mile limit two British Auxi-
liary Cruisers were in waiting for her
as she passed us, one taking position
ahead and one astern to escort her for
probably the full journey to Liverpool.
Our sailing list is made up of all
sorts and conditions, but while war is
subject more or less taboo" it is
easily apparent that it is the one per-
vading thought in the minds and often
lying heavily on the hearts of nearly
everyone. A group of outstanding
young Western Canadians including
some Red Cross surgeons, would at
tract notice anywhere. Their mission
can be imagined but is not discussed.
The usual wireless bulletins are not
posted even, and one might as we'll be
in equatorial Africa as on the Atlantic
Ferry so far as knowledge of what is
transpiring in the world at war goes.
We are making poor Roadway owing
to the stokers Indifferent work. The
poor devils get real foretaste of that
literal Hades some believe in and ex-
perienced ones are hard to get these
days. Some become mutinous before
the effects of their last shore spree
wears off and just now deck hand was
ordered below to help put a recalci-
trant in irons.
A lot of experts are on their way
oyer to work in the British machine
shops and help increase the ammunition
outputs which has been badly short.
We are signalling big Norwegian
full rugged ship, carrying on her sides
in mammoth characters her flag, name
and nationality, as do most neutral
boats now.
Mines and tOrpedoes are-on the sur
face-the last things thought about,
but no precaution will be overlooked
as the war zone, is approached.
Tangoing, flirting, card playing, etc.,
go on with as much apparent zest as
at any peaceful summer resort. But
that tense air of suppression Of trouble
tells it own tale.
A dear old English lady from Aus
tralia where she has been visiting her
married daughter, tells over the inevi-
table coup of tea" on deck that she is
on her way across the world to see her
SON before he leaves home' and her
eyes swim with tears as she adds Il
had three boys" Questioning would be
sacri!ege.
Those stunning. fine complexioned
girls some took for prima donne travel
ling ''incog'' turn out to be Red Cross
nurses Canadian gentlewomen on
their way to the hospitals in France.
Some of the impressionable are en-
joying the fate of their future patients.
Ellen Terry, next to the 'divine
Sara" the greatest actress living, is
making the crossing accompanied by
her understudy, for the superb actress
we many years ago saw play ''Portia"
to Henry Irving's "Shylock" is well
past the age of retirement ltho, one
is 10th to credit it.
The travelling public has discriminat-
ing literary taste books of Southern au-
thors being especially in demand. We
noted that George Baylor's Behind
the Blue Ridge" and ION Both Sides
were both marked taken" in the
Ships Library.
Many comparisons as to the probable
duration of the war that is ventured,
bear on the Confederacys great struggle
Of course the Riddles are the life of
the ship, romping the decks and keep
ing the grouchy ones in order Their
dining room ia the busiest and most
cheerful spot aboard.
How the old dowagers, apparently
asleep in their steamer chairs but
evidently at least with one eye always
open get to know things is one of the
mysteries of ocean travel. But moth
ing escapes them.
An American girl on her way to
dance at the London ''Alhambra" had
her plans discussed before we were
well at sea. And the young Irishman,
said to be of the peerages shipped to
the colonies, but now on his way back
to take his place at the front-all such
items are related by these observant
old ladies with the same gusto as they
discuss impending marital engagements
and other gossip at home.
The temperature changes. very sud-
denly, but few colds seem to result.
OFF the banks we got in the vicinity of
an iceberg and the drop of the mercury
told the tale in few minutes.
The sea washed air is glorious tonic
and appetizer, beating the delusive
cocktail forty ways. although many
passengers don't seem to think so.
To get the best of the whole day one
should be called before six, take cold
sea water bath and then pound the
deck for half hour. stand in the bows
while the spray laden breeze almost
sweeps you off your feet and then for
get that such things as dyspepsia,
poor appetite. or any other i'll of the
flesh ever existed, while you demolish
breakfast that would convict you
as glutton on land.
Not the least interesting part of the
boat is the .'steerage" which carries
as passengers many splendid people.
who while perhaps temporarily. less
blessed with this worlds goods than
some of those who occupy better state
rooms forward, yet show their breed
to the disadvantage Of the latter.
There are very few making the