The Alaska daily empire., 1917-05-16

New York was fairly bristling with excitement! War had just been de clared between the United States and Germany
 Its about time, I say,'
 "But-we're not preparedl"
 Tt was inevitable. so the sooner the better. is my opinion!"
 War is h-,' as Sherman said and I'm for peace."
 Such were the comments on the tip of every tongue. intermingled with the untiring cries of the news boys, Extra, Extra, All about the War;"
 Everywhere, it seemed. was con fusion and conflict of opinion. But in one corner of the great city, at least, peace still held sway. In the lobby of a nantiquated hotel on Eff ty-Third Street sat group of men discussing the Great Issue a group of Civil War veterans. including sev- eral youngsters about to enlist in the World War Here not a single voice Nho ldloSd III PIOttol SSdlhal tliC declaration. Here were only heroes ready to fight bravely. and die, if need be, for the Colors; heroes who had passed their fighting days. yet were ready to dedicate their lives with the lives of those they held dear, to the Cause.
 Finally, after much discussion, the conversation turned to the brave deeds of such fighters as Lee, Sheri dan and Grant. with an occasional addition from those of the present day. After each had told of the ex ploits of the one to whom he thought the laurels of bravery most justly belonged, an old gentleman, obvious ly of Southern birth, who had not yet spoken, rose, and addressing the company, said
 'Suhs. I beg yo leave to tell you of deed, which, am sure you will all agree, was more worthy of the title of bravery than any handed down to posterity, yet which is un recorded except in the hearts oi those who witnessed it.''
 A low murmer of interest passed around the listening circle. Only a murmer, for this was a man upon whose every word all within hearing distance hung-one who spoke little yet always in a manner worthy Of note
 Then, gentlemen" he continued scarcely pausing for their response kindly recall to your minds, as vividly as possible, the Spirit oi Sixty One. Remember that much greater pain and anguish was caused by the fact that kith must | fight kin, in that war, than any sor rows of the present day. In all oth ar ways the conditions were similar if not identical. as far as sentiment was concerned"
 "But" interrupted one of the youngsters, proving the saying that fools rush in where angels fear tt l tread" then the spirit of bravery ] was prevalent. Now our country is | peopled for the most part by slackers and cowards."
 "Sur, can you, an American citi
 zen, dare to say that? You, who have just enlisted. say that others
 Ire less brave, and that America glorious fighting spirit is dead?' The youngster subsided into sl lence, trifle sullenly before the Coloners splendid wrath.
 Then suhs' of there is no objec .ion. I will continue. It would bt
 vain for me to try to describe tho heroine of my tale. You could eacf picture your own sweetheart in hel prime, add fifty per cent. to hel
 attributes, and then fall far shor
 of the mark. Let it suffice for m' 1 say she was considered the great est beauty in all Kentucky. The hou is late. My time is limited; l vii
 tell my tale as briefly as possible trusting it will lose none Of it's Tn terest because of this.
 .poco ac wa cba1l call the hero