Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1917-12-06

'hoh VI Shc Woiio' AhSAc WV" s"N
big gun, the belching can
non, the destructive bomb, the scream
of the schrapnel and rifle balls, the
clatter OF machine guns, horrible
figures of liquid fire, deadly gases
floating in the air. fields of blood and
mud and agony-all factors in the war
of wars that is consuming the best
blood and thought that history records.
Behind us, to the west, Old Sol was
sprinkling his mellow rays on land
of beauty, wealth and happiness as he
sank to rest. Twas only compar-
lively few hours ride that could have
taken US to the welcome doors OF our
friends and kindred.
In due time the cables were loosed
from the docks and when the tugs let
go we felt the drive of our vessels
own quiver. Steadily, steadily, we
moved from the docks that seemed
to be passing away. And we do not
believe there was a hearted
person abroad. Everybody was
laughing and talking and seemed
eager for the trip. All clamored for
a conspicuous place where he could
best see the greeting from the shore.
Some one struck up little ditty to
the tune of "Battle Hymn of the Re-
public" It ran something like this:
"Oh wen lead Kaiser Bill to the old
sour apple tree
And teach him the reason he should
make his people free,
And not to fool again with the Sons
OF Liberty,
When we march to Berlin, glory"
ETC., etc.
Other evenings on the voyage we
enter aimed with music, singing, clog
dancing, etc.
The first evening cut was rather
rough one and storm was coming
on. The wind blew a pretty stiff gale
all night and by morning the sea was
the toughest of the voyage. In the
earlier hours Of the forenoon we
i watched with interest the rolling bill
lows and snow white breakers. At
times the sun shone out brightly and
countless rainbows could be seen in
the spray. But we'll toward noon the
most of US who had not been on the
, waters before, began to feel the i'll
4 ness of all ills and leaning over the
deck railing became a necessity and
4 not a pleasure, Ha! Ha! However
3 with us our seasickness did MOI
s. last long. In a couple of hours We
went went to our berths and had {
3 sleep; when we awoke, we felt al
Q we'll as usual and with a pleasant
, evening on deck soon forgot it.
The sea is huge field Of wonder
ment and keen interest. 1t speaks
, many languages in q natural tongue
8 and has within its storehouse grea
3 museums. With the acquaintance
man has made with the sea and hel
, millions of things, he has not yet {
t faint idea of it.
: The water alone amuses one. On
n calm day it is AZ smooth as a pont
g and has a CLASSY appearance. ON
d could ride 1t in canoe. But from |
II few hours of chatting wind it become
~ q raging, raving monster that beats
- at the steel ribs otthe ocean liner.
9 forms into rolling mountains ant
Is deep valleys. What queer sensa
d ton to plunge from. the top O
|. one, into the valley below! The waite
i. is much clearer than we had though
i. it to be. One day we were amaze
If to see huge fish, probably a porpoise
d that came very near our vessel an
3 turned broadside as he passed on tn
Of stern. The water ia 30 clear that
" looks good enough for drinking, br
rs Immediately upon tasting it on
>. would change lis mind. We sa
at numbers of schools Of porpoises an
II loved to watch them play. The
At sometimes went in single file in
" long line, each jumping clear of tt
o. water at regular intervals. Thel
were lots Of jelly fishes and sea wee'
US and sea gulls to be seen every da.
,e There were some four or five whal
re sighted, but we were unfortunate
K. being of deck each time.
The voyage 90 whole was very Il
OF teresting, but you may know that '
ed we were glad to sight land. With u
de most interest we watched the sho
~ line Of Europe develop as the distsn
r. shortened. It was interesting, II 4
Id no other reason, because 1t vi
A Europe, but far more because 1t W
90 France, our sister Republic, the hon
re Of the great French people. To tl
nd Americans, the French have always
nd dear place for deed Of kindness
be time OF need. And with good measu
i. the reciprocal feeling 10 shown t
ad day.
D.. As soon 80 we were close enoui
as We could SEQ waving hands and be
I'd welcoming voices. We received
ire warm reception, and from all ov
srs you could see the Stars and Strip
Iad floating with the Tri. Color (red, viii