Gilpin observer., 1917-08-16

Palgrave, the historian, asserts that
Arletta's pretty feet had not twinkled
in the brook she would not have fasci-
mated Duke Robert Of Normandy. II
he had not wed her she would not
have become the mother Of William the
Conqueror. If there had been no Will
liam the Conqueror there would have
been no battle of Hastings, Harold
would not have fallen. no AnglO-Nor-
man dynasty would have arisen. and
there would have been no British en-
pire. But Arletta's feet did twinkle.
Hence Hastings, fight which changed
England and made America what 1t
is today.
Hastings was fought in the year
1865. At that time the state of Eng
land, under her last Anglo-Saxon
kings, closely resembled the state Of
France under the last Carlovingian
princes. The crown was feeble. The
great mobiles were strong and turbu-
lent. 1t has been generally conceded
that for all the cruelty of the con-
auerors 1t was the Norman conquest
which put the mettle in the blood Of
England and sowed the seed for the
British constitution.
Edward the Confessor had died
childless. Although William of Nor
mandy was his kinsman, although Ed
ward was believed to be most favor
ably inclined toward william, and al
though there is some evidence that to
William he promised the English
crown, upon Harold, son Of Earl God
win and most popular chieftain in the
land, was made the formal bestowal.
But before this Harold himself, while
visitor at Williams court, had given
formal promise to assist the duke in
obtaining the English throne. That
William obtained this oath by the en-
ployment Of trickery, and that he was
INSCRIPTIONS in his method of cOercing
Harold, is fairly evident. But William
had at least ostensible ground for in
dignation when Harold, finding him.
self after Edwards death lauded by
the priests and thames as England's
king, decided that the oath needed no
keeping. He was duly anointed. receiv-
ing from the hands of the archbishop
not only the golden crown and scepter,
but weighty battleax. For this latter
bit Of regalia he found very present
need.
william published far and wide
through Christendom the perjury" of
Harold, proclaiming his intention Of
gaining his rights by the sword be
fore the year should expire, and prom.
Using most dire punishment to the ''per-
jurer." He laid his case before the
pope, but Harold refused to arbitrate,
declaring that he would not "answer
before an italian priest for his title
as an English king" Forthwith the
pope confirmed william in his claim
whereupon William raised the holy
banner, and half the chivalry Of CONT
mental Europe .fiocked to his side for
the privilege (O Of serving in strug-
gle blessed by his holiness.
Harold prepared for the invasion
but down upon him from the north
swept Harald Hardrarda Of Norway
BY forced march and brilliant ma.
neuvering, Harold surprised Harald al
Stamford Bridge. completely routing
and killing him with most Of his mobiles
1t was striking victory. but 1t was
bought at tremendous price, for here
Harold lost the flower Of his officers
and his army, while his occupation in
Yorkshire gave william the opportu-
nifty for an unopposed landing upon the
Sussex coast. With great array of
knights and n lesser force of men-at-
arms-his total army had once num-
bered 10000, but there had been some
loss through the wrecking Of ships and
through defections-he came ashore
mt Pevensey on the Goth Of September
Harold was still at York rejoicing over
his hard-won victory.
Harold now made the mistake OF
Understanding the military skill OF
the enemy. He might have gathered
an army greater in size than Williams
but his victory over Hardrarda had
given him great confidence. Raising
only small force in London, he at
tempted another forced march, hoping
to surprise the Normans as he had the
Norwegians. William lay in an armed
camp at Hastings, but he made skillful
employment of a cavalry screen, there
by employing the same methods of pro.
lection used by modern generals, until
the airplane came into the field. The
horse, falling back in good order
warned william, and dashed Harold's
hope for surprise. Therefore he
halted seven miles from the Norman
lines, sending ont spies. who made the
curious mistake of taking the Norman
soldiers for priests, since they were
short-haired and shaven. Harold's
generals, realizing the numerical infe-
riority Of their forces, would have had
him retreat upon London. leaving the
Saxon feet to cut Williams line OF
communication with his base, but to
this Harold would not hearken. He
strengthened his position by n pail.
sade, and there awaited the attack
The great battle came on October
J IA. Standing on hill whence he