RANDOM READINGS. THE REAL THING

King Country Chronicle, Volume XX, Issue 2064, 8 January 1925, Page 6

RANDOM READINGS.

THE REAL THING

ALSATIANS COLONISE ALGERIA.

When France was definitely crushed by the German invasion of 1870-1, and the cession of Alsace-Lorraine was insisted upon by the Teutonic victors, a patriotic Frenchman, Dr. Warmer, of Algiers, pointed out that by offering grants of land in Algeria to the victims of the war, many Alsatians might avoid becoming German subjects and bring up their families under the shelter of the Tricolor, while assisting to develop the agriculture of France’s oversea possession. The idea “caught on,” and by decree dated October 16, 1871, committees were formed in French Lorraine (at Nancy and at Belfort) to register and class the new colonists. So numerous were the apphcations that the credit of £16,000 proved entirely insufficient. An additional sum was necessary, France had paid off two and the five “milliards” exacted by Bismarck as a war indemnity. To pay off the other three milliards, mul so definitely rid the country of its German garrison, was the burning desire of every patriot. “If the Government cannot find the money,” said a committee of Alsatian ladies, “we will endeavour to do so.” They opened a subscription list, and had collected ,£210.000. when the Government decided to float a loan. What was to be done with the money already collected? A special law was passed by which it was authorised to b? expended on Alsatian enrgralion to Algeria. Canada fought fof. the E:,IT IRK A CENTURY AGO. Few people will remember, that one hundred years ago Canada did hard fighting for the Empire, on water as well as land. The mOn and ships then provided, however, were not for the hi: h seas, hut for Canada’s own mighty lakes. In 1812 America declared war against Great Britain. The time was ripe, in the view of President .Madison, for wiping off' sorns old scores. England, having her hands full in crushing “Bonev,” an excellent chance r/fered itself of wrapping Canada in the folds of the Stars ami Stripes. England could do little to help Canada, but she sent out five hundred pit l:ert seamen under the command of the most brilliant officer ,sh' then possessed • - James Lucas Yeo.

When he arrived in Canadian waters, Yeo found the Canadian squadron on Lake Erie, a motley affair, composed of a flotilla of six vessels and about dot) men untrained seamen, old soldiers from the garrison, a few Indians, and so forth. A pitched naval battle took place hero on October 8, 1812. What happened is not pleasant reading, except as an instance of British bravery against enormous odds. Most of our officers were wounded before our squadron finally fell into the hands of the enemy. The remaining officers were rburt-martialled at Portsmouth for tho loss of their squadron, but wero “most fully and honorably acquitted.” Other battles followed ; but whilst these were being fought the peacemakers were assembled at Ghent. THE ESQUIMAUX DOG. The real Esquimaux dog of pure breed is a rarity. These dogs are so nearly akin to wolves that the breeds become mixed, and it is found extremely hard to keep them separate. Especially is tins trite where there are not excellent facilities for keeping the dogs confined. It is no unusual thing for the dogs to run away and take refuge with the wolves. It is said to he very difficult to make up teams of thoroughbred dogs. In almost all cases there will be several that will show their wolfish origin most plainly. The wolf cross produces a dog closely resembling the wolf. The crea. tore is extremely vicious, unreliable, and hard to manage, but very hardy, swift, and enduring. With several well-trained dogs in the hand, the sledge-driver takes large loads of goods across the country. He travels rapidly and safely, provided lie can keep his team in subjection. Occasionally the wolf-dogs will gnaw the straps of their harness and break away, in spit© of every precaution. The lash is considered the only method of government. Moral suasion has been tried, but with somewhat indifferent results. The animals are so accustomed to force that they seem uuab!o to appreciate or understand kindness. Possibly, if these dogs were taken in hand and gently trained from their birth, something might be done witlf them.

The father who was taking his small son with him in the train forbade him putting his head out of the window. “The wind will blow off your hat,” he explained, at the same time snatching the boy’s hat and hiding it behind his back. The boy was much distressed over losing his hat, so his father said, “Now, watch, and I’ll whistle it back again,” as he spoke putting the hat back on the boy’s head. A minute later the boy whisked his father’s hat off and hurled it out of the window, crying gleefully: “Whistle it back, papa.”