UNITED STATES.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 144856, 7 December 1915, Page 3

UNITED STATES.

SIR. FORD’S ARK. INCIDENTS AT THE WHARF. NEW YORK, Dec. 6. To tho tune of “I Didn’t Raise my Boy to bo a Soldier,” “Ford’s Ark” has sailed. ' This nickname is duo to cx-Sccretary W. Bryan, who in his farewell speech likened Mr. F’ord to Noah, and hoped that tho doves sent forth would return with tho olive branch. The simile was appropriate, as the whole vessel is liberally decorated with stuffed doves. A series of ludicrous incidents accompanied tho departure of tho vessel. A film actor dived into tho waters of tho Hudson, crying piteously, “Take me with you I” Ono of Mr. Ford’s guests, Barton Brailey, a young poet, persuaded the Rev. Jenkin Lloyd Jones, a Chicago clergyman, to marry him to Miss Marion Luboncan, another guest. The ceremony was performed in the saloon After Mr. Bryan, Mr. Ford, and tho wholo party had kissed the bride, it was discovered that Mr, Jones had no authority to marry in New Jersey. Brailey comforted his bride by saying, “Never mind, dearie, wo will bo married again on tho high seas.” Mr. Ford said ho was determined that he would not forgot his mission, and a series of wireless messages commenced before tho “Ark" had reached Sandy Hook, asking America to pray for peace. MR. FORD’S FRIENDS. NOT A DISTINGUISHED BODY. (Received Deo. 7, 8.85 a.m.) NEW YORK, Dec. 6. Mr. Ford’s party had a mixed sendoff. Messrs. Bryan and Edison gave it a fervent blessing. On tho other hand, German workers on tho quay farewclled it with cries of “Gott Straffe,” Twentythree of the party are women, 44 pressmen, and three biographists. Tho most prominent members are Bethea, Lieut.Governor of South Carolina, and Senator Robson. Mr. Ford told an interviewer: “Some persons have seen fit to be sceptical of the success of my plans. I think they will change then- view. All I know is that tho belligerents are sick of waiting for a disinterested party to step in and offer himself as a mediator.” PEACE MEETINGS IN NORWAY. (Received Dec. 7, 8.50 a.m.) COPENHAGEN. Deo. 6. Mr. Ford’s ship will make its first calls in Norway, where peace meetings will be permitted, provided they do not interfere with Norwegian interests. Mr. Ford claims that the King of Norway has written to him sympathising. DenjnarkJhaa. also allowed meetings.