America.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXVIV, Issue 3, 7 December 1915, Page 5

America.

"FORD'S ARK."

United Press Association. New York, December 6

To the tune of "I didn't Raise my Boy to be a Soldier," "Ford's Ark" sailed. j This nickname is due to ex-Secre-itary W. Bryan, who in his farewell 'speech ; likened Mr Ford to Noah, and hoped that the doves sent forth would return with the olive branch. The .simile was appropriate, as the whole ivessel is liberally decorated with stuffed doves. I A series of ludicrous incidents accompanied the departure of the vessel. A film actor dived into the waters of the Hudson, crying piteously, "Take me with you." | One 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 Lubencan, another guest. The ceremony was performed in the saloon. 'After Mr Bryan, Mr Ford, and the whole 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, we will be married again on the high seas."

Mr Ford said he was determined that he would not forget his mission, and a series of wireless messages commenced before the "Ark" had reached Sandy Hook, asking America to pray for peace. NEUTRAL SYMPATHY. MEETINGS IN NORWAY AND DENMARK. (Received 8.15 a.m.) Copenhagen, December 6. Ford's ship first calls at Norway, where peace' meetings will be permitted provided they do not interfere with Norwegian interests. Ford claims that the King of Norway has written to'him .expressing his sympathy and that Denmark has also allowed Meetings to be held. "COTT STRAFFE YOUI", FORD INTERVIEWED.

(Received 8.35 a.m.) | " 1 ) J |N,ew York, JriecembeYe... Ford's party had'a mixed send-off. Mr Bryan and Mr T. A. Edisbn gave their fervent" blessing, but on ! the other hand German workers on the quay farewell ed them with cries of "Gott straffe you!"

Twenty-three of the party were women, and there were forty-four pressmen and three biographists.. The most prominent members of the party were Lieut-Governor Bethea, of South Caroling ; and Senator 1 , Robson* y , Mr Ford told an interKeW- i Some persons have seen fit to be sceptical of the success of tbe. plans, but I think they, will change their view. All I know is that the belligerents are trick of waiting for a disinterested party to stea-ui.and offer to be mediator. THE P&lf*E ANDvFEACE. APPEAL TO SECRET CONSISTORY TERMS MUST BE JUST AND LASTINC. (Received 9.25 a.m.) Home, December 6. The Pope at a Secret Consistory, made a stirring appeal for speedy peace. His Holiness declared that modern nations could not be permitted to conduct a war of extermination; nevertheless the term s of peace must be just and lasting, not favouring any; particular group.