UNITED STATES.

Taranaki Daily News, 7 December 1915, Page 5

UNITED STATES.

"FORD'S ARK." A CONTEMPTIBLE FARCE. Received Dec. C, S.flO p.m. Now York, Dec. 6. To (he dine of "I didn't Raise my Boy to be a Soldier," "Ford's Ark" has sailed. This .nickname is due to ex-Secretary \V. 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 vessel is liberally decorated with stuffed doves. 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. Jcnkin 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 lie 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.