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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Blyth Standard, 1930-05-01, Page 2A Gallant Gentle. man ieneral Seely's Story of an Adventurous Life; Cheat- ing Death on Land, Sea, and in the Air; When He Nearly Killed General Botha: A Maori Idyll By FRANK WHITAKER "To die," said Peter Pan, "world be an awfully big adventure," to whish General J. E. 13. Seely no doubt re- plied, if he ever met Peter Pan, "Prob- ably; but why die?" A man who .has survived apparent- ly certain death by each of the four eleuelts; who has been drowned and revived; fallen a distance commonly thought to be fatal, and lived; faced an enemy rifle at almost point-blank range and been spared; flown in an aeroplane with a burst petrol tank and escaped unscathed; and "over 011(1 over again on the western front found myself alone unharmed when every One of those around me lead been 1111- ed Or wounded" -11 man who has touted (Lamers pito these can afford to talk like that. A charmed life? Why, the normal expectations of a cat are, as they say In the North, a 'toot to't!" The Problem of Fear General Seely has now told the story of iris extracnlivary career in "Adventure", and told it well, The book moves In a crescendo of excite. meat from the first page to the last; it is curious to note how the scale of the adventuring grows as the years go by. It begins with a solitary fall down a cliff end widens and deepens, invc(ving more and more people In a ,kind of arithmetical progression, 1111 - til It mergest In tine supreme elven- turn of the War itself. As a boy General Seely often lis- tened to the tales of his uncle, Col- onel Browne, tt•bo had won the V.C. for spiking a gun at Lucknov, and who managed the comfy estates at Brooke, in the Isle cd Wight. 11 was he (says General Seely) who first set me thinking over the prob- lem of fee'. I well remember walk- ing along the beach and reflecting that being frightened was a foolish thing, like biting one's nails; obvious- ly 11 (11(1 no good. I set to work then to Ivy to overcome this falling; and thought have neve' succeeded, the constant conscious attempt has been very helpful. It was apparently helpful not long afterwards, when a cliff at Brooke gave way oder his feet and the drop- ped seventy feet on to the beach, for he says his dread vanished like a flush, and he !'seemed to be just Ilap- pily dreaming suspended in space," Fortunately, a lot of the cliff fell too, forming a perfect cushion for his land- ing, He lay there for two hours and took a whole term to recover from 111s injuries, but the experience "proved to ane that fear was frolleh, and that no case, however desperate, is ever hopeless," The Seven Eggs Ms next experience was being drowned while diving for eggs. He had brought up seven, and someone else eight. That meant, of course, that he must go one better. Down he went again . , six , , seven .. and then he found that the others were several yards away. He had a mo- ment of agony when lie felt Ise must breathe or burst, but he overcame it and took one more stroke , , , Then all at once the pain and agony ceased. It was as though when some great orchestra has been playing crashing and discordant sounds, sud- denly the musty is resolved into a beautiful major chord with every In. atrument in perfect tune, Then I found myself walking oval' a green field in glorious sunshine, with bright yellow buttercups studding the grass; in the distance church bells were ring- ing, and I had a sensaticn of complete joy and happiness. I was fished out, black in the face and unconscious, and was finally brought to by artificial respiratkh. Many years later a sailor who had had his consciousness restored in the same way told him that he had gone through precisely similar sensations. So that, apparently, is what it feels lilte to be drowned. The Flag on the Steeple At Harrow this lively youngster, with the aid of a companion and a clear, sunny morning, and he was child's bow and arrow, shot a rope over the beams In the church steeple, hauled himself up from stage to stage, and tied a Union Jack to the top. Ills career at Cambridge was ended abruptly by a hair-raising ex- perience with a runaway horse in Switzerland, With bridle broken It galloped for utiles down a mouniain track and deposited him, unconscious, with his legs dangling over a chasm two hundred feet deep. Ile was laid up for months with congestion of the brain, ("My dear Jack, that explains it all!" said the then Mr. Balfour twenty years afterwards, when Seely, who had been n he first to leave111111 io rl roe t 1 � on the Fiscal quest01), told the story at a Commons dinner -party), Next he swam out with a line to a wrecked French ship, received a gold medal, a broken rib and a punctured lung. He sot off on a long sea voy- age to recover Ills health, served as an A,13., was swept out of his cabin by a logo wave, and saved himself only by clinging to the after -rigging as it swept past. During the same storm his companion, Tom Connolly, fell from a yard a hundred and twenty feet above the sea, clutched a swing - !ng rope—and held on. As the ship heeled over he caught the ratlines and descended satetly to the (leek! Truly miracles seems f to follow Seely wherever he trent, The Maori Princess In New Zealand he was nearly drowned again, and their came an ad- venture of a more romantic kind. While swimming ono day In a P001 in the heart of the Maori country he encountered a lovely girt, "tile most beautiful thing—animate or Mental- ate—that I had ever seen, lllte the most perfect Greek statue, with the poise Of Raphael's young St. John the Baptist at Florence" and a "delieI- ous enigmatic smile." She was the sister of the local chief.— The rest of the story is soon told, As we wandered about the great for- est finding strange birds, hot springs and occasionally the trach of a wild boar, I was often with the princess —as she was called. She started to teach 010 Maori, including many kind and friendly words 111 that singularly melodious language. I can still say, in Maori that "111y soul is filled with respectful adoration," It was all very delicious and innocent, bort difficult to see how 1t could end, She gav0 up the Kiwi, mats, and was dressed in ever -Changing cos- tumes of garlands of flowers and leaves. After a few days the chief came to see ale and quite politely, but bluntly, asked me my intentions. To use tine novelist's phrase, I was "torn with conflicting emotions." This girl of seventeen, though some would have described her as an untutored savage, was without doubt the most beautiful creature I had ever seen. Moreover, though she could run and jump like a gazelle, and swim like a salmon, she had the manner and bear- log earlug of a queen; thoughts and ideas of unbelievable charm and beauty. I had often heard people make speeches about cementing the Empire with friendship and the 11111011 of 'hearts; Here was a union cf hearts if ever there was one. But for Tom, we 0110111(1 have married and 1 sup- pose I should have become what was termed a "Pakeha Maori." Toni had only one argument and refused to give another single word of advise. He said I should break my mother's heart. So they parted the next day—how,, General Seely tolls 111 a charming lit. tle passage:— I put my arm round her, and kissed her, no rubbing of noses in native fashion, but a kiss from ono to the other. She burst into tears and so, I confess, did I as I jumped into the canoe and in a moment shot into the stream, under the deft blows ( f the twelve weli•wieided paddles. Just before we rounded a bend I looked back and saw her standing hand-in- lhand with her brother, She waved farewell to me and I never saw her again. The Man Who Would Not Shoot When the Boer War broke out Gen- eral Seely, who had meanwhile join- ed the Yeomanry, went out In charge of a squadron, and had two of the most amazing adventures of his life. While reconnoitering a ruined Kaffir kraal he eras surprised by a shout of "Hands up!" from a small party of Boers:— I stood quite still, watching a man aiming his rifle at me. It was a within twelve yards of she. I could recognize 111111 to -day from among a 1)111105d others, It was no geed for me to run away, because I realized that I could not he Missed; so I stood still waiting for the end, Then an oxtraordlary thing happened. The matt lowered his rifle, looked me straight In the eyes, turned round and walked away, it was said to ale in explanation of Allis curious episode that my three troops, who had already got round the flank of this small party of the enemy, had made the elan real- ize that he must get quickly on hie horse in order to escape. But I know these vast hordes, who must eat. Your little Army, directed by my friend French, with your sea power enabling you to send then where you will, may well prove decisive 1f ever th conflict comes." But before the conflict did come there were exciting events nt home.. Tile ono that affected Gearral Seely most closely, of course, was rho Cur- ra,h incident, for It led to his resign- ation, Ile traces the dovoh-pment of that unhappy business temperately, and as far as one can judge from the published documents, fairly, although the late Sir Arthur Paget would prob- pe'fectly well front the look he gave ably haws differed front 111111 on more me, end risen the deliberation of bis than one point. Movements, that what, really happen - There was excitement to spare 111 011 was this. Ile was sorry for a those days, but it was not of the young Englishman thus surprised, and, out of sheer good nature, decid• ed not to hill me. The Horseman in the Mist In the other adventure ire 111100011 was the 011111 with the gun. It came to him at an advance post on the top of a high ridge, on a misty-nig{tt when a party et Boers had been re- mirted near, Stufdetdy a figura on horseback appeared through the mist, riding towards the outpost: --- The corporal was about to fire, but I snatched his rifle front him, whis- pering, "Let him conte on." The mist was drifting In swathes over the hill 1 and for a 1110111001 Ile was Invisible; while I heard the Horse advancing (11 the stony ground; then for a second I saw a commanding figure silhouetted against the grey 111101. The corporal was so excited that he shouted to me Quito loud: "Shoot, sib." The figure turned and galloped away, I tired, re- loaded, end fired again; I ren forward with the corporal, -but although the range was not more than fifteen yards, I had made a clean 10100 110111 times. 1 make this one confident claim to dis- tinction, that I made the luckiest had 01101 for the British Empire that any man has made! 1000 the command- ing figure was Botha himself! IIe was reconnoitring Its enemy's front before malting Ills desperate and suc- cessful attempt to break throlgh, kind That appealed most to Seely's ac. 1100 temperament, He Confesses that he grew sick of politics, and one can imagine the tightening of the lip and the squaring of the smoulders with which he Heard the fateful declara- tion of August 4th, 1914. Within a few days he was at the British I-ieadquarters, "neve' expect- ing to see England again" Every day his duties took hint into the Brit- ish and French front lines and back to Headquarters to report personally to SI' John Frouclu what he ted seen. No noun sats more 111 those weary, confused clays, when whole emotes 01001110d blindly over the fields of France and Death lurked round every corner, But Fate was kind to Seely. Shells and bullets encompassed 11110, but, in (110 language of rho time, his name was terilten on none of 1110111. hveolually 11e welt to Antwerp, where ho found "the whole business In Winston's hands." He dominated the whole place: the King, Ministers, soldiers, sailors. So great was his lniluente that 1 am con- vinced that with 20,000 British troops be could have held Antwerp against almost any onslaught... From all I learned and all I 0011', I think it very possible that had Winston not brought his naval men to Antwerp, the Bel- gian Field Artily 14'0111(1 1101 have es- caped. Had Winston been vigorous- ly supported, even thus late in the it was 111 the himself, years later, , day, the Germans would have been 10110 told General Seely of hos escape, forced to detach such large forces and it was Seely who recommended that their advance 011 Ypres would the King to make Botha a lieutenant- have been stayed, and might have general of the British Army. '"Phis , been prevented altogether. is the first tinge," the King repBed, "that I have been ashen to make a man a lieutenant -general for his bril- liant services against 00." Intl he made 11110 a full general, and as Due world knows, Botha lived lo render invaluable service to tho Empire. The Arrest of Mr, MacDonald Ou General Seely's return to head- quarters One night, General French told 11117 that "some idiot at Dun- kirk" had ad(1ested Mr. 'Ramsay Mac- Donald, who had conte over to visit a hospital, and asked him if he would Preparing for War 1 put the matter right. He did so; General Seely returned hone. to 1104 "MacDonald took it very well, and himself a member of I'arliameht, and ( after a word 00 two of 'serious pro- be devotes a large part of his book Lost, laughed the matter oft." Later to the stormy pouter or the tee years lie took lir. MacDonald up to the prior to the War, In a deeply Inter- front 11110, and it was only by great esting chapter he describes the growth good fortune that they escaped with of hie 001101111nn that war was NNevit- their lives. They stumbled into the able, and haw as soon 00 he became middle of a French counter-attack; fieeretery for lira in 1912 he set to shells fell all round them, their car reek with redoubled energy and w00 repeatedly bit by bullets, and 1001007 to prepare 1'0r it. In his finally they Look refuge in a support view, the historian of the 10lor0 will trench, where they were nearly shot as fasten "war guilt" not om 01y single spies! From first to last, when he person, however highly placed, but on 1'000110a safely covered 101111 nod, the the political aspirations and policies future Prime ➢sinister, says General P the contending nations; and his de. Seely, "behaved with the utmost cool- finiton of these rival policies will be mess." a desire by Germany to expand, a Eventually General Seely was given resolve by England to maintain ins the command or the Canadian Cavalry status 11010. Brigade, which he led with eenspiee- In 1912 General Seely had an inter- view ons gallantry, and success. For their view with General French with far- brilliant oa911210 (�11 1130001211 Ridge at reaching consequences:— the cud of March, 1918, wbictt saved IIe came to me and said: "Would11111ens, they received high praise it 1101 bo a good plan for «s to le. iron Focht and General Itawihnsen, vita to our manceuvres an eminent 1 P French soldier who is likely to talo suffering badly from the effects of gas, Seely was ordered hone. respect 1 )plc who go through hare - Ile -was one of the few sou -Pro- chips for their ambition, and Jesus fessionai soldiers who reached high tries to place these two in a good light reit as a combatant, a1111 he scathing. as he shows them agreeing to accept ly criticizes the follies of some of we this call to heroic service, superior officers, litany avoidable V. 23, He refers to the condition of disasters, be says, were caused by the reward. The high places do not go 00 failure of commanders to make per- favorites—all is arranged by the Father in accordance with the laws of the moral world. 1f they will labor and serve worthily, they will be sure of a high place. Thus in a way Jesus grants then their request, at least he shows how they may obtain their de - 011'C, 111. TRUE AMBITION, 24-28. and were mentioned in the cornnnn i- ue o the' lay. Soon afterwards, a leading part 111 the defence of France if the war which you antici- pate happens?" As always, the dif- ficulty in preparing without inciting undue suspicion and distrust was suf- ilclently obvious 111 this case. But I decided to take the risit, and said. "Yes. lVhom 511011 we invite?" Ile replied: "I think the most remark. Sunday School Lesson May 4. Lesson V.—Promotion In the Kingdon — Matthew 20: 17-28. Golden Text—The Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ran. som for many.—Matthew 20, 28. ANALYSIS 1. THE WAY TO GLORY, 1.7-19. 11. FALSE AMBITION, 20-23. 1II. TRUE AMBITION, 24-28, INTRODUCTION—T1s conception of the kingdom of heaven runs through this Gospel of Matthew, and in our lesson the problem of rewards in the kingdom comes up for discussion, 1. THE WAY TO GLORY, 17-11'. The heroism of Jesus is evident in the decision to ko up to Jerusalem. He knc that the issue between him and the scribes is reaching a climax, and that he has been marked out for death. But this was not to be a stere result of fate. There was a willing choice on the part of Jesus to accept this path as the only one by which he could bring salvation to the race. We also are to notice how nis thoughtfulness for the disciples leads him to prepare them. They were filled with the idea that they were advanc- ing to a kingdrm of great earthly power, in which they would :lave po- sitions of distinction, and now Jesus warns then against such futile ihopes, and tells them clearly of the ]rind of reception they may expect. V. 18. It was the habit of Jesus to speak of himself as "the Son of nen," a title which implied Messianic stand- ing, and which, in its best application, implied that he would at last return crowned with glory But the way to such reward led through suffering. There is no misunderstanding In the mind of Jesus. V. 19. He also knows that, since the Jews cannot pronounce sentence of death, he wia have to stand before the omen authorit'es; but h:s sensitive nature shrinks before the eruct treat, meet which he will have to endure. IIe had frequently pictured the details of such a trial scene. But beyond the cross lay the crown He knows that after death he will rise again and re tarn to the fellowship of the Father. IIe always associates his resurrection with his death, I1, FALSE A330101ON, 20-23, V. 20. Ambition is not wrong in itself, and depends altogether upon the objects which we seek and the motives which inspire his. It is not wrong for this mother to have lefty aims for her sills, and we may Admire her resolu- tion and insistence. V. 21. It was the way in which site puts her request, and the conditions involved in this, that were so wrong. Three things may be noted in her re- quest: (I) It revealed a total misap- prehension of the teaching of Jesus, who had come to bring a, distinctly different hind of kingdom from that which she thinks of. IIe had never raised hopes of an earthly rule. (2) It was inconsiderate in that it placed Jesus in a very invidious position. He would either have to refuse her re- quest or else .f he granted it he would awaken hard feelings on the part of others. (3) It was selfish in that she wished to get something at the expense 1 of others, If her prayer were granted then the other disciples would have to be satisfied with lower positions. Thus rivalry and envy would be started ening then, all due to false ambition, V. 22. The answer of Jesus reveals at once his perfect wisdom and his wonderful courtesy, IIe first tells them that they do not know what they asst, They have not realized the na- ture of the kingdom. Then he does that which shows the fineness of his feelings. IIe knows quite well that the others will be very indignant at the two. Accordingly he asks James and John is they Ore willing to pay the price of promotion, which is trial, hardship and possibly death, We What New York Is Wearing BY ANNEBELLE WORTHINGTON sonal survey's from the front lino be - able man 111 the French Army, al- fore ordering an attack, and many though he is far away from being hardships were traceable le lh"ir at - senior, is a man called Poch." tempts to apply obsolete theories to Foch's Prophecy new conditions. He clearly ranked And so Foch was invited. When French above Ilafg, and synlphathlz- the maseonvrea were over, he made ed with French when he was recalled. this striking prophecy:— —John 0' London's Weekly. "The armies have outgrown the brains of the people who direct them. The wind frequently turns a1 um- brella, but a borrower seldom returns it. Ile—"You are the breath of my life," She—"Let's see you 1101(1 your breath." Ido not believe that there is any man living big enough to ccn1rol these millions. They will stumble about, and then sit down helplessly in front of each other, thinking only of their means of communicnctlon to supply 17, 24. The indignation of the ten is Quite intelligible, and these others 110 (1012111 felt they were justified in being angry. V. 21) Bat Jesus has a lesson for them also, Let there learn from this incident the lesson that earthly ambi- tion rests upon a false foundation The passion for earthly ps-we0 and dis- tinction is that which inspires those illustrated Dressmaking Lesson. Furnished With Every Pattern It's typically sports! A charming wearable type that adapts itself to all the season's new fabrics. Several dresses may be node from this Style No, 2841 and each one ap- pear entirely different. It is sketched in wool jersey in chartreuse green, with dash of soft brown in grosgrain ribbon piping, bow tie and suede belt. 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"No. But it will vary the conver- sation when he comes to explaining Bow ho lost his money." Imitation forma our manners, out opinions, our very lives:—John Weiss. 7r .ems MUTT AND JEFF— By BUD FISHER TT,v4E'RE DJ sot -"i watt You G4TTn146 16NBucks A DAY AcT1N6 AS SCOTT$ SPARRING pARTNet ScSTT'S READY — Noll To (t! Jeff's Advice Reverses Its Gears.