Page:The Siege of London - Posteritas - 1885.djvu/39

 and bustle. At every naval station preparations were being pushed forward under extraordinary pressure. At Woolwich thousands of extra hands were instantly taken on; and the coast-defences were garrisoned. The naval reserves were called up. The Channel Squadron was strengthened, and formed a formidable fleet, and a powerful torpedo fleet was ready in an incredibly short space of time. In addition to this, fifty magnificent steamers belonging to private companies were taken in hand by thousands of workmen, to be converted for the nonce into fighting ships. The din and roar and bustle of these tremendous war preparations sounded from end to end of the land; and the people, without being boastful, were confident and self-possessed. On the other hand, the effect of the declaration was to almost bring business to a standstill. The funds went down, and the price of bread went up nearly a hundred and fifty per cent. The departure of merchant shipping nearly ceased, and ships could not be insured excepting at war risks, which meant enormous premiums. Before a shot had been fired people began to realise the horrors of war. There had been fearful distress in different parts of the country for some time, and that distress was now greatly increased. But wealthy people came forward in a noble manner and established relief centres all over the land; while Parliament instantly voted a large sum to be appropriated to the same purpose. For the time, party feeling ceased, and all classes were united in face of the common enemy.

Before the week was out, however, the uneasiness increased still more, and the suspense became almost unbearable. No reliable news was forthcoming. The newspapers experienced considerable difficulty in obtaining information, as all telegraphic communication with France had ceased. The air was filled with all sorts of alarming rumours, and not the least alarming of these was the report of a probable rising in Ireland. For years it had been said that England's dilemma would be Ireland's opportunity. And now it was seen that the followers of Mr. Gladstone's friends, the men whom he had described as being "steeped to the lips in treason," and yet had made a compact with, were going to give practical effect to the