Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 65, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 26 March 1918 — VEIL. OF GLOOM WAS LIFTED [ARTICLE]

VEIL. OF GLOOM WAS LIFTED

TEMPORARILY MONDAY BY TALES OF ALLY SUCCESSES AGAINST HUNS.

Wild-eyed rumors, emanating from tongues unknown, caused intense excitement in Rensselaer Monday, when a deluge of rumors came into the city telling of the wonderful successes of the Allied army against the Huns. Rensselaer and surrounding towns were literally swamped with reports telling how the Allies had turned on the foe, dealing them severe blows’ The reports were so favorable that'immediately visions of the war’s end came into the minds of all. Rensselaer was not the only town that was a victim of these wild rumors, for Goodland, Monticello, Monon and other nearby cities had their fill during the day. It is reported that a Chicago daily put out an extra shortly before noon corroborating the reports. Indianapolis and Chicago verified the news which reached Rensselaer and there seemed to be no reason why the bulletins should not be accepted. The rumors spread like wildfire throughout the day and all were readily accepted, as the reverses of the Allies at the hands of the Germans during the past few days had put everyone in anything but a pleasant state of mind, hence one and all were more than willing to accept them. By midnight the tidings had reached such proportions that they bordered on the ridiculous, and there was aroused in the minds of all a vague suspicion that perhaps there was Very little truth in the messages. When the city dailies arrived and there was nothing to substantiate the statements it dawned upon one and all that the country was in the throes of rumor mongers. Perhaps the most ridiculous story ushered forth was to the effect that the British and French lines had given away before the Hun drive, and that General Pershing and ten thousand of his men had closed in behind the foe, capturing one-hun-dred thousand of them, but suffering great losses themselves when they became the victims of the French, who had their guns so elevated that they were shooting over the German lines. This story came from Goodland, where it is said that the populace absolutely refused to go to bed and hung around the tickers until the early hours of morning. Following this story everyone decided to call it a day and quit. Anyway the veil of gloom, which has shrouded the city since the tales of the German successes have been reported, was lifted temporarily, the mist of melancholy was dissolved, aching hearts ceased aching, and there was a joy and gladness, such as has not been known for several days, when the reports were received. Of course, the disappointment was great upon learning that there was no truth in the statements, but it is to be hoped that favorable news will be forthcoming in the very near future.