A friendly American who has just arrived in London brings a story of
Edison. The great inventor was present at a dinner in New York to which
Count Bernstorff had also found his way. The Count spoke of the number
of new ships which Germany had built since the war began. He was
listened to respectfully enough, although a little coldly, because the
sympathies of the party were not with him or Germany.
When he had stopped, Edison looked up and said in a still, small voice,
and with a serious face:
"Must not the Kiel Canal be very crowded, your Excellency?"