Ethel Cooper – February 1915
1.2.15
My dear Emmie,
The principal event this week is one of political economy – the Government has seized the whole bread, flour and meal supply of the country. They say it has become necessary because people have been so stupid. Nearly two months ago, orders were published that everyone was to be sparing with white flour… The making of cake is practically to be stopped… Prices rise every week, but they say that, with economy, the supplies should last till the next harvest.
A letter came from you dated December 10th… you say that you have often written, but this and one I got through Jeannie are the only ones I have got. I can imagine how you will miss Howard [Carr] but I am sure we shall be glad later that we had a man to send. And for him it is almost certainly the greatest event that can happen in his life – I wouldn’t dare to say a word to keep anybody at home now…
8.2.15
My dear Emmie,
… On Thursday Sandor and I went over to Chemnitz. All the exiles met us at the station and the one who had the biggest room had laid a table for lunch and tea. When I say all the exiles, there are not many left. The South Africans and Canadians had been arrested that morning. They say that the Germans are in concentration camps in Africa and Canada and this is a reciprocal move. Only Australia has not done it as yet, so the one or two Australian men were still at large…
It is past 8 – I must begin to see about supper, housekeeping is beginning to be a serious problem… meat is a luxury, but potatoes, ham and sausages are not very much higher in price yet…
20.2.15
My dear Emmie,
… I forget if I told you before that some unknown neighbours have been writing anonymous letters to my landlord reproaching him for having an Englishwoman here, and full of the most ridiculous lies and abuse. The kind landlady came and told me not to be surprised if I had the same. But instead of that they seem to have written to the police – … and yesterday the police came, saying they were informed that there was a constant stream of foreigners who met here. I assured them that none but Germans and Austrians came… and I invited them to inspect the house at any hour of the day or night… But I am sick of it – I have given my landlord notice for the 1st of October – I am bound until then – and I am going to sublet the flat at once if possible…
28.2.15
My dear Emmie,
On Friday I took French leave of Leipzig for the day. I wanted to go to Meerene with Sandor, who had an engagement to play with an orchestra there… I knew if I made another application, it would be refused, so I chanced it and went without… not a policeman even glanced at me, let alone suspected me of being an Englishwoman without a permit to travel.
