Cape Breton's Magazine

and also to find out if the like device is not already employed in aerial war-fare. As the cruel Huns resort to all kinds of schemes in their work of destmction, why can't we do all we can too to defend our- , selves. I am one of your Halifax Mic-Mac Indians, unfortunately too old to shoulder musket to defend my King and Country, but if my idea or invention is of any use, I will gladly offer it to my King and Country free of charge. The Origin of the idea. In reading accounts of aero? plane warfare, it appeared to me that aeroplanes were obliged to fly direct above the enemy, and from that dangerous position or dis? tance, drop their bombs, and I asked myself this question. "Why can't a device be made to lessen all that danger?" Why can't a device be made that can carry bombs alnrost any angle downward from aero? planes, distance according to the height they are. What do you think of that for an old Indian? I have a sample in wooden frame 3 1/2 feet long in workable order requring couple or three yards of light cotton for wings to complete it. The device is collapsible. The weight lever or bomb holder controls every part, as you will notice in the accompany? ing illustration. Keep it away from German spys. My skin is dark, let my name be the same before the public for awhile. Cope to Piers. 7 March 1916. 1918: N. S. Micmac the Best of Snipers The North Svdnev Herald says that Stephen Toney, the Micmac Indi? an, to whom reference was made by the Dailv Echo on his arrival here from overseas, and who, it is stated, is to get the Victoria Cross, was born on the Indian reservation at Nyanza, Victoria County, C.N., and, after the death of his father, moved with his mother to Pictou County.... Admittedly one of the best snipers fighting under the Allies, the Cape Breton Micmac won the M.M., the D.C.M., and finally was awarded the highest honor accorded a soldier, the Victoria Cross.... So deadly was the constant fire of the Hun snipers that it was certain death for any of the Allies entrenched to pop their head above the parapet for even a second. (Stephen) Toney (was positioned) some distance down the line, and upon the solicitation of an officer who knew of the Indian's powers as a sniper, the General sent for him. It was not long after that the keen eye of the Nyanza Micmac discerned a suspicious object in a tree fully one tijousand yards distant, and he told the offi? cers so. The latter immediately trained their powerful field glasses on the tree but assured the Indian there was nobody on it. "Spose you watch," coolly replied Toney, and taking a careful bead pulled the trigger. Instantly dropped the dead body of a sniper, and the aston? ished officers and men were raptured in their applause. On that occasion the General saw seven German snipers bite the dust, and particularly for this did the Nyanza Micmac earn the covet? ed V.C. Shortly after Toney was gassed, and when the doctors thought he was fit for the trenches he was sent back. However, his eyesight became impaired, and he was sent home on furlough, and is at present with his nrother in Pictou County. This brave young Victoria County soldier inherited much of his keen? ness of eyesight and deadly aim from his father, Peter Toney, with whom he oftimes spent the night in the wilds of Victoria County searching deer and other game. This was nearly thirty years ago. His father was at one time employed as farmer with Mr. Joseph McLean, C.E., of Baddeck. And it is recalled that on one occasion he won a race against a horse over a distance of about twelve miles. At that time Peter McPherson (brother of Mrs. J. T. Powers) owned perhaps the fastest horse in Victoria County. During a discussion of the ani? mal's speed and endurace, Peter Toney offered to race the horse from the reservation at Nyanza to Baddeck for a pound of tea. It was accepted, and with a good margin to spare the Indian won out. On another occasion while working on the McLean farm, a sailboat race was held on the Bras d'Or Lakes. The turning buoy was several miles distant from the farm where Mr. McLean and the Indian were obsen/ing the race, but so keen was the vision of the redskin that he could tell Mr. McLean the name of each boat as it turned the buoy. This fact is vouched for by Mr. McLean himself. On another occasion the elder Indian and his good wife boarded the steamer Marion at Whycocomagh, intending to go to Baddeck, a dis? tance of about thirty-four miles. At that time the steamer only made one stop between the two places, and then only a brief one. Just be? fore the boat was ready to leave, the Micmac remembered that he WE'RE PROUD TO SHARE... Scottish and Acadian Festivals Hiking trails, picnic and camping parks Museums and heritage The warmest waters north of the Carolinas! Cottage crafts and works of art The Cape Breton highlands National Park Fresh and salt water fishing Horse racing, canoeing, and other sports Fine accommodations, gift shops Restaurants Wildlife The Sunset Side of Cape Breton Requests for Visitor's Guide, brochures, and general information may be made to: Inverness County Department of Recreation/Tourism P.O. Box 179. Port Hood, N.S. BOE 2W0 (902)787-2274 The Canadian Coast Guard College Training for Marine Safety in Canada Salutes Cape Breton*s Magazine on the Publication of Its 50th Issue Le College de la Garde Cotiere Canadienne centre de formation pour la securite maritime au Canada felicite la Revue du Cap-Breton a Toccasion de la publication de son cinquantieme numero