Page:Robert William Cole - The Struggle for Empire; A Story of the Year 2236 (1900).djvu/56

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44
THE STRUGGLE FOR EMPIRE

were urged on by their jealousy of the Anglo-Saxons to claim from the latter one-half of Iosia. The Anglo-Saxons, on the other hand, were angered at what had happened, and, having the right of prior possession, refused to listen to these demands. Months were occupied by negotiations and counter-proposals, but nothing was arranged. At Kairet the hatred of the Anglo-Saxons increased from day to day, and many covetous minds were turned to the planets of the Solar System. At last the Government yielded to the clamorous wishes of the people. It threatened to make war against the Earth and its federated planets unless its demands were acceded to. This was refused at once. Then a formal declaration of war was sent by the Government of Kairet to London, and it announced its intention of commencing hostilities three months after the date of the delivery of the declaration of war.

As soon as the news of the coming war