The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1914-12-26
The Government Learned .
Lesson in South Africa.
An EPIDEMIC OF NOST6allA
Led to . Regular System OF
Granting Leaves.
Steady Stream Of Soldiers
Crossing Channel Both Ways.
CBy ]. w. T. Mason.)

New York, Dec. 26-The curious fact
that in London's restaurants yesterday
were many soldiers from the 'front.'
celebrating Christmas. is an instance
OF the way psychology has been forced
to play its part in making this war %
conspicuous series OF scientific prob
lens.
The British war office has arranged
to grant leave to its soldiers ON the
firing line. because it has been de-
termined by psychologists that home
sickness is an important factor in de-
creasing the vitality Of armies The
Christmas celebrants in London direct
from the battle line, had not been given
exceptional facilities because OF the
holidays but were the fortunate ones
whose ordinary leave Of absence COIN
cided with Christmas.
The first scientific study Of the prob
lem of inconsistencies among soldiers be-
gan in the South African war. Eng
land had to accept many Thousands OF
home volunteers from civilian occupa-
tions who were sent into battle at tho
other end of the world. 1t was found
that after the first excitement of flght-
despondent and a curious form Of mel
ancholy prevailed in the army. Alert
ness and initiative. when not stiued.
frequently took the form of reckless
indifference to the enemy's bullets and
psychologically are. akin to a restless
temperament
Epidemic Of Nostgalia.
The nature of the ma1ady was va
riously described until finally 1t waa
found that an epidemic OF nostgaha
was running through the army. Tho
men wanted their wives and longed
for sight Of their children. They
were simply homesick-nothing more.
Some of the officers were able to -
cure permission for their wives to VISIT
South Africa and after brief reunion
-Au~ a. S~lA -
was remarkable. All their normal vir-
tues were restored and their efficiency
was greatly improved.
This Is one of the South African
lessons England il putting to use in the
present war. A regular transport SER
vice has been organized between the
French and Belgian fronts and Eng
land. Two streams of soldiers cross
the English channel daily, one on its
way to homes, wives and children and
the other bidding them goodbye. Thus
there is always a fairly large company
Of troopers in England who are veter-
ans of the firing line.
stimulates Recruiting.
This enthusiasm is a stimulus to
recruiting but incidental and a sec
ondary result OF the leave system. The
primary effect is the Improvement in
the temperament of the rlen after they
return to the front. The splendid
fighting qualities of the British expe-
O1tlOnary corps, Wnlcn Is one OF tue
outstanding features of the war. Is un-
doubtedly due in a large part to the
measures taken to prevent an outbreaks
of hOmesickness.
The soldiers themselves have to con.
tribute in part to this method Of in-
creasing their efficiency. No free trans
portation home is granted. Railroad
are issued to the men at reduced prices
bur the men pay all charges themselves.
An agitation has begun in England u
compel the government to issue free
passes but the war office will not agree
to shouldering the expense. 1t II ar
homesickness and by enforcing the H.
nancial sacrifice. a rough rule for limit
ing leaves to actual cases Of homestck-
ness is operative.