Evening journal., 1914-09-24
RECTOR Tells OF
WAR ZONE scenes
Mr.. KirkuS Greeted by Par
iShiOnerS, Says HostilitieS
Were Unexpected
SAYS REFUGEES
FAVOR ENGLAND

A story Of conditions in Europe
on the verge of war and a recital Of
the stirring events which followed the
outbreak Of hostilities we're given
members OF Trinity Episcopal Church
last night by the pastor. the Rev
Frederick NJ. Kirkus, who returned
from abroad several days ago. Par
ishioners gave a reception TO Mr..
kirkus last evening and the event
was one Of the most notable of it's
kind in the life Of the parish. Be
sides a large number Of commune
cants, several we'll known clergymen
from other churches we're present.
Chancellor Charles NJ Curtis pre-
sided and welcomed the rector on be-
half Of the congregation.
One of the features of the affair
was the musical program H. l. Har-
ris. member Of the choir. sang sew
eral solos. r. Leslie Carpenter was
the accompanist Mr.. Carpenter is
the church organist
In his account of experiences in the
Old World. MIR. Kirkus declared war
clouds gathered with amazing rapid
ity. He said there were murmurings
when he arrived in Naples last June,
but that nobody believed the great
powers, England. Germany. France
and Russia. would engage in ,hostili-
ties. When the rector reachedl Naples
he found three United States battle
ships with colors at half mast In
quiry revealed that the Grown Prince
and Princess of Austria-Hungary had
been assassinated.
One of the signs of approaching
war. Mr.. Kirkus said. was the refusal
of banks and shops TO cash drafts and
tourists checks for full value He
pointed out case where an American
received SIS for a bankers check
worth $50 He pointed out that on
the evening of. August 1. II was possi-
bic to make purchases with money or
dcrs and checks but that they were
not accepted the next day.
According to the rector. news OF
the war completely revolutionized life
| i'm the nations involved. PeOple'he-
camo wildly excited. banks closed ov-
cry man subject to military dutyirush-
ed 10 mobilization depots, while
American tourists we're frantic to get
home. In Germany the General staff
assumed complete control. ordinary
travel was suspended and hundreds
Of trains commandeered for the use OF
the army. Tourists we're frankly told
that Of the situation.
While in Berne, switzerland. the
| pastor was q member of the Amerl-
can Relief comittee. Stories of dis
/ tress were told by hundreds Of UulHed
States citizens who hurried to the cit5
from France and the border towns oi
Germany. The relief body had a finan.
cial agent. and did all in its power "a
assist those in need. Numerous tales
Of large expenses and dwindling furds
were told the committee, which didurhe
best il could for all.
An especially interesting portion
of Mr. Kirkus' story was that hsE-
ing 10 10 Win Par's, wEich he reach
ed early in Angus The clergyman
intimated taat the quattermaster's
! department of the French army is
! giving very inferior service. as he
said he saw troops in pitiful com
ditiOn. Some we're wearing uniforms
much too large while others added a
comic shade to tho situation by ap-
pearing in uniforms several sizes too
| small.
Paris, Mr.. Kirkus asserted. pre-
sented an appearance OF mourning
One store ont OF cvery three was
open. the others bearing cards an
rOuncing that owners hal Joined the
army. Amusement Places ceased
running, while cafes closed at q
o'clock
After a three days stay IN the
French capital Mr.. Kirkus left for
London, when he declared is per
meated with the war spirit MIR
Kirkus maintained thar Americans
were warmly welcomed ir England
and all felt at home. According "a
him. sympathy for England and hop
for the victory Of King George Z
troops we're entertained BY a ma
jority Of the refugees.
Mr.. Kirkus managed 10 save all
his baggage. His only loss on tn,
trip was a camera, which was stolen
in New York.