Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1914-12-10
BRITISH ARMY PAY
TOO SLENDER, PLEA
OF ENGLISHWOMAN
Writing to Relative in Phila-
delphia, She Commends
Pension Increase of Pri-
Yates and Deplores Off
GERS Hardship8. !

Something Of the distress brought by
the war upon the wives and families Of
British soldiers at the front is described
BY an Englishwoman, who writes a
graphic budget OF news TO a relative in
Philadelphia:
I'VE are all very glad that new
scheme has been arranged and paper Is
sued by the Government, giving increases
IN the pensions OF soldiers and their de-
psndents which will greatly amellorate
the lot Of our poor women who lose their
bread-winners during the dreadful war
at is step in the right direction and
one with which every person will be in
agreement: It is the least we can do for
our dear fighting men. also hope we
shall soon hear OF a new scheme Of pay
and pensions for our oflcers-all these
questions have been neglected far too
long. At present 1 know OF several cases
where officers wives are virtually penni-
less, as the mobilization regulations make
an immense difference TO q great number,
chiefly In the case of special appoint
ments being held in peace time.
"a great friend OF mine married last
year an artillery lieutenant who was ap-
pointed as adjutant to a territorial brig
Rde and was made n temporary captain
with greatly improved pay In conse-
quence. but alasl on mobilization they find
that he must 90 back to subaltern's pay
which for a married man is absolutely a
hopeless state of things: indeed 1t is even
for bachelor as an independent in
come or an allowance form his family is
n necessity to an officer. Their uniforms
arc numerous and very expensive and
their mess bills alone swallow up more
than their pay in most cases. (Pat says
It is q race between his pay and his mess
bill every month. at least 1t was when he
was in an infantry regiment. Foor Kitty
Ony friend) says she does not know how
ever she Is to manage to live, for she
has very tiny income of her own.
OFFICERS SHORT COMMONS
''Then 1 have another friend married
TO a major in the army, and they are
now minus an additional $1,000 year
which he had from an appointment. She
wanted to sublet the furnished house they
had taken and had found an excellent
tenant, but the landlord turned crusty
ana refused to allow her to do so.
think II was most unfair under the cir
cumstances, and in my usual revengeful
way 1 heartily wish 1 could punish the
old wretch. 1 am afraid these cases are
mild in comparison with many, many 9TH
ers. OF course. there is a special society
for aiding officers families. but 1t will
be only as last resort that people OF the
better class will ask for help, and 1t is
hoped that the country will meet the po-
sition with generosity, or, 1 ought TO say.
with Justice"
Concerning the disappearance of Lord
Annesley, whose death since has been
confirmed, she writes:
ut is very distressing to read of the
disappearance of Lord Annesley and Mr..
BeeYor. They left Sheerness on Thurs
day last to fly to France and It is feared
that they have either had a fatal acci-
dent or have fallen into the German lines.
hope we shall soon hear that they are
alive and well. Lord Annesley has done
splendid work in Belgium and took part
in the defense of Antwerp: It will be very
hard 1t he has come to an untlmely end
while merely flying across the channel
Il must tell you a story-qulte true
cne-of one of our army doctors in Paris
Colonel -. He is nice, old dear but
speaks in an extraordinary high voice. A
wonderful rumor got around in Paris
eussed German generals had been taken
prisoners. Just after the news reached
one Of the hospitals Colonel - entered
the hall. whereon an eXcitable French
doctor dashed up to him, shook him by
both hands and exclaimed. Isn't It splen-
did-von Kluk and Won Stein have been
oaughtv To his amazement the Colonel
eoolly replied 'Goodi I'm sure 1 con-
sratulate you'll haven't the faintest idea
who they are, but I'm sure I am pleased
II 1t gives you any pleasure!
LONDON NOT "PANICKY."
Reports that London was panic-strlcken
At a prospective German raid are dis
claimed as follows:
1.-THE Germans made most daring raid
on our east coast three days ago, they
only stayed in English waters for about
% minutes and 1t is surmised that their
object was to lay mines and to set up
nervousuess among our people. We are
all wondering how squadron OF their
fast cruisers and destroyers could leave
It's base and reach our shores, evading our
patrols until within few miles OF Lowe
stoft. But no one seems TO be the least
bit panieky in consequence"
I'VE shall have the most anxious times
until we know which way fortune win
turn ana 1 suppose il may be months
before We shall definitely know the re-
suit OF the present struggle. Let us hope
that the end will come sooner than We
can reasonably expect Just at present
Certainly the German calculations have
been entirely upset. The English were to
be wiped out within three days OF their
ar6t coming into aetionl Paris was to Be
taken In about three weeks; Calais was to
be theirs by October g. The Ypres was
TO be taken by November /. the Kaisers
express order! But none OF these events
have taken place yet. thank heaven. ana
We hope and pray that the Kaiser will
continue to be folled IN spite OF the tre-
mendous efforts he Is making to drive
the English and the Belglans 10 the sea
and cut them on from the French"