New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-12-19

commissioned British ofacers-"rom-
mies"-vho make up the guard, are
chartered, while Colonel Sir John Glac-
stone, comnendant of the PRISON aho
his aids live just outside the gates
7 ne prisoners require constant watch-
ing. as under the German system vnen
they return nome they must give p
detailed report Of their efforts 10 es-
cape.
On one occasion they tried to tunnel
their way out, but after hole clever
feet long had been dug the work was
discovered and the vigilance redoubled
TO avoid a repetition OF the affair
Considering that they had sixty yards
20 60, the attempt did not disturb the
British much.
huge field Of eighteen acres IS used
ss a recreation ground. Twice day
the men ere allowed 10 exercise under
the eyes Of strong guard. Exercise
is compulsory on two days week. Al
ether times the prisoners do rs they
please about it. They are allowed pay
~ the British government at The rate
Of 81 a day below the rank Of captain.
Captains and higher officers receive
SIP. On this they maintain them
selves, buying their provisions through
British officers, while he cooking is
done by m enormous German, who
looks the part and grows steadily fat
ter.
The mental work OF the establish
ment is done by ffty-two private Ger
man soldiers, who occupy huts on the
grounds. One soldier acts as orderly
to four officers. The British do not
interfere with what the men do inside
the building5. so long as the regula-
tons arc obeyed. The sleeping rooms
On the three upper floors are deco
rated in accordance with the taste Of
the occupants. Pictures Of General
Won Hindenburg. the German idol
adorn many Of the walls.
Just now the men are making great
preparations to celebrate Christmas.
Many small trees have been placed in
the rooms, while homemade cards Of
greeting arc being prepared for trans
mission to Germany. One OF these
is highly amusing. i shows a Christ
mas tree surrounded BY barbed wire
entanglements. The lower floors Of the
house are turned into reading, writing
and smoking rooms, while one spacious
hall serves as a lecture and school
room.
Indications that the Germans have
their eyes turned toward South Amer
lea after the war are seen in the energy
with which the officers are studying
Spanish. They 20 so far as to have
lectures in that tongue. A long row Of
figures on a blackboard yesterday gave
the copper output of various sections
of the world. II showed the United
States produced SO per cent of the to-
tai. Germany was the lowest, with 2.6
per cent.
What is more interesting, at one end
Of the room was q well-drawn map Of
the United States. marked to indicate
the location Of deposits Of coal, iron
ard copper. It bore other marks Of a
mysterious nature.
The inmates at Holyport look well
and conditions are healthful. Not one
prisoner is sick at present. The cap
tives are well GrOomed, too. Uniforms
were sent TO them from Germany as
well as money.
The latter. Of course, has not come to
their hands. but is held b. the British
10 apply 10 the purchase Of whatever
they want within reason. No spirits
are allowed in he camp, hut beer and
light wines may be bought. Sir John
has a happy faculty OF maintaining
strict discipline and at the same time
treating bis charges as men and OH
Gers. While he does not expect them
20 be exactly cordial-and they are not
ne certainly commands their respect.
They appreciate his efforts to brighten
in q measure their necessarily gloomy
lot.
Yesterday. during the recreation
hour. the prisoners INDUCED in game
Of football, in which they are becoming
quito proficient When the weather
permits tennis is very popular. All
look forward eagerly 20 the time when
they will be permitted to return home:
Meanwhile they are making the best OF
& bad situation.