Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1915-10-17

prisoners within German lines. But II
Is true, nevertheless. according to the
writer's observations. and the reason
lies in the fact as set forth above. that
the amiable Frenchmen have adjusted
themselves to their foreign environ
ment and have learned the important
truth that cheerfulness begets content
ment.
An incident illustrative OF German
French friendship recently transpired
In a German camp. certain French
position had become much attached to
a German sergeant, who reciprocated
the feeling. They were together the
major portion of the sergeant's leisure
then signs. and finally specific designa.
ton of objects. they learned something
of each Others language. though their
makeshift conversation necessarily was
punctuated by lapses and explanatory
gestures.
They wrestled together. played ten
mis-, enjoyed the outdoor bowling game
in a corner of the Enclosure and in
many ways cultivated and nursed the
growing esteem for each other.
Then the unexpected happened. DUR
ing a heavy downpour of rain tho
Frenchman escaped from tie camp to
the adjacent hills. His absence was
discovered and the friendly sergeant
headed the squad of pursuers. The fu-
gitive's tracks were marked plainly In
the mud and he was taken prisoner he-
fore midnight.
While returning, the sergeant and the
prisoner engaged in heart to heart
talk, as a result of which the bond be-
tween them was welded closer and
stronger.
Once more within the prison inclos-
ure, the Frenchman was put on diet
of bread and water for one week and
compelled to remain in solitary con-
ment. From day to day the physician
visited him to prevent his becoming
seriously Ill from lack OF nourtshment.
At the end of the third day the doctor
reported to the adtutant In charge that
the prisoner was obtaining food other
than bread Accordingly, watch was
kept on his cabin.
About midnight a man was seen to
stink from the shadows and pause at
the window of the shack. He was ar
rested Immediately. His captors wero
startled to learn that their prisoner
was the sergeant and that the French
man was just upon the point of enjoy
ing a meal quite as good as he had
ever eaten in camp.
The sergeant was court-martialed
and his stripes taken from him. He
requested to be relieved and sent to
the front. though he still carried
bullet under one of his ribs. His re-
quest was granted.
Goodbye" he said. in broken French
to the prisoner for whom he had sacri.
feed his honor. Don't worry about
me. for I shall soon recover my stripes
against the enemy.
And in the last official reports from
the front the sergeants name was
among those recommended Tor promo
ton from the ranks.
There have recently appeared in ltal-
ian papers statements inclined to con-
vi,ace those unacquainted with the true
rrfc hat toll 10 ny40
Ere mistreated. In the writer's opinion.
lhis accusation must be discounted. 1t
is true that there exists a bitter enmity
between those races and at the outset
of hostilities the feeling was SO strong
that no prisoners were taken In the first
battles.
But with the return to reason the
armies now are conducting the war IN
accordance with accepted principles
and the respective prisoners are shown
the same consideration and given the
same treatment as Is accorded pris-
oners In other countries.
New barracks have been erected in
Austria for the reception Of italian
prisoners; they have shower baths and
facilities for washing clothes: games
have been furnished for their amuse-
ment. and, while there Is no warmth
existing IN the association OF captor
and captive. the American representa-
tives who have visited the camps have
found nothing warranting strong
protest on the part Of the foreign Of
fee at Rome.
Sometimes a difference OF viewpoint
causes a misconception Of conditions.
For example: A company of Italian
prisoners. tired. dusty and thirsty. were
being conveyed through a southern
town of Austria en- route to their camp
near Innsbruck. They were halted for
a few minutes rest. Presently an Aus
trian woman came from her home with
a great bucket of fresh, cold water.
The prisoners frightened Immediate
ly, but when the woman started to pass
a dipperful of the tempting drink to
the nearest man an Austrian officer
interfered and ordered her away.
Naturally enough, the Italians were
angry and exhausted their vocabulary
cursing the officer.
From their viewpoint. the officer was
cruel, but from his, he was right.
Fully cognizant of the intense feeling
against his prisoners. he feared that
the peasant woman's apparent charity
was a blind to poison the hated enc
mics Perhaps che had lost dear rela-
tive in the Tyrol and this was her
manner of gaining revenge. Who
knows?