The Idaho Springs siftings-news., 1915-08-21

from their commanding officers. they Immediate
ly become silent in the presence OF newspaper
men. They have been well drilled in this re-
spect.
Two kinds OF currency used by the Ger
sailors On shipboard German coins
used exclusively. Men granted shore leave
American money. On each ship there is
officer whose duty r is to exchange American
for German and German for American CON-
desired The sailors have been instructed not
to attempt to spend the German coin shore.
Visitors to the ships. desiring to purchase any
thing must pay for 1t in German coin. The
American money is promptly exchanged for the
German by the exchange officer. Thousands Of
people in the Norfolk region now have German
coin luck pieces for the pocket. Many persons
visit the ships for the purpose OF securing
German coin for this use. s--Aes---s.>4~,..--"~A
Each Of the interned ships is equipped with =
commissary department. Practically everything
wanted by sailor is for sale The Germans are
urged to buy on the ships, they secure what
is wanted at only fraction above Out
siders with German money can purchase any
thing desired. except uniforms and equipment.
Portions OF the ships have been set aside for
beer drinking and smoking. The quarters
consnodious. Here German sailors and their
friends be found smoking, slipping their beer.
eating light lunches. and gossiping volubly In
German and broken English.
At FIRST these ship beer gardens were open to
all. But local clergyman and chaplain OF
the navy. with several friends. Sunday went
aboard one of the ships enjoyed the hospitality
Of the Germans and drank beer. Then the
clergyman fred bombshell at his congregation.
It was the story of how the law was being VIC
lated each Sunday the German cruisers by
the sale of intoxicants. It was the sensation 81
day, but local police officials found themselves
helpless. nasmuch the alleged violations were
committed federal reservation and
foreign warship. The navy department ruled
that it had no Jurisdiction. further than request
to the German commanders not to permit the
indiscrmnate sale OF intoxicants on Sunday.
Such request made, and result the
sale of beer and other drinks to Americans was
discontinued.
ship cannot get something to drink and pay for
1t himself The way to obtain a stein or beer
when one of the 0esman cruisers is to treat
German sailor by getting him to treat you.
They are always ready to accommodate you, al
though treating is not a German politeness, as
ii Is in America. All has to do Is to furnish
American money. The sailor will exchange 1t
for German coin He also orders the drinks.
Sailors act walters. But there is no effort
to entice you to buy. The cost of a stein OF beer
is about two and one-half cents The light
lunches served are also reasonable in price One
gives his order and It is filled with remarkable
quickness.
On shipboard. while the rules have been re-
Taxed sufficiently to relieve monotony there is
lack of discipline The divided into
watches, and during their service hours are en-
ployed at the occupations necessary to make life
comfortable aboard ship.
Card playing is allowed reading rooms are
provided. and on deck games. such as QUOT throw
ing. take place Like American sailors the Ger
mans have their ship mascots-monkeys. parrots
dogs, cats
Except when on duty the officers of the cruis.
ers are rarely They have their quarters
separate from the men. keep to them. and sell
dom take part in the pastme. Yet there is a
marked want of aloofnes from the men, when
they thrown together. Those informed de-
clare that the officers close students and
spend much time reading. Nearly all speak Eng.
lish fuently and read 1t readily. In converse
ton they are reticent and noncommittal
Rumors have been repeatedly circulated in
Norfolk that the German officers have been SPY
ing and gathering Information for the German
military machine. 1t is even whispered that they
have detailed information as to navy yards. FORTS
warships and harbors. Navy officers of the yard
who have kept these men constantly under watch
laugh at such charges
Besides their activities shiptoard some Of
the Germans give time to farming The COM