New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-12-27
GERMANS OPEN
PRISON CAMP TO
ENGLISH BISHOP
Only Britisher to Visit Ruhleben
Finds 1t a Fine Com
munity

London, Dec. 25 - The Right Rev.
Herbert Bury, Bishop Of the Anglican
Church for Northern Europe, the first
and only Englishman who has been sd-
mitted TO Germany during the war, has
just returned 20 England and given out
a remarkable story. which has been
prominently displayed in the British
newspapers. Bishop Bury emphasized
the courtesy OF the German military
authorities, who were anxious that he
should see the improvements at the
Ruhleben camp for British prisoners,
at which the clergyman spent a whole
week. Bishop Bury's visit to Germany
also formed the subject of his sermon
before his crowded congregation.
"My visit was great surprise 20 the
men," said the Bishop. "as | am the
only Englshman who has been admit
ted to Germany duging the war. at
once explained 70 them that ] came
after an invitation from the German
authorities and with the full sanction
Of my own government as Bishop of
Northern Europe.
Investigated Entire Camp
81 remained at the camp. except for
visit to the War Office at Berlin, where
the administration connected with
nrisoners gave me an official reception,
and for one day when visited the Off p
ctrs' camp 1T Blankcnberghe. was
shown the whole life of the camp and
had nv meals with the men IN their
lofts and horse boxes and in spare mo-
ments received special messages Tor
friends in England.
81 inspected the camp at Ruhleben
from end 10 end and addressed the men
nightly. I held four services on sun
day. l witnessed an exhibition foot
bsll match, a play at the theatre. at
tended snecial concerts and. IN fact'
participated in all phases of camp HE
an all my varied experience ! have
never seen a better organized bit OF
community life. The prisoners admin,
istered their own affairs entirely, and
the German guard and the official cen
sor seemed TO be there just to fuiill
requirements.
No Crime Among Prisoners
among the $500 prisoners there IL
M crime. and the moral standard is
much higher than is usual in com p
nunity OF such dimensions. All kinds
of civilizing, humanizing and spiritual
influences are at work. As for food,
the men practically live upon their par
cells from home Everything that goes.
70 the life OF the camp in the way OF
materials has been sent out from Eng
land or provided at the expense OF the
British government
az NAV add that all letters from the
men may be relied upon as accurate, az
practically every one with whom J
came in contact said he found II so
difficult 20 persuade relations at home
that he was not keeping something
hack. The camp censor-a German OF
fcer--is All absolutely fair and =
straight man, in full sympathy with
tho prisoners. Although he could have
done so had he wished. he never once
attended a meeting AZ which | SPOKE
and | was allowed to bring away every
note | made and every paper gwen
20 me.
Sang "God Save the King
an fact, was never once interfered
With in the slightest degree from fuu
and uninterrupted connection with the
men from start TO finish. On the last
light of my stay obtained PERM sion
for the prisoners 10 sing God Save the
yirgi and this was repeated when
addressed the whole camp in the open
air | shall never forget the scene OF
indescribable enthusiasm
bishop Bury's conclusion was that
.,,der these conditions and the non
interference Of the German authorizes
life Al Ruhleben was not only tolerabie
Int character building as an expert
ence. -,--------------------