The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1916-08-07
FRENCH POLICE
BUILD GREAT
WAR REFUGE
Herbert Flint Tells of Work OF
Paul Peltier.
Policeman Turned Seminary
Into Haven for Helpless.
Then FORTY OTHERS HELPED
Now "SecOurs de Guerre" Is
Proud French BywOrd.
II Is Largely Supported by
American Contributions.
Policeman Turned Seminary
Into Haven for Helpless.
Then FORTY OTHERS HELPED
Now "SecOurs de Guerre" Il
Proud French BywOrd.
BY HERBERT FLINT.
Estate journal Correspondent


Paris policeman and his fellows is re-
specially submitted to the policeman
of TOPEKA.
Paul Peltier is his name He still
wears a glittering decoration given
him seven years ago for hating, at
the risk of his life, a runaway team
that was dragging the king of Ru-
mania to almost certain death. Since
August 1914, Peltier has again been
doing the unusual thing-this time
saving lives by the score and allevi-
ating the sufferings of thousands OF
war refugees from Belgium and north
ern France But for this work he
wears no medal. His reward so far
is to be estimated only in terms of
the benedictions of those whom he
has helped and the satisfaction OF
knowing that he has done well his
part for France.
His story really starts in August,
1914 when the German invasion be-
gan. From Cherbourg, one day, came
a detachment of FusilierS Marins, who
were later decimated at Dixmude
after valiantly holding the Germans in
check. They were without a place to
lodge here until PeItier found for
them the all but deserted seminary of
st. Sulpice, which is not more than
two blocks from where reside, where
the Marins were housed during their
brief stay in Paris.
PeltIer to Rescue Again.
few more days and refugees by
the. thousand were arriving in Paris
from the devastated and invaded dis
tricts. Again Peltier came forward.
First a moving picture theater was
used, and then the old seminary was
pressed into service to shelter the
helpless non-combatants. But there
and medical aid for the hungry, rag
ged refugees, many of whom were also
i'll from privation and exhaustion.
In the two police districts adjoining
the seminary were some forty police
mem From their none too princeIy
salaries these men made a pot of
500 francs and under Peltier's di-
rection made the old seminary into
what they soon called the "Secours de
Guerre-" They solicited food from the
neighboring merchants, who gave
literally. The policemen found the
old seminary all but unfit for habita-
ton, SO they took up their former oc-
equations of carpenters, masons,
plum bers, etc, and with their own
hands repaired the old place-paint-
ed, fumigated, remodeled, put in new
bedding, food, medical supplies, and
began taking in refugees by the hun
dreds. The people of the city natu-
rally followed suit. Indeed, one man
whom Peltier had repeatedly arrested,
came to be one of the most ardent
workers and generous donors. Almost
over night. then, the Secours de
Guerre, now a byword in all Paris for
unselfish work and French initiative,
came into existence.
He Is Modest, Too.
L went through the building yester-
day in company with the modest Pei
tier and saw that his work was good.
The old seminary is really a large
building, square with a large inner
court. It now has 500 rooms fit for
upancy-somewhat rudely fur
nished, but clean and comfort
able and, doubtless, veritable man.
sions to the all but naked refugees
who arrived here. The building regu-
larb shelters from 1900 to 1000 peo-
pie, mostly old men, women and chill
dren, who remain until they can OBJ
tain positions and are independent.
The older people who are able do what
work they can about the place-and
there is plenty for all-the children go
to school. If those able to work re-
fuse to. they are invited to leave after
four days time. In addition, the ref
uge is open to stray soldiers without
homes, 10 go to who are, in Paris on
leave. Here these men, whether they
be Tureos. Serbs. Belgians or French,
may bunk for nothing, get their meals,
secure new clothing, and enjoy all the
privileges of the Secours which now
include library. baths, and a motion
picture theatre In short here in a
building covering the larger part OF
a city block is a complete village of
refugees who might have persisted but
for the timely work of two score po-
licemen.
French Efficiency Greatest.
People talk about German efficiency
and organization bur the Gerfna n 5
have nothing on the French, even in
this hastily developed institution
Everything is done as it should be
particularly with the children For
these there are volunteer teachers
some of them from Paris, others them
selves refugees, who conduct regular
classes in several large school rooms
located in the upper stories. The day
I visited the building most of the chill
dren were in the country at summer
camps. For the babies there is COM
pletely furnished ''Pouponiere" or
nursery with trained nurses, the best
in sanitary and medical assistance, and
always a doctor below in case of need
Each child has an individual era die
the blue covered ones holding bows
the pink ones girls.
A medical department keeps strict
watch on the sanitary conditions OF
the building the health of the inmates
The policemen have installed complete
plumbing facilities and fire protection
Every person who enters is examined
for a clean bill of health. If ill., he
is sent at once to a completely frr,
nished hospital section. and if he has a
CONTAGIOUS disease. he is isolated il
especially prepared rooms All cloth.
ing taken in by way of contributions
and that of entering refugees, is i'm.
1nediately fumIgated before being pui
to further use. The final touch to the
- fn inn L.