The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1916-08-07
SOLDIERS ARE GRATEFUL
For Y. M. c. A. Camp at Eagle Pass,
Writes Chaplain Thomas.

To the Editor of the Barre Times:
In behalf of the officers and men of the
first Vermont infantry, | wish to express
sincere gratitude to the thoughtful and
generous friends who have made our Y.
NJ. c. A. building possible and enabled
Mr.. Harry H. Brown and Mr.. Henry H,
Chapman to come to us as secretaries,
and also to those who are sending us
magazines and games for the use of the
men. Our building opened last Friday,
July 20. The only trouble is that it is
not large enough, although it will hold
as many people al a fair sized church.
Whenever the men are off duty, the seats
and writing benches are well occupied
and every evening we are crowded. Sat
urday evening some could not gain ad-
mission. What we would do il one third
the regiment were not on outpost duty, |
do not know.
The cost of the building and initial
equipment, about $500, has been betrayed
by the international committee of the
Y. NJ. c. A., which has an army branch
at San Antonio. They tell me they hope
to install moving pictures. If they find
they can do this, | shall urge that they
enlarge the building at least one third,
and from their attitude of generous CO.
operation believe they will do it.
| understand this committee also pro-
vide Mr.. Chapman's expenses, and that
the funds contributed in Vermont are
giving us Mr. Brown and also paying
part of the running expenses. Mr.. Brown
is an experienced man, a tireless worker,
tactful, always cheerful, approachable,
well liked by all, and it is very fortunate
for the regiment that he could come and
was willing to do so.
The purpose of this work has some
what changed since | made my first APP
peal. Then the men were forbidden to
leave camp evenings, because of possible
clashes with Mexicans the chief thought
was to give them any sort of a place to
go. Now that relations are less strained, |
the military authorities believe they are |
not justified in keeping 10000 men vir- |
tually prisoners in camp. The evenings |
are cool and walk downtown is the
natural thing. Picture theatres are |
crowded to capacity. The courthouse has
been fitted up as reading room and |
that is well patronized. Some good WON
en- of Eagle Pass have this In charge.
Unfortunately the town is well supplied
with saloons. A large brothel especially
for soldiers was projected, to be located
near our camp, but by action of our chap
Iains' association, who sent lawyer TO
San Antonio to obtain an injunction. this
has been effectively prevented and the
lumber drawn for the 40-room structure
las been sold. But, as in any border or
frontier community, vice is not difficult
70 those who seek il. and the poor sol
Tier is always a marked man for tempta-
ion Of this sort. Our medical staff is
Icing its utmost, and they stand unsni-
nously and strongly for the right stand
lrds. II is needless 20 say that Colonel
Reeves and the field officers leave no
tone unturned 70 protect the men. and
heir influence is invaluable. l rack my
'rsins for the strongest appeal / can
make to them whenever I have the op-
.ortunity. Il il gratifying % be told
hat we have the clesnest regiment at
his point, but we need the sympathy
nd prayers Of tie good people at home.