Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1916-05-28
FEMININE PREPAREDNESS FOR WAR
BY FREDERIC J. HAskIN.

TAXING care of the wounded Red crov,
uutles and the preparation of food and
ciothinS for the Red Cross hosoitaI.
these lectures arc open to the day
,t s"ts attending the camp. Of whom
tEere are about 500, az we'll az IN.
puplic In general. Even should tho
Ch'teu states manage to escape war
'hiS information is OF inestimah,e
.aiue 10 society women who constf-
'u'e the major support OF the Ameri
ian hed cross which has sent 30 much
, assistance, both in supplies and money.
10 the sufferers OF Europe
Al O'Clock. however. the camp loses
i's SPURIOUS appearance and there en-
sues recreation period during which
receives visitors, and the ice-cream
parlor across the way. erected temno-
rarily for the purpose. does a fIo,r
ishins business In ice cream cones ana
lemonade. Male visitors arc paraded
proudly about by military damscls
VINO take equal pleasure in exhibiting
the camp to their companions and
their companions TO the camp. Two
stalwart policemen guard the entrance
and question all MISUNDERSTANDING
visitors. their blue uniforms present
ing Slarng contrast amid the pr..
Shiiing khaki The officer Of the day
meets all persons passed by the police
men and inquiries into their business
IN much the same manner as one re-
cciFihS AT tea The camp is for the
time being without discipline. The
fascination OF wigwaggins is almost
ai"aSs evident. Girls may be seen
hourishinE their arms in all directions
In ambitious imitation OF the young
naval officer, while others post in mill
iary attitudes at the doors OF their
tents and still others simply stand
ana chatter in groups. The military
salute Is very much In vogue Every
time girl passes any OF the officers,
whether captain. first lieutenant sec
ond Lieutenant, or corporal. she salutes
and as this happens at least twice
every second II is really remarkable
that the tendons of the right arm do
not become paraiyzed. But II is ali
very gratifying TO the adoring mammals
and aunties who expect to see some
thing of the kind.
Khaki Now the FHshion.
Many of the visitors bring automo-
biles with them and take the rockies
for ride. AL this time Of the even
ing Connecticut Avenue Ia thronEed
with motor cars carrying numerous
khaki-clad burdens on everything
from the mudguard to the baggage
compartment in the rear. Many stop
at the Chevy Chase Club and play
golf or tennis. Society has now adopt
ed khaki as the newest golf material,
and many women who havo not at
tended the training camp are wearing
khaki on the golf course.
everybody is always back In time
for supper. when the same pronounced
aDpetites are evinced. in spite Of
numerous cones and lemonades con-
sumed during the day. BY 10 o'clock
the camp has assumed it's most mill
tary appearance. Rows Of dark tents
are barely visible in the reflection of
the avenues electric lights All the
recruits are sleeping of a healthy
mental and physical fatigue. with the
exception of the colonel. who. OF course.
Is bending furrowed brow over the
maps OF warm this case letters from
hundreds OF applicants. Nothing is
heard but the click of the typewriter
turning out replies
Thus have the women of America
taken up preparedness. Tho visitor TO
the Chevy Chase camp usually goes
away somewhat impressed. He NAV
smile at the homogeneous juxtaposition
or certain distinctly feminine attri-
butes with the paraphernalia of battle
and sudden death. but beneath the
smile there Will be respect. For the
spirit of the camp is the growing
spirit Of America