The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1916-10-23
MOVIES" DELIGHT SOLDIERS
 WITH AMERICAN PUNITIVE
 EXPEDITION NOW IN MEXICO
Army Chaplains Establish
 Electric Lighting Plant,
 Picture Show and Athletic Fund.

accompany the American Punitive Expedition in Mexico, have not only mrached abreast of their toughest charges clear through to the Sierra Madres, but here they have distin- guished themselves in a new way They have established the first elec- tric plant within a 125-miIe radius of this spot in Chihuahua, for the light ing of a reading room and movie show
 However commonplace the electric light has become in the states, it is still rather an innovation in this part of Mexico, especially in an army camp in the Casas Grandes valley. But, thanks to the chap1ains who devoted much time to pestering the author ities for permission to bring the ne- cessary machinery in on motor trucks, the gas engine, generator and other equipment arrived about two months ago and now the meanest private can read the latest periodicals and write his letters under electric lights. Even the general hasn't that privilege.
 As for the Movie" shows, it's hard to understand their influence for good or the interest they have aroused and sustained. At home, "the movies" mean nothing more than a nickel, a short walk and an hour or so killed. But in Samp, the evening show is something to look forward to all day and talk about the next day. Mak1 ing dobe brick and other officially prescribed ways of passing the time soon pail. even cards and dice have their limitation, but the motion pic ture shows are always popular as ennui breakers.
 The busy little engine that illumi- mates the reading room, runs the pro- jecting machine for the picture shows
 lights the prizefight arena and make shift vaudeville stage, belongs to the equipment of Chaplain J. M. Moose, of the 7th Cavalry. He also manages the shows, censors most of the sol dier mail for several regiments and acts as agent for the money order de- partment of an express company. From his stipend for issuing these or ders came originally the funds for bringing down the films from Fl Paso. He, by the way, has made out money orders for $66,O0O in three months. But the money he thus expended from his chaplain fund will be paid back from the athletic fund that has grown to almost $5,000 from the proceeds of half a dozen boxing exhibitions. Chaplain J. A. Randolph, of the Sec- ond Engineers, performs the same of fees at Fl Valle.
 The reading room which is we'll lighted and supplied with benches and tables. is in charge of Chaplain o. J. N Scott, of the 10th Cavalry. The Young Mems Christian Associa- ton has furnished 61,OOO envelopes and 160 900 letter heads, which are given out gratis. With the Red Cross and the Young Mems Hebrew Asso- ciation, it also sends reading matter. The tent will accommodate several score and generally is we'll filled.
 More than five months ago the chaplains filed their application for a cinema outfit, but it was not until the last day of August that the first show was given. During September there were 26 and all were well att tended. Estimates of the nightly crowds run as high as 5000 and not even regimental minstrels cut down the number of patrons. The section reserved for officers, which holds about 150. is always packed.
 The crowd comes early and stays until the last flicker. Right after re- tyeat, bearing gasoline cans, soap boxeS. even cumbersome arm chairs they secure the coveted positions sur rounding the projecting machine. pre- pared for an hour ana a half wait. The show doesn't start until 7:30 and it lasts an hour and a half. Here is where the chaplain shows his guile. He intends that the performance will both amuse his charges and keep them out of mischief. So he holds them until g o'clock. Then there is not enough time before taps to do much of anything but return ito their tents.
 The silent drama may be a good name for the movies in the states, but not at Camp Dublan. The film characters don't have to speak for themselves, the spectators do it for them and their comments. it must be confessed, are such that Chaplain Moose generally stays in his office back of the reading room during the performances. Itis soldier wit, most ly, although a great deal is burlesque show "reminiscences. The cream of the comment, however, comes from the members of the ,24th Infantry and the 10th Cavalry, who follow the plays with intense and vociferous in terest, It is spontaneous and does not shame the well known African sense of humor.
 The film that brings the cheers is the one with a fight or more in every reel, where the hero drops from an aeroplane to the top of a runaway freight train, to the disgust of the aero squadron contingent, or wallops both the hirelings of the interruptions lawyer and the lawyer himself and winds up by marrying his~rich em- ployer's daughter. The yell that goes up when overalls and Paqfin gown rush into a close embrace just before good night" flashes on the canvas must arouse misgivings in the hearts of the natives at Casas Grandes.
 And just to start the show right, this sign is shewn:<
 Ladies will kindly remove their has, Campaign hats are just as large. Thinkit over." Democrats of Eighth