Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-11-08
AFTER DRILL IN THE TRAINING GAMES
H.-"SNuLEAGE."
DY FREDERIC j. HAsI<iN,

WASHINGTON, November 5.-Smile-
age Is the name which Marc Klaw has
chosen for the books of admission cou-
pons to the sixteen Liberty Thenters"
that he Is building In the cantonments
OF the National Army. Each coupon
VIII represent cents worth OF amuse-
mont at these theaters. and the
siniicage books will be OH sale not only
~ the sixteen cantonmcnts, but ut
stores throughout the country. so that
solder friends with The opportunity 20
smile.
This provision Of theatrical umuse-
ment foI the soldiers Is another eIe-
mcnt In the well-laid plans Of the Com
mission on Training Camp Activities
"hich has the great respon sibility OF
providing for the soldiers welfare
AFTER his day Of drill and study is over.
The work OF this commission IS NOT
merely TO umuse the soldiers and pro.
vide them with exercise. The big mill
taFH purpose for which II was Great ed
" TO protect tho fighting men from
the disease and decentralization which
necessarily threaten every army--for
'hat matter every great body or men
cut Off suddenly from the ties and as
sociatiohs OF their usual lives.
Takes Positive Stcps,
The commission has taken very posi-
itE in this country. The legal and
medical aspects of the problem. its
gearing ON civilian life. VIII he taken
up IN future articles. But the attn
ictic teams and thcaters. the picture
SHOWS and concerts arc the construc-
iion complement or this legal and mod
icai work. Not only is the American
Soiuier TO be safeguardcd aGaInS, dis
ease. but he is TO be given healthv and
worth while diversions to take tho
place OF those that might lead him into
exposure BY means OF the system of
athietics described in the last article.
ms afternoons will be nlled with
hcathful play. and by means of Mar.
kiaw and his Liberty Thcaters" and
sm.leagc books. the soldier ia roirr -,
nave hrst-class show before him
every week ''
In addition to tho liberty tho,,or.
therc is In every one OF tho rcat capns
an auditorium provided by the yo,,ns
Mehs Christian Association. where
moving picture shows or the highest
sihss VIII be given every other even
,ns, HNerha'e evenings are purposcly
ieil open in order that the men may
organize amuscmcnts for themselves
Soidier glcc clubs and soldier hr.
matte troupes arc expected TO take
over the auditorium.; on many of thcse
evenings. George " Conan Irving
''u a. famous minstrel show
man. WI sc name has not vet been
difulged, have promised their aid I'm
promoting these amateur thcatricaIs
ihey VIII not only write scenarios and
songs for the soldiers but will wish
tne cantonmcnts and give Of their ser.
vices '.s managers and producers.
Event OF Every Week.
The event Of every week at ev,rv
Gahtonmcnt. however. will he the pro
auction ut the Liberty Theatcr. 1t is
assured mat the recruits Of the Ma
tionai Army will have a chance Ia sca
the best actors ans actresses and the
"es' productions in America Tho
names OF the stage folk who will an
pear at the environments have NOT 70,
oeeh announced: but II is known that
among them will be Maudc Adams ,,bo
VIII devote her Sunday evenings 10
niaFing Twelfth Night" before the sol.
dierS: and Harry Lauder, who will sinr
for them. " SUB
MI In all. the soldiers :vill sce cvc-r.
th'ns from grand opera to vnudcyil,o
ana moving pictures. Each show will
run one week in each cantonment so
'hNt every man Will have (, chance ia
attend the admission prices Will
oreak All records. Ir the face or a
rising price of amusement. the beat
seats Will cost only "a Quarter mr. 90