Elko independent. [volume] (Elko, Nev.) 1915-current, 1917-09-24
BY C. s. BerteIIi

first hying visit 10 the American tTaln-
ing camp in France, and left behind
him trail of burning ears. electrified
men and spirit OF grim, military
doggedness that brought the newest
recruit to realization that war. even
in the training. may be all General |
Sherman said il was. and then same. |
The soldiers knew nothing about IL. !
but the American commander was 4
expected to arrive on a Monday. lie /
didn't The camp went on with its |
routine life. Bright and early Tues !
day morning the General drove into |
the first camp en- route from Paris. |
and things began to hum.
Cavalry were drilling in a huge
field OF to the left. while on the right
a group of infantry was practicing
with the bayonet, bombing squad
was throwing grenades and engineers
were snoring up practice trench.
Cavalry Sight Pershing
The cavalry commander was the
first TO spot the Generals erect form.
"'Tention!" he sang out,
The whole squad drew up short.
There was a clatter of spurs and steel
as the company wheeled into forma-
ton before the commanderin chief.
"Salute!" bawled the captain.
A hundred sabres flashed in the sun.
Good work." nodded the General
briefly, and he strobe over to the in
fantry.
Some of the men were so busily en-.
gagged in trying to perforate stuffed
sawdust bags representing supporsiti-
tlous Germans they failed to note the
approach of the General.
At the second cry of "'tention"
they stopped and stiffened up, guns
Gathering to their sides, eyes rigidly
fixed front-all except one man, who
followed the Generals movements as
he made a rapid inspection of their
arms.
The General stopped before him.
1.-THE first principle OF a soldier is 10
learn to stand at attention" said he
crisply. Sergeant, have this man
stand at attention for five mlnutes!"
Fall OUT" ordered the sergeant.
The Sammy" stepped back out of
the ranks.
"'Teniton," snapped the sergeant.
The soldier fixed his eyes grinlIy
in front of him and never moved
thin.
Fall back" exploded the sergeant
at the end OF the Ave minues. and the
incident was closed.
Texan With Pick
General Pershing talked earnestly
for about ten minutes with the rcgi.
mental commander. commencing the
men for some of their work, pointing
out their faults. Then he passed or
TO lie bombers and sappers. A husky
Texan. with his back turned TOWARD
the commander.in.chief, was still
swinging his pick.
He stopped with IL poised in mid
air at the again repeated. "'Tention! .
and stood like a statue of labor per
sUnihed
The General regarded him fxedIy
for ninute, and then a smile sprea,
over his face.
"Give them the at ease order" h,
commanded.
The sapper dropped his pick at hi
side with sigh Of relief, but at III,
order, Resume work" started il
viciously attacking the spongy earth
The bombers went through thu
third degree with flying colors. Gen
eral Pershiug making only one com
ment. when he suggested that one o
their number put little more fore
behind his throw and not try spit
ball work with hand grenade.
Then the train OF motor cars mad
of the practice fields in the direction
Of the nearest village where troop
were billetted, some OF them off dut!
and loungiDg around.
The chief commanders car pullot
up before combination stable, hay
loft and dwelling place that tn,
French peasants had shared indis
criminately with their feathered and
barnyard animals.
Pershing took one glance at thu
inscription on the outside OF tt
Sergeant k, Sergeant G., 81
men"
TOO many for billet OF this size.
Who's the captain here7'
Finds overorowdIpe
His name was given.
Tell him 10 change these men TO
another billet where they wont be so
crowded" was the order
Then the cbieftaiu stepped inside.