Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1917-12-16

One was the sight of little group of new recruits, fresh from the train and still dressed in their variOusly assOrt- ed civilian costumes. There were all types of men and they were huddled together outside of a jail-like barracks like many homeless sheep with their pitifully small amount of luggage scat tered hopelessly around. I feel very thankful for my lot when I see some thing like that.
 Tommies Whistle "Dixie.''
 And then as neared the town here came band of English Tommies with great gusto. It certainly made me feel funny to hear that old tune in this out-of-way place.
 "On the first night of my arrival I was invited up to dinner at the R. A. M c. mess by an American ac- quaintance. This mess is for the members of the Medical Corps of the Royal army, and is one Of the oldest and most artistocratic in England. It is in reality an exclusive club. They are domiciled in an old manor house of wonderful architectural beauty. There are light bedrooms which, like most English rooms, are as large and cold as Cathedrals. The one fireplace in each roof is so infinitesimally small that you are forcibly reminded of a Latern lightning bug on observing the glowing grate in the darkness.
 Spacious Club Quarters.
 "The lounging or clubroom and the hon hon 1,l,o h Ia examples of comfort and beauty. Of immense proportions, they are filled with all manner of trophies and curi- osities from former British campaigns. The lOunging room contains a large fireplace around which the doctors gather in luxurious arm chairs and the atmosphere soon becomes redolent of "reminiscences and tobacco smoke. They are a good sort these English men. At first trifle difficult to get acquainted with, but they thaw out considerably after the first conversa- ticn and soon show themselves to be friendly, likable chaps, with quite an unsuspected vein of humor
 T enjoyed meeting the club mem bers immensely and was received most cordially by everyone. At 8 o'clock We all adjourned to the din- ing room for dinner.
 Must Remove Belts.
 "Every medical officer was required to remove his official Sam Browne belt before sitting down at the table The ranking officer. a major, was seated first and the others placed themselves in sequence along each side. taking care that no vacant chair be left by the major
 "A course dinner was served with Port wine and Madeira. I was in- structed to observe two very import ant customs. The first was to be sure to empty my wine glass completely and the second to keep cigarettes un- der cover until signal bell rang at the conclusion of the last report.
 After dinner I was presented to the major, who very kindly invited me to take my meals with them, re- gretting at the same time that he was unable to offer me a rOOm.~
 Last night at the small local the ater, was introduced to two English captains from q training camp few miles north of here. They were kind enough to invite me up there for Sun day with the added inducement of a trip through the camp and an oppor' tunity to get some first-hand infor- mation.
 This afternoon I met an English surgeon. back from the front on sick leave, and he proved to have such a wonderful fund of pointers and prom ised to be so useful to me for advise as to my future course that I invited him for tea here.
 Strange New Customs.
 Papa especially will be surprised at the customs of the English medical men. Here is our routine: We do not report at the hospital until 10 a. m. If doctor arrives any earlier than that he is not allowed in the wards.
 ''So promptly at 10 o'clock l present myself at the door of my hut which is an outdoor ward of 20 beds assign ed to my care.
 Here 1 am joined by the head nurse or Sister, and together we start on our official round while all the convalescents stand by their beds rig idly at attention.
 "l visit each man, examine and pre- scribe for him, and write out his daily diet-a perfect nuisance. At the con. clusion of the round l give the orde: carry on'-and the men all relax and go about their business or pastimes.
 When new case comes in Twrite up his history and physical examina- ton then wrestle with the diet sheet. which is designed ill deference to the food shortage in England. The amounts of every article of food must