New Britain herald., 1917-10-15
COMMUNICATED
ON TO CAMP DEVENS.

l New Britain Boy There in Service
 Sings "Everytlling Is Lovely and
 the Goose Honks High"-Take a Little Trip.
 Field Hospital, No. ?, Camp Devens, l October 13, 1917.
 Editor New Britain Herald, New Britain Conn.
 l Dear Sir: As several letters and articles published in your columns re- l garding conditions in Camp Devens
 have been brought to my attention, | and that they are of a nature liable l. to convey a false impression of our camp life, I cannot refrain from con- | tributing few lines in order to cor rect any erroneous ideas created hy l any previous publications. First, let your readers know that with very few exceptions all New Britain boys in Camp are in the best of health and are being wonderfully benefited both physically and morally by the outdoor life and army training
 Army life is conducive only to the best of health and if one does not ina prove in general health while here, 1t will be through some fault of their own and not from any failure on the part of the government to properly care and provide for us. Our bar racks are kept comforta bly, warm It all times, although in some companies the heating apparatus is not com- pletely installed, and as cleanliness is next to discipline in the army, 1t is essential that all matters of personal hygiene and sanitary conditions in or about the barracks are properly at- tended te. The iron cots furnished are very comfortable and the bedding and blankets fully adequate for win ter weather
 In one letter the correspondent glibly states that the menu here is as good as that furnished in Bonds ho- tel. l hasten to assure you that, while we find the food sustaining and nourishing to the fullest degree 1t was several days before we could eat it with a relish, especially those among Us whose gastronic whims and fancies have in the past been catered to and coaxed by fond mother. Tn. most needed and desired article of diet is fruit. of which apples are the best to send, as they arrive in good condition via parcel post, which can- not be said of the softer varieties of fruit. Cook cake and milk of the best from a Boston dairy, can be pro- cured al the several canteens about the camp, at very moderate prices.
 Here in camp, you will find the spirit of democracy demonstrated in perhaps the most vivid and striking manner, that any previous incident in American history has ever brought forth. Men of all nationalties, creeds and social position, varying from the highest to the lowest, regard all those about as brother Americans, all work ing together to attain a mutual ideal, and an atmosphere of sincere brother hood and friendliness pervades the entire camp
 It is a source of great satisfaction to those who are assigned to the field hospital and ambulance companies, which are composed largely of New Britain boys, that our dutes should we arrive lover there," lie not in staying, but in that higher form of service, although not without hazard, that of saving lives In short time, as soon as our full equipment arrives, we will commence a course of train ing thoroughly covering all branches of field hospital work. and the knowl- edge acquired will be something worth while taking back to civilian life when the time comes.
 Want also to mention the very fine work being carried on in Camp by the Y. M. c. A. There are several of their buildings on the reservation and they constitute a general rendezvous evenings for all of us, regardless of sect or religion. Here one can find plenty of entertainment, also educa- tional classes in session almost every evening, helping thereby to while away many otherwise weary hours. Literature, English French and his- tory are the most important of the classes. Music, singing and anna teur theatricals, which is termed Stunt Night" also furnish diversion for the boys. A library which, in ad- dition to classics contains all the best sellers, is also maintained, and we are permitted to take any of these books, by merely receipting for them, to our barracks. All persons who can m any way assist in the noble work of