New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-11-08
The Y. M. c. 4. in France
Motor Trip Through the american Lines to The NUS
Bv Helen Hayes Gleason

Of tablet paper, each bearing letter OF l. W
c. A. tackled TO a rough board, marked the
entry. One letter was loose and nutterihg III
the wind as If anxious 90 attract the loneiy
BOYS. A tall and NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. man
gave us welcome in this wndowless hfteenth
century room. The rafters and stsirways
looked ancent-hewn, and the corners were
dusty and musty. A few boxes served as can
teen. with cigarettes and chocolates; army
blankets strung curtain, and four or five
tables accommodated cluster OF boys writing
and playing checkers. ...
Under an archway in the side OF street
was puddle of dirty water with dripping
hydrant. at is forbidden to drink this water"
A bow soldier, with sleeves rolled up and col
lar open. stood making his toilet. He cleaned
his teeth with the forbidden water and parted
his hair by the reflection in the puddle. He
smiled az me as he emerged, carrying COMP
and towel and toothbrush.
"How do you like Broadway" called one
from his stable billet
"You have to be millionaire to draw your
breath around here" said lanky soldier, re-
garding a new broom and talking to himself.
Hospitality From the Sufferers
One of my companions appealed to sad
faced village woman to be gentle in her Judg-
ment Of the boys when they make mistakes,
because they are far from home and normal
influences. Madame's eyes filed with tears.
She expressed a warm feeling for America
and a welcome for our soldiers AS we we're
leaving she and tiny girl came with deep
basket full Of pears. They poured them over
our laps and into the bottom of the car
Before we were fully aware of her friendly
impulse. the good lady had fed. 1t was so in
the early days Of the war in Belgium-people
brought u. flowers and fruit and fresh milk.
Hospitality seems to be a common virtue OF
people who suffer
The next stop was in -. brisk, able
secretary met us. He introduced us TO the
camp. the largest we had seen. There was a
pleasant hut for writing and another hut with
a canteen and gramaphone. There we're cleo
trio lights and good books. One Of the woman
workers has charge Of the library. She has
created her own system of lending and re-
ceiving books: the boy writes his name and
address; the book must be returned in two
days. when he can renew it for an indefinite
period. II is better plan than ours in other
canteens. where we have BOY pay a franc
for each book and we return the franc for the
book. The other way puts boy on his honor
and gives a second opportunity to get into
personal touch with him. A large permanent
hut is under way. 1t has quiet room, a
concert hall, room for games and cam
teen. There will be floor and stoves and
electricity The night before our arrival =
complete opera in costume, with orchestra and
a personnel of forty-eight had been given in
tent to an enthusiastic audience Of 1000
Yanks. Another night it is lecture. an old
fashioned song concert, an evening Of Bible
classes, a movie" stunt night.
Such is life with the American army; it is
work with much monotony, hard for lusty
Americans TO endure; but it is also a life o.
tumor and generosity unfailing.