The Daily Missoulian. [volume] (Missoula, Mont.) 1904-1961, 1917-01-08
RETURNED BISHOP Talks
British Minister, Home From
Germany, Tells Of Visit
to Prisoners.

London. - Correspondence Of the
Associated Prcss.)-The Rt. Rev. Her
bert Bury, bishop Of the Anglican
church for northern Europe, the first
and only Englishman that has been
admitted to Germany during the war,
has Just returned to England and
given out a remarkable story which
has been given prominence in the
British newspapers. Bishop Bury en-
phasized the courtesy Of the German
military authorities. who were anxious
that he should see the improvements
at the Ruhleben camp for British pris-
oncrs at which the clergyman spent a
whole week. Bishop Bury's visit to
Germany also formed the subject Of
his sermon before his crowded con-
gregation.
My viist was a great surprise to
the men," said the bishop, as I am
the only Englishman that has been
admitted to Germany during the war.
I at once explained to them that I
came after an invitation from the Ger
| man authorities and with the full
| sanction Of my own government as
bishop of northern Europe.
Il remained at the camp except for
a visit to the war office at Berlin,
| where the administration connected
| with prisoners gave me an official re-
ception. and for one day when visited
the officers camp at Blankenberghe.
was shown the whole life Of the
camp. and had my meals with the
men in their lofts and horse boxes,
and in spare moments received special
messages for friends in England.
Il inspected the camp at Ruhleben
from end to end, and addressed the
men nightly. I held four services on
Sunday. I witnessed an exhibition
football match, a play at the theater
attended special concerts and in fact
participated in all phases Of camp life
I'm all my varied experience have
never seen a better organized bit OF
community life. The prisoners ad-
ministered their own affairs entirely
and the German guard and the official
censor seemed to be there just to full
III requirements.
Among the $500 prisoners there is
no crime and the moral standard is
much higher than is usual in com.
munity of such dimensions. All kinds
Of civilizing, humanizing and spiritua
influences are at work. AS for food
the men practically live upon thei
parcels from home. Everything tina
goes to the life of the camp in the wa,
of materials has been sent out from
England or provided at the expense o
the British government.
II may add that all letters from tn
men may be relied upon as accurate
as practically everyone with whom
came in contact said they found it s.
difficult to pursuade relations at HON
that they were not keeping somethin,
back. The camp censor-a Germa,
officer-is an absolutely fair an
straight man. in full Sympathy with tn
prisoners. Although he could hay
done SO had he wished, he never one
attended a meeting at which l spoke
and I was allowed to bring ava
1
given to me.
I'm fact, l was never once inter
ferred with in the slightest degre
, from full and uninterrupted connectio
| with the men from start to finish. o
the last night of my stay I obtaine
permission for the prisoners to sin
God Save the King and this was re
peated when I addressed the Who'll
camp in the open air. I shall nevt
, forget the scene Of indescribable or
, | thusiasm.'
Bishop Bury's conclusion was thu
under these conditions and the nor
interference of the German authorize
life at Ruhlcbcn was not only tolerab
but character building as an cxper