The Bourbon news. [volume] (Paris, Ky.) 1895-19??, 1917-12-21
Observation-Disclosures
(From Everystudent.)

(FrOm EveryStudent.)
The following letter from a former
P. II. S. student, who is now Some
Where-in-France" is published by
courtesy of his mother to whom the
letter was written.
November, S, 1917.
My dear Mother -
My mail is increasing to such
proportions that l fear a secretary
is necessary. Books. papers, maya
zines, tobacco, candies--and GER
tainly do appreciate. all of them
One box war intact, the other looked
as if it had met with U-boat en-
route.
We are closer to the war than 1
have ever been before. Close enough
to feel it's pulse, to hear eyewitness
reports, and to see some of it's terri
BILE destructive force.
My first visit ashore in this coun-
try is one I will never forget.
Cities that were once typical of the
country they represent, are now
strangely changed and cosmopoli-
tan--practically all the male popu-
lation in some kind of military un-
iform--only the very old and the
very young are to be seen in civilian
garb. There are many odd and in
teresting visitors gathered together
in this Mecca of armies doing their
share towards making the World
safe for Democracy"
Sengalese, Algerians. Morocans
and East Indianmen from the Colo
MES of England and Franco
strange collection of men are these
brown and black soldiers-baggy
trousers, short jacket, turban head
dress and every imaginable kind of
foot gear-they wander aimleSSly
about, unusually interested in the
open bazaars that display odds-and
ends and gaudy trinkets. I watched
one make purchase and his selec-
ton was pitiful as we'll as amusing
Judging from the coins that chang
ed hands, l know that d goodly por-
ton of his months pay, and what
do you think he received in return,
a pair of baby blue, ribboned sleeve
holders, a useless, highly orna-
mental clock and a cellulOid comb.
The thought occurred to me that
would like to see one of those fell
lows with a couple of dollars in
WoolwOrth' s-after the first shock
of surprise, he would probably de-
velop into a raving maniac.
For all that, these strange, igno-
rant, filthy soldiers have their own
important part in the war. They
know no fear of death, and when
the time comes to charge the Boche
trench they are armed with two
long double edged knives and lover
they CO." They either capture the
trench or are themselves destroyed.
No halfway job for them. In their
opinion a prisoner is a nuisance and
very unnecessary. These black and
brown soldiers once they have cap
tured a trench are Immediately re-
lieved from holding it : they
will not stand under artillery
fire-and if they can't go forward
they turn around, walk out and
leave the trench disgustedly.
Besides these soldiers from for
eign, distant lands, there are the
more familiar figures of Tommy
Atkins, French poilu, and our own
boys, and Portuguese soldiers and
men 'o'war's men. Here and there
working under guard are German
prisoners whose looks and actions
plainly show that they are not at all
displeased with their present lot.
The different uniforms first at
tract ones attention, and then grad
ually there creeps over one the de-
pressing realization that nearly all
of the young women passing on the
streets are in deep mOurning-lt
makes you feel like doing something
grand and noble for these people
who have suffered so silently and
wonderfully.
! Everything has it's brighter aspect
and we have lots of fun and amuse
ment, and our French hosts are very
enthusiastic. The Y. M. G. A. is do
ing wonderful work among our boys
and man'o'war's men, providing rec
reation rooms, entertainments, ant
| Offering services wherever needed
Give my regards to all of my
friends and thank those that yol
know have sent me books or maya
zines. Goodbye, mother dear,
Your devoted son,
II H. rriS III s N