The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-10-27

Many of them were minus leg or an arm, or their scared faces showed the horrors of which they were the living relics. It was a most pitiful progress through the shouting, cheer ing, welcoming crowd.
 One big open car containing four or five men who were obviously officers, moved rather swiftly down the in- cline from the station. Suddenly there was shout from the crowd, wom an burst through restraining hands, dashed upon the footboard of the mo- tor, and simply threw herself over the door upon the shoulders of one of the men. There was tremendous ex- citement and much more cheering. The door was opened for her by police man and she subsided weeping in the arms of the wounded man who was evidently her husband. It was a very touching and yet heartening incident and, it was the sort of reunion which vastly impressed and delighted the crowd Nearly all of the men that l saw looked as if they had just wakened from a bad dream They had curious. dazed look in their eyes and seemed to be trying to realize that they were really at home.
 Apother excitement we have had this weeks is the arrival of the Italian band very picturesque addition to the won- drous military display in London's dark streets. The Italian coming syn chronized with all the magnificent news from the front. therefore, they received an even more enthusiastic welcome than probably they would nave done under other circumstances, Tor Londoners are not very prone to make noise even at the most popu- lar events. however the Italians "got it good and plenty"
 thlnk everybody was astonished and in thA musical soldiers wear. They are of a curious shape and I am quite sure that every milliner in town will set about making Carabinieri hats for their GUS toners immediately. Certainly they should be very becoming to most women and also exceedingly comfortable At first they suggest the effect of the Ma poleon type of headgear, but then one sees that there is distinct separate crown to the shape and that the brim narrow at the back. broadens boldly at the sides and then is turned flat back so that there is square straight line across the forehead. I can imagine these hats looking remarkably smart in velvet or satin or felt-otherwise the plain grey uniforms of the Italian bandsmen are not specially conspicuous
 AS l was watching the men march from Charing Cross on the day of their arrival l noticed the Chevalier Marconi seated in one of the automobiles from the Italian embassy. He was wearing the usual grey uniform that is so dis tinctive color of our allies, the only bright note in his costume being the dou- ble line of brilliant ribbons denoting his various decorations and honors which were strung across his chest I have not seen him for several years and was rath- CT surprised to see how much he has aged. He used to be a rather frail, fair young man with strangely intense eyes and rather nervous manner. Now he seems to have become man of iron
 He is very thin, but wiry and virile- looking to remarkable degree His eyes are still curiously intense in their expression, but where before they had rather vague look, now they seem to be direct and almost personal in their piercing regard. Very few people in the big crowd surging about the soldiers recognized the famous wizard of the wireless as he sat alone and erect in the closed car with its gunmetal grey interior. Everywhere in town this week the Italian colors are being flown while at the theatres and in the hotels every body is giving Italy really rousing welcome.
 have just heard rumors of a big en- tertainment that is to be held during Christmas week at the Albert Hall when all the allies are to be represented in
 
 to be thrilling and exciting happenings In different parts of the vast building Of course all the proceeds are to be giv- en to a charity, but I think the most interesting part of the project is that it seems to presage the beginning of really good times in the world once more. No entertainment of the magni- tude, of which I understand this affair is to be. has been even spoken of or suggested in England for at least three years, but now it Is whispered that the King and Queen are giving their patron age to the affair and a positive army of famous hostesses are already com mencing to "eet busy over plans for their various "side shows"
 Surely, when such big thing is fore shadowed in London and is countenanced bv the most representative people, there must be "eood feeling" in the air and the suggestion is that we are perhaps somewhere approaching finish" Ger tain it is that this anticipated enter tanment. which is at present nameless is poino to be on really gigantic scale I am told that the Duchess of Marlbor- oneh is to look after the American sec tion, while Queen Alexandra's friend, the Marquise d'Hautepoul, will shepherd the Duchess of Portland seems a likely "com- mandine officer" for the British contin- gent, while for Italy. the Marchesa Im- periali will head the list of Itaiy's ladies'
 Copyright, 191S