The daily star-mirror. (Moscow, Idaho) 1911-1939, 1918-02-04

AAC oA1IASu navy Is uO place IOF
pessimist. There are probably more
smiles to be seen on the faces of the
men who make their homes on BRITISH
war vessels than are to be found
among any similar group of men in the
world. This is especially true of the
Grand Fleet where the continual rou.
tine Of the last three years might have
been expected to develop some degree
OF depression, but which, on the con-
trary, has brought together a great
community Of healthy, happy, whole
some men.
1t was the privilege Of the New York
Suns correspondent to live for several
days aboard his majesty's battle cruis-
er i" and to enter into the life and
spirit of the men aboard this great
fighting machine. Most of those who
make their home In the wardroOm had
been stationed aboard the ship for two
years, some Of them for a much long
er period, and in the whole lot there
was not one case of the "blues," not
one wet blanket" From the bridge
to the stokehold there was nothing but
contentment and tllingness to serve
uncomplainingly without the slightest
trace OF bitterness or regret over sacri-
fees made for the cause.
Fleet Makes Thrilling Sight.
There is nothing particularly thrill
Ing about going aboard battle cruiser
In the darkness Of early evening, but
to awaken in comfortably furnished
cabin, formerly the quarters Of an ad-
miral, and to look through the portfolio
upon long lines of enormous gray ships
riding at anchor upon harbor glisten-
ing in the sunlight Is sufficient to give
the thrill of lifetime.
Something in the atmosphere Of the
northern country where the Grand |
Fleet has Its home gives health with |
every breath. On the surrounding |
shores Of the harbor the Vikings Of old
spent their winters and assimilated
the strength that made them the ter
ror of their enemies, and on the same
shores almost every day may be seen
he officers and men of the fleet taking
heir exercise. Parties Of men In rum
ling clothes dash from small boats and
)lay at hare and hounds with the same l.
Jim as they did in the early days Of
heir youth. Others play golf on a
curse laid out over the peat boys and
,njoy it as much as If they were
Irving the ball over the finest green
ward in the kingdom.
Among the batt1eships are the usual
comforts Of a well-ordered home. The
vardrooms have graphophones and
illiard tables, and weekly motion
icture show is given on the decks.
Home Talent Gets Opportunity.
There is even a theater ship sup
lied, which goes about from vessel to
essel. 1t anchors alongside and the
alent of the visited ships produces
reditable performance. The theater
hip is called the Gourka, and it's
eriOdic visitations are anticipated few
rishly by the crew Of every ship in
ne fleet.
Perhaps the happiest lot Of any
board the ships Of the Grand Fleet
re the midshipmen. They have all the
nergy and pentup enthusiasm of boys
| preparatory school, and when they T
egin to enjoy themselves in their
gunrOOm" the racket can be heard in
very nook and Granny Of their ship.
hey take a stranger into their midst
it'll a straightforwardnes that Is
'uching and they sing their songs in
manner to bring up memories of col ;,
ge fraternity houses and prep school
)rmitOries.
The same cheeriness that pervades
lie mess halls is to be found in the
lptain's quarters, where in bright
'mfort the skipper reads his books,
ranges his program Of work for the
en- and has his being In peaceful Sc
usion. There is something clean and :
holesome and desirable about the life r
the fleet, and records show that few
en- who have entered into the work
I'VE ever died of melancholia.