The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1918-07-28

, wAv, are great lovers of music.
OF other entertainments the uni
form ed lads who visit Richmond as
suredy suffer no lack, Each week
there is the big dance at the Army
and Navy club when from 1000 TO
500 young folk gather together for
harmless terpsichorean revels. These
affairs are carefully chaperoned and
ladies attend only by invitation,
though no Jackie or Sammie Is denied
the privileges of the floor
1t has proved source of absolute
Joy to the fighting men to have an or
portunity to meet the better classes
OF Richmond's lovely daughters, and
they do not hesitate to proclaim their
delight on every side. Nor has any
man, however humble his social sta
ton, yet been guilty of any action
which showed a tendency to abuse
this kind of hospitality.
As the war camp service people
have long since become convinced that
Richmond's martial visitors are never
so happy as when In the company of
ladies, no effort has been spared to
bring the men as much as possible
under the refining influence of this
citys patriotic women. Twice week
ON Saturday and Sunday afternoons
~ bGtptIoflH - SiN6it tIis SotdItAS hh'A
sailors by ladies representing various
church denominations or civic organ
nations. and on these occasions re-
freshments are served with n lavish
hand nor IL any OF the attractive food
declined. Lawn parties in various
parts of the city and Its environs also
take the boys into society and give
them opportunities for forming the
most desirable of friendships.
But although II is assumed that SOL
diers and sailors. when on leave OF
absence, for the most part wish to be
amused ample provision also Is made
for the men seeking rest and quiet.
At the finely equipped quarters of the
Army and Navy club is abundant space
for loungers or those who would re-
lax. Here may he found books, maya
zines and writing material. to say
nothing OF free billiard tables and the
most comfortable of chairs. Smoking
is allowed. too; in fact. the whole at
mosphere OF the place, though never
marked by boiSterousness or unseemly
conduct. is free and easy and restful
and HON eiike
II Is the policy of the club manage
ment to keep open day and night SO
that even the men merely passing
through Richmond on the troop trains
may have n certain rendezvous at any
hour. Thirty-five cents gets visitor
a bed with clean sheets and shower
bath. not TO mention cordial well
come. OF these cots there are 1924
though the number does not begin &c
suffice and seventyflve more will
shortly be provided.
What appears here does not beRir
to enumerate the things done for the
men in uniform by church societies
/ and quasi-religious organizations. MOI
/ does 1t tell OF the fine work accom-
/ plished by the Canteen committees
| the ladies who sew and mend for tht
military or those who minister to tn,
sick and distressed.
/ No account of Richmond's moth
erly" attitude towards the lads I,
khaki and navy blue would be com
lplete, however, without at least pass
ing reference to the home hospital
itY" feature of the war camp com
munity service Hundreds of soldier
land sailors are entertained every sun
day by hosts and hostesses whom the
never saw before but who take then
on faith out of sheer love for younl
American manhood Many OF thes
dinner bids" are extended In persoI
by church goers who see uniforme,
men attending services. while other
come from persons who ommunicat
with the Army and Navy club. Ethe
plan serves the purpose and the in