New-York tribune., 1918-01-10


The Tribune Assoctation)
unit arrived here in summer and the
officers were blleted in houses, while
the men went into barns. AS far as
possible these were barns which had
been used for storing grain. A very
few had been used for cattle. These
French villages were not clean, but a
little hard work and little persuasion
did much to remove mud and manure.
Perhaps these little red-roofed towns
did not glisten, but they were sanitary
enough. 1t was also fortunate that
the men and officers lived side by side
with the French villagers and rela-
tlons were pleasant and cordial, al
though not particularly articulate.
But the days were growing shorter.
And they raced on much faster than
wooden barracks went up Now, the
training area of the American army is
in region noted for rigorous win
ters. Cold came early and it found
most of our men in airy billets. It is
not feasible to heat these barns with
stoves, and our men are cold So far
the number of cases of pneumonia is
not great, but influenza is extremely
prevalent and cold is one of the worst
enemies in the world to morale. The
men in the wooden barracks are
little better off, for here they have
heat. They burn wood borrowed from
the French. Like gasolene, coal seems
to have been overlooked among our
military necessities. The barracks
have a good deal of individuality.
Some are better than others. "When
1T rains said one enlisted man, 1--WE
pitch shelter tents in our barracks to
keep the rain out"
Clothing is almost adequate. There
are just about enough overcoats to go
round and blankets are bit more
plentiful. But let no earnest worker
back home abandon her sweater or
mufller or wrist bands for the troops.
There has been many a day in the
training area Of the American army
which could carry on a highly success
ful offensive against the American
army overcoat Shoes seem to have
been the chief difficulty of the army.
Most troops came over here with gar
rison shoes, and it was a good many
days before the Quartermaster's De-
partment was able to equip them with
the heavy hobnailed boots which are
indispensable for work in the rain and
mud. A few men went into the
trenches with garrison shoes, and not
all have their hobnaled boots vet.
Rubber hip boots would be very well
come and useful, but there are not
nearly enough of these to go round.
One mistake in the clothing of our
troops has been noted and corrected.
although | believe the new supplies
are not yet available for all the troops
Until our men arrived in France no.
body seems to have taken any THOUGHT
Of the fact that our campaign hat was
designed for Indian fighting and Mex
lean campaigns. In an automobile or
motor truck the soldier has to hanr
ON to the broad -brimmed contraption
with both hands, and even afoot it is
a target Tor the strong breezes which
blow hereabouts. 1t does not protect
the ears from the cold and the hat is
not snappy in appearance. 1t has
gone In favor of the fatigue cap.
Snappiness is as snappiness does. and
one feature of our uniform has been
retained for no good reason EXCEPT
that 1T looks we'll. Regard the high
standing collar of the American SOL
dier and officer and see what can pos
sibly be said for it. 1t is uncomfort
able all the year round, and medical
men can tell you that the man who
goes about with bare throat all sum
mer IS much less liable to colds in the
winter. When the proposition to
change the cut Of the American tunic
TO the sensible low-cut British model
was broached to Secretary Baker he
SAID that he didn't have time TO at
tend to mere matters Of style But it
was not matter of style alone. It
was and IS matter of health and
comfort, and. even though not vital.
It IS important enough TO be settled
rIRnt as soon as possible
coming to more vital matter, it is
pleasant to report that in the main the
American army. has been we'll fed in
France.