The Evening Missourian. [volume] (Columbia, Mo.) 1917-1920, 1918-09-02
BY GEORGE 7. BYE

AMERICAN PRESS HEADQUAR-
TIERS, British Front July 2s (by
maiD.I have been all day with
Southern Yanks on the British front
at position which cannot yet be an
nounced; but may say that 1t is in
teresting. ticklish and exceedingly
important.
We knew we had arrived in French
Dixie when we stopped to make GER
tain of directions. The Yank sentry
was very tall, very polite and had very
white teeth; these were first impress
sions Of him. Also he had a corking
good smile and delightful way of
cooking his head on one side while he
looked you straight in the eye. Also
he was hospitable, even though a SEN
try.
Eyes, sab. You are at the right
place, sab. Just you-all make yoh-
selves to home. Divisional headquar-
ters, sab, are just short piece down
the road. Don't mention it, sab. We
all are mighty glad to get chance to-
talk with folks from home"
or course, we went to divisional
headquarters to report but we didn't
stay any longer than formalitIes re-
quired. Not that the staff officers did
not receive us with graciousness sug-
gestive Of broad verandas, tall white
pillars, hammocks and palm-leaf fans.
We wanted to see the boys.
Seeing the Camps.
We set out to see the men in their
various camps and were made well
come everywhere. 1t is too bad that
the camps cannot be described at this |
time as any description would fix the |
location for the sharp-eyed German,
who. in this sector, has the observa-
tion advantage.
But may write Of small details, one |
Of them a dietary difficulty that has
been happily settled by the British !
which supplies all our
forces incorporated in the British
The boys used to get lots of cheese
at their mess. Cheese is a favorite
food of the British, and as their peo-
pie across the Channel have been con-
denying themselves jam and
and cheese since this war
started in order that the Tommy might
have his fill of these preferred sta
pies, the Yanks have been receiving
hem in generous quantities.
These Yanks can eat jam and mar
nalade but they have no fondness for
,heese.
The divisional chief of staff men
ioned this to the British quartermas-
er corps, which announced a cheer
ul willingness to substitute rice. Now
his division is enjoying rice puddings,
)oiled rice sweetened, and rice fritz
ers.
How do you like the mud in this
leck OF the woods?" l asked one
loughboy from Union City, Tenn, try ,
ng to get at least one complaint They
ave mud celebrated for its richness
nd adhesiveness in this locality.
Mud" he drawled. "Mistah, we-all
int got nothing to learn about mud.
We got pow'ful mud and a pow'ful
light of it down in old Tennessee, only
Te nevah live in it down theah. But
ye're sure enough contented mud ba-
les. It's only the dust we don't like
nd we're glad there isn't much of it.
hey have salty old dust heah, and
ou sure do have to eat pOw'ful lot
it when you're marching
When we were leaving the area We
topped in little village that actually
assessed four prosperous sunfowers,
Or cup Of coffee. The estaminet that
e patronised was noted for its Bel
ian coffee, so good that it is almost
elicious without sugar or milk.
A doughboy had just had cup and
as paying madamoiselle as we en-
red.
Thank you, man," he said, taking
Is change, then gave her a mint-julep