The Washington times., 1918-07-29

tries and commerce after the war an
advantageous, influential. and perma-
nent footing in Spain, which country,
owing to its geographic and eco
nomic situation, bids fair to be an
important field OF activity. II Is to
be hoped that we shall not delay too
long in laying at least the ground
work for the adequate assertion OF
American enterprise in Spain The
country offers a number of CONNER
ciaI opportunities and great natural
advantages, apart from being repleteI
with beauty and interest
ssI cannot find words to express the
depth and intensity OF my admiration
for the spirit, the morale, and the
achievements of the American army.
II is difficult to speak of our boys
and their leaders without using Lam
RuaRe which may sound rhapsodical,
and which yet is no more than the
bald and sober truth. have met a
great many officers and men on the
boat going over to Europe, at our
army bases, along the lines OF COM
munication, and at the 'front.'
Everywhere found the same SIM
pie and transformations, yet grim and
iron determination to hold life cheap
for the honor and glory and safety
Of America; everywhere the same
modest, sympathetic and soldierly
bearing, and keen and quick-witted
adaptability; everywhere the same
note of splendid and eager courage,
of willing discipline and service. OF
uncomplaining endurance under hard
ships and discomforts. Of buoyant
good nature and humor, OF clean and
kindly thought and feeling.
Army Free of Politics.
There is grateful acknowledgment
in the army of many things admir-
ably done for the welfare of the men
And there is universal thankfulness
that, as far as it is humanity possible
to prevent IL, the home authorities
have not permitted politics to touch
the army, and that merit Is sought for
recognized and rewarded.
ct did not hear a single real COM
plant except on one minor score
and on that the complaint is almost
unanimous-namely. the stin collar
and general appropriateness and
discomfort OF our army uniform,
which, by the universal verdict OF
our own men and of those Of other
nations, is both the least well-appear-
ing and the least practical Of all
uniforms. There is also some grum-
bling about the dilatoriness In max
ing payment to soldiers. and about
the slowness with which mail Is han
dIed-the latter really serious
grievance, for prompt and frequent
communications from and with home
is OF great Importance to the morale
of the army.
"In addition to the magnificent
record our army has already made
as a fighting force, and the promise,
k.nply warranted, of further great
achievement, the capacity which our
West Pointers in command Of the
great army bases have demonstrated
for far-sighted. broad-visioned, bold
ly-conceived planning, for construc-
tive work and for efficient business
organization is nothing short OF
marvellous.
Il am pretty familiar with big
organization work. but have seen
nothing which impressed me more.
! and very few things, indeed, which
| impressed me as much as the work
! planned, executed and administ red
at the French harbors, at our bases
! and along our line OF supplies by
that great chief, General Pershing.
| and the officers whom he has placed
in direct charge. Nor have / met any
wiser or better posted or more hard
working men than those at the head
of special departments of the army
with whom / had occasion to come
into contact
Debt To DefenderS-
"And from what l have SEEN at
Brest and elsewhere the same 81 Writ
of devoted and unselfish service and
| of intense, unsparing, ceaseless effort
pervades the navy.
IAN immense debt OF gratitude and
recognition is due from the nation to
its defenders. They have won golden
| opinions wherever they have been in
Europe, they have been a revlation to
other nations, they haYe shed luster
upon the name of America.
mo American can see what our
army and navy are doing in Europe
in the way of fighting, OF planning.
constructing. administering. no one
can see their morale. spirit, and be-
havior without being deeply thrilled
with pride and gratitude.
mo American can come In touch
with the affeetionate admiration. with
the trust and faith of the allied ma
tions toward our country without
| feeling even more profoundly and
reverently than before the high privi-
lege of being an American citizen.
and without being stirred by a solemn
sense of the obligation to do whatever
he individually may be capable OF
doing, TO prove himself a worthy serv-
ant of the Great Republic in war as
well as in peace, and an earnest and
sincere helper. however modestly
and humbly, toward the realization of
! her hIQb IdeaIs nd Ioffv TnIssfop1