Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1918-12-26
XANKSAT CObLENz
SET UP Ab|G TREE
Germans Enjoy Odd Sight.
. Percentage of Sickness in
L.. U. S. Ranks Low.
TRIPS ON RHINE PLANNED

COBLENZ, Tuesday, December "a (by
the Associated Press).-CoblenZ saw
its FIRST illuminated Christmas tree to
night. 1t was set up in the plaza
along the Rhine directly in front OF
the headquarters of the Sd Army. The
tree, which was forty feet high. was
decorated with red, white and blue
ribbons and was trimmed by Army
nurses. 1t was placed in position by
members of the 37th Engineers.
Red. white and blue incandescent
lights covered the tree, at the base OF
which in letters three feet high, was
the insignia of the Sd Army Ihe
electricity was furnished by porta-
BILE plant brought here by the Amerl-
cans.
When darkness fell the tree was
lighted up and the band of the $50
Field Artillery gave concert. Ger
mans assembled in great numbers anu
apparently greatly enjoyed the unu-
suaI sight, suggesting, as the official
summary of the evening put it. that
there was no outward sadness over
the loss of the war German prepare
lions for Christmas are in full Swing
a CoblenZ.
The large building housing the head
quarters of the Sd Army as well as
smaller structures erected by the
Americans all bear crosses wnlch were
lighted tonight. The illumination Will
be repeated tomorrow night
Percentage of Sickness Low.
The percentage of sickness among
the occupying American troops Is un-
usually low. according to the est
| mates of the Sd Army medical ON
GERS. The number of cases IN tne
eight evacuation hospitals within the
| occupied area is about 4.0O0, most Oh
them being influenza
Figuring the approximate NUMBER
of occupying troops as oo0.oou, the
I sickness amounts to less IMAM = pei
, cent. In peace time the Sickness
] among soldiers averages from = 10 .
per cent.
The excellent condition of the men
is due partly to good billets- There
q is just enough drilling to keep the
soldiers in condition, and there is no
cvercrowding or illness rom fatigue
or exposure.
The Sd Army has five hospitals in
CoblenZ and two at Treves. ana one
at Mayen. Most of these are FORMER
German hospitals. and the eQuipiheh.
is modern in every detail
Gen. Mangin Praises Yankees.
WITH THE FRANCO-AMERICAN
ARMY OF OCCUPATION, Tuesday.
December "a (by the Associated
Press).-Gen. Mangin said today IL
was doubtful if the Germans yet real
lied the enormous part the Amerl-
cans would have played in the war
had they been given the opportunity
TO the American correspondents. whom
he invited to a pre-Christmas luncheon
at his headquarters at Mayence Gen.
Mangin praised the work of the Amer
leans especially those divisions Whlcn
had fought under him.
The general pointed out how the
Germans were now fighting to win the
favor of the foe from across the sea.
saying that their ropagandlsts were
picturing President Wilson in the be-
highest tones, instead of declaring
that he was attempting Ito run the
world" as they had previously done:
WITH THE AMERICAN ARMY ON
THE RHINE, Tuesday. December "a
,hy the Associated PreSs)
trips on the Rhine requiring three to
five days have been planned by the
American Sd Army for officers and men
on leave Arrangements are complete
for requisitioning three large river
boats, each with accommodation for
from 800 to 400 men.
The plans also provide for short
recreation trips to begin soon and for
. this purpose a fleet of ten to fifteen
steamers has been requisitioned.