The Owosso times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1897-1926, 1918-03-22
Washington Letter.

resentative Clarence B. Miller of Min
nesota made some observations that
are likely to be the basis of legisla-
ton that will do much to maintain the
esprit de corps of the American ar
mics.
Mr.. Miller in his Investigations dis
covered that the British and French
have inaugurated a system of leave
for their troops by which the men get
chance to leave the trenches at
short intervals for relaxation and re-
cuperation from the terrible nervous
strain at the front. He states that
10000 British soldiers cross the Chan
mel every day for ten-days' leave in
England, where they get taste of
quiet home life, and a complete relief
from the sense of danger that is al
ways with them at the fighting front.
French soldiers are sent to the south
ern part of France, where entertain
ment is provided for them, and every
thing possible is done to relieve their
minds from the awful strain under
which they have been laboring. 1t
was impressed upon Mr.. Miller that if
these periods of relaxation should be
denied, the morale of the allied armies
would decline enormously.
1t takes only a few days for the
British or French soldier to get to his
home from the trenches, but it would
be quite impracticably to transport the
American boys across the ocean for
few days rest. That being the case
Mr.. Miller busted himself to find some
means for providing similar relaxation
for our men. In talking with some
French officers he learned that the ia
nous recreational centers in the
southeastern part of France on the
Mediterranean, popularity known as
the Riviera, have been practically de-
serted as a result of the war, and the
large hotels of that section are closed.
Upon inquiry Mr.. Miller found that
these hotels could be reopened and
operated at not to exceed $1.50 per
day per occupant. He believes that
those establishments could be acquir-
ed easily by the United States, either
by purchase or rent, 25-mile zone
created around the area to keep out all
undesirables, and the region made
second Atlantic City. Amusements Of
all kinds, athletic facilities, and other
diversions that the boys desire and
need could be provided at compara-
lively slight expense.
Upon Mr.. Miller's return to his
Congressional duties at Washington
he set about drafting a bill that would
give practical expression to his idea.
That measure has been completed and
introduced in the House of Represen-
tives. 1t is known as H. r. 10523, and
is entitled "A bill to establish an
American recreation camp for COM
missioner officers, soldiers, and sailors
on duty overseas"
In his bill Mr.. Miller proposed an
appropriation of $4,000, 900 to be ex-
pended for the rent, purchase, or con-
struction of houses, hotels, etc., for
the acquisition of athletic equipment
of all kinds, and for the employment
of instructors and other assistants.
The Secretary Of War is given power
to accept the services of civilians who
wish to give their time to the work, to
receive contributions for the purpose,
and to assign officers and soldiers to
duty at the recreational camp. Red
Cross nurses and Medical Corps nurses
are to be allowed to share in the bene-
fits Of the project.
In the introduction of his bill Con-
gressman Miller has taken the initial
step in a movement that is sure to
meet ready response in the hearts of
all patriotic Americans, especially
those whose boys are at the front. The
support of the measure by many men,
bers of both parties has been promis-
ed already, and when the people of
the country have been made familiar
with it's provisions, and have had an
opportunity to communicate with their
Congressman, it is confidently predict
ed that the bill will receive the favor
able consideration of Congress.
The director of inspection of the Ma
tional Gamers Association, DIR. H. M.
Loomis, reports fairly satisfactory
year in the American sardine industry,
Notwithstanding the difficulties incl
dent to conditions which make any
restrictions on the output of food pro-
ducts unpopular" 1t is found that
we are producing better sardines, and
the director says: "Most foremen and
superintendent are primarily interest
ed in the efficiency of their plants
that is in the maximum output for the
minimum cost" Of course, as in any
other industry, that can be best
achieved under a protective tariff pol
icy, preference being given in the
home market to goods made at home,
competing goods from foreign shoes
to be met with rate of duty measur-
ed by the difference in cost of produc-
tion at home and abroad. The war
has presented the American sardine
industry with an opportunity to test
this out, having cut off in large meas
ure competition from France, Italy,
Portugal, and other competitors in