Weekly journal-miner., 1918-10-23
LOCAL SOLDIER TELLS OF TRIP
 ID PARIS
FRENCH CAPITAL IS A GAY PLACE AND LITTLE WONDER THAT KAISER BILL WAS so ANXIOUS TO REACH THAT CITY.
(By Sgt. Maj. George Nilsson)

As I have already told you, the rule is that each man ill the A. E. F. is entitled to a leave, or 'permis- sion" as we usually speak of it. of seven days every four months, travel time extra. There are, of course, many wonderful places to see in France but I felt that the one l should see first and foremost was the capital because of its art, architec- ture and many historical associa- tions.
 I was to leave at $40 on Thursday morning so the evening before I was all excited and arranged with the telephone operator and one Of the guards to wake me. They both res bonded on time so l was up at 400 a. m., dressed, made up my bunk and hurried down to the kitchen to get il bite to eat before starting. It was stipp pitch dark as I hurried down to the train-although I had plenty of time
 The trip on the train brought noth- ing unusual We rode through the same beautiful, fertile valleys, which I have already described, and which seem to be universal in France. The weather was perfect all the time l was away.
 Not Knocking Chicago.
 We arrived in Paris about noon. Coming into the city reminded me somewhat of Chicago because there were factories along the right of way. with this difference, that the backwards along the tracks were well kept and had flowers blooming in them. There was this other dif- ference too: there are no very high buildings in Paris I did not see any over six or eight stories.
 Although there are very few, ii any, private automobiles in Paris, there is a limited number of taxicabs. They are very small affairs, although built on the same plan as our taxi cabs at home 1 got into one and was taken directly to the American Uni versity Union, which is hotel taken over by an association of all the Amerian Universities. However, as there was no room available at that time I went around the corner to the Hotel Montana, which sounded lot like home, first because it is the name of one of our western states and sec ond because there used to be hotel by the same name in Jerome, Ari- zona. It was up-to-date in every way. I had a nice room and dandy bed, which was the main thing, and l made the most of it, sleeping late every morning, a luxury which we cannot enjoy, of course, when we are on duty
 Visits the Louvre.
 My hotel was about one-half a block from the famous Louvre, an old palace, now the worlds largest art gallery. It is one of the longest buildings I have ever seen. It forms three sides Of a square, in the cen ter of which is a beautiful garden. The garden extends several blocks beyond the two wings of the build ing. At its other extremity is the "Place de Concord"
 The first afternoon I spent ramb- ling around trying to get my self oriented. which is a very difficula task in Paris I never dared stray very far from the system of boulc- wards which l got to know pretty well and so could find my may back to the hotel. 1 also strolled down along the Seine, along both sides of which are wide streets. It is spann- cd by many beautiful bridges. The same afternoon I looked up Bren- tano's. the largest book store in Paris and spent some time browsing among the books, which, as you know, is one of my favoritc pastimcs and one which I have not enjoyed for many months. That evening I turned in carly as I was tired from my jour ney and lack of sleep the night be- fore
 In "Rubber-Neck" Hack.
 Friday morning l was mp early as wanted to take the Y. NJ. C. A. trip around Paris, taking in most of the noted places We started out at 9 a. m in a big three seated auto, a Y. man being our guide. We first went along the Grand Boulevard, which I understand. runs along the site of the old walls of Paris. The city had far outgrown its walls so they were torn down, leaving, how ever, several large gate-ways or arches. During our drive we saw several building which had been damaged by shells and bombs We saw the hole in the church which was struck on Good Friday. killing many vvorshipers, among them several American women. We also drove through what is called the Latin quarter. an old part of the city where art students used to live. You remem- Der reading about it in many novels.
 Rose Windows Have Vanished.