Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1918-06-20
TAKEN FOR SPIES
nrnewt l.. Rand Writes Of Party's Ex-
perSenee~ on way TO Russia

e~AAAAA~ OAS VA AASO
nrnewt l.. Hand write~ Of Pnrty's Ex-
perienees on Way TO Russia
The following interesting letter from
Ernest L. Rand. formerly Y. M. c. A.
secretary for Addison county, has been
received by w. &c. Mc0overn. assistant
to Byron N. Clark. state Y. M. c. A..
describing Mr. Rand's leaving England
for his new duties Y. M. c. A. in Russia:
ION the Sea. April 49,. 1913.
"Mr. w. e. Mc0overn.
Burlington w.. u. s..A
my Dear Mac:
"Can you imagine what it' must mean
to fellow after all these months Of wait
ing to have a note put into his mail box
with the contents reading Special meeting
| tonight, good news and then to 20 and
hear his name read of fourth Of party
TO 90 on to the land Of PROMISE for 10
| we had come to consider the Russian
| land?
Just about two weeks ago, after wait
ing since December /, this good news
came and then It was a case Of begin to
get ready. What did I have to do, you
| ask? Why, every bit Of paper that I
had In my trunks had to be gone over
| and absolutely all writing or printing de-
stroyed or have II censored. In party
OF IL It would take some time at port Of
departure to 60 over all our papers, 80
we were able to make arrangements with
| the censor's ONCE that all writing, &C.
count books. etc.. should be brought to
his once early and he would examine It.
| seal II. and that would facilitate our
departure. This was done.
''Then we faced the question that we
knew would confront us. when we were
put OF on Russian soil, that Of food. We
did not know where We were going to be
landed. but we knew that from all ac-
| counts there would be a need for food.
But then We had to get permission In
such . rationed land. to have in possess
sion. also to take out a quantity Of food
that would keep us going for two weeks
At least. But here again we found the
unfailing courtesy Of the British author
tiles. They we're only too glad to help
in every way. and were I able to tell
you all that they did you would agree
with me that more could not have been
done.
Delays followed, anxious for us. for
while we felt we surely get away in
| time. we were now more ANXIOUS than
ever. But finally word came that we were
to 90 on a certain date, from a certain
place, and our task was then to get there.
We carefully planned every item that we
should need, boots must be tapped (no
leather in Russia), many pairs hobbed
Chob-nailedC, all our drugs to be secured,
extra suits Of civilian cloths purchased in
case It was inadvisable to wear the uni
forms. You should see us in our working
Clothes
Then we got away. But when we got
to the train. why 1t seemed as II every
body was going too. and seats we could
hardly secure. One of our party who
comes later was at the train, and with
him his wife lucky MANI. She brought
each OF our IL men a large red rose and
you can rest assured that they were ali
appreciated. In due time we started and
after some ride we arrived at the first
stop. only to nnd that there was not
a room in the place vacant; and started
for the Y. M. c. A. hut, only to find them
also 'full-up.' as they say here They
finally agreed that II we wanted to We
could sleep on tho floor. and on to the
floor We went every man-jack Of US. MY
bed roll had two heavy blankets. one
bought from Clarkson's. so that made Il
easy. and slept we'll till one Of my pres.
ent cabin mates rolled into my bed and
then there was no more sleep for me.
I'VE routed out early the next morning
to buy cigarettes, for We understand thai
you can 80 anywhere in Russia II 70,
} have some Of these articles. Imagine IN!
giving away cigarettes! Sometimes
wonder at what We have had to do thu
last few years. But when We came t.
buy again . government order No NOR,
than one package for any but regular
oustomers.' but after some manouverini
We secured what No wanted.
II wish that you could see the wal
that oficial Britain helped us out Of thu
country. wish you could know hov
she waived things that might have tiet
us up and how they extended all tina
they could for our comfort, but it wa
done. and We tell you folks in tho State,
that you have no idea CT the appreciation
that England has for American help an,
friendship.
80 We left. after waiting some tim
, tin all WA ready. and when Va steame'
away surrounded BY our convoy. ava.
| TO port which must be unnamed. "
could not but b glad even though "
| were pretty sure that We should all b
, feeding the fishes soon. for the sea wa
! pretty rough. And such a passage list
, Over ZOO people. not military. but man,
] OF them returning to the land Of Russia
many Of them soldiers who have server
. their usefulness in France. Some Of tn
party were those who were looking for
ward to other lines Of effort Of which