Evening star., 1918-05-18
HUN SOLDIERS TOLD
WAR WILL END SOON
Prisoner, Once Employed in q. S.,
Quotes Kaiser's Promise as
Authority for Statement.
By PAUL AYREs ROCKWELL.

BY PAUL AYRES ROCKWELL.
Cablegram to The Evening Star and
Chicago Daily News. Copyright, 1918.
WITH THE FRENCH ARMIES, Nav
16.-An excellent idea Of the present
state of mind of the German soldiers
may be had from a conversation I
have had with a Teuton fighter at
the camp where the prisoners are as
sembled before being conveyed into
the interior of France. The impress
sion l gained is that the enemy is
still confident that ne will be vic
torious and as yet heeds but little the
entry of the United States into the
conflict.
I was visiting the inclosure con-
tafning numerous wooden barracks
surrounded by several high and dense
barbed wire entapglements. Many
German prisoners were in evidence,
some loafing on benches or sitting
around cook fire while others were
busy bettering the camp roads. AS a
whole the men did not look very
much discontented with their lot.
Young Men Predominate.
was surprised at the preponder-
ance Of very young chaps. many of
whom had an unhealthy appearance
The officer conducting me remarked
that they had a prisoner who had
iived in America, and i asked permis-
sion to speak with him. A French
corporal soon appeared escorting a
tall, thin. wiry-looking German, who
answered all my questions in good
English. This man had been a candy
maker seven years in the United
States and had returned to Germany
In March. 1914. to enter the hotel
business. He Joined the Prussian army
in the August following, and since
then had been wounded three times.
Two nights ago he was captured by
the French in the course of a raid on
the village of Castel.
Use Shell Pits as Shelters.
we have no trenches in this re-
gton." he told me. but we utilize
shell pits in the bank as shelters. 1
belonged to machine gun company.
nrst thing we knew we were sur
rounded. There was nothing to do but
surrender"
We'll. you are in for long stay in
q prison camp" I remarked.
"Oh. no." he replied. The war will
.DS SIASO oSAoiS SuIcc months are
gone"
was curious to know how and why
and he gave me his reasons
I'VE still have a vast army in re-
serve" he said. 'and will gain a de-
cisive victory in our next attack,
which is being prepared Emperor
William. Gen. Ludendorff and Field
Marshal Won Hindenburg promised us
that the war would be ended soon.
DO you believe what they tell you?'
was my next question.
Most Of US do and that Is what
pounts. was the reply.
Says Army Is Well Fed.
The prisoner went on to say tina,
tho German army was well fed and
equipped. I asked him when he had
heard that America was in the wal
and what he thought of It,
I'VE knew more than a year age
that America had declared war" h<
replied But we are not worried. You,
country is too far away to get mer
over fast enough to count. 1t ha.
been too slow in getting ready"
Tho prisoners air was not insolent
He was clearly stating frankly hi
opinions. which he explained .wer,
also the opinions of his comrades
asked him II he expected to return Il
America after the war.
Yes" he said. II have no ILL -feelin,
toward your country and besides 1t Il
= pleasant land in which to max,