, 1918-08-01
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ture hall, reading, writing, lecture and vesper
rooms, with a canteen where little articles can be
bought at low prices.
All entertainments excepting the theater are
free, and for a franc q soldier may reserve a
theater seat in the orchestra, which is reserved
for the military. The first night of his arrival
the American permissionaire is admitted free to
the theater and the canteen privileges.
When the American staff selected AK as the
leave center this year. the Y. NJ. c. A. officials
went to the resort and by vigorous work IN
duced the proprietors of five of the largest hotels
to open their places in preparation for the amer
lean soldiers arrival, despite the protests that 1t
was not the season and that they might suffer
financial loss.
One prodigal son among the first permission
aires voiced a sentiment which had supporters
among those tired, car-cramped boys. to the eff
feet that he did not intend to be led around by
the hand while on leave. Before he left this pro-
testor paid a handsome tribute to the Y. N. @. AS
arrangements. The truth is, that before many
hours had passed the permissionaires had, meta
phorically speaking, come and put their hands to
be taken, willing to be led anywhere it was
deemed best.
This development showed not only apprecla-
ton but practical sense, for all the arrangements
had been made by the association and whatever
there was to be done in the way of entertain
ment could be done with less trouble and expense
by taking advantage of the preliminary Y. NJ. c.
A. program.
Every pleasant morning squads of bicyclers
start out. Automobiles are requisitioned to make
visits to Chanbery and Challes-les-Eaux the aux
Hilary leave centers. Boating on Lake Bourget
attracts many. The negro band plays twice a
week in the public square, and, in company with
the happy villagers, resembling those in musical
comedy, who always are ready to drop work and
assist ut the dramatic moments, the soldiers sits
and suns himself, listening to his favorite melo-
dies. After dark, in addition to the program
mentioned, he gives some of his own, wonderful
stunt nights, costume balls and amateur the
atricals.
Then there are diversions which never could
be put on any set program, because they are
spontaneous, springing from the generosity of big
hearts. Listen to bits of conversation in the Ca
sino and you will get sample. A smiling lad in
olive drab is telling what he had been doing.
1--we been having the time of my life" he ex-
planned. Three of us fellows went down into the
village and we bought up a little shop of candy
and truck and took 1t up to the schoolhouse. Wish
you could have seen those kids when we dis
tributed the stuff. You'd have thought we were
giving them something. And you ought to hear
'em singh
One hears stories Of dugouts, of communicating
trenches, of lonely outposts. of sallies into No
Mans Land, but most Of all one heard among the
first permissionaires violent references to That
Hill which faces the sector into which they first
were sent. And their promise was, 1--WE are going
to get 1t If 1t takes every one of u.s."
Soft beds. baths, meals one ordered personally,
theaters, concerts, rides. climbs, a general relaxa-
ton of the mental and physical strain--so went
the glorious eight days of the first American per-
missionaries. Then came the day to leave, and
the words of appreciation were voiced by the men
whose business Is fighting.
I'VE came here with a crouch because we
thought We ought to have been allowed to 20 to
Paris" said an old regular. Its been the great
est experience we ever had-not q dull moment.
You treated us like home folks. We've lived like
kings. This Is the most beautiful place God ever
made, / guess"
HAS 1t been a good timer" echoed a younger
permissionaire, one whose years betray that he
has not been long from the parental roof. 100
darn goodl It's Just like leaving home again y,
There are other speeches of farewell delivered
In subdued tone.
You're sure that you're engaged7 II Won find
you amt. will you let me known
A shrill whistle put an end to the farewells.
shavetail shouted IAN aboard 7" which was bet
ter understood. The men crowded into the cars,
and waved furiously from the windows to the
nospitaDie rownspeople as the train whirled away
carrying them back, back to fight with renewed
strength after q week I'm Americans RlIpbty