The Monticellonian., 1918-07-26

West, where mans latest inyen- S tienS are seen side by side with the simple implements of centuries ago, Il land of many people and quaint customs. War has brought Saloniki into the limelight, and in years to come many of those who soldiered there will feel that they have added strange experience 10 their lives. It has al ways been the fashion to criticize mill itary administration still, however slow war office machinery may be, it usually gets you somewhere in the end. It may not. of course. be the place you particularly wanted but you get there just the same and make the best of it. writes a British officer in the Christian Science Monitor. never thought of going to Saloniki, but one fine morning orders came for my dispatch, and in due course to the Orient I came.
 Of the country 1 was bound for I knew little or nothing It was q part of the Levant. most of the European powers had q post office there, and 1 had heard something of the willy Le- yantine and his ways. that was all. I was quickly to absorb ii good deal more information for the moment you you with | joyous shout and many smells.
 Pearl of the Orient
 It was midday when we entered t.ie harbor, perhaps one of the finest in the world. and. taking Into account it's natural possibilities, little wonder that Saloniki is the Pearl of the Orient. The first impression is good, nothing could be finer or more picturesque than the general appearance of the town. Countless minarets rise above the houses, and an occasional group of tall. stately poplars give the neces- sary tone of green to relieve the white mass of buildings. The town slopes up from the sea front, the old citadel in the Turkish quarter behind making good background and helping to re mind one that this, until recently, was part of the Ottoman empire. Be hind the town again stretch the seem ingly endless ranges of hills, tier on tier, devoid of trees and with signs of habitation few and far between.
 The harbor itself is fine picture and affords an excellent setting to the whole panoramic effect. Few types of craft are not represented there, from the modern battleship flying the tri- color of France, to the quaint, gaudily painted vessel. risged with single tri- angular shaped sail, high out of the water at the prov and stern. q relic of the days when the hardy Phoenician mariner made Saloniki his port of call There are British, American, Italian and Russian traders lying side by side, and little way out white hospital ship, which. in more peaceful times. flew the house flag of the Union Castle line. Picture all this under tur- quoise sky, and the result is not un- pleasing.
 The military landing officer is soon on board and after few words with the 0. c. troops. We commence the dis authorization ceremony. Yes. the best
 
 from the deck of transport-and for choice the boat should be outward bound
 Groups Talk on Street.
 AS We land We get a closer and bet ter view of the nearest buildings and the strange crowds of people At Sal0- niki the quayside belongs to every- body; just as the boats of all nations come to anchor in her harbor, so do men of every race, caste and station come to rest on the waterside. Along she front are shops of all kinds. one or two of the chief hotels, and the conti. Dental style of cafe Is present in force The shops are mostly of the open kind; that is. you are expected to do business through an open window