The Hays free press. [volume] (Hays, Kan.) 1908-1924, 1918-08-15


ture hall. reading, writing. lecture and vesper
rooms, with canteen where little articles can be
bought at low prices.
All entertainments excepting the theater are
free, and for franc 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 Z. III. G. 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 su1fer
financial loss.
One prodigal son among the first permission
aires voiced a sentiment which had supporters
among those tired, car-cramped boys, to the ef-
feet that he did not intend to be led around by
the hand while leave. Before he left this pro-
testor paid handsome tribute to the Y. NJ C. AS
arrangements. The truth is, that before many
hours had passed the permSSionaireS had meta
phOrically speaking, come and put their hands to
be taken, willing to be led anywhere 1t was
deemed best.
This development showed not only apprecia-
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 G.
A program.
Every pleasant morning squads of bicyclers
start out Automobiles are requsitiOned to make
visits to Ch8DDery and ChalieS-leS-EauXs 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 ready to drop work and
assist at the dramatic moments, the soldiers sits
and suns himself, listening to his favorite meo-
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
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.
I've been having the time of my life,' he
planned. Three of fellows went down into the
village and we bought up little shop of candy
and truck and took it 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 singi"
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, eve going
TO get it If it takes every of u.s.
Soft beds, baths, meals one ordered personally,
theaters, concerts rides, climbs, general reaxa-
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 voiced by the men
whose business is fighting.
1--WE came here with a crouch because we
thought ought to have been allowed to 90 TO
Paris' said old regular. Its been the great
est experience ever had-not a dull moment
You treated us like home folks. We've lived like
kings This is the most beautiful place God ever
made, guess"
HAS it been a good timer echoed a younger
permissionaire one whose years betray that he
has not been long from the parental roof ssToo
darn goodI It's just like leaving home agsinrn
There are other speeches OF farewell delivered
in subdued tone.
you're sure that you're engaged7 If you find
you amt, will you let me known
A shrfn whistle put end to the fareveIIs A
shaEetail shouted "An aboardT" which was bet
ter understood. The men crowded into the cars
and waved furiously from the windows to the
hospitable townspeop1e as the train whirIed await
carrying them back. back to fight with renewed
strength after week in Americas BIighty