Tensas gazette. [volume] (St. Joseph, La.) 1886-current, 1918-08-16
G.SDLHZRSH%E7a0XT a.
,HE /IiZIDNz7L R4L4HOH1r
\ IN AK LN Guns


lure hall, reading writing lecture and veSper
rooms with cantcen where little articles can be
bought AT low prices
All entertainments excepting the theater
free and for franc soldier may reserve
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 ;he American staff selected AK as the
leave center this year, the Y. NJ. c. a. officials
went 10 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 Ii
not the and that they might suffer
financial loss.
One prodgal among the first permission
aires voiced 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 handsome tribute to the Y. NJ. c. 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
deemed best.
This development showed not only appreca-
tion but practical sense, for all the arrangements
had been made by the association and whatever
there was to be done in the wa, Of entertain
ment could be done with less trouble and expense
by taking advantage of the preliminary Y. NJ C.
A. program.
Every peasant morning squads of bicyclers
start out. Automobiles requsitiOned to make
visits Chanbery and Challes-les- Faux. the aux
Hilary leave centcrs. 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 10 drop work and
assist ut the dramatic moments the soldiers sits
and suns himself, listening to his favorite meIo-
<l,nc
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
snO and you will get n sample smiling lad in
olive drab is telling what he had been doing
"Tve been having the time of my life," he e1-
planned. "Three Of us fellows went down into the
village and we bought up a little shop Of candy
and truck and took ii up to the schOOlhouse Wish
you could have those kids when we dis
trbuted the stuff. You'd have thought we were
giving them something. And you ought to hear
'em sing!
One hears stories Of dugouts. OF communicating
trenches, Of lonely OutpOsts. Of saes into No
Mans Land. but most of all one heard among the
first permssionares 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 Der
missionaries. Then came the day to leave and
the words OF appreciation were voiced by the men
whose business Is fighting.
1--WE came here with a crouch because we
thought we ought to have been allowed to 60 to
Paris" said an old regular "Its been the great
est experience we 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 TOO
darn good! It's just like leaving home againl"
There other speeches Of farewell delivered
in subdued tone
you're sure that you're engaged? II you find
You ain't Will you let me known?
shrill whistle put end to the farewelIs
shavetail shouted "All aboard" which was bet
ter understood. The men crowded into the cars
and waved fuTously from the windows IN the
hospitabe tOwnspeople the train whirled swov
carrying them back back to fight with renewed
strength after week in Americas Biighty.