The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1918-11-03
SPEEDING UP
PORTUGAL s ARMY

you have heard little of the Portu-
guese army you may have the no
ton that it doesn't amount to any
thing. But Portugal has consider
able force on the western front and
the Portuguese are doing creditable
fighting among the allies-rumors
10 the contrary notwithstanding
The Germans have been markedly
successful in getting reports into
circulation discrediting the fighting
ability OF this and that force among
the allies.
In proportion to her size and re-
sources Portugal has made and is
making large contributions. She
came into the war because of an old
treaty alliance with England and her
army is serving as a unit in the Brit
ish forces, somewhat like the armies
OF Canada and Australia. Set down
among the British, it has been rather
lost sight of.
The truth OF the matter seems to
be that nobody in particular has
cared hang about the Portuguese.
When a man feels that nobody cares
about him, when is set down far
from home without comforts, with
out his accustomed conveniences
and means of recreation. with a
strange language all about him, and
nothing that he can read. he may
naturally be expected to become dis
couraged and lose his vigor and en-
thusiasm. This was what was in dan
ger of happening to the Portuguese.
Early in the past spring, the Y.
NJ c. A. began to get on the job
with the Portuguese, its purpose be-
ing as always when it serves with
the fighting forces to raise and main
tain morale by making the men more
comfortable and oatented, The
work is only just beginning, but 1t
gives promise OF being labor in
fertile field where large results may
be obtained. To make these men
contented is to give service to
the allies and to humanity.
Three Associations Combined.
The Y. NJ. c. A. work with these
troops is a combination OF three as
sociations-the Portuguese Y. Nj.
a.. the British, and the American.
The big driving power has come in
TO the work since II. ]. Sims. who
speaks Portuguese fluently, and who
had long served as an American Y.
VI. c. A. worker in Brazil. came to
France to take charge OF the work.
At the present time, there are six
American, five Portuguese and one
Brazilian secretary, who carry on
work in seven huts--four at bases
and three on the fighting front.
The organization operates under
the name of The Portuguese Red
Triangle. On its huts appear the
Red Triangle of The American Y.
NJ. c. A. and similar red triangle
with the letters L. c. NJ. p. which
means the Christian Union OF Portu-
ouese Youth. the title of the Portu-
guese y. NJ. c. A.
Tie work done with the Portu-
guese soldiers is recreatlonal, educa-
tional and social. In the huts are
canteens which furnish to the soldier
at cost the things he particularly de-
sres and which he cannot secure
elsewhere. The British canteens DO
not sell to Portuguese soldiers. ana
the Portuguese force has practically
nothing OF its own. A popular part
of the stock of these canteens is
such Portuguese deliascies as dried
fish. black beans. native fruits ana
olive oil.
Motion pictures, especially arrang-
ed for these troops are provided at
regular intervals. There are also
musical concerts and lectures
Whenever an able lecturer is locat-
ed who speaks Portuguese tluently'
he is used. He supplements the WORK
of the individual secretaries IN tell
inc the soldiers OF the work OF the
other allies an demphasizing the
spirit of the cause for which all are
fighting. Some OF the lectures are
illustrated by lantern slides.
Portuguese Canned Music
The huts are equipped with pianos
monographs with Portuguese rec
nrds. and other musical instruments.
There are indoor games such as
dominoes, chess and checkers. Here,
foo. are writing facilities, with Red
Triangle paper and envelopes 1uI-
nished. Athletics are ais promoted.
Soccer football is the create inter-
national game and the Portuguese
are fond OF it. They also play volley
hall basketball. All of these things
do much to rest the soldiers from
the strain of war, and to better en-
able them to endure and keep their
spirits high.
The Portuguese Red Triangle
an office in Paris, where
an important part OF its work IS car
r;ed on. A hotel with freed beds is
for them and sight seeing
rims are arranged. Those bound Tor
home on extended leave are helped
on their way. tickets being secured
for them. Their baggage is also at
tended TO. As part OF the ofiiciai
work for the Portuguese govern
ment. the Portuguese Red Triangle
in Paris cares for the wounded pass
nq through the city. They arrange
II.