The Wisconsin tobacco reporter. (Edgerton, Wis.) 1877-1950, 1918-11-08
An Interesting Letter From Lieut..
A. e. Carey, in France to his
Friend, C.. A. HOen
October II. 1913

is the message. Surely our presi-
dent is the worlds greatest states
man. This he is demonstrating once
again. His powerful note to the re-
treating Germans is one well worthy
it's almost universal approval. We
Americans are proud; we are proud
also of our position in the councils of
nations, and of our prestige brought
about quite as much by President
Wilson's diplomacy as by force of
arms.
The air is full of rumors that the
enemy have made further peace ov-
ertures. All these we welcome as
sure proof of Germany's weakness.
1t knows no law but force, brute
force. Now it talks about honorable
peace, and it is about to make such
a peace-one most honorable for the
Governments associated with our
Government in the war. Until Bull
garia surrendered | had thought the
war was to last into next summer.
Now Christmas victory should not
surprise me. All American soldiers
here are anxious for peace, but only
for a peace made enduringly honor
able by Germany's unquestioned de-
feat. 1t should not be possible again
for the kaiser should we continue
to capitalize that hated word TO
call his cohorts together and to pro-
claim to the German people that he
and his crowd of murderers have
"saved the fatherland from defeat"
About this there must be no ground
for further doubt.
After months of hot and dry
weather with much as the French
say "beaucoup" winds we are enjoy
ing cool weather with frequent show
ers. But the winds continue to blow
with violence. Tents are frequently
torn down and even wooden barracks
are RACED. The winds come over the
hills or low mountains and sweep
across this level and stony plain.
The only worth while vegetation is
watered by irrigation. The almond
and the olive are exceptions. These
trees seem to grow everywhere on
this otherwise worthless plain and do
produce some fruit.
One cannot refrain from mention
ing some of the American wonders in
France. Great areas are wholly
American. One depot in France
covers low plain of about three by
ten miles. This is literally heaped
with supplies. Oh. it is wonderful.
Great buildings and hundreds OF
miles of railroads in the depot. There
are several such in France. l am
satisfied that only history will pro-
perly credit America for her rapidlty
and wonderful achievements in this
great war. The plans are compre-
hensive, laid for an army of many
millions and to endure for years.
Every American soldier in France
wonders tonight how long will it take
to get back home after the war. We
are all prepared for many months of
waiting.
One could write much about the
French people and conditions in
France. There is no suffering for
lack of food. Apparently France
could continue the struggle for years.
Her women have grown to take on
many duties with which she was pre-
vious to the war unacquainted, and
with very little complaint. Yet all
the French and English readily admit
that they should have quit the strug-
gle if America had not come in.
Of the French people ones opinion
is peculiarly mixed. Returning sol
diers will have much to say of them.
There are two characteristics which
l greatly admire. To the first every
American will agree and that is that
they are great soldiers. To the sec
ond, most people seem not to notice.
1 refer to their almost lack OF ego.
It is interesting to sit at a table
with American, English and French
officers. The English Immediately
give proof of their title to being the
worlds greatest boosters, but they
must hustle to retain their laurels
for find we Americans are disgust
ingly boastful. But never a word
falls from the French. They have
a national pride and do a bit of what
might be called national boasting,
but of their individual selves never a
word does one hear.
With best regards, | am,
Your friend,
Liuet. A. E. Carey, c. NJ. c.
A. P. o. No. TSP