The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-01-29
LONDON PICTURES COMING OF ALABAMA ID A FRENCH PORT .ON WAY ID FRONT Graphic" Devotes Page to Fourth Alabama Regi-
 ment and Its Trip
 Across Ocean
PRAISE GIVEN TO
 MEN FOR THE SPIRIT
 SHOWN ON ARRIVAL
Some Incidents on Voyage Which Show Character of the Regi- ment and Relations To-
 wards Officers

m US issue or JdnuaTy U nos O. AN-t page devoted to the arrival or the Fourth Alabama regiment in France.
 Illustrated by sketch entitled "A Famous American Regiment Reaches Europe-The Gallant Alabamas Land at French Port" the article carries the following headlines: Crusaders From America-Crossing the Atlantic With the United States Army. The Secrecy and Mystery Concealing the Ar rival of American Troops in Europe Is Beginning to Lift. German Authori- ties, Headed by the Kaiser, Secuted the Idea That They Would Get Across the Atlantic in Numbers. The Facts Set Forth in This Article Must Destroy That Belief"
 While no names are mentioned in the Graphic article, every Alabamian will recognize the men referred to. for all Alabamians are proud of their contri- button to the Rainbow division"
 Col W. P. Screws is the commanding officer of the regiment, while Capt. Mortimer H. Jordan commands the Jefferson volunteers of Birmingham, and Capt Lacy Edmonson the company from Bessemer.
 GRAPHIC ARTICLE
 The Graphic article reads as follows:
 From a port Somewhere in Ameri ca to a port Somewhere in France, a famous southern regiment has safely accomplished its memorable voyage to share in the crusade to make the world safe for democracy.' Already this regi- ment has traditions of glory. First or ganized during the great Civil war, 1t enrolled upwards of 1000 officers and men, took part in fl battles. never had it's lines broken save when flank supporting troops gave way, and when the mighty struggle ended it's ranks were so depleted that only 126 officers and men were left to surrender their arms at Appomattox. It was a special feature of this regiment that it con- sisted almost exclusively of men of purely English, Scots and Irish de- scent.
 "On it's journey to France a visit was paid to New York, an historic event, as it was the first time southern reg iment had been seen in the capital since the Civil war The climax of that visit was reached when the southerners were the guests of notable northern regi- ment which it had met in battle on five occasions when north and south were in death grips. Such a reunion was felt to be symbolical of that thorough fusion of the United States which so many Americans anticipate as the result of the great war One ship carried the colonel, his staff and goodly proportion of the regimental of ficers. The colonel is a veteran of mill itary service, thought not yet 40. He is fine type of military commander, with those square-set shoulders, strong jaws and firm upper lip which are such confidence giving assets in a tight cor ner. Even the determined angle of his cigar betrays his resolute character. But there is nothing of the martinet in his nature. His smile is democratic and infectious, and he is prime favorite with his men and fellow-officers. They know, too, that he has been tested and not found wanting in the Spanish war. the Philippine insurrection, and the more recent trouble on the Mexican border.
 SCREWS AND HIS REGIMENT
 "One incident of the voyage Is sig
 
 with his regiment At an impromptu concert by the regimental band the programme casually developed from in- strumental to vocal selections, in the midst of which the colonel happened to Join the party. Immediately he was seized by several of the younger of ficers, who led the cry, A song. song from the colonel!' In a trice the com mander took the floor and broke forth into feuiliar Dixieland air. becoming particularly strenuous as he compelled officers and privates to accompany him in the chorus. There was another epi- sode of the voyage, too, which was typical of the man.
 "Pay day happened to fall during the Journey which enriched each of the priyates by some $50 (f6). Many squan- on candies chewing gum and crack ers;' but several. with the ingrained American instinct for corners bought wholesale with the object of retailing at 100 per cent profit. One private, in- deed made so heavy purchase from the canteen that he was ordered to ap- near before the colonel. He owned up in the spirit of George Washington. sYes. Colonel' he admitted, I've made \ bit. but I'm through now That frank speculator had rightly estimated his colonel. He was dismissed with the
 
 mildest of reprimands.
 A TEMPERANCE VOYAGE
 Ut was a temperance voyage There was no drunkenness on board, or coarse language. Apart from candies and chewing gum and crackers the men appeared to find most use for their dollar bills in a mild form of gambling. But they were generous too. A concert collection for seamens charities yielded f97--a record for an American troop ship during the war.
 By far the most notable of the days at sea was that of the last Sunday. Land would be reached on the nor row. So there was an international gathering in the saloon. at which the American officers, in their own hearty way. expressed their gratitude to the British officers who had accompanied them and given them, in little lectures and friendly talks. the benefit of their war experiences. After the colonel had summed up, the chaplain closed tho proceedings with fervent prayer. Of that unique gathering the uppermost impression is this-that this southern regiment of America has voyaged to the battlefields of Europe in spirit of deep admiration for all Great Britain has accomplished, and with an earnest desire to share In the burden and per tz NR