The Brinkley argus., 1918-06-21
BRINKLfY BOY
 NOW IN FRANCE Vivian Henderson Writes Interesting Letter from European Waters.

Somewhere in European Waters, MT. w. B. Folsom,
 Dear Editor: Thought I would drop you few lines as I have nOthng to do this afternoon.
 It is such fine day upon the top side, just been up and had a sun bath. It is little lonesome today, as most of the fellows have gone ashore on liberty. 1 am having fine time over here, but nothing like Old U. s. A. had five day leave over here and certainly had fine time. 0 f course the war makes it little tough, but we sailors always l find something to do. While on my leave 1 met quite a number of Can adian sailors that are from the States. They certainly were glad to see us, and have a long talk about Old America. l get the Argus every week that is every mail from my mother, and you can't imagine how much better and faster the hours go while out at | sea.
 I received a letter from one of my friends and he wanted to know why the sailors did not get credit the same as the soldiers do. The answer that l gave him was this: We are not looking for credit at the present time, but for sub marines and Huns. We cannot tell what we are doing, put after the war the history will give them some idea what we did, and why we were over here. 1 am glad to say that among the ships that are on our line the (BIG D. looks. She is a little old, but can't be beat for lodging tor pedoes.
 One reason you hear so much about the army is that men can get off about thirty miles and see what they are doing, but it would be a little hard to keep within thirty miles of battle ship and see what we are doing, don't you think? ! I have a little poem which 1 will send you. There is no doubt about it being the truth for l have expert enced it for myself.
 Will try and write more soon.
 From salty sailor from Brinkley
 VIVIAN M. HENDERSON.
 THE FIREMAN BELOW. You've heard of the praises sung of
 the men behind the gun, He's the man who gets the credit ot
 q battle fought and won. But there is phase of NAVY life
 that few civilians know; The duty of the black gang in the
 grimy depths below. | A swearing, tearing breed of men, Most generous foe and loyal friend, With natures as large as the Admir-
 els barge.
 No duty too hard for them to dis
 charge,
 Down in the depths of these Dogs
 of war,
 Mid the seething heat and furnace
 roar,
 Swearing, fighting, the great god,
 speed;
 To burn up the stacks-their only creed
 Gagged in by water-tight doors and
 speeding blowers, Always about them grim death
 glowerS, They knoweth not how the battle
 goeth on deck, 1 No word comes to them, and none they expect:
 But they know their duty, dead
 sure thing
 To hold the pressure high, untll
 they feel the ships death jar, Or the victory cry. They're known in the NAVY par
 lance by hundred different name.
 Clinker Snipes, and Bunker Insects,
 are a few and they are tame. Yet tsey feel no sorrow at the siurs
 flung out as jests. Knowing when the time comes,
 they will stand the acid test. When the nation needs her dread naughts,
 They will be brought on the fight ing line,
 Not by the men behind the guns with
 their uniform so fine, But by the toiling BLACK GANG lot"; ', And though ther hands are solled and rough, their hearts are soft enough,
 To appreciate gratitude and honor when it is shown, By the naton they protect, when the call of arms are blown.
 U. s. s. Delaware,
 May 5, 1913. Eo,a OxUuerS-.A