Evening star., 1918-07-04
SHRAPNEL
Sidelights on the War
. -BY-
OLIVER OWEN KUHN.

Potpies Of sparrows, pigeons and
crows are popular in Great Britain
these days. All these birds are
known for their destruction of grow
ing crops, and when the farmer kills
them and puts them in the pot for an
excellent meal he at once gains two
ends.
Berlin once was one of the neatest
and cleanest cities in the world. 1t
now has a frowsy appearance.
Though it has been declared the
married man makes the best soldier
because he is used to fighting, officers
at the front declare that the young
man who Is in love and engaged Is
the best. Not only has he something
to look forward to and keep his mind
ance and is cheerful. The latter
quality has great influence on his
comrades.
Canada never has made a monetary
contribution to the upkeep of the
British navy, but before the present
war broke out she presented three
dreadnaughts to the mother country.
1t was quite small British village.
and the Inhabitants rarely saw any
soldiers about. One day, as two of
the village gossips were exchanging
scandal in the street, a soldier passed
them.
That's one Of them Australians.
that u.s." announced the first in a
hoarse whisper.
How do you know?" asked the
other.
why, can't yer see the kangaroo
cot hnr S,,I -, l,o& -, 4,,1
reply.
Though many amusements have
been closed in Germany, the govern
ment still permits horse racing. At
one time more than 250,000 people
were on the course at Gfunewald.
They were mostly women, old men
and boys.
Troops on the march actually march
ohly m for t5e from fifty ,d t. fyvs mq Is
allotted to them for a brief rest to
ease the weight Of their packs on
their shoulders and stretch their
limbs. In this matter of packs, too,
it is curious to find how good disci-
pline invariably tends to promote the
greater comfort of the soldier. In
good battalion, where strict atten-
tion is paid to the appearance of the
men, packs must be tidily packed and
equipment properly adjusted. If prop
erly hung, the soldiers pack and
equipment, though heavy, are not un-
comfortable. If carelessly adjusted,
however, they are positive torture.
1t takes about 1000 feet of timber,
in the rough to furnish 200 feet of
wood good enough for airplane pro-
pellers. Usually only wood taken
from the heart of trees is used. Black
walnut. is the best kind, though
and cherry are used.
How do U-boats on long cruises get
their necessary supplies? This is re-
vealed by a British captain who was
a prisoner aboard a U-boat for
period Of three weeks. He says:
EARLY one morning we rose to the
cautiousness. first thrusting out
periscope and taking a comprehensive
view of the surrounding sea, and then
emerging in diving trim, in readiness
to submerge at the first alarm. Some
little distance away biggish sailing
made in its direction. and I momen-
tarily expected to hear guns open fire
in the usual German way, but in
stead of this our electric signaling
lamp began to flash. and after a short
interval our challenge was answered
alongside the vessel. brigantine Of a
not particularly savory appearance.
She carried a neutral flag, and this
flag had apparently got foul Of the
1 learned afterward that tois
was a prearranged signal. The brig
submarine stores. She carried a thin
covering of an Nnappetizing cargo
over all, to divert suspicion In the
event OF being overhauled by allied
warships. Besides her captain, she car
ried a man who was evidently a Ger
man officer of considerable authority.
He summoned our commander aboard,
and that worthy took with him his
logs and all books dealing with his
work"
Trench warfare is like trade"
said an American soldier at the front.
when fellow knows what he has
to do and what kind of jobs he has
to perform 1t doesn't come SO hard
with him. When we first came into
the trenches we did not know what
to expect"
The atmosphere in a submerged
German submarine is terrible, ac-
cording to British captain. who was
held prisoner on one for some time.
He said:
There was very little to do whilst
submerged. The poisonous atmos-
phere did not encourage happy
thoughts or too much optimism. My
head ached and my stomach seemed
turned, and a wave of misery got me
by the throat. On mentioning this to
the warrant officer he told me my
symptoms were common in subma-
rine crews, and that the percentage
of suicides among such people was
very high. This was not reassuring."