The Birmingham age-herald., 1919-05-25

American Headquarters, s. O. S., France, May 1O.-(Special Correspond ence. )-Five hundred thousand soldiers sent on leave to the most beautiful pleasure resorts of France from the signing of the armistice until June l, is the answer to one of the greatest problems that ever faced the American army.
 The problem, which involved sustain ing the morale of the men in France un- til they could be sent home, was unicse. Never before had it arisen in the history of any army. The situa- tion was this. There were 2.000,000 men in France, American soldiers SUO0 miles from home. Relieved of the task of war their one thought and desire was to go home. But, for many or them, months must elapse before this desire could be realized Meanwhile they wanted to do something, go some where; the men wanted to get away from the toll, the hardship, and the mental strain to which they had been subjected for so many months while striving intensely for victory.
 The general staff knew and recog- nized the wants and wishes of the men and realized the necessity, for morales
  in the notwithstanding, obstacle destroying objective-attaining wax with which they had brought quick triumph to American arms the fgen- eral staff grappled with the great leave problem and solved it in a way that has made Europe marvel
 The problem was big and it was met in big manner. Seventeen of the most famous pleasure resorts of France were thrown open to American soldiers A half a million of our fighting men, worn with wars fatigue, spent days and nights of happiness and comfort in the most beautiful and luxurious play grounds of Europe at not one penny of expense to themselves The pleasure resorts are situated in the prettiest parts of the country where there are wondrous scenry, luxurious hotels, de- Gghtful amusement places, fine wea ath- CT and health giving climates. They are at Bagneres- es-de-Iuchon, Cauterets, Eaux-Bonnes, Biarritz, St. Malo, Vais- Ies-Bains. Iamalou-les-Bains, Mines, Menton, Nice, Cannes, Monaco Aix-les- Rains, Grenoble, Chnmoniz. Annecy, Mont Dore These are the beauty spots of Brittany, the French Alps, the Pyrenees, the Riviera and the shores of the Mediterranean
 GOVERNMENT MAKES PLANS
 At each of these places the American government contracted for rooms and meals at the finest hotels. The ca sinos were taken over for the exclusive use of the doughboys and the workers of the welfare organizations connected with the army moved in and prepared to make things lively and interesting for the khakf-clad guests. Nearly four score trains a week were operated as leave trains and used for the sole pur- pose of transporting troops from the
 
 the leave resorts. Then the leave sys- tenn was inaugurated. And this is how it worked
 MT. Doughboy, who had applied for furloug,h learned that his request had been granted and he was ordered to report to a certain place at cer- tain time. Arriving there he was bun died into a train with other permis- sionaires and the long journey began. Passing through the parts of France where are the finest scenic beauties the men enjoyed themselves immense ly, and yet, at first there were sev- eral "doubting Thomases" in every train, men who feared numerous re- strictions and duties because the leaves were being conducted under army aus pices. But these fears and doubts were quickly dispelled when the leave trains reached their destination. The men were taken to palatial hotels, regis tered as regular guests. and told to err joy themselves to the limit until the leave period expired.
 But,-er, er.-what are the rules ?' What is required of us?" was the cry.
 There are no rules. You're Just guests here and the only thing the army wishes you to do is have good time, just as good time as you can have and it doesn't cost you anything" the men were told
 And then the amazed men were left to their own devices.
 WHAT THE SOLDIER FINDS
 To truly appreciate the happiness of these soldiers on leave you must imag- inc yourself one of them. Imagine your self weary from the long strain of days and nights of horror on the line, of long hikes in and out of the front--exhausted, hungry, craving for comfort and rest