The Delta independent., 1919-01-10
ARTHUR ISENSEE, U. S. JACKIE,
WRITER LETTER FROM FRANCE

news by wireless tnat the war was
over. 1t was a relief to us, for they
sent us across without a convoy. We
probably would be safe in the bottom
of the ocean if the war hadn't ended
On about the seventh day we went
through big wind storm. was
out on deck at about two in the
morning. A gust of wind plastered
me right against the door on the out
side. Shortly after, a big wave came
over the whole ship and a whole
bucket full of water came through
the cracks around the door; it is
close fitting door too. The sea gulls
had followed us till then, but after
that we were alone. We met seven
ships the whole way across. The
gulf stream was green looking and
full of moss and sea-weed. When we
got into the south Atlantic the air
was warm as summer and the water
blue as ink; just as pretty and CLASSY
looking as could be. The sunsets,
too, were as beautiful as I ever saw
anywhere. 9
The first land we saw was the
island of MADEIRA. We sailed about
80 miles north of it but were in sight
of it all day long. It's highest point
is $500 feet We stayed at Gibralter
one entire day. There is nice lit
tie harbor there, two Spanish and
one British town around it. The
highest point on Gibralter ia 1865
feet. 1t is a wonderful port We
looked at the canon through field
glasses, and they are monsters and
a lot of them. The Mediterranean
coast on both Euorpe and Africa is
very rough.
One interesting thing about the
their produce. We could see them go
ing in trains along the beach. At
first we thought they were camels
with the humps. Every Spanish town
has its own bull ring where the bull
fights still are held.
The morning we left Gibralter the
first thing that took our attention
was the porpoises-fish with sort OF
round body and some as long as l.
They came towards the ship in
schools, bouncing along part of the
time out of water. Reminded me of
seeing hogs come through weed
patches when called to their feed.
with their backs showing up occasion.
ally. They would follow the ship and
then run up in front of the bow and
play CROSS tag with us. They would
jump up in front; then turn around
J and go back Just as though It were
, a picnic. It was picnic to watch
! about twenty at the same trick at
once.
When we reached the Gulf of Lyons
we anchored out one day before we
could get into the dock. Things have
slowed up considerable since the war
is over. We are getting news from
the U. s. but is a little old I fear
Daily we can get what Is called the
Paris edition of the Chicago Tribune.
News thus far is not very satisfac-
tory. We do know Germany is down
and out and the American army is
moving towards Berlin. am going
to cop paper as souvenir. Sou
venirs are high priced in this mans
land. have silk handkerchief for
you, mama, and will also get all the
views / can that give you an idea
of the country. In peace time this
was city Of 100000 people, now II
Is some over a million. The streets
are crowded at night, and you should
see the cafes. This is a very filthy
rotten. immoral town. i man is ad.
vised to carry a gun at night, not
rink the French water, avoid q
rrowd and let the women alone
There are $4,000 registered prosti
.utes. no one knows how many more
unregistered. There undoubtedly is
better class OF people but / would