White Pine news weekly mining review. [volume] (East Ely, Nev.) 1910-1920, 1919-07-20

Russian prisoners or war IN Ger
many constitute a problem. To repa-
triate other prisoners is comparatively
simple. but there is no stable govern
ment 10 which the 10000 Russians
can safely be intrusted. non eompe-
tent TO undertake caring for them. The
revolt at home makes possible a revolt
among the prisoners. and the advance
of spring has given rise 70 fear OF a
general exodus toward their border.
Both the allies and Germany find the
situation disquieting. This description
Of & Russian prison camp in Germany
was written b. an American Red
Cross worker.
The buildings II Ruhleben now used
for prisoners consist Il Old stables
and paviliouS. which have been sup
~plemente5 b. barracks similar f. those
used BY American soldiers in France,
The situation is excellent. well drained
and with any amount Of open space.
One a trace N the center II the
nc course the faded white lines Of
former cricket and football grounds
always an indication OF occupancy By
English soldiers.
Upon our arrival 81 the camp we
were ushered into the American army
headquarters. where the lieutenant In
command was holding a conference
with the Russian prisoners committee.
The subject under discussion was the
preparation OF plans for an entertain
men; 10 be given b. prisoners them
selves. We were told that they were
Just arguing the relative merits Of
hantos and guitars when we came m.
inspection Of Camp.
The subject was postponed while we
formed IN groups for an Inspection %
the camp. We had come a an auspE-
cious moment. for the men were just
assembling for the midday meal IN
long lines outside the mess kitchen.
We had an excellent opportunity 20
inspect their clothing and general sp-
pearanee. All Of them were warmly
clad. and shod either with leather
shoes or ssbots The condition ~ the
clothing seemed to vary with the In
dusrry and ingenuity 81 the wearer
Patches and seams made a medley u
color. while the variety Of headgear.
warning from a Coss2ck's fur turhan
10 an English Tomny's discarded cap.
lent a strange even comicaL appear
ice 70 the long mess line.
Tie men themselves were apparent
~ IN S good physical condition. but
they were for the most part silent and
somewhat moroSe. Here vas bone 81
the animation and livelineSs q the
usual mess lines
We vent into one OF the kitchens
and saw the men being served with the
thick potato soup. IN which vas hoat-
ing a surprising quantity Of eat. One
Of the cooks ~ohligingly came forward
with a platstul and a spoon. and We
went through the ritual OF tasting Il.
II was really very good This soup
Is cooked ln large caidrons. dexter
ously stirred with long wooden show
els. and as fast as u csldron Is emp
new mess Of postage begun. Some Of
the ren ate their SOUP In the kitchens.
bur the majority preferred 10 carry Il
70 their barracks Presently Ne went
into one OF these and found Il cry
warm. very close and q bit smelly.
But 20 q people accustomed IN Russia
70 sleeping on tops OF stoves this con-
diuon seemed not unnatural and even
agreeable.
oisinfeetins Process
Here were groups OF men sitting on
their hunks. consuming their soup In
a stolld and ruminative way. or plsy-
ing q silent game OF cards which
seemed TO me 20 resemble pinochle.
All OF the hunks had blankets ard
bedding. obviously in need Of
ton. and we we're glad TO hear that
this was being carried u very rap
idly. In one corner we came upon 3
lively little Jewish prisoner. nee a
tailor. now busy making q suit OF
clothes out Of a blanket. The trou-
sers. which he was just finishing. were
all beautifully end carefully hand
sewn He was working the border de-
sign Of the blanket into a sort OF q
decoration for the front Of the coat.
We next vent to the disinfectins
and bath house. which we found
equipped with steam pressure clothing
disinfectors and hot water shower
baths. The whole camp was being put
through the delousing and disinfectinS
process. aud in one Of the rooms we
80 e unon a striking evidence Of