The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1919-03-12

crossed the ocean had been attained.
The war had been won and America
had played her part in the eleventh
hour. felt then, as never before,
pride in knowing that this regiment
had nobly done its part. In silent
thought thus l walked and once more
l turned and gaZed back ut the CHASTITY
ruins which were silhOuctted against
the sky. This time picture WAS
left upon my memory which never can
be effaced during my mortal hours.
Then back to the task OF moving
supplies and ammunition forward for
the advancing army Of occupation did
l return. Everyone worked with the
same vigor to push things forward
and clean up the miniature railway
ar our one thought was to complete
our task in narrow gauge service-the
service for which we had been Organ-
lied and in which service the regiment
had been so wildly pictured in the film
world of America in the famous pic
ture Uncle Sans War Babies The
abject was accomplished and our eX-
petition was to return; home at an
early date as we had done nearly IL
year Of excellent foreign service. In
stead We have been placed in standard
gauge service. Il branch for which we
did not enlist and today many are re-
turning who never saw near as much
service ana we are compelled to remain
and perform a service that could be
delegated to others thereby relieving
us and in no wise doing these Oh III
Justice. whose time Of service is far
less than ours and whom we believe
equally competent to discharge the
duties of standard gauge railway SER
vice In fact, branch they have en-
listed for. Ill.,.
As Il matter Of fact. we feel that we
have. served llobly for the period Of
the emergency. We are certain that
we have reflected credit upon our
selves that entities us that considera-
ton which we are certain should be
given us. That the object has been
accomplished and our task fully per-
formed. I'VE have borne our shave Of
the burden OF warfare and have left
excellent positions. many of us to vol
unteer our services. which have so gen
erOusly contributed to the success OF
our nation. Now we feel that the
American public should not impose on
her sons by compelling a skilled class
of labor who have positions awaiting
them to remain in France when others
who have never seen active service nor
undergone the hardships Of warfare,
having been there but in some instances
- few months. ar" at the disposal of
the Government for the performance
nf
would only be giving them an oppor-
tunity Of rendering efficient service for
their country and at the same time
would be giving lis the relief that we
are certain we are justly entitled to-
We consider this matter food for ,thot
for the general public Of America, as
we represent practically every state Ill
the Union. from the standpoint, IF
Railway Service. Our service gracious
ly given III consequence Of which fact
it is our desire that we may be relieved
of foreign service and returned to the
United States and mustered out for the
purpose of returning to our various
civilian Capacities. sPS f$y ..4
We fully realize that our Govern
ment; is confronted with some very
serious problems possibly for the time
being, but the one great task has been
WAR HAS, BEEN
WON. :, Man power is no more a pues-
ton now the problem Of transporting
men overseas for sedvice in IL foreign
campaign. Instead rehabilitation is
taking place daily at home, and men are
leaving these foreign shores to be.de-
modified soon after their return. 1--WE
g.. INF, y~<1
fish attitude III asking to- be returned
to ourh0mes and be mustered out
We, as a class, as you will fully ap-
preciate nearly all have positions
awaiting U.S. 1t is not u question Of
providing employment for us us a body
whenfth time for mastering out ar
rives. Instead we shall Immediately
step into the productive walks Of life
and resume our various occupations
This in itself IS a strong argument in
our behalf Aside from this cacl, month
that we are compelled to remain III the
military service of our Government we
are sacrificing much from a financial
standpoint. Our dependents likewise
are compelled to suffer certain
amount Of privatiOn as Il result Of the
difference in income. There can be
no logical argument advanced for keep
ing us overseas now that we have fully
served our purpose, and we ask that
the public thru their national legisla-
tors make every effort to have us re-
turned at an early date. H
Now that i, in behalf of the men Of
this regiment have given the public Il
general outline of this regimentssas
well as it's accomplishments in the
recently, ended struggle which has In
volved the destiny of Nations, L feel
that we as Il body are entitled to
petition the public in general to give
this matter immediate consideration
for the sakes Of those who arc Deepen
dent upon us.
Believing that the matter will merit
the solicited consideration from the
public In general, shall before closing
extend the thanks of the regiment in
advance for any effort which will
tend to attain the desired result. -.
Sincerely yours.
Paul Robideau,