The Raymer enterprise., 1920-08-05
NO ROOM ABROAD
FOR S|CHTSEERs
Admonition to Americans Who
Contemplate Touring the
BattIefieIds.
LONDON EVEN NOW CROWDED
Those Who Think Of Going Are a.
vised to Be Sure Of Quarters Be-
foi startins-2,ooo, 900 Are
Planning to Make Trip.

Planning to Make Trip.
New York.-American who contem-
plate visiting the battlefelds In Eu-
rope next spring or summer will be
well advised to secure their hotel ac-
commodation we'll In advance or to
postpone their journey until conditions
are more favorable Percy S. Bullen,
treasurer Of the Association Of For
eign Press Representatives In the Uni
ted States, who has just returned to
New York. says that London even now
cannot find room for visitors and that
the state Of affairs when the foodgates
Of tourist invasion are again open will
be appalling unless the intending
American visitors are forewarned and
therefore forearmed.
1t Is estimated that some 100000
persOns-One for each man sent to
Europe by the United States during
the war-are making plans for
transatlantic trip IN the next two
years. Their chief object is to see
the historic spots where the American
soldiers fought-the Argonne forest,
Chateau-Thlerry, st. Mihiel-and to
devote such period to visit to Eng
land as time and funds will permit
Mr.. Bullen has been all over the
western front during the last few
weeks and he predicts nothing but
anger, irritation and despair as the
lot Of any visitors who trust to luck
to secure hotel accommodations.
No Steps Yet Taken.
The difficulty Of the situation will
be realized when It is remembered
that the usual flow Of tourists to
Europe has been completely suspend
ed during the war and that only those
among the wealthlest will have the
first chance Of securing hotel accom-
mediation when the bars against tour
ist travel shall have been removed.
SO far no steps whatsoever have
been taken abroad to meet an unusual
influx Of visitors. Mr., Bullen was so
impressed with the difficulty threat
ened In London that he prepared a
memorandum on the subject, which he
submitted at recent meeting of the
Royal Colonial institute In London. In
the discussion which ensued II was
proposed that steps be taken for the
formation In London of national
committee Of reception. As nucleus
Of the organization 1t was proposed
that representatives of the various
Anglo-American societies should meet,
with power to add to their number
various representatives whose expert.
ence would be useful In solving the
problem now presented. Such persons
would include members Of the Ameri-
can Chamber of Commerce in London
and other Americans, besides leading
Britishers.
Plan Suggested.
The first essential step Is to mo-
bilize and list all available accommo-
dation provided by hotels and board.
ing houses, and then enlist the assist
ance of every householder willing TO
place room AT the disposal Of the
committee Of reception. II this plan
natures London will keep In touch
with New York on the question Of ac-
commodations and people In the Uni.
ted States will be advised as to the
best time to travel and the chances of
securing accommodation at reasonable
rates. At the time Mr.. Bullen left Liv.
erpool nothing actually had been done
except to call attention to the prob
lem and the dissatisfaction which will
ensue II American visitors to England
and France next year find themselves
absolutely stranded. as is threatened.
Belgium is apparently well able to
take care Of visitors to the Belgian
battlefields, mainly because Ypres,
Dixmude and the much battered coast
towns are all within easy range Of
Ostend. Sruges and Client. OF all the
battlefields visited. Mr.. Bullen de-
clares Ypres Is the most devastated"
but, with Its memories Of heroic fight
Ing extending from Ypres down the
Mennen and Poelcappelle roads, 'is
beautiful In its ruins" Ostend Is
probably the best center for automo-
bile parties. and the burgomaster Of
Ostend is one Of the few men prepar-
Ing to deal with an unexampled de-
mand for hotel accommodations.