The Tomahawk., 1920-01-01

ErZeFUN1y NnIoI
A N INTERESTING subject of
diplomatic gossip is how the
~ American soldier will adapt
himself to the new duties and
Unique surroundings Of some Of the
Instant foreign areas he will of neces-
sity become intimate with in case the
system Of American manufactures in
volved in the League Of Nations be-
comes an accomplished fact. Ar
menia in general and more particular
y the so-called republic of Ararat are
most frequently mentioned as zones
to be given over to the protecting wing
If the American eagle, Everyone ad-
nits If the job is done at all by Uncle
Sam it will be done in the typical
whole-hearted American manner. The
question therefore arises as to what
upon to play an active part Nlll think
Of it.
1t will admittedly be important to
give the Americans advance infOrma-
ton as to what they are to expect
+ they go as part of Uncle Sans pro-
:ecting arm to Armenia or to Ararat,
says the New York Sun. Under any
mandatory system exercised by the
United States, American soldiers as
we'll as American civilians will have
to spend part Of their lives in these
countries and although the number
nay not be very great, it nevertheless
will not be negligible.
Armenia, a mountainous country, a
little larger than the state Of Pennsyl-
vania, lies just south of the Caucasian
mountains between the Black and the
Caspian seas. Although 1t Is bitterly
cold on the mountains and oppressive
ly hot in the valleys in summer, it is
nevertheless fascinating dreamland,
Astounding in streams and lakes and
rare birds and flowers. It is referred
to frequently as the "cradle of hu-
manity," for it claims within its Dor
ders the Garden of Eden. Its his
:ory is somewhat obscure, but It Is
said that the Armenian nation sprang
up from the great grandson Of ia
pheth, the son of Noah.
"RepubIlc" Of Ararat.
Armenia Is the proud possessOr of
Ararat-now the Republic of Ararat-
which is identified with the beginnings
Of the history of the human race. for
when the flood subsidized Noah's ark
Is supposed to have rested upon the
mountain of Ararat. The name OF the
village at the entrance to the glen
on the northeast foot Of Mount Ararat
Is Arghuri, meaning "he planted the
vine," and American troops may be
told tina. this was Noah's vineyard.
Nearby is another spit called "Ma-
nard," meaning ''the mother lies here"
and this is pointed out as the burial
place of Noah's wife. The first strip
Of land seen from the ark is also
shown to visitors at place called
"Eravan," meaning visible, and the
town of Nakchwan, meaning "frst
habitation," is another point Of inter;
est. r" 80 .
If the little Republic Of Ararat
Wl0S IudlSlulOXy PAOI$SSAOA AAOAAA -SAAS
United States, American soldiers may
have the opportunity of defending the
mountain, which is regarded with
superstitious awe. It is believed by
the surrounding people still to con-
tain the relics of Noah's ark, un-
changed, by time or decay. But Tartars
and Turks say its summit Is the abode
Of the devil and launch frequent cam.
paigns against its "evil influence"
American troops may well have an
opportunity Of engaging in: almost con-
tinuous warfare in defense Of this
most ancient historical shrine.
- Queer Marriage Custom.
The Armenians are intelligent and
economical. The ancient customs pre-
vail in many places. and here there
will be special opportunity for the
Americans to learn and appreciate the
ancient ways. New ideas Of courtsn1p'