Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1921-02-01
ment the non-nshters receive from

ment the non-fighters receive from
the contending forces.
The city OF Radoshkowiecze, from
which Mrs. Isaacson made her escape,
is located In the state Of wilma, Lithu-
ania, which is a part Of Russia.
Since the war began in 1914. this
city has been occupied by the Ger.
mans, the Russians, the Cossacks, the
Reds and the Poles. It has been a
constant state of terror for all. Con-
ditions continually grew worse, and
when the money which her husband
sent her finally arrived she determined
to get out of the war-ridden country
as soon as possible. 1t was easy to
reach this decision but not so easy
to carry it out. There were many OBJ
stacles. The Reds held the city and
they were not enthusiastic about let
ting people. even women and children.
leave. SUCH procedure was not in
accord with Lenine plans. The Poles
controlled Ahe lanes of travel which
she ought to follow to reach a point
of departure from Russia to Germany.
Railroads leading to the German bor-
der had not been restored. Between
the two lines was a six milo strip of
battle-scarred. devastated land. 1t
was a veritable No Mans Land.
She decided that the surest avenue
of escape was by way OF this No
Mans Land or ''Bolsheviki road" as 1t
has been called. Taking her two chill
dren. Philip, aged seven. and Marian.
aged four, and very few belongings.
she started on the eventful trip and
walked that six miles. They crossed
in safety with the bullets flying back
and forth between the fighting armies
of the Poles and the Bolsheviki, and
then they walked the 1850 miles to
Danzig, Germany. All the people along
the way were very kind to them, CIV
ing them a chance to sleep at night,
and at one place they found some rela-
tives where they rested before con-
tinuing on their way. ga
Mrs. Isaacson was able to speak
Polish, Russian and Lithuanian, and
this proved a great help in explaining
her object and in securing food. lodg-
ing and assistance from the people
along the way.
Arriving in Danzig. she secured her
passports from the American con-
sulate after waiting nearly two weeks
for their baggage to arrive by team.
From there they shipped to South
ampton, England. where they secured
passage on the American steamship
Olympic for New York Amply sup
piled with funds. the family crossed
the Atlantic In comfortable quarters
and enjoyed the trip.
Two days after the family arrived
in Norway Philip started In school al
the Lower Primary School. He never
heard the language spoken until his
arrival in New York, but he Is as
bright as new dollar and is learning
quickly. The mental sufferings dur
ing those four years have left their
mark on the boy. and he was 10th to
believe the family were safe from
street massacres. For months with
only rneagre allowances of food, the
family was schooied in the strietest
economy, and the present life with
plenty to eat and good clothes to wear.
is almost unbelievable.
Mrs. Isaaeson is mastering the Eng.
fish language and Is growing accus.
toned to the Joys of America" When
the war began In 1al4. Mr.. Isaacspn
was in business with his father in
Radpshkowiecze. where they were
dealers IN grain and had q large store
and shipped annually considerable
quantity to the United States. HI
feels he cannot be too happy in hav.
ing III family with him again. Port
land Sunday Telegram.