Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1922-06-22
MAKING THE BEST OFT.
BY Charles Scanlon.

GLASGOW, Scotland, in a few days for an
important meeting. A week later |
went, stopping in London and once more
visiting Ireland, and the Highlands OF
Scotland before returning to Europe
Everywhere the devastation Of war
was to be seen and the inconvenience
and Limitation of food, fuel, Transport
tation and hotel Accommodations were
marked throughout the British Isles,
though, OF course, much more pro-
nounced in France. My journey OF
some two months carried me over
many Of the great battlefelds, including
Belleau Woods, Chateau Thierry, the
Argonne, Verdun, Rheims, Vimy Ridge
and others. The devastation was ap.
palling and almost incredible in ex-
tent and completeness. Skulls, frag-
ments OF legs and arms, train loads OF
abandoned war munitions and all kinds
Of debris OF the conflict were strewn
for hundreds Of miles. Many interest
ing stories Of heroic achievements, al
most unbelievable savagery and sac
riiicial fortitude were common. One
OF the most instructive of these stories,
told with some variations, was that
OF town in the northern part Of
France called Tourcienncs which had
fallen into the hands Of the Germans
who, in reprisal for some alleged
grievance, ordered that forty of the
leading women Of the place should be
taken as hostages to German prison
camp. The women taken were, Of
course, terror-stricken and the people
OF the town and surrounding country
were appalled, by that which they were
certain meant certain death-or worse.
The prison was in dreary place with
clutter Of old buildings and rubbish
All forty Of the women we're placed
in single bare, barn-likc room with
tiers OF filthy hunks filed with damp,
mouldy straw surrounding three sides
of the room. Filth was caked on the
floors and covered the walls, but there
they were, helpless prisoners of re-
lentless foe, with no hope of rescue
and no idea OF when or how deliver
ance would come.
But they had character, courage,
conscience and will power. They were
sisters in distress. They knew that an
effort would be made to break them
down physically, mentally and moral
ly. Like all strong, good women, they
had resources within themselves which
no human power could estimate or de-
stroy so long as they were alive. They
resolved to conserve every energy and
do everything reasonably possible to
protect and strengthen each other.
First they knew that hatred eats like
a canker and decided to waste neither
time nor energy in hating their guards
AID frettng about their condition.
Mt they resolved to keep themselves
physically fit and observe sanitary
r".cs. They organized, some agreeing
{" lash, some TO sweep, some to scrub
C TO carry water, some to cOoE
etc, though they we're not accustomed
TO svch work. Thev.hld bcen allowed
10 bring one change OF clothing and
r olVed to keep their clothes clean
They curtained off one corner for
bathroom and used it regularly and
faithfully by turns There they had
some privacy, bathed. changed their
clothes, combed their hair and came
out feeling fresh and self-respecting.
They got some old bricks which they
used for sand and with plenty Of water
they scrubbed and made the floor white
and the walls clean. They were al
lowed one hour a day for outdoor ex-
ercise which they took regularly, rain
or shine. Among them was one who
had been a teacher of physical culture.
She gave them gymnastics in addition
to the outdoor exercise.
But they must have mental exercise,
too, and agreed TO share their minds
with each other. They had no mus zeal
Instruments, of course, but some OF
them understood voice culture ana
agreed to teach singing; othrs gave
talks on music and musicians. Some
discussed the care OF Children. One
was historian and lecturei on the
history Of different countries A FRO
fessor's daughter led discussions on
literature and art, and one VIZ h2r
been the head Of hospital lcchreJ
on the care Of the sick. Some played
games, others gave dramatic perfor