New-York tribune., 1922-03-12
SOUVENIRS OF WAR
WHILE You WAIT
BY BERTHA c. COLDER

The war has provided unlimited scopa fE
the European charlatan, and in the last thrs
years many thousands OF tourists-psTtscu-
larly Americans-have purchased fictitious
souvenirs in the vicinity of some Of the battle
fields. The French, and even more so the
Belgians, are experts in the art Of hoodvnk-
ing the unsuspicious tourist who stops at
cottage to rest. or to ask a question.
For fifty years after the Battle Of Waterloo
villagers in the neighborhood were content to
sell bullets, alleged to have been found on ths
historic field-but these are other days, de-
manding more elaborate methods and the touch
of personal interest with which to invest the
souvenirs offered for sale, with great dl'
play of reluctance.
The commanders in chief of the British anc
French armies must have been busy, indeed, L
they visited every cottage whose tenant a!s
claim to some special mark Of distinction from
these exalted soldiers, coupled with the gifta
some personal token of esteem, such as fisss
a silver pencil or pocket knife. These Fl-
layers have now had three seasons II vnlca
to perfect their story and establish plaas'
Die selling campaign, SO 1t is not surpfsins
that they are eminently successful in playing
upon the credulity of the free-handed tourls"
Never is more than one article shown w
the vender, and this is taken from the pa's
of honor in the center Of the manteiple's'
handled with scrupulous care and passed '"
to the visitor with low-toned reference 7"
the circumstances under which Marshais nas
or Joffre pressed it upon the owner-usuai'
for valued information regarding the enemy :
position.
Manufacturers in certain lines have h''
been ignorant of these forms Of inlpossuls
and in some cases have gone SO far as 70 .D
grave upon such articles as officers wou'u y
likely to carry the monograms or coats Oh si'A1
of famous soldiers, in order to strengthen wv
imposition. These find ready sale among sa'se
who from poverty desire for easy hua,s ~. :.
recognize the opportunity of big pronfs fi''s -
Marshal Haig's cigarette case, with engi"'s. !.
initials, was sold last year to many nunaiss
of unsuspecting and delighted tourists sas -
at prices that were established by isf''
estimate of the travellers bank roll. -.
1t is not alone on the field OF battle 'n.. !.
the tourist from this side OF the Atlahs's :
awaited with feverish expectancy N u. -.
City of London ali manner OF quesslOn's.s. :
antiquities are offered for sale, and wlta s'ss
skilfully woven stories attached to them - o..
likely to disarm the suspicious OF all pa. -.
seasoned traveller. Volumes might be "r'sss'
upon the treatment of antique furniture s'0ls'
and only experts can always be cersa,u :.
garding the genuine age of such artic'ss :
are put up in the dingy, secondhand sD0sa'
where sometimes real treasures are discose.s. COW.
At the old hostelry on the edge OF na.ls :,
stead Heath, where Dick Turpin was WON J.
seek refreshment for himself and his h'A.s q
frequent sales are still made of persons, :,
fects that are said to have been left oen'ue -, s.
that notorious highwayman on the oecsa'''
af hurried llisht from the arms of the sn