The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1922-12-07
A BUCK IN FRANCE
Behind the Lines
By Mr.. X. L. M.

1t seems to be the impression OF many
that the Yank in France entered the
trenches as soon as he had landed, and
remained there until the cessation of hos
tilities. A little thought should lead one
to see that human endurance could never
encompass such state. The entertainment
of the soldier while behind the lines, was
as much a part of the outlined program
as the necessary drill, for the leaders
recognized the necessity of keeping up the
morale of the fighting men.
This was the reason for the existence of
the various organizations, that sprung into
being during the hectic, wartime days.
Vast sums of money were collected from
the folks at home, to be used in the interests
of the men of the A. E. F. For the most
part, l am of the opinion, that these con-
tributions were in good cause, and that
they contributed to the welfare of the
Yank, as well as the Golfers of the sectarian
and non-sectarian orders.
For the Knights of Columbus, the Red
NIOSS, Tic OdlNdtlOU <AIIIy L nave
rothing but the warmest praise for they
were looking out for the soldier all the
time.
Before boarding the transport at New
York, every man was given package of
cigarettes by canteen workers in the garh
of the Red Cross, and before the return
trip, this was repeated.
The Salvation Army lasses will ever be
remembered by the doughboy, for when he
came out of the trenches, she was present
with coffee doughnuts, and cherry smile.
On more than one occasion I have en-
tered K. Of c. hut, to replenish my store
of Tags, and I usually was not possessed
of the wherewithal to pay for them, but
was never turned down. If l wanted
a cup of chocolate 1 got it-free. So it
was with any Yank. These organizations
were what they were represented to be
welfare organizations.
There were many theatrical organiza-
lions in France, many of them headline
attractions, vaudeville artists, and grand
opera stars, both male and female Elsie
Janis was there, Harry Lauder cheered
many homesick buck with his inimitable
drollery; Margaret Wilson, daughter of
the ex-president was there. There were
well-organized circuits and every hut had
its vaudeville and movie nights.
Home-talent minstrel shows were put
on; one-act plays were presented with
individuals who shaved regularly wearing
the fneries peculiar to the feminine sex.
Many of these organizations, which sprang
into being during the war, were featured
On the big time upon return. You may
have seen Buddies which were presented
on the Orpheum circuit, as remember.
The hardships encountered by these en-
tertainers were myriad. They travelled
about the country in dilapidated Aivvers,
belonging to the Y. NJ c. A. when spots
not reached by railroads were to be
reached AS mud was a regular feature
you may understand the true American
spirit that moved the artists to suffer the
necessary inconvenience so that the Yanks
might be entertained.
There were other means of diversion.
Boxing shows were put on at regular
periods. When man was champion at
his weight in his branch of the service,
sector, or district he would be matched
with the champion of some other distri e.
and by this process of elimination the
champions of the A. E. F. and of the
Allied armies were selected.
Track meets were held in which fleet
footd Sengelese would be matched with
former Olympic champions from Finland,
or perhaps Sweden.
Many regiments were represented by
football elevens, and practically every di-