Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1923-11-07
Says u. S. Should
Elaborate More in
Cemeteries Overseas

Washington, Nov. 6-Disorder in
the American Cemeteries In France
is due neither 20 neglect nor care
lessness. but rather to the work of
removing to America nearly two
thirds of the bodies buried there.
Representative A. Piatt Andrew,
of Massachusetts. who was inspector
general of the American Ambulance
during the world war. gave this as
his opinion on his return today after
visit to all the burial grounds
where American soldiers sleep "over
there"
Mr.. Andrew, however, did criticize
plans for the future beautification of
the cemeteries which he described
as falling "disgracefully short of the
opportunities and requirements"
Serious criticisms" said Repre-
sentative Andrew. have been made
as to the condition of the cemeteries
during the past summer. Parents
who visited the graves of their boys
two or three years ago and who re-
visited them this year have been dis
appointed to find the cemeteries not
only unimproved but with turf up
turned or wanting altogether, with
paths and driveways unkept and
perhaps with familiar gardens or
beds of flowers plowed over and
abandoned. They have returned TO
America with grief and Indignation
in their hearts.
conditions are unfortunately very
much as they describe them. but in
my Judgment they are due not to ne
glcct or Indifference, but understand
able and pardonable causes. The re-
moval of 10000 bodies TO America
has of itself meant general tearing
up of tho burial grounds and involved
rC-arrangement and re-burIal OF
many. if not most, of those left.
Adoption of permanent plans for
drives, paths. trees and flower pots
has necessitatcd abandonment of
most of the temporary or eXtempor-
lied landscape gardening which two
years ago seemed to the uniformed
observer finished and complete.
II feel justified in assuring the
families of the boys who sleep in
France that the resting places of
their dead are not being neglected by
those in direct charge but are being
watched over by them with real de-
votion. Such criticism as l feel OBJ
liged to offer has not to do with the
present upkccp or the work now so
ing on.
My complaint is directed rather
to the plans prepared or passed on in
Washington for the future embel-
lishmcnt OF the cemeteries which
must be admitted. fall disgracefully
short Of the opportunities and re-
uuircmcuts. Our government has
not fulfilled its trusts it has not even
made plans for doing so.
"ProviSion is made i'll each ceme-
terry for grading and planting. a
C&rotaker's house and offices. paths.
and q road and a flag pole. front
wall and Il Gate-and, there the plans
end 1t is hard to see how govern
mcnt economy could be more pro-
vinCal. more uNseemly or less worth
lily directed, No general monument
is contemplated: according TO pres
cnt plans a plain iron water tower
will he :he only work of art in any
of our cemeteries.
1t viii lie tic most CONSPICUOUS
feature in most Of them and the sole
sCulntulal symbol Of the nations
remembrance Of its heroes In Pei
lean Wood. browning the hill where
the Marines turned back the German
tide, such an iron water tower will
dominate the landscape for miles
around-a monument unworthy of
any country that has passed beyond
| tho crudest beginnings of industrial
life.
In none Of the cemeteries has
provision been made for place of
worship or meditation. \ Mother