The daily worker. [volume] (Chicago, Ill.) 1924-1958, 1933-05-31
BY Labor Camp Correspondent

BY Labor Camp Correspondent
MITCHELL Field, L. lon April
II, 1888, there began an influx Of
young relief workers to the conditions
ing camp at Mitchell Field, Ii. ]
was among the first group there; the
vanguard of a thousand destitute I'M
employed youth who we're destined to
become part of the great army OF
"foresters."
Through the Eyes of Military Man
Before I state my Gaze, let it be
clearly understood that my mind does
not describe the conditions as seen
through the eyes Of a civilian. ignor-
ant Of the ways, administrations and
workings of a military camp, put as is
observed by the more experienced
oculatory nerves of a military man
wise 10 the ways Of army mess dis
tribution and regulations.
Start Ont in High Spirits
On April II, unfortunately, was a
day Of rain, mist and fog. and yet
that didn't dampen our ardor, nor did
the cold, uIlsavcry meal at the Bat
cry nor did the long. yiresome BUS
ride to the field Even the second
physical ex animation and the subte-
quent incubation and vaccination
could not lower our high, adventur-
Gus spirits. Then came our initial
acquaintance with the rotten system
Of distribution, wheeler Of mess OF
supply, later to become 50 synonymous
with Mitchell Field Civilian Conser-
yation Corps Administration
Naked in the Cold for Hours
AT 2:l5 p. m.-Waiting patiently and
shlyeripg from the cold drafts that
were waited through broken window
panes upon our haSed bodies. Before
US undriated four flies Of scores oil
nude bodies. An hour passed. APP
parently the lines had not moved. For
ahead of us at the supply door, we
could see husky individuals fiercely
pushing their way through the mob
clutching their precious fatigue cloth
ing. More hours passed. Figures now
lay upon the dirty floor inperYious
to the bedlam. They we're sleepy and
hungry. 1 too could feel the void
under my belt. Nine o'clock. Still
waiting. Ten O'Clock found US NOV.
ing our cold, cramped bodies to more
comfortable positions on the hard
| wood floor.
Eating in the Rain
At last our patience was rewarded
Hurriedly, We donned the flannel I'M
1 derwear, the overalls, the blouse. the
raincoat and were driven by truck Il
Our new home. Vast and empty, i
loomed before us. We deposited ouI
duftle bags in a corner and were
quickly taken outside in the rain t.
get some food. Our mess kits were
trightfully dirty, yet we we're too hun,
cry to be particular, Or too tired t.
care. We ate our meal in the rain
on wet benches and tables. It con
sisted of cold sausage, cold beans ant
cold coffee. 1t was unwholesome
though in Cur condition we coult
have eaten the leather soles of ou
mud-caked shoes and enjoyed it.
No Sleep Till a. IN.
At 2 o'clock in the morning. 25
tired men lay on $50 cots, vainly at.
tempting to woo the sandman. =; spit
OF glazing lights overhead and loud
mouthed overseers all about Us.
Days passed. Food as uupalatabl
as ever. Every morning calisthenic
and close order drill. The afternoon
were supposed TO be spent IN athletics
bet there was no parsphernalia, 81
We lay on the green grass instead an
Gc2ed in the slcep-inducing suashin
to the music Of the Ironing airplan
motors that twisted and rolled in thu
heavens above us.
Food Becomes Revolving
After two weeks, the meals became
revolving by their very similarity. Thu
meat was like rubber, the oatmea