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Page 2 y j ( ’sl |mr™ s v \l \v \l * i \ ¥** V V \ ’ <>; rfFT OOP I I Sidelights on the Big Bunch of Pennsylvania Boys GEN. LOGAN PRESIDES DEDICATING NO. 76 Warm Words of Praise By Commanding Officers on Work of the Army T The, fine new spacious building of the Y. M. C- A., known as No. 76, and lo cated at the northeastern corner of the 112th Regiment’s drill field, was dedicated with an impressive program on Sunday evening, in which Brigadier General Al bert J. Logan, Colonel Kearns, Colonel Rickards and other well known officers of the 56th Brigade and Machine Battal ions, participated. The program, besides including several hymns, “The Long, Long Trail” and oth er numbers, included half a dozen ad dresses that emphasized to the hundreds of soldier boys crowding the building, what the Y. M. C. A. was doing for the moral welfare of the youngsters who soon will be going “over the top.” The ad dresses were stratght-from-the-sboulder punches—concise, crisp and to the point. And many a soldier boy went back to his squad tent that night with a greater vision than before of what purpose lay at the basis of the Y. M. C. A. plans. General Logan Presides. Brigadier General Albert J. Logan, com manding the 56th Brigade, was the pre siding officer for the occasion, and with the other officer-speakers of the evening, occupied a place on the platform. The regular Sunday evening devotional ex ercises were carried out. A specially printed program had been given to each man present, and this gave the order of service, as well as the prayer in which one of the Y. M. C. A. secretaries led. Then the boys sang “Onward, Christian Soldiers” with a new fervor. “It is a great privilege to talk to you young men,” General Logan said, in be ginning his fine talk, “especially when I know tht you are here, at the call of your country. In all the wars in which America has taken part, Pennsylvania has done its fuil share, as we will do on this occasion, I feel sure. This is, no doubt, the greatest war we have ever en tered. “I am proud of you all, boys; for you are men who have volunteered. You came here to be trained and it is your bounden duty to give your attention in this work, not only for your country sake, but for your own. And remember, gentle men, that you cannot be good soldiers unless you are good men, and I don’t be lieve there is a man here tonight who does not want to be a good soldier. To be a good soldier you must be clean men— clean morally, mentally and physically. How better can you serve, in your af fection for the friends and relatives at home, than by going home after the war and saying, “I have been mentally, mor ally and physically right.” He paid a splendid tribute to the Y- M. C. A., emphasizing its value in border days, and declared that, the people at home who had contributed to a fund to build such structures as the one being dedicated had given greater than they knew—a debt the boys can repay only by their good behavior. Three Necessary Qualities. Chaplain Dollman, of the 107th Ma chine Gun Battalion, emphasized in his winning way the three things necessary to the development of the man in the field—physical, mental and moral train ing, and at some length he described the value of each one. He compared the physical training to the pig-iron stage and the moral training, combined with the other two, to that of the watch-spring typifying the climax in the production of the perfect soldier with that of the pro duction of iron and steel. “Above everything else, we need a great moral conviction, a great faith in God, and that is what the Y. M. C. A. is doing, inculcating that spirit among you boys,” he said. Colonel Shannon Speaks. Colonel Shannon, of the Machine Gun Regiment, introduced as one of “the Rough Riders of the Spanish-American War,” serving as a captain during that time in Porto Rico, declared he was an out-and-out advocate of the Y. M. C. A., and stood behind his chaplain in what ever plan the latter proposed for the mor al development of the men. “Perhaps they don’t think that I am as_devout a Christian as the rest back home, but 1 am heart and soul in this work.” he declared. Always, he said, he had manifested the greatest interest in the entertainments the “Y.” provided; he lauded the work the “Y.” had done on the border and added that in his belief it was just now coming into its own, working perfectly and systematically for the boys who will soon be in the trenches. Roy House, of Company B, rendered a vocal selection that won great applause, and then Colonel Kearns, commanding officer of the 111th Regiment (formerly the 18th), was introduced, and was warm ly applauded. Need Live “Y.” Workers. “We need real live chaplains in this regiment and we need real live members of the Y. M. C. in every brigade, to take care of the boys from a moral standpoint. The purpose of the Y. M- C. A. is to keep the soldier boys contented and working along right lines; sometimes the boys get homesick and mope, they want to go home —and it is then that the Y. M. C. A. lets them go home, through the letters they write.” He reviewed the causes of the war in brief and said that America had entered into the war game because the Kaiser had three times as many secret service agents in this country as the United States had, and predicted the war would not end until “the Declaration of Inde pendence lay on the table before the war ring nations of Europe.” 112th Chaplain Hits Mark. Chaplain Willis W. Hall, popular "sky pilot” of the 112th, and a favorite with the men of his regiment, said: “If the United States wins out in this war, it will be because you are men from the word go; it takes all the manhood in you to make you a winner—physically, mentally and morally. It is for this pur pose that the Y. M. C. A. and the chap lains are working, but were it not for the “Y.” my work would be hampered. There must be a wall of protection FRENCH AND CAMP around the men, and this Y. M. C. A. of fers it. “I would have every man in this regi ment a praying man, and then Crom well’s Ironsides wouldn't be in it with you.” Ovation for Colonel Rickards. General Logan then introduced Colonel George C. Rickards, of the 112th, as the senior Colonel of the 28th Division, and a man, who although he has spent a great many years in the service, is still very young. The introduction was an elaborate one, and when the Colonel rose to speak the audience of soldier boys gave vent to their enthusiasm and ap plauded and cheered wildly. The Colonel appreciating the demonstration, modestly remarked that all that General Logan had overlooked mentioning was that be was a great ice cream eater —and that a quart of ice cream had almost interferred with his being present. Then the Col onel told a story that tickled the men, and his five-minute straight-from-the shoulder address was on. “I presume that 99 per cent, of the men who are here tonight are men who have come here with clean characters, with upright manhood, and I believe it is as much our duty to keep these men up right as it is to reach down and bring others up. It is my belief that those of us who do live a clean life should never hesitate to reach down and help the other fellow up. “There is another fact I want you to drink in deeply: You have come from Christian homes, and you have been taught to pray; it has been your habit. Don’t be a moral coward; don’t be afraid, boys, to kneel down beside your cot at night. . Don’t let any scoffing of your comrades ever worry you. Keep these characteristerics strong, cherish them as the greatest assets you have.” To the work of the Y- M. C. A. he paid a remarkable tribute, as being a work that has surpassed all others in doing benefit for the soldier. “I spent a great deal of time after my return from the border and never lost an opportunity in church speaking or at gatherings to say a good word for the “Y.” and what it had done at Camp Stewart. I know every member of the brigade appreciates this Y. M. C. A., and I wish, as General Logan has sug gested, that there might be another build ing for our sister regiment, the 111th.” Secretary Tomlinson Asks Co-operation. Secretary Tomlinson, of Wilmerding, who is in charge of the entire Y. M. C. A. work at Camp Hancock and who is known as “the man with the smile that won’t come off” —a man who has won a warm place in the soldier boys’ hearts, said: “Fellows, the greatest thing you can do for the Y. M. C. A- is to write home and tell your friends what a great work it is doing; write to your home town pa per and tell them. On the 11th of No vember a campaign will start for $35,000,- 000, $26,000,000 of which will be spent for the work among the American sol diers abroad, the balance in this coun try. We have already made a request for more Y. M. C. A. buildings at Camp Han cock, and it is up to you boys, by ex plaining to the people back home what we are doing, to insure your town’s suc cess in the campaign. “We are here, boys, because we love you, because we want to make you bet ter soldiers. When you go across to France, perhaps wo won't go right with you, but our men are there and making ready for you. So if we don’t go ahead of you, we will come right after—and greet you over on the other side before long.” Tiie demonstration that was given the speaker was a splendid one, and the tribute he paid to the Y. M. C. A-, as a worker among workers, served as a fit ting climax to an impressive dedicatory exercise. No finer scene was ever staged in the 56th Brigade Y. M. C. A. Building than just then, when 700 soldier boys arose to their feet and sang “America” and Chaplain Hall pronounced the bene diction. AMBULANCE CORPS The baseball season was brought to a sudden close, on account of the stables being built on the ball diamond. No. 4 team carried the honors. The games were much enjoyed by everyone. The men were given half holiday on Tuesday in order that they could at tend the circus. A majority took advantage of this opportunity for a good time. We.have been busy collecting sub scriptions for the second Liberty bond. The sum of $27,750 was collected by the four ambulance companies. This is a very good showing. Fine spirit boys. Liberty Loan Holiday was brought to a fitting close by the boys of No. 112, by an election of three important officers, namely Lance Sergeant, Lance Assistant, Corporal. The election took placi in the mess hall and the compe tition for these all important offices was very keen- After much wire pull ing and speaking Sergeant Lauder baugh came off triumphant as Lance Sergeant. In his inaugural speech he promised the men to stand by them in all complaints. Gibson was elected as Lance Corporal and Wilkinson Assist ant. . The election was followed by a mon ster parade withg the victors bein borne on the shoulders of their ad miring constiteunts. Their faces were lighted with lanters borne on brooms and speeches were called forth at fre quent intervals. Their activities are already in evidence. The football team has received its uniforms and is ready for its first op ponent. Take notice other teams. Field Day was celebrated last Wed nesday by Ambulance Company No. 109 every one in the company taking part. Since the company has received 32 mules for ambulance the boys are kept busy getting acquainted witji these new recruits. Soccer was started this week. No. 2 defeating No. 3 by the score of 7 to 0. It was a good clean game with plenty of snap. FIELD DAY IN 103RD SUPPLY TRAIN COMPANIES Every Member of the Six Companies Took Part in the Events. . Lieutenant Smith, athletic director of 103rd Supply Train, conducted “Liberty Loan Bond Day” athletic meet for the men of the train. Every member of the six companies took part in the competi tion. 1— Events, carrying the colors, won by Co. 1, of Harrisburg. 2 Football throw, won by Privae Bream, Company 1, of Philadelphia; time of distance, 134 ft. 3 inches. 3 Relay race, won by Co. 1, of Harris burg; time of distance 15 seconds. 4 Running high jumj, won by May nard, Company 2, of Lancaster; height, 4 ft. 10 inches. 5 100-yard dash, won by McCarty, Co. 6, of Pittsburg; time, 12 seconds. 6 Shoot put, won by Ryan, Company 5, of Pittsburg; 37 ft 10 inches. 7 Running broad jum, won by Tor rence, Company 6, of Pittsburg; 15 ft 10% inches. 8— One mile run. won by Crosson, Com pany 4, of Philadelphia; 6 minutes, 15 2- seconds. 9 Pass back relay, won by Company 5, of Pittsburg. Summary—Truck Co. No. 1, Harrisburg, 25 points; first. Co. No. 6, Pittsburg, 23 points; second. Co. No. 5, Pittsburg. 22 points; third. Co. No. 4, Philadelphia, 18 points; 4th. Co. No. 2, Lancaster, 5 points- fifth. Co. No. 3, Philadelphia, 3 points; 6th. The officials were: Lieutenant Smith, train athletic director; referee. Lieutenant Starr; starter, Prof. Prechtel; scorer, Seargeant Luttenberger; judges, Lieuts. Snow-white and Wortmen and Boger; timers, Lieut. Compton, Priate Carboy; field judges, Seargeants Longenecker, Keefer and Mumma; press representative, Rusenthal, A. M, 8., Co. No. 3. The prizes awarded were a turkey din ner to the company with the most points and pipes, tobacco and other merchandise were presented to the athletes who won first place in each event. This is the first meet that the train has held and the records made in each event stands as the official records for Supply Train 103. % Concerts. Our weekly concert was held on Thurs day evening, October 25th, and true to our promise of the week before, every one had a very pleasant evening. The stage settings were of the very latest stwle, and have been very favorably com mented on both in Augusta and in Camp Hancock. Visitors came from all over the camp and from town. Those coming from town in the trolley cars -were met with auto trucks and conveyed to our train, and wree taken back to the cars again on the trucks. The talent was the best that could be had. and limited space forbids us saying all that we -would like to say in this respect. Music was furnish ed by the Ist Pa. Cavalry band. “shrapnel”’ The pet name of the 315th Machine Gun Battalion is the “Suicide Club.” Wilmexding (Pa.) Y. M. C. A. is teach ing English to drafted men, many of whom are foreign-born or sons of for eigners, thus better fitting them for mil itary life. (From Joaquin Miller’s “Burns and By ron,” first printed in 1870.) In men whom men condemn as ill I find so much of goodness still, in men whom men pronounce divine I find so much of sin and blot, I hesitate to draw a line Between the two, where God has not. “The British army has no rear line trenches. There is no provision for re treat”—L. A. Crocset. A fast will relieve nature while she is coping with the task of overcoming extra burdens that have been laid upon the system.—Dr. Samuel G. Dixon, Commis sioner of Health of Pennsylvania. Scranton, Pa., has furnished since March 3,829 soldiers and sailors all its privileges without cost. General Pershing has placed the entire moving picture business in France under the Association's direction. The bill for moving picture films, for the army camps, -will be SI,OOO a day for the million feet shown. Philadelphia Central Y. M, C. A. is lodging 275 drafted and enlisted men be sides giving them frequent automobile trips and entertainments, while the swim ming bath was so packed they had to swim in relays. "Red-headed Irishman fires first United States shell.” —Headline from Hearst’s Sunday American. Os course, who else do you think would start a scrap? . “Every group of men I meet I am im pressed anew that our men have the right to know what they are fighting for, the right to closest sympathy from those at home, a right to cleanest social sur roundings in camp and, above all, a right to the moral and spiritual bracer that comes with religious help. The Y- M. C. A. is trying to keep alive before those minds the supreme fact of Jesus Christ.” —Dr. James A. Francis. After service Sunday night, Grace M. E. Church, Harrisburg, Pa., subscribed $42,000 for Liberty loan bonds. wenty-two million American housewives are to be Hooverized, beginning this week, and will begin economizing. Meatless days, wheatless days, and eat-less days, are to become common. MR. SCOVELL’S~TALKS ENTERTAIN SOLDIERS Vermin in such numbers that one actu ally gets used to them. Water in trench es leading to a Y. M- C. A. dugout, where a meet was held. An aeroplane trip for several miles for the purpose of enter- Oct. 31, 1917. taining an officer and his staff. Reciting in hospitals, in orphanages, and for groups of maltreated women huddled to gether in refugee camps—these are some of the unusual experiences of Mr. Ben jamin Scovill, who has lately visited our Camp and entertained the soldier boys in every Young Men’s Christian Associa tion building. He entertained them not by these gruesome stories, which were only an incident, in the evening’s program, but by up-to-date war poems, by stories and incidents as told in barracks, in camps, or in the trenches; and by his own humorous description of his trip from Canada to the front. One of the most taking descriptions was that of a Ca nadian Battalion on its way to Europe. At Toronto the boys kissed their sweet hearts good-bye, saying, "Darling. I will be true to you.” When they left the first training camp they hade good-bye to the girls at the station, saying: “Be sure to write; I will never forget you.” at the Port of Embarkation, they bade good-bye to another group of girls with the same protestation that they could never forget, but write to them regularly and be back for them at the end of the ■war. After some training in England, the same scene occurred and the same oaths that they would always remember the little girls to whom they were bidding such fond farewells. Os course, he ex cused the American boys by saying that this will never occur on this side of the line. Not only was his humor entertaining to the boys, but. they gave him their rapt attention as he described war conditions in France, the atrocities of the Germans, the pitiable condition of Belgium, and the grim determination of the ailied armies. ALL TELLTHE SAME STORY The Army Y. M?C. A. “a Har bor from the Storm” "The men in charge of the Army Y. M. C. A.’s are the ideal which every mother wishes her son to attain. Straight forward men, crying out for truth and virtue and in the pursuance there of defy the world. They have built their home on a rock. Any weary traveler who wishes to find a haven from the raging tempest of life may do so by stepping into a Y. M. C. A. The privilege of meeting in a place where every one may enjoy himself in a respectful manner; the privilege of hearing good, moral speeches and see ing good, moral pictures; the privilege of obtaining all of the writing material and envelopes for only the asking, and of reading the latest periodicals and newspapers, is only a. little of the work carried on by this organization. I, without hesitation, say to the public: help it for the sake of the soldiers in the field; help it for the sake of a ten der, loving mother; help it for God’s sake. “PRIVATE A. B. DECOSTREQUE/ “107th Field Artillery, “Woodlawn, Pa.” "The joys and benets of the Army and Navy Y. M. C. A. are great for us soldier boys. We believe every local American citizen should boost it. "Privates: "JOHN F. SCHNEY, "WM. C. BOYLE, “Field Hospital No. 112.” “The Army Y. M. C. A. is doing a wonderful work at Camp Hancock. Words can not express how glad we are to have their buildings to go to. Sta tionery, moving pictures, and practical ly everything for our comfort and amusement are absolutely free.” 0, FOR A BOOK AND A SHADY NOOK We are under obligation to many friends in Augusta, in Pennsylvania, and throughout the country for the generous supply of books in our camp libraries. The Cranford Club, the First Presbyterian Church, the Public Schools and Academ ies, of the City of Augusta, have all un der the leadership of Mrs. W. C. Kellogg, donated to the boys in Camp considerable number of volumes. The Women’s Clubs, the Red Cross, the Young Men’s Chris tian Associations of Pennsylvania, have also been very generous. Now comes a shipment of 1,000 volumes from the Car negie Free Library of Atlanta, and 6,000 books are on their way from the Pennsyl vania section of the American Library Association, which is in charge of Mr. Robert P. Bliss, director of the exten sion department of the Pennsylvania State Library. A part of this last consignment has been received and is being passed out to our buildings as rapidly as possible. The books are in great demand. If any soldier has a book which is over due, kindly return to the Army Y. M. C. A. Building from which he procured it, so that some one else may have a chance to read it. Scientific Beoks—On Request. A number of requests have come from Engineers and others, asking for books on special subjects. While we have ask ed our friends for books on higher mathe matics, physics, engineering, wireless, in ternal combustion motors, aeroplaning, and other similar subjects, the most books we have received to date have been fic tion. Now comes the Special Libraries Com mittee, a sub-committee of the American Library Association, which offers to send us such books on loan upon request from individuals through us. If you have any special work which you would like to read, hand the title of book together with the author’s name, to the nearest Y. M. C. A. Secretary, who will pass request through to us to the proper parties. It is understood that a little later on the American Library Association will have a supply of books of all classes at a central station in each of the thirty-two camps and cantonments. Meanwhile, make known your wants.