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About St. Johns review. (Saint Johns, Or.) 1904-current | View Entire Issue (Dec. 16, 1921)
A Letter From France The following letter was re ceived by Jeweler I. II. Lynch from his daughter Gladys who spent'the Summer in France, to gether Tvith a few associate teachers from Highland Park High School, Detroit, Michigan: Dear Papa: I believe my last letter ended just as we were go ing to take a trip to the battle lields at Verdun. We left Paris from the eaat station. Here we saw many Americans anxiously waiting for the train to the bat tle field, aB we were. Wo were met at the station by n young French lieutenant with a "Croix De Guerre" and other medals. He had been in the thick of the war, was shot through, but man aged to save his superior officer. The minister of foreign utfnirH was also at the utation. It was through him that such an inter esting trip was planned. We found compartments reserved for us on the train. The scenery was beautiful, with small fields of different colors which made it look like a patch work quilt. We went through Chateau Thierry and could see the Billeau woods in the distance. Wo could see signs of the war, hangers for air planes, buildings in ruins in all stages of repair. Wo went through Chitons Stir Marno; the Marne river waB almost dry. We began Beeing cemeteries with black and white crosses: the black for the Germans and the white for the Allies. At the sla tlon of Verdun wo woro met by the Commandant UparncHs; he waa commandant at Verdun during the war and is still in chargoof the citadel; he is par tiallv paralyzed, but is jolly am full of fun hb if ho had not seen all tho Borrows of war. There werelllvo military automoblleH waiting for us, so wo immedi ntnlv Hturted nut for a viuw some of tho Torts. Verdun is raiiidlv being rebuilt, but the outskirts are still in ruins, but wo passed hundreds of shacks put up by the French for refugees a couplo or families lived in each tur papered coverei Bhacks. We now saw the broken down trees and barren ground Now and then a poppy could be Been or a blue flower. Our chauf four pointed out where there Inn been forostH, but now only uttiintiu rumn mod. wo imHHC( through village aftor vllliigo; in uome all that was lurt was the name. We panned n monument erectod to tho right Dank of the fifth division U. S. A. on No vembcr 1st, 11)18. This market their furthest advance just be fore tho Armistice. We now reached one or the large Amen can ccmctcrica. It wan all sur rounded by burlap beeausu they were disinterring bodies to be Bent buck to America and the wouldn't let us enter or even 1(H) in. As wo went over the hill we could see tho piles of coffins. I Boemed as if it would have born much better if they had lull them there. American soldierH were stationed in a hut across the road, and they brought out a register to see if wo had any friends buried here. Next we came to Monlfaucon; this is one of the strongholds of the Get tuuns. It was hero that the Ger man Crown Prince had his lookout. The Americans helpct cauturo this -tho remains o the cathedral still stands. We moved on and stopped at a little cafe which was nothing but a ahack in charge of a eripplei soldier. We could get nothing but bottled wine or vichy water, u mineral, because the spring and wells were destroyed dur lug the THr Wo now moved to Vanquoois- we had to climb up a very high hill. We went up the side where the Germans lim been stationed. They had their fine dugouts of concrete am iron; tney had built steps up tho hill with a lulling. We coul find remnants of electric fix tures. We had to climb over much barbed wire and saw many nn exploded shells. We finally reached the top. It was like a big crater nothing but a mass of rocks and wire. The Germans had been stationed on one side and the French on the other; ihev had fought hore for years: lovely village had been here at one time. Wo could easily tell the difference between the French and the German Bide. The German wire entanglements were fastened like a cork screw going into the groundwhile the French waB on tho saw buck tyle or Btake and rider fence of former days, luey were much easier to move. The French dug outa were of wood and sand bairB they were not durable. We.had to hurry down the hill bcause every evening at five. they, the workmen, shoot off tho unexploded shells. They gavo the signal first, so we jumped into a German dug out and whenever a shell exploded we felt as if we were raised on of the ground several inches. We had u sensation of real war. On the way back to Verdun we stopped at a little French cemetery. The commandant told us that 20 or SO bodies of unknown soldiers were brought here daily and buried; and even while we were standing here a small cart drove up and off of it was taken a rough oak coffin and carried by two men and placed in tho grave. A young priest said the prayers; he was very pleasant and was In charge of the cem etery. We felt as if the war were not over yet. On the white crosses were printed, "Sal-dat In Connus." We now come back to Verdun and went directly to the citadel where we were to stay nil night. It is an old fort started In the lGth century by Clovls, continued by Henry IV; later by Urban in 1022 and in 1835 was made Into a fortress. It is very strong and is built on the side of a hill nud has many un derground passages. It is used as n lis tening kM anf a hospital. Although Verdun was held by the Germans, they were never able to get hold of the cita del. During the war about 4,000 were accommodated, and about 300,000 loaves of bread were made dally. We were met at the "petlts soldat" (pourlis) young soldiers in training. lu their blue uniform they saluted us, carried ouf bag and showed us to our rooms. These were in a loug casement or long alcoves with III rooms partitioned off; the par tition did not run clear up to the cell, lug. Tills one casement is used to en tertain eclebratces, such as the Icings of Belgium, Spain and Italy, and wc were the first group of women to stay all night here. Soon dinner was called and wc ate in the officers' musi-room, with the Stars and Stripes lu prominence. We had n delicious dinner, served by the "hj1Ius" the commandant aud inn Jor acting ni hosts, They kept tilling the glasses up first with red wluc and then white. During the meal the com tuniidaut entertained us with stories of the war, niiu alter dinner drank toasts and tinoked cigarettes, We took a short walk around Verdun; we walked ill lic streets because the people all sit out on the side walks. We then retired, although it was boiling hot out doors; inside they had heat, but even then it was Ice cold because the sun never came lu: the covers were damp and heavy, but we thought It was a wonderful experience. Wc slept fairly well, considering the sentinel who Drnnccd tut and down aud banged his gun down and the snoring of the iivoulc. Wc were told to put our shoes outside the door, 4tid found them well blacked the next morning. Wc were called the next morning at ti o'clock by "Mult Hemes Alcsilamcs." Iiisnie on clothes and hair were wrlmtlni: wet Our breakfast lasted fairly good, with iiruiv biead. butter, codec nud con iIuiimmI milk (Armour brand) nud mar iiinluilc. Then the commandant took us to his titivate dining room and showed u relics of the war, medals, etc A beautiful cigar box given by the Kug Hsu. .Many nuns were annum tile room the Harvard pendant was pinned to the American ling, nud we were told that the Hurvard (Slee Club had been there a few days before. We then visited the private soldier casement and where oulr one soldier slretis now, four slept dnriiiL' the war. We then went Into ii beautiful halt at the cud of which was a stage where plays were given during the war, It was here that the Imdv of the iiukiiow soldier was chosen the Uxlles of eight ("iMillus") unknown taken from each kcclor. Then came 1H vomit! sylillcis We were told to stand at attention around the room and not more during llic ceremony so that the iiudlciicc would feel respect for these nroccctlluus Thr minister of war gave a wicatli ol lloucrs to a young lH-jeur-old soldier mill lie was to mace it on any one 01 tue Collins; he made the rounds and then came back aud everyone was waiting breathlessly where he would place- the wrrulh. It was placed on one the com m.iuiUiit Mid he was so surprised when It liapiirned to lc placed on body taken from the Verdun sector, Thr body was then placed under III "Arcde Trlomphe," lust as one of th unknown dead was placed III Ar liugtoii cemeleiy Armistice Day, We were registered lu u IhkiIc where wc w many (union names, such us King Allicit ol llelgluui, Van Dyke, Marie ol Itnumniilii. Victor Hiuiiiamicl, I'nuloilrc I'ilaiii, I'cishlug, thu West I'olut lloys. Then we visited the rutins ol Verdun, Wr saw many signs saying that "Tills building bad been a boys' school now In ruins." Many stores lmv lieen rebuilt, bill we could see signs of shell holes. We then had luncheon in the citadel The general caiiie aud paid his respects o us. We then visited some more forts I'oit Triieuues. very old. formerly medical txdlrge, with draw bridges three nates ami tunnels, We could see Piles of rusty uuus, shoes, belts, etc Then the I'oit of Vaur, built in lNiO We went inside three dark tunnels, W saw ii well Ibut'lmd been destroyed by ihu CviMiaiik uml chapel, Our feet were soaking wet, It made us think of the Mor soldier who had to slay here, It look the (ieiuuns three mouths with unceasing eltort to rapture this foit. In the distance we could see they captured It by the use of gas and hand grenades, Some of the I'rench stayed in here seven day without water. We saw many grave outslilt the tort, Ill Uir distance- we could htc Duiiiimout. but didn't luv time to go to it. On the way we p4cd u Here once stood llic village ol t'lltcy hut not even it wall iciiislurd, About 100,000 were killed and 300,000 still uu I. Hind. II was lific that n monument was recently erected to the dead of thr Amer Ivan l.rglou Right here there is an uutire" wheie boucs that are dun ui are placed iruioraiily. It is now only u uuie SU.ICK under siiix'tvitton oi tue Urd Cross. The Nines are placed In cotlius covered with white cloth uud many wretiths of tlowcis on top aud marked "Soldata lucoumit," (unknown Midlers) Any one goiiiK In here signs his name oil the lxxk and twy 10 frsuce money to by ossualie, Outside of this is a large monument put up by thr Kululils of Columbus. The first stone was laid by au American, Near here is the"l'raiichie d' llarouettes," or the I'leuch luyout, Duriug the Her. man raids inaiiy soldiers were buried alive aud bayonets are sticking up at all angles. This has a loof of stour over it uud a monument put up by Mr. Kami, uu American. At this monument we we loiurd the commandant in a w lute to die dead, Hvery one had tear iu their eyes. It was a very impressive ivtvH, Wr llieu went uu to Moiulro mont, "a IWe of Scconrs,"(arestcsuip) Dining the war soldiers came here for telreshmeut because there was a wonderful spntig here, Wc fouud helm rts, baud grenades, gas masks, etc. We then diuve tuck to the station, tired out, but with a feeling that we never ould foruet this visit. 1 he urouudaround Verdun has becu bought by the French government because it will be about nine years before the ground will be tit to use. It is too danucious to work be cause they might ruu over shells. The government oi France is especially uice to Americans aud American visitor lie auc they wuut us to sec the real coa litions, fans people seem to lie happy aud herrful. Prices are high. About every thiid woman is In mounting, Wc no ticed the clnldieii are uot as sturdy as American children. They say it is be aux' thr Germans took so many of the ows and the children don't have much milk to driuk. I am now back again in Detroit aud feel that uur trip was well orth while; would like to take the CalTcr CHRISTMAS These Prices Sound Out Of Place But when we can back tliem up with the real merchandise won't you meet us half way by looking at them before going across the river to do your Shopping. Instead of after Christmas we are holding Our Clearance Sale .Right Now. Look at the values below. Cost of the merchandise is entirely forgotten. We want to move these goods right now and give you an opportunity to buy goods for almost a song. cJIllAPn sii ic waists $1.98 10c Ladies' Handkerchiefs, each - 6c ilrsSf siiicc i f ?i ?hn A"V " n afford wcar s,,k 50e Fancy Floral Bow or Sash QCr Ba Wahte at this price. gjjJJj, Ribbons at Yard 35C liovable, but wc have the goods. rJ cp cbhr ?J s" , " ' ,E?5fJ Men's 3'S0 to 500 siIk Dress shirts Buy all you want at per garment, etc. This is your opportunity. makeg ft beautiful Xmag Gif t r ft AO 1,00 mcn's fancy s"k Neckwear all sizes to go at - ti JV '' at ' ' . . 9c Ladies' Ginghams and Percale JCn FOR XIYIAS: Men's Buster Brown Ladies' Buster Brown $1.25 Silk Hose All Over House Aprons at - I colored silk mixed Hose, ex- 4Qr Christmas special at pair 98c Extra SpeciQ, Boyg, Knickerbocker tra special, pair . . 31 $li25 Brugh ancj Comi, sets to be CQ Pants in Corduroys, Wool Mixed Ma- , nn "t 7Z Soldat - Wl terial, Mole Skins, Etc. $2.00 Ol oc Men's $1.00 heather wool m xcd Bus- . Values, Sizes 8 to 16, pair tor Brown Sox, a sensible CQ $7.50 Men s Shaving Sets, consisting of z r. r; r; rzz t rr-z . Xmas gift, at pair . OC Mirror, Shaving Brush, Hair Brush, Lad,es Xmas H HrHaBndk5?hlcf?o8t Soup Holder, and Comb $Q AO 25c, 35c, 50c, 75c and 98c Men's two color wool Sweat- 4 Cf) Extra Special at - Mon's Fancy Boxed Suspenders at ers, sale price . V1. $5.00 Mirror and Comb Soto at $2.ol 50c65c and 98c Ladies' heather wool hose, special at $.oo and $1.25 Extra Wide Fancy E?.t,ra, ?J?e.clal Men's Blue Chambray pair . . .85c Ribbons in Beautiful Fancy Coi. Work Shirts Specially Priced gQc Floral effects, Your Choice, Yd.. at 50c men's Silk Ties marked at 25c Cnnf-i Prnohnh Thrnnrl nf Hnll . 10r Men's $3.00 Flannel Shirts in BlueP 7c loats irocliet i nread at Ball 10c $1.50 mon's fancy Silk Tics go at 98c or Khaki, buy them for Xmas J'd 35c Windsor Ties, at 19c . . Don't Forget that We Have the Big Selections at 15c, 25c, 35c, 50c, 75c and 98c. Largest TOYLAND on the East Side Tree Ornaments, Big Values at 5c, 10c mid 1 5c THE PEOPLE'S BARGAIN STORE 113 Philadelphia Street ST. JOHNS Tlie lcc where K'X" wrvlw ami ISMfST f f fi(S HH III A ,O0 DURUHGTOH STREET SgT W QBilH . l 1UA I IMHIIli' r . I DEARING'S For Fine Chocolates Ice Cream, Tobacco and Cigars JUl South Jersey Street St. Johns Fuel Co. R15 Columbia Houlevnrd Slnb and CordwooU Oflice Wlldrosc ShitiRle Co. Phone Col. 918 Phillips & Leland Transfer and Storage Phone Col. 72 CMice 209 S. Jersey DAILY TRIPS TO PORTION I) ELMER SNEED Violin Instruction STUDIO, 215 N. Syracuse Street Hjouc Columbia 302 St. Johns Transfer Co. Drop in and get our Prices 011 FEED ANU hUtL But Coil ?IU9. Dry 16 Is. Cord Wood ?7.S0 CABEfUL FUSNITUBE MOVER, 104 Eul lurlktitoa 51. ColumbU $2 , OlVict-Col. 625 KwUteuct;- Col, 477 Dr. E. P. Borden DENTIST 'aiiilrsscxtractlou of ttcth utulcr nitrous oxldr gas l'culusuU lUnK UMk. St. Jolius, I'ortlsuil, O rex on Luv or sell St. Johns ProtK-ity "A. W. DAVIS Real Estate Fire Insurance and Notary Public .1st your irorty with me if you desire to sell quickly lip offers taterctftintj mercfjan hint in cbcri line, tfjnt M Ijelp you in cljootfinn; fitting rcnumOrancc tor all. 0boib tljc inconbenience of fast minute (mpinrj lip taliinjr nbbantaflc of our tinielp bfe plaptf nolu aluaitinrj pour cominrr. KASMEYER'S VARIETY STORE 1 1 1 South Jersey St. St. Johns, Portland, Ore. Hall & Davis Barber Shop and BATH ROOMS HALL A tub. fosKittort OS Philadelphia St. ltaths 85c Buy Wood Now! Green Wood, Part Green and Dry Immediate Delivery St. Johns Lumber Co. 5 room strictly modern house aud If you love good daucing and a furniture on juved street. Sacrifice, good time, attend the dance at the owner leaving town. 301 N. Jer club rooms of the Portland Woolen scy; Col. 1285. Mills Friday eveuing Dec. 16, We have recently installed a new set of safe deposit boxes in our vault and are now in a position to fill all reservations made by customers. We have a limited number of boxes which have not been reserved and will be pleased to reserve boxes for customers who may wish to take delivery at some future date. Protect Your Valuables with a box in our fire proof vault, equipped with modern electric burglar alarm. Peninsula Security Co. 108 South Jersey Street Phone Col. 161