4
Letters From the Front
EMBRYO FLYER LEARNS
MUCH IN AVIATION CAMP
BEFORE GOING TO FRONT
Walter J. Shaffer, of Dauphin, from whom letters have been
printed by the Harrisburg Telegraph previously, writes again and
tells of his experiences in Paris and in the Camp D'Aviation
Militaire, where he is completing instruction in flyng preparatory
to joining the Lafayette escadrille at the front.
Camp D'Aviation Militairi
Avord, Cher
France
Thursday, Aug. 2. 'l7
Dear Mother:—
I've been trying to find time to
write to you for several days, but
busy. Gee whiz! Nothing but collect
junk ever since I landed. 1 had bet
ter start at Paris, for lots has hap
pened since that time.
I'll begin with Monday, when wo
went down town to finish our shop
ping. (I say we because, two or three
of us generally traveled together.)
Moral support, so to speak in caso
our sig,i language gave out, this time
we tried the subway, and not know
ing how to ask for first-class tickets
we took what was handed us, which
happened to be second-class. Tho
subway system is very extensive and
has two classes; the difference be
tween the two being that one stands
in the second-class and sits in first.
Open the doors yourself and you can
get oft while tho train is in motion.
Well we got down fawn all right, got
our chocolate and then it began to
rain. And my, oh my! how it did
rain! Naturally, taxis and even horse
cabs were at a premium immediate
ly: as for the subway, it would have
taken an expert football player to
force a way then to the ticket win
dow—and we had to -be at head
quarters before 7i p. ni., for our
tickets and other red tape. 6.45
came and we were still rambling, or
rather, slopping around in the rain
trying to find some vehicle.
Money Talks
Finally, wo saw a lonely horse
cab ambling across a big square. A
man had already hailed him but we
were faster runners and although
we couldn't talk French, the five
l'ranc note we offered him talked
plenty good enough to secure the
cab. I'll never forget the blank ex
pression on the disappointed patron
as we drrrve off in triumph. Fortun
ately we had written the address, so
all we had to do was show it to the
cabby.
Just got there in time. Needless
to say we were the last of the bunch
to show lip. These French officials
are very slow or rather, tbe red
tape makes them that way, because
I No. 2510
New Double Grip
PARIS GARTERS
No metal can touch you
35c per pair.
Comfortable—Service*
able —Long-wearing.
Others at 50c. Single
grips 50, 35 and 25c.
Themmeßflßisisontheback
of the shield. Look for it.
ASTEIN & CO.
Foonded!lßß7
Chicago New York
- CARTERS! J
rjSuK ' No metal M
L v|ls^ can 'ouch you^'
—_—- •
News From
rwt Home
How easy it is for you to
h4 Nj have the HARRISBURG
/ j r j TELEGRAPH sent to your
it soldier son, brother, husband
Jbl /• I or sweetheart every day and
how deeply h%'ll appreciate this
token of your love
No matter where he is ift
/*! * tlle Arm y or Navy, in Train
* \J7 Cam P or at the Front
\r Uncle Sam will see to it that
___ he gets his mail.
Call, Write or Phone Tlie TELEGRAPH, one
Directions For month, 45c.
o>. B °^."„p W Tl * T f L EGRA p H, three
regiment months, $1.35.
aon lß o°f T ra ; l i? d in" 3 %i The TELEGRAPH, six
United States. months, $2.50.
fact 1 r<ince Btate that Important: Notify the TEL
name of *** EGRAPH whenever address
—— " changes.
L "' "
FRIDAY" EVENIN
it took an hour and a half for six
of us to swear allegiance to France.
Did not do much* the rest of the
day and that night went over to the
Y. M. C. A. to take a last good eat
of the cakes, chocolate, lemonade,
etc., sold there by an English ma
tron, who claimed to have traveled
all over the world and had been in
society both in France and England.
She was quite a talkative lady and
told us considerable about how
rotten society was in general
and France's in particular. She
knew half a dozen languages and
had served as Interpreter to the
French authorities for some time.
Nice old lady, but as my little pal
Sickney put it, she could talk jill
flight and never say a thing. Had
a good sleep despite the fact that
three lleas insisted on sleeping with
me. They tvere awful hungry bed
fellows too, as I can very well prove.
Red-Tape Bothersome
However, 1 came to camp pre
pared to deal with bugs that Infect
beds and put camphor on all three,
my bunk and blankets. But I for
got, we're still In Paris. As our
train left at 8.14 A. M. for Avord,
we had to be up and doing by 7 A.
M. Taxis were very hard to got at
that time, and we could only find
one into which we piled one of our
bunch who spoke French and the
baggage. The rest of us had to walk
which was not so far after all. And
then, some more red-tape, for we
were using military passes and had
to have them approved and stamped
at two bureaus. (No, a "bureau" is
not a dresser in this case.) One
girl was there to see us off, or rather
one of the party. Shp gave him a
box of bonbons as a parting gift
which sure was thoughtful of her.
As they came in handy at dinner.
Somehow or other the bunch got
separated, three of us going on one
train and the other six on another.
I was one of the three and although
we only had third-class tickets we
rode in second-class cars. So much
for blissful Ignorance. The others
traveled according to their tickets,
although the cars are all built the
same, compartments with corridors
down oni side, there is some dif
ference between second and third-
class, there being no upholstering
in third-class. Compartments are
built about 12x12 with seats lacing
one another, there probably being
Ave compartments in a car. I had a
seat part of the way, but did not
mind as the scenery was very pretty
and the picturesque, tiled roof cot
tages were very beautiful.
Sees Prisoners
Passed a squad of German prison
ers too, who were being marched
along under light guard. No won
der! Kor it would have been im
possible to escape with the luggago
they were carrying. According to
rumors, the Germans are very con
tent with their lot as prisoners as
they are fed and kept very well by
the French and do not even want
to be excanged when they have the
chance. We met an American who
had heen in Switzerland for .the last
several years, and he told some won
| drous tales about the straits to which
i Germany is put to keep up the war.
There is no soap in Germany and
has not been for a year—and I
was kicking about the lack of hot
water. When the Swiss want to buy
coal the Germans will not take
money for it, but require them to
pay in cattle and other eatables.
Tlio Ways of a German
Even though they have plenty of
coal, the Germans don't let any
other bets get by them. For in
stance, all newspapers are saved
in Germany, and when the house
wife gets a big stack of them she
soaks them in water for several days,
then rolling them up in hard balls
with her hands, she lays them out
In the sun to dry. When they are
dry, sho drops them in the coal bin
and uses them for fuet So much
for their efficiency. You might put
the girls to work making "spit balls."
It will save pop the trouble of get
ting out river coal. When a Ger
man gets a furlough of, say a day,
at home, and ho gets some gifts
made of gold from his friends, such
as a gold tooth, ring, etc., he hands
it in to the government and for
every gold tooth or ring he gets an
extra day furlough. (Get the family
to pry out their gold tilings and I'll
come home on a long furlough! Ha!
All this and more this Swiss-Ameri
can told us. We were on our way
to say good-by to Dr. Gross at the
time. We did it on the suggestion
of our leader. Ho was so tickled
by the honor that he gave us the
authority to draw our tirst month's
pay in advance. Which was 200
francs. Unfortunately the bank
closed at 4 P. M. that day and at
that time we were swearing allegi
ance to France, so Doc said lie
would send it down by mall!. We
have since heard the cheerful news
that the Lafayette funds are nearly
gone and we will get no more pay.
However the grub is good, so I,
should worry.
Get Together
Changed cars at Bourges and were
surprised to find the rest of our
party on the same train. We scat
tered around the town immediately
to hunt up dinner. It being a meat
less day. made the hunt harder.
Three others and I tried the "Hotel
la France," and for 4 francs 95c
($1.00) got a fish and some fruit.
The smell of the cooking fish nearly
took our appeUtes, but by holding
our noses, we got the fish in our
mouths. They were very good, but
oh, the beautiful odor! For dessert
our friend passed around his bon
bons which were thankfully received
—trust me to stay near the candy.
Out to Camp
Reached Avord about <4 P. M. to
find the camp truck which meets all
trains, waiting for us. Unfortunately
the truck broke down and we had to
walk. It was not far and our bag
gage was being hauled by another
truck, so we did not mind. Quito
a number of the students met the
train, anrf as we walked along they
entertained us with stories of deaths
and smashups which occurred hour
ly.
Air Full of Planes
Didn't faze us any, as most of it
was bunk. I've been here two days
and have only seen two accidents,
and those only minor breakages to
the machine, which can be fixed in
a few days. As for aeroplanes, I
never saw the like. Most of the
time the air is as full of planes as
blackbirds on immigration day. Every
■type and style, from the small fast
Niewport to the triple-engine Cap
roni go sailing along. As soon us
we got into camp, we started to
investigate everything we could see.
Our wnite linen collars, and civilian
clothes attracted considerable atten
tion, for every one was in uniform
or "leathers" ("leather helmet, coat
and pants,") "In uirion there is
strength," is an old saying, and we
stuck together. Had to show our
papers now and then when some
official got suspicious of our nosing
around and looking over the dif
ferent machines, whose efficiency of
lines and construction and destruc
tive features attracted us strongly,
Believe me! 1 never saw such a
mob of machines in my life. Why
there aro more aeroplanes in this one
school than in the whole U. S.
Some of these planes would attract
so much attention in America that
one could build a fence around and
Charge I,oc admission. I assure you
the promoter would become a mil
lionaire as a result. Some of these
tnree-engine planes look like a bat
tleship. While the "penguins,"
which I soon hope to start on, are
small enough to use for a watch fob.
1 may bring one home some day.
The doggone thing looks like a June
bug, but they make pretty good
time.
Prepared For "Guests"
Tuesday night we had to sleep
with the mechanics, which was
pretty punk, every one going to bed
with the fixed idea that he would get
up with a "family." Miracles are
still happening, because none stayed
with me. Sure they bit me! Woke
up in the A. M. by an "Anaml," who
save us coffee —black, with no milk
—and I, having no cup, the man
next to me loaned me his. 1 wasn't
crazy about using his cup, as I knew
not whether ho was diseased or not,
but tried so hard to make me under
stand in French that he wanted me
to use his cup, that 1 hadnot the
heart to refuse.
All the servants here are Anamis,
a race of people Inhabiting the island
of that name near Siam. They are
closely related to the Chinese, as
their language is written in similar
characters. They are very small
people and when they talk it sounds
tike singing.
Tries "Ordinary"
Ate at private restaurants for the
first few meals and tried the "or
dinary" which army grub Is called,
as soon ns we were settled. It was
just our luck to take our first meal
when thoy had stewed tripe think
inK.it was horse. 1 tried a hunk and
doggone near vomited. They had
some good beans though, so X filled
up on them and bread. Meals are
served In the orft.'-ary every few
hours; proi-.bly six mc.is a n..y.
Had a very good meal 10-day be
cause I knew how'to go y.bout it.
get anything to eat, a big mass col
get anything to eat, a big mast col
lecting outside the doors waiting for
th# doors to open at every meal
and then Its a center rush for oats
and dftvil take the lltr d most. Bread
is a burlap bag and dump
ed on the floor. If you come late the
bread is all and you fill up on soup.
There Is some other bread In baskets
already cut, but I only disodVered
that to-day. You catch on quick
when you go hungry several times!
They don't serve coffee meals, but
it can be bought across the street
lor 2 sons (2 cents), a cup,, any size
cup. Speaking about streets, they
HARRISBURG TELEGRAPH
are all named after dead animals—
and there are a whole lot of streets,
i lave not picked mine out yet. From
the looks of the streets am not sure
if Its an honor.
This our third day here and we
have spent all that time collecting
equipment. Everything but our
budges, which consists of a wreath
with one wing and a gold star in the
center. It's quite appropriate and
reminds me of a chicken with one
wing cut. He's a .bum liier! When
you pass your tests, another wing
is added to the wreath.
Plank For Bed
lieds consist of an inch plank, 6
feet long by 4 feet wide, raised off
the floor 1 foot by threo horses. A
tick tilled with straw is laid on top
of this together with a canvas cov
er, two heavy blankets and a straw
pillow. I lost no time in spreading
camphor all through that straw and
was not bitten so lar.
In the line of clothing wo receive
a cap, two heavy shirts, two pair
underwear, 2 pair of hob-nailed
shoes, one light, the other heavy;
a pair of baggy blue corduroy
trousers with puttees and a blue
coat. No socks given me so am
glad I brought some along. It took
us all day to get that. Oh, I for
got, we got oiy: "leathers" too which
consisted of black leather coat and
pants, also a "casque" (a heavy-ap
pearing helmet to protect your
head,) which is very light. A wool
en cap, which covers the head, neck,
in fact every thing but the nose ana
eyes, and is worn under the helmet.
A dandy pair of goggles, which are
unbreakable fend a knapsack.
Trousers were too large for me, so
took them back this A. M. and by
sign language, a few words of French
and the enormods tip of 20 centimes
(4 cents) secured a pair that fit and
button at the knee which are the
envy of the whole bunch. I fear
I'll have to sleep with them under
my pillow as several fellows have
threatened to steal them.
Am drawing undue attention to
myself as Stickney just came past
and noticing me writing, loudly re
marked "page 14 and he's still writ
ing" and went on to propose that
I divide the letter up among the
bunch as letters come 'hard with
them. Ono fellow wanted to know
what I was going to name the book.
Stamps are not necessary, the
initials, F. M. (French Militaire)
carrying the letter. They say 3 cents
are required at the other end. Let
me know if that is so, and I will
put stamp on them hereafter.
Just sot my badge but have no
pin which to fasten it on. Hope I
Bet one soon as it means 3 months
in jail if you lose it. Speaking about
jail, one gets 8 days crossing any
flying field by any other way except
the road. I know, because 1 nearly
broke the rule in my ignorance.
Have not yet learned who and
who not to salute. I don't like to
start as goodness knows where I'll
end, as even these servants Anamis
are above me in military rank, they
being first-class privates, where I am
onjy second-class. However avia
tors get a lot of privileges in the mil
itary line.
Rain Stops Drill
Went to drill this A. M. and after
executing a few maneuvers and ball
ing up several more, a rain storm
dispersed the company in disorder.
Drill was therefore called off. We
were to report at 11.15 again, but
as it was still raining we were all
excused. Report again at 5.30
P. M. for flying class. Hope it
stops raining as I want to get
started. Supper is at 5, so it looks
as if we miss the eats. However
\*e can eat again at 8 and 10, so I
should worry.
Have to stop now. Ink is nearly
all. Hurry up and answer please.
Yes, I am fed very well, thank you.
WALTER
NOT READY TO DIE
Loretta Matthew, a colored woman
residing at 907 Sarah avenue, swal
lowed laudanum about midnight, last
night, and afterwards decided that she
wasn't quite ready to die. She was
taken to the Harrisburg Hospital, and
recovered. She was discharged this
morning.
WIELD RAZORS IN FIGHT
William King and Harry Davis par
ticipated in a cutting bout in Cowden
street, early this morning. Razors
were freely used. Officers Bryan,
Lowery and Blair brought the pair to
the police station.
PEVBROOK SCHOOL. 1
The Penbrook school will open
Tuesday morning. Principal Bell
however, will be at the school Mon
day for the convenience of those who
liave not passed the examination and
wish to qualify before school opens.
There is no advance In price on m Toilet Specials
_ _. Babcock's Corylopsls Talc. ..13c
< y|l 1 f M Pinaud's Face Powder
jB M Eyebrow .. - - 8c
"■" 4V Azurea Sachet, oa ...... ,58c
If* <i ■ il'fhClWin fl K Azurea Talcum 200
-■• *3/aiH. HB AS jOH Azurea Toilet Water w._..88c
HR& K4
We have not raised our price, Of S * Beta-Qulnol 35c
™ r .S lv i , S£S °A , , r „ q , u, UI mm%. vfar *>£** * M-J- I J/j y>, Walnutta Hair Stain 33c
PRICESCOMFI V
WO InulVSc S l , *>T-CfcCC, ,., B, IW,W JJJ
and Ice Cream Sodas in the \si J? l. J 2*
city, aud we can prove It to you. _ £ * * S A J l.° Miracle .
SATURDAY - SPECIALS tML&Z6C&7I£* """""" " "" m *
Peach Sundae ........ 10c *y * T w* ... . - .
GSAA■■■■:: A 300MAHKET-ST. - 306 BROADIST. **£Ls£F
Week-End Candy Special Sale-Saturday Only it'fz
SnCCialS Remember, no matter how long others advertise, you can always GET IT AT CMRK'S for the same Lower All the Week,
r or lower. Everything marked down to the last notch. NONE SOLD TO MSALERS. NO C. O. I). ,
ORDERS. NO MAIL ORDERS. WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO LIMIT QUANTITIES. Note that 6 1
Preparedness Chocolate, 39c these are regularjroods, and not overpriced goods io appear as bargains. LOWER ON SATURDAY. Cigars _.......
T / n J ,, ' „ LOWER ALI j WEEK. Gen. Hartranft
Lady Gladys Chocolates, 39c ——_■ • • cigars .......
R FAR ,HITEANDBLUECHO S; Patent Medicines TOILET SPECIALS . JHH£9C R
Italian Bitter Sweets ... 39c Usoline Oil 20c Daggett & RamsdcU's Cold Carmen Face Powder ... 2c ° 8 ' *** lM %3
Ladv Georgia 39c n#ll ' g Catarrh " c „ c J? un U V, J llc * Counsellor !.*!!■
" WOI & 1<l Jyc Bcll-ans 15c Rubifoam 15c Resinol Soap |Bc K Havana Tuck ,
, —.—u 4| r Ingram's Milkweed Cream ..31c Djer-Kiss Talcum 24c ciirnro
t— —" Bcll-ans .... . *** Talcum 16c Danderine ...57c rVf™ Authors I
C Hfll (T Swamp-root ..34c, c Hokara Skin Food ,17c Graves' Tooth Powder 15c Cigars I *
Vlul IV 5 1/1 UK Pierce's Fav. Prescription ...sc fvory Soap 6c Listerine 9. .. 3 C J
Atwood's Bitters :.14c Violet Ammonia, a pint 17c Nuxated Iron' 57c r \
L P Tf Castoria for Infante lc ltjl > Hum, a lnt SBc Calox Tooth Powder 17c BIG SPECIAL ON 10c
I 111 K ( HIIPP ~ Westplial's Auxillator 59c Pond s Vanishing Cream 15c CIGARS
V/ "11CC Mentholatum S4c piexo Greascless Cold Cream, 17c Creme do Meridor 15c
We have mnrte n hns r>f Sloan's Liniment 15c Melbaline Face Powder 25c Creme Dc Meridor 20c Moja Cigars .. .> *J _
friends with this delicious oof- Limestone Phosphate l#c Mclba Face Powder 50c Pompeian Massage Cream ..27c J Henrietta iwOC
fee—reifular customers who Tonsinlte, 50c size 2#c Arthurs' Lilac Toilet Water, 59c StiHman's Freckle Cream ...27c 7 Ben Mirza Clgarsj
ime Imck again and again, i lmD . 14n Cur *tlve Skin Soap 17c Aubry Sisters' Greascless Cream > '
and bring their friends with Alexander s Lung Healer .... 14c pbnolive Shampoo 31c 10 c i.
them. We couldn't do It Ift- Mayr's Stomach Remedy ... 54c Pinaud's Lilac 57c Aubry Sisters' Cold Cream .. 10c
with Inferior coffee, lb. Sanl Mush 18c El Rado 29c Scnreco Tooth Paste 15c SPECIAL SAIF
v M Eagle Brand Cond. Milk ...... 18c Cutex Manicure Set 19c Mennen's Shaving Cream .. 17c "
Hood's Sarsapartlla ...57c Cutex Cuticle Remover 17c Milk of Magnesia 18<; TOOTH PASTES
Cutleura Ointment 38c Dorin's Rouge .. 38c Mary Garden Talcum ......45c
m_'i . i n_ __• _1 _ l'>eezone Corn ...24c Mary Garden Face Powder ..73c Creme Elcaya ~..83c Kaiphctao Tooth I%ste ......16c
X OlieX OPeCiaiS ' cc Mint ' or corns 84c Djer-Kiss Face. Powder 39c Othine for Freckles 59c Euthymol Tooth Paste ...... 15c
* • Cal. Syrup of Figs .........26c Azurea Pace Powder 89c Euthymol Tooth Paste 15c Colgate's Tooth Pasto .... 2Sc
Satin Skin Cold Cream 15c Krtler's Catarrh Remedy 75c I.a Blache Face Powfler 32c Colgate's Talcum 15c Lyon's Tooth Paste 16c
Satin Skin Rose Tint 15c Doan's Kidney Pills 39c Pcbecco Tooth Paste 33c Sage and Sulphur B7c Sanltol Tooth Paste 16c
Pompeian Night Cream 15c Sal Hepntica 72c Kolynos Tooth Paste 19c Mulslflcd Cocoannt OH ..!...30c Pebeco Tt>oth Paste' 33e
Oriental Cream 91.05 Horlick's Malted Milk 92.75 Swansdown Face Powder ....9c Danderine 300 Pond's Extract Tooth Paste, 15c
Amtjnlzcd Cocoa Cream .... 45c Bortlcn's Malted 69c Florayme Fn<;c Powder #4c Barbo Comp 29c Scnreco Tooth Paste 17c
To Map Out Plans
For Recruiting Boys
. Working Reserve Here
, The committee composed of Dr. C.
B. Fager, Professor Howard Dibble,
Headmaster A. E. Brown, Profossor C.
S. Davis and Professor F. E. Sham
baugh, who are in charge of the Boys
Working Reserve, will hold a meeting
Saturday Will Be a Busy Day
At The Wm. Strouse Store
Saturday Will Be the Last Day \
of Our Summer Sales C',
All Clothing For Men and Boys V i^)
—All Straw Hats—Underwear " \ IJI LJ
—At Startling Reductions
These Prices Are the Final One Days' Offerings 6
Men's Suits at Greatly Reduced Prices
sls Suits are sll.so Palm Beach Suits $5.95
$lB Suits are sl4.so Your Choice of Any
S2O Suits are $16.50 $lO and sl2 Suit in the House
$25 Suits are s2l 50 Saturday Only at
S3O Suits are $24.50 55.95
Boys' Clothes Any Straw Hat
For School at Money Savings in Our House
$5.00 Suits are ... $4.25 50 Cents
$6.50 Suits are $5.50 That Sold For $4, $3 and $2
$7.50 Suits are ..... . s6.2s Saturday Only
Fall Neckwear Panamas $3.65
Is Ready 5O Cents that sold for $5, $6.50 & $7.50
As a Tribute to Our Friends THE WORKINGMEN,
OUR STORE Will be closed LABOR DAY
The New Store of Wm. Strouse, Harrisburg
to-nigfct at the University Club to
dlscu3S plans and outline the work
that they will follow in the recruiting
of boys.
As the boyß are not badly needed in
farm work they will very likely be
given other work in the city. They
will be paid for their services at the
m# rate that other workers are re
ceiving. The idea of the Reserve "is
to organize the young men of the
county so that they can be called up
on when needed. Dr. Fager is eager
to ge.the machinery of the organiza
tion under way so that the boys can
be enrolled at once.
The New Store of Wm. Strouse
AUGUST 31, 1917
Dies From Injuries
Sustained in Fall From
Top of Gigantic Stack
William Maxwell, who fell from a
ninety-two-foot stack while at work.
Sunday evening, died this morning at
5 o'clock, at the Harrisburg Hospital.
Maxwel! was employed as a workman
in the construction of the giant stack
which is being erected for the Harrii
burg Light and Power Company. H
was badly injured, and that he escA{
ed Instant death in his headlong fllgt
to the earth was considered mlraci
lous by his fellow-workmen.
The address given by Maxwell as h
home is Vancouver. British Columbi
It is thought that his mother resid<
at Mollne, Mich., and a telegram wa
sent her, notifying her of the youil
man's death. Very little is known
Maxwell's family, and it is possibl
that the word will not reach the rlgl
parties.
The coroner will hold an inquest 1
place the blame for the Occident.