r strong moral support.
Three bands were furnished in two days. The official backing of the
authorities placed the stamp of approval on the whole moral effort for
the welfare of the men. In no other army in Europe that we have seen
have the officers taken such a keen interest in the highest welfare of
the troops, or offered such constant and efficient cooperation with
every effort to surround the men with the best moral influences.

After the meeting, the regimental parade and the strenuous physical
drill of the morning, the Colonel called for a short break, and the men
gathered to learn some popular songs. Major Roosevelt assembled his
battalion, and Archie Roosevelt enthusiastically led the men in singing
Julia Ward Howe's "Battle Hymn of the Republic" and the modern soldier
songs of the war.

After nine hours of hard drill, the men swung cheerfully down the
hillside into the village street. Now they have lined up, and with
ravenous appetites are waiting for the evening meal. We are almost as
hungry as they, and are glad to share the meal with them. Here on the
table are huge piles of good home-made bread. It is almost the first
white bread we have seen after months of brown war bread in England and
France. Here are heaping plates of good pork and beans, tinned salmon,
plenty of fried potatoes, and piping hot coffee. This is followed by a
delicious pudding, as good as the men would have had in their own
homes. Well fed, well clothed, well equipped, sleeping under Uncle
Sam's warm blankets, on comfortable "Gold Medal" cots, our boys are
well cared for.

In another village, at the close of the day, the Colonel commanding two
battalions of the infantry called the men together in the open square
of the market place, and after a band concert invited us to address the
troops on the moral issues of the war. The next day almost the same
program was repeated, and at noon in an open field on a grassy hillside
the Major of another battalion marched out his men for a similar
lecture. Every commanding officer seemed eager to arrange for
meetings, to summon the men, and to back up the messages given to them.
Not only have General Pershing, General Sibert, and the Colonels
commanding the various regiments, met us half way in every plan for the
welfare of the troops; but they have taken the initiative in insisting
that every provision should be made for the physical, mental, and moral
occupation and safeguarding of the