“PASSING THE BEAN.”

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXV, Issue 22, 27 January 1915, Page 4

“PASSING THE BEAN.”

A London correspondent, writing at the beginning of December, states that at that time the few correspondents upon whom the War Office, many weeks ago, put its 0.K., and who received a promise that they would he allowed at the front as soon as possible, are still kicking their heels In London. Most of them have given np all hope of seeing anything of the war. Recent experiences have convinced them that the authorities, both in France and in England, are engaged in a game of what is known in the United States as “passing the bean.” First believing that Joffre was iSupreme command they pulled the wires in Paris. After several weeks of manoeuvres they succeeded in getting word to the French Commander-in-Chief, only to be told that Joffre was willing but Kitchener objected. Then they began pulling strings' in London, and now they have been told on the highest authority that Kitchener willing but Joffre objects. A great many of the American correspondents have returned to the United States, of course, but a few are still waiting in London in the hope that affairs may develop favourably. A couple of the more prominent have now just about exhausted their patience, and are about to sail, if nothing happens in the next few days. Probably next spring, when the Allies attempt to take the offensive and the situation is more favorable to England and France, Kitchener and Joffre will get together and decide to throw the “bean” away and welcome the newspaper men in the trenches.