AMERICA AT WAR.

Taihape Daily Times, Issue 220, 31 August 1917, Page 6

AMERICA AT WAR.

SPIRIT OF THE PEOPLE. ■ IMPESSIONS OF A VISITOR. The spirit, in wnich the Americans are prosecuting the war was the sobject ,of some interesting remarks by Capt. J. E. Fairchild, of the New Zealand Medical Corps, who recently spent some weeks in the United States.—"l am delighted and very anuch impressed with what I saw Of the Americans/' said Capt. Fairchild. "I could not have believed it had I not seen it. They are preparing for a five years' war, but I believe that the quick organisation and application of their fast resources at which they are aiming will have the effect of considerably shortening the war. I was immensely impressed with the quiet, determined manner in whicn the Americans speak of performing . their part. There was a marked absense of the bombastic style usually associated with the people in the States. They have translated their words into actions. The activity which I witnessed in several of the largest munition factories and shipbuilding yards was simply amazing. One colossal store in Philadelphia has organised among its small of employees a volunteer corps of men, and another of women, the men underging military training to fit them for active service while the women are under strict discipline and trained to be smart and efficient. The store is providing the uniforms for the men, and running tracks and tennis courts to make them physically fit. Such a spirit is manifested in all parts of the States. Immense military camps nave been established all over the States. I visited some of them, and I ■can say that the average American in Is a very good type, wTt-h the making of a good soldier. The are a fine type. Only men" of outstandin ability are appointed officers, and a man is not promoted merely because he is 'next on the list.' I had an opportunity of inspecting their medical and dental arrangements, and their organisation in,»this direction is admirable and leaves nothing to be desired. "Energy and efficiency characterised the efforts of the civilian population. Their organisation is wonderJ£ ful. I attended Red Cross efforts at Boston and Philadelphia, and an astounding sum of mpney was received. P.eople of all cTSsses were imbued with the spirit ,of sacrifice and patriotism and gave accordingly." Captain Fairchild added that the German element did not show itself at all. Enemy aliens were being interned, and the authorities had a tight grip of the situation so for as the German in the States was concerned.