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sought to learn the fundamentals of war tactics and strategy.South of the fort about a mile, but still a part of the reservation, is a rolling bit of land, partly wooded and partly clear, that is said to be very like the land over which Allies and Huns are fighting in Flanders. This was chosen as the site for the trench system, and today there are hundreds of yards of trenches built by the men in the most approved fashion under the direction of French officers from the firing line. Weeks were spent in the labor of wielding pick and shovel, and even this menial and palm-hardening toil had its sure part in the development of those Huskers in camp.
The trenches built, hours were spent in assault and defense of them, the embryo officers playing in turn the parts of grenadiers, automatic riflemen and moppers-up. This was often dull work, relieved by intermissions when small boys reaped harvests of nickels by selling chocolates to the soldiers.
And right here it is most proper that a word be said for the University girls who sent candy to the men in camp. The toil in the open air worked some sort of chemical or other effect upon the men - the physiologists can explain it - that resulted in a craving for sweets. The pounds of fudge and the cakes and cookies that came to Nebraska men in camp had no small part to play in keeping up the morale of the men in training. This is written by one who knows.
The first of the two camps opened about the middle of May and lasted until the middle of August, The second camp, opening in the latter part of August, lasted until Thanksgiving week. Both contained about the same proportion of Nebraska men to the total number, the second camp being much smaller than the first. Most of those in the first camp, however, were students at the time they entered the camp, but those in the second camp were, for the greater part, alumni. The spirit was the same.
In June, at the first camp, took place one of the most unique of the commencement exercises of Nebraska, when the seniors in camp were awarded their degrees at a special commencement exercise. Chancellor Avery and other members of the faculty were there. The cap and gown were replaced by the khaki uniform. The commencement was followed by a true Cornhusker banquet. The Nebraska spirit had flourished at the camp under the encouragement of a Nebraska club.
As a result of the training period Nebraska is represented by several hundred officers in the infantry and artillery of the American army. They have been making good as instructors and leaders in the training of the force that is daily going overseas.
When they get there and into the trenches, and then when they go over the top to fight, they will do their part as best they can, remembering what the Hun has done, and why the United States entered the great world war.
GEORGE E. GRIMES.
First Lieutenant, Infantry, O. R. C.
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