The Alaska Juneau
Douglas Island News
FOR THE BOYS “OVER THERE”
VOL. 1
TREADWELL, ALASKA, JANUARY 1, 1916.
NO. 8
Harry Bexroth Write*
A. P. O.. Somewhere in Belgium,
November 8, 1918.
Editor A. J.-D. I. News,
Treadwell. Alaska.
My dear Steve:
Having enjoyed the copies of the A. J.
Douglas Is'and News that you have so
ably edited, so much. I feel that it is but
just that you know how much benefit we
are gaining from them.
But g few hours ago, while our division
vrs “going in” for another fling at
“Fritz,” who should pass but a former
Treadwell lad, Claude Penglase. I left
our machine and marched with him a short
distance, chatting meanwhile. During our
conversation we discovered that each of
us had received the News and were gain
ing much pleasure therefrom
Whoever put such worthy thought
across deserves much praise, and 1 want
those who are so kindly publishing the
News-sheet to know that it is doing a big
bit in aiding us to carry on efficiently. It
certainly is a newsy sheet and I have
found that many former Alaskans enjoy
the word from home fully as much as the
former Treadwell and A.-J. enmployees do.
Perhaps to you it may seem a trivial un
dertaking. I want to assure you that
such is not the case, for it is the thought
behind the action that means so much to
us, and I ask that you express to the man
agement of the companies my apprecia
tion rnd thanks for their efforts In our
behalf. I, for one, am truly graceful and
I believe all are. even chough they may
not tell you so.
Uncle Sam is carrying on In a wonder
ful manner. You have but to see and
compare his methods with those of his
allies to realize why he is so successful
in putting “Fritz” in his place In this
world. My one regret is that I didn’t en
list earlier. One has but to see at first
hand some of the results of Fritz’ fright
fulness to thoroughly realize why the
feeling against the Boche system of Kul
tur is so intense.
We realize that the folks in the United
States are with us to the end; the royal
treatment received while crossing from
ocean to ocean; the services of the Red
Cross, the Y. M. C. A. and all the other
organizations have shown us how the
home folks are doing their best to win
the peace which we all so much desire.
Uncle Sam has proven to be an excel
lent provider (the Liberty Bonds must be
remembered); our food and clothing, both
as to quality and quantity, are superior,
so we think, to that offered by our allies;
equipment and munitions equal, perhaps
surpass, all others; why shouldn’t w«
favor Uncle Sam and our own United
8tates? One should leave "Old Glory’s’’
home for a while in order that he may
fully appreciate what Our Flag means
to us.
As the enemy is retreating continually,
the end for him will be due in a short
ume.
Until recently we have had exceptional
weather—or so it has seemed to me; at
present ’tis much ilke 8. E. Alaska—damp
but not severe.
The Germans have surely made use of
the other fellows’ labor up here in Bel
gium; intense cultivation, but the enemy
retreat being so hasty they are failing
to profit by the crops. The Belgians cer
tainly do need what little has been left
to them.
we have found the French and the Bel
gians a most congenial and companion
able sort of folk. King Albert's people
are truly proud of and grateful for Amer
ica’s aid and do not hesitate to show their
appreciation of the Yankee boys.
Stove, roy best wishes to yourself and
family, and again thanks to the companies
and yourself for your efforts in our behalf.
Sincerely yours,
(Pvt.) HARRY J. REXROTH,
364 Ambulance Co., 316 Sanitary Train,
A. P. O. 776, Amexfarces.
--o
The Shakan molybdenite prospect was
closed Dec. 16th on account of weather
conditions. Foreman Peter Johnson, Carl
Carlson, Henry Vogt, Pete Brynalf and
others of the crew have all returned to
Tieadwell for the winter.