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Show HESPECT SHOWN TO HQJEF HUT Accorded Unique Privilege in Land of Revolution and Banditry. , By J. H. CLAYTON. (Copyright, 1919, by the Chicago Tribune Co.) CETTIXJE, Aug. 10, via Paris, Aug. 30. There is an organization in this land of revolution, banditry and sudden death which has the respect and friendship of all. Its personnel and camions move among the mountains with the utmost freedom. Day and night in Scutari, Pod-goritza, Pod-goritza, Cettinje and Viripezar it goes its way unmolested by organized bands or scattered rovers. It is the American relief administration. For many months it has been feeding the children of Montenegro, and in many cases the grown-ups, too. The problem of supplying proper nourishment to growing bodies has been tackled with vim. and a great deal has been done to solve it. One of the most valuable services ser-vices of this organization has been rendered ren-dered in supplying chocolate, mitk and sugar for babies in cities and villages. One of the officers engaged in the work told me of an incident which shows in what high regard they are held. It is an absolute rule that no vehicles shall travel by night; but sometimes it is necessary for the motors of the American Ameri-can relief to attempt the mountain ranges after day. A short time ago a camion loaded with chocolate, milk and sugar started from Cettinje for Nlkslc. Motor trouble delayed de-layed them, and it was late in the evening eve-ning before they neared their' objective. This town is entirely surrounded by commitadjl, to make it impossible for their enemies to enter. The outer ring is held by loyalists, the inner by republicans, re-publicans, and within the town are Serbs. As they drove along the ridge of mountains moun-tains in the gathering darkness, the driver heard a cry of "Halt!" In the road ahead he made out the figure of a kneeling kneel-ing Montenegrin soldier, a rifle at his shoulder. He explained his business. "You can't go through tonight," said the sentry. "But I must," replied the American army sergeant at the wheel, adding a few other remarks under his breath. While they were areruing the point a voice froni the brush close at hand said: "Vho says they can't pass? They will pass you, and ten others will go to roll the stones out of the road." It was the chief of the band who settled the matter. On they went, halted every mile or so and questioned. Stones blocking block-ing the roadway were rolled aside and they were moved along. After passing through the royalists and that escort left i them, they met the rival revolutionists, who treated them in the same courteous manner, passing them along from outpost out-post to outpost. Finally they reached the city in time to dispense chocolate to the hundred waiting children. The work the relief administration has done here has been of the greatest benefit ben-efit and has won the respect of all for the American flag. To one knowing something about banditry along the Mexican Mex-ican border and the scant courtesy accorded ac-corded there, the contrast is remarkable. |