An adventure story
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| There are twenty millions of Russian soldiers, I learned today -- called out by the Czar -- of which eight millions are at the front; the balance are busy causing revolutions throughout Russia. These twelve millions of men do not want to go to the front and they drill very little, if any.
Arrived at the wonderful seaport town of Odessa about 11:30 P.M. My Russian, who, by the way, has an indefinite rank of Cadet, is named Robins. After a Cadet stays in the trenches for four months he is entitled to a Third Lieutenancy. In the meantime, he is the highest rankling non-commissioned officer. We finally got the station porter to take our luggage to a drowsky and off we went for a hotel. We tried the Petrograd and the London House, but both were filled. We finally went to the International Hotel and I was determined to stop here. At first nothing could be done, but I insisted and was told to call up the Commandant which seems necessary before one can secure a room, and, after calling up the Commandant, Robins told him the whole story and the reply that came from the Russian Commandant was that he didn’t “give a damn” who wanted rooms -- he didn’t have any. I, however, stuck to the job and by tipping the porter at the hotel and through the assistance of the Engineer I met en route, a room was finally secured for me, and Robins slept upon the couch. Tuesday, November 20th -- Robins was up early this morning. He arranged to have my rain coat and over coat pressed, soiled clothes, which I brought with me, washed, and secured another room, because he was with an American officer. All very fine and Robins works this game to a finish. From the window in my room I can look out upon the Black Sea. In this life you can’t tell what will happen to you. It had never occurred to me that I would ever see the Black Sea, except upon a map, and here it is before my eyes in reality. After breakfast we started off by drowsky for the Russian Baths (very similar to the Turkish baths). On the way I was astonished to see stores well stocked with every conceivable eatable, etc. This was my first sight of this sort for over two months and I find I cannot easily get over it, or rather get used to it. I bought some cigarettes, cigarette case of alligator skin, half a dozen pairs of socks, half a dozen handkerchiefs, and several English lighters with extra cord and emery, and then took a drowsky for the Bath House. It was worth stopping for -- I enjoyed the sensation of spending money again. Had a splendid bath and actually feel clean -- quite a novel experience. Odessa is a very large city, as well as a flourishing one. There are, of course, thousands of wealthy people from other sections of Russia and from Roumania -- really refugees, looking for safety and plenty to eat, but there is now considerable talk in the air about disorders and they are leaving Odessa in large numbers. There are many handsome buildings and, as it is a very large seaport, the population is more or less cosmopolitan. I called upon Consul Ray, who was out, but we met there one of his assistants, Mr. Jack Embrey. He very kindly gave me some American papers and Government Bulletins. I then called upon Mr. Owen, a young Englishman of about twenty-five years of age, with Jacobs, Owen & Co., our brokers or agents, at Odessa. We talked over matters generally and it looks as if I might be able to return to Jassy in a few days with everything ship-shape. I am now at the Hotel, where we have just finished dinner in my room. Soup, fish, veal cutlet, potatoes, spinach, apples, coffee and near beer. It surely tasted good. I find it difficult to restrain myself when it comes to eating and my appetite normally is a very modest one. Ordinarily it is not interesting to know what one has for a meal, but by following it through the diary it will be probably of some interest to note what can be obtained in the different sections of the world at this time. Will remain in my room tonight and do some work in order to be better prepared to talk to and work with Mr. Owen tomorrow. Now 8:00 P.M. Have finished my work. Robins has come in and brings news that recently the Russian Headquarters at Jassy, who have charge also of the Odessa section, dismissed the Military head of Odessa and assigned a new man. The soldiers here declare they will not accept him. This word has reached Headquarters and they are sending troops to enforce the order. These troops are scheduled to arrive day after tomorrow (Thursday) and every one says there will be bloodshed and civil warfare. The hotel in which we are staying is Military and Robins says we may be under siege, etc. Similar disturbances in Moscow caused the death of about four thousand persons recently. This kind of talk is continually in the air. I am writing it down while it is fresh in my mind. I expect nothing to happen, but if it does I imagine we will have a very exciting time of it but not serious, I hope. Thursday, November 22nd -- Everything running smoothly. Have been able to wake up Jacobs Owen & Co. and make them hustle to some extent, but it is discouraging. I can’t get them started before 10:00 A.M. and at 1:00 P.M. they stop and can’t possibly start again until 3:30 P.M. or 4:00 P.M. and stop again at 5: or 5:30 P.M. Today I got off a telegram (after being advised by everybody that it was quite impossible) to Jassy using the Russian military wires, reporting to Colonel Anderson what could be purchased at Odessa, the quantity and price, the status of negotiations up to date, etc. It took one very long telegram, probably two hundred words, and a short one. I believe very strongly in brevity, but the Colonel has been unable to get any information of value at all from Odessa, and I meant to give him all that I could get that would be useful to him. Robins obtained from a Russian Colonel for me a quart of White Label Scotch whiskey for twenty-five rubles or about three dollars and seventy-five cents, which is cheap considering Russia is dry. I have asked the Colonel (through Robins) to get five additional quarts for the boys at Jassy. There is now a very strong rumor here that Roumania is preparing to make a separate peace, but, of course, there is nothing in it; but I am very much worried about the news that no more shipments will be permitted from Russia to Roumania. Maybe after all, I will not be able to take back anything with me. Tomorrow morning I try my luck at having four cars of supplies attached to the passenger train, with guards, etc. I will keep after the Russian authorities until they do what we want done and hope to be successful and have the cars in Jassy before December first. I today received a telegram from Captain Williams dated the 19th, saying he expected to leave on the 25th for home. I wired him not to desert me, but arrange for me to return with him. I hope to be home February first. Mr. Embrey, of the Consulate, called upon me at the Hotel tonight about 8:30 and we went to a Russian café and later to a movie. He is much interested in the prospect of returning to America with me. To bed about 12:30. Friday, November 23rd -- Was unable to accomplish anything definite today. Have been busy going from place to place, getting a line on what is in the city in the way of food and clothing. Found I would have to have five cars and started on the work of arranging to have them attached to the passenger train, leaving Odessa Tuesday morning. Am having all boxes marked and listed, to save work at the Jassy end upon receipt of goods. Received telegram (not in reply to mine but sent prior to it) ordering a few additional articles and requesting me to try to get clerical help here for Jassy. Lunched at the London House today. Had very thick steak, excellent potatoes, fish and coffee. Consul Ray had dinner with me tonight in my room, also a Mr. Twose, an American artist who came over with an Ambulance Corp and was laid up at Odessa with Typhoid Fever and was taken care of by the Y.M.C.A. I am trying to get him to join the Red Cross at Jassy for relief work, and he is very much interested. We also had with us a very young Russian Lieutenant, who seemed very bashful -- something out of the ordinary among Russians. After dinner Consul Ray took the whole party for a short walk to the Robinat Café, a French Café, where we had tea and chocolate. While there another Russian officer told the young officer with us that at another café across the street soldiers were going through and searching officers for revolvers and taking them. Our friend was very much concerned and excited over it, as he had two small automatics with him. However, we escorted him home and nothing happened. It is a common case for soldiers to hold up women on the street and take their shoes, or some other garment that might strike their fancy, or which may be particularly valuable. In one instance, a woman was accosted on the street by a Russian soldier, who wanted to know if she would like to buy a beautiful fur coat at a bargain. Upon replying that she would, the soldier sold her the coat she was wearing for two hundred and fifty rubles, and let her go with the coat. He was a charitable soldier -- most of them would have taken both coat and money. Saturday, November 24th -- Up this morning about 9:00 A.M. Can not see the Russian General about my cars until about 11 or 11:30 A.M. Practically finished all of my personal shopping yesterday. While out shopping I saw a murder committed across the street from where I was buying two French books. One Russian cut another into ribbons and dashed into one of the large doorways to an alley, locking the door after him. The crowd set up the most unearthly wails and shrieks I ever heard in my life, trying to get through the doorway and bring the murderer to justice. I left and bought some articles in a store nearby and when I came by this place in about fifteen minutes, the crowd was still yelling like mad and clamoring for the man, who had long ago made his escape. Later -- The General gave me a splendid audience -- was very complimentary and appreciative of what America was doing and would do. He readily agreed to do anything in his power for me and quickly gave orders for the cars as well as a Cossack guard of five to report to me at the train. Have seen two parades today and several mobs, but no rough stuff. Everything seems very peaceful. I understand the Allies have just replied to the Russian demand for peace. It is in the papers here today that should Russia break her agreement by making a separate peace, she would have to bear the consequences. This would mean very disastrous things for Russia should the Allies win, and the Generals commanding the armies have answered that they would fight, but how can they fight if the soldiers will not? The Russian soldiers seem unanimous on this one principle -- we have had enough of war, let’s have peace -- and as sad as it is to relate, the officers have practically no control over the men. In fact, one of the Russian Liberty theories is that every soldier, regardless of rank, receives the same pay. What are you going to do with a nation like this anyhow? At least ninety-five percent of them are illiterates. Another late move is that a young Russian, ranking as a Third Lieutenant, has been made Commander in Chief of all the Russian Armies. This was done because the General commanding would not negotiate for peace; so they put someone in power who would. The whole truth seems to be that the Russian people want peace and refuse to fight and apparently do not care, or probably do not realize, what will become of the country as a nation. I was told by the Consul about one instance of Russian cruelty. Sometime ago Russian sailors robbed their officers, broke through the ice and dropped the officers, one by one, in the hole; then they took them out and kept them long enough for their clothes to become one mass of ice, dropped them back, and continued this process for sometime and then finally allowed them to remain in the water -- half frozen and then drowned. This evening I am invited by Mr. Owen to the British-American Club for dinner. Mr. Ray also invited me to the same place, but after I had accepted Mr. Owen’s invitation. I have also been invited, through Robins, to various Russian officers’ houses and quarters, but I am giving the gentlemen a wide berth -- if they speak English I accept, otherwise, I am one very busy young man and regret that I can not have the pleasure. Later -- The British American Club seems to be more strictly British. I met about fifteen Englishmen and two Americans, the latter having been here for years representing an America firm -- Romley Products. After watching four Englishmen playing pool we had dinner. The English pool table is much larger than the American. We were served a good meal with wine -- all of us being seated at one long table. After dinner I played poker with three of the Englishmen. Left about 2:00 A.M. They bought many bottles of wine and became quite happy and were all very enthusiastic about America and Americans generally. I invited them to my room Monday evening. Sunday, November 25th -- On account of my telegram from Russian Headquarters at Jassy, authorizing shipment of only medicinal goods to Jassy, it seemed for a while this morning that I would have trouble getting away with the food stuffs and other miscellaneous goods. In fact, I was told it was impossible, but by persevering and refusing to take “No”, we finally arranged matters. The Russian General helped me out of this situation, also the Russian in charge of the Railways. I secured the full co-operation of the railroad man by asking for his card, in order that I might hand it in with my report to the American Colonel. This flattered the old boy to such an extent I believe he would have given me the railroad if possible. I had lunch with the American Consul, Mr. Ray, and went to the opera in the evening, with Robins. This is claimed to be the handsomest Opera House in Russia. There are three entrances, it is four stories high, the seating capacity is eighteen hundred and it took three and a half years to build it. Was built in 1860 and remodeled in 1880, after a big fire. The lights of this Opera House can be seen by the ships on the Black Sea. There were really two performances -- one short opera and one long. It began at 7:30 and ended at 11:30 P.M. The singing was beautiful. During intermission sandwiches and tea were served in the wide corridor, which seems to extend around at least half of the building. Many people were on the streets today discussing the coming elections. There were crowds of sometimes several hundred, but in every instance I saw they were all quite as orderly as they are in America. Elections last three days. America’s telegram about refusing to ship material until they know to whom it is going, or rather, until a Government is established, created no adverse criticism in this section of Russia. The Allies’ note advising that if Russian made a separate peace she would do so at her peril, was badly received, of course. The situation seems pretty bad. There are so many rumors, it is hard to get anything out of them. Monday, November 26th -- Not hearing explicitly from the Colonel about purchasing additional goods, but knowing the terrible need for various articles in Roumania, I am taking a chance and buying large quantities of supplies, to be shipped just as soon as they can be gotten ready -- this material will take at least eight to ten cars. Am very busy preparing to leave tomorrow. Tonight the three Englishmen gave me a dinner at the London House and then spent the evening with me in my room playing cards as a farewell party. Embrey is going to return to America and is going to Jassy with me so we can make the trip together. Tuesday, November 27th -- Up early and left for Jassy about 10:00 A.M. Embrey, Major Hughes (an Australian), Robins and I occupy a coupe. The Cossacks, ordered by the Russian General to report to me at the train, did not show up, so I will have to get my five cars into Roumania without a guard. It evidently did not suit the Cossacks to make the trip at this particular time. This is one of the results of Russia’s new freedom -- they do only what they want to do, regardless of orders. Ordinarily, however, this does not apply to cossacks. Wednesday, November 28th --Had a little trouble at two points today -- the first one didn’t amount to much. They disconnected my cars from the train, but I had little difficulty in having them switched back on again. The next time, however, it was rather hard. At each station I have been getting out and seeing that the cars were still attached to the train. At this place, we were to lay over for about an hour and I did not go to the rear of the train until about fifteen before the time for our departure, when I discovered the cars had been detached from the train and were not in sight. I thought I was a ruined man. Taking Robins with me I hunted up the Russian Station Master, finding him in a small room in which were packed about fifty Russian soldiers. The situation was explained to the gentleman, through Robins. At first he absolutely refused to do anything about it saying he had orders to cut off these cars. I told him I had orders from the highest Commanding General in Southern Russian for their delivery to Jassy by that train, and I intended taking them in, besides my American Colonel was expecting these cars on this particular train, and no one could afford to disappoint him. You have to do considerable bluffing -- these people have been bluffed all of their lives and know nothing else -- it’s part of the game if you want to get results. He became quite excited and telephoned to various persons, one of whom could be reached. He finally said that if I would let the train go ahead, he would give me a special engine to take my cars into Jassy immediately after this train. I could hardly refrain from laughing at this, but I knew very well that I would not get the special engine and told him I didn’t want it; that that would not solve the problem at all. As a final shot I told him that he could not move that train without my cars -- that if necessary I would stand in front of the engine and I knew they would not run down an American uniform. I knew very well if I let the train get away I would be held up there indefinitely and would lose a large part of my shipment. He finally gave orders for an engine to go down the road and pick up my cars, which were side-tracked somewhere, and attached them to the train. I checked them up and saw that everything was ok, thanked the Station Master and we continued our journey. Arrived at Jassy about midnight (Wednesday). Major Hughes spent the night with me and Embrey put up temporarily at the American Military Attache. Monday, December 3rd -- The Colonel thoroughly approved of the purchases made by me at Odessa. Have been working day and night to get away. On Thanksgiving Day our entire party (Red Cross), except me, were at Roman, celebrating a real American Thanksgiving Day, with all the good things that go with it, with the exception of Cranberry Sauce. I expected to go, but had too much work to do before my departure for home, and it would mean the loss of one day to me. The American Minister, however, gave a dinner in the evening to Mr. Morgan, the Y.M.C.A. man, Embrey, Mayer and myself. Today he gave a farewell luncheon to Major Perkins and myself. Present were -- the Minister, Colonel Anderson, Major Perkins, Embrey, Col. Yates, Mills, Topping, and Mayer (and me). Embrey and I leave Jassy for America on the 5:00 P.M. train. Major Perkins intended going back with me but on account of a rumored retreat of the Roumanian forces and possible evacuation of Jassy, he has changed his mind. The Colonel was surprise that I intended going without Major Perkins, but I told him all of my arrangements were made and I would rather go ahead, if I could go with his approval -- which he granted, as well as a letter of a complimentary nature to headquarters at Washington. The Colonel bade me farewell at the office. The Minister sent his Secretary and Colonel Yates his aide to see me off. Old friend Mills came to the station, also McCarthy, Hird and Major Perkins. Mills left me a package to be opened when I had the blues, also a note which was very friendly and which I value highly. Finally we moved off. We are in a compartment of two lowers and two uppers. Embrey and I have one side, and two Russian officers have the lower on the other side and another officer the upper. There is no bed linen at all. You simply lie down, throw your blanket over you -- if you are lucky enough to have one -- and go to sleep. Tuesday, December 4th, and Wednesday, December 5th -- The soldiers are very noisy and persistent at every station, trying to get a place in our car. At one station, one of them was lucky enough to get in (a non-commissioned officer) and I was unlucky enough to have him on my bed all night. It was a nightmare really but at the same time laughable. There were six asleep (to be truthful there were five asleep) in our compartment -- the Russian on my bunk, two opposite, and one each in the uppers. Everybody sleeping with their clothes on and the Russians even with their boots still on. Every time I would dream away the Russian’s boots would seem to switch to the vicinity of my face, so finally I sat up and let him sleep -- I reached this decision after having pushed him practically off of the bunk three or four times, but there was no use, those boots would come back. Thursday, December 6th -- Arrived at Kiev about 10:00 A.M. We took a drowsky and left our baggage at the Continental Hotel, then did some shopping, laying in a supply of food stuffs to carry us across Russia, to Japan. We visited the British Consul and through him discovered that our Courier passports might enable us to go via Finland, Sweden, Norway and England, instead of the long tiresome trip back through Russia. We have, therefore, decided to take the shorter route. We are now in a Polish Tea House. While writing up this diary sitting at the little tea table, twice there have been sudden quarrels, everybody getting up and talking loudly, but so far nothing has happened, but it keeps you on edge watching to see what might happen. This is one of the best tea houses in Kiev. Later -- I have been around Kiev sight-seeing (on the trip to Roumania) and today we are busy trying to get away as quickly as possible, so we will not miss our steamer connection. We had dinner at the Continental Hotel and about 8:00 P.M. started for the train. When we arrived at the station, we found there was some trouble and the station so crowded we could hardly move about. My companion, Jack Embrey (who is not in uniform) was arrested, but upon showing his Courier Passport, was released. We had our baggage of five grips, one trunk and one box deposited on a counter in the station. There was no definite news obtainable as to when the train would arrive. We tipped one of the porters twenty-five rubles to see that our baggage was put upon the right train. Every available space in the station was used. The dirty brown uniform of the Russians formed the unpleasant color scheme. They were lying on the floor, on the counter, in fact, everywhere. One could not walk about without stepping upon them. Women, of all ages, were also lying on the floor, none of them having blankets or covering of any kind. I saw one young woman with a few months’ old baby lying on the floor among the soldiers, asleep. Jack slept several hours while I kept guard and I slept about one hour. We were able, by hard work, to get coffee and sandwiches. I can’t say that either of us had a particularly glorious time, but it was very interesting and a night neither of us will ever forget. We remained in the station until 8:00 A.M. Friday when the train pulled in. Our porter got all of our baggage in our compartment and we locked the door immediately and went to sleep. We were awakened several times by persistent knocking on our door, but paid no attention until in the afternoon, about five o’clock, the porter unlocked the door. We also had it chained, however, so he could only open it a crack. We asked him how many wanted to get in and he said two, so we let in a Polish Captain and a young lady of about seventeen. This gives each of us a berth. The Captain and I have the lowers and Jack and the lady the uppers. To our great surprise we found we were still at Kiev. Even the corridors of the train are packed and some of the soldiers are persistent about getting in our stateroom, but I have had one experience and I hope it is the last of its kind. After they knock and bang for a long time, we open the door on a crack and say there is nothing doing, bang the door hard and they bother you no more. Download 399.67 Kb. Share with your friends:
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