Evening Republican, Volume 22, Number 1, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 1 January 1919 — STRONG FOR MASCOTS [ARTICLE]

STRONG FOR MASCOTS

Yank Soldiers Even “Adopt” French Youths. Doughboys'. Pets Range in Variety From Canary Birds to Donkeys. p ar lu.—The American soldier’s wellknown penchant for mascots, as exemnlified during the Inst year by the importation into France of an Innumerable variety of pets ranging from canary birds to donkeys. reached f .|ts zenith on this side of the water—and almost got him into trouble. For several months French boys were reported missing from their homes and from public orphanages, investigation disclosed that most of ranging In from ten to fifteen, were the mascots of units of American soldiers. They waro found, comfortably established

in American barracks, living with the soldiers and receiving the consideration and regalement which befits the official mascot of a company of “les Americanes.” The practice started when' a few units annexed homeless French boys who happened around their camp. But the life was too at-, tractive to be confided to the home- ‘ less, and other French youths, living , with their parents or provided for in orphanages, deserted these homes to become American soldiers’ proteges. v At one aviation instruction center ten boys were found, each supported by an aviation squadron, which,- by way of tailor-made uniforms and other means, was trying to outdo the other in caring for their mascot. Most of these boys were going to school but— they 5 were smoking cigarettes. ■ General Pershing issued an order prohibiting the “adaption” of more boys and requiring that all those being maintained aa mascots be returned to their homes. £•