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| August 12, 1943. From John to
Priscilla (South Pacific). Writing to Priscilla from an unidentified location in the South Pacific, John describes his interactions with the native islanders. He also alludes to "retribution" delivered by these islanders to the Japanese, who had conquered some of the islands and cruelly treated the inhabitants. (Alumni Papers, John L. Holloway Papers, 1922-1946). |
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37. August 12, 1943 Dearest: I had an experience a few days ago that I'll not forget for a long time. It was a trip to a nearby native village--as a medic. It was also a sight-seeing tour to me. To begin with both the army and the navy have collaborated in setting up a clinic there to teach the natives. And I had an opportunity to go along with our Capt. Breaker [?]. As far as diseases are concerned everything from [illegible] and pregnancy down to tummy aches passed before us. There were times when the stilted |
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dispensary was a veritable
bedlam of squalling babies and tearful children. But they take to medication like a
duck to water. Believe me, as patients they would put a lot of so called cultured
whites to shame. And I mean that literally to. I noticed one thing, they do
not pamper their children when the matter of taking medicine comes up. I had been led to believe that the women staid [sic] in the background out of sight when whites came around but this was not true. They mingled freely laughing and jabbering. Incidentally, their tongue should not
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2. be difficult to learn. There is no grammar to contend with. And no books have been written about it. Many of the men speak surprisingly good English having been taught by the Medical Missionaries. They do not as yet permit the women to learn the language. I suppose they think the females would get ideas. Those who do speak our language are very precise in enunciation. They live in bark covered dwelling [sic] raised about 4 1/2 ft. off the ground. I know you must have pictures of them in the Sunday Arts. |
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These women are fully
clothed--or perhaps I should say fully covered. They wear what we would call a
cotton housedress. For the most part they are small in stature and stockily built. Of course there was quite a traffic in souvenirs. I picked up a few beautiful sea shells one young girl offered to me. Through an interpreter I asked how much she wanted for them. I was told the price was 3 shillings--How quick they learn. I had 4 dimes in my pocket. She was glad to get them. Of course the shells had no intrinsic value at all. I
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3. could have picked up the same things myself. Some of the other boys came better prepared than I did for the trading. They brought perfumed soap and bottles of hand lotion. They went fast I can tell you. If I should get a chance to go again I'll know what to take along. While we were there a native patrol came in with a canoe load of Jap impedimenta. No prisoners mind you--just rifles, clothing, shoes etc. You can read in the obvious conclusion. They have a score of their own to play the "Bogies." In |
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many cases where certain of
their islands had been overrun by the Japs they were deliberately starved to death and
forced to labor for the conquerors. Now that they have come into their own so to
speak they use their own methods in forcing retribution. And they are not too long
removed [from] barbarian days either. I talked to one of the party and the story he
told me was not a pretty one. But the equipment bore him out. They know a
thing or two about psychology--if you get me. I've written about this visit to both Marvel and the folks in Beloit. So you might pool letters. I've tried not to
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4. say exactly the same things in each. You really wrote a fine letter to Winifred. Better than anything I could [have] done. I think you described Milwaukee beautifully in so few words. Since what you said is true, she should get a fair picture of the city. Why don't you pick up some photo-cards and send them to her. I don't mean the colored picture post cards but the ones with the snapshots superimposed. I read that article of Dorothy Thompson's with interest and you're [sic] marginal notes too. You are right in your estimate of her. |
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I don't agree with her at all
in many of her assertions but as you say it was thought provoking. She did put her
finger on the real problems that will confound any peace conference. As usual, with
her, conclusions do not follow premises. This is where I--and you too--part company
with her. Well dear, I reckon that's all for now. I love you more each day. John |
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