100 YEARS AGO IN THE SARATOGIAN

Wednesday, June 19, 1918. “SOLDIERS IN FRANCE LIKE THE SARATOGIAN” reads a headline in today’s paper reporting a testimonial from Warren King of the 369th U.S. Infantry.

The 369th, formerly the 15th New York, is an all-black regiment attached to the French army. In civilian life King works for Walter Stroup, who owns three cigar stores in Saratoga Springs. Stroup shares a letter from King with local readers.

Acknowledging a gift of cigarettes and Saratogian back issues, King describes his war experiences so far.

“I had just come in from the trenches where I have been for the past twenty days doing my part and I found your package waiting for me, and I sure was a happy boy to get a good smoke again for tobacco in the trenches is scarce as hen’s teeth,” King writes.

“I am now an observer in my company, in other words, a man who watches every move the Boche [i.e. the Germans] makes. The trenches would be all right if it were not for the mosquitoes and the large rats which tantalize a man to death, but are all overlooked when the Boche start their foolishness and we all get right down to business.”

As for the local paper, “I received The Saratogian O.K. and I sure love to read it and all the rest of the boys love it as all America news, old or new [is] as welcome as the flowers in May.”

Assault Victim Keeps Silence

Spa City saloon proprietor James Paletto remains at Samaritan Hospital in Troy today and still refuses to cooperate with investigators trying to track down the man who slashed his face last night.

Paletto was attacked in the washroom of a Troy saloon. Investigators believe that he received the “Squealer’s gash” in reprisal for snitching on someone in the local ItalianAmerican community. He claims not to know why he was attacked, or by whom.

In Troy police court, bartender Dominick Colarusso and bar patron Ralph Antonio are released from custody. They had been held as material witnesses since an officer followed Paletto’s trail of blood back to the saloon. Both men are ordered to report back to police court for further questioning Friday morning. What’s Happening Mae Marsh stars in “The Beloved Traitor” at the Palace today, but “the story of the good girl who whipped the vampire” probably isn’t as lurid as that description sounds.

Bill Russell stars in “Hearts or Diamonds” at the Lyric, which promises “Thrills, laughs and suspense” in its feature attraction. “My Four Years in Germany” completes its run at the Broadway tonight.

-- Kevin Gilbert