The Hawaiian gazette. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1865-1918, 1915-07-23
The Use of Poison Gas

SVTHILE the frequent use OF asphyxiating gas
w by the Germans on both east and west
fronts is reported and the French trench fighters
admit using such gas in retaliation" opinion in
Great Britain on the advisability of employing this
new method of warfare is very much divided. That
the British troops at the front could be provided
with gas machines and that the scientists of Great
Britain have been asked to report on noxious mix
lures useabe in the trenches is admitted, but that
such will be used is still a.question.
Sir William Crookes, the famous scientist, has
stated that the means for the generation of killing
gases have been worked out on practical plan
and that the reports have all been turned over to
the war Office The scientist, himself, however,
expresses hope that his report will not be accept
ed 81 prefer that Great Britain win this with
clean hands, he is reported as saying.
1t is long way from Sir William Crooke to
Harry Lauder, but both are being extensively
quoted, their opinions ongthe use of gas being
widely separated. The famous Scotch comedian
would employ any means Of; crushing Great Bri-
tains enemies In an intensely bitter statement,
published in London paper.l Lauder says
- had kindly father and mother, and was born
Atmosphere For forty years have found this world
kindly sort of place to live in But all this is
- changed now. All the kindly feelings had for my
fellow men, of whatever nationality, have undergone
| transformation. L filed with horror and in
dignation and loathng for the helsh enemy that
hundred. Of INNOCENT men. women aud children. Now
am filed with the spirit Of the days of Bruce and
Wallace when it wasa case Of quarter for the foe
4 . 1 am not now concerned about g fighting gen
tInmen want to crush my enemy 1andyth enemy
Of mankind with all the skill cunning and strategy
possess and by all the methods of which can lay
| my hands | am desperate. My blood seethes within
! my veins. ] mad. Alasi / am too old to fight,
! but my boy is fighting for me and mine, and would
to God be at his side. These ruthless, heart
less blood drunk villains must be met at their own
/ game and | know 1 voicing the sentiments of
thousa nds and thousands Of people when say that
/ we must rctaate in every possible way, regardless
g. Of hod cost. If these German savages want
savagcry let them have It, Let those who after
/, us begin civilization again. For the time being
feel like savage beast Of prey guarding any
sacred den.
| The London Lancet believes that there is little
| benefit to come from any attempt to bring into
use gases more nOxiOus and poisonous than the
chlorine used by the Germans.
! Glib references are made to the possible use
Of potent poisons, arsenical gases prussic acid
or some other death-dealing substance which shall
improve upon chlorine compound adopted by the
enemy" says the Lancet at is we'll to remember
that there is evidence that the enemy has seriously
and systematically studied this question for some
time and we may be fairly certain that the gas
used was decided upon after considerable trial
as the most available and practicable for the ghast
y ends in view. At all events, such other deadly
materials as may be available are as much in thu
enemys hands as in ours, and neither side woulC
be likely to gain any permanent benefit by sucl
Vaccinations. We must not dismiss impractic
able the wilder dreams of the chemical pOisoner
for in chemistry it would seem that no sooner Il
a suggestion dismissed as foolish than it at ono
appears in the form of accomplished fact; Blu
we lean to the belief that the capacities of ga
poisoning have been exhibited to the full"