Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1917-12-17

ASrecent conference OF noted chem
lists published its report Indicating that
American chemists are prepared to
make poison gas as soon as required
by the military authorities Of the
United States and regular drill at the
throwing of gas bombs would indicate
devil with, gas.
The chemists state: 1--WE chemists in
America have never turned our minds
to the destruction of human life. Our
work has been constructive
chemistry of the soil, Of cement, Of
printers ink, of the by-products from
petroleum andNtar, of 10000 things that
will make for longer, happier life for
man. But IL the world is to be turned
upside down and instead Of staying
death and disease and making new
things that man can use for his own
ennoblement, we are wanted to push
forward the work of destruction Of man
and all his works. we can become
rivals of the worst in such enterprises.
The report also states:
when the Bureau Of Mines was
created by congress five years ago It
that the methods used for the saving
of life in the coal mines Of the United
States would become Of vital use In
the problem OF saving lives and des-
troying lives in a world war, yet this
IS Just what has happened.
Germany, which has been foremost
for, some years in the science of chem
istry, has out Of its extensive experi-
ence developed form Of warfare
which had not before been known, g
modern expression Of those diabolical
Inventions such as the cervi and slim
uli which made Caesars campaign IN
Gaul to be- characterised as q war OF
science To meet this new method OF
attack by deadly gases, the western
powers promptly provided gas masks
which contained chemical absorbents
or other agents that would nesative
the effects OF the gases sent adnft by
their enemies.
'.The soldiers kit, which was 80 sim
pie q thing In other wars. had to- be
increased by q, gas mask not unlike the
helmet Of . deep-eea diver, with q
box Of chemicals adapted for offsetting
the effect Of the various kinds OF gas
the enemy was known to use, and for
special use in dugouts and saps filled
with concentrated gas an oxygen sup,
ply was furnished. These outfits were
not new to the world. t
For some years there has been keen
rivalry between the great MINING
nations as to the one which provided
the best. They were put on by those
who went into the mine where poison
GUS gases from explosions or fires were
known or supposed to exist. Every res
cue gang wore them. This country
claimed that It had improved upon the
English, German and French in has
mask which It provided. 3s5
Tsstind Guard OFFICERS For France.
All general officers Of the regular
army and national guard are being ex.
amined BY medical boards and effi-
ciency boards with q View to deter
mining the advisability Of sendtng
them for service abroad.
IN announcing this step late yes
terAay Secretary Baker said Il wa
neceSsary on account Of the unusually
severe conditions or service In this war.
IS Commanders for American troops.a ~
the fighting front are TO- be selected
only after rigid investigation Of their
physical and professional fltness Tor
their task. early announc cement Of the
rstlremaht or discharge OF some Of the
GENERAL cNicere tsA to be expected. a.
medical boards already: have reported
against men 81, both the regular and
nGt4onai guard aervicess q ys s.