The Mitchell capital. (Mitchell, Dakota [S.D.]) 1879-1918, 1917-12-20
DAKOTA DOCTOR GIVES.
TREATMENT TO ARMY
GAS REMEDY USED IN BLACK HILLS
MAY BE ADOPTED ON WAR
FRONr-OTHER6 TELL OF
SUCH CONDITIONS

Sioux Falls, S. D., Dec. 18.-lt Is
probable that the methods used by DR..
]. w. Freeman, in charge Of the hos
p:tal maintained by the Homestake
Mining company in the Black Hills, In
the treatment of those who are
"gassed" while working in the Home
stake mine, willeb utilized on the
west front in Europe to save the lives
of British, French and American SOL
diers who are overcome by the fumes
from the gas shells fired by the Ger
mans and the clouds Of gas sent down
upon the allied lines by the Teutons.
DR.. Felix E. Ashcroft, former
Black Hills physician, who is attached
as captain to headquarters, 26th di-
vision, American Expeditionary forces
in France, has written letter to DR..
Freeman, in which he asks for de-
taied instructions as to the treatment
Of gas cases. Capt Ashcroft having
been assigned to duty as an instructor
in gas defense. He writes In part as
follows: .t
II have thought that your exper-
fence in the resuscitation Of so many
men overcome by gases, especially dur
ing the fire several years ago, might
be of value in my work here, il can
get 1t promptly. My duty is to instruct
the medical officers in methods of re-
sustication; also the other officers as
to how to avoid being sgassed.' II you
have published anything shall be
glad to have it. II not, will you please
have written to me details Of your
methods used, emphasizing those you
consider most effective. Also the
chemical nature of the gases which as
phyxiated the men,"
"Most Of the people here have long
hpnn fnn IN thu fov ~
Of life. We are sharing their lack of
facilities flor comfort. Oflcers are
billited in the homes of the people. for
lodging only; we feed ourselves else
where. Measures for heating the
homes in this chilly, moist climate are
inadequate, according to our standards,
therefore we have to wear warmer
clothing in the house. bought four
bushels of flrewood for $3.50 %
francs) to warm my room. 1t was
delivered in two, 2-bushel gunny
sacks. 1t will last about six days. i
do not know any more about the pro-
gress or probable duration of the war
than thar when ! left home. Am learning
words day."
Relatives in Lennox have received
q letter from Lieut.. S. Brethorst,. !.
former leading educator Of Turner and
adjoining countless who was granted a
lieutenant's commission several months
ago and sent to France with oIner
American troops. In the letter, Lieut..
Brethorst states that he now is busy
lighting in the trenches in France. He
reports the mud and water to be knee
deep. The letter was written the rore-
part Of November. Last May Lieut..
Brethorst completed Hhis duties as sin-,
structor and principal Of the Fulton
schools, Shortly thereafter himself
and his brotrer, Capt. P. Brethorst, de-
parted for Fort Smelling, where they
were finally granted commissions. In
August Lieut.. Brethorst visited rela-
tives and friends in Lennox and other
places, and soon thereafter departed
for New York and boarded a transport
with other officers for the battle front.
AS his name indicates, he is Of German
descent, but is one of. the most pa
Lriotic of Americans. s.,.fls
Corporal o. c. Karp, Viborg boy,
writes from France that himself and
comrades have Just spent thirty DAYS
Immediately behind the firing line.
"One funny thing about the 'front.'" he
writes, "is that you can't see thing,
not man in sight only at night when
they so to and from the trenches; but
in the daytime one would think 1t was
the most peaceful country you ever
saw, and an Irishman in my section
swore there wasn't any Germans over
there, but he changed his mind when
The first she'll hit near us and he was
convinced and satisfied"