The Washington herald., 1917-09-04
Urges Selective Men to
Maintain High Standard
and Declares Work Will
Be Watched by Entire
Nation -Crowder Issues
Final Instructions.

On the eve or their mobIlIza-
ton President Wilson last night
addressed a final word to the
drafted men who will make up
Americas FIRST great national
army. It was a greeting and a
parting blessing at the same time.
The Provost Marshal Generals
office last evening issued the fol-
lowing last word for the informa-
ton and guidance of the men who
mobilize tomorrow:
The men will not be permitted
to take anything on the train ex-
cept light hand baggage; bedding
and changes of outer clothing will
not be allowed"
Essential Equipmepnt.
The following articles should be
taken: Soap, shaving outfit. comb
and brush, tooth brush and tooth
powder, two bath towels, three hand
towels and six handkerchiefs. Two
changes Of underwear may be taken
If desired. There is no objection to
taking collars and shirts for wear on
the journey. but there will be no use
for these articles after arriving at
the mobilization camps.
Since suit cases and hand bags
will not be allowed for permanent
use at the mobilization camps, articles
may be carried in bundles if so des-
ned. Civilian clothes will not be re-
tanned after arrival at mobilization
csmps and may be returned by express
OF otherwise to the homes. If it is
not desired to make arrangements for
returning clothing, it is better to ap-
pear in civilian clothes which 1t is
rot worth while to keep.
To insure quick communication
with his family. the recruit is ad-
Ti-cd to provide himself with post
- or stamped envelopes.
Before reporting to the local board
,le hair should be cut very short, the
iOdy thoroughly bathed and clean
nderwear put on. The finger and toe
nails should be cut short.
Every effort will be made to pre-
serve the health of recruits at the
points of mobilization and to build Up
their physique. The government un-
Eertakes to look after the physical
well-being Of the recruit in every pos
~ 49,
military methods
There will be used at each canton
nlent certain sanitary orders intended
to prevent the development and spread
OF disease. 1t is of the highest i'm
portance that every recruit from the
outset should implicitly obey these
orders. which are for the protection
Of his own health and the health Of his
comrades. He will soon learn that
all are based on practical experience
and that observance of each detail
is necessary in order to maintain
healthful conditions among large
bodies Of men.
First Contingent 10000.
Approximately 5000 men will be
modified tomorrow. They represent
per cent of the total Of 6S7, 900 draft
ed men. less the per cent of East
ern Pennsylvania, Maryland and the
District of Columbia, whose mobiliza-
tion has been delayed because of the
unfinished condition Of their camp.
On September 10 another 274,SOO will
the mobilization, each a wooden city
ditional will be called out on October
3. The remaining 1Os, 900 will be or
dered to camp at date yet to be de-
cided.
There are sixteen cantonments for
the mobilization, each a wooden city
designed to accommodate 1000 men.
They are so located that it will be
only a comparatively short ride to one
OF them from any section Of the dis
trict in which the men TO train there
are modified.
Each camp will be a division head
quarters in the new national army, as
the draft force is officially known. 1t
will have its own commander and its
own staff and will be a distinct unit
from any other camp.
All the camps are sufficiently COM
plete to allow the mobilization of 5
per cent Of the draft army. except
Camp Meade, at Admiral. Md. It
will be ready by September l9, how
ever.
The sixteen cantonments cost the
government approximately $50. 900.
Each is a complete city in itself, with
aormitories, drill halls. recreation
places. dining halls, kitchens, sanitary
provisions and complete water sup
ply. disposal and sewerage systems.