The states-graphic. (Brownsville, Tenn.) 1???-1984, 1917-08-10

American Training Camp in France,
Aug. 6.-The issuance Of French gas
masks to the American soldiers has
brought them a littles nearer to the
realization of the proximity to real
warfare. The me5s are looking for
ward to the gas experiments with the
greatest possible interest as giving a
touch Of adventure to their training.
When the socalled "gas house" is COM
pleted the men will be put through a
mixture Of the deadly vapor several
times stronger than will ever be en-
countered upon the battle field.
Some German prisoners have claim
ed that in their training they have
endured periods of from five to ten
minutes in gas mixture fifty times
as strong as could possibly be main
tanned in an open air attack. The men
are put through these intense mixtures
to demonstrate that with proper
care and use of their equipment they
cannot be hurt by any gas likely to be
encountered in the front line trenches.
1t is most important branch of
the modern training Of a soldier that
he should be convinced that there are
many methods of effectually dealing
with the deadliest terrors of latter day
warfare; that carelessness, slovenly
and unseeing soldiers are the ones
first to succumb. 1t is even demon
strated to soldiers that the terrifying
liquid fire can be avoided except in
most extraordinary circumstances, such
as being caught in a tunnel or in a dug
out with the enemy in such a position
that he can pour flames through the
entrances.
In training the Americans regard
ing gas the greatest weight is to be
laid on demonstrating to each one the
value Of his protective appliance, and
seeing that he is fully Instructed in
its proper use. He will be made to
realize, however, that only by skillful
and rapid adjustment of the mask can
protection be assured, and that it shall
be daily task with him to see that
his appliance is in good condition. This
must be assured, for otherwise the
gas penetrates through every small
hole and attacks the eyes and mouth
so that in short time the man is put
out of action.
Lectures on gas are being arranged
first for the officers and then for the
men, for in gas training officers have
to go through identical drills and ex-
periences. Ten seconds will be the
outside limit allowed for the adjust
ment of helmets after the gas alarm
has been sounded. The increasing use
of gas shells even from the longest
range guns makes the carrying of
masks far back of the line an impera-
tive military necessity.
The first traces of gas poisoning are
a hot mouth and irritation of the
throat. Despite proof that the allies
have so often produced to the contrary
and the terrible deaths allied soldiers
died when this hideous mode OF war
fare was first sprung upon unsuspect-
ing foes by the high command of the
German army, private soldiers and
Germans say the gases are so-called
smelling substances" and are not poi
sonous. The substances, they assert,
exert stupefying action and after long
exposure have an asphyxiating effect.
Under their influence vision is affect
ed. A man subjected to it is forced
to close his eyes in few seconds and
can observe nothing. Germans naive
ly admit, however, that ut is impossi-
BILE to remain in the gases without pro-
lection"
The exact nature of the composition
of practically all of the German gas
is known to the allies, and the Ameri-
cans are obtaining Immediately the
full results and benefits of all this la
borious and dangeous work.