The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1917-08-07
SAMMIES GASSED
American Soldiers Practice
Just as Tho in Battle.
Use of Gas Mask Most ImpOr-
tant in Modern Warfare.

American Training Camp In FRANCE
Aug. 6.-(By the Associated Press)-
The issuance of French gas masks TO
the American soldiers has brought
them a little nearer to the realization
of their proximity to real WARFARE,
The men are looking forward TO the
gas experiments with the greatest pos
sible interest as giving touch OF au-
venture to their training. When the
so-called "gas house" is completed the
men will be put thru mixture OF a
deadly vapor several times stronger
than will ever be encountered upon
the field of battle
claimed that in their training they
have endured periods of from five 10
ten minutes in gas mixture nlty
times as strong as could possibly pc
maintained in an open air attack. Inc
men are put thru these intense mix
lures to demonstrate to them that
with proper care and use of their
equipment they can not be hurt by
any gas likely to be encountered in the
front line trenches.
Carelessness May Prove Fatal.
1t is q most important branch of the
modern training of a soldier that he
should be Convinced that there are
many methods of effectively dealing
with the deadliest terrors of latter day
warfare that careless. slovenly and
unheediGg soldiers are the ones first
to succumb. It is even demonstrated
to the soldiers that the terrifying
liquid fire can be avoided except in
most extraordinary circumstances
such as being caught in tunnel or in
a dugouI with the enemy in such a
position that he can pour flames thru
the entrances.
In training the Americans regard
ing gas, the greatest weight is to be
laid on demonstrating to each man
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 a daily task with him to see
that his appliance is in good condi-
ton. Fit must be assured for other
wise the gas penetrates thru 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. then for the men. Ten
seconds will be outside init allowed
for the adjustment 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 imperative, military necessity.
Gas Contact Deadly.
The first traces of gas poisonins
are hot mouth and irritation of the
throat. Despite the terrible deaths
allied soldiers died when this hideous
mode of warfare was first sprung
upon unsuspecting foes by the high
command of the German army, Ger.
mans say the gases are so called
Smelling substances and are no
poisonous. The substances they as
sert, exert Supplying action and after
long exposure have an asphyxiatinl
effect. Under their influence vision
is affected. A man subjected to it il
forced to close his eyes in a few sec
ondsoRnd can observe nothing. Ger
mans naively admit, however, that 81
is impossible to remain in these CASE
without protection" The exact ma
ture of the composition OF PRACTICAL,