The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1918-10-19

XMAS PACKAGES TO SOLDIERS
American soldiers in France can re-
ceive but one Christmas package each
this year and each package must not
weigh moro than three pounds, ac-
cording to regulations announced by
the war department. Boxes for men
In the navy, however, may weigh 20
pounds.
The regulations governing Christ
mas packages for soldiers have Just
been completed after conferences be-
tween the war and post office depart
ments and the American Red Cross.
"Relatives and friends" says the
war departments announcement, who
are planning to make Christmas for
the soldiers in the war zones as mer-
ny as conditions will permit, should
bear in mind that each soldier Is en-
titled to but one OF these packages
The war department will not accept
more than one parcel for each man.
II is expected that approximately o.
100000 of these packages will be sent
abroad and the amount of shipping
space provided for their transporta-
ton will not permit OF any deviation
from the one parcel man rule
"The men themselves will decide
who is to send these parcels. They
are now receiving Christmas parcel
labels with instructions to mail these
labels to the person In this country
from whom they wish to receive the
holiday box. To avoid any chance of
duplication, each soldier gets but one
OF these labels. Packages that do not
bear these labels will not be accepted.
In the event Of this label being lost It
cannot be replaced.
mo Christmas parcels will be ac-
cepted for shipment after November
20. The cardboard boxes or cartons to
be provided for these parcels are three
inches by four inches by nine inches
In size. When packed, wrapped, and
ready for mailing these boxes must
not weight more than three pounds"
The American Red Cross has agreed
to provide these cardboard boxes and
to supervise their distribution TO rela-
tiyes OF the soldiers who present the
proper Christmas parcel label creden-
tials. The following is an outline of
the procedure TO be followed by per-
sons planning TO send one OF these
parcels abroad:
On receiving one OF these Christmas
parcel labels 1t should be presented at
the nearest chapter, branch or auxil-
larry headquarters of the Red Cross,
where the holder will receive a carton
These labels are not expected 10
reach this country before November /
but by that time each Red Cross
branch will have its allotment OF box
Is, based on the number OF soldiers
Ia service overseas from that COM
munity
These boxes may be filled with any
combination Of prohibited articles. ex-
cept those on the list barred by the
postal officials The articles prohib-
tied are all intoxicating liquors, all
infiammable material. including fric-
tion matches, and any composition
likely TO ignite or explode cigarette
| lighters come under this classifica-
tion). liquids and fragile articles linz
properly packed.
Under the regulations no note or
message or written matter OF any kind
will be permitted to remain in the
| boxes.
In addition to the foregoing list OF
prohibited articles. relatives and
friends are urged to bear these facts
In mind:
DO not put anything in the package
which will not keep fresh until Christ
mas.
| Pack dried fruits and other food
products in small tin or wooden boxes
Give preference TO hard candy over
chocolates, unless the latter are i'm
closed in heavy wrappers.
DO not put In articles packed In
I glass.
Gifts should be wrapped in khaki
colored handkerchiefs, ~ in. square
When the package has been packed
Il should be taken, unwrapped and
unsealed. together with the label and
sufficient stamps TO the nearest col.
lection center designated by the Red
Cross. After the package has passed
the inspection OF the Red Cross repre-.
I sentatives the Christmas label bearing
the address OF the man for whom Il
Is intended Is placed on Il. The per
son sending the package in the pres
ence OF the Red Cross worker. Is re
CURED to afflx stamps sufficient e
carry II 10 Hoboken. N j.
In the navy department instructions
for Christmas packages 10 sailors II
home waters and abroad. II Is provid
ed that all boxes are limited 10 20 lbs
In weight and are forwarded In car,
of supply officer. feet supply base. 2!
street and Third avenue. South Brook
lyn. ". Y.
Shipment OF Christmas packages foi
naval vessels abroad should be made
so az 70 reach New York not later thar