The Colorado statesman., 1918-03-16

the state.
"These measures apply not only to
manufacturing plants, but are equally
applicable to shipyards, grain eleva-
tors, and stores of supplies"
The necessity for thorough and con-
tinuous training of troops in gas de-
fense is shown by statement proved
| by captured German documents:
The Germans at certain position
/ on the western front knew the British
were planning to deliver a gas at
tack on a German division equipped
with masks, but poorly trained in their
use. In spite of the fact that they
had several days to drill before condi-
tions were suitable for the British at
tack, when 1t was finally made hun
dreds of German casualties resulted.
Many kinds of gases are used In
modern warfare. Some merely affect
the eyes temporarily, and are more
inconvenient than serious. Other gases
are terrible In their effect unless prop
er protection is available. They are
employed in clouds, or in shells,
bombs, and hand grenades.
1t is the work of the field training
section of the gas defense service to
bring home to the American soldier
the Importance of his gas mask, to
thoroughly drill him in its use and
to inspire confidence in its efficiency.
According to an announcement by
the war trade board a special license
has been issued covering shipments
made by persons in the United States
to, and for the personal use Of individ-
uals serving in the United States army
or navy or the American Red Cross
abroad.
This license does not permit ship
ments by persons in this country to
American prisoners of war, but has
been issued to facilitate small personal
shipments to soldiers and sailors and
Red Cross workers by doing away
with the necessity of securing an indi-
vidual export license in each case.
Shipments by mail under this license
must be made In accordance with the
regulations of the post office depart
ment. If it becomes necessary later
to limit this license to certain speci-
fed commodities notice will be given
through the press.
The United States rifle, model of
1917, commonly called the modified
Enfield, has now been tested in the
service of the army a sufficient time
to warrant the assertion that 1t more
than justifies the claims made for 1t,
according to statement authorized
by the secretary Of war.
The new rifle takes a 30-caliber car
fridge, which has the advantage over
the British Enfield of being rimless
1t has been found that unless rim car.
tridges are fed through the magazine
cartridge ahead of the rim of the one
Immediately below, jams are likely to
occur.
The model of 1917 has an overall
length of 46.3 inches; total weight
including oiler and thong case and
bayonet of ten pounds and five ounces,
The breech mechanism is Of the bolt
type.
In the new school opened at Roches-
ter, n. Y, to train photographers for
the Signal corps, the primary train
ing will cover four weeks along high.
ly specialized developments brought
out in the war. At It's close the sue
cessful graduates will be sent on for
months advanced training, after
which they will be organized into units
and sent overseas.
Men with the highest grades will be
given still further training for commits
sions as Photographic intelligence Of
ficers, first at a school and then in ac
tual flights at the flying fields.
During the month of January $11,'
7ST, ,517 were paid out to farmers OF
the United States by the federal LAND
banks on longtime first-mortgage
loans, according to a statement by the
federal farm loan board.
On February 1 the total amount OF
money paid out to farmers since the
establishment of the federal land
banks was 50,7S2, ,432 covering 24,02C
loans closed. The total amount OF
loans applied for up to February ]
was $500, ,S91, representing 112, ,14t
applications.
Near beer and temperance drinks
coming within the designation of malt
liquor are included in the Presidents
proclamation limiting brewers of beer
to 20 per cent of the amounts of grains
and other food materials that were
used last year.
Massachusetts and Michigan chap
ters of the Daughters of the Revolu.
ton are establishing Intending rooms"
In cantonments. These departments
are onened for hospitals. where hun.