"Since leaving Brodhead I have, so to speak, covered
considerable territory and even though train accommodations
have not been the best, or have pullmans and dining-cars
been on my list, I have enjoyed my travels. For two months I
was stationed at Columbus Barracks, where I received my first
instructions in army life. In other words, I was a rookie and
it is far from necessary for me to tell you what that means.
One thing, for certain, a rookie is the most unfortunate guy
in the army and regardless of what happens, he is always out
of luck.
"My next step was at Edgwood, Md., headquarters of the
newest branch in the U.S. Army, the Chemical Warfare
Service, or briefly, the C.W.S.
"My next journey brought me to Stanford up among the
New Englanders, and let me say right now, that a soldier need
worry little for friends or good times, for I have them so
good to me. My impression is that they can't be beaten. To mention
two things that have happened while here: while in the hospital
with influenza, every day flowers and fruit were brought to us,
and it is not uncommon for us to receive a handout on our way
to work. Splendid people they are, not to be forgotten right
away. I was surprised to find that most all the employees here
in the place I was assigned to, were civilians, and we, twenty-five
of us, were the only advance guard to prepare those coming later.
Eventually all help at this place will be soldiers for it has
been found to be true, that one dollar a day men and five or
six dollars per day men, do not always agree. Formerly this plant
was a dye plant, but under government control has been reconstructed
and converted into a gas plant.
"Mustard Oil, commonly termed, M.O., is made under the
most trying and disagreeable conditions and the work in
connection with its making is very dangerous. The least drop
on any part of your body and it results in a burn, finally causing
a sore, which the doctors have found hard to heal, and even then
it still leaves a blemish of a very deep colored red and very
noticeable. If removed at once it will do no harm but the chief
trouble is that you are never aware of its presence on your flesh
until three or four hours later, and by that time it has worked
well underneath the skin and is beyond treatment which will prevent
the burn. A visit to the hospital and you will always find a
goodly number of M.O. patients.
"Phosgene gas is by far the most wicked and dangerous
of any of the gases made here and a very little will cause death.
I believe the best description of the effect of the gas is
possible by the slogan they use at the plant. 'One good whiff
and home you go in a board box.' Hardly sounds fine to hear those
words, but at the same time it is the truth and it brings to
mind the danger of this particular gas.
"Picric Acid works somewhat the same way as Phosgene
only its effect is somewhat slower. The fumes from this acid
if
taken in a considerable quantity will cause death, but that
is hardly possible for the employees are always forewarned that
they are getting too much by the sweet taste in their mouths.,
and if they leave immediately and get fresh air they are all
right. Workers in this department soon turn to a bright yellow
color from which they have been nicknamed canaries.
"Another chemical which is used in large quantities
and the effect of which is very harmful to the employees, is
Bleach
Powder. To work very long in this branch means just one thing,
the contracting of bleach lungs. To give you an idea of what
it will do to your lungs I will mention its effect on cloth.
It is not uncommon for one worker to use from six to nine pairs
of canvas gloves per day and on a rainy day as high as fifteen
pair. Leather shoes do not resist its effect and in a short time
it rots them. Every week each employee uses from three to four
denim suits and the old ones are discarded as useless. Rubber
and leather equipment have been tried and have been found to
be of better protection to the body, but being so expensive it
is not available for the government to issue them. Perhaps some
of this sounds like fish stories you have heard, but a visit
tot he plant will verify all my statements.
"Uncle Sam does nothing half way and if he must make
such dangerous gases, he also makes clothing and equipment for
the protection of his employees. Each person is issued a
gas-mask, rubber suit, gloves and boots, that is, all departments
but Bleach. Figuring financially, I believe the Chemical U.S.
soldier to be the most expensive of any soldier in the service.
"For instance, we are allowed besides our monthly salary,
$57.50 per month for board and laundry, and this added to
the cost of the clothing we are issued makes a high-priced
soldier.
"When I started writing this, I had no idea of writing
so much but it seems as though one thing led to another and the
result has been that I have covered much space but told very
little. As is said, it takes a smart man to write his thoughts
in brief and concise statements, so I plainly see I am eliminated
from that species of man. Trusting this finds all well in Brodhead
and that the 'Flu' soon flies, I am with a friend's hello to
all,