Underwear is a prime factor in acting as a guard against influences
from without, and if of a properly constructed material, must tend much
toward raising the efficiency of men in service, and thereby increase
the standard of an already progressive department. The material--the
Jaros Hygienic Wear--is a combination of unspun wool knitted into the
meshes of a spun cotton fiber. This is after the recommendation of
most eminent medical scientists in America and Europe. The wool unspun,
worn next the body, acts as a cutaneous stimulant (guarding against
irritation so often apparent with spun fiber), the body temperature
being stored between the individual fibers, prevents the cold from
directly striking the body from without (acting like double casement
windows in a house), and, therefore so valuable when men are forced
to sudden changes from in-doors to the cold of out-doors. The wool,
again, absorbs moisture from the body, and transports it readily to the
outer framework of cotton, thereby protecting against the possibility
of wet clothing next the skin to chill the surface at every change
in temperature. The cotton framework without, makes the material
two-fold in its action; for while the wool has a power of absorption
of moisture, the cotton has that of attraction and retention, so that
any perspiration exuded from the body is taken up by the cotton from
the wool and retained, while any water from without striking the cotton
surface is attracted and retained, and prevented from penetrating
through to the body. With all this, the material is porous, and does
not therefore, retard the poisonous exhalations from passing off.
The material is as nearly non-shrinkable as can be claimed of any
material, owing to the cotton back, thereby having an underwear which
will fit properly at first as well as last. No laps or folds to allow
air to circulate next the body are apparent, where the consideration
of shrinkage is discarded (which is the case with wear of spun wool,
whether knitted or woven.) The wear is also more durable. The cost
within the line of good woolen underwear. With a due consideration of
all the scientific as well as practical facts and experiences, the
Surgeon General of the United States Army recommended the wear to the
Quartermaster-General, War Department, U. S. Army, and the result of
experience by men and officers has given this underwear prominent place
under the equipments of the Northwestern posts. They also point with
great pride and satisfaction to the service among Police and Firemen
in such cities where practical application has been made. They feel
assured that the consideration of this subject, though comparatively
new with the chief officers of our departments, will gain a hearing,
with the view of raising the condition of the men.
Your Committee, upon examination, would recommend it for your
consideration.
Very respectfully submitted,
Chief, Providence, R. I. G. A. STEERE,
" Macon, Ga. L. M. JONES,
" Springfield, Mass. A. P. LESHURE,
" New Albany, Ind. C. T. MATTHEWS,
" New Orleans, La. THOS. O'CONNOR,
Committee.