11
OF THE NATIVE ARMY OF MADRAS.
be created which, in times of sickness, would prove an invaluable substitute for
the present untrained and too often untrustworthy native ward attendants.
28. Huts and Lines .—I have little to add to what was recorded under this
heading in the last Annual Report. The great defect of lines and hut enclosures
alike, is imperfect drainage leading to the soakage into the ground of fluids more
or less polluted; to this evil may be added another which has reference to the
unsatisfactory working and constitution of the domestic latrine and lavatory. When
from potent causes like these, lines become unhealthy, the fact will be shown by
a high rate of sickness and death among the young children and more especially
among the puerperal females. The physique of the men will also exhibit
a corresponding deterioration. These evils will be added to if the lines be
overcrowded. They would be mitigated if not removed by the provision of
convenient and efficient regimental male and female latrines, by forbidding men
to bathe or defæcate in their huts, by securing screened off bathing places near
wells for females, and by only allowing in the hut enclosure a small and simple
domestic latrine to be used, in the event of sickness, for the convenience of children
and for the use of gosha females. A standard plan for a simple domestic latrine
should be adopted, and its careful conservancy should be insisted upon. To
prevent overcrowding the number of inmates of each hut should be distinctly
limited, and the rule enforced. The principles of and reasons for sanitation are
better understood by the sepoy now than they were formerly, and he has no objec
-tion to their being acted upon, provided he be not saddled with the expense.
Public health is public wealth; nothing is so expensive to the State as sickness,
inefficiency and death. Much has been done by authorities, Military and Medical,
to improve the sanitation of lines and huts, but much still remains to be accom
-plished.
Huts and
Lines.
29.
Food .—I can add but little to what has been said in former reports on this
subject. The very high prices of food-staples during the year, combined with a water
famine, have caused much distress among the troops stationed within the area of the
famine. Considerable impairment in the health and physique of the army has
resulted which will find its expression in future mortality and invaliding returns.
So long as the sepoy's food is largely diverted to the support of followers, so long
will his efficiency as a soldier suffer.
30.
Clothing.—Attention was solicited in the last Annual Report to the clothing
of the sepoy and certain changes in his kit were suggested. Recently, on the occa
- s i o n o f a f o r c e b e i n g s e n t f r o m I n d i a t o M a l t a , t h e e q u i p m e n t o f t h e N a t i v e t r o o p s
proceeding from Bengal was thus described: "It consists of a French grey turban
tied after the fashion of the Sikh regiments with a red patch in front bearing the
number of the regiment, a red serge tunic with valise equipment and extra pouches,
Zouave trowsers, white gaiters, worsted socks, and stout English boots." The
dress thus described is at once a soldierly and appropriate one.* For service in
temperate climates there should be added to the equipment a sheet of water-proof
material which might serve as a cape or poncho during rain, as a protection from
damp ground at night, and, laced up with similar sheets, as an extempore tent for
shelter from cold, rain, wind and dew. The addition of a cummerbund to a sepoy'
s e q u i p m e n t s e e m s v e r y d e s i r a b l e , a n d i f t h e c l i m a t e b e c o l d a n d r a i n y , a j e r s e y a n d
drawers of warm material. In India "chuppals" are in every way preferable to
boots.
31.
Vaccination .—Vaccination has been carefully carried out in the Native
Army, and, as far as practicable, among the families and followers. There is no
reason why vaccination should not be made imperative among the families and
followers occupying the lines.
Food.
Clothing.
Vaccination.
32. General remarks.—It is interesting to note that out of an aggregate of
280 treated for eruptive fevers, a class which includes small-pox, there was but one
casualty from small-pox and that too in a year when small-pox was alike epidemic
and severe. Malignant cholera was also widespread and caused a very heavy
* Brown leather gaiters would be more suitable than white gaiters.
General
remarks.