The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1851-05-18

ARMY suR0EoNs-DR MOWERS PRoTEsT.--ln the
April number OF the Medical Examiner Ga Journal pub
shed in this city) we find powerful and welwri,ten
article from the pen OF Dr. l. e. Mower, distinguished
surgeon OF the United States army, protesting against
the proceedings OF an army board, proposing certain
changes in relation TO the medical department Of the
army He remarks that "the proposition 70 make icon
trary existing aws) senior medical ofcer virtually
subordinate junior officer OF the other branches OF
service who may chance to be in command at point or
station, based upon theoretical rather than practical
principles Their duties being Altogether distinct there is
other and may be remarked that the less this IS done,
the better for the interest OF the service Experience
may be confidently appealed prove that the medical
officer is seldom interered with by commanding o1cer
OF we'll regulated mind and experience And, IN Illus
talion may state that previous to The present organi
cation OF the medical department. served for period
of years surgeon OF the sixth regiment OF infantry
commanded by Colonel (Brigader GENERALLY Atkinson,
conessedy OF the best discplnaans OF the army,
and. without any solicitation on my part, he voluntarily
extended to the privilege OF absenting Gysef IRON
the post temporarily, my discretion, on the Pracr
teal and common ground that ! could best Judge
when my services with the command could be spared,
and with the understanding that strictly response
BILE Tor the performance OF my appropriate duties II
gives me pleasure to add The testimony OF one OF the
members of This boardan experienced and successful
commander-ihat similar practice existed in his last
command"
This extract very clearly shows that the present sys-
tenn, that puts the surgeon OF the army upon proper
footing with the other branches OF the service ought not
10 be changed Nor do we apprehend for moment that
Congress will seriously entertain any such proposition
majority OF military board thaying upon II but one
member who belongs 10 the medical corps OF the arny)
may recommend what peases But it will avail moth
ing when il before the representatives OF the peo-
Pile The proposed alteration not only emlnently rdic-
uous, but calculated greatly TO lower the grade OF the
surgeons OF the army by attempting 10 make them sub
ec to every young officer who may have just lett the
Military Academy We would advise those members OF
the board who favor the change TO "let well enough
alone" The surgeons of the army all eminenily
qualified 10 hold the high posts they occupy as was Illus
traed during the late glorious Will they remain IN
the corps If the present system be altered IN the manner
suggested BY the board We think not Nor is i, likely
Of any could be found 10 fill their vacated places under
this degrading change) that the officers soldiers woulc
be gamers by such grade OF surgeons. There are
however, no such men 10 be found in the medical pro
iesslon-none worthy OF the post OF suIgeon-whc
would agree TO accept commission refused by high
minded and insulted brother OF the distinguished
proesson--a profession that embraces within lis wide
reaching circuit OF the most learned humane,
| accomplished men in the country
Shall such profession-noble, dgnifed, and talented
be nsulted by supposng that any OF It's members vii
consent TO accept the place which highly educated
brother considers himself dishonored in holding w,
repeat that confident Congress will never agree
pass the proposed alteratlon--an alteration that ever,
| medical gentleman in the country would consider per
sonai insult 10 himself We think the army officers
the board much fault who have thus aaye the thou
sands OF physicians OF the country against them Tn,
| medical periodicals. have already taken the subject il
hand, and have severely ebuked this attempted change
| TPhuadeipbia Inquirer.