The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1856-02-18
IDEAL Appointments In the Army and Hsvy
-3ncseaso % Surgeons.
70 TIE EDIroR or rBs HERALD.

70 TIE EDTroR or TEE HERALD.
WASHINGTON, Feb. IA, 1856.
There is one feature in relation TO the appointing
power 1.-THE United States that Ii eminently just.
As few, however, are familiar with the subject to
which we refer, we will explain II somewhat In de-
tail. 1t relates to the appointment Of army and
navy surgeons in the United States service.
Many years ago these appointments were made
upon the individual judgment of the President
Of the United States. But now, before any man
can secure the commission of surgeon in the
army or navy OF the United States, he must be ex-
amined by board of medical officers appointed for
that purpose; and that, too, although he may have
received diploma from the very best Of our medi.
cal colleges Nor has party politics anything to do
character and suitable education Is allowed to 20
before this medical board for examination; and Il
he shall satisfy the board that he possesses the pro-
per qualifications, he is reported to the head othe
Department, who presents his case to the President,
who sends his name to the Senate for confirm alton.
Thus it will be seen that it remains with the ap-
plcant, in great measure. to decide whether he
will pass or not If be shall master all the branches
Of the profession before he submits to the scrutiny
Of the board, he Is sure to pass Nay, more, the
board goes far as to class those who undergo an
examination as Nos l, 2, &c. Every inducement is.
therefore, offered to make the surgeons Of army
and navy most perfect in their profession.
1t will be seen from this statement that there can
be no fav0rittsm in the judgment of this medical
tribunal. In nearly every instance the parties are
entire strangers to each other.
We have referred to the mode by which medical
gentlemen enter the service, with the view Of MAX
ing the country and the members Of the two houses
Of Congress familiar with the system adopted in
relation to the medical department. Of the govern
menu. 1t appears however, that Notwithstanding
this very judici0us arrangement for furnishing ex-
ceent surgeons to the army, that very large mum.
Der of those who attend the soldiers in the di slant
portions OF the nation do not undergo any exam-
nation And this grows out of the fact, that
there is not a sufficient number of surgeons and
assistant surgeons at this time authorized by
Congress- The Secretary OF War and Surgeon
General have therefore to employ any medical
assistance they obtain in the re note sections Of
the republic. To avod this difficulty, the Honorable
Secretary, upon the recommendation of the distin-
guished head of the Medical Bureau Of the army,
Surgeon General Lawson, has recommended to Con-
gress to enlarge the army surgical force to extent
to meet the requirements of the service.
1t to be hoped Congress will act favorably upon
to the sick and disabled soldier as well as economy,
requires this at the hands of national representa-
tiycs. The present system of employing extra medi
cal attendants costs as much, If not more, than
the proposed change would require. Besides, the
army would then have surgeons who had passed the
rigid investigation of the Medical Board of Exami-
ners, and the Department at all times have a full
control over the medical attendants, they would
then all hold commissions under the United States.
This subject is deeply interesting. and is entitled
to the careful consideration of national Legisla
ture; and the subject not being well understood,
send you this, because your HERALD reaches all
who ought TO have information on this important
topic
Your sheet instructs the million. Q.