New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1862-01-09
REPORT OF THE NATIONAL SAM
TARY COMMlss1ON.
t. ne Secretary Of Ware

To he Secretary Of Ware
The National Sanitary Commission has submitted
to the SECRETARY Of War an elaborate and detailed
report on tie operations of the Commission since
appointment OH the 9th Of June last. The report,
though very interesting and valuable, is long;
we shall endeavor TO give some idea Of its contents
by extracts relating to the most important points, re-
.errng our readers for more ample details to the
original which, we understand is TO be repubishea
by the Apple<ons in this city. The Commission pos-
sesses 10 legal authority, but is restricted to In
qniry and advice in respect Of the Sanitary interests
of the United States forces" Its support is derived
exclusively from private contributions, which, tbus
far, have amounted to 81, lO7, several prominent
insurance companies contributing literally. pre-
liminary survey Of the sanitary condition Of the
troops in the Yves. was undertaken by the President
Of the Commission, Dr. Bellows, and forclby illus
tated the necessity for prompt and energetic action
The duties Of tie Commission being two-fold, em-
bracng both inquiry and advice, required peculiar
organization. Fourteen well-quafed physicians are
now employed as inspectors, each having defined
portion Of the army under his observations nine 9th.
ers are engaged on special duties The selection Of
these inspectors has required the utmost care, and
whatever success the Commission may have at
,aiped, is in great measure due TO their character
and intelligence The duties Of the inspectors, be.
yond what has necessarily 10 be trusted 10 their dis
erection, are infinitely detailed in the printed in
structons Issued 10 them. 1t will be perceived that
they are cnjoined carefully to avoid whatever can
excite apprehension of disposition to interfere with
military authority. Before entering any camp, they
are required TO obtain the formal approval Of the
Major-leneral the HrigadierGenersl. aud the Medi.
cal Director ia whose military jurisdiction it il la.
cluded, together with introduction TO the CON-
manding officer Of the regiment, and through him
to the company officers Having done this, they are
directed TO mako minute investigation INTO every
point bearing directly Indirectly on the sanitary
condition Of the camp.
Among the subjects to which their attention IL
especially directed, and which they are required
10 make detailed written reports, are the quality OF
rstons and OF water, the method Of compromising
the ventilation Of tents and quarters, the drainage OF
the camp the healthfuness Of its cite, the admins
traion Of the hospital and the suiciency of its sup
plies, the poce'oi the camp the quality Of the tents
and OF the clothing Of the men, the material used fol
tent flooring, if any, &C., &c. Whatever defcien
cies or evils they find to exist by which the heal, h.
morale, or efficiency Of the men may be endangered
they sre instructed TO indicate to the proper officer
at tie same time offering advice If il il needed
10 the best method of remedying them. Very few
camps have been visited in which important improve
ments have not been ordered at the suggestion AID
ia tho presence Of the Inspector.
After the INSPECTION Of each camp or post, the IN
spector ID required to make an elaborate report upon
ts condition. This report consists mainly OF written
answers ia the most exact and concise form to Q
series Of printed questions, $50 in number covering
every generally important point connected Win Tie
sanitary condition Of the army.
More than 400 of these reports have been received
by the Commission. Their results are careinll,
tabuiated, and suitable digests prepared by an ne
complisled acruary. The Commission 10 not without
hope ii il should te enabled to continue 1t: opera
tons, eventually to lay before tine country body
military medical stalistcs more complete, searching
and trustworthy than any now in existence. II,
The number Of rcgimental returns from which ih'
statistics TO be presented will have been derived Il
aCo and they VIII accurately indicate the sonai'i III
condition Of the regiments in question Is con' erned
or there returns, 81 were from regiments recruitet
in New England; l0l were from regiments recTwtes