Weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1858-1865, 1862-09-03
II, r,s,tmen. Of Soldiers in Hospitals.

81, Ill treatment OF SOlOleES Al "VoPA".''
In the Confederate House of Representatives on
Wednesday last Mr.. Clark, of Georgia, offered the
following: >#
Rssoload. That committee of five be appointed
by the Speaker to investigate and inquire into the
management Of the hospitals in the Military De-
partment of Henrico andto ascertain what, If any
abuses exist and what action, if any is necessary
to be taken by Congress and that such committee
have power to send for persons and papers, and have
leave to visit the hospitals during the sessions Of
this House."
Mr.. Clark think there is no department Of the
Government which is so subject to abuse as this
particular department. went this morning to
Georgia hospital to see soldier, and was informed
that the hospital was closed, and could not get in
except at certain hour Of the day. These officers
in charge think that they must not be at their place
except at certain hour; they have not endearored
to accommodate in the least Persons have come
here to take care of their sick and wounded sons,
brothers and friends, and have gone away with feel
ings of the deepest execration against this de-
partment of the Government; and if there is any
thing that will prevent. persons from being brought
out to serve the country, and bring about re-.
sistance to the Government it is the treatment of
the sick, wounded and dying soldiers in our hos
pitals. feel deep interest in this matter, and l
desire nothing more than that they should be well
cared for, and thus do more towards increasing the
army than in any other mode. Applause in the
galleries.)
might 20 on to illustrate and to specify instan-
ces, but it is needless am informed that the hos
pital surgeons visit the hospitals only once IN "a
hours. This learn from persons connected with
the hospitals. Why, sir, l understand that before
a sick or wounded or even convaescent soluler Is
allowed to 20 home, they must prevail on the sur
geon of the particular hospital to which they have
been confined to grant them certificate that they
have been inmates of the hospital for three months
The soldiers, every one must know, would recov-
er much more rapidly at their homes thanat these
hospitals. think have said sufficient to Illus
trate the necessity Of the passage OF this resolution
but must ask to be excused from serving on the
committee to be appointed as, under the clrcum-
stances, | could not be impartial
Mr.. Wright, of Ga-When an honorable gentle
man, on yesterday, introduced bill to increase the
army, by calling out all persons between the ages
of IS and 45 years. felt at the time that it was the
wrong way. Congress had better take care OF tne
soldiers we have now in the field before we call Tor
more. We sh ould perhaps, then have 10 need for
more soldiers 1t seems to that this one depart
ment of the Government needs particular attention.
Why, medical gentlemen who have charge OF hos
pitfalls regard themselves as enemies to the common
soldier They do not risk the danger of the battle.
Why is it that the soldiers kept in the hospitals
and not allowed to 60 back to their 1rlenos! why
is it that the Government refuses them furloughs to
20 home where they will be much better attended
to than in the hospital? Why, am told, that when
they get away, they will not come back: Sir say
that this is libel upon the men who have fought,
and are still ready to fight the battles of our coun.
try SIR, when they are able they will return. All
they ask is that their country will treat them WIN
that humanity which is due them that they may
still be able to perform their duties to their country.
l left at my room this morning. youth, mere
STRIPPING, member of that renowned regiment, the
sth Georgia. He the first to enter the service
of the Confederate States in my district. He has
been in every battle with his regiment, and fought
where it was not engaged. He has never once
| been home, nor looked on the face of his father
or mother since the war began. am told he will
be utterly unable to go back to the army until cold
weatbef He has never asked a furlough of his
couHfry; yet his application to 60 home has been
refused. am told that 1t has become such source
Of annoyance to the department that they were OBJ
ged to cease giving furloughs-yes, sir, because II
is a source of annoyance! Really, think that be
fore we call for more troops, We had better make
provision fqr taking care Of those We have
The resolution was agreed to.