The independent. [volume] (Oskaloosa, Kan.) 1860-1874, 1863-07-04

or what Yankee ingenuity can, invent
anything else to attract the attention and
darw money from the millions? we vis-
tied some of the most important and
finest cities of Yankeedom, and then
by way of New York, which is right
smart chance of town, and where one
can see sights and spend money to his
hearts content, we came to this city,
passing on the way Jersey City, New
ark, New Brunswick, Trenton and 9TH
er places.
Philadelphia is the second city in
population in the United States. and one
that covers more ground than any 9TH
er on the continent.
Having taken look at Girard Col.
lege, Fairmoun, water works, Indepen
dence Hall, and other places of note,
to-day we visited one of the U. s. Hos
pitals located a, this place. which. being
the largest military hospitalin tn world.
is worthy Of particular notice.
1t is situated on an eminence called
Chestnut Hill, some SEQ feet above the
ocean level, just back of Germantown
Avenue, and about eight miles by rail
from the busy. noisy part Of the city.
having plenty of fresh air. and being
partially surrounded by fine groves Of
fresh trees. The entire building with
the grounds adjoining are very specious,
and as comfortable as can be made.
The building for the use Of the SOL.
diers is but one high story, very airy.
thoroughly ventilated above and below,
well lighted. and arranged in the best
manner possible for comfort and consen-
ience OF the inmates. The main build
ing is circular, and for the sake OF de-
scriplion. we will call it hub Of wheel,
with a space covering five acres in the
center. From the outside Of ii.,e hub
are SO buildings We will call SMOKES
each OF which furnishes good. comfort
abl. single beds Tor 60 persons, 3.lao|
in all. E:c.ch OF these spokes is called
">.d, being numbered and having
surgeon and physician. and toa all intents
In lis use and infringement. separate
iiorii all others. and furnished with din
ing, wash, bath and other rooms.
In the middle of the circular room is
track for hand cars. upon which are
transported all The furniture, provisions.
ect, from the store or kitchen to each
separate ward, High over head are
large tanks for both cold and hot water.
which are kept filed by Means Of !.
steam engine within the binding. al
ways furnishing an abundance, c,,vav.
ed by>pipes to every paft ..s ibe nrero.
ises. Opposite the door leading into
each ward s'"..nis an ice-wa,er tank.
DF.aing the opea space OF FIVE acres
| IN the center of the hub are two large
buildings. crossing at ,ighi-aucies aud
communicating with Ire hub, the car
tracks forming CONTIGUOUS lines through
out; and IN ihese buildings are the drug
store. oiiice .or keeping books, the kiich-
en- ans. various other departments, ali
ksI Ipt in the neates, order.
Looking N the cooking ranges. we
see ten ovens. each large enough to
roast full quarter Of beef, with caul-
drons for vegetables to match. These
are heated by steam entirely.
Within the past week there have been
over 5000 patients received here from
the various battle fields. |, makes my
heart ache 10 see 80 msny young men
manned Tor life: but their friends may
be assured erery M'ng is here done to
alleviate distress. and secure return OF
health. AS evidence of the happy re-
suits. l will state what on officer con
nected with the institution told me :-l
'that OF over 80 900 patients received
and treated here, there have been but
fifteen deaths" What contrast with
reports from some of our western hos
pilalsl
We start Immediately for Washing
ton. and hope 10 ascertain what Lee d |
Co. are about
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