The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1879-12-07
GENERAL WASHINGTON DISPATCHES.

WASHINGTON. Dec. 6. 1872
THE MARINE HOSPITAL sERvIcE-ANNUAL RE-
PORT OF THE SURGEON GENERAL.
The annual report of the Surgeon General of the
Marine Hospital service to, the Secretary OF the
Treasury for the fiscal year ended juno 80, 1879,
shows increase in the number Of patients treated
by that service OF fourteen per cent. and an in
crease in the expenditures of two per cent.
The whole number of patients treated during the
year was 20.922. and the total expenses 1915 l64 o.
Dividing the total expenses OF tho service by the
number of patients treated, the per capita cost is
shown to be SIT 80. The per capita cost has been
steadily decreased since the reorganization in
1870 when it was 1888 Al. The sum of $5.057 70 has
been expended for repairs to the hospital buildings.
which is included in the total expenditures above
given. The total receipts for the year
36l.4O9 80. Much space is devoted
to the subject of the physical examine
ton Of seamen. Under the operation of the
department circular of June IL. 1879. seamen num-
berng 345 have been examined the request of the
United States Shipping Commissioners or OF the
properly constituted authorities Of the vessels.
The examinations conducted by the medical
officers of the service. and the men were especially
examined for color blindness. Statistics given
showing the relative proportion Of unsound men
engaged in seafaring pursuits. and. shown.
almost the only obstacle to the successful carrying
out Of the plan of "insurng the service OF sound
and healthy men on ship board is the infamous
practice OF blood money" taking.
AS necessary supplement to plan for the
physical examination Of seamen. the subject of
o National Snug Earbor is discussed, as it is
obvious that, il only healthy men are allowed
to go to sea, they should have suitable pro-
vision made for their when permanently
disabled in the line OF duty from sickness or
in the Marine Hospitals on the 3Oth Of June.
1879. The recent establishment Of the Marine Hos
pita on Bedloe's Island, New York harbor. is only
briefly alluded to, as it established since the
close of the fiscal year. 1t is shown that every Sec
rotary of the Treasury since 1870 had recommended
this transfer. This island was designated by joint
resolution of Congress as n site for the colossal
statue OF Liberty Enlishtenng the World. but it is
believed that hospital will in way interfere
with the building or location of the statue.
First class pavilion hospitals recommended to
be built Baltimore and New Orleans. and cottage
hospitals at Cairo Memphis. Vicksburg. Norfolk.
Galveston. Savannah and Pttsburg 1t is recon-
mended that the private hospital at Port Townsend
be purchased Legislation is asked for to the dis
position of the proceeds from sales of unservice-
able property, which are now required by u
decision of the First Comptroller to be covered into
the Treasury Notwithstanding the property may
have been purchased from the hospital tax. It is
thought that it could not have been the intention OF
Congress to increase the receipts Of the Treasury
from the seamen' fund, hence modification OF the
law is suggested.
The question of statutory provision for the pro-
fessona examination OF candidates for appointment
into the medical corps is taken up, ana although
| now matter of department regulation only is well
| established. OF the candidates examined during
the past year seventyeight per cent rejected.
FINANCIAL MATTERs.
The Treasury now holds $3GA 49,. $50 In United
States bonds to secure bank circulation.
United States bonds deposited for circulation dur
ing the week ending to-day. $1.3 400.
United States bonds held for circulation with
drawn during the week ending to-day. $1,142.600.
National bank circulation outstanding-Currency
notes. 1885,. 06s. 651; gold notes. 1.447. 100.
The internal revenue receipts to-day were
$3.50 S95 &c and the customs receipts S594.37 SO.
The receipts Of national bank notes for redemp-
ton for the week ending to-day. compared with
the corresponding period last year. follows