The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1897-06-03
THE BOARDS OF EXAMINING SUR

4 - ASSiNShO SiONOiuuO A0A tAASN "
find some way in which he could mani
fest his dislike to Union veterans so al
bring it home to the greatest number
he could have found none more effective
than his reorganization of the Boards
of Examining Surgeons and Commits.
sioner Lochren's policy of wholesale re.
examinations.
There were personal indignities con.
nected with these examinations, of which
the veterans from Maine to California
complained bitterly. From earliest
times medical students have been noted
for their jeering irreverence, their lack
of respect for the decencies of the
human body. They have seemed to
feel that this was necessary to a proper
understanding of anatomy and physi-
ology. As a man gains experience in
the medical profession this is replaced
by a profound sympathy with human
suffering.
Many of these Examining Surgeons
were too fresh from the eallous brutali-
ties of the dissecting-room to have
gained any of the tender commisera-
tions for bodily suffering which must
ell the heart of the more experienced
practitioner. 1t was keen humiliation
and torture for men who are grand
fathers to be compelled to expose them
selves nude to the jibes of medical fedg-
Engs.
That the result of the election last
Fall would sweep away this whole crowd
of badgering, insulting officials was one
of the strong reasons the comrades had
for rejoicing in the success of Maj. Nc
Kinley. They were, therefore, amazed
and justly indignant to learn during the
Winter that President Cleveland had
attempted to give them life possession
of their places by including them in the
classified Civil Service. As this was not
done frankly and openly, but by indi-
reetion, it escaped attracting attention at
the time. 1t was done by Paragraph
b, Sec. 2, Rule Ill, of Presidential
Order, dated Nov 2, 1896, which reads
Who are serving in the capacity of physi-
clan, hospital steward, nurse, or whose
duties are of medical nature.
There are strong doubts as to the
legality of this inclusion, but until the
legality is tested or the order revoked it
must be obeyed.
The following resolution, adopted by
an association Of California comrades,
goes straight to the heart of the matter:
At regular meeting of Camp No. s of
the Army and Navy Republican League, at
Los Angeles, Cal, The following resolution
was unanimously adopted:
WHEREAS the placing of Examining Sur
geons upon the Civil Service list by Grover
Cleveland while President, after having
filled ali the Boards OF such Examining Sur
geons with appointees of his own, has, we
believe, worked incalculable harm to pen
sioners and TO the veteran who seeks pen
SIGN as his age and in6rmities increase.
1t has worked an injustice upon class of
men " no served their country faithfully and
well as Surgeons in the army and navy, aud
whose knowledge of the causes OF the dis
abilities for which pensions are given were
learned in the stern school Of war but who
are now debarred from Just recognition of
their services and their talents, in the way
of appointment as Examining Surgeons
until they appear in competitive examna-
ton with some fiedgling fresh from medi-
cal school, and upon whose diploma the ink
is barely dry.
1t has done great and irreparable harm
10 the thousands of veterans who have been
deprived of the kindly and sympathie ex-
afnlnaVion OF lHelr lnnTmitfe5 Dy c0mpe-
tent ex-army Surgeons and in many cases
it has subjected them to buffoonery, in
suit, and brutality by political Surgeons
whose sympathies are in an entirely diff
ferent direction, and whose only feelings to-
wards the Grand Army" button or he
who wears it are feelings of antipathy and
aversion.
We firmly believe that the order was
never intended as a step toward better
and purer Government, but was conceived
by an unpatriotic and disloyal dislike for
the Union veteran, and while it was being
made an engine of oppression against him,
it was at the same time used to fiji life
long places with partisans whose chief rec
ommendation was not service for the flag
and country: Therefore, be it
ResoiUcd, That this Camp does hereby re-
specially ask Comrade President McKin-
ley to revoke the order placing Examining
Surgeons On the Civil Service'' list, and
that this request be signed by he members
thereof, aud that copy of this resolution
be sent to the Headquarters of the Army
and Navy Republican League at San Fran
cisco, and also 10 THE NATIONAL TRIBUNE
at Washington, ID. c., with a request that
they publish it, and request all the Union
veterans throughout the United States take
similar action.
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT,