Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1898-10-13
COT READY FOR IT.
Foresight Exhibited by the Naval
Medical Corps in the War.
REPORT OF The SURGEON GENERAL.


Preparations for Any Emergency
Naval Medical Ofhcsrs Praised.
Washington, Oct 10.-Pr0bably NJ
better illustration can be found Of thu
foresight exhibited by the navy In pre-
pairing for the war than is afforded by
the history Of the medical corps during
the struggle. This is set out in thu
annual report Of Surgeon General W
K. Van Reypen, which is the first o.
the navy bureau reports submitted fol
publication.
Surgeon General Van Reypen begins
with modest tribute TO the good
Judgment and foresight Of his prede
pessor, Gen. Tryon, who, in putting In
srder and equipping the several naval
hospitals, was OF incslculable service
10 the bureau, enabling 1t to properly
care for the sick or wounded Of the
navy during the war;
When the Maine was blown up Sur.
re0n General Van Reypen was in
charge Of the bureau and began prepa-
mtions Immediately for any contin'
Ecncy. The hospitals were fully
equipped, plans were prepared for pa
vilion wards, the naval laboratory
prepared TO furnish medical and sur
siesl supplies In any quantity. No
additional expense was incurred until
var seemed imminent, then every yes.
sel likely to be engaged was given q
fall outfit Of medical supplies for war.
in anticipation Of q large increase Of
che navy, proper outfits were made
ready and boxed for large number
Of ships ready for call. There has
not been an instance during the war;"
says the surgeon general, 'of any yes.
ssl having had to wait for her medical
stores"
II was known that the medical corps
Was inadequate In number for war,
ut there was no law authorizing the
employment Of volunteer medical
u1lcers But medical boards were sent
eat In anticipation to the principal
sitles to examine applicants for ap-
sentiment, and Is consequence when
war broke out the medical department
had st hand from which 10 make selec-
tions Of volunteer surgeons long list
81 well.educated men and 81 Of these
were appointed out Of 1000 applicants.
Surgeon General Van Reypen says:
'They have rendered efficient service
end have been o credit to the navy.
Same have had unusual and trying ex.
periences, but they have accommo.
dated themselves to their environ
mepts and have justified their appoint
merits,"
The medical department had long
desired to establish hospital service
Of sea on specially selected vessel,
and the approach Of war gave it an
opportunity to demonstrate the
wisdom Of Its propositions and the
efficiency Of its methods. The steamer
Creole was purchased, and with the
valuable assistance Of Naval Con.
structor Woodward was converted to
IN ambulance within IS days, till-
ing every appliance Of modern
surgery, disinfecting apparatus, cold
storage. laundry and elevator. She
was pioneer In her work, indicating
. step In advance that 1t we'll became
the United States TO take. The re-
port gives q succinct history Of the
valuable services rendered by the
6olace In caring for the sick and
wounded. Stores and supplies and
also delicacies and comforts had been
supplied In abundance for the sick
and wounded by generous and pstri-
otto individuals and societies from
every part Of the United States. Says
the surgeon general: I'm this war
woman has done her perfect work, and
the medical department Of the navy Is
profoundly grateful for the money
contributed and supplies furnished for
the aid Of the sick and wounded OF the
navv patr;otic woman h.va ohort
supplemented the efforts Of the gov
ernment, and their assistance has been
thoroughly appreciated"
In conclusion the suroeon capero,
49,. eN"'' VI
a
icsnhot close TINS portion OF the bureaus
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