New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-07-03
CARE OF WOUNDED AT KEY WEST.
HOSPITAL PROVISION MADE IN BUILDINGS
OF THE SISTERS OF CHARITY.

Key West June 30 (SpeciaD.--One Of the first
problems that arose after the beginning OF the
war with Soaih was what should be dore with
the officers and men who might be Injured in
battle or who might contract disease in the
field II was desirable that such victims OF the
war should have place not too remote from
the scene Of action whore. surrounded by skilled
men and careful nurses. they might receive
such treatment would permi; their early re-
turn to the field. their removal when conva-
lescent to their homes. After much delibera-
tioD Surgeon General Sernberg decided that IN
many respects Key West was best adapted for
such hospital and Immediately steps were
taken to secure buildings appropriate for such
uses.
Almost simultaneously with the demand for
these buildings came an offer from the sisters
Of Charity. who rendered their convent and
grounds to the Government. The offer was
accepted and while the good Sisters remain
In control Of their home, 1t is practically a part
OF the Army establishment. Close by the con-
vent are two schools in which the Sisters taught.
and they. too. were included in the generous
offer Not fal away are several large frame
structures formerly used as cigar factories. ana
these were also secured for hospital purposes
with the exception OF the convent proper.
none OF these buildings were ready for use.
and Major ]. Z. Sawyer OF the Quartermaster-
Generals Department. who was on duty at the
headquarters OF tie Department Of the Colorado.
was ordered here to take charge OF the recon
structon Of the buildings. Major sawyer
began his work with energy and skill born OF
long experience in the Quartermaster- Gentrals
Department. and he soon had the buildings In
readiness for the usual equipment OF hospital.
Long frame corridors with broad pCrttos. con-
Meeting the buildings on the hospital grounds.
were built, and the old cigar factories were
made habitable by the plentiful use OF water
and paint AS each OF the structures WAS COM
pleteJ 1t was fitted up with cots. mosquito net
ting canopies, and mating to deaden the noise
Then the surgeons took charge and the rest OF
the work was dore under their direction. Sur
gical wards and wards for the treatment OF
diseases to which men in the field are sus-
ceptible we're established under the direction of
Major Hail. OF the Medical Corps who Is In
charge Of the Army hospitals here, and now
everything is in readiness for the reception OF
patients In the several buildings there are
accommodations for five hundred patients but In
the event Of the advent OF a larger number
nearly many more can be treated al inc
hospital at the barracks. the Marine Hospital
and the Naval Hospital
While the Government has done all that is
possible to make the new hospital nj FOR the
there is much that can be done by the patriotic
men and women of the country. for no provision
has been mad- for the dclicacies and small
Injuries which make Ii i'll a hospital ward
comfortable. and which conducc to the early re-
covery Of the patients. In speaking on this
point one of the Army officers who has been
interested In the project said To The Tribune
correspondent Nothing could exceed the zeal
, shown by Major Sawyer and Major Han IN
their efforts TO equip the hospital with all that
Is considered as impcratively necessary for the
patients. Their work. however. had 10 he done
on lines laid down by their respective depart
ments and their orders did not contemplate the
purchase OF stores which would alleviate the
condition Of hospital fe-for instance jams
tellies champagne and other deiicacies. Pa
tamas the coolest and most com
Portable garments for the sick. yet no provision
has been made for the purchase OF them. II
would be a good idea. | believe, for The Tribune
10 suggest that an association, such as the
Sanitary Commission. which did such good
work in the Civil War be formed Toy the pur-
pose of providing these comforts for the men
who may be sent here from Cuba The case Is
an urgent one and * certainly deserves mme-
dIate attention from those who have the welfare
~ heroic soldiers heart.