New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-09-02
STERNBERG READY TO EXPLAIN.
TOO BUSY TO FORCE AN INVESTIGATION AT
Observation-Disclosures SHARPLY
CRITICISED.


WASHINGTON. Sept 1.--Surgeon- General Stern
berg to-day sent the following letter 10 New
York medical publishing house. when had mace
Inquiries Of him concerning the conduct OF the
war with reference to the Medical Department,
and especially about the subject OF having an
immediate investigation OF his bureau he says
an, ready AT any moment for complete IN
vestigation with reference 10 my administration Oh
the affairs OF tho Medical Department. Out the
War Department Is not DISPOSED to make such AT
investigation the result OF sensational he"S-
paper articles. There s Il present an evident craze
70 crticise without regard to truth or justice
have no doubt there will he Congressional IN
vestgation into the conduct of the war. nut 90
not feel at liberty AZ present 10 insist upon an
investigation for vindication. because II
would he contrary to the general interests OF 'h'
service II would make II necessary for me 10 give
m all the important Official work which at present
almost overwhelms me- for the purpose OF devo'ihg
myself 10 a presentation OF the facts relating 10
nv administration. II would make II necessary 20
take clerks away from their daily tasks in order
to look up the documentary evidence on file In my
office and In the mean time. important matters
would necessarily he neglected and the ~ick IN All
rarts OF tho country would suffer. II would make
Il necessary call upon the medical officers. who
are now urgently needed for tho care Of the sick IN
our various camps and hospitals. IN come 10 Wash
ington as witnesses. and all this TO satisfy the
has been official complaint with reference TO my
administration Of tho Medical Department.
In regard TO Montauk Point. intend 70 send AT
orce Lieuiena nj Colonel Charles Smart. an ex-
perlenced officer and tho professor Of hygiene In
our Army Medical School, to make thorough
sanitary investigation. To myself. much as |
should like do would bc to neglect important
official duties IN connection with the supply Of hos
pitfalls. the movement OF my hospital train, OF hos
pital ships. etc.
PRAISES SUPERINTENDENT STERNBERG
DIR MATTHEW'S. OF THE AMERICAN MEDICAL
ASSOCIATION. SPEAKS HIGHLY OF HIS WORK.
Louisville Sept. DIR. Joseph Matthews Of this
city. who succeeded Surgeon-General S,ernberg
president of tho American Medical Association
knows General Sternberg intimately He said to-
day:
! have noticed with regret certain articles in tn.
public press in the last week which
/ l. reflect upon the Surgeon General knowing his
record as physician, scientist and official am
glad to have the opportunity 10 correct a growing
| Impression that General sternberg has been dere-
| lict In his duties. When the story of this war Is
written feel thar he will be set down not
! only as a capable officer. but also credited with
knowledge necessary under the trying circum-
stances
In the first place. tho place Of Surgeon-General
OF the Army is more difficult post than most p"o-
pie suppose. and especially trying in time Of war.
| In the organization Of the medical corps for the
volunteer army General Sternherg had TO depend
/ altogether upon the recommended lions OF pnys-
! clans and frequently men were put Into the corps
/ over his head by political influences.
! Ty this 7 mean that a number or Young men.
| lncklng IN experience II not In training sought
appointments through their represen tives In Con-
gross and other political friends. These indorse-
n,ents TO the Surgeon General generally SAID that
| tho occupant WAS a capable honest man Of good
moral habits md anxious 10 get into tho medical
corps With thousands of applications on me- the
! Surgeon General WAS 10 got number Of men
/ who were Incompetent lie followed the only way
10 appoint-that t.. upon the recommendation or
physicians and Congressman. In this way many
young got into tho service and 1t goes without
saving that they lacked experience
General Sternherg Is man honoref among nen
Scientists as we'll as physicians realize what dis
! coveries he has made and his worth 20 tne pro
,.ssIon and the Government should no congratu-
lated that II had such car ahle conscientious and
progressive man at tho head nj the Medical pepar'