New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-08-01
THE WOMEN VINO NURSE THE SiCh
DR. ANITA y. MGEE. T. S. A. TELLS OF THE
GOOD WORK BEING DONE AND OF
HER SEX'S PATRIOTISM.

DR. Anita Newcomb McGee acting assistant sur
geon l. s A. with the rank OF first lieutenant,
was for n short time in the Army Building yes
terday afternoon after she had seen the compile
ment OF nurses engaged by her start on the Seneca
for Porto Rico. Dr. MCGEE said that twenty-five
nurses had arrived at the pier ready for the trip.
Seven too late They struggled into the
Army Building having from Boston. Wash
ington and other cities expecting that the trans
port would not sail until evening. They will be
sent the first available transport. The seven
a disappointed 10; Of women.
In speaking Of her work DR.. MCGEE told OF the
distinction among the nurses In the Governments
service There are about seven hundred nurses in
the pay Of the Government who have been exam
ind by DR. McGee and appointed on her RECON-
nendation over forty-three hundred applicants
We're examined. and eligible list made up
from which 10 select needed. The Sur
geon-General. Or. McGec said. had become con-
WINGED Of the value Of the work done by the
women nurses and since June had promptly
sent them when the medical officers in charge OF
the hospitals called for them, sometimes sending
more than called for when he thought they
could re used He was anxious Dr. Niece SAID
had ordered her 70 go 10 Montauk TO look INTO the
need for more nurses.
Camp Wikor, besides many volunteer nurses.
the hospitals. and II the surgeon acQuesces, 20 10
ne Huancations 81 these volunteer nurses out has
serve without pay, ana many are at work In the
/ nearby hospitals Or. MCGEE will examine their
quarters and report whether they are properly
| housed or tented. the case may no.
one Of the distinctions between the nurses IN the
Government service and the volunteers is that the
service nurses are graduates Of training schools
and come recommended having the physical
strength needed for Army service. while many o.,
the volunteers arc trained nurses who cannot bind
themselves with tho indefinite time contract the
Government requires because Of the low salary ana
for other reasons but who for short time give
! their services DR. Niece spoke Of the patriotism
! animal ting her sex when asked how she could get
! nurses for gao a month. and said That there nad
| been A rush ~ applicants. -, -
You have no idea % the patriotism OF the WON,
/ on of This country" she said They leave 2"2n
! positions TO serve for go a month The same as the
! men have done TO serve In the ranks Tor u. Il
| month Miss Paterson. tn" head nurse ~ the
! Senoy Hospital. Brooklyn who has a reputation as
| a nurse Of executive ability. got year, lur,
! lough thai she might 70 Santiago TO-DAY. ana
/ there are many others VINO have absolutely given
up good positions 10 work FOR the Government at
! lower salaries" -
Miss Wheeler the daughter OF the General CON- ON;
! nanflnC AT Camp Wkoff. tried 10 gain the oihciai
! Endorsement ~ Or. Mctiee but as she was hol a
trained nurse she had 10 volunteer FOR service She
| is now a, Camp WkoN. Or. MCGEE has no idea
lust how long she herself will rema N at camp
Wikor but says she Will stay just as long as nee
! ossarv 10 secure reliable information on me SUD
! iect she goes 70 investigate. While IN camp sne
viii wear n lleut"nants service coat with the shoul-
| der straps OF her rank