New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-08-02
STERNBERG READY TO EXPLAIN.
TOO BUSY TO FORCE AN INVESTIGATION AT
PREsENT-REPORTERs SHARPLY
cprTICISFD

Washington. Sept. 1--Surgeon- General Stern
berg to-day sent the following letter to New
York medical publishing house. which had made
Inquiries OF hin, concerning the conduct OF the
war with reference 10 the Medical Department,
and esperiallv about the subject of having an
Immediate i,yestigation Of his bureau. He says:
I am ready AT any moment for complete IN
vestigaton with reference 10 my administration OF
the affairs OF tho Medical Department. bu' the
War Depa r;ment Is not DISPOSED to make such an
Investigation as the result OF sensational news
paper articles. There is Il present an evident craze
70 criticise without regard to truth or Justice
have no doubt there will he a Congressional In
vestigaton into the conduct of the war. but do
not feel at liberty AZ present 20 insist upon an
investigation for nv vindcation. because II
would he contrary the general interests OF the
service. II would make II necessary for me 10 give
M all the important Official work which at presen;
almost overwhelms me. for the purpose o. devoting
myself 10 a presentation of the Facts relating 70
my administration. II would make II necessary TO
take clerks away from their daily tasks in order
look up the documentary evidence file In my
Office. and IN the mean time. important matters
would necessarily he neglected and the sick in all
parts OF tho country would suffer. II would make
II necessary TO call upon the medical officers who
are now urgently needed for tho of the sick In
various camps and hospitals. IN como TO Wash
ington witnesses: and all this to satisfy the
has been official complaint with reference 10 my
adminlstrat ton Of the Medical Department.
In regard to Montauk Point. ! intond 70 send AT
Lieutenant { Colonel Charles Smart.
perenced officer and the professor Of hygiene in
our Army Medical School. TO make thorough
sanitary investigation. To 20 myself. much as
should Ike TO do would bc TO neglect important
official duties IN connection with the supply Of hos
pitfalls. the movement OF my hospital train. OF hos
ptal ships. etc.
PRAISES SURGEON-GENERALS TERNBERG
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 Stornberg as
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 tho last week which
tc reflect upon the Surgeon General Knowing his
record as a physician, scientist and official I am
Impression that General stNrnberg has been deree-
written feel sure thar he will be set down not
only as capable officer. but also credited with
having conducted his office with all the tact and
knowledge necessary under the trying circum-
stances
Of the Army Is a more dTlcut post than peo-
pie suppose. and especially trying In time Of war.
In tn" ORGANIZATION Of the medical corps FOR S the
altogether upon the recommendations Of physi-
clans. and frequently men were put Into the corps
over his head by political influences.
BY this ! mean that number of young mon.
lacking In experience II not In training. sought
appon ments through their representatives In Con-
gross and other political friends. These indorse
nents 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 sure To got number OF men
who were incompetent lie followed the only way
10 appOnt-that f.. upon the recommendation or
physicians and Congressman. In this way many
young got into tho service. and II goes without
saving that they lacked experience.
General Sternherg II a honored among men
Scientists well physicians realize what dis-
coveres he has made and his worth 20 the pro
fesslon and the Government should he congratu-
lated that N had such CAPABLE. conscientious ana
progressive man at tho head NJ the Medical Depart
mer NJ no In