Evening star., 1898-10-10
NOT A VESSEL DELAYED
Surgeon General Van Reypen's Report on
the War.
How the Sick and wounded Were
Cared for Malaria at Navy Yard
Caused by the AnacOstia Flats.

Surgeon General Van Reypen. in his an
nual report, tells of the work of that de-
partment during the war with Spain.
When the Maine was blown up, Surgeon
General Van Reypen began preparations
Immediately for any contingency. The
hospitals were fully equipped. plans were
prepared for pavilion wards. and the naval
laboratory prepared to furnish medical and
surgical supplies in any quantity. No ad-
ditional expense was incurred until war
seemed imminent; then every vessel likely
to be engaged was given a full outfit of
medical supplies for war. In anticipation
of large increase of the navy, proper
outfits were made ready for call. There
has not been an instance during the war"
says the surgeon general, ''of any vessel
having had to wait for her medical stores"
The report gives succinct history of the
valuable services rendered by the Solace
in caring for the sick and wounded. On
every trip she went loaded with medical
stores and supplies. and also with delicacies
and comforts which had been supplied in
abundance for the sick and wounded by
generous and patriotic individuals and So
cieties from every part of the United
States. Says the surgeon general: In
this war woman has done her per-
feet work, and the medical depart
ment of the navy is profoundly CRATE
ful for the money contributed and supplies
furnished for the aid of the sick and
>.
have ably supplemented the efforts of the
government, and their assistance has been
thoroughly appreciated
Malaria Mt the Navy Yard.
In regard to the naval hospital in this
city, the surgeon general says that outside
OF supplying heating outfit to the attic
ward, utilized for the treatment of diph-
iberia cases. the recent repairs and i'm
provements of that hospital have been un-
important.
OF the Washington navy yard he says:
"As compared with the record of the
preceding three years there has been de-
cided improvement in the health of this
yard. This is attributable to a favorable
climatic condition, as there has been moth
ing done to improve the sanitary condi
tions. The class of seaman gunners has
been transferred to quarters where the
best sanitary conditions possible at this
yard prevail, with the result that the num-
Der of malarial cases among these men,
which in 1896 amounted to thirty-eight
cases, only afforded thirteen admissions
and readmissions for 1897. AS stated in
former reports, the prevalence of malaria
at this station is attributable directly to
the Anacostla flats, upon which the sewage
of Washington east of 14th street west
deposits itself and from exposure to the
suns rays is responsible in great part for
this condition..
Medical Department Praised.
Il cannot close this portion of the bureaus
report without bearing testimony to the
efficiency, skill and devotion to duty of the
personnel of the medical department. Not
a word but Of praise has the bureau heard
of any of thcm-regulars or volunteers
When war was imminent they WED one
with another in their efforts to get on
fighting ships. Some have had greater op-
portunities than others, but all have done
well the work assigned them. Surgeon Ed
Gibbs, shot by his side in the Spanish at
tack, and he continued his work alone,
doing it thoroughly and WELL as it was
known he would.
The medical officers Of the vessels in the
fight at Menila and in the battle of the
Sd Of July shared the dangers of their COM
rades, and should participate in the praise
accorded them.
The medical officers of the Solace have
the honor of inaugurating the first COM
plete system Of antiseptic surgery at sea.
They have adapted means to ends have
improvised apparatus, have been fertile in
eXpedients, and have the satisfaction Of
having demonstrated that, with skill and
intelligence, the percentage Of mortality
among the patients on a well-equipped am
bulance ship will be no greater than in the
hospitals on shore.
Medical Inspector Persons found himself
suddenly confronted with 226 Spanish sick
or wounded prisoners in hastily estab-
hshed hospital He was equal to the ener-
plimented by Admiral Cervera when he
visited the camp.
The medical officers of the other hosDi-
tails have had sudden large accessions of
patients Tney were always ready and
always cared for them we'll"