Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-06-10
Hospital Trouble at Camp Alger
Under Investigation.
A COMMISSION By Gen. GRAHAM
Representative Fitzgerald Brings
Matter to Commanders Attention.
OTHER EVENTS IN CAMP
Special Correspondence Of The Evening Star.

geonS under his direction, net in conflict
this morning. The result of this conflict
was threefoid. First. a commission has
been appointed to investigate Col. Girard's
division hospital; second, each regimental
surgeon is TO be permitted to retain in the
regiment two hospital cots; third, the regi-
mental hospitals are to be abolished.
While on d ride around the camp this
me rning. Gen Graham and his staff met
Representative Fitzgerald in the quarters
of the 9th Massachusetts.
The congressman seized the opportunity
and repeated to the CORPS commander some
of the complaints that had been transmit
ted 10 him by his constituents in Camp
Alger. Gen. Graham listened readily and
expressed himself rs much surprised that
the operation of the hospital had not been
before called to his attention. Cutting
short his ride. General Graham returned to
his tent. called in the chief surgeon and
made inquiries into the whole system now
in force at Camp Aiger. Colonel Girard
went over the ground. explaining that in
his mind all the charges of which Repre-
sentative Fitzgerald had spoken were
groundless.
He said the division hospital was intended
TO take the place OF the regimeutaI hos
pital that this organization of the medical
department of the corps was the regular
army organization. and not the National
Guard organization, to which the regiment
al surgeons had been accustomed. and.
finally. that the regimental hospital. If
regular army rules were to be observed,
would have to be abolished
Orders Investigation.
Notwithstanding Col. Girard's explana-
ton. Gen. Graham decided on immediate
and thorough investigation. He asked Col.
Girard 10 suggest such commission as
would serve determine accurately and
promptly the true condition of affairs in
the division hospitals. The chief surgeon
asked that the three division surgeons
should serve. Gen. Graham accordingly ap-
pointed Majors Nancreds. Cook and Amy.
These officers We're sent for at once,
brought to Gen. Graham's tent and in
structed To begin without delay the inquiry
indicated above. Being assured by refer
ence To the army regulations that the alb
olitior of the regimental hospitals Vas not
Inconsistent with the rules set down by the
War Department, Gen. Graham chose not
to interfere. He will now await the report
OF the Investigating committee to govern
his future actions. Meanwhile the chief
surg. on will permit his immediate subor-
diEates TO conduct the division hospital
without his aid.
on of the other effects of Gen. Graham's
Interference in the matter was the issuance
of the following circular letter:
To division surgeons: You are requested
10 notify at once the brigada surgeons In
your division to notify the regimental sur
SeonS that they may retain in each regi-
Mental diSpenSary two cots Should adGi-
tional cots or other articles for the comfort
Of the sick he needed at these dispensaries
tn resimental surgeons will make request
Tor the same upon the chief surgeon
through the brigade and division surgeons.
and ~ :" requests will be complied with if
practicable.
Col. Girard's Concession.
This i Col Girards concession to the
men who have opposed the organization
OF the division hospital. IT will I've noticed
that no exceptions were made. Both the
hospital supplies obtained from the govern
ment and those given by friends are alike
to he turned into common fund. To this
there * certain to be decided OPPOSITION
Col Hoffman and Col. Coursan two of the
OLDEST soldiers in the corps, are determined
that their hospital supplies. which are tie
HlclF!dual property of the surgeons in al
tercance. shall not be given up as long as
the keystone state has the power 10 retain
item.
The tth Illinois has been given whole
ou'Ht OF cots. mattresses, sheets and pillow
Gases These are not to be given up unless
Colonel Girard sends after them a guard
greater Than the regiment itself. there is
hardiy a regiment in camp of different
mind. and Colonel Girard Will find the en-
forc-Inen; of his order Il decidedly difficult
ACHE Vement. - Sxa
acquisitions have been sent to ths W.
Department for so 900 rounds Of rifle am
Inunition and for 5000 rifle sings, belts and
paH oiets- These supplies, when secured,
VIII put the INST division basis.
This action and various other circum-
stances are accepted as Indicating that
SOME general movement OF the troops at
Camp AlGer is soon to take place.
There has beer decided objection~on the
part of men not otherwise incired TO OBJ
lect l" the conduct of their superior Old
GERS to the delays in furnishing the rcs:-
menls now i'm camp with suitable firearms
This objection soon took the practical form
OF appeals to memt ers of Congress. and it
ht- nal aHyr in,
TO tn requic.ton is The result of con-
gressioral activity The rifles and am
munition are expected within the next
week.
Pies. Lemonade and Ffrewnfer
An edict was issued Wednesday proscrib-
ing the sale of pies and lemonade For an
hour or so there was gloom among the ten
ants of ''Shantytown." but when it was un-
ders:ood that the traffic IN other things was
not affected their spirits rose nearly TO the
Old level. Ice cream. ginger ale and soda
pop constitute the greater part of the COM
modities sold, and all net the store
keeper Il handsome profit. Perhaps in con-
sequt nee of The restrictions against pie and
lemonade this mornings sick call was the
smallest since the organization of the camp
AdJ Nolrdth, II seems. Is to have his
hah1s iuli suhduing the liquor traffic. Hard
iy day has gone By since the canteen was
closed without an arrest The last offender
Mas coiored man named Thomas Ellis of
day evening and proceeded without hest
tatlon 10 the quarters of his brothers of the
9h OHIO Infantry Battalion. Ills only
weapon was a valisc, but this soon made,
friends for him by the legion. After min
ute o. TWO he was discovered by Mai
Young. and i'll about five minutes was Sc
cuTely locked up by the guard. lie was
given over TO the civil authorities this
morning
Beer mas been going into the camp re-
Gently by the wagon load. Canvas stream
"A he nf b.a
ara straw piled over the kegs on top. Per-
mission il secured from Mai. Volrath to de-
liver case of beer to some officer, ard so
the load gets past the ssntries. Once
among the men IT IS easy matter to get
RID OF the beer The 18th New York has u
reSimental mess where beer is sold al all
hours b-tween reveiile and taps. No en-
listed man Is permitted TO buy more than a
quart Ia any one day.
Details for Recruiting Service.
Details have been reported TO complete
the regimental rosters as follows:
T"enty-second Kansas-Col.- ii. c. Lind