The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-10-10
W0MAN'S NOBLE WORK IN WAR
SURGEON GENERAL VAN REYPEN
COMPLIMENTS HER.

Volunteer Surgeons Rendered Eli
cient service and Were a Credit to
the NaVy-OnIy One Melicai officer
Killed During the War-Ambu-
lance Ship SOIace, Fitted Out in
sixteen Days. Rendered IA VaIua-
BILE Service-Went on Every Trip
Loaded with Medical stores and
Delicncies and Comforts for the
sick and wounded.
Washington, Oct. 9,-The annual report
of Surgeon General w. X. Van Reypen is
the first of the navy bureau reports sub
mitted for publication.
Surgeon General Van Reypen begins with
a modest tribute 10 the good judgment and
foresight of his predecessor, Gen. Tyron,
who, in putting in order and equpping the
several naval hospitals, was of incalcula-
bic service TO the bureau. enabling it 10
properly care for the sick or wounded Of
the navy during the war
When the Maine was blown up Surgeon
General Van Reypen was in charge of the
bureau and began preparations Immediate
ly for a contingency.
Nv oNuAtASidt AESiloC was hlNuAANN dAA
til war seemed imminent; then every yes
sci likelyvto be engaged was given a full
outfit of medical supplies for war. In an
ticipation of a large increase of the navy,
proper outfits were made ready and boxed
for a large number of ships ready for call
There has not been an instance during
the war; says the surgeon general, "of
win n har
medical stores"
1t was known that the medical corps
was Inadequate in number for war, yet
there was no law authorizing the employ
ment of volunteer medical officers But
medical boards were sent out in anticipa-
ton 10 the principal Giles to examine APP
phcants for appointment, and, as con-
sequence, when war broke out the medi-
cal department had at hand from which
to make selections of volunteer surgeons
a long list of well educated men and thir-
ty-seven Of these were appointed out of
2,000 applications.
Surgeon General Van Reypen says:
They have rendered efficient service and
have been a credit to the navy. Some have
had unusual and trying experiences, but
they have adapted themselves to their en-
vironments and have justified their APP
2ointments."
Only one medical officer was killed dur
lIlS the WAL ASslSldtll OQIEtOH JOllH DIAN
Gibbs, who fell at Guantanamo, serving
with the marine battalion.
The medical department had long desir-
ed 10 establish hospital service al sea
on a specially selected vessel and the APP
'proach of war gave it an opportunity to
demonstrate the wisdom of its PROPOSE
tons and the efficiency of its methods.
The steamer Creole. rechristened the So
lace, was purchased and, with the valu-
able assistance of Naval Constructor
Woodward, was converted into an ambu-
lance ship within sixteen days, fitted with
every appliance of modern surgery, dis
injecting apparatus, cold storage laun-
dry and elevator She was a pioneer in
her work indicating a step in advance
that it well became the United States
to take. The report gives succinct bis
tory of the valuable service 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 societies from every part
of the United States.
Says the surgeon general: I'm this war
woman has done her perfect work and the
medical department of the navy is pro-
foundly grateful for the money contrib
uted and supplies furnished for the aid
of the sick and wounded of the navy.
Patriotic women have ably supplemented
the efforts of the government, and their
assistance has been thoroughly appreci-
ated."
In this connection the report calls at
tention to the fact that as soon as war
was declared the daughter of Secretary
Long and three of her associates at the
Johns Hopkins medical school, volunteered
their services as nurses, and were assign
ed to duty in the hospital.