The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1898-10-10
THE NAVY'S EXHIBIT.
History of the Medical Corps During
the Spanish War.

LIZ ~ HfNhASA p" ee's
Washington, Oct. 9.-Probably no bet
ter Illustration can be found of the fore
sight exhibited by the navy department
for the war than is afforded by the his
tory Of the medical corps during the
struggle. This is set out in the annual
report Of Surgeon General w. K. Van
Reopen. which is the first of the navy
bureau reports submitted for publica tien
Surgeon General Van Reypen begins
with a modest tribute to the good judg-
ment and foresight of his predecessor,
General Tryon, who, in putting in order
and equipping the several naval hospitals
was OF incalculable service to the bureau,
enabling it TO 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 immedi-
ately for any contingency. The hospitals
were fully equipped, plans were prepared
for pavilion wards, the naval laboratory
prepared to furnish medical and surgical
supplies in any quantity. No additional
expense was incurred until war seemed
imminent: then every vessel likely to be
engaged was given a full outfit of med
ical supplies for war. In anticipation of
large increase of the navy, proper out
fits were made ready and boxed for a
large number of ships ready for call.
There has not been an instance dur
ing the war says the surgeon general,
''of any vessel having had to wait for
her medical stores
1t was known that the medical corps
was inadequate in number for war, yet
there was no law authorizing the en-
plOyment of volunteer medical officers.
But medical boards were sent out in an
ticipation to the principal cities to eX-
anime applicants for appointment and as
a consequence when war broke out the
medical department had at hand from
which to make selections of volunteer
surgeons, a long list of Well-educated men
and 81 OF these were appointed out of 2 900
applicants. 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 accommodated themselves
TO their environments and have justified
their appointments.
Only one medical officer was killed dur
ing the war, Assistant Surgeon John Blair
Gibbs. who fell at Guantanamo, serving
with the marine battalion.
The medical department had long de-
sired to establish hospital service at
sea on a specially selected vessel and the
approach of war gave it an opportunity
TO demonstrate the vision of its propo-
sitionS and the efficiency of its methods.
The steamer Creole was purchased and
with the valuable assistance of Naval
Constructor Woodward, was converted
filling every appliance of modern surgery
diSinfectlng apparatus, cold storage
laundry and elevator. She was a pioneer
in her work, indicating step in advance
that it well became the United States to
take The report gives a succinct history
of the valuable services rendered by the
Stores and supplies and also 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:
In this war woman has done her per-
.ect work and the medical department of
the navy is profoundly grateful for the
money contributed and supplies furnished
for the aid of the sick and wounded of
the navy. Patriotic women have about
also supplemented the efforts of the gov
eminent and their assistance has been
thoroughly appreciated"
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 volun-
teered their services as nurses and We're
assigned TO duty in the hospital.
In conclusion the surgeon general SAYS:
81 cannot close this portion of the bu-
reau's report without bearing Testimony to
the efficiency, skill and devotion to duty
of the personnel of the medical depart
inent. Not a word but of praise has the
bureau heard Of any of them-regulars
and volunteers.
f.When war was imminent they We'd
with one another in their efforts to get
on fighting ships.
Some have had created opportunities
than Others but all have done well the
work assigned them Surgeon Edgar