Arizona republican., 1898-07-13

According to the new city directory Chicago now has a population of l. S93, 900. This is an increase of 65,000 over the figures for 1897. THE WOUNDED AT KEY WEST. Hospital Provision Made in Buildings
 of the Sisters of Charity
 Key West, July 12.-One of the first problems that arose after the begin ming of the war with Spain was what should be done with the officers and men who might be injured in battle, or who might contract disease in the field. It was desirable that such vic- tins of the war should have place not too remote from the scene of ac- tion, where, surrounded by skilled men and careful nurses, they might re- ceive such treament as would permit their early return to the field, or their removal, when convalescent, to their homes. After much deliberation Sur. geon-General Sternberg decided that in many respects Key West was best adapted for such a hospital, and inn mediately steps were taken to secure
 
 Almost simultaneously with the de- mand for these buildings came an of- fer from the Sisters of Charity, who rendered, their convent and grounds to the government The offer was ac- cepted, and, while the good sisters re- main in control of their home, it is practically a Spart of the army estab- lishment. Clese. by the convent are two schools in which the sisters taught, and they, too, were included in the generous offer. Not far away are sev- eral large frame structures, formerly used as cigar factories. and these were also secured for hospital pur- poses
 With the exception of the convent proper, none of these buildings were ready for use, and Major J. E. Saw yer of the quartermaster-genera de- partment, who was on duty at the headquarters of the department of the Colorado, was ordered here to take charge of the reconstruction of the buildings. Major Sawyer began his work with energy and skill born of long experience in the quartermaster- generals department, and he soon had the buildings in readiness for the us- ual equipment of a hospital. Long frame corridors with broad porticos. connecting the buildings on the hos p1tal grounds, were built, and the old cigar factories were made habitable by the plentiful use of water and paint. AS each of the structures was com pleted it was fitted up with cots. mos quito netting canopies, and mating to deaden the noise. Then the sur geonS took charge, and the rest of the work was done under their direction. Surgical wards and wards for the treatment Of diseases to which men in the field are susceptible were estab- lished under the direction of Major Hall Of the medical corps. who is in charge of the army hospital here. and now everything is in readiness for the reception of patients. In the several buildings there are accommodations for five hundred patients, but in the event of the advent of larger num- Der nearly as many more can be treat ed at the hospital at the barracks, the marine hospital and the navy hospf- tal
 While the government has done all that Is possible to make the new hospi- tai fit for the treatment of wounded and invalid soldiers, there is much that can be done by the patriotic men and women of the country, for no pro- vision has been made for the delica- cies and small luxuries which make life in hospital ward comfortable. and which conduce to the early recovery Of the patients. In speaking on this point one of the army officers who has been interested in the project said: Nothing could exceed the zeal shown by Major Sawyer and Major Hall in their efforts to equip the hospital with all that is considered as imperatively necessary for the patients. Their work. however, has to be done on lines laid down by their respective depart ments, and their orders did not con- template the purchase of stores which would alleviate the condition of hos pital life-for instance. jams. jellies, champagne and other delicacies. Pa iamas are the coolest and most com fortable garments for the sick, vet no provision has been made for the pur- chase of them. It would be good idea if an association. such as the san ttary commission, which did such good work in the civil war, could be formed for the purpose of providing these comforts for the men who may be sent 1 here from Cuba. Ire case is an ur- gent one, and it certainly deserves inn mediate attention from those who have the welfare of our heroic soldiers at heart ''