The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1898-10-10
Splendid Work of Naval
Medical Bureau,
Not an Instance Of Delay. Ina!ten-
tion or Insufflciency.
SURGEON GENERALS REPORT.

Washington, Oct. 1o.-Probably no
oetter illustration can be found of the
foresight exhibited by the navy I'm pre-
pairing for the war than is afforded by
the history OF the medical corps during
the struggle. This is set out I'm the an
hual report OF the surgeon general,
which Is the first of the navy. bureau re :
ports submitted for publication.
when the Maine was blown UP Sur
geon-General Van Reypen was In
chaTge or the bureau and began prep
erations for any contingency. The hos
pltals were fully occupied, plans were
prepared for pavilion wards and the
naval laboratory got i'm readiness To
furnish medical and surgical supplies
In any quantity. No additional Expense
was incurred until war seemed lmmin-
ent; then every vessel likely TO be en-
gagged was given full outfit Of medical
supplies for war In anticipation OF a
large increase Of the navy proper ont
hts were made ready and boxed for
large number Of ships ready for call
Ihere has not been an instance dur
ing the war says the surgeon : seneral
of any vessel having had to walt for
her medical stores"
III was known that the medical corps
was inadequate in number for war. vet
there was no law authorizing the en-
pioyment OF volunteer medical officers.
However, medical boards were sent out
IN anticipation TO the principal cities TO
examine applicants for appointment.
ana as a consequence when war broke
out the medical department had AT hand
from which 10 make selections of yolun-
teer surgeons long list OF welI-edu
Gated men. Thirty-seven OF these were |
appointed out OF 1000 applicants. Sur
seon- General Van Reypen says:
ihey have rendered efficient service.
and nave been a credit TO the navy. |
some nave had unusual and trying ex- |
perlences. but they have accommodated |
themselves TO their environments and |
Nave justified their appointments"
only one medical officer was killed
ourlng the war, Assistant Surgeon John |
biair Gibbs. who fell at Guantanamo.
serving with the marine battalion
The medical department has long do.
sired to establish a hospital service at
sea on a specially selected vessel. ana
the approach OF war gave IL an oppor-
tuaity TO demonstrate the wisdom oi
IT'S propositions and the efficiency OF its
methods. The Creole was purchased
and was converted into an ambulance
snip within 16 days fitted with every
'ppilahce OF modern surgery. disinfect- |
ing apparatus, cold storage, laundry and
eleNator' She was pioneer in her
work, indicating n step I'm advance that
u Wen became the United States to take
ne report gives a succinct history of
lne valuable service rendered by the
>olace In caring for the sick and wound |
20 On every trip she went loaded with |
medical stores and supplies. and also |
with deicacies and comforts which had |
'een supplied In abundance for the sicl, |
ma wounded by generous and patriotic
individuals and societies from everv
'art OF the United States. Saws the sur
Seon- general: I'm this war woman has
lone her perfect work, and the medical
department. OF the navy is profoundIv
'rdteful for the money contributed and
upples furnished for the use Of the sick
IND wounded OF the navy. Patriotic
women have ably supplemented tho ef-
orts OF the government, and their as
distance has been thoroughly appre-
lated"
In conclusion the surgeon general
avs: Il cannot close this portion of the
ureaus report without bearing testi-
lony to the efficiency, skill and devo-
ION 70 duty OF the personnel of the med
'al department. Not word but of
raise has the bureau heard of any of
mem, regulars or volunteers. When
ny WAS i,,op,fp.n, "