The herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1893-1900, 1898-08-26
ALGfR VISITS The SICK
I'M HOPE OF IMPROVING THEIR
CONDITION
Men in the Hospitals Promised Fur
loughs as Soon as Well Enough
to Travel

NEW YORK, Aug. 25.-Secretary Alger
was driven today to the general hospital,
where there are LOO sick soldiers. He con-
versed with many Of the sick men, inquired
as to their condition and II they were In
need of anything. Gen. Alger occasionally
took notes of what he saw. He assured
the sick men that as soon as they were well
they would be allowed to go to their homes
on furlough.
In the camp of the Second Massachusetts,
volunteers, when Secretary Alger paid
them visit at Camp Wikoff pathetic
incident occurred, reminding one Of the
little acts of kindness performed by Presi-
dent Lincoln In the civil war. When Gen.
Alger got out of the carriage at the regi-
mental headquarters he was met by Col.
Clark. The two shook hands and then
the secretary's eyes began to wander about
the camp. In front Of the adjutamt's tent
was a poor fellow, hardly more than a
boy, leaning against a standard for sup
port His back was turned as the secretary
approached in the carriage. but as the head
of the war department was shaking hands
with Col. Clark his eye caught glimpse
Of a leaden cheek and a stubby beard. The
man had on worn uniform and was hat
less. Beside him, facing the secretary, was
another man, older and in civilians clothes
There was no hesitation on the part Of the
secretary. Evidently here was case he
wanted to investigate himself. Dropping
Col. Clark's hand, Secretary Alger strobe
to the hatless man.
"Are you sick. my MANI" asked the sec
rotary, coming up suddenly from behind
The man turned and Secretary Alger saw
perhaps for the first time, the face of a
man upon whom the hardsMps of the Gu
ban campaign had made great inroads
There were few moments Of conversation
and the Massachusetts, soldier went into
the adJutant's tent. Soon he came out
again. clasping a paper in his hands
Asked what It was, with tears IN his eyes.
he said:
"Furlough."
Afterward he said ne was Edward Slo-
cum, corporal Of Company l.. The man be-
side him was his father. and father and
son had come to ask leave Of absence for
the boy who had fought IN Cuba.
Secretary Alger next went to the general
hospital and had scarcely stepped from
the carriage before Mrs. Wilmerdins, a
daughter Of Secretary Tracy, and Mrs
Ruggles. both from Southampton, l.. T..
made plea for better accommod ations for
the sick men In the hospital. Col. Forwood
chief surgeon, was sent for to pilot Sec
rotary Alger among the hospital cots filled
with sick men burning with fever. From
slight elevation general plan Of the hos
pital was explained to the secretary of
war, who. after paying his respects TO DR..
Brown, in charge OF the general hospital
started on tour Of inspection among all
the tents.
The heat is playing havoc with the sick
men in the camp and is partly responsible
for the seven deaths which were reported
today. There are 1l2o sick in the general
hospital and 1856 in the detention hospital.
There are 30 cases of typhoid fever. One
hundred and thirty-stx of the Eighth Ohio
volunteer were landed from the Mohawk
today and taken to the detention hospital