The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1899-05-16


evening to Bacolor.
REPORT OF THE CHIEF SURGEON
Washington, May 13.-Chief Surgeon
Lippincott, at Manila, has made a mail
report to the war department, giving
some interesting facts relative to the
health of the American troops in the
Philippines and of the precautions TAX
en- to ensure the proper treatment of
the sick and wounded. He says that
the effect of the first battle with the
insurgents upon the sick was marvel
lous and many men hardly considered
fit for duty were soon in the lines when
the attack of the insurgents upon the
American lines became general.
Surgeon Lippincott says that since
the beginning of the outbreak the men
have had every possible comfort and
the surgical care has been excellent. A
full description is given of hospitals
maintained by the army. The conva-
lescent hospital on CorregidOr island
is said to be of great benefit, but cases
of dysentery and diarrhoea have rarely
been cured. The experience of the sur
geOns is also that rheumatic affections
do not recover in that climate, but the
cases must be sent to the United States.
Touching the prevalence of smallpox
at the date of the report, it is said:
Smallpox began to appear in this COM
mand about September 3rd Since that
time we have never been entirely free
from it, although our cases greatly di-
minished for season. The entire
Eighth corps has been Vaccinated over
and over again. This was commenced
! in San Francisco; it was kept up on
, the ocean and ever since our arrival
here we have persistently repeated Ihe
vaccinations and re-vaccinations and
are still doing SO. Many of our cases
, Of smallpox have been Of the most
virulent tpye, and although the utmost
care was taken Of them death was not
to be prevented in quite a number. We
have every reason to hope for a cessa-
ton of this disease, because our sur
geons will never cease to labor with
that end in view. The total number
of smallpox cases to date is 151, deaths
II; cases of variloid IS, deaths none
The greater portion of this command
has gone through a hardening process,
so to speak. Many of the men are now
able to Withstand diseases fairly we'll,
and have learned to avoid we'll known
causes of disease. This is a matter
that must be gained by experience, in
a great measure at least. The great
est pains having been taken to instruct
men as to the care of their health, and
circulars for this purpose have been
supplied most generously. Still diar-
rhoea, dysentery, typhoid fever and
malarial affections arise among US.
"Of course a large number of cases
circumstances, but this was hardly to
be expected in an army hastily recruit
ed. However, this corps has come
through thus far with a very fair
record in regard to health, and its
spirits, under the most trying circum-
stances, have been superb.
THE ARMY RATIONs.
The food supply for this command
has been good from the time of arriv-
ing here, OF course, there may have
been some defects, but these were few,
The issues for the troops for ten days
are: Fresh beef, seven days; bacon,
two days; salmon, one day; potatoes,
onions and tomatoes, daily, rs, Is and 10
per cent, respectively. Two ounces
each or rice, oatmeal and dried fruits
are issued them when desired, in lieu
of four ounces of fresh beef on days
when fresh beef is issuing. It is diff
ficult to see how a better list can be
furnished and in my opinion it is am
pie.
THE CLOTHING.
The clothing is certainly improving,
and now men, as a rule, are provided
with a proper uniform. The campaign
hat although warm, will never be
abandoned, even in this hot climate
Nevertheless, light broad brim khaki
covered helmet should be furnished
Shoes, underwear, ETC., now issued seem
to answer quite WELL but time will
determine this.
Two hundred and fifty-six wounded
Philippines, including four women,
We're received into the hospital during
February and March. Of these forty
five, including a woman, died. These
people received the best of care and
treatment and seem to appreciate the
efforts made in their behalf 1t is in
teresting to note the different results
of treatment between our men and the
Philippines In the latter suppurat ton
or wounds is the rule, while we rarely
| see it in or cases. Many causes ac-
! count for this, but the chief reason of
| course, is infection before coming into
our hands. Besides, they have an in
! ordinate propensity to tear off dress
lngs and finger their wounds when the
| opportunity offers"