The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1899-05-14
HEALTH OF AMERICAN TROOPS
FIGHTING HAs HARDENED MEN IN
THE PHILIPPINES.

Command Has Never Reen Entirely
Free From SmaII-POx - Ey-
erybady Was Vaccinated-Men
Now know How to with
stand Disease Well - supply
of Food and Clothing Has Been
GoOd-Fiiipinos Cared for in
American Hospitals.
Washington, May 13.-Chief Surgeon
Lipplncott, al Manila, has made 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 taken to insure the
proper treatment of the sick and wounded.
He says that the effect of the first bat
tie with the insurgents upon the sick was
marvellous, and many men hardly consid-
cred fit for duty were soon in the lines
when the attack of the insurgents upon the
American lines became general.
Surgeon Llpplncolt says that since the
beginning of the outbreak the men have
had every possible comfort and the surgi-
cal care has been excellent. A full de-
scription is given of hospitals maintained
by the army. The convalescent hospital,
on Corregidor Island. is said to be OF
great benefit, but cases of dysentery and
diarrhoea have rarely been cured. Inc
experience of the surgeons Is also that
rheumatic affections do not recover IN
that climate, but the cases must pc sent
to the United States.
SMALLPOX Among Soldiers.
Touching the prevalence of smallpox at
the date of the report, 1t Is said:
Smallpox began TO appear in TINS
command about Sept. g. Since that time
we have never been entirely free from 1t,
although our cases greatly diminished for
a season. The entire Eighth Corps has
been vaccinated over and over again. This
was commenced In San Francisco; 1t was
kept up on the ocean and ever since our
arrival here we gave persistently repeated
the vaccinations and re-vaccinations and
are still doing so.
MANY of our cases of smallpox have
been of the most virulent type and al
though 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 cessation Of this disease, because
our surgeons will never cease to labor
with that end in view. The total number
of smallpox cases to date is 1911 deaths,
n; cases of varioloid. So; deaths, none.
The Hardening Process.
1.-THE greater portion of this command
has gone through a hardening process, so
TO speak. Many OF the men are now able
to withstand disease fairly we'll and have
learned 70 avoid we'll known causes of
death This is a matter that must be
gained by experience, in a great measure,
at least. The greatest pains having
been taken TO instruct men as to the care
of their health, and circulars for this pur-
pose have been supplied most generously.
Still diarrhoea, dysentery, typhoid fever,
and maiarial affections arise among us.
"Of course, a large number of cases
might have been avoided under certain
circumstances, but this was hardly TO be
expected in an army hastily recruited.
However, this corps has come through
thus Tar with a very fair record in regard
TO health and It's spirit under the most
trying circumstances has been superb.
Food and Clothing Supply.
1.-THE food supply for this command has
been good from the time of arriving here.
OF course, there may have been some de-
fects but these We're few The issues for
the troops for ten days are: Fresh beef,
seven days; bacon, two days; salmon, one,
potatoes, onions and toma toes daily, To-
10 and 10 per cent, respectively. Two
ounces each of 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. 1t is difficult
10 see how better fist can be furnished
and in my opinion ID is ample.
THE clothing is certainly improving.
and now men, as a rule, are provided with
a proper uniform The campaign hat, al.
though warm, will never be abandoned
even In this hot climate. Nevertheless, a
light broad brimmed khaki covered hel.
met should be furnished. Shoes under
wear, etc, now Issued seem to answer
quite well, but time will determine this.
FiIipinOs in Hospitals.
Two hundred and fifty-six wounded Fill.
ipinos, including four women, were re.
ceived into hospitals during February and
March OF these forty-five, including q
woman, died. These people received tbs
| best of treatment, and seemed to appre,
ciate the efforts made In their behalf.
1T is interesting to note the different re.
! suits OF treatment between our men ant
| the Filipinos. In the latter suppuratior
| of wounds is the rule, while we rarely SEE
! 1t in our cases. Many causes account
! for this, but the chief reason, of course
Is infection before coming into our hands
| Besides, they have an iuordinate pro
pensity to tear off dressings and fingel
their wounds when opportunity offers"
|
| HOW CnpVVANn WAS LTIIEn