The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-05-14

the hospital 25s wounded F1lipinos, includ-
ing four women. These receive gocd care
and treatment.
Gable advices OF much later date have
been received concerning the condition OF
the troops.
Surgeon Lppincott says the effect Of the
first battle with the insurgents upon the
sick was marvellous. 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. A
full description is given of the four hospi-
tails maintained by the army. The conva-
lescent hospital on Corregidor island is said
10 be of great benefit, but cases OF dysentery
and diarroehea have rarely been cured. The
experience of the surgeons is also that rheu>
matte affections do not recover in that cli-
mate, 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 command about
Sept. 3. Since that time we have never
been entirely free from it, although our
cases greatly diminished 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 since our arrival here have
repeated the vaccinations and revaccina-
tions. and are still doing So Many &C our
cases of smallpox have been Of the most
virulent type, and, although the utmost care
was taken of them, death was not prevented
IN quite number. We have every reason
to hope for cessation of this disease. be-
cause our surgeons will never cease to labor
with that end in view. The total number Of
smallpox cases 10 date is 15l; deaths, "a;
cases Of varioloid, So; 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 disease fairly well and have
learned TO avoid well-known causes of dis
ease. This is matter that must be gained
by experience, in a great measure at least.
The greatest pains have been taken TO in
struct men as to the care OF their health,
and circulars for this purpose have been
supplied most generously. Still diarrhoea,
dysentery, typhoid fever and n1alarial af-
fectiOns arise among US. OF course, large
number of cases might have been avoided
under the circumstances, but this was hard
ly to be expected in an army hastily re-
cruited. However, this corps has come
through thus far with a very fair record in
regard to health, and its spirits under the
most trying conditions have been superb
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 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,
20, 10 and 10 per cent, respectively. Two
ounces each of rice, oat meal and dried
fruits are issued when desired In lieu OF
four ounces OF fresh beef on days when
fresh beef is issuing. 1t is difficult to sec
how better list can be furnished, and in
my opinion il is ample. The clothing is cer-
tainly improving, and now men as rule
are provided with a proper uniform. The
campaign hat, although warm, will never be
abandoned, even in this hot climate. Never
| theless. a light. broad -brimmed khaki-cov-
cred helmet should be furnished. Shoes, un-
derwear. etc, now issued, seem to answer