The times., 1899-06-25

undergoing extensive repairs, though
already partially occupied, like the i'm
posing ttree-story barracks in San Juan,
which were so injured by bombardment,
but now hold five companions of the Elev-
enth Infantry, though, as usual, the cook
houses. etc. were mere temporary make
shifts outside the walls, as our men have
not acquired yet the art of cooking eco
nonically over the charcoal furnaces of
the Spaniards.
Referring to the health Of the troops, he
says: THE overcrowding of some of the
higher quarters and the presence of ty-
phoid feyer-some talk of peculiar type
which kills in comparatively a few days
and the presence of smallpox and the pos
sibility Of epidemics may account for the
prominence and usually abundant supply
of hospitals apparent in both islands.
which appear particularly complete and
perfect in the Department of Porto Rico
and Santiago and some reference is due TO
how much the soldiers are also indebted
TO the trained female nurses and the Red
Cross work and supplies, and that of other
organizations, like the Daughters of the
American Revolution and certain religious
denominations, which seem to be a boon
wherever they appear"
Speaking of the issue of 100 pounds of
ice per day to each company in Cuba the
Cuban and not to the Porto Rican com
panies was not lear=ed. The deprivation
of the comforts and food derived from the
exchange makes still fiercer the demand
for an increased vegetable ration and
mere sugar and the addition of lard.
The almost universal effort TO guard
against flies. to dispose of offal, and steril-
ize drinking water by boiling and filtration
indicate the recognized necessity of guard
the Sp1iiere' mo fnct ha int
duction of disease. Perhaps if all the food
and drink he is likely to indulge in were
furnished under careful Government su-
pervision, instead of any of it being sup
piled by irresponsible venders. the di-
gestive organs would be kept in better
condition"
General Breckenridge remarks that "the
good work of the Signal Corps In the two
Islands was everywhere in evidence, and
the completion of the overland line from
Pinar del Rio TO Santiago de Cuba and on
TO Baracoa will materially expedite Gov
ernment business. II these islands are TO
remain for any length of time under
American control, the laying of a military
telegraphic cable would be not only of the
first military Importance, but a great saw
ing to the Government. The indifference
and tardiness shown and the early closing
hours of the present cable system in Cuba
were found ineonvenient and objeetiona-
bic"
He gives the following epitome of his
conclusions drawn from the inspection:
The extraordinary expansion and per-
centage Of recruits temporarily Injuries the
discipline and instruction of the Army. A
number OF organizations may expect to
again show considerable sick list.
"The subsistence articles, both for issue
and for sale, however liberal in the past,
can be wisely increased. For the ration
more vegetables, fruit, sugar, and lard
seem most needed.
"A uniform is needed, perhaps. prefer
ably blue OF thin goods, more stylish than
kakhi, mere serviceable than white, cooler
than blue flannel or kersey. Flannel
should be worn next the skin, especially
about the bowels. particularly for unsea-
soned troops.
Heavy walled two-story barracks are
best for health. If tents must be occupied,
have them three thicknesses of canvas and
floored well off the ground. Cots are i'm
portant. Issue waterproofs and water
boots. Have short, sharp, well-varied mil
, itary exercises. sports, and instructions.
avoiding hottest suns and heaviest dews
and downpours.
Riding hall and gymnasium of in
creased Importance. and hill stations desir-
able with adequate grounds. on the dry
side OF the mountains. Adequate ventila-
tion should be insured entirely around the
head"