Evening star., 1899-05-15
HEALTH AT MANILA
Continued from Twelfth Page.)

to intrust this important matter TO them.
Smallpox began TO appear in this command
about Septe7nber >.
Since that time we have never cen en-
tireiy free from it, although our cases
greatly diminished for a season. Ine en-
tire Sth Corps has been vaccinated over and
over again. This was commenced and
pursued in San Francisco it was kept up
on the ocean, and ever since our arrival
here We have persistentiy repeated the vac
ctnat!OnS and reVaccinatiOns. and are Still
doing so.
Virus used in San Francisco was oh
tained there; large part of that employed
here came from Yokohama and Saigon. For
some weeks we have been using virus pre-
pared a the local institute under the direc
tion Of Chief Surgeon Bourns of the health
department. The Yokohama and Saigon
virus has been excellent q rule ana the
local supply is also highly effective. Many
Of our cases of smallpox have been of the
most virulent type, and although the ut
most care was taken of them, death was
not to be prevented in quite number.
We have every reason to hope for a ces-
satiCn Of this disease. because our surgeons
viii never cease to labor with that IN view.
The total number of smallpox cases to
date is 151 deaths, II; cases of varilod
~; deaths. more. The smallpox hospital
is really part of The first reserve and is
placed at a safe and yet convenient dis
tance plan of this building has already
! been forwarded to the surgeon general.
4 Hardening Process.
The greater portion of this command
has gone through hardening process. so
| to speak. Many of the men are now able
I to withstand disease fairly well. and have
learned to avoid wel-knoWn causes of dis
ease This is matter that must be gained
by experience in 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 maiarlal al
fcctiOns arise among US. OF course large
number of cases might have been avoided
under certain circumstances, but this was
hardly to be expected III an army hastily
| recruited. However. this corps has come
through thus far with very fair record
in regard to health, and its spirit under
the most trying conditions has been superb.
The food supply for this command has
been good from the time arriving here.
'Of course, there may have been some de-
fcctS. but these Were few. The issues for
the troops for ten days ar9: Fresh beef.
seven days; bacon, two days salmon
day; potatoes, onions and tomatoes, daily;
Is. II and 10 per cent. respectively. Two
ounces each of rice, oatmeal 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 see
how better list can be furnished, and, in
| my opinion, it is simple. The clothing is
certainly improving, and now man, Il
| rule, provided with a proper uniform.
| The campaign hat although warm, will
| never be abandoned, even in this hot eli
mate.
Nevertheless light, broad-brimmed
Undiscovered helmet should be furnished
| Shoes, underwear, etc, now issued seem
| TO answer quite well, but time Will deter
mine this.
Members of the hospital corps are ask
| ing their discharge under the provisions of
| q. O. 10 and circular a. A. G. o., 1898. 1t
! is evident that effort must be made to
! replace the men who have entered the corps
| for the war. This ! cabed to you today
! The surgeons and hospital corps men have
| been most faithful in the discharge of their
| duties, whether in the field or in the hos
pital and the results have thus far been
| excellent.
| Il have made few contracts with pri-
| vate physicians, being pressed for more pro-
| fessiona help. The female nurses are doing
| good work, which is much appreciated by
| all.
| 1.-TWO hundred and fifty-six wounded
Filpinos including four women, were re-
| ceived into hospital during February and
| March. Of these forty-tive including a Wo-
man, died. These people received the best
| of care and treatment, and seem to appre-
| ciate the efforts made in their behalf. 1t is
| interesting to note the different results of
treatment between our men and the Filipi-
nos. In the latter suppuration 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 be-
| fore coming into our hands. Besides, they
| have an inordinate propensity to tear on
dressings and finger their wounds when op-