The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1902-06-02
Uncle Sans Soldiers Recover
In New Mexico Climate.
ARE FREE FROM RESTRICTIONS
Those 10 Charge Of SanItarlum Permit The
Patients to Go and Come Is They
Please During Treatment

Carlsbad, ~. NJ, Juno a-Consumptives
may look forward to finding In New
Mexico the Mecca OF their hopes. Recent
scientific research. practical tests and
region for relief appear to make II GER
tain that in the old land Of Coronado
surcease for pulmonary diseases may be
found
severI years ago tho United States
government was confronted with the
problem Of the growth OF tubercular dis
eases In the army and navy. which had
assumed serious proportions and were
gairans new victims every year.
Surgeon General sternberg. Of the
army, was the first to suggest to the au-
thortties that IN an effort TO check the
disease climate should be tried. lie
urged. since every other possible means
failure. that persons afflicted (members
OF the army and navy should be turned
over to the care OF Mother Nature.
within the boundaries OF the United
States" he said, there Is almost every
known degree of temperature and climate,
and a sanitarium conducted on hygienic
principles throughout will possibly be
what we most need. We may then secure
control OF consumption"
INVESTIGATION FOR TWO YEARS.
HIS advice was needed Nearly two
years were occupied by the government
In Investigating different localities within
the nations boundaries. From Maine 10
Florida experiments were made aiu
they were extended to Cape Cod and San
Francisco.
Temperature records were made, also
those relating to wind and quantity or
sunshine. The military posts OF the plains
were so tested and those in the Rocky
mountains. Mortality records were scru-
tinized at all points where they were Of
ficially kept track of by skilled physicians.
The known health resorts OF the country
wer> minutely examined.
A. a result Of this work OF the govern
ment the decision WAS hnauy reached by
the authorities that New Mexico was the
one place I'm the United States where ell
matte and health requirements were as
near faultless as man could desire.
This being determined the government
Immediately selected q point within the
state at which TO make furtcer expert
ments. Fort Stanton was selected ss
the sanitarium for sailors and marines OF
the navy and Fort Bayard for the SOL
diers.
Fort Stanton is in Lincoln county. ana
Fort Bayard is an abandoned fort in
Grant county, in the southwest part OF
the territory. Fort Stanton was opened
as a government sanitarium Immediately
The one time fort buildings were quickly
adapted to the new requirements OF the
post new buildings were erected. and the
closest attention was given TO sanitation
In all particulars.
One first step taken by the government
was TO remove all signs OF discipline from
the patients. The sailor invalid was
shown at once that he was at home and
could go and come when and as ne
pleased.
CERTAIN RULES PRESCRIBED.
Certain simple rules necessary for his
health were prescribed. He was taught
that In following them he was pursuing
the only road left open TO him to health.
In a sense he was ION honor TO obey
these rules because they ment new life
for him.
He was taught to have air, get air.
breathe air. be in IT night and day. win
ter and summer. His windows In his
sleeping apartments were always open.
but he was given for covering blankets
in plenty.
Food In generous quantities was always
at his disposal He was recommended to
take milk and fruit frequently. An In
centive was given him TO take moderate
exercise. II patient desired a day or
week in the hills with his gun and blar~
kets. the medical directory readily gave
consent.
Uncle Sam provided the supplies and
the sick man left for the woods In search
OF deer or trout and returned when he got
ready or his food supply gave out.
The entire absence OF restraint the d.
rectors OF the sanitartum found was n
tremendous aid 10 them In bringing back
even the worst cases OF consumption 10
healthful life. The government only sent
pronounced cases TO the sanitarum, but
up to the present time under the methods
described. about rs per cent OF these re-
covered.
The government authorities regard this
climate OF New Mexico IN which the sick
men have been placed as the most cura-
tive ever discovered In this country.