Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1909-03-02
SURGEON GENERAL
Makes Urgent Recommendation In An
nuaI Report Filed Monday.

The report of the surgeon general,
Col. James B. O'Neill, for 1908, was fill
ed Monday at the office of Adjutant
General Farnhan1. In part the report
says:
The personnel of the medical depart
Elent remains the same as that of last
year and each member of the depart
ment executed the duties assigned him
with ability and dispatch. In accor-
dance with the changes in the National
guard caused by the adoption of the
provisions of the Dick bill, medical
department was formed and went into
effect July 1, 1905. Much was done for
the time at our disposal to conform
with those conditions and good start
was made. Much more awaits to be
done to put the medical department on
footing with what is required.
"a part Of the newly formed hospital
corps showed a lack of drill and effic-
iency which will be readily overcome
by proper instruction. The hospital
corps of the first regiment are all en-
listed in one town and consequently all
drill together; while that of the second
regiment are enlisted in different towns
and SO are together only at annual en-
campnents. I recommend that this be
changed as early as possible and the
whole corps be enlisted from one town
and that all be under one surgeon.
During the past year fifteen con-
tract surgeons were appointed in local
tiles where companies of the guard
were located but not within easy reach
of a surgeon of the guard. to examine
rC(.r11itC n tho nc Of 70
when commissioned surgeon was sent
to inspect the recruits. This system
works we'll and I think it is of advan-
tage and convenience to the captains
of the companies so situated.
The report highly compliments Ad-
iutant General Farnham for his untir-
ing efforts in the introduction of a suf-
fcient and pure supply of water, the
purchase Of more land, the removal of
the stables and other features tending
to make the grounds more sanitary.
Col. ONeill is quite urgent in some
Of his recommendations which follow:
II would respectfully recommend that
night guard be placed near the mess
houses and any person detected pollu-
ting The grounds be severely dealt
with. That lanterns be hung at night
near the walks also at the sinks
that the stables be cleaned twice daily;
that the sinks be cleaned twice daily
and screened from flies and civilian
he employed to keep the sinks clean
and the dejector well lined.
"Tllat a covering be placed between
he cook and mess houses; that the
cooks be compelled to dress neatly and
that they be provided with tents and
that no person be allowed to sleep in
the cook or mess houses; that printed
instructions be posted in both houses
to the effect that no bedding, clothing
or equipment or other unauthorized
article is allowed.
THAT company commanders be in
structed not to bring men into camp
incapable of duty. 1 would respect
fully call your attention that under
the present conditions a newly appoin-
ted medical officer is examined for a
commission by board of field and
staff officers. 1 would recommend that
the board consist of retired medical
officers who are capable of determin-
ing the candidates fitness for the posi-
ton. Likewise l would recommend q
medical officer on all boards for COM
missiOning newly elected officers or on
promotion to higher rank. 1t is not
only that the physical condition of the
officer elect be of the standard requlr-
cd, but that he should have sufficient
knowledge of sanitation and hygiene
as we'll as familiarity with first aid
to sick and injured, as would enable
him to give advice and instructions to
those upder his command.
Il would respectfully recommend
that each mess house and kitchen re-
ceive every year just before the en-
campment a thorough coat of white
wash outside and in: that the tables
AND floors of mess houses and kitchen
be painted and that the drop windows
of .he kitchen and serving shelf be
covered with zinc or a coat of enamel
paint.
I would also recommend that all
contract surgeons as we'll as regularly
commissioned surgeons should be re-
quired to give several instructions each
year at stated intervals to the military
companies iii their vicinity on the sub
jects of sanitation and hygiene as
well as first aid to the injured or sick
and III that way save them from the
results of indiscretion due to ignorance
or the simplest rules Of living.
Il also recommend that the surgeon
general or a commissioned surgeon as
signed by him should accompany the
inspector general on his tour of duty
and inspect from a surgeons point of
view, the personnel of the guard. In
that way many men would never reach
the camp who, as the system is now,
are no credit to the guard.
Il would also recommend that the
examination papers of the recruits who
are examined by the contract sur
geons should he left at the armory or
| in charge Of the captain until the reg
| ular surgeon reports for inspection.
II would also recommend that such
men in the guard who are drawing