Daily press. [volume] (Newport News, Va.) 1896-current, 1910-05-08
(By w. II. Brady.)

Haying presented synopsis OF
the current annual report OF the board
OF managers of the National Home
for disabled volunteer soldiers. ! now
appebd verbatim some paragraphs
contained In the current annual re-
port of Major A. w. Brewster, 18th
infantry and acting inspector-gener-
al. rnis inspection was made by the
Inspector between August IL, 1909 TO
October q, 1909, and upon its com
reltion was forwarded to the secre-
tary OF war, whom Major Brewster
represented. 1t says in part:
The branch homes have each a
local manager who is member OF the
hoard of managers.
AT one OF the homes the local man
ager occupies, with his family for
considerable periods OF time, the
apartments provided and designated
for the use of that officer during his
official visits TO the home. He how
ever, defrays all the expenses Incl
dent thereto. Generally, the officers
OF the branch are capable, efficient
and Jealous and are kind and con-
siderate in their care and treatment
OF the members"
Adjutants and Inspectors.
In referring to these officers the
report says:
AT most of the branches the adju-
tants and inspectors are officers OF
the home, the two Offices being join
ed in one At the DanvilIe branch
and Battle Mountain Sanltarium these
offices are held by noncommissioned
officers. At the Western branch the
inspector is an officer, but an uncom-
missioned officer acts as adjutant. AT
the Central branch the two Offices are
seperate. 1t is recommended that the
two Offices be combined in one per-
son, and that he be in officer of the
house; this to be the rule for all
branches with the following excep-
tions:
Central branch, where, on account
of the size of the command, 1t Is rec
commended that an assistant inspec-
tor with the rank of captain be ap-
pointed.
Battle Mountain Sanitarium where
the Office may be dispensed with
The Commsssary.
The commissary of subsistence is
thus cared for:
Nearly all the branches have an
Office of commissary. This is, in my
opinion, a most important Office for
the proper management of the mess,
and l recommend that every branch
be provided with a captain and CON-
missary, except the Battle Mountain
Sanitar!um.
'On account of the importance or
their duties and the responsibility
placed upon the officers of the home,
and in order to secure the best ma
ierial for the personnel, as we'll as to
reward loyal and faithful service, IL
is recommended that when disabled
by age or other infirmities not due to
improper habits, officers of the home
be placed upon a retired list, with re-
duced pay. providing they have served
as such for thirty years, or have
served as such for ten years and also
served in the army or navy at some
time during the civil war, it being
otherwise provided that officers so
retired shall forfeit all pensions"
Salaries Increased.
On this head, Major Brewster
says:
AT a meeting of the board of man.
ayers held July s, 1909, salaries were
increased as follows: The general
treasurer to $4,000. The Inspector
general and chief surgeon to $4,000.
The present rate of pay does not APP
pear to offer sufficient financial In
ducement to retain good men In the
home as assistant surgeons. II is be-
lieyed that 81 900 for the second grade