Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-07-12

ity of good shelter; but attention was
drawn to the limited space making
proper distribution of latrines, sleep
ing quarters and kitchen and mess
space difficult.
1t was recommended that all the
wells on the fair grounds be abandon
ed and that the troops use only the wa
ter from the municipal supply which
is available in most parts of the
grounds. While the Springfield water
supply is generally safe, it was rec
commended that frequent analyses be
made.
In the handling of food, it was rec
commended that all kitchens and mess
tents be screened against flies. AS
some of the mess quarters could not
be screened, it was advised that all
food be covered and that fly traps be
supplied. Rigid examination of all
persons handling food was urged,
especially for the purpose of detecting
typhoid carriers and rigid supervision
TO secure personal cleanliness of all
cooks and assistants was recon-
mended
Attention was called to the fact that
latrines must necessarily be relatively
close to sleeping and food tents in the
limited quarters available and it was
urged that the latrines be made abso-
lutely fly proof; that they be supplied
with seats which would close auto
matically and that the pits be kept alb
SOlutely dark. 1t was further rec
commended that the pits of the latrines
be strewn each morning with straw
and oil and that the contents be
burned and that powdered Stacked
lime be used freely. Attention was
also called to the fact that, however
perfect sanitary installations might be,
proper results cannot be obtained un-
less they are properly handled and
cared for
1t was recommended that all manure
be burned daily and that modern meth
DDS Of incarceration be employed.
In reporting upon Camp Lincoln, at
tention was called to the Iow-lying land
nearby and to the close proximity of
Spring creek which is, in reality, an
open sewer from the city of Spring
field. 1t was insisted that all soldiers
be strictly forbidden the use of the
water from Spring creek for any pur-
pose and that all marshy land be oiled
to prevent mosquitoes.
It was recommended that the per
manent latrines at Camp Lincoln be
put in good state Of repair and that
the outflow be carried in pipes to
called to the need of good lighting of
latrines as an incentive to cleanliness.
In addition to the sanitary service
rendered by the state board of health,
the board also supplied vaccines for
the immunization of the troops against
typhoid fever and smallpox, together
with tetanus antitoxin, Schick test
outfits. culture outfits and various 9TH
er agents which might be needed pend
ing the arrival of supplies from Wash
ington. During the past two years the
board has been supplying all of the
Illinois regiments with typhoid vac
cine and, as a result, large percent
age of the older recruits were already
immunized prior to their arrival at
Springfield.
Daily inspections were made Of both
the mobilization camps during the
time the troops were in Springfield by
the secretary of the state board of
health, the sanitary engineer of the
board and Surgeon General Frank and
Major Buell. Rogers.
The health of the troops was perfect
when they left Springfield for the Mex
lean border.