The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-07-09
CAMP IS IN GOOD SHAPE Age-Herald Correspondent
 Investigates RumOr NO GREAT SICKNESS
Men Are We'll Looked After and Food Is Wholesome-Hospit Facilities Are of Best-Situation Normal
 Following Storm and Rain

Montgomery, July s.-(SpeciaL) )-Not- withstanding the unusual weather con- ditions which they have been compelled to face, the Alabama state militia in mobilization camp at Vandiver park, near this city, is in splendid shape as a whole, and has fared none the worse as the result of the unprecedented floods that engulfed the grounds yesterday and the day before. The camp today was prac- tically in normal condition, the grounds were drying rapidly and the health of the men was good.
 The camp and the officers in charge of the men have been subject to con- siderable unjust criticism during the past few days. Hundreds of idle rumors have been in circulation with reference to the health of the men. Many reports have been spread to the effect that there was considerable sickness in camp; that the food supply was unwholesome. and in adequate, and that the men were suf- fering for want of the most common comforts.
 These reports, it may be asserted in the strongest possible language, were for the greater part untrue and did in- jury not only to the officers in charge of the camp, but to the state as well.
 INVESTIGATION MADE
 For the purpose of ascertaining whether or not these reports were true, The Age Herald correspondent today made per sonal visit through every branch of the camp, the hospital quarters, the ambu- lance department, the commiSsary de- partment and to the kitchens of many of the companies. He made the visit on the invitation of Gen. Charles R. Bricken, commander of the bridage; Adjt.-Gen G. J. Hubbard and Maj. G. A. O'Connell, surgeon-in-chief. General Hubbard and Major O'Connell conducted your cor respondent through the camp. At the hospital quarters it was found that there were about 20 men under treatment none of whom was seriously i'll. Fourteen men were dismissed from the hospital early this morning and sent back to their quarters
 The very sick patients are all at St. Margaret's hospital here. TheSe are 12 in this hospital, three pneumonia pa- tlents, three typhoid patients, four with appendicitis, and two suffering from other causes. It was reported today, however, that all these patients are doing well and are expected to recover. Two of the typhoid fever patients are from Bir- mingham, and probably contracted the disease before leaving that city. Those ill with pneumonia contracted the disease it is thought, from exposure.
 It was stated at the camp today that everything that human agency can sug- gest is being done for the health and comfort of the soldiers, particularly the sick ones. Adjutant General Hubbard has given Major O'Connsll a blanket or der to purchase anything for the hospital that may be necessary. notwithstanding he has no authority to issue such an order, since the hospital is government property. The food given the patients is medically inspected three times a day The water and milk are tested. Special deicacies in the way of chicken, beef broth, mutton chops and other varieties Of food are served the sick soldiers.
 SPLENDID FACILITIES
 Moreover the hospital infirmary is in charge of five doctors, representing some of the best medical ability in the state Fifty-nine additional helpers have been provided for the hospital; 57 additional helpers have been provided for the am- bulance corps. The food supplied the soldiers at the camp is both wholesome