The sun., 1917-05-31
NAVY HOSPITAL
UNABLE TO CARE
FOR SICK CASES
Daniels Admits AccOmmO.
datiOns Nearest Fleet
y Are Inadequate.
SPANISH WAR RECALLED
Calder to Demand Investiga-
ton Of Conditions
Aboard SOlacc.

WASHINGTON, May 3o.--In discussing
the charges OF inadequate facilities for
sick sailors aboard the hospital ship
Solace. as revealed by Senator Calder
yesterday, Secretary Daniels said to-day
that within the last two weeks 10000
naval recruits had been assembled
within radius OF fifty miles of the feet,
and that although the hospital nearest
the fleet was large accommodations were
not adequate to the number Of hospital
patients.
A new hospital is being built. but will
not be ready for year. and new hos
pital ambulance. the Surf. a gift of DIR.
John A. Harriss Of New York. has been
added to the fleet to Join the Solace. the
only hospital ship in the navy. Secretary
Daniels added that several cases OF non
contagious diseases had been brought to
the naval hospital in Washington.
From Chicago came the report to-day
that thirty sailors had died at the Great
Lakes Naval Training Station from
meningitis OF total of eighty cases OF
that malady.
Recalls spanish War.
II was pointed out to-day that in the
Spanish h-American war the gathering OF
large forces OF men without sufiicien,
regard to sanitation of their camps was
the cause Of many deaths The round
robin protest which Senator Calder
read from the men aboard the Soiace
had ring OF Spanish war days to some
navy officials.
IL Is admitted here that conditions In
the medical branch OF the navy are not
what they SHOULD be. but this is ascribed
to failure to realize the imminence OF
war last winter
Although Secretary Daniels to-day or
dered an investigation OF the round
robin charges. Senator Calder said that
tomorrow he would ask full investiga-
tion by the Senate Committee on Naval
Affairs. Senator Calder believes that he
VIII have little difficulty in having the
senate order the investigation. He has
neard some things which would indicate
that an investigation Is likely to sub
stantiate many OF the "round robin"
charges.
Asks Heavy Punishment,
II believe this is a matter that de-
manos an investigation without any loss
OF time said Senator Calder. III the
facts stated are true the severest pun
TO the men responsible. We are asking
our young men to enlist in the navy
we contemplate organizing great
army, and IL in the very beginning a
condition such as this exists the Senate
ought 10 know II and II ought 10 be
remedied forthwith"
Upon getting the round robin" from
Senator Calder. Secretary Daniels TO-
day telegraphed Admiral Mayo to begin
at once an investiga ton He also di-
rected Surgeon General Braisted TO pro-
ceed at once to the fleet and report 10
Admiral Mayo with a view of assisting
MIN. Surgeon General Braisted has
peen favorite Of Secretary Daniels and
or the Administration. His nomination
to be Rear Admiral was one OF the
patch TO which DR.. Graysons belonged
II there is anything wrong" Secre-
tary Daniels said I'VE are going TO
right 1t; you can depend on that"
Lack Long Apparent.
The charges regarding the treatment
or sick men on the Solace and the nm
sanitary conditions alleged to prevail on
the ship would seem to confirm certain
fears as to the lack of preparedness OF
the Medical Corps to cope with war con-
dltions. To some the inadequacy of pro.
Visions lof caring Tor the sick seemed
apparent even before war began. In
spite OF this offers of assistance were
for time refused. A voluntary organ
ization for example made a tender OF
three medical units completely equipped
shortly before the war The organiza-
t'on Is alleged to have been informed
that the navy was not in need OF such
assistance then and was able to take
care Of its sick on a basis OF 100, 900
personnel.
With the prospect of war and a large
increase in the personnel there was de-
lay in making reauisitions for supplies.
II Is said. When a requisition for a
large order for supplies finally was made
last March Secretary Daniels, according
to information obtained to-day, hesitated
so long over approving it that when the
requisition did receive his signature and
attempts were made to purchase the
supplies necessary II was discovered
that the War Department and foreign
buyers had got ahead OF the navy
and 1t was almost impossible TO fill the
orders.