Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-08-26

Base hospital affairs continue to
progress in a manner highly satisfae-
tory to those in charge of the organ
ization of the Richmond unit.
Among the important developments
Of the week were the appointment of
q purchasing agent, the transmission
to Washington of the Official list of
the professional staff, and final de-
termination of the correct method Of
procedure in the all-essential matter
of equipment. With these details set
tied and the situation with reference
to nurses and the enlisted personnel in
complete control II may now be said
that the big problems relating to the
base hospital have been solved.
Though there is great amount of
work yet to be done, it will be from
this time on merely question of pro-
gression along the broad lines already
laid down.
PURCHASING AGENT NAMED
AND HAS BIG JOB ON HANDS
From the moment 1t becomes or
dered into active service a base hos
pital is transferred from Red Cross
institution into a part Of the Federal
army organization. 1t has been GUS
tomary for the War Department to
assume the burden Of providing for
such a hospital the equipment ncces-
sary to put it on a war footing. In
the present emergency the government
has found this impossible owing chief
ly TO the congested state OF supply
markets. Consequently all base hos
pitfalls recently received notification to
the effect that they must either pro-
vide their own equipment or await
government action. which might have
TO he deferred Indefinitely.
No hesitation marked the attitude
of the local Red Cross chapter when
this situation became plain. The Med
ical College of Virginia base hospital
has already won the reputation here
and in Washington OF being one of
tho most busincss-like in the country.
Nobody relished tho idea of delay. The
Issue could be met in but one way.
IT was estimated that minimum of
$4,000 was necessary for the equip
ment. The Richmond chapter imme-
diately placed $4,000 at the disposal
of DR.. Stuart Mcclure. director of the
unit, and authorized him to appoint
n purchasing agent At the same time
1t expressed it's Willingness, as well
IS Its ability. to expand this sum tc
any necessary figure within the bounds
of reason.
MONEY FOR EQUIPMENT
is NOW AVAILABLE
The future OF the base hospital was
now clearly defined. Official procedure
sometimes described as red tape" re,
quired. .that the Richmond money be
first deposited in Washington with
the assistant treasurer of the Amer.
lean Red Cross. who would then Ger.
tify IL back TO tho Richmond people
by whom it would be spent A few
days ago DR.. j. T.. Geisinger. actins
adjutant of the base hospital, went &
Washington and personally delivered
to the assistant treasurer, check
for $4,000 together with notification
OF the appointment by DR.. McGuir,
OF purchasing agent in the person
of Richard Gwathmey Of this city
This appointment has now been con
frmed by the American Red Cross
and the assistant treasurer has JUS
placed in the hands OF Mr. Gwathme,
his own check for $4,000. With thi!
sum as beginning the work of equip
ping the base hospital will start a
once.
The task before Mr.. Gwathmey Is on,
OF considerable magnitude. Every item
or supplies, including surgical instru
ments, surgical dressings laborator,
and N-ray effects. drugs Of every dc
scription. laundry and kitchen OUTFIT
and hundred other requisites, will
go through his hands. He will blu,
biles. He will approach his worl
In market already stormed with or
ders apparently impossible to execute
The outlook would discourage one les
qualified than Mr.. Gwathmey. HI
energy. judgment and business associa
tons are such that there can be n,
question OF the outcome. AS matte
OF TACT. the base hospital management
experiences sense Of great relief /,
having enlisted his services.
The work will help MIR. Gwathme,
very busy for several weeks, and vii
probably require the assistance of hi
entire office force. He will also hav
several able lieutenants in the person
OF the other members Of the Red eros
committee. of which he is Chairman
In addition, the professional heads n
the several departments Of the hospita
VIII act ah coneultants and adviser,
1temized lists OF supplies furnishe
other base hospitals are now being a.
cured by wire and mail from severa
sections OF the country. and stacks .
official papers from Washington ar
pouring in. AS soon as the work
well under way Mr. Gwathm.v ona