The Daily Missoulian. [volume] (Missoula, Mont.) 1904-1961, 1918-01-25

\ the senate the troops We're lin the
midst OF winter
\ II am going to show that these hun
dreds and thousands of men dying in
the environments are due To the war de-
partment." he declared.
This information comes right from
the men who are on the ground. They
know what they are talking about.
didn't intend 10 do this, but in view
of the situation that confronts me
and involves my integrity | feel II is
my duty to the country.
Il am going to call attention to the
statement of Surgeon General Gergas
that nearly all epidemics could have
been prevented If the war department
had been effective
Senator Chamberlain referred Ia the
warnings given by Major General Gre
BILE, commander at Camp Bowie, Texas,
last summer against overcrowding
men in tents. Men at Camp Bowie,
the senator declared. were packed to-
gether like sardines." and despite fire.
iquent warnings disastrous epidemics
fbroke out in December and eight thou
sand men passed through the hospi-
| tails.
| Died Without Nursing.
| Men died" he asserted without
proper nursing because of inefficiency
OF the system. | challenge you to
read the record. Don't take my word
for IT, All the environments are ar
teries of information and | hope to-
God that every young man will write
his father or mother and tell them
| just what the conditions are, not to
| in authority, to do their duty"
General Gorgas' report, he continued,
showed overcrowdng in virtually every
camp and he asserted that the surgeon
general, of eminent reputation, had
not been consulted regarding canton
ment locations.
Think of that" Senator Chamber
lain said HE was not even con-
suited with reference to the sites; and
not single cantonment was built in
accordance with his recommendations
for SO square feet of space for each
man."
Senator Chamberlain then read pre-
viously published reports of camp con-
ditions showing lack of winter cloth
ing in some instances, overcrowding
and prevalence Of measles and inter-
statement to the committee that
everything was all right at the can
comments"
Disreearded Gorgas' Orders.
Senator Chamberlain said if Surgeon
General GorgaS recommendations for
greater space had been observed, dis
case at least would have been reduced.
Have these recommendations been
followed?" asked Republican Leader
Ballinger.
"rhey are attempting to in some
places, but the recommendations have
not been carried out M.a
IF these are conditions existing with
soldiers in their home countries. what
must be the fate of the boys sent to
Europe to meet the dangerous and
treachereus conditions of warfare" re-
piled Senator Chamberlain.
Senator Chamberlain read letter
showing that camp authorities failed to
notify family Of the death Of a sol
der and that the body came home
wrapped only a sheet. #
IF ! were to print all the letters l
get along this line he continued.
"they would shock not only congress
but the American conscience. | do II
only to show the country that there is
inefficiency and I'm going to do 1t II IL
costs me my political life Let the
American mothers know conditions
and they will see to 1t that the public
servants either do their duty or retire
from public life In disgrace.
Let Sunlight in.
Lets let the sunlight in on these
ItbjppGn ba pleaIaI 'aud never fear
that the American people VIII not fol-
low the president into the thickest of
the fray wherever their duty calls
them. | hope you don't think Pm doing
this to be sensational. My whole pur-
pose is to remedy these conditions that
may he remedied"
| Senator Chamberlain read to the
senate letter received from President
Wilson opposing the creation of "A min
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