Evening journal., 1918-08-14
PRESIDENT FAVORS
DOCTORS RESERVE
Approves Plan to Enroll
Entire Profession in
Corps for Service
MAJORITYNEEDED
AT THEIR HOMES

WASHINGTON Aug. 14-Thousands
Of physicians not already commissioned
in the army or the navy will be enrolled
in the Volunteer Medical Service Corps,
which has just been reorganlzed and en-
larged. Under the supervision of the
Council of National Defense the corps
has been changed to include not only
men who were not eligible for service
either in the army or the navy, but all
legally qualified physicians in the coun-
try, including women, who have not re-
ceived commissions.
President Wilson has written a letter
TO DR.. Franklin Martin. chairman OF the
committee on Medicine and Sanitation.
Council Of National Defense, about the
corps. The letter reads:
The White House,
WASHINGTON, Aug. i2. 1918.
My Dear Mr.. Martin: have received
your letter Of Aug. 3 laying before me
the matured plan for the reorganized
Volunteer Medical Reserve Corps Of
which you ask my approval. This work
was undertaken by you under the au-
thority Of the Council Of National De-
fense. 1t has had great success in en-
4 kAAAAH AAANAAADlAo VI AlAt llltulEdl DTO-
fession throughout the country into
a volunteer corps available to supply
the needs Of the army, navy, and Public
Health Service.
In cooperation with the General Med
lcal Board Of the Council Of National
Defense the strong governing board of
the reorganized corps Will be able to
be Of increasing service, and through n
the finely trained medical profession Of
the United States is not only made ready
for service in connection with the ac-
tivities already mentioned, but the i'm
portant work Of the Provost Generals
office and Red Cross will be aided, and
the problems Of the health OF the civil
ian communities Of the United States
assured consideration.
am very happy to give my approval
TO the plans which you have submitted
both because Of the usefulness Of the
Volunteer Medical Service Corps, and
also because 1t gives me an opportunity
to express TO you and through you to
the medical profession by deep appreci-
alton Of the splendid service which the
whole profession has rendered TO the
nation with great enthusiasm from the
beginning Of the present emergency.
The health Of the army and navy, the
health Of the country at large, IS due
10 the cooperation which the public
authorities have had from the medical
the spirit of sacrifice and
service has been everywhere present,
and the record Of the mobilization Of
The many forces Of this great republic
viii contain no case Of reader response
Or better service than that which the
have rendered.
Cordially and faithfully yours,
WOODROW WILSON.
Dr.. Franklin Martin, the Advisory Com
mission, Council Of National Defense.
This is a method Of recording all
physicians who are not yet in service
and classifying them so that their SER
vices, when required. will be utilized"
said Dr. Martin. at is method by
which every physician not in uniform
will be entitled to wear insignia which
viii indicate his willingness to serve |
lis government
More than 60 per cent. Of the physi- |
'ians Of the country will be utilized in |
'aring for the industries at home. and |