The Columbus courier. [volume] (Columbus, Luna County, N.M.) 1911-1920, 1918-11-08

within these fresh walls and have looked through
these long rows of windows.
There are - beds TO a ward, ranged opposite
TO each other. Beside each bed IL n little table
on which there are usually disposed entertaining
magazines and books, a vase Of flowers, perhaps
or some fruit.
In one OF the wards n group OF patients wrapped
In their dressing gowns had gathered around a
low table at one end Of the room. They sat In
the very comfortable rocking chairs which are
provided. There was a large bouquet OF dnno-
dis In n vase on the table. Az they sat ana
rocked, peacefully talking as II all time we're be
fore them, they presented a picture OF extreme
comfort
These boys are rather pctted. aren't theyT' I
suggested TO the oficer OF the day. There's moth
ing too good for them"
"oh, no. they're not petted at ALL" said the ON
Ger OF the day firmly. but II IL true that there's
nothing too good for them"
At one end OF each ward building there IL a
sun pRrlor and at the other end there are the
bathrooms, the ward masters room and the
kitchen and the serving room. The food n brought
from a general Kitchen and kept hot on steam
tables In the ward kitchen, which ls also used for
making the special dishes which are prepared for
men who are on individual diets.
We found two member OF the kitchen police
force examining n large bread pudding which one
Of the nurses had just concocted for some OF the
men In her ward.
The members OF the kitchen police. who were
conynlescents and well enough to help out with
the work, snid that although they had never
meant 10 take up dish washing and food serving
as n career they didn't mind II. In fact, they
found the work quite pleasant.
"And we're here TO do whatever Ia needed"
said one OF these khaki-clad youths. That's
what the army means"
The other youth said that he had only one re-
gret In the matter.
As he looked very noble when he said this. I
thought he was about 20 add that his only regret
was that he had but one life 20 give for his coun.
try, dish washing. kitchen detail or whatever Il
was. But instead OF this he added that the. only
trouble was he was too well to get any OF the
bread pudding.
There were many rheumatism cases IN the
wards. Most OF these young men win soon get
well and be NJ for return 10 duty. The camp con
ditions OF this very bad winter are responsible for
their contracting the disease In most cases.
The hospital has two operating rooms. both ex-
cellently arranged, and the larger 20 well lighted
from the top as well as the sides that surgeons re-
gard II ns unexcelled In this particular by any
operating room In New York.
COnvnlescent patients as well as the soldiers
who have been assigned to the work OF the hos
pltal take their meals In the mess hall, and the
call TO mess made Il quite evident that a large
proportion OF the patients OF this hospital viii
soon be returned to active duty as well as even
n soldier need be. Capt. james W. Decker. ness
officer. and sergt. Lem Cain, menu maker. have
achieved wonderful results In setting sayory
dishes before the patients without exceeding the
90 cents a day allowed by the government for tho
purchase OF food for each man.
Physicians from civil life, as well as those who
have been In the service for many yenrs. consu-
tute the stan OF the hospital. Many OF them are
noted surgeons or medical practitioners who have
given up large practices to take up the army
work. Every man on the stan has a specially. 40
that while he regularly performs routine ward
duties he can be called upon to treat any patient
requiring his specialized skill.
An this enormous hospital, even to the laundry
which turns out l2.OO0 pieces OF laundry a week.
is managed entirely by the army. IL ls a matter
OF pride with some OF the hospital enthusiasts
that the only person not In khaki or In war nurse
uniform who helps to make the wheels 20 around
In any Of the departments is the laundry seam.
streas.