Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1919-04-10
new YORK GOOD
TO ARMY BOYS
Metropolis Earns Gratitude of Men
and Rest OF Country for We'll
come to Soldiers.
BEST IS THEIRS FOR ASKING
Lieutenant A. n. Mueller Tells Of
Treatment and Vocational
Training in Hospitals.

New York City is not growing
weary of doing kind and thought
full things for returning American
soldiers. 1t is setting an example
that may be profitably copied else
where and is earning the gratitude
of the men and their relatives and
friends back home.
This is the word that Lieutenant
A. n. Mueller brings on his return
from duty in the medical corps.
Lieutenant Mueller was stationed
at general hospital No. 80 at Long
Beach, Long Island. This institu-
ton, which occupied quarters in a
large hotel building, has been de-
modified. That is how he came to
get his discharge after nine months
service. For six months he was
stationed at the base hospital at
Camp Mcclellan, Alabama.
General hospital No. 80 was one
of about forty institutions of the
kind scattered around over the
country. 1t had a capacity of 500
men. Lieutenant Mueller was as
sistant chief of the medical SER
vice.
Returning soldiers who are i'll or
suffering from wounds or other
disabilities are sent to the general
hospitals nearest their homes.
There they are classified into med
zeal and surgical cases, according
to the nature of their disabilities.
They are also interviewed to find
out what kind of work they are
fitted for and what their wishes
rnfnrnnUn n INT a
occupations Vocational training
is then begun along with such pro-
fessional treatment as the individ-
ual cases require. Little medicine
is given Those needing special
attention are sent to hospitals es-
pecially fitted to handle their cases.
Instructors are men who have
had experience in the line of work
IN which the candidate wishes
training or schooling. All are
drawn from the army. There is ap-
paratus to timber up stiff joints,
the typewriter and hand weaving
being used for those with stiff fin
gers. There is equipment for in
struction in trades. Foreigners are
taught the English language and
instruction is also given in French
and Spanish.
Made SeIf-SuppOrting.
Everything possible is done to
make men who have suffered physi-
cal handicaps while in the service
able to take their regular places
in their home communities or at
least to support themselves. While
all possible liberty is given them,
they are required to take up some
vocational training while still in
the army, unless they are Vouched
for by a senator or member of con-
gress who gives assurance that
members of their families are able
and disposed to give advantages at
least equal to those the army Of
fers.
While in the general hospitals
all the men are rated as to the
percentage of disability as a basis
for the settlement of their war in
surance claims.
The Red Cross and other agen-
cies are doing a great deal to cheer
the boys and make them feel that
what they have done for their
country is appreciated. Their uni
forms are passes to a great var
iety of entertainments and thous
ands are taken into the homes of
residents of New York and vicinity
and entertained as honored guests.
Not a few of the boys coming to
the general hospitals wear insignia
awarded them for distinguished
service. Among these, Lieutenant
Mueller says, there is a pronounc-
ed disposition to be reticent. Often
they refuse absolutely to tell how
they came by their medals.