Quartermaster's de

This depot was, at the time of inspection, June 20, pot. Department of 1901, being transferred to the general depot of the division.

Northern Luzon.

The subsistence depots are reported to be in good Subsistence depots. condition and their affairs properly conducted, with perhaps a single exception, which will be referred to later on. The buildings are in good repair, suitable, and desirably located, and the supplies on hand are properly stored and well cared for. Purchases are made in accordance with law and regulations and, as far as practicable, directly from first hands. The following items of special interest are reported:

Components of the bread and fruit ration and canned Subsistence depot, fruits are more reasonable in price here than in any other part of the United States.

San Francisco, Cal.

San Juan, P. R.

In addition to the regular work of the depot, large Subsistence depot, quantities of supplies were distributed to the people of Porto Rico after the hurricane of August, 1899, the money value of which was $823,027.67.

Subsistence depot at Honolulu, H. I.

Building rented at $150 per month. Inspector (Lieutenant-Colonel Maus) believes that with some changes and repairing of buildings on the barrack lot suitable accommodations for the subsistence depot could be prepared and the monthly rental saved.

Depot commissary, Manila, P. I.

This depot receives and ships all the subsistence stores and property intended for the use of the army in the Philippines. About 16,000,000 pounds of stores are received and 14,000,000 shipped per month. The warehouses are the best available. Cold-storage warehouse is conveniently located. The Governmant owns machinery, but leases the premises on a verbal lease which should be reduced to writing. An additional cold-storage room is also rented. At time of inspection there were piled in the open over $1,500,000 worth of subsistence stores, but the inspector (Colonel Garlington) reports that an assignment of additional storage room made during the inspection will enable the commissary to put all the stores under cover. It appears that the question of proper storage room has always materially interfered with a business-like administration of the affairs of this depot. The difficulty was unavoidable. The matter of a permanent depot, conveniently located, should be taken up as soon as practicable.

That the affairs of the depot were not properly conducted under the administration of Capt. J. C. Read, assistant commissary of subsistence, United States Volunteers, who had charge from December 1, 1900, to March 31, 1901, is evidenced by the fact that this officer has been dismissed the service and sentenced to three years' confinement in a penitentiary for wrongdoing connected with his duties as depot commissary. Three commissary-sergeants have been tried and convicted for complicity in theft from the depot, and at time of inspection two commissary-sergeants were under arrest for similar offenses. One civilian clerk has also been convicted and sentenced to five years in the penitentiary. The inspector recommended the discharge of the acting chief clerk for manufacturing a fictitious voucher for emergency labor and he has been discharged. When Maj. B. K. West, Subsistence Department (the present depot commissary), relieved Captain Read, an inventory of the stores developed an excess in certain stores

over responsibility of $35,365.85, and a deficiency in other stores of $19,466.45. Between March 23, 1901, and May 6, 1901, the value of subsistence stores seized by secret police in bakeries, etc., and turned into the depot was $2,853.65. Under the administration of Major West the system of receiving stores is working well, and the affairs of the depot are improving every day.

Manila, P. I.

Depot is well located and fairly well adapted. Sales commissary, Sales are made to that part of the army stationed in Manila, P. I., and such civilians as have proper authority to purchase. Probably 7,000 people have the privilege of the depot. All civilians, except the members and attachés of the civil service commission, pay the 10 per centum required by regulations. Rules of identification are prescribed for persons authorized to purchase at the depot and are enforced. Precautions against abuse of the commissary privilege consist in limiting the purchases by persons messing at boarding houses or at public messes to $25 for an officer and $10 for a civilian per month. Fresh meats from Australia are reported to be of excellent quality. Percentage of loss of fresh vegetables received, 21.15. An examination of the scales by the inspector developed the fact that they did not balance. System in vogue of carrying a large amount of cash on hand and turning over cash to civilian employees criticised by inspector, who recommended the discharge of the chief clerk for attempting a deception during the official investigation of his accounts, and which was done. The officer in charge did not appear to the inspector to give that close personal attention to and supervision of the details of his business as is necessary to secure the best administration, and, acting on the inspector's report, the division commander directed a very much closer attention to their duties and strict compliance with all orders and regulations on the part of the officer in charge and his assistants. In justice to the officer in charge it is proper to add that the division chief commissary reports that he visited the depot on an average of three times a week for seven months, and that all its features have improved since this officer assumed charge. The business of this depot appears to be well organDepartment Southern ized with a view to conducting the work required with dispatch and accuracy. The officer in charge reported that he had experienced continued difficulties with the loading of supplies on boats for southern ports on account of the manner in which the water transportation was managed by the Quartermaster's DepartSubsequent correspondence shows that the difficulties complained of have since been removed.

Depot commissary,

Luzon, P. I.

Depot commissary,

In excellent condition throughout. In his annual Department Northern report, dated June 30, 1901, Lieut. Col. P. W. West, inspector-general, suggests that this depot be abol ished. His remarks are as follows:

Luzon, P. I.

The commissary depot was established at a time when matters were very much congested in the division depot, but that time has passed and it does not seem expedient to maintain this expensive depot within a stone's throw of the main depot, and thus necessitate the double handling and double invoicing of the enormous quantity of supplies furnished by this department. The abolishing of this depot would of course increase the work of the main depot, but this increased work could be performed by about half as many men as are now employed in the department depot. This would mean quite a saving, and I believe the troops would be as well and as promptly supplied as under the present system. (This depot has since been discontinued.)

Iloilo, P. I.

The building is new and well adapted to the purpose Depot commissary, and desirably located for the shipment of supplies by water to the various stations in the Department of the Visayas. Fresh meat is furnished by contract and is reported to be somewhat stringy on account of having to be used too soon after being slaughtered. The depot needs cold storage and refrigerated beef.

Maintained for the benefit of the United States Navy Sales commissary, and Marine Corps. Rent of building is paid by the latter.

Cavite, P. I.

pots,

The reports show that these establishments are in Medical supply de- their customary excellent condition, and that all their affairs are being legally and properly administered. With the exception of a quantity of quinine purchased from Messrs. Worden & Co., San Francisco, Cal., and returned to that firm from Manila, under instructions from Washington, the medical supplies have been of good quality.

The means for protection against fire at the general depot, Manila, were reported to be inadequate, and the buildings of the depot for the Department of Northern Luzon were much crowded and considerable property was under tentage. The depot at San Francisco was moved to its present location in June, 1900, on recommendation made by the inspector (Lieutenant-Colonel Maus) at the preceding inspection, the change giving it a decided advantage in the proper transaction of all business. Surgeon in charge states that the storage room is insufficient, and recommends that the two upper floors of the building be turned over by the Quartermaster's Department for use of the depot. In view of the extensive amount of business conducted there and the necessity for a large supply of medical stores being kept on hand for foreign and home demands, the inspector concurs in this recommendation. The advantages of this depot for the purchase of certain classes of medical supplies are understood and utilized.

These institutions are invariably reported to be in General hospitals. excellent condition as a rule reflecting credit on the surgeons in charge, who have, very generally, been commended by the inspectors. In administration, instruction of the hospital corps, and care and use of public property, medicines, etc., the law, regulations and orders, with very few exceptions, appear to be complied with. The sick are properly cared for, their treatment and general comfort being excellent throughout. Supplies are of good quality and ample. The number of patients in the 14 general hospitals at time of inspection was 1,967, and there were on duty or assigned to these hospitals 61 medical officers, 950 enlisted men, 146 female nurses and matrons, and 186 civilian employes (including oriental labor), making an average of about 13 persons to 19 patients. The total bed capacity is 3,869. The special needs of particular hospitals, together with other matters of importance, improvements, etc., as shown by the reports are, in brief, as follows:

General hospital,

The surgeon reported that the number of hospital Fort Bayard, N. Mex.' Corps men was not sufficient for the needs of the hospital. Hospital corps detachment had not been instructed in first aid and litter drill. Improvements and repairs done during the year represent a great amount of work and thoughtful purpose and planning. Since last annual inspection the sewerage system has been entirely rebuilt and water system improved; officers' quar

ters have been thoroughly overhauled and repaired and some worthless buildings torn down, and extensive improvements have been made in the hospital buildings. The inspector recommends the installation of an electric plant; also the construction of a septic tank at the point where the sewer discharges into an arroyo leading to the neighboring hamlet of Central. He further recommends that in view of the distance (9 miles) to the nearest market, a good four-mule team with two wheelers for heavier work (six in all) be added to the present means of transportation. Attention is invited to the following remarks of the inspector:

In view of the necessary isolation of the patients at this institution from the outside world, it would seem to be a humane and justifiable expenditure to increase the library, build a good chapel, provide a number of billiard and pool tables, etc., and a band of twenty or twenty-five pieces. The present library is small and has a single small porch or veranda, a small room is set apart in one of the buildings for chapel purposes, and religious services are conducted by the Rev. Mr. Ruffner, of the Episcopal Church. Two billiard tables are owned by some of the patients and a small charge is made for playing. The surgeon's report shows that patients suffer considerably from nostalgia. It is believed that better facilities for recreation, a few additional mules for driving patients about, the sustaining influences of religious services in a well-appointed chapel, and a good band of music, giving daily open-air concerts, would relieve the tedium of existence here, and would be a great aid in the treatment of these unfortunate men.

General hospital,

cisco, Cal.

An ice and refrigerating plant, heating plant, and Presidio of San Fran- properly equipped laundry have been completed and put in operation, and the grounds have been considerably beautified and improved. Water pressure is not sufficient for fire purposes.

The sick from the transports, as well as from the General hospital, post (Camp McKinley), are treated at this hospital. There is no operating room or laboratory. The inspec

Honolulu, H. I.

tor (Lieutenant-Colonel Maus) remarks:

I was impressed with the fact that there were no suitable accommodations at the quarantine station for the care of sick with contagious diseases arriving on transports, nor was there any isolation camp where troops could be landed in case it should be necessary for the preservation of those not affected. Some arrangement should be made to provide for such emergencies.

The construction of a suitable hospital on Government land ought to be directed without delay. The present hospital is unsuitable, besides its location is objectionable to certain residents in the vicinity, and the land, although rented at a high rate, may not be secured after the present lease expires.

Second Reserve Hospital, Manila, P. I.

At time of inspection there were about 28 patients to a nurse and 15 patients to an attendant. The following is a list of the various diets served in this hospital: Liquid diet.-Beef broth, clam broth, mutton broth, oyster broth, gruels, tea, coffee, gelatin, fresh milk, malted milk.

Special diet.-Fresh fish, codfish, mackerel, mutton, beef, chicken, chipped beef, salmon, oysters, macaroni, tapioca, rice, dried apples, dried peaches, dried apricots, canned fruit when issued.

Light diet.-Mutton broth, beef soup, clam broth, oyster soup, scalloped oysters, stewed oysters, shredded codfish, boiled eggs, germia, farina, rolled oats, butter, cornstarch pudding, custard pudding, bread pudding, tapioca pudding, rice pudding, tea, toast, coffee, crackers, ginger snaps.

Full diet.-Roast beef, beefsteak, mutton stew, boiled beef, beef stew, salmon croquettes, beef hash, hamburger steak, roast mutton, mutton chops, beef potpie, fried bacon, canned corned beef, boiled mutton, stewed codfish, boiled ham, canned salmon, fried ham, roast turkey, baked potatoes, stewed succotash, fried onions, stewed peas, stewed tomatoes, creamed asparagus, fried potatoes, mashed potatoes,

macaroni cheese, stewed corn, rice pudding, French toast, tapioca pudding, apple sauce, cornstarch pudding, stewed peaches, stewed apples, stewed prunes.

In addition to the foregoing, toast, milk toast, soft-boiled eggs, and eggnogs may be given by ward surgeons to selected patients on "liquid" or "light" diets.

Convalescent Hospi

P. I.

Baths and sinks, which were in tents at last annual tal, Corregidor Island, inspection, have been put in buildings. This hospital is very pleasantly located on Corregidor Island, and during the hot season there is nearly always a breeze which makes the heat less annoying.

nila, P. I.

This hospital is conducted entirely without civilian Hospital No. 3, Ma- assistance. Means for protection against fire are inadequate, and a wash room where patients can wash their hands and faces is needed. Inspector suggests advisability of isolating patients having tuberculosis, who are now in a ward with other patients.

tal, Manila, P. I.

This institution is maintained for the purpose of Emergency Hospi- receiving sick soldiers arriving by boat and rail and caring for them until transferred to regular hospitals, caring for all army casuals and emergency cases, and treating Government employees in its vicinity. The hospital is entirely under canvas, which is old and worn, and, in the opinion of the inspector, should be replaced before the rainy season begins. From October 4, 1900, to May 21, 1901, 1,565 patients were treated and returned to duty, and 826 were transferred to regular hospitals. There were no patients at time of inspection.

Buildings are of nipa, and are perfectly ventilated, Santa Mesa Hospi- light, pleasant, and comparatively cool. Bamboo floors are wearing out and should be replaced.

tal, Manila, P. I.

Dagupan, P. I.

Building, which was formerly a college, is large, Military hospital, and the wards are pleasant and well ventilated. There are no bathing facilities and the water supply is limited, but was being improved. Ice machine was out of order at time of inspection and Australian fresh milk was reported to have deteriorated and spoiled for lack of ice. Supplementary report shows that the ice machine was being repaired by a skilled mechanic. Water is boiled for drinking purposes; a distilling plant would be a great improvement. In regard to the care and treatment of patients the inspector (Major Lovering) remarks:

The patients were notified that I would revisit the wards and listen to any complaints that they desired to make. I spent several hours in the wards unaccompanied by any representative of the hospital. I received no complaints regarding food or treatment received from attendants, nurses, and surgeons. Some of the patients spoke in high terms of the care and attention bestowed upon them in the hospital. They seemed to be contented, and, with some exceptions, cheerful. Some, in fact over twenty, who were not cheerful and hopeful are all men who have been in this or regimental and post hospitals for periods varying from three months to six months, or even longer.

The chief surgeon, Department of Northern Luzon, has a free hand in transferring patients from this hospital whenever it may seem advisable to do so.

Military Iloilo, P. I.

This hospital is used for the sick of troops stationed hospital, in and near Iloilo, and the most serious cases from other points in Panay and Negros are sent to it for treatment or for transfer to Manila. Several improvements are noted, among them a new building which was almost ready for occupancy at time