Part 14

DR. GUTHRIE: said he had been inclined to listen because he felt that the reactions from the field had been more than the Bureau’s. He informed the doctors that Col. Patterson had deemed it necessary to place a Bureau representative in each hospital—the larger ones—in order to take care of the very things that the doctors had been bringing up in the conference. He added that many such matters would be discussed later in the conference in addresses.

SURGEON KOLB (Waukesha): suggested that a hospital to take care of less than 100 patients be established, preferably on an island, for the care of drug addicts and pronounced psychopaths.

COL. FORBES: suggested that Surgeon Kolb present that as a resolution a little later when such were in order.

COL. DE WITT, (U.S.A.): expressed a need for a Bureau representative at his hospital at Ft. Sam Houston, where there were 246 patients, beneficiaries of the Veterans’ Bureau.

COL. FORBES: assured him that a representative would be placed there.

SURGEON RIDLON (New Haven): remarked that the Sweet Bill made provision concerning Pulmonary T.B., but that he felt that T.B. of the bone should be considered in the same class. He also suggested that the period of two years be extended to three, stating that in many cases a boy is not examined for two years; he comes to the medical officer shortly after the two years have expired; the medical officer is pretty certain he has had T.B. within the two years after discharge, but by reason of the two year limit, the claim cannot be settled in favor of the boy.

COL. FORBES: replied that that was a matter for the medical men to decide, but that he could see no reason why the boy’s claim should not be adjudicated.

GENERAL SAWYER: “Many times I have complaints coming through my office. I wonder if you gentlemen would really like to know what my office represents. I am the liaison officer between yesterday and tomorrow. Any difficulties of any kind that ever come through my office are those that do not get through anybody or everybody else. So a number of these complaints about the extensive and exhaustive records and the paper work that is being carried on in the various departments come to me. I think the matter is of such importance that I should like, Sir, to make this motion:

‘That a committee of five, representing each of the departments, be selected to take under advisement the matter MOTION of the paper work of the various departments and to make such suggestions and recommendations as they may deem advisable; this, regarding hospitals’.”

Motion was seconded by Surgeon General Cumming.

Motion carried.

SURGEON KOLB: offered a resolution:

‘That there be established a special hospital of 100 beds for treatment of beneficiaries of the Veterans’ Bureau who are pronounced psychopaths or drug addicts.’

Then followed a general discussion by Dr. Klautz, Dr. Cobb, and others regarding drug addicts who have T.B., regarding the manner of retaining such patients in hospital contemplated.

DR. GUTHRIE: stated that the Bureau is investigating such a matter and invited suggestions from the doctors.

The above resolution was offered as a Motion, and was seconded by Dr. Wilbor.

Motion carried.

DR. FOSTER: suggested the cutting of the man’s compensation as a means or help toward keeping him in the hospital,

COL. FORBES: replied that when a man has become hospitalized, and his disability has been connected with service, he is entitled to $80 a month.

It was here remarked by a conferee that General Order No. 27 would take care of such patients; that if he left the hospital his compensation would be cut and he would not be readmitted within so many months.

SURGEON CHRONQUEST: offered the resolution that action be taken by the Hospitalization Committee toward the establishment of a Federal commitment law in psychopathic cases.

COL. FORBES: replied that there had been decisions made against such a suggestion, by reason of the fact that it interfered with the prerogative of the States.

SURGEON CHRONQUEST: mentioned the possibility of a suit being filed against the commanding officer of a hospital for the illegal detention of a patient.

DR. WHITE: explained that a man in the service—Army, Navy, etc.—could be sent by the Secretary of War, of the Navy, to St. Elizabeths as well as anywhere else; but that the courts in the District state that as soon as the man changed to civilian status his commitment ends, and he is illegally detained.

COL. FORBES: suggested that the question be referred to the Legal Division of the Veterans’ Bureau.

COL. FORBES: “The conclusion of this session precludes me from any further activity here. There is a little lack of enthusiasm here. I want you to remember that we have asked you gentlemen here by and under proper authority, and that it cost a good deal of money to bring you here, which money is coming out of my appropriation. Now you have got to come through with everything that is in your systems; you have got to give us resolutions, advice, etc., and as long as I am coming to these meetings I want to see lots of interest and enthusiasm shown, especially by you gentlemen who are commanding large institutions. Surely you have known lots of improvements you could suggest. I want you to make such suggestions.

During tomorrow’s session when we are having motions and resolutions, have something to offer. We are here to serve the Government and the ex-service men. I want you to help me, because in helping me in my work you are doing what the law has provided for the ex-service men.

I have been in your hospitals, most of them and I am wonderfully well satisfied with the work you are doing. I am wonderfully happy because of the spirit shown and the accomplishment you have made. You have worked against odds many times, and I know there has been lack of appreciation. What moneys you need for medical service it is my duty to see you are allotted. I want you to know that we are not opposing any of the medical activities, because as I said, I believe and I am satisfied that our greatest problem in this work is one of a medical nature. Of course the Veterans’ Bureau must properly operate through its doctors, and those of you who are handling this big medical problem must help me, and I must do what you decide is best to be done in the interests of the men.”