The Indianapolis Journal

HEALTH OF THE ARMY.
Less Sickness and Drunkenness Now than Reported in Previous Years.

WASHINGTON, Oct. 17.—The annual report of the surgeon-general of the army for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1895, shows a gratifying record as regards the health of the army for the calendar year of 1894, which, taken as a whole, may be said to be the best annual record ever consolidated from returns sent by the United States army medical officers, for, although the death rate is a fraction higher than the lowest rate ever recorded, the other rates are by far lower than they ever before have been in the history of our army. The rate of nonefficient or constant sickness was only 34.49, contrasting favorably with 40.18 in the previous year and 42.51 as the average of the previous ten years; and the average number of days lost on account of disability by each man of the army was only 12.6, as against 14.7 in 1893 and 15.5 in the previous ten years.

The prevalence of alcoholism in the army continues to decline. In 1890 no less than seventeen posts had more than 10 per cent. of their average under medical care for drunkenness, and during the past year only four posts had this percentage. The food furnished the army is reported as ample in quantity, varied in kind and well cooked, and the clothing issued has given general satisfaction. The metric system of weights and measures has been adopted in place of the old system.