Albuquerque Morning Journal

BRUTAL MEDICAL OFFICERS SHOULD GET PUNISHMENT.

Secretary of War Sends Back Two Court Martial Findings Recommending Severer Penalties Than Dismissal.

[BY MORNING JOURNAL SPECIAL LEASED WIRE.]

Washington, Jan. 26.—A heavier punishment than mere dismissal from the service was recommended by the war department tonight for two army medical officers recently convicted by courts martial of mistreating sick soldiers. After reviewing the records of the trials, Secretary Baker returned them to the trial court with the suggestion that sentences of dismissal be re-considered and that more severe penalties be imposed.

One case was that of First Lieut. John G. Dwyer, medical corps, on hospital duty at Camp Funston. Evidence brought out at his trial showed that a soldier in the advanced stages of pneumonia who reported for treatment was reprimanded for failure to salute and sent back to duty. In fact, it was shown that the doctor urged that the sick man, who died a few days later, be given double duty.

The other case was that of First Lieut. Charles W. Cole, Camp Beauregard, in charge of the base hospital. An ambulance loaded with sick men came to the hospital from the regimental infirmary, it was shown at the trial and the officer kept the men waiting for nearly an hour outside in the cold and rain before he went out to look at them.

When he did go out, it was brought out that he ordered them taken to camp, as he had no room for them. The ambulance driver told the doctor that one man in his car was delirious and might hurt himself or others. The officer instructed him to tie the patient up and take him back. Two of the patients later died.

It was shown also that while the base hospital was crowded, nine patients could have been cared for.

Secretary Baker has asked Senator Chamberlain for the names of officers charged in letters to the senator with neglect of sick men that the cases may be investigated, and punishment meted out if the officers are guilty.