500 surgeons' reports — Kansas — northern district. 



lily limited experience it would be diiBcnlt, if not impossible, to determine the extent of climatic 

 iuflueuce iu the i)roduction of disease. 



The "general character" of the inhabitants is truly general, for they represent almost every 

 nationality in the world, and certainly every State iu the Union. They are intelligent, energetic, 

 enterprising, hospitable, and brave. Their occupations are those of farmers, laborers, mechanics, 

 tradesmen, and professionals, in the order of prevalence as enumerated. 



In reference to the different sections of paragraph 85, I would respectfully submit the follow- 

 ing observations : First, as to section 3, epilepsy. " For this disability the statement of the drafted 

 man is insuflflcieut, and the fact must be established by the duly attested aflidavit of a physician in 

 good standing who has attended him in the disease within the six months immediately preceding 

 his examination by the board." As a rule, in these cases, and especially in those of long standing, 

 no physician has been in attendance within the time specified. Strict compliance with the instruc- 

 tions would be tantamount to taking all the old epileptics into the service. Would it not be better 

 simply to require evidence to be given" under oath, and to leave the board to determine what is to 

 be considered satisfactory proof? 



Section 9. "Permanent physical disability," &c. Why not strike out the word permanent f 

 It is a mere stumbling-block, and iu many instances compromises the integrity of the surgeon. 

 Many diseases and infirmities exist which cannot properly be classed as permanent, but which will 

 not be recovered from in one year. I would suggest the addition to the section of the following, 

 from Circular Letter, Provost-Marshal's Office, of December 8, 1804 : " In all cases of exemptions 

 for * * * physical disability, the specific disease or infirmity must also be stated, 

 under the head of remarks." 



Section 11. "Chronic rheumatism," &c. lam aware of the impositions that have been practiced 

 under the name of this disease, and the difficulties that would arise if more latitude were allowed 

 in reference to it, but right is right, and if a person is disabled by chronic rheumatism, whether it 

 is " manifested by positive change of structure, wasting of the affected limb, puffiness or distortion 

 of the joints," or not, he is properly exempt. Unfortunately for society some persons will swear 

 falsely, but our whole legal superstructure is based upon the supposition that honesty is the rule 

 and not the exception. 



In other diseases which cannot be determined by inspection, testimony is admitted ; why not 

 in this ? I have found it a good rule in establishing the statement of a party, to require the aftida- 

 vitsof at least two persons who have been drawn in the same sub-district. They are interested in 

 his being held, and will hardly connive at his escape. Besides, if a sufficient number of able-bodied 

 men is not obtained by the first draft iu any district, the dralt can be repeated until the requisite 

 number is obtained, and Government will thereby get efficient soldiers instead of cripples. 



Section L'O. " Total loss of all the front teeth, the eye-teeth, and first molars, even if only of 

 one jaw." I think the old section requiring " the loss of sufficient teeth to prevent the proper mas- 

 tication of food," much better. Several men presented themselves in whom there was a total loss 

 of all the teeth of one jaw with the exception of one or two of those specified in the above section. 

 A strict construction of the rule would not exempt such cases. The section requires some modifica- 

 tion. It is certainly no compliment to the surgeon to bind him down with numerous restrictions. 

 If he be capable and honest, he will deal justly both with the Government and with the individual. 

 If he be not, all the restrictions that can be thrown around him will not prevent fraud. * # * 



Judging from experience, my oi)inion is that forty men is as large a number as can be 

 thoroughly examined in a day. 



The frauds practiced by drafted and enrolled men in this district to escape the service have 

 been confined to the exaggeration of real diseases or defects. I have had but little trouble in this 

 regard. 'With recruits and substitutes there has generally been a disposition to conceal infirmities. 

 I know of no means of overcoming or avoiding these difficulties. Constant vigilance is the only 

 safeguard, and even then some will steal a march. 



I should unhesitatingly say that the nation presenting the greatest physical aptitude for mili- 

 tary service is the mixed Eurojiean or North American race. Men of this descent present the great- 

 est mental aptitude, and, consequently, are much more easily and quickly converted into efficient 

 soldiers 



