For the benefit of the gentlemen who may succeed at Fort Lyon soon, I might say that when I was ordered to Fort Lyon I was very much grieved; I knew it was in a desert, and everybody who had been there gave such a discouraging report. My sentiment in that matter has changed to such an extent that if the place had remained in the hands of the Navy, I should have liked to have remained there. We are a happy family of about fourteen commissioned officers and we have formed a little community of ourselves, being independent of the outside world to a large extent. We have our power house, ice plant, community house, social meetings, and in fact we are as independent as can be.
During the flood, we were able, for about two weeks to attend to our own things, and after that we were able to help the outsiders. So, to those gentlemen I want to say that they need not be disconsolate upon receiving orders to go to Fort Lyon.
I think it is ideal for the T. B. patients. We have the dry climate, constant sun-shiny days, cool nights, and everything conducive to the proper treatment of T. B. Everything is complete, and the people are greatly benefited by their stay in our vicinity, as can be attested by the fact that many former Navy People, who had been in the institution, are now living there and are as strong as any person in the East.
I might say that the people who have had T. B. and who are doing well out west had better make up their minds to stay our there for fear that change of conditions might bring about activity again in their cases.
Regarding a uniform system of treatment as suggested, I do not believe any strict rules should be set. We can have a sort of general system, but no uniform method as to the hours of rest, food, etc. At Fort Lyon, rest is now being enforced, and every patient gets two rest periods, i. e., from 9 to 11 A.M. and from 1 to 3 P.M. Liberty is allowed only once a week; and overnight, once a month. Those who would be discontented anywhere have left, and those who have stayed feel they have our sympathy and support and are doing well.
GENERAL SAWYER asked for resolutions from the Resolutions Committee.
GENERAL IRELAND: “Your committee has gone over the resolutions that have been presented, and we find all of them in order, with the exception of one submitted by Colonel Bratton with reference to transportation home. We would inform you that there will have to be legislation to carry out that resolution. We have changed the resolution to read as follows:
‘That the Director of the U.S. Veterans’ Bureau be requested to secure legislation so that the expenses of the patient’s transportation to his bona fide home, when he has been discharged for disciplinary reasons, be deducted from his compensation, when compensation is being given, or may be given thereafter.’
As changed, I recommend that the resolution be adopted by the meeting as read.”
This Motion was seconded, and carried.