THE CHARGES AGAINST ARMY DOCTORS. [To THE EDITOR OF THE
"SPECTATOR."] Sin,—May I ask you kindly to publish the enclosed cutting from the Cape Argus of September 21st last, which refers to the letter which began the campaign against the "Army doctor" in your paper? We know our own faults full well: will you kindly use your influence to remedy them F—I am,
Captain, R.A.M.C.
Wynberg, Cape Colony, September 22nd.
"The Hospitals Commission sat in the Town Hall to-day to take evidence regarding the Natal Hospitals. The first witness was Mr. T. W. Edmunds, hon. secretary of the Durban Govern- ment Hospital, who was examined iu connection with a long condemnatory letter he wrote to the Spectator in which he charged a considerable number of army doctors with incompetence, medical orderlies with brutality, and alleged criminal lack of invalid accessories. He also stated in the letter that if the Commission are honestly desirous of getting at the truth, evidence enough will be forthcoming to convince tho most sceptical.' In his examination Mr. Edmunds was unable to substantiate a single statement he had made. He confessed that when he wrote the letter he had no personal knowledge and was going entirely on hearsay evidence. Some of the allegations made as to Lady- smith he said he had heard from a civilian doctor, but he declined to give the doctor's name or to give a promise that the said doctor would come forward and give evidence. He admitted he should not have made the statement as to the incompetency of the army doctors without having substantial facts to go upon. As regards the brutality of orderlies, he owned he had no evidence whatever, and said he ought not to have used the word 'criminal' in connection with the alleged lack of accessories. Lord Justite Romer then said he would like to call Mr. Edmunds's attention to his statement regarding the honest desire of the Commission to get at the truth. Mr. Edmunds said that at the time he did not know the names of the Commission, and on the President saying that perhaps Mr. Edmunds would like to withdraw the statement, witness said he would be glad to withdraw it As witness could give no information, the President said there was no use II hearing unsubstantiated general statements."
[We regret haring published a letter which mite writer's
own admission was entirely worthless as evidence, and are delighted to find that the allegations made had no foundation of fact to support them.—En. Spectator.]
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