Represen ative Isaac Siegel, who rep
resents a Harlem district, snid his at
tention first was called to this by a
telephone message from his secretary
in Washington last Friday Informing
him that 400 letters had arrived at his
office. The mail had greatly inter
fered with the ordinary routine, the
secretary said, and asked for instruc
tions. -
"There Is not a single member from
New York city who has not received
from 1,200 to 2,000 of these letters,"
said Mr. Siegel. "Our two Senators
have also been swamped. The moment
I heard of these letters I got into com
munication with Col. E. K. Sprague. who
informed me that there were 675 vacant
beds In the various Government hospitals
throughout the city and there was ample
provision for all service men who applied
for treatment."
In addition to these facilities it was
pointed out that the Government Is con
verting a former orphan asylum In The
Bronx into a hospital which will have
1,500 beds "ready within the next three
weeks. Furthermore It was stated by
Mr. Siegel that there are sixteen contract
hospitals In the city at which a limited
number of men can be taken care of. In
addition to accommodations at the New
York Navy Vard.
"Tli" letters nre stirring up sentiment
and doing a great deal of harm when
there Is absolutely bo foundation for
criticism or protest," Mr. Siegel said.
