American Legion Blames Lt. Col. W.H. Lyster For Poor Conditions at TB Hospital at Oteen, April 13, 1920

From the front page of the Monroe Journal, Tuesday, April 13, 1920

American Legion After Colonel Lyster’s Scalp. . . Senator Simmons Asked to Use His Influence to Secure Removal of Army Officer

Asheville, N.C., April 11^th—Senator F.M. Simmons of North Carolina has been requested by John Beasley of Monroe, N.C., commander of the North Carolina department of the American Legion, to use his influence to secure the removal of Lieutenant Colonel W.H. Lyster, commander of the United States army general hospital number 19, at Oteen, near here.

In his telegram to the senator, Commander Beasley declared that the North Carolina department of the legion holds Colonel Lyster responsible for the conditions which have existed at Oteen and not the enlisted men who are held for court martial. His message follows:

“The North Carolina department of the American Legion requests that you use your influence towards securing the removal of Lieutenant Colonel Lyster from command of the government tubercular hospital at Oteen. The war department’s investigation of conditions there has practically substantiated our contentions of abuse of patients and the prevalence of unsanitary conditions. We hold him responsible and not the enlisted men who are held to face court martial. Your efforts to bring about his removal or demotion will be appreciated by the thousands of ex-service men in North Carolina.”