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engineer stating that he did not want to get the hose wet. All the fire extinguishers tested were found to be in good condition.

The fire organization consists of the chief engineer, first assistant, a first hose man, an auxiliary force of noncommissioned officers and detailed members in each company, in hospital, and members sleeping in farm buildings.

There were no fires during the year.

There are 7 shops pertaining to this department, Engineer depart- which are said to be suitably located. They were found in good condition.

ment.

Water is supplied by the Milwaukee city waterworks, and it is reported satisfactory in every respect.

The steam plant consists of 4 Babcock and Wilcox water boilers and 5 tubular boilers, which are used to supply power to the engines for heating the public buildings and cooking in the several mess halls. It was maintained during the year at an expenditure of $31,117, or $22.35 per horsepower. The electric-light plant consists of 1 engine and 2 dynamos, which fed 12 arc and 840 incandescent lights, and was maintained during the year at an expenditure of $1,971. Additional machinery and an enlargement of the electric-light plant seems to be needed. At present there are 1,837 gaslights supplied from the mains of the city of Milwaukee. Electric light for the entire Branch would doubtless be an economical move, would give better service than gas, and is therefore again recommended.

The average number of employees in this department was 65, of whom 57 were members, and 8 civilians.

Commissary Depart

ment.

The dining hall will accommodate 960 members at one time, and the tables have to be set twice for each meal. The dining hall was found in good condition, as was also the kitchen. The facilities for receiving and taking care of the supplies and for cooking and serving the meals appear to be satisfactory.

The method in use of issuing rations is defective, as the person issuing them also receipts for them and consequently there is no check on the transaction. The issue and receipt of rations should not be in the hands of one official, and it is suggested that a different official at each end of the transaction is necessary in order that a proper check on the business may be had.

The character and variety of the food served may be sufficiently indicated by the following bill of fare for the week ending June 29, 1901:

Sunday.

Breakfast: Bacon, eggs, bread, butter, coffee.

Dinner: Roast beef, potatoes, gravy, macaroni and cheese, bread, coffee.
Supper: Apple pie, crackers, cheese, bread, butter, tea.

Monday.

Breakfast: Beef fricassee, bread, butter, coffee.

Dinner: Boiled shoulders, lima beans, gravy, bread, coffee.

Supper: Corn-meal mush, 'milk, bread, butter, tea.

Tuesday.

Breakfast: Beef stew, bread, butter, coffee.

Dinner: Vermicelli soup, boiled beef, bread pudding with sauce, bread, butter, coffee.

Supper: Prune sauce, bread, butter, tea.

Wednesday.

Breakfast: Corned-beef hash, bread, butter, coffee.

Dinner: Boiled ham, potatoes, gravy, cabbage, bread, coffee.

Supper: Peach sauce, bread, butter, biscuit, tea.

Thursday.

Breakfast: Beef stew, bread, butter, coffee.

Dinner: Roast beef, gravy, mashed potatoes, bread, coffee.
Supper: Corn-meal mush, milk, bread, butter, tea.

Friday.

Breakfast: Eggs, stewed potatoes, bread, butter, coffee. Dinner: Barley soup, codfish, potatoes, gravy, bread, coffee. Supper: Rice pudding, gingerbread, bread, butter, tea. Saturday.

ment.

Breakfast: Corned-beef hash, bread, butter, coffee.
Dinner: Roast veal, potatoes, gravy, bread, butter, tea.
Supper: Hominy, milk, bread, butter, tea.

The hospital was generally clean, and in a satisfacMedical depart tory condition. Its equipment has been improved during the year by the addition of a static electric machine. This machine contains 16 plates, 8 revolving and 8 stationary, with full equipment of electrodes and an X-ray apparatus propelled by a one-half horsepower rotary water motor. Also a multinebulizer, with large air tank, 6 nebulizers and spray attachments, with air pumped by water motor. A radiant-heat cabinet for radiant-heat baths and a hot-air cabinet for hot-air baths were also installed, both of the cabinets being made at the Branch.

The hospital has a capacity for 320 persons, and the average daily number of sick during the year was 225. Bathing facilities are provided by 12 bath tubs, 3 sweat, and 1 electric bath. There are 18 patients to a tub.

Forty-four members showed indication of disordered minds during the year, of whom 4 were considered permanently insane; and the facilities for their care is said to be inadequate, more room and more attendants being needed.

There were 51 members with impaired eyesight, of whom 18 were totally blind, and all of them required more or less attendance. Two members are employed to read to the blind daily.

The total number of patients treated during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1901, was 2,810, and each was treated an average of 35.8 days. There were 177 deaths, all of which occurred in the hospital except 17. The average age at death was 70 years.

There is an average of 105 employees in the hospital-82 members and 23 civilians and their compensation amounted to $18,188.95, being an average of $173.71 per employee.

The cemetery was found in good condition and presented a neat and attractive appearance. A large number of marble headstones were received when I was present at the Branch.

No. 5.-REPORT OF AN INSPECTION OF THE DANVILLE BRANCH, MADE SEPTEMBER 12 TO 15, 1901.

Post-office.

Local manager.

Officers.

National Home, Danville, Ill.

Gen. Thomas J. Henderson, Princeton, Ill., whose term as a member of the Board of Managers expires in 1902.

Governor, Col. Isaac Clements; treasurer, Maj. W. C. Tuttle; surgeon, Dr. D. C. Jones; quartermaster and commissary of subsistence, Capt. E. B. Wheeler. have continued on duty since date of last inspection. An additional year of service has proved an advantage to the governor,

These officers

and the branch bears evidence of improved management and discipline, although during the past year infractions of discipline occurred and were unfavorably commented upon in the public press. A more military spirit is, however, noticeable, as well as an improvement in the discipline since the last inspection, and the governor seems desirous of making the discipline of his Branch as good as that of any other. The treasurer appears to give increased personal attention to his duties.

Reservation.

Since date of last inspection 50.56 acres have been added to the reservation, for the purchase of which $10,000 were appropriated and expended. Included in this additional acreage is the land purchased for a cemetery, which was authorized by the Board of Managers on September 25, 1900, at a cost not to exceed $4,500. Thirty acres have been platted for the purpose. The entire reservation now consists of 320.56 acres, only two other Branches having a smaller acreage. It would be a decided advantage to the Home if an intersecting piece of land of about 40 acres, which is 900 feet from the hospital, 1,000 feet from the headquarters, and 700 feet from the governor's quarters, could be purchased to make the boundaries more symmetrical and prevent its occupation by objectionable persons or to be used for objectionable purposes.

There has been a marked improvement in the condition of the grounds since last inspection; 60,270 square feet of new cement walks have been laid, new trees and flowers planted, a large addition has been made to the grass lands, and the macadam roads, grading, and new woven-wire fencing have made the reservation a very attractive one. There is no leased ground at this Home.

A law has recently been passed by the legislature of the State of Illinois prohibiting the sale of liquor within 14 miles from the Home. Already good results have followed this favorable law.

Material progress has been made in the construction Buildings and im- of needed buildings at this Branch during the past year. The following buildings are now under construction or

provements.

have been completed since date of last inspection:

[blocks in formation]

The cost of improvements during the year was $188,000 and the cost of repairs aggregated $15,126.69. A new floor was placed in the barn, at a cost of $398.

The barracks at this Branch were in very good condition, except in some cases cobwebs were observed, and in a few instances unauthorized articles were under the beds. This condition, however, was exceptional. The plastering in the attics is cracking, and in places falling

off. This is caused by the settling of the buildings or the shrinking of the lumber used in the roof and walls, probably from the latter cause, but in either event repairs on these very recently erected buildings will soon be necessary.

Four barracks are unoccupied. No more should be constructed, for with all of the barracks occupied this Home will have sufficient numbers for efficient administration.

It is proposed to use one of these unoccupied barracks as a barrack for old men, with its own mess hall and kitchen.

The arrangement of the fourteen barracks at this Branch in the form of an ellipse near the north end of the reservation is a convenience to the members and adds to the beauty of the grounds.

Hospital.

The hospital was clean and in a generally satisfactory condition, and the floors were kept in particularly good condition. The spit cups were deficient in number. In the patients' deposit account book the general account did not agree with the individual accounts, but the errors were found and corrected before the inspection of the Branch was completed. The sick-call book was indexed at the same time. A new ward for 60 beds has been completed and is about ready for occupancy. The addition of the retention hospital increases the capacity of the hospital to 202 beds. The administrative building is three stories in height, with two wings and annex of two stories and attic each. There are no convalescent quarters. The hospital is ventuated by air flues. Each ward is supplied with hot and cold water for bathing purposes. The basements are used for storage rooms, meat and vegetable room, laboratory, wound-dressing room, and repair shop, and the attics for quarters for extra-duty men. The storehouse, which is an exceptionally fine one, Storehouse. was remarkably clean and well arranged. Its appearance and condition were the best of any of the Branches. It was noted, however, that the chances of fire are increased by having oil and turpentine stored in it, as there is no oil house available.

Oil house.

Dining hall.

The recommendation in my last report of inspection of this Branch as to the need of a new oil house is renewed.

The dining hall and kitchen was found in good condition, but many roaches were observed in mess hall and bakery. The tables are set twice for each meal. Frequent inspections of the dining hall and kitchen are made by the governor, commissary, and surgeon.

Since date of last inspection a fine amusement hall Ward Memorial Hall. has been commenced and is nearing completion at this Branch, at a cost of $35,000.

Water supply.

Drainage and sewer

age.

Steam plant.

The Danville city waterworks furnish the water used at this Home. The supply is sufficient in quantity, but needs filtering.

The drainage and sewerage are of sufficient capacity, and the system is in every way satisfactory.

At date of inspection the cost of the steam plant at this Branch was reported as $80,000, an increase over last report of $19,000. The cost of maintaining this plant during the past fiscal year was $34,293.28, or $6,793.28 more

than last year, and 411,007 cubic feet additional air space was heated, at an average cost of $23.81 per horsepower.

It is to be regretted that no tunnels for the pipes were constructed when this Home was built, for although the pipes have only recently been laid, they are already leaking, perhaps owing to the system of high-pressure steam. The steam constantly escapes from the manholes, and in one case the pipes had to be dug up to repair breaks.

Lighting.

Population.

The 2,536 incandescent lights in use at this Branch are supplied by electric current from the Danville Electric Light and Heating Company.

The average present during the year was 1,448, an increase over last report of 626, and the monthly average absent was 31+. The total number of members present and absent during the year was 1,828, and the highest number present was 1,745, on March 9, 1901. The minimum number present was 1,072, on July 23, 1901. At date of inspection the morning report shows there were 1,776 officers and members present and 608 members absent; total, 2,384. At that time there were 32 vacant beds in the barracks and 19 in the hospital. Four hundred and seventy-four men were sleeping in attics, but none in basements or on the floor.

The number of Spanish war men admitted to the Branch since July 1, 1900, was 85. The number present at date of inspection was 76, 6 having been discharged, 2 dropped from the rolls, and 1 deceased. On account of the unfavorable news received as to the condition of the late President McKinley, no ceremony was held, although the orders had been issued for one. The day after the President's death memorial services were held and the proper respect shown the President's memory.

Ceremony.

Discipline.

Only one member was in confinement at the time of inspection. Seventy-two and two-tenths per cent of the members did not commit any offense during the year. There were during that period 271 trials for drunkenness, 201 for absence without leave, and 247 for other offenses; total, 719.

Library.

The need of a library at this Branch is greatly felt, and the only facilities provided the members who desire to read are a good supply of newspapers and periodicals, which are on file in a room set apart for a reading room.

Band.

There is a good band at this Home, with an average strength of 18 civilian members. During the year 194 concerts, 64 indoor and 130 outdoor, were given, at an

average cost of $39.64 each.

The other amusements at this Home are boating, quoits, croquet, and indoor games such as chess, checkers, dominos, and cards. The new memorial hall will be used for theatrical performances. About 50 boats are owned by members of the Home.

Religious services are held temporarily in the assemReligious services. bly hall and one of the vacant barracks. The seating capacity is 475. The new chapel is nearing completion and will cost about $20,000. Protestant services are held triweekly at the Home, and Catholic services twice a week at Danville. The average attendance during the year was about 50 per cent of the seating capacity.

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