The morning call., 1890-12-14
A PERTINENT QUESTION.
We're the Lick Baths Intended to
Be Free or Not! =

On the Sd OF November last the long looked
for Lick Free Baths were throw open to
the public. They at once became very pop
ular, as is attested by the fact that no less
than 11.152 persons applied and were accom-
modated during the ensuing month. The
gratifying success of their efforts was re-
garde with pleasure by the Trustees. until
at last the decided popularity of the baths
became somewhat too manifest.
1t was soon seen that some check must be
placed upon the fast increasing number of
app licants, and tie plan adopted was the
imposition of charge of five cents upon
every one, 10y requiring him to pay for the
use Of towel at that price From certain
class this Immediately raised a protest. and
complaints have been heard from every
source. The people maintain that they are
unlawfully restricted of their just rights,
and the trust deed CT James Lick providing
for the expenditure of $4,000 in the cree
ton of free baths is directly violated by the
act of the Trustees, ii was maintained
A CALL representative called upon tn e
Superintendent of the baths yesterday to
ascertain the reason for the new rule. Tie
latter was highly indignant that complaints
asserted that the rule is absolutely neces-
sary. There is class of shiftless people,
he said, who fir, Quent the baths daily mere
ly as loungng place, and who occupy the
bathrooms from thirty TO forty minutes, to
the Inconvenience of all those waiting a
turn. The place is also constantly besieged
by horde Of small boys. who furnish their
own towels, or rather do without any towels
at all, and who not only discommode other
bathers but fill the air with foul language,
Chamber over tho partitions. scratching and
dentlng them. and throwing soap and
brushes about the rooms.
The Superintendent declared that five
neighporlDg families send daily an average
OF eight children for baths. The only means
OF reducing the number of these objection
able people is to impose a charge of &c, and
exclude all children not accompanied by
parents, and the measure was therefore
adopted.
Trustee Ira P. Rankin, who was next
seen, declared the charge to be necessary
because OF the insufficiency Of the funds to
trebly worth five cents. and was surprised
that the public should be so foolish as to re-
gard the payment OF that sum as hardship.
"Are you aware that the imposition of a
fee In spite Of the provision Of the Lick will
that the baths shall be free. is subject to in
junction by the court?" was asked.
Mr.. Rankin was not aware Of the fact,
but admitting it to be 80, would continue to
charge five cents admission to the baths, as
under no other circumstances could they be
maintained.
The section of the deed of trnst of James
Lick regarding the baths is as follows:
Eleventh-And in further trust, TO expend the
sum OF one hundred and fifty thousand dollars
$500 o0o under the direction Of Ii. NJ. New.
hall, Ira L. Rankin, DIR. j. d. b. Sliilman aud
John .. Earl and the survivors OF them, in the
erection and maintaining fn the city OF San Fran.
Cisco of free baths; the site or sites therefor Io
be acquired and held by the persons last named
and lie Survivors OF them, in trust, u forever
MAINTAIN such baths for the free use of the pub
lie, under proper and reasonable reguIai ion s I:
said baths TO be erected as as practicable 10
raise the money after the money has been pro-
vided to erect said telescope.
1t never falls to relieve at once" is what every.
body says OF DR. Bulls Cough Syrup.
It's true ! No humbug. You can buy Salvation