The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1890-07-31
MINNESOTA.
The Soldiers Home at MInnehahn.


EDITOR NATIONAL TRIBUNE: The Soldiers
Home of Minnesota is most delightfully."- stu.
atcd on the north bank of Minnehaha Creek
and south or right bank of the Mississi ppi
River the land including the point of junction
of the two streams
Tho Home grounds include 81 acres, while
the Minneapolis State Park of $50 acres already
greatly improved, envoioping the Home grounds
and including the celebrated and beautiful
Mnnohaha Falls, extends our own domain to
more than 200 acres of finely wooded land, in
Guiding the whole of the wild, deep gorge oil
Minnehaha Creek from point above the Falls
to its mouth and nearly mile of the high
rugged bluffs of the Mississippi. Nowhere in
our State, or in tho West, could more attractive
place be found. Nowhere can finer Wow be
had than from our grounds, 80 feet above the
waters, commanding wild, romantic and
beautiful panoramic scono OF nature as it
does, the finest in tho land-a scene worthy the
finest touch and brush of the most noted
artist.
The plans of the Institution are those of the
cottage system" OF these we have two com
plete, each two stories, attic and basement, of
pressed red brick, with all modern improve
monts in architecture and interior arrange
ments; bathrooms, hot and cold water, water
closets, and an electric plant contracted for,
the wires already laid aud awaiting connection.
These cottages arc intended to shelter about
20 men each, though ut present tho headquar-
ters is in one and hospital in tho other, and
rooms necessary for officers employees, ETC.,
crowd and cramp to an extent somewhat in
compatible with comfort and healthfulness; but
all is borne with the utmost good naturedness
and feeling, as should BIO done in all Well-regu-
lated families such as ours.
This state of affairs il occasioned by the
penuriousness Of the last State Legislature with
appropriations. Our Board of Trustees asked
for 100000 for additional buildings, etc; in
stead, they received One-fourth that amount,
!. O., $4,000.
Tho central portion and ono wing of the
now hospital building viii DO ready for occu-
pancy by the LIST pToximo, when much relief and
more room will be afforded. This building will
be imposing, capacious and comfortable, In
keeping with anticipated needs of the institu-
ton. IL is situated on tho extreme southern
point Of the Home grounds, in retired quar-
ter, overlooking tho junction of the two streams
of water, and like tho cottages receives the
breeze from the south; sheltered from the
north and flooded with sunshine.
An extensive boiler-house has boon erected
the past season, from which we receive our heat
and hot and cold water supply. In this will also
be placed our electric light plant, as we'll as
that of steam laundry, the machinery of which
is already received.
The annual report of tho Board of Trustees
for the fiscal year ending July 81. 1850, is just
published, from which borrow material facts,
being indebted thereto therefor.
The Board Of Trusteos-whose duties include
the disbursement OF the States Soldiers Relief
Fund-consists OF Capt II. A. Castle ST. Paul !;
Maj. L. T. Henderson. Minneapolis l.. A.
Hancock, Red Wing; w. L. Huntington Red
Wood Falls; Judge l.. l.. Baxter, Fergus Falls;
Capt t. II. Presnell, Duluth J. T. Parshall,
Faribault. Executive Committee, Castle
Henderson and Hancock. Secretary, Capt o.
81. Sawyer, Minneapolis
The grounds are within tho city limits of Min
ncapolis, about five aud half miles from cen.
ter Of city aud nino miles from ST. Paul center,
though tho "limita" Of tho latter arc lust
"oyor tho river" the adjoining grounds are
soon 10 be made into park. A ST. Paul addi-
ton to the Minneapolis State Park, with the
Home grounds. are a central, imposing and OBJ
lcctive point with bridges across river aud
creek TO mako connections.
The officers of the Home are: Commandnnt
Capt Thomas Mcmillan; Adjutant aud Quar-.
termaster, Capt. Ralph Van Bruut; Surgeon,
DIR. A. A. Ames; Chaplain, Rev. Horace Wor-
den; Hospital Steward, J. NJ. J. Burns.
Those detailed, with pay, arc two Sergeants'
two Corporals, one Orderly, one stablemau, two
gardeners, two cook helpers, one tailor one
shoemaker. Civilians Employed three cooks
two walters, two hospital nurses, two laun-
dresses, and M Engineer with detailed assist
ant during Winter.
The report of receipts to end of fiscal year.
including balance OF annual appropriation and
per capita from the United States, So, 000.51,
which amount is nearly balanced by expendi-
lures.
Average membership-fscal year-I01; cost
Of maintenance per capita, $2i7.4e, which
covers every single item OF expense connected
with the institution. Daily cost of uncookod
ration about Is cents per capita.
AT present writing We have about 100 men,
beers in the Home. Average age 50 years. Az
erago army service % months. Average period
OF residence In the State 81 years.
Ia case Of deaths, relatives are notified that
remains arc at their disposal. If not so dis
posed, Catholics are inferred in cemetery about
two miles distant. All others at Lakewood
Cemetery, Minneapolis, a plat having been SGT
aside for use of the Home by generous author
tiles.
The library ia In very primitive state
Appropriations do not admit expenditures in
that direction. A fair supply of State papers,
but donations Of books, magazines and regular
papers will be received with hearty thanks Of
officials aud the old vets"
Religious services every Sabbath by tho
Home Chaplain; Catholic supplied by tho Post
Chaplain from Fort Smelling, which, by the
way, is two miles distant, south.
AS TO discipline, 10 Is sufilclent To maintain
common decency and promote general welfare,
mild and paternal. We have
no guardh0use and no uso for man who
requires confinement in one" say our Board
of Trustees; and it's right they are"
Gen. w. w. Averell, Inspector of tho Ma
tional Board Of Managers of Soldiers Homes
visited this place the past season, and says, in
his official report of the Minnesota Soldiers
Home: ct Is one of the most admirably
located and most efficiently State
Home In the country"
The cost Of maintenance per CAPITA CORE
spends closely with that of similar institutions
elsewhere; in this State less than that of con-
victs ut the pententiary! t2 All arc neatly
and comfortably clothed, supplied with nutri-
tions food, and nicely protected from the rgOrs
OF northern Winter
Coolest weather last Winter was 100 be-
low zeroi average daily at IL m. from 200 TO
20 above. Clear, bright Sunshine, health
giving air aud atmosphere, tho general run.
No billiards. or severe storms; about eight
inches of snow, with an icy foundation, makes
the best OF sleighing. LA grippe" had a
slight hold upon some inmates none serious ::
our weather too salubrious and glorifed for
the disease To effect very strong grip on the
old veterans. General health above par All
happy, eontented, peaceful, and thankful to
tho State Of Minnesota for having done so
much for those here, hoping the next Legisla.
ture will be more liberal and mako room for
those already waiting aud for those whose
turn it will soon be TO knock for admission to
this al haven of rest."-JACK.
If you decide to buy Hoods Sarsaparilla, do
not be persuaded to take auyOther 100 doses 81