Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1893-01-05
THE NIGHT LODGING HOUSE.
A Report Submitted by the Superinfender
TO the Commissioner.


Report Submitted by the Superintendent
TO the Commissioners.
Today Mr.. Sherwood o. Preston. the super
intenden. Of the night lodging house, submitted
the following report TO the Commissioners con-
corning the institution:
Acting under the authority Of your appoint
ment OF me as superintendent of the muncipai
lodging house and wood and stone yard for four
weeks (under date of November 10, 1922. re-
ported for duty November "a, 1892, to DR.. A. G.
Warner, superintendent Of charities for the
District.
On the same day examination Of the
premises loaned by the nigh. lodging house TO
the District, No. 3l2 18th street northwest. was
made. The property was found 20 be lily
adapted for the purposes desired. there being
very little yard space and the rooms inconver-
lent and small. After considering all the cir
cumstances, however. including the amount of
the appropriation. it decided to establish
the plant at the said location with all Its his
advantages rather than TO seek another loca-
ton for the wood yard. as the latter would in
crease the difficulty of holding the dodgers
until an equivalent for help rendered should
be worked out
1t was therefore recommended that certain
attentions be made, TO wit: The removal of old
and the building of new partitions. the crea-
ton of additional passages the roofing of all
yard space Tin which was included a two-story
addition in rear, the introduction of motor
and exhaust fan and other apparatus FOR the
fcmlSation of clothing and bedding the addi-
ton OF bath tubs and water closets, with the
necessary plumbing and gasfitting, and gen.
eral renovation Of the premises which, by
reason Of long disuse. were damp and unclean
After several consultations with the District
officials, who were invariably courteous and
helpful, the recommendations and estimates
(the latter aggregating 50, 1907 were submitted
to the superintendent Of charities and to your
honorable body and approved.
THE WORE OF ALTERATION.
December s. 1892. the work of alteration was
begun and pushed as rapidly as practible. De-
cember 5, 1892. the superintendent returned to
New Haven, Conn, to attend to pressing bust
ness there. During his absence the work was
continued under the direction OF the District
foremen. On December 10. 1892, the superin-
tendent returned and remained until the 3lst
of December, 1892. At this date the altera-
lions are not complete, owing to delays result
ing from the continued severe weather, which
has hindered plumbers and plasterers. and also
to the holiday Interruptions, yet the arrange
ments are so far advanced that the recon-
mendatlons approved by by your honorable
body, to wit: fThat on and after January l,
1893, the station houses shall be closed to lodg-
ers. and all male applicants for relief referred
to No. 3l2 18th street northwest" may be full
filed. l would, however, make this sugges-
tion that the rule be made somewhat elastic
as far as the station houses are concerned, as
there may occasion arise by reason OF extreme
cold weather and very late appearance at out
lying precincts when to refuse shelter might
involve suffering. The officers discretion may
be safely trusted i'll such cases. For several
nights we have already lodged and fed few
men, who have paid for their relief by assisting
in the renovation of the premises.
An arrangement has been made with your
approval by which the wood contractor for the
District hauls to and from the wood yard such
quantity of wood may be needed to furnish
employment to the inmates at the rate OF 81
per cord for said extra haul. The motor intro
duced for fuinigating purposes may be used
additionally to furnish power for a circular
saw AID carrier belt. By which the product of
the yard may be increased, if such increase
be desirable. In this way some saving in the
cost Of wood may be accomplished. but en-
larged storing accommodations will be re-
CURED. Az the low rates paid by the Distric.
for wood it is not probable that much
pec1niaIy advantage will result through wood
handled by applicants tor relief. The iusti6-
cation Of the institution lies in the furnishing
Of employment to those seeking it, the relief Of
the community. from the annoyance resulting
from house beggars. the improved condition
OF station houses and the removing from the
city OF Migrants, iInposters and petty criminals
generally.
ALL APPLICANTS MCsr WORK.
The improved arrangements of the lodging
house will now provide for the bathing, feed
ing and lodging of fifty men per diem and for
the thorough fumigation Of their clothing No
able-bodied person will be given relief unless
an equivalent in work is rendered but sick and
disabled persons will receive gratuitous aid
Representatives OF the Newsboys and Chill
dren's Aid Society and Hope and Help Mission
and the Woman's Christian Association have
been consulted and their cooperation freely
promised in the Of women and children
who are to be referred directly to them.
The police department anticipates great relief
in the handling of dodgers through this institu-
ton. as they have heretofore been q source of
much annoyance (being vermin and disease
breeders In many instances land they also indi-
cate disposition TO heartily cooperate The
7rmanent superintendent, Mr.. W. II. Damn.
has very Intelligent comprehension of the
duties required and Is now on duty.
1t Is hoped that the public will patiently bear
with tho inevitably ragged workings of a new
institution until it gets into running order.
We are confident that this work test will ad-
equately provide for the deserving urmask the
imrostor and reduce the yagrant element of
this city to minimum.