New-York tribune., 1896-01-19
PLANS FOR THE FREE BATHS.
THEY ARE APPROVED AND WILL SOON
BE CARRIED OUT.
E-ARRANGEMENTs or TIE INTERIOR
-WASHH)usEs ALSO WANTED

SQUARE ARRANGEMENTS or TIE INTERIOR
-WASHHoUsEs ALSO WANTED
The movement to obtain free pubic baths for the
city of New-York Is the way to fulnmenL
The plans submitted to the Board Of Health by the
Mayors committee have been approved, and Dr
William Howe Toman. secretary Of that commit
tee. says least OF the eight proposed
lighthouses Will undoubtedly be in operation before
midwinter.
The first two OF these must necessarily be
somewhat experimental. The materials to be used
for building both within and without and the
rangements OF the interior. with view % accom-
modating a large number Of patrons. have all been
definitely settled upon; but there stll some prob
lens to be confronted which can be solved only by
trial. for instance. whether ii would be practicable
for the bather himself to control the temperature
of the water and quantity used. who her IL would
be best for him control the temperature. but %
have the quantity OF hot water limited. whetner
a plan by which tho ba ather would have control
over the water supply in any way. the attendant
TO fix the temperature and quantity from a central
point outside the baths. would not prove sat
isfactOry. II Is proposed TO try each Of these meth
DDS and abide by the result: but. in any case. the
faucets and piping will be arranged that the ig-
norant bather cannot scad himself
The outside OF the building Will be classic in de-
sign. with sufficient ornamentation TO be attractive
yet dignied and massive to prevent its appearing
insignificant in contrast with probably higher ami
more prominent DullllNgS ADJOINING. Marble IA me
first choice Of material but limestone or other
stone light in color may be adopted. The waiting
well the main bathing halls viii b,
made light. airy and attractive possible. There
be plenty Of skyligh;s, and windows. and the
light-rehecting surfaces used viii sugges, clean
ness
The first building VIII be erected in Tompkns
Square a densely populated district. There VIII be
eighty baths forty-two for men. fifteen for boys.
twenty-three for women. Those for men are to be
arranged that the proportions can be reversed
at times when large number OF boys are present.
Separate baths will be provided for such patrons
too filthy to be admitted TO those used by
the gene al public. Experience has proved that this
is necessary precauton. These baths will meet the
convenience OF those for whom tubs rather than
spray baths are desirable There Will be fourteen
tubs In ALL three In the mezzanne story and eleven
In the second story
| There Is TO be a general division OF the house into
departre ents for men and women. The moment one
enters the house enc passes into either one or the
other waiting-rooms separated by A central Office,
and partition of glass and ornamental iron. 80 ar
ranged tina; one person controls both entrances as
well all entrances to the stairways etc. The
| construction will be entirely OF iron marble and
unbreakable glass, the iron being finished In white
| enamel. Each Individual spray bath has two com
| partments one 4 dressing room and the other for
the bath itself. Floors throughout OF solid ma
sonry. 20 iron beams being used. In order TO pre-
Contraction The nocr ''o Of each bath cpmpaTmeni
will have sunk into it little marble footbath;
each bath and apartment Will have separate drain
Excepting the fourteen tubs. the baths will be
rain showers. arranged so that the water viii not
strike the head these baths are preferred usually
by women. Sand glasses, which are reversed when
| the bather enters. will Indicate to the attendant
when the bather's time has expired.
1t is estimated that $4,000 WI cover the cost OF
modations for public bathing in the city at present.
| 1t has been demonstrated that OF 2ZOOO occupants
Der have access to baths on the premises h where
fee OF cents is sharged sh nnmhered 'ess out OF
Regularly if they had the chance
Guild must be credited the originaton of the idea
| Of free public baths for New-iork city. His en-
ana Of wdn ayor for To-
Ideas and the next fall the topic secured political
Tbs free baths are to be identified with Greater
| New-York: but those interested In improving the
od'G1 Of the pHD % w ee
are already established In English cities ana the
need for them in NewYork is equally as pTessng ,nn;d
aftv compartments and two large drying closets
BY wn S"s Mh hs humber Of
nonnsrtment Each Of these compartments IL pro,
dd with two iron rSusns fGr p39 o4 he wasE a
inw An ironing-tabe close by. htted with mangies,
arons and stoves ar, M he operacn Five cents
m d1r hour is charged for the use Of the Washng ar
ing ironing iace OF washep ep0s o ns the
weekly work Of family s,ed o hxe ts eramped
s Evsrs IF a family living In two rooms remembers
,gvdly the appearance OF the pare p,ud on ,n tea m
Only f the two roee mns both
IRON nd Two Of the discomforts arising ron T ish bc
an overha.VUaew V wsshtubs are made the basis OF ex-
e,sas era Tor paterfamias to hurry OUT ~ '''e '0
to pass Ms is necessity but equally so Is the
aIhhonse ane and the phlantnfopcma' a. n1pI Pr wav TO