The morning times., 1896-02-24


a dumping ground for paupers, cranks
and irdigent sick persons by the authori-
lles d certain counties in Maryland ard
Virginia.
Despite the rigor of the weather last
week, four shiyering wretches were sent
here from the adjoining states 10 become
charges upon the charities and hospitals
of the District In each instance the poor
creatures stated TO Sanitary Officer ] y.
Frank that they had been sent here by
officials in the yiciBty from which they
came.
As the weather was bitter cold and
the newcomers thoroughly destitute, Mr..
Frank. in a spirit OF humanity, departed
from his usual custom and sent them TO
hospitals. His rule is, however, when the
condition Of the person will permit, To
send him or her back TO the point of
shipment.
NO REMEDY FOUND.
Sanitary Officer Frank has frequently
called the attention of the District author
tiles to these conditions, but il seems that
there is no remedy, only 10 put the
unwelcome comers on a train when possible
and send them back from whence they
came. Referring 10 this matter he said:
''rhe States of Virg inia and Maryland
continue 20 contribute their yearly num-
ber OF sick ana destitute persons To our
hospitals. The number thus accommo-
dateddurin: the past year was from Virginia
197, and from Maryland l33, an increase
from the latter State of sixteen over the
preceding year. Ii seems To me that this is
manifestly unjust, not only to the taxpayers
Of the District, but also to the worthy sick
and INDECENT. as it has come tony knowledge
ON several occasions that our own poor lave
teen refused admission TO some OF the
hospitals here for the want Of room because
the beds were occupied by outsiders.
Il am well aware" continued Mr.. Frank,
'that the State of Virginia has but few
hospitals, but il is a weil-known fact
that the State Of Maryland is not surpassed
In institutions of this character, and ac-
cess to item is equally rs good from the
counties of the State 10 the city Of Balti-
more. where most ~ them arc located,
as it IS 10 this city.
Il can recall quite a number of cases
where persons were sent TO this city from
the States mentioned, and after remaining
in our hospitals. some of them for months,
were finally furnished free transportation
TO their homes, only 10 return in few
weeks seeking the SAME aid.
HUMANITY SPEAKS FOR THEM.
while this injustice viii doubtless he
recognized, yet it would bc inhunlan to
refuse these applicants the necessary hos
pital permit, IS il frequently occurs that
many OF them are in a dep,orablc Condi-
! tion.
Notwithstanding the fact that one-lalf
of the oostsof maintaining our hospitals
. IS borne by Tie taxpayers of the District,
yet we cannot. from humane standpoint,
refuse a permit for care and medical treat
ment 10 anyone who is suffering or in
Distress" -ss>
In addition TO the harmless class referred
dumping ground for dangerous lunatics,
who should have been incarcerated in u
mad house, as well as persons suffering
| from contagious diseases.
Not long ago a desperate crank, armed
with a long bladed knife, and who was seek
ing 10 have an interview" with the Presi-
dent. was found prowling about the White
| House.
| = This fellow stated that he had been put
on a train and sent here by the authorities
vi ii nearby MdTNia county.
After being disarmed and warned not TO
return here, he was shipped back to the
county in question. There are other cases
OF this kind on record III the annals OF
the police.
Ii is proposed in the near future 10 bring
! this matter TO the attention of the District
committees of the House and Senate with
a view of having some action taken 10 break
| nm This SVStpm of ont ra paS