The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1896-02-21
AN ideal. LOCATION
Is Southern Pines for a National
Soldiers Home.
THE COMMITTEES REPORT
r suit ofthe Visit ofPhysiolans
and G.. A. r. Men.
a National Soldiers Home for Union
Veterans May Be Established
at the Popular Winter
Resort.

Resort.
The presence of company OF proml-
nent physicians from Washington, u.
c.. and the representatives OF the Y. a.
r at Southern Pines this week, is an
event Of 10 ordinary Importance. For
some time members of the Grand Army
have been anxious to get Congress to
build a soldiers home in some section
that would be beneficial to soldiers
who are suffering from or threatened
with tuberculosis diseases. This visit
to Southern Pines was made with
view to ascertaining whether this
North Carolina health resort would be
the best place for the home. The re-
port of the committee is as follows:
When contemplating a trip to a
health resort one of the first things
we take into consideration is its ac-
feasibility. Southern Pines, winter
health resort, is conveniently located
in the southern central portion OF
North Carolina, on the Seaboard Air
Line, therefore being easily reached
ny tourists from all parts OF the coun-
try. This village of 500 inhabitants,
situated in the centre of the long-leat
pine belt region and among the sand
hills of the Old North State, with an
elevation of 600 feet (above the seal,
is becoming extensively known as a
Mecca for those suffering with tube1'-
culous diseases. In the village there
are several hundred cottages, built
from the wood of the long-leaf pine.
The majority of the inhabitants OF
these cottages are people from the diff
ferent States of the Republic, but prin-
cipalIy from the Northern and New
England States These persons seem
unanimous in their praise of Southern
Pines as health resort, and many OF
them have informed us, that they have
been greatly benefited by their sojourn
there. There are six hotels, with all
modern conyeniences. Piney Woods
Inn is an ideal hotel, pleasantly located
on a hill of pines near the village; 1t
is a grand structure, large, commodi-
Gus, brilliantly illuminated throughout
by electricity, heated by steam and
with abundant water supply. There
is line of electric cars, which run
from Southern Pines to Pinehnrst,
which is a village of cottages, built BY
Mr.. j. E. Tufts, of Boston, the mil
lionaire philanshropist. His idea in
building this resort, is to furnish the
health-seeker with the best accommo
dations at moderate prices. Fruit cul-
ture is the main industry of the coun-
try surrounding Southern Pines;
the principal products being
grapes and peaches. There are thou-
sands Of acres planted ia peach trees
and over ESQ thousand acres devoted
to the culture OF grapes. Tie flavor
and quality Of the fruit is such that
it commands high prices Ia tic nar-
kets Of the North and South. where
fruits and flowers flourish there you
viii find a delightful climate. Ilie
soil is sandy, ranging from I'D ~ 80
feet in depth and SO rapidly is water
absorbed, that within an hour Of a
heavy rain no moisture can be found
on the surface. This being the case the
air is dry, and pure, due 70 the ozone
IN the atmosphere, il Is delightful. The
water is free stone and is as clear as
crystal There is d mineral spring IN
the neighborhood, which is highly
spoken Of TOR its health giving quali-
ties.
Considering the average age Of vet
Grams OF the Grand Army of the Ite-
public and their needs Tor years To
come, the oscicroMdIng of our North
ern Soldiers Home anu the large pro
portion OF iubeTeuious diseases among
them, it seems to us, that q more wise
patriotic, economical or hu-
name provision could not be made than
the location CT Il National Soldiers
Home for the treatment Of phthisical
troubles among ca a. H., men in the
mild and unsurpassed climate Of South
ern Pines.
Ia conclusion we wish TO endorse the
report OF the visiting committee to
Southern Pines Of eminent physicians
OF New York and other sections, which
liz as follows: FOR persons whose
health requires mild winter climate,
Southern Pines because Of the dryness
of it's soil, its elevation above sen level,
invigolatipg quality Of it's atmosphere,
its accessibility presents natural aa-
yantages, that highly commend it 70
the favorable attention Of the medical
profession"
For the courtesy and Kindness Of the
officials and employees Of the Seaboafd
Airline, we wish TO extend our many
thanlSs.--for comfort and acconnoda-
tions, for speed and regularity the line
is unsurpassed. Travelling here Is
made indeed d most delightful rest.
For the kind reception and hospitality
of the people generally We shall ever
feel deeply indebted. Cur visit has
been most pleasant and our leave a
matter of regret ~ ourselves. 10 our
esteemed and most respected friend
Col. A. M. CLARK. who ii ably promot-
ing this great enterprise IN behalf OF
his suffering comrades Of the q. a. r.,
we tender our most sincere thanks for
his many courtesies extended 10 us
during our sojourn at Southern Pines,
and We wish TO assure the citizens Of
North Carolina that they could not
have chosen q more energetic worker
on an ADLER champion Of their cause.
Committee:
LEWIS r pATTI r. N u