The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1896-11-08
he line for representation of this

The line for representation of this
body.
1t is respectfully suggested that
power be given to the President and
Executive Committee to appoint rep
resenta,tiyes to the reunion of 1897, at
Nashville, Tenn.
Before closing this report it is my
duty TO call your attention to the needs
of the North Carolina Soldiers Home.
1t is manifest that to provide lodg-
ing, food, attendance, fuel, light, medi-
cal assistance, and frequently clothing
and burial expenses, ten dollars u
month per capita is an inadequate
sum. But as the rolls of the Home
show about 100 names, and the appro-
priation is but $500 not even that
amount of 500 per capita is received
by the institution, and it would not be
possible, with all economy, to main
tain its present efficiency, were it not
for system of Burroughs, by which,
form time to time, Through the kind
ness of the railroads, 20 TO 30 of the
veterans visit their friends, and thus
reduce the daily average.
The Home is carefully and economi-
not dollar of compensation available
for the valuable services of Drs. z. e.
Hines and James McGee, who under
took The laibors of the medical depart
ment, well knew the uncertainty
of the means in hand. But it is unjust
to require this sacrifice, even from
gentlemen of tihier generous devotion.
ikeligtious services are held weekly by
80 IL - q
State or the inmates. The entire
monthly cost for salaries of officers
and wages of attendants and servants
is only $4,000. This is below the per
centage of cost of such SERVICES in any
other institution. The entire provision
for the Home is less than that which is
makle by any State which cares for it's
veteran soldiers, although North
Carolina furnished larger proportion
of its arms-bearing population than
any other.
1t is we'll known to those familiar
with hospitals and similar institu-
tons that 5000 per annum instead
of about 500 as at present, would not
be an unreasonable sum. And there
is a constant and growing demand
for admission. During the past year,
as often as vetern of proper moral
habits and life has been forced to
seek a county home for support, your
Secretary upon being notified from the
county, has sought his admission into
the Soldiers Home; yet while the
General Manager VIM. C. Stronach,
ESQ, and the board are anxious to ac-
commodate all worthy cases, a mem
Der applying still remains unproyided
for.
There is yet another consideration.
The present cottages of the Home,
which are comfortable enough in sum-
mer, are too slightly built, and too
cold, being of thin boards. to be fit
protection against the winters severi-
ty, especially for men feeble and dis
abled by wounds, sickness, and age.
The mortality of last winter, whereby
nine men, or about 1914 per cent were
carried off in few months, may not
be connected with this fact, but not
circumstances are sadly suggestive.
There should be Several, say at least 3,
cottages, substantially built of brick,
and supplied with modern conven-
fences These should so divide the
grounds, and should be so constructed,
spSt " NC easily SOhNCl tNd lnbO GOullIlD-
dious private residences to be one day
sold as such, by the State, when the
generation of noble men shall have
passed away, who won for her the
brightest fame that even her annals
have ever known.
At that day, the property will return
whatever has been expended upon it,
with heavy interest, and the State
viii lose nothing by such care of her
stricken sons. / respectfully suggest
that a suitable committee be appointed
to memorabilia the General Assembly, |
and to urge upon its committees in
person, the necessity for proper build |
ngs at the Home, and a sufficient main |
tenance.
The generous press of the State will |
support any reasonable proposition. |
Noticing but few papers in the reading
room of the Home, at an inspection in
Tune, by the Board of Public Charities,
by it's authority addressed the papers
in its behalf, and forty
low send their journals regularly, free
If charge, many having written cheer
ng letters, promising support to a
for increased means of sup
port
Appended hereto, will be found the |
report of the treasurer.
Very respectfully,
G. b. benson, Secretary