The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1897-08-17

As was predicted in The Times some
one of the isolating wards provided for
in recent act of Congress, as substitute
for the contagious disease hospital, and
work OF the new building will be begun i'm
mediarely. The contract providing for the
erection of the isolating ward as an ad-
junct to the hospital was signed by the
the Commissioners and by Sister Superior
Beatrice, representing the institution, yes
terday.
Thelocation of these wards has long been
perpeXing question with the Commits
sioners- II was first proposed by Congress
TO erect a single hospital for the treat
ment Of contagious diseases, but wherever
the Commissioners pitched upon site, a
storm of protests Immediately arose from
tie residents in the vicinity, so that the
project had eventually TO be abandoned.
Tie plan Of two lSolating wards attached
to hospitals already existing was then hit
upon. When Providence Hospital was first
suggested ouly one property owner pro
rested against the location of the ward,
but the trustees have since purchased this
mans lot, so that now there. is practically
no objection.
For the past three years the hospital has
been caring for cases of contagious dis
eases under some disadvantage. The
nature OF the diseases was such
that it would not do to put these
patients in the general wards, but by the
thoushtrulness OF Sister Beatrice, when the
stable was built the rooms above were
made large enough and finished for the
purpose OF receiving and caring for such
patients IN case OF emergency
These ROOMS now contain sixty-five cases.
who have been needing better accornmoda-
ton for some time.
The Commissioners have not yet Sc
lected the hospital which is to have charge
of the second isolating ward.
The contract approved yesterday pro-
vides that the hospital authorities sRat
erect upon its grounds an isolating build
ing or ward, to be built without expense
To the Institution, but the cost TO be paid
out OF the appropriation provided Tor in
the District appropriation bill approved
March 8. 1897. The plans for the build
ing are TO be furnished by the Commits
sioners anc approved by the health office.
The hospital, on its side, agrees that
two-thiIds OF the entire capacity of the
building shah be reserved for such poor
patients as shall be sent to it from time
10 time by the Commissioners. For each
such patient the District is 10 pay at the
rate II $3.50 per year for such time as the
paticTt shall be in the hospital
1t is further arranged that persons able
to pay for treatment may make such ar
engagements for entering the building as
shall be determined by those in charge
that they shall pay to the hospital d rea.
sonahle compensation, to be fixed by the
trustees, but shall have the privilege OF
selecting their own physician and nurses
They must, however, pay such doctors and
nurses If they are not of the hospital staff
And Providence Hospital agrees to alw avs
maintain neutral zone of forty feet around
the isolating building.
Dr.. w. C. Woodward, of the health de-
partment, said that the matter had been
arranged satisfactorily to all parties con
ceIned; that the survey and architects
plans would be made at once, with the
hope OF finishing the building for the
reception OF patients before cold weather