New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-02-07

baths as tending to enhance the cleanliness OF
the tenement house population and lessen the
danger of disease
Mr.. Tolman is the general agent OF tho AS
ISOLATION for Improving the Condition OF the Poor.
The peoples baths. under the management or
that association, have proved eminently success
full and have served as model TO several other
cities.
A preliminary report issued by the committee had
recommended the spray. rain system of baths,
because first there is no waste Of water; second,
the cost OF erection IS moderate, and. last. II ~
characterized By cleanliness and simplicity. Public
ash houses for tho tenement-hOuse districts ana
public comfort stations were also recommended.
A law making tho provision Of public baths In
cities of the first and second class compulsory was
passed In April 1851. OF the seven cities In the
State falling under this law. only one has as yet
complied with 1t. Buffalo opened n spray bathing
establishments with capacity of sixty baths an
hour. on New Years Day last. Yonkers took ad-
vantage OF the section permitting smaller cites
also 10 erect public baths. and has had lis baths
in operation since Labor Day. 1896.
New York has got no further than the prospect
OF site at such time the Department OF Public
Parks clear the space for IA new public park
the East Side. the easterly end of the block
bounded by Suffolk Hester. Division and Norfolk
sts to be set apart for "A public bath.
That such an institution would prove popular,
once established there can be doubt. The num-
ters the peoples baths have steadily risen, until
now. at times. the limit OF accommodation is
reached. Other baths maintained by charitable
associations In this city report like increase.
ARRANGEMENT OF A BATH.
The committee publishes plans for bath on
site l0OxJO feet the accommodation consisting main
ly of spray baths with q limited number OF tubs
small laundry is also provided. Cady. Berg
See the architects. have drawn from their success
full plans for the peoples baths and from their
perience in other public buildings and everything
is arranged in such manner as 10 promise the
best results. Provisions for heating. ventilating
and water supply based the latest expert
ence. and the exterior Is in classic style admitting
OF sufficient ornamentaton to be attractive. but
retaining the dignity and massiveness necessary
10 prevent Its appearing lslgnlhcdnt or trivial 1t
Is estima ted that such building could accOmmO-
date 100000 bathers In Ii year
While the committee does not present any plans
ming Bath as Recrea,ion' deals with the ' expert
ence abroad with this most popular institution.
only from ISIS yet the numbers using them usually
exceed those using all other kinds of baths Tho
granting free tickets 10 such children AS cannot
afford 10 pay; and twq;cent tickets TO all others
to give instruction In swimming to these children.
though some Of the poorest have had TO- be forbid,
they had had nothing to eat.
Many baths provide swimming instructors at
moderate rates a cheaper rate IS granted TO
clubs, which are quite numerous. as many as eigh-
teen using the iiorpsey Road Islington baths.
In the winter the larger swimming bath is usually
hoored over. In some cases 1t Is used as a swim
ming bath In others II Is rented Tor entertainments,
while the popularity of the bicycle and the neces-
sity for indoor practice In winter has enabled one
establishment to rent the hall as cycling school.
Another part OF the English BATH Is the public
wash-house. where for a few cents the woman who
has only one two small rooms and
veniences can go and do her famy's washing with
the most approved appliances.
FOR THE FAMILY WASHING.
Each washer has washing tub with three taps
under her command for the supply of hot and cold
water and steam She is supplied with footboard,
pail copper stick and washing board and has the
use OF the steam wrnger, "A drying horse, mange.
irons and ironing tables. The upset OF the tiny
home Is prevented, and the husband cannot excuse
his visit TO barroOm OH the plea Of damp clothes
being hung up to dry In the living room.
Besides the municipal wash house, the committee
also recommends public comfort stations. Munich
pal provision for public comfort in this respect is
ridiculously inadequate. and the case Of the public
servants who letter rriers. street cleaners
and policemen is particularly distressing. since tn,
law forbids the last two classes TO enter barroom
while duty. The committee recommends the
trial OF the system Of underground conveniences
such in use in London. If as successful
those In London II Is believed that many will
be built Being almost hidden from view, light.
clean and thoroughly ventilated they Will
public. Plans were also prepared for such
vencnces under the elevated stations and within
the line OF buildings on the sidewalk. At pres
ent the whole matter of such provisions Is In
allegiance.
The committee urges that in the palmy days
not consider II beneath his dignity TO present pub
lie bath his city. now no larger social service
could be given. This idea is commended TO citizens
anxious to perpetuate their name and fame.