The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-10-27
THE CARE OF INHBRIATES
Sanitary Officer Frank Repeats
Former Recommendations.
In His Annual Report He FnSors the
Establishment of Ward in the
Proposed Municipal Hospital for
the Treatment of DipsOmania-
Year. Work of the Office Reviewed

Sanitary Officer Frank has completed his
annual report, and yesterday submitted it
to Major Sylvester, Superintendent of Po-
lice. The report shows that more work
was done by the Sanitary Officer during
the fiscal year ended June so. 1900, than in
any previous year in the history of the Of
fee. The Recommendation concerning the
care Of inebriates, which the Sanitary Of
ficer has made for the past few years, is
renewed with much earnestness.
Concerning transportation. the report
says:
This part Of the work assigned to the
able portion of its operations, and it is
evident. from the number of applicants and
the inconsistent reasonings. the primary
object of this fund is not understood. 1t
should be known that the appropriation for
transportation is intended alone for the
worthy and destitute who are liable to
become a charge upon the District of Co.
lumbia This part of the work consumes
more time and requires more thorough in
vestigation than any of the other work of
the office calling for an expenditure of pub
lic funds.
During the year transportation was
furnished to 9l3 persons. at an expenditure
OF $1.972.10. as against 500 persons, at
cost OF $1.7s7.s7. last year. showing an
increase of IA persons and s174.13 in ex-.
pense. In addition to this, there was one
dangerous or insane person returned un-
der police escort to her home, at an ex-
penditure Of sl1.30, making total ex-
penditure for transportation Of $1,9S3. 40.
The number thus benefited includes
eighty-five ex-soldiers and sailors. who
visited the National Capital in the in
terest of their claims for pensions, an in
crease of twenty-five OF this Gloss over
the preceding year, which, I think, can be
readily attributed to the late war with
Spain.
THE crank is seldom absent from our
midst. At least one every month of these
individuals. with imaginations of grievous
wrongs. makes his presence known. Ten
persons OF this character have been pro-
rided for and sent to their homes during
the year, an increase of two over the year
1899.
THE number who obtained transporta-
tion to return to their homes, or part
of their journey thereto. who came here
seeking work is 255. an increase Of AZ
over the preceding year. Many Of this
unfortunate class were hungry and foot
sore and were in need of food, SO that 204
were furnished with meals.
Il am pleased to note a decrease in the
number of distressed oyster dredgers.
Only % who suffered abuses and ill treat
ment on the oyster boats of the lower Po-
tomac and Chesapeake Bay appealed for
aid, showing a decrease Of 26 compared
with the year 1899. There was also de-
crease OF in the number Of women who
were brought to this city and deserted
here by their husbands. Twenty-eight OF
these unfortunate females were left here
penniless by their husbands in 1899, while
for the year just closed the number was
a.
''Of the 913 persons who received the
benefits Of the transportation fund during
the year. 675 were males. 23S females, III
white. 142 colored; 74s were natives of the
United States and 165 foreign born.
considering the large increase in the
number of worthy applicants and the natu-
raj growth in our population feel justi-
fed in asking for an additional appropria-
ton of $500, thus making the appropria-
ton for transportation of paupers s., 500.
During the year the number of persons
sent to the various hospitals was 1891, an
increase Of 35l over last year. This is the
largest number of sick and INDECENT per-
sons provided for during any fiscal year
Our hospitals many occasions during
this period were taxed to their utmost ca
pacity.
''Our neighboring States OF Virginia and
Maryland have not failed 70 contribute
their quota Of those needing medical care
to be provided FOR al -he expense of the
District OF Columbia The i.--es show
that the former state had % persons and
the latter 1sl. an increase Of OIL for vir-
ginia and 20 Tor Maryland
While this is IN undoubtedly charity to-
ward the above-dererf5ed class. yet / con-
slider 1t manifestly unjust TO the taxpayers
of this District and detrimental to our own
SICK and destitute. who are some times nee
cssarily deprived of treatment because of
the crowded condition of the several hos
pitfalls. such being the case at this time
1t is with great satisfaction that re-
Ter to the proposed establishment OF a
municipal hospital under the absolute con-
troll Of the District authorities The need
seems to be taking definite shape and II
Is hoped that the project will be consum-
mated
Il desire to commend the ambulance
drivers for their prudence, watchfulness.
and care. Considering the work of these
men they are the most poorly paid en-
plcyes OF the District government, and
most earnestly recommend that their sal
aries be increased to at least 5000 per an
mum each. They now receive $50.
Il would respectfully ask OF those con-
nected with the Police Department that
they fully inform themselves as to the
necessity for the use of an ambulance be-
fore calling for the same / would also
recommend appropriation for an additional
DRIVER. as / am frequently compelled to
call on the patrol wagons to assist in
the removal of the sick, especially those
meeting with accidents or found i'll on the
streets.
Il regret to report a decided increase
In the number of the insane class. The
number sent to the Government Hospital
for the Insane during the year. under due
process of law, was 270. an increase of
ffty-two, an unusual number
Il cannot refrain from expressing NV
high appreciation of the House of De-
tention. This will certainly be the con-
summation Of one of the most needful
and beneficial institutions under police
system. This ONCE will feel that il has
been relieved OF much care and anxiety
In being able to care for the insane fe-
males or hayward children in some pl.i e
other than a stationhouse
The thanks of this department are due
to DR.. A. B. Richardson, Superintendent
OF the Government Hospital for the In
sane, for his considerable and humane ac-
ton In taking charge Of violent cases of
insanity placed in the care of this de-
partment. pending judicial investigation
This is great service. not only to the
patient. but to the community and to the
relatives of the demented
In the establishment of the proposed
municipal hospital, trust the matter will
not be overlooked of providing a properly
equipped ward for the care of inebriates.