The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-10-08
HOT SPRINGS RESERVE
GOVERNMENT REPORT ON THE
BUSINESS OF THE YEAR.
A Few More Lots Will Be SOld-Frce
Baths Statfstics-"Fiends with
Craving for the Waters.

WASHINGTON, Oct. IAN interesting
report on the Hot Springs reservation in
Arkansas has been submitted to the Sec
rotary Of the Interior by the superintend-
ent, Martin A. Eisele. Mr.. EiseIe says
that the Springs, during the past season.
reached the high-water mark of popularity.
According to the best estimates there were
$4,000 visitors during the season The in
come to the government from water and
ground rents amounted to $3.50, while
the fixed charges were only about $4,000.
leaving a fair balance, which. In accord
ance with the liberal policy of the gov
eminent, was available for additional i'm
provements in the reservation.
The reservation includes Oil acres, and
in this tract there are Isl government lots
still unsold. The superintendent says the
sale of these lots, which have been ap-
praised at $4,000 would go far toward pro-
viding the money necessary in perfecting
the work OF park improvement now going
forward, and he earnestly recommends a
re-appraisement of the ground and the sale
of the lots during March, 1901, when the
influx of visitors to the springs is at its
height
The free government bath house has
grown to be NEST important institution
and of great benefits to the INDECENT suffer-
ers who otherwise would not have the
benefit of the waters. The record of this
establishment for the past year shows
9.50S applications for free baths, of which
only ZIG were refused for various reasons.
The total number of single free baths
given was .030. at net cost of 1.57 cents
per bath. One of the curious features of
the free-bath patrons noted I'm the report is
that there are bath fiends who have a
morbid craving for the treatment much
the same as the craving for drugs and
whisky among other inebriates. This class
is considerable annoyance to the man.
agement. t
Capt. Frank West, of the Sixth Cavalry,
acting superintendent of the Sequoia and
General Grant national parks In California,
has submitted his annual report to the
Secretary of the Interior. The first of
these parks is the larger. containing, ii is
estimated. from 1000 to 5000 of the man.
moth sequoia trees for which California
is noted. Captain West says. for the
benefit of the public, as the best route
for reaching the giant forest is not gen.
orally known. that the proper point at
which to leave the railway is Visalia, Tu-
lare county, California. Thence there is
a good road through the park-like country
to the Keweah river, and leading thence
through the Ash mountains into the park.
The park itself is on high table land.
from $500 to $500 feet an altitude, and
commands a view of some OF the most
magnificent mountain scenery in the Rock
les. The General Grant Park is only two
miles square, and Is in very bad condition,
owing to fanen timber and rubbish. which
should be cleared away Immediately. Ii
contains over lbs large sequoias, including
the famous General Grant tree, and little
full spot.
One serious danger, which also threat
ems the Sequoia Park, is the presence
OF sawmills on private lands included
within the boundaries of the park. Il
is said there are $40 acres so held. The
mills are running the giant trees in their
neighborhood. Captain West recommends
that these lands be appraised speedily
and purchased by the government.