Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1901-10-14
AT TER FIFTY YEARS
mi-Oentenary Of the Soldiers
Home.
'IRSF INMATE ENTERED JULY Is, 1851
General Miles Reports on Recent
Improvements.
DISCIPLINE PROVED

Lieut.. Gen. Miles has made report to
the Secretary of War in regard to the Sol
diers' Home of the District of Columbia.
which is conducted by board of commits
| sioners of which he is ex-ofiicio president.
| At the close of the last fiscal year there
| were 13S5 soldiers the rolls Of the in
| stitution, an increase of sixteen over the
| same date of last year. The total disburse-
ments during the past year were $685.
of which s14O,3S5 was spent for current
expenses and s121,s52 for permanent i'm
provements. The permanent fund of the
home June 80 last was 81, S20,56. The per-
mnent funds has increased by $239. 1o9. Is.
The amount expended for permanent i'm
provements covers the cost of the construc-
ton Of the large new stables, the con-
servatory, additions to hospital steward S
quarters, gate lodge and band stand; ma
cadamizing roadway from Whitney avenue
to Scott statue; repairs of sewerage and
cutters, and all other alterations and i'm
provements made during the period.
There are POI beneficiarieS of the home
who served in the war with Mexico, 169 of
whom are drawing outdoor relief; 1913 who
served in the war of the rebellion, of whom
81 are on outdoor relief, and 220 who serv-
ed since the commencement of the war with
Spafn making a total of $40 members who
had war (other than Indian war; service.
The average cost of maintaining man at
the volunteer home for the year 1900 Is
given as $13O91, and on outdoor relief from
these funds Ssh
The ages of the inmates of the home
range from twenty-one to niety-four
years. FortySiX are Seventy-five years of
age and over, and the average age of all
the beneficiaries is fifty-nine and one-third
years.
Excellent Sanitary Condition.
1.-THE sanitary condition of the home and
grounds" says Gen. Miles, has been eA-
cellent throughout the period. The water
supply and drainage satisfactory and
there has been no prevalent or epidemic
disease among the inmates.
I'm order to provide better and much
needed accommodations for the home chap
lains to conduct religious service the BOARD
has recently authorized the construction of
additions to the home chapel at an esti-
mated cost of 81, 500.
THE increase of the number of inmates
now to be cared for. together with the prob
ably greater number that will have to be
provided for in the future, owing to an
increased army has made the present
kitchen and bakery arrangements no
ing conditions. This, in addition to
the insufficiency and unsuitableness of
the present amusement rooms located in
tbs basement Of the Sherman buIlding de-
termined the board of commissioners. after
a thorough personal inspection, TO invite
preliminary plans for the construction of
new building as a mess hall, to conform in
style Of architecture and material to the
Scott building The plans for the proposed
building are with the Secretary of
War for his action.
The account of the farm and dairy shows
that the cultivation of the farm and the
establishment Of the dairy have proved
profitable in producing early and late vege-
tables and better quality of milk than can
be supplied by contract.
THE affairs Of the home have been ad
minstered by it's officers in highly COM
mendabie manner, and a visit to that instl-
tuition shows the constant and unremttlng
care exercised to bring the buildings and
grounds to their present splendid condition.
What is true of the care given the build
ings and grounds is also true of the care
shown the inmates, whose welfare and con-
tentment have been looked after with great
personal interest by the officers.
Enforcing Rules of Discipline.
In an accompanying report Gen. George
D. Ruggles retired), governor of the
home says:
1.-The rules of discipline have been duly
enforced. The number of men tried is less
than for the same period heretofore. A
few incorrigibles who have not sufficient
will power left to withstand the tempta-
ton for strong drink whenever they get
little money, have been suspended for
their constant infraction of the rules of
sobriety. They come back with expressed
intention of better conduct, but often fall
away again after a season of good be-
havior These unfortunates who have
to be dealt with firmly but kindly.
Renewed acknowledgment is due to the
chief of police and his officers and men for
valuable assistance rendered by the force
on Sundays and holidays in preserving or
der upon the grounds and guarding the
shrubbery, flowers and homes property
from destruction or damage at the hands
of thougntless or irresponsible parties"
Buildings Improved.
Gen. ]. c.. Breckenridge, inspector gen.
eral, says in the course of special re-
port on the home:
.HThe buildingS generally were found in