Bisbee daily review., 1909-10-20
BERNER DENIES CO. HOSPITAL
 STORY

That the statements of Howard F. Futile. of Tombstone, concerning gen. eral conditions pertaining to the county hospital and the management of the institution. as published in the Review nf yesterday are grossly ex- aggerated, was the statement made yesterday by H. E. Berner. clerk of the board of supervisors. who was fiji the city for the purpose of meeting the Postmaster General.
 While I cannot defend the con tract system which has prevailed up to this time. nor can anyone, yet m. der its provisions the supervisors have done all that in their power lay to make the county hospital first class institution. In view of the statements made by Howard E. Futile, whom I have not the honor of knowing, al- though have lived for a number of years in the county seat, and in jus tice to those having the contract and to the supervisors. believe it is ob- ligatory that deny at least some nf the statements he made
 Tn most particulars the story told by Mir Futile is absolutely false. The county hospital main building is old but in good state of repair Condi- tions are sanitary. insofar as am acquainted with them New out build ings, including dead house." have recently been added to the institution. The statement of Mir Futile concern ing man lying in the "old rotton dead house." caa therefore have 10 foundation.
 ''Dr. Bacon, who has charge of the hospital under contract is one of the most reputable physicians in the coun- ty. To assist him in the work there are a steward and his assistant, both of whom are paid. They are also as sisted by indigents who are inmates of the institution and patients suffi- cientIy convalescent to allow or being of use.
 "The food furnished. is wholesome, clean and substantial. Variety may be lacking to some degree, but good meat, bread, beans, and other vege- tables form the greater portion of it It is such as I would eat at any time and declare good.
 "The patients are given as careful attention as could be expected. Each morning those suffering from wounds of any kind have their injuries re- dressed. Naturally the class of pati- euts is low and the majority of cases taken in unless accidentally injured are suffering from diseases of loath- some character, in most cases in suea advanced stages that little can be done for them aside from constant az tention- There are also g number or aged indigents in the institution. They receive no medical attention, not re- curing any. Any of these men are sent to relatives who will agree 70 take care of them, the county paying transportation charges.
 Naturally conditions will be greatly improved after February 1910, when lthe new county hospitapl near Doug las will be completed. The buildings will be more commodious and the a'- tendance uppon patients reguia- as al any other hospital. The last legisla: ture empowered the supervisors or Arizona counties to do away With 'ne contract system in public institatiohs Tiff they saw fit to do so. From "hal I have heard this is the intention or the supervisors"
 Total expenditure for the county health department last year was ii' line neighborhood of s14.eoo, of which Iapproximately s11,OoO was spent at the county hospital. MT. Berner stated