The Washington herald., 1911-06-25
KING OF SAXONY OPENS
THE HYGIENE EXHIBITION

The King OF Saxony has opened the
International Hygiene Exhibition, which
now is being held at his capital, Dresden.
Thoroughness is 'the word most applica-
BILE, for the exhibit is another example of
the German "Gruendlichkeit," which has
Won so many notable victories over the
rule Of thumb in all four quarters of
the globe. There Is neither unnecessary
ornamentation nor uneasy competition of
rival exhibitors, and there are no dis
tracing side shows. Everything is sub
ordinated to the purpose of the exhibi-
ton. namely a survey Of human effort to
maintain and promote the health Of the
race.
One Of the most interesting sections is
that illustrating the system Of work.
mems insurance in the German empire,
after which the new British law recently
passed has been patterned. In addition to
the models, tables, and illustrations sup
piled by the insurance department. there
are exhibits OF sick funds, OF voluntary
insurance organizations and organized
trades. It is strikingly educational piece
OF work. The walls are hung with geo.
graphical maps Of German states, show
ing the frequency and nature of accidents
before and after the introduction Of
state insurance.
Other series Of maps illustrate the de-
velopment OF sick, invalidity and old
age Insurance. Most interesting are large
photographs of protected machinery for
the prevention OF accidents, those parts
intended for protection being marked with
red lines. In the corners and scattered
about the rooms are admirable plaster
casts OF working men and women. all
OF them selected evidently for their fine
human grace and their air Of dignity.
As shown in these models there is nothing
sordid about labor. The jocund hay
making girl and the grim furnace man
both are to be admired and loved
Perhaps the most interesting exhibits
are elaborate models Of hospitals. san
toria and convalescent homes. which have
been built either out Of the state In
surance funds or by voluntary organiza-
tions. The German government was per-
fecfly correct In It's surmise that dry
statistics telling Of the millions OF Marks
spent In the interest of the masses will
not sufflce But with models before one.
rooms full OF representations Of palatial
establishments, Of delectable homes IN
sheltering forests or on breezy mountain
sides. one realizes great deal better
what It all means to the working men
and women Of Germany.
Take for exemple the Saxon Sana-
torium Of Gottleuba. It Hes In splen-
did park. The buildings are on an
enormous scale. yet homeiy and pleas
ant withal, all surrounded BY gardens,
and meadows. and outrageous trees.
Their gymnasium and reading rooms.
their bathing palace. their recreation
houses are ali perfect in their way. You
look into the bathing palace and you
see medicinal and medico-mechanicai
baths, massage rooms steam baths,
cooling rooms. all fitted up with per-
feet taste and, Of course, with perfect
science. Here the convalescent Saxon
worker rests ana RECEIVERS In the palaces
which he himself has helped 70 build.
and his manhood Is never outraged by
the feeling that he Is partaking OF a
public charity. or that he is there on
suiEorence He Is there as q right.
There are models Of the sanatoria At
Hohwald and splendid illustrations Of
ether establishments Of q similar chnrac-
ter scattered obor the empire. They al
lie IN the midst Of resinous pines and
green grass. with the free winds Of
nearon piayiaK about them. At the end
ol 1910 there were sIxty-four Of these es-
t11'Ishment1 ip exiztence, o< which thirty