Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-11-27

ganization desires Rock Island, Mo-
line and the county at large, or the
two cities. at least, to unite upon
a single project By so doing, it is
claimed, much better use could be
made Of the funds of each. Acting
separately the sum of money avail
able in either case would be INSULT
cient to care for the number of pa
tients that statistics show are ordin-
arily suffering form this disease, but
with a single sanitarium supported
under a joint arrangement it would
be possible to effect many economies,
materially lowering the per capita
cost, and at the same time give bet
ter service.
EXPECT OUTSIDE AID.
Whether Rock Island shall wait for
the cooperation of Moline and the
county doubtless will be decided very
shortly. In either event, II is hoped
by those most interested, that aid will
come from other sources sufficient to
put the sanitarium on an adequate
basis SO that the fight against the
white plague can be waged vigorously
from the beginning. The Helpers
circle Of ene Kings Daughters has
been carrying on the war in Rock
Island and with considerable success.
Eight or ten tents, with necessary
furnishings, have been maintained and
furnished free to those who have
needed them, and other aid has been
given. The Helpers circle stands
public sanitarium as may be estab-
lished and to continue in the work.
Other charitable organizations are in
the same position, while it is not I'M
likely that private subscriptions will
be forthcoming TO meet apparent
needs.
MANY GOOD SITES.
There are many satisfactory sites for
a sanitarium in or near the city linn
its and convenient to Moline. OF
course a pace on the bluffs is pre-
ferable to be as free as possible from
the city's dust and gases and the
fogs of the lowlands. Scenic beauty
also has its effect, and quiet is indis-
pensable. The tract should be large
enough TO give room for a central
building and a number of tents or
cottages. with grounds about them on
which patients cap exercise. 1t is
probable that the plan of housing
patients under a single roof will be fol.
owed except in certain cases where
tents or cottages seem, to be demanded,
because in this way the per capita cost
Of maintenance will be materially re
duced. This cost likely will be al
least $50 per patient per month. judg
ing by the experience of other sani
taria.
Rock Island is not more afflicted
with tuberculosis than other cities Of
It's class. The death rate from the
disease here is about two year. SAM
tarium accommodations for 20 pa
tients it is believed would be equa
to present demands, though of course
the income from a one-mill tax will
not care for more than one-third o
that number.
Under the law. patients residing IL
Rock Island will be entitled to free
care under such rules as the trustee!
may adopt, for a term which prob
ably will be limited 10 six or MINI
months. Section of the city anC
village sanitarium act is as follows:
Sec. Z. Every sanitarium es-
tablished under this act shall be
free for the benefit of the inhabi-
tants of such city or village who
may be afflicted with tuberculosis
and they shall be entitled to &C.
cupancy, nursing, care, medicines
and attendance according to the
rules and regulations prescribed
by said board. Such sanitarium
shall always be subject TO such
reasonable rules and regulations
as said board may adopt in order
to render the use of said sanitar-
ium of the greatest benefit to the
greatest number, and said board
may exclude from the use of said
sanitarium any and all inhapl-
tants and persons who shall will
fully violate such rules and regu-
lations. And said board may ex-
tend the privileges and use of
such sanitarium to persons re-
siding outside of such city or
village in this state so afflicted,
upon such terms and conditions
as said board may from time to
time by its rules and regulations
prescribe.
The act further provides that "a
reputable physicians shall have equs
privileges in treating patients"
A tuberculosis sanitarium in Roc
Island undoubtedly will do much t.
ward freeing this city from the dit
ease which exacts a heavier toll c
human life than any other, for tn
educational effect will be at least a
important as the actual benefits cor
ferred upon patients.
For each one treated many wi
be taught methods of prevention an
care and convincing evidence will b
furnished the considerable numbe
among us who still doubt that tube
cu,osis is durable, at least in thi
climate.