The Johnson City comet. (Johnson City, Tenn.) 1916-1917, 1917-03-01
THE NATIONAL SOLDIERS HOME

THE NATIONAL SOLDIERS HOME
- CONTINUED from page Onel
Quite often these members are quar-
tered in the hospital from the very
first day of their application, old age
or sickness having compelled them
to seek the shelter of the home.
The Total Number of Members
The total number of members cared
for in all the branches since the es-
adjustment of the parent one up to
date is approximately 206,000 The
total number of deaths in all the
branches during this period has been
nearly $4,000.
Beginning with the first year of the
homes existance, with an average
present of 479, the number of admis-
sions steadily increased. year by year
until 1903, when there was an aver
age number of present and absent of
27,769. Since then there has been a
gradual decrease--the average pres
ent for the year ending 19l4-15 being
1887.
Millions for Maintenance
There was total general expen-
diture for the maintenance of the
home during the year ending June 30
1915, of $3,718.742.77. The total gen
eral expenditure for maintenance
from the establishment of the home
up to mad including June 30, 1915
las been 624,729.25.
1t should be said to the credit OF
the treasury department OF the gov
crnment that the disbursement OF
these large sums by the general treas
urers. all bonded officers, has beer
made without loss or defalcation. Tit
disbursement was made under thu
supervision of the presidents of thu
Board of Managers and of the gov
errors of the various branches.
The average cost per capita for thu
members of the home for the frs
year of its existence was $94358 viii
the average cost per capita for tn
last fiscal year was $217.24.
From the stores, hotels and resta
urants of the branches the govern
ment received pfoflt duringe tn
past fiscal year of $29,513.95. Thi
sum was paid by the wards of the go
eminent and by the thousands of Wis
tors who view the branches eacl
year.
A Few Figures in Pensions
During the year ending June 81
1915, there was a total of 1888 pen
soners on the rolls of the home, a
against 1S,441 for the previous yeal
decrease of 623, caused by deaf
and withdrawal
In the aggregate there were 1892
pensioners drawing pensions of "
or more per month, and 3,l15 draw
ing pensions of $50 or more pc
month.
Twenty-three pensioners had ba
ances during the past year of NOR
than 1000 each to their credit, IL
had each between $500 and $1,000
| 63S had each between 500 and $50
! and 1885 had balances of less tina
500 each to their credit. Unless TIL
money is disposed of by will or Other
wise by the pensioners it reverts I
the general government after tn
death of the veterans who saved
and this very otter is their wish an
intention in boarding their funds.
is their last expression of apprecif
ton for all their country has done fo
them.
There was total amount paid
pensioners in the home or to the
families during the past year of "a
623;52662.
Old Age and Amusement
The average age of the present civ
war veterans in the home is74 year
2 while the average age of the Spanish
American War members is 64.S
years.
At all the branches amusement
$ are provided for the entertainment {
the members and sonsist of hramat
and vaudeville performances, motto
pictures, band concerts, baseball, ct
There are also photograph concert
: for the sick in the hospitals, and rea
ers for the blind. Tho members al
admitted free to all entertainments
Each of the branches has it's ow