The Hays free press. [volume] (Hays, Kan.) 1908-1924, 1918-01-12
THE BATTLE MOUNTAIN SAM.
IARIUM, HOT SPRINGS,
SOUTH DAKOTA.
by Matthew Henry Janis


To tie E6iGor of the Free Press:
This Government Sanitarium was
founded fer the relief of the aged
veterans of the Civil War in the first
place; and for the disabled soldiers of
all wars IN which the United States
has been engaged. 1t is fulfilling that
purpose to the uttermost.
1t is situated in the High Plains re-
glon IN Western South Dakota, at the
foot of the Black Hills; in a climate
unsurpassed IN the world for health.
m one Of the younger states of the
Union, which for the fertility of its
soil and the intelligence of its people.
shines with luStre unequalled bV
many of the older sister states.
it IS short of the full truth to say,
that South Dakota, in her devotion
to Democracy stands unrivalled in
these days of worldwide war Her
stout-hearted troops viii give a good
account of themselves when called at
the supreme moment on the battle
fields of Europel
It Is IN such an environment as this
that wise and benevolent govern
ment has, at an amazing expenditure
OF money, founded one of the most
beautiful, unique and sanitary insti-
tutiOns for the conservation of the
lives and health of men who through
wearing campaigns stood fast for the
government founded by Washington
and the fathers.
There is no building nor cluster of
buildings on the globe to compare
with this for the intent to which it
was established.
The cluster of buildings is con-
structed of peach-blow sandstone, a
y -41
these hills, duarried near at hand and
50 abundant, that the quarry is prac-
tically ineXhaustable.
The interior of the dome of the
Administration buildings is as beau
tlfu1 as that of the Capitol at Wash
lngton, although not nearly so large
On either hand as you enter are the
offices of the working force and flush
with the vaults are fireproof vaults for
the security of treasurer and valu-
able papers.
In the rotunda are seats for visi-
tors who are received and shown
through the quarters from two to
four o'clock p. N. Our courteous, not
to say numerous, impressive, good
looking Chief of Guards will be de-
lighted to see you and will do the
honoTs IN an acceptable manner AS
our yivacious Chief leads you sud
denly from the arcade down a long,
narrow, peculiar passage. which
seems to have no terminal, don't be-
come alarmed lest you are being led
from the base OF Haig's Army to the
front trench fernist the ''Boches" in
France, for, as he swings wide the
double doors at the farther end, he
Will usher you into a beautiful audi
forum where the concerts and pic
ture shows are held, and from thence
into the library, presided over by his
ennnence, Judge Hickman.
Back of the HEADQUARTERS is
large court set with shrubbery and
adorned with Towering plants in sum-
mer. from this arcade which is the
boundary of this court radiates the
ward buildings like the spokes of q
wheel The passages leading to the
wards are inclines rather than stair
ways, which facilitate the passing of
invalid wheel chairs as necessity re-
quires.
Supplementary to the medicinal
treatment by our surgeons a plunge
bath is provided, an overflow bath,
cabinet and electric baths, large
battery Tor electric treatment and a
lesser one, and two vibrating ma
chimes
\ The sick wards are above the con-
valecent wards below. Trained fe-
male nurses are in attendance night
and day.
The arcade alluded TO is enclosed
with glazed sash IN winter, but is
open IN the summer, and is a conven- F
lent place for exercise IN stormy wea- +
ther, for which the corridor below is
also used.
The plant IS equipped with mod
eTn heat and ventillating system IN
ike anything IN common use.
Uncle Sam IS no tightwad, and he
has armed the Sanitariunn with every
service known TO the modern hos
pltaI, such as an up-to-date kitchen
outfit, 2 bakery with patent ovens, an
ice plant, subsidiary, reinforcing cleo
Irlc lighting machinery workshops for
the plumbers, the tailor, the shoe !.
maker, the butcher; quarters for the
members of the orchestra in winter,
and for members of the brass band In
summer
The dining room viii challenge
comparison with other leading hotels,
md the service is graced with hand
some young lady walters
MI Hoover, We Surmise, viii not
ut our ratlons severely, for the aged
mi invalid cannot stand trimming
Ike the youngsters!
f1fty-elght employees look after
'ur comfort and keep the machine a. /