Evening star., 1940-01-28

report to the Public Welfare Board.
ito keep these old people happy and
contented when we are in such a
crowded condition. We have not the
proper space at our tables in the
dining room. nor in the sleeping
quarters in the dormitories."
Mr.. Haskell thus discussed the in
stitution's medical problem:
I'VE are badly in need of more per-
sonnel in our infirmary and wards,
having only 13 employees to care for
and treat 100 bed patients and the
sick in the wards. These employees
cannot properly take care of this
number, when we have only 204
working days of eight hours each
year. We have only 20 employees in
the care sections. This includes the
steward, attendants, cooks, laundry
and cleaning. We had expected to
have two additional employees in the
infirmary this year, but the item was
cut out of the appropriation bill at
the last days of the consideration
by Congress.
IF the institution continues to
grow as it has in the past, we will
need all the buildings and additions
that have been recommended in our
1941 estimates, and we should Strive
by all means to get more personnel
and equipment by 1941, so that we
can take care of these old people as
MSs SHOULD be cared for" ,1o,-
! Trying to Correct Conditions.
In recent weeks, Public Welfare
Director Bondy had given Blue
EQlains much attentions hoping sto
correct conditions so far as possible
He reported yesterday that Mrs.
Elizabeth o. Grant, nutritionist of
the District Health Department, had
made study of the food and sug-
gested certain changes designed to
give the inmates more adequate
and better balanced diet. A trained
hotel steward was placed in charge
of the kitchen.
But Mr.. Bondy made it clear that
there was distinct limit to what
could be done without increased
appropriations.
For the next fiscal year the We'll
fare Department recommended to
the Commissioners these improve
ments at Blue Plains:
Addition to dining room, which is
extremely crowded, $12, 500; new ad-
ministration building to replace q
rickety frame structure, $4,000;
addition to colored women's ward
badly congested, $4,000; plumbing
repairs, $4,000; renewal of equip
ment and additions to power plant
which serves both the home and
institution and the nearby Indus
trial Home for Colored Children
$101, 900.
Items Stricken from Budget.
Every one Of these recommends
tions was stricken out of the Dis
trict budget when it was submitted
to Congress.
What role the Commissioners
played In this economy and what
part the Budget Bureau took are
matters not made public.
The Public Welfare Department
recommended $80,64O for personnel
services-salaries of so employees
The Budget Bureau recommended
$72, ,420.
The department suggested $50, 100
for maintenance and got a recon-
mendation Of 5000.
The Welfare Board urged $4,000
for repairs and got $1,000 request
of Congress.
Mr.. Bondy says he feels that the
institution is doing the best it can
with the available money.
Although the Blue Plains popu-
lation is increasing at the rate of
10 per cent year the appropriation
for the present fiscal year was
$164 100, and the sum estimated by
the Budget Bureau as necessary for
the next year is $161 ,270.
At the present rate of increase, Mr..
Haskell reported. Blue Plains prob
ably will Rave 750 inmates during
the coming year and 800 or more by
l94l.
Has Talk With Collins.
At his last appearance before the
House Appropriations Subcommittee
in charge of District appropriation,
the following colloquy took place
between Supt. Haskell and the then
chairman, Representative Ross Col
Inns of Mississippi:
Chairman Collins-Why is 1t this
institution is increasing its popula-
ton, when the Government is Civ
ing more and more old-age as
sistance?
Mr.. Haskell-Well, the old-age
assistance has not taken on very
many, and these people need care
and shelter.
Mr.. Collins-Are any Of them get
ting old-age assistance?
Mr.. Haskell-No, none with us.
Mr.. Collins Are they entitled
to It?
Mr.. Haskel-Yes, they are en-
titled to it, but they are not entitled
to receive both.
Mr.. Collins-But thex are entitled
to some old-ase assistAMce?
Mr.. Haskell-Yes, II they qualify,
but . good many do not want 1t and
would rather stay down here.
Mr.. collns-Is Il your opinion