REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF THE HOT SPRINGS RESERVATION.
1914
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
HOT SPRINGS RESERVATION,
OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT,
Hot Springs, Ark., June 30, 1914.
SIR: I have the honor to submit herewith my annual
report of the operations of this reservation for the fiscal year ended
June 30, 1914.
I assumed charge of the Hot Springs Reservation as
acting superintendent August 4, 1913, and was appointed temporary
superintendent September 23, 1913.
ADMINISTRATION.
The duties of this office for the past year have
included the duties performed during the previous three years by the
superintendent and those performed by he medical director, which latter
position was discontinued by the department.
The bathhouses having been under the direct
supervision of the medical director, it has been my policy to continue
the ideas inaugurated by that official which had been found to be
practicable, and to substitute new policies only for those which had
been proven impracticable. The general policy of this office has
consisted of a rigid enforcement of the rules and regulations. Great
care should be taken by future superintendents in carrying out the rules
laid down for the regulation of the bathhouses, as only in this way may
the best interests of the department and the public be served.
EMPLOYEES.
There are at present 30 employees, including the
superintendent, engaged in the administrations maintenance, and care of
the reservation interests. The names, designation, and compensations of
the various employees, all of whom with the exception of the
superintendent, were appointed from Arkansas, appear in the following
table:
Employees, Hot Springs Reservation.
|
Name. | Designation. |
Compensation.
|
Per annum. | Per month. |
|
Charles R. Trowbridge | Superintendent | $3,600 | ----- |
B. Frank Bayley | Chief clerk and assistant to superintendent | 1,680 | ----- |
James W. Walker | Clerk-stenographer | 1,000 | ----- |
J. H. Demby | Manager, free bathhouse | 1,080 | ----- |
Richard L. Lawrence | Head male attendant, free bathhouse | 840 | ----- |
Martin Winn (colored) | Male attendant | 600 | ----- |
Van Cannon (colored) | do | 600 | ----- |
Elisha W. Baziel (colored) | do | 600 | ----- |
William M. Dixon (colored) | do | 600 | ----- |
Mary Clark (colored) | Female attendant | 480 | ----- |
Mattie Fielding (colored) | do | 480 | ----- |
Jonathan A. Jordan | Supervisor of reservation | 1,200 | ----- |
Hiram N. Anderson | Policeman, detailed as train inspector | ----- | $90 |
John W. St. Clair | do | ----- | 90 |
Richard L. Gaffney | Mounted policeman | 980 | ----- |
Montgomery Prichard | Policeman | 840 | ----- |
William H. Turner | do | 840 | ----- |
Patrick J. Dugan | Laborer | 600 | ----- |
Peter Nelson | do | 720 | ----- |
William F. Jennings | do | 720 | ----- |
Philander R. Bump | do | 720 | ----- |
Jap George | do | 720 | ----- |
Bishop H. Burrough | do | 720 | ----- |
Thomas Goins | do | 720 | ----- |
Hiram Walters | do | 720 | ----- |
Robert L. Stutts | do | 600 | ----- |
Bruno Hoffmann | do | 600 | ----- |
James Daniels (colored) | Laborer (superintendent's residence) | 600 | ----- |
Abraham Logan (colored) | Laborer (superintendent's office) | 600 | ----- |
Oliver H. Hoskins (colored) | Laborer (reservation barn) | 600 | ----- |
|
During the past year the salaries of seven of the
laborers on the reservation were increased from $600 to $720 per annum,
upon my recommendation, these men being skilled artisans and having been
connected with the reservation for a number of years. Tho salary of the
clerk in this office, who is also a stenographer, was increased, upon my
recommendation, from $900 to $1,000 per annum.
There has been added to the regular reservation force
one laborer at $600 per annum, and one additional policeman at $840 per
annum, in compliance with my recommendations. There has been no friction
encountered in the discharge of the duties of the various employees,
and I believe I can safely say that I have had the earnest support and
cooperation of all the employees. As will be seen from this report,
considerable more work has been accomplished in excess of that reported
for previous year.
I believe that it would be advisable to secure an
additional employee to assist in the investigation of drumming cases,
if this feature is pursued with the energy necessary to attain results.
It is frequently necessary to send reservation policemen a considerable
distance from the reservation to obtain information, and by so doing the
property of the Government is left without the police protection that it
should have. It is also believed that an additional police man should be
employed in order that the reservation front may be patrolled at all
times of the day and night, while the mounted police man could give his
entire attention to the mountains comprising the reservation during his
tour of duty. There are approximately 11 miles of mountain roads on the
reservation and the entire time of the mounted policeman should be
utilized in their protection.
It is suggested that a first-class gardener, with
some knowledge of landscape gardening, be employed, at a salary
sufficient to procure the services of a thoroughly competent man. Such
an employee, with but little extra expense, would add materially to
the beauty of the reservation front and the Hot Springs Mountain.
THE BATHHOUSES.
At the present time there are 18 bathhouses in
operation in Hot Springs, and the following rates for the baths,
approved by the department, are in effect therein:
Rates at bathhouses.
|
Bathhouse. | Single bath. |
Course of 21 baths. |
|
Albambra | $0.40 | $7.00 |
Arlington | .55 | 10.00 |
Buckstaff | .55 | 10.00 |
Eastman | .55 | 10.00 |
Great Northern | .35 | 7.00 |
Horse Shoe | .35 | 6.00 |
Hotsprings | .45 | 8.00 |
Imperial | .55 | 10.00 |
Lamar | .45 | 8.00 |
Magnesia | $6.40 | $7.00 |
Majestic | .50 | 9.00 |
Maurice | .55 | 10.00 |
Moody | .45 | 8.00 |
Ozark | .31 | 6.00 |
Ozark Sanatorium | .40 | 7.00 |
Rector | .45 | 8.00 |
Rockafellow | .40 | 7.00 |
St. Joseph's Infirmary | .45 | 8.00 |
|
The above table of rates does not include the
attendants' fee, Which is 15 cents for single bath and $3 for the course
of 21 baths in all the bathhouses, this rate being also approved by the
department. There are at the present time 27 lessees of hot-water and ground privileges, as
shown by the following table:
Hot-water and ground leases.
|
Name of bathhouse, etc. | Lease. |
Tubs. | Date of lease. |
Expiration. |
|
Albambra | Albambra Bathhouse Co | 18 | Mar. 1, 1914 | Feb. 29, 1916 |
Arlington 1 | Arlington Hotel Co | 68 | Mar. 4, 1912 | Mar. 4, 1902 |
Buckstaff | Buckstaff Bathhouse Co | 31 | Jan. 1, 1912 | Dec. 51, 1931 |
Crystal 2 | Knights of Pythias (colored) | 12 | Aug. 1, 1903 | July 31, 1913 |
Eastman 1 | New York Hotel Co | 64 | May 13, 1912 | May 12, 1932 |
Great Northern | Fannie G. Williamson | 17 | May 15, 1912 | May 15, 1915 |
Hale 3 | Emily M. Roots | 23 | Jan. 1, 1893 | Dec. 31, 1907 |
Horseshoe 4 | D. Fellows Platt | 30 | Jan. 1, 1895 | Dec. 31, 1909 |
Hot Springs 4 | C H. V. & G. M. Smith | 16 | Jan. 1, 1903 | Dec. 31, 1912 |
Imperial | Chas. N. Rix | 27 | Jan. 1, 1912 | Dec. 31, 1901 |
Lamar | M. C. Tombier & G. H. Buckstaff | 30 | Jan. 1, 1897 | Dec. 31, 1916 |
Magnesia 4 | Chas. B. Platt | 30 | Jan. 1, 1895 | Dec. 31, 1909 |
Majestic | Avenue Hotel Co | 20 | Jan. 1, 1913 | Dec. 31, 1932 |
Maurice | Maurice Bath Co | 30 | Jan. 1, 1912 | Dec. 31, 1931 |
Moody 1 2 5 | Nicholas M. Moody | 14 | July 1, 1910 | June 30, 1920 |
Ozark 4 | W. S. Sorrells & F. B. Latta | 26 | Jan. 1, 1904 | Dec. 31, 1913 |
Ozark Sanatorium 2 6 | Ozark Sanatorium Co | 10 | Sept. 17, 1912 | Sept. 16, 1922 |
Palace 7 | Samuel W. Fordyce | 23 | Jan. 1, 1907 | Dec. 31, 1921 |
Park 1 2 | Garland Hotel Co | 47 | May 13, 1912 | May 12, 1932 |
Rector 4 | Elias W. Rector | 12 | Apr. 16, 1904 | Apr. 15, 1914 |
Rockafellow | Mahala J. Rockafellow | 18 | July 1, 1901 | June 30, 1916 |
St. Joseph's Infirmary 1 4 | Sister Superior | 10 | Feb. 1, 1914 | Jan. 31, 1924 |
Superior 8 | Robt. Proctor & R. S. Simpson | 16 | Sept. 11, 1896 | Sept. 14, 1906 |
Waverly 9 | New Waverly Hotel Co | 20 | Mar. 24, 1893 | Mar. 23, 1913 |
Horse Pool 2 10 | Simon Cooper | 2 | Oct. 18, 1912 | Oct. 17, 1917 |
Arlington Hotel, ground lease. | Arlington Hotel Co | -- | Mar. 21, 1914 | Mar. 4, 1932 |
Ground lease | Hot Springs Mountain Observatory Co. | -- | Sept. 1, 1913 | Sept. 1, 1923 |
|
1Water used in private bathrooms in portion of tubs leased.
2Destroyed by fire Sept. 5, 1913.
3Closed Mar. 31, 1914; to be remodeled.
4Tenants holding over.
5Rebuilt and reopened Apr. 18, 1914.
6Rebuilt and reopened Jan. 26, 1914.
7Closed Dec. 31, 1913; to be replaced by Fordyce Bathhouse, now in
coarse of construction. Expect to reopen Jan. 1, 1911.
8Closed Mar. 31 1911.
9Destroyed by fire Jan. 23, 1910.
10Water sufficient to supply 2 tubs.
|
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During the first part of my incumbency I found upon
investigation that the rules and regulations were not being observed as
the should be by the bathhouses, but I believe that at the present time
the bathhouses are being conducted along much more satisfactory lines.
There are from 18 to 23 bathhouses operated in Hot Springs, employing
approximately 300 people the year round, and giving baths to
approximately 75,000 people, or over 600,000 baths, in the course of a
year, with total net receipts of approximately $250,000. Consequently
the regular and thorough inspection of the bathhouses is of supreme
importance, and each bathhouse should be inspected at least once each
month, with more frequent inspection of those bathhouses which are found
to be habitually negligent, for only in this way may the bathhouses be
properly regulated by the Government. It has been my custom, upon making
an inspection of a bathhouse, to make notes, from which a letter was
addressed to the manager, with a copy of the letter to the lessee of the
bathhouse, calling attention to the defects noted, and requiring
immediate action looking to their correction. This has been of great
benefit to the bathers, as well as the bathhouses, which have been
maintained upon a higher standard of efficiency than ever before.
Bathhouses have also been required to submit a sworn
monthly statement to this office showing the business transacted by
them, including the receipts from massage, mercury rubbing, and other
sources, which receipts have not heretofore been reported to this
office. As will be noted from the foregoing tables, this item has been
no small one for the six months that this requirement has been in
effect. In addition to the monthly reports and daily reports required by
the rules and regulations, the bathhouse lessees are required to submit
a sworn annual statement of receipts and expenditures, in duplicate, to
this office.
All advertising and soliciting has been eliminated
from the bathhouses during the past year. There has also been a marked
reduction in the number of complimentary baths given by the bathhouses
during the year, this office having discouraged the practice. There has
also been a marked reduction in the number of redeemed tickets.
Close supervision has also been maintained over the
work of the bath attendants in the bathhouses, attendants being
suspended or discharged where it was found necessary. The attendants
were formerly trained and examined by the medical director, but during
the past year the department authorized this office to issue permanent
licenses to all attendants who had passed two successive examinations,
as a result of which, approximately 200 permanent licenses were issued,
while 40 temporary licenses were issued to attendants who had passed but
one examination.
The Palace Bathhouse was closed on December 31, 1913,
and immediately thereafter razed, and a new building to be known as the
Fordyce Bathhouse is now being constructed on this site. This new
bathhouse will cost in the neighborhood of $200,000 when completed. It
will be opened about January 1, 1915, and will be a substantial and
ornamental improvement, as well as a modern bathing establishment.
The old Hale Bathhouse was closed March 31, 1914, and
the work of remodeling the building is now under way. The remodeling
will cost approximately $50,000, and it is expected that the work will
be completed and the bathhouse reopened about January 1, 1915.
Plans and specifications have been approved for the
remodeling of the New Hot Springs Bathhouse, which will be closed September
30, 1914, when the work will be commenced, and it is that this
bathhouse will also be reopened not later than January 1, 1915.
The St. Joseph's Infirmary Bathhouse was thoroughly
overhauled and remodeled to some extent in compliance with the
requirements of the department, and a new lease or a period of 10 years
from February 1, 1914, was granted to the lessees.
Plans are being prepared for the remodeling of the
Rector Bathhouse, and it is intended to complete this work as soon as
practicable.
The interiors of both the Arlington and Eastman
Bathhouses have been thoroughly remodeled during the past year, at a
cost of approximately $50,000 each, and new leases executed to the
lessees.
The lease of the Alhambra Bathhouse expired February
27, 1914, but a new lease was executed whereby this bathhouse will
continue as at present for two years, during which time arrangements
must be made for remodeling accordance with departmental
requirements.
The Moody, Park, Ozark Sanatorium, and Crystal
bathhouses were destroyed in the fire of September 5, 1913. Of these
four bathhouses, the Moody and Ozark Sanatorium were rebuilt in
accordance with plans heretofore approved by the department, and were
reopened for business on April 18, 1914, and January 26, 1914,
respectively. The contract has been let and work is now under way in the
construction of the New Pythian Sanitarium and Bathhouse, which will
replace the Crystal Bathhouse for the accommodation of colored bathers,
and it is expected that the new building will be ready for business
about November 1, 1914. No action has been taken as yet looking to the
rebuilding of the Park Hotel and Bathhouse.
The lease of the Ozark Bathhouse expired December 31,
1913, but an extension of 15 months has been granted on account of a
number of other bathhouses being closed during the present year. I am
advised by the lessees that this bathhouse will be rebuilt during the
year 1915.
The leases of the Horse Shoe and Magnesia Bathhouses
expired December 31, 1909, but these bathhouses have been permitted to
continue in operation to the present time. Too much can not be said as
to the unsatisfactory condition of these two bathhouses, the Horse Shoe
in particular being in a very bad state of repair, and is unsanitary to
a marked degree. While not quite in as bad a condition as the Horse
Shoe, the Magnesia Bathhouse is unsanitary, and I am of the opinion that
both of these bathhouses should be condemned by the department and
ordered closed. Both are situated in front of and within a few feet of
the Government Free Bathhouse, and being of a highly inflammable
character, there is great danger of fire, in which event the free
bathhouse would undoubtedly be destroyed.
The old Superior Bathhouse, which has been closed for
over three years and the lease of which expired in 1906, is another
"eyesore" on the reservation, and some arrangement should be made for
its early demolition. Too much stress can not be laid upon the
desirability of razing this bathhouse and the two bathhouses above
mentioned, and I earnestly recommend that some action to that end be
taken in the near future. In addition to being unsightly and unsafe, the
reservation is also deprived of the revenues from a bathhouse on that
site, as long as the Superior is allowed to stand as it is at
present.
FIRE OF SEPTEMBER 5, 1913.
While the bathhouses have enjoyed a fairly prosperous
year, there can be no question but that this city suffered greatly as a
result of the disastrous conflagration of September 5, 1913. The nature
of this holocaust was such that the press gave considerable publicity to
the fact, although the harmful effects of this was in a measure offset
by the issuance of an official bulletin to the press by the
department.
In this fire 518 buildings were destroyed, entailing
a property loss of between $2,000,000 and $4,000,000. The city, however,
quickly recovered from this catastrophe, and many of the buildings were
rebuilt, while a great many more of the buildings have been replaced by
more substantial and better buildings during the past 10 months, and
there are now ample accommodations for all visitors to this resort.
Fortunately, the flames did not extend to the reservation. The number of
visitors to the Hot Springs Reservation during the year is estimated at
125,000.
GOVERNMENT FREE BATHHOUSE.
The Government Free Bathhouse which has been operated
during the past year in accordance with the act of Congress approved
December 16, 1878, for the use of the indigent, with the results shown
in the following table:
Baths given at Government Free Bathhouse during
fiscal year ended June 30, 1914.
Total applications for free baths | 9,991 |
Applications refused | 215 |
Tickets issued | 9,776 |
Tickets reissued on original application1 | 1,516 |
Baths given to white men | 87,087 |
Baths given to white women | 17,724 |
Baths given to colored men | 33,900 |
Baths given to colored women | 15,324 |
Total baths given | 154,035 |
Average number of baths given daily | 497 |
1On January 1, 1914, the reissue of tickets on
original applications was discontinued and a new application required for
each ticket issued.
|
It will be noted that approximately 10,000 less baths
were given at the free bathhouse during the past year. This is largely
due to investigation by this office of all persons of whom there was
doubt as to their indigency, prosecutions and convictions resulting in
some cases.
The Government Free Bathhouse building is badly in
need of repair and I understand that there is now a bill pending in
Congress carrying an appropriation of $20,000 for the remodeling of this
bathhouse. In the event that this bill fails to pass, I recommend the
department approval of a bill in Congress for an appropriation for the
construction of a new bathhouse situated on the reservation at some
other site than that now occupied by the present one.
WHITTINGTON LAKE PARK.
This park should be ceded to the city of Hot
Springs, provided the city will accept it, for use as a public park. In
the event the city will not accept it, the park should be platted into
lots and sold, as it is so far from the important points of the
reservation that it is not used to any great extent by visitors, although the
citizens of Hot Springs use it as a public park.
All efforts toward the parking of the reservation
should be confined, for the next few years at least, to Hot Springs
Mountain, which is the logical location for a Government park in Hot
Springs
However, if Whittington Lake Park is not disposed of
as suggested above, a new iron fence should be constructed around the
park, the present one having about served its period of usefulness. I
believe that a two-rail iron pipe fence would be preferable to the
ornamental iron fence now in use. The bed of the creek flowing through
the park should also be concreted to protect the side walls which are
being undermined by the action of the waters. This could be done at an
expense of approximately $500, and would serve to prevent the breeding
of mosquitoes during the summer months, as the present natural bed being
uneven, causes the water to become stagnant, thereby making a breeding
place for mosquitoes, and as a result complaints have been made to this
office.
HOT SPRINGS MOUNTAIN.
As above stated, all efforts toward the parking of
the reservation should be concentrated on Hot Springs Mountain which in
my opinion, is one of the most beautiful spots to be found anywhere.
At the present time the west slope of this mountain
is parked about one-third of the distance to the summit. This should be
extended toward the summit from Fountain Street on the north to the Army
and Navy hospital grounds on the south. By the employment of a competent
landscape gardener, as before recommended, and the placing of a number
of flowering plants and shrubs on this portion of the reservation, this
natural park could be converted into a spot of beauty that would be a
source of pride to the department, the reservation, and the citizens of
Hot Springs.
During the past year there was installed an extension
of the city water lines on the west slope of this mountain and a number
of sprinkling connections provided, the need for which improvement has
been clearly demonstrated by the recent drouth. This water supply could
be further extended along with the work of parking the mountain.
The roads on Hot Springs Mountain are in excellent
condition, except for considerable dust during dry weather. This,
however, could be eliminated by oiling the roads, which should be done
in the near future.
There is now being installed a system for supplying
water from the Army and Navy General Hospital cooling tank to the
pavilion on top of Hot Springs Mountain for drinking and other
purposes. Means will be supplied in connection with this work for
providing water to the Hot Springs Mountain Observatory Co. for
sprinkling purposes. This system will soon be completed, and includes a
pump house equipped with electric motor and pump, a 2-inch pipe line, a
500-gallon red cypress tank, and a drinking fountain in the pavilion
above mentioned. The tank is being erected upon a 12-foot steel tower,
located immediately adjacent to the tract of land leased to the
observatory company, and at an elevation above that of the drinking
pavilion, and water will be supplied to the pavilion from
the tank by gravity. Arrangements will also be made
for a watering trough or horses near the pavilion.
There have been erected during the past spring nine
concrete bridges at various points on the reservation, replacing in some
instances wooden bridges. These bridges will stand indefinitely, and I
consider them a valuable and durable improvement. Trails and paths on
this mountain have been repaired and resurfaced with crushed whetstone,
and new trails constructed at advantageous points.
By authority of the department, an extra force of
laborers was employed for about two months this spring in cleaning up
the slopes of Hot Springs Mountain, parts of which had not received any
attention for a number of years. I believe that arrangements should be
made to do this each spring in the future, as the expense the past
spring was only about $200, and the appearance of the reservation has
certainly been enhanced more than enough to repay for the
expenditure.
An ornamental fountain of native tufa rock was
constructed near the main entrance, in the rear of the Maurice
Bathhouse. Similar fountains could be constructed at various other
points at a nominal cost.
Guard railings of 2-inch iron pipe
have been installed at various points on the reservation for the
protection of the public, and I do not believe that there are now any
places on the reservation that would be dangerous to anyone exercising
ordinary discretion.
Gutters have been constructed at various points on
the west slope where there was danger of washouts, and there is little
to fear from this source on the Hot Springs Mountain in the near
future.
WEST MOUNTAIN.
The roads on West Mountain are at the present time in
good condition, although they could be improved by resurfacing with
gravel. Some parts of these roads have not retaining walls or gutters,
and all such portions of the roads should be properly protected in the
near future, as most of the damage by heavy rains in the past has been
on this mountain, principally at such unprotected points. Other portions
of the roads have retaining walls but no gutters, there being
approximately 5,000 linear feet of gutters required to properly protect
those portions of the roads now protected only by retaining walls and to
provide proper drainage for the roads on this mountain.
On this mountain there are also a number of drain
tile under the main road at needed locations, and the outlets of these
drains should be protected by stone abutments. This has been done at six
points, and there remain about 15 such drains to be protected in the
same manner.
During the month of April, 1914, a number of slides
of earth occurred on West Mountain, carrying away retaining walls which
had been laid dry, and it was necessary at one point to construct a
solid masonry wall containing approximately 7,000 cubic feet, at a
cost of slightly over $700. This wall will prevent future slides at that
point, which has been a source of considerable annoyance in the past,
and a great deal of the trouble heretofore encountered on West Mountain
in the spring will be avoided by the construction of this wall.
Owing to the small force regularly employed on the
reservation, it has been impossible to accomplish all the work that
should have been done on West Mountain during the past year. The next
work to be taken up there should be the construction of walls,
gutters, and other arrangements for the proper drainage of the mountain
at the junction of Canon Street and the road leading up onto West
Mountain, in order to protect the buildings on Central Avenue in that
vicinity. Some work that was deemed absolutely imperative has been done
at this point, but there yet remains a large amount of work along the
same lines to be performed.
There are also several points on West Mountain where
concrete bridges similar to those constructed on Hot Springs Mountain
should be erected.
GENERAL IMPROVEMENTS.
Foremost among the many improvements on the
reservation during the past year is the erection and installation of 15
ornamental electric-light standards along Bathhouse Row, commencing at
the Imperial Bathhouse on Reserve Avenue and extending to the Arlington
Bathhouse on Central Avenue. These standards are 13 feet in height,
each equipped with one 16-inch and four 12-inch white globes containing
a 100-watt lamp and 60-watt lamps, respectively, which afford about
eight times as much light as the single lamps used on this thoroughfare
in the past. These standards have been installed along the inside line
of the walk, which presents a much better appearance than along the curb
line, as the old single-light poles were placed. It is also believed
that the installation of these lights along Bathhouse Row will do much
to promote the installation of similar lights along the opposite side of
Central Avenue.
The pavilion housing the hot spring in front of the
Hale Bathhouse, formerly known as the "Alum Spring," was repaired,
repainted, and sanded and a suitable inscription placed on the pavilion,
the name of the spring having been changed to "Major Harry M. Hallock
Spring," in honor of the late medical director, the former name of "Alum
Spring" having been found to be a misnomer.
The pavilion in Happy Hollow, in which are located
the "General Kelley" and "Colonel Hamblen" Spring, was also repainted
and the roof supports were cut off about 3 feet from the bottom and
concrete bases substituted, making them much more durable.
The office of the superintendent was repainted with
two coats of white paint in November, 1913, and a number of other
repairs made to the building, including new concrete steps leading to
the basement in place of the old iron steps, and the placing of all
wiring in conduits.
The residence in Happy Hollow formerly occupied by
the superintendent was vacated during the year on account of the
building being badly in need of repairs. The residence, which was
originally erected for the use of the medical director, and which had
been vacant since May, 1913, was formally designated by the department
in June, 1914, as the superintendent's official residence, and on the
15th of that month was occupied by the superintendent. Furniture was
purchased for the first floor and installed in the new residence.
A concrete walk extending approximately 580 feet from
the east line of the Army and Navy General Hospital grounds to the new
residence has been authorized by the department, this being necessary to
make the residence accessible.
A new reinforced concrete reservoir is being
constructed under the basement of the new Fordyce Bathhouse and will
soon be completed.
This reservoir will have a capacity of approximately
72,000 gallons and will cost when completed approximately $2,800, and
will be of material value in the impounding and conserving of the hot
water from the various springs on this site.
The line of pipe supplying city water to the old
residence on Fountain Street has been extended to remote parts of the
grounds to facilitate the watering of the lawn, plants, and flowers.
A new fence was constructed along the boundary line
of that portion of the reservation over which exclusive jurisdiction was
ceded to the United States by the State of Arkansas and proper notices
posted thereon.
RECEIPTS AND DISBURSEMENTS.
The receipts and disbursements on account of the Hot
Springs Reservation during the fiscal year ended June 30, 1914, were as
follows:
Receipts and disbursements fiscal year 1913.
PROCEEDS, SALE OF LOTS, SPECIAL FUND. |
July 1, 1914, balance remaining to credit of fund of $82,518, derived
from sale of Government lots | $4,979.25 |
Telegraph charges (paid at department) | 6.76
|
Available balance July 1, 1914 | 4,972.49 |
PROTECTION AND IMPROVEMENT, HOT SPRINGS
RESERVATION, INDEFINITE (REVENUE FUND). |
July 1, 1914, balance to credit of revenue fund | $60,355.06 |
Receipts, July 1, 1913, to June 30, 1914, inclusive: |
Water rents | $28,280.00 | |
Ground rents | 10,100.00
| |
| 38,380.00 | |
Repay of disbursing officer, Interior Department, account bill
Chicago & Alton R. R. Co., transportation of department electrician,
approved for settlement May 16, 1913, disallowed by Auditor
Interior | 5.80 | |
Repay of H. H. Myers, former reservation superintendent, of
amounts disallowed by Auditor Interior on account of subsistence
expenses of himself and Dr. L. R. Ellis, paid in accounts Superintendent
Myers, December, 1912, and September, 1913, quarters | 5.70
| |
Total receipts | 38,391.50 |
Total available | 98,746.56
|
Disbursements: |
Salaries of superintendent and reservation employees, July, 1913 and
Oct. 1, 1913, to June 30, 1914, inclusive | 21,227.51 | |
Improvements, supplies repairs, incidentals, and miscellaneous | 10,730.41
| |
Expended by superintendent | 31,957.92 | |
Salaries of superintendent and reservation employees, August and September, 1913 | 3,567.67 | |
Improvements, miscellaneous supplies, etc | 1,103.03
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Expended by the department | 4,700.70
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Total disbursements | 36,658.62
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Available balance, July 1, 1914 | 62,087.94 |
DRUMMING.
The most difficult feature with which this office has
to contend is the drumming evil. A large portion of the time of the
office force and myself has been taken up in the investigation of
drumming cases which came to my attention. However, by a system of
checking the daily bathhouse reports and investigating all suspicious
cases, I believe that drumming has been held in check to a large extent,
although drumming still exists in Hot Springs.
Considerable opposition on the part of certain local
interests to the announcement made on incoming trains by United States
inspectors has been encountered, but it seems to be the general opinion
of the bona-fide visitors to this resort that the announcements are of
great benefit to them. There is nothing in this announcement detrimental
to Hot Springs or its people, although this has been disputed by some
persons. A careful inspection of the wording of the announcement,
however, fails to support any such contentions. There can be no question
but that these announcements should be continued as long as drumming in
any form exists in Hot Springs.
I believe that it would be better, however, if this
announcement was prepared in printed form and handed to each passenger
by the inspector, as in this manner there could be no misunderstanding
on the part of the visitor. In any event, the announcement should be
continued in some form. If this announcement is discontinued by the
department, it is certain that the visitor will have little, if any,
protection. This has been clearly demonstrated in the past in cases
where violations of the various drumming laws, both State and municipal,
have been called to the attention of the authorities, in practically all
of which cases the violator was acquitted or the case dismissed. This
should not be misconstrued, however, as being the sentiment of the
community, for while a number of people here regard drumming as strictly
legitimate, there are also a large number of people here of high moral
character who respect the rights of others.
RECOMMENDATIONS.
In conclusion of this report, I have the honor to
submit for the consideration of the department the following
recommendations:
The construction of a new greenhouse. This new
greenhouse should be constructed in the rear of the Buckstaff and Lamar
Bathhouses parallel with the west line of the Army and Navy General
Hospital grounds, the building to be approximately 100 by 20 feet. If
located at this point, the greenhouse could be heated by connection with
the heating plant now in use in the free bathhouse, which is
approximately 150 feet from the north end of this site. The present
greenhouse is in a very unsatisfactory location, being directly in the
rear of the Arlington Hotel, and the sun's rays rarely reach this
point.
It is recommended that a modern public
comfort-station be erected in the rear of the Ozark Bathhouse, which
would be in close proximity to the Government Free Bathhouse, and the
necessary janitor work could be performed by an employee of the free
bathhouse.
The roadway leading from the main entrance should be
paved from Central Avenue to the free bathhouse either with concrete,
asphalt, or vitrified brick. From the free bathhouse to the observatory
the roads on Hot Springs Mountain should be oiled.
A new impounding reservoir with a capacity of at
least 200,000 gallons should be constructed on the reservation, the best
location being in the rear of the Maurice Bathhouse and to the left of
the main entrance.
Concrete gutters should be built at the base of all
retaining walls where there are no gutters at the present time.
Construction of retaining walls for the protection of
the roadway on West Mountain from the Whittington Avenue entrance to
rear of old opera house building on Central Avenue, at intersection of
Canon Street.
The Government Free Bathhouse should either be
extensively repaired and remodeled or a new building constructed. In
either event, the plans should include the installation of at least two
tubs and a shower bath for the exclusive use of the employees of the
reservation. I believe this latter improvement to be very necessary to
the interests of the reservation.
It is also recommended that the department refuse to
approve of any stock or interest in any of the bathhouses being owned or
controlled by any practicing physician in the city of Hot Springs, as it
is but natural for any such physician to send his patients to the
bathhouse in which he is interested, thereby depriving the other bathhouses
of the opportunity of securing the patronage of patients of that
particular physician. Exceptions may be made in the case of sanitariums
having bathhouses in connection with them.
I also recommend an appropriation by Congress of an
amount sufficient to provide for surface drainage from the reservation,
the necessity of which is shown in report of Geographer Sledge Tatum and
Engineer Barnett, submitted January, 1913.
In reference to sanitary sewerage as contemplated in
connection with the surface drainage, I believe the same arrangement
should be carried out as was consummated in Sulphur, Okla., at which
place the city paid half the cost and Congress appropriated a like
amount, and I recommend departmental approval of such a plan.
Concluding this, my annual report, I have the honor
to be,
Very respectfully,
C. R. TROWBRIDGE,
Superintendent.
The SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR.
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MAP OF A PORTION OF HOT SPRINGS.
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APPENDIX.
RULES AND REGULATIONS, WITH ALL AMENDMENTS THERETO, UP
TO AND INCLUDING JUNE 30, 1914, FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF ALL BATHHOUSES
RECEIVING HOT WATER FROM THE UNITED STATES RESERVATION AT HOT SPRINGS,
ARK.
RULE 1. Bathhouses or hotels will be allowed such
number of tubs as the Secretary of the Interior may, in his discretion,
deem proper and necessary for the public service and the amount of hot
water will justify.
RULE 2. The constant flow of hot water for vapor or
other baths, even during business hours, or the unnecessary waste of
water in any manner, is strictly prohibited, and will, if continued
after written notice from the superintendent to stop such waste of
water, be considered by the department sufficient grounds for the
cancellation of the lease of such offending lessee.
RULE 3. Rentals must be paid quarterly, in advance,
at the office of the superintendent, and if not paid within five days
from the beginning of each quarter the supply of water may be cut
off.
RULE 4. The charge for baths at the different
bathhouses shall be at the rates fixed by the Secretary of the Interior,
and no bath tickets shall be sold for more than said rate, and then only
to such persons as intend to actually use them for bathing. The rate or
rates so fixed for baths shall include, without extra charge, the
supplying of each bather with one clean sterilized sheet to envelop the
body of the bather while in the bath hall and cooling room. In event of
charges in a less amount being exacted for baths, such new rate shall at
once be reported to the superintendent, and when approved by the
department shall thereafter become the maximum rate. No bath ticket
shall be sold except at the office of the bathhouse where the bath is to
be given, and tickets must show the date when issued, the serial number,
the number of baths for which issued, the full name of the purchaser,
and the amount paid therefor. Bath tickets shall be redeemable for the
same proportionate price for which they were sold, when presented by the
original purchaser: Provided, That when less than seven baths
have been taken on any ticket presented for redemption the bathhouse may
charge the rate for single baths for the number of baths taken on said
ticket. No bath ticket or part of a ticket shall be reissued after
having been redeemed. No bathhouse receiving water from the Hot Springs
Reservation will be permitted to issue complimentary bath tickets,
except that bathhouse lessees may, on written permission of the
superintendent, issue complimentary bath tickets in such cases as in his
judgment justify such action. The renting and selling of bath robes,
towels, soap, toilet articles, or articles of merchandise in bathhouses
is prohibited.
RULE 5. The owners or managers of bathhouses
receiving waters from the Hot Springs Reservation are prohibited from
bathing in said bathhouses persons stopping at any hotel, boarding
house, or rooming house which has a drummer or solicitor on trains or
the owner of which drums or solicits on trains, or who has employed in
or about such house any inside man or person engaged in drumming or
soliciting business for doctors or bathhouses; also the owners or
managers and the employees of such bathhouses are absolutely prohibited
from either directly or indirectly drumming for doctors or reflecting
on or questioning the integrity of the hot-water supply of any other
bathhouse, or of claiming superiority of its own supply of hot water
over that furnished from the springs on the reservation to other
bathhouses. Upon evidence of violation of this rule, the superintendent
shall report the facts, with his recommendation, to the Secretary of the
Interior, looking to the shutting off of the water from any bathhouse or
canceling the lease, as the department may determine.
RULE 6. Owners and managers of bathhouses receiving
waters from the Hot Springs Reservation will provide in their respective
bathhouses the requisite number of head bath attendants, who, under the
supervision and direction of the superintendent of the Hot Springs
Reservation, shall supervise the administration of baths, the treatment
of patients, matters of hygiene and sanitation in the bathhouses, and
the work of bath attendants generally. Bathhouse attendants shall be
allowed to charge for their services not exceeding 15 cents for a single
bath, $1 per week, or $3 per course of 21 baths, to be collected for the
attendant by the bathhouse manager and properly accounted for by him to
the attendant. The duties of the attendant shall consist in the
administration of the baths in strict accordance with the bathing
directions of registered physicians and in lieu of these as ordered by
the superintendent. They shall be required to clean and care for such
parts of the bathhouse as may be assigned them by the manager, subject to
the approval of the superintendent, to keep themselves in a neat and
cleanly condition both in person and in dress, and to make good any
damages accruing from breakage or neglect of duty. They shall not be
required to handle helpless individuals, rub mercury, furnish mops,
brooms, or cleaning materials, furnish or launder towels, mitts, sheets,
or robes; pay for the services of the porter or perform work which
properly belongs to him, or incur any expense whatsoever incident to the
operation of the house not specifically authorized. It shall be optional
with the bather whether he employ an attendant or not. No person shall
be employed or permitted to serve or occupy space in any bathhouse as a
mercury rubber or as a masseur without the approval of the
superintendent first had and obtained; and every person so employed or
serving shall be subject and amenable to the rules and regulations the
same as attendants and other bathhouse employees.
RULE 7. The payment of any sum of money or anything
of value, either directly or indirectly, by any bathhouse owner,
manager, clerk, or attendant as compensation for drumming customers to
any bathhouse, or allowing public drummers, drumming doctors, hotel or
boarding-house proprietors who are drummers or persons who work with
them as inside men, to bring persons or show them through, or to loiter
in or about any bathhouse is positively forbidden. Upon evidence of
violation of this rule, the superintendent shall report the facts, with
his recommendation to the Secretary of the Interior, looking to the
shutting off of the water from any bathhouse or canceling the lease, as
the department may determine.
RULE 8. The lessee of each bathhouse shall cause to
be kept a full and correct daily register of each bath given, the number
and kind of bath tickets sold, and the number of complimentary tickets,
if any, issued each day, etc., such form of register to be approved
by the superintendent and a copy therefrom of each day's business to be
forwarded to the superintendent daily. No person shall be allowed to
bathe without a numbered ticket being issued and a record of the same
being kept, and report thereof duly certified by the manager filed with
the superintendent on the first day of each month as paid,
complimentary, or free baths, together with any information he may have
showing a violation of the bathhouse rules and regulations which may be
susceptible of proof.
RULE 9. All bathhouses receiving deposits of jewelry,
money, or other valuables from bathers must provide means satisfactory
to the superintendent of the reservation for the safe-keeping thereof;
it is to be understood, however, that the Government assumes no
responsibility in the premises. All losses must be promptly reported to
the superintendent by the bathhouse manager.
RULE 10. An applicant for baths who is under medical
treatment shall not be permitted to bathe in any bathhouse supplied with
hot water from the Hot Springs Reservation, unless said applicant
presents satisfactory evidence that he or she is the patient of a
physician who is duly registered at the office of the superintendent as
qualified to prescribe the waters of the hot springs, and who is known
not to engage in drumming for custom: Provided, That every
applicant for baths, not under the care of a registered physician, shall
be required to make a certificate to be filed with the bathhouse manager
that he or she is not under the care of any physician, and should such
applicant subsequently employ, consult, or take treatment from any
physician while taking baths, then in such case he or she will
immediately notify the bathhouse manager of such fact. The violation of
this rule by the owner, manager, or any employee of a bathhouse
receiving hot water from the reservation will result in the cutting off
of the water from the bathhouse or the canceling of the lease, as the
department may determine.
RULE 11. Physicians desiring to prescribe the waters
of the hot springs, either internally or through the medium of baths,
must first be registered at the office of the superintendent of the
reservation, and shall use only such uniform form of bathing directions
as meets with the approval of the superintendent. Registration will be
accorded only to such physicians as are found by a board designated by
the Secretary of the Interior to have proper professional qualifications
and character and who do not engage in drumming or custom. No physician
who shall engage in the solicitation of patronage through the medium of
drummers or otherwise, or who shall engage in unprofessional,
disreputable, or dishonest conduct, or is addicted to the drug or other
habit which disqualifies him for the performance of his professional
duties, shall be or remain registered. In case any person who, in
violation of these regulations, bathes or attempts to bathe, or enters
or attempts to enter upon the Hot Springs Reservation to bathe, shall
have the permit of a physician therefor; such physician shall be liable
to the penalties provided in the act of April 20, 1904, unless he is
regularly registered, but the bather or person attempting to bathe shall
not be liable to the penalties of said act unless it shall be made to
appear that he knew or had reason to believe that the physician giving
him the permit to bathe was not regularly registered.
RULE 12. If a charge is made to the superintendent in
writing, under oath, supported by the affidavits of two or more
witnesses, that a registered physician has violated any of the laws or
regulations pertaining to the government of the bathhouses receiving hot
water from said reservation, the registered physician against whom the
charge is made shall be immediately notified by the superintendent of
the fact that affidavits have been made and be accorded an opportunity
to cross-examine the witnesses on the subject thereof, in the presence
of the superintendent, and the affidavits so filed, with the answers to
such interrogatories as may be propounded by the physician, when
completed, shall be duly certified by the superintendent and turned over
to the Federal registration board, and thereafter, if in the judgment of
the board the facts warrant such action, they will immediately cite the
physician to appear before such board on a day to be named, within not
exceeding 10 days from date of notice, to show cause why his name should
not be stricken from the register of physicians authorized to prescribe
the hot waters of said springs, and pending the investigation and final
action upon such charges the right of such physician to prescribe the
hot waters may be suspended by the Federal registration board. The
physician against whom such complaint is made shall have the right to
file further written interrogatories pertinent to the issue to such
complaints or witnesses, to be answered by them under oath, and may
submit within 20 days thereafter counter affidavits in answer to the
charges made in the affidavits of said witnesses.
The complainant witnesses may file rebuttal
affidavits within 10 days after the service upon them of said counter
affidavits, and the hearing of said charges shall be had on the record
aforesaid. An appeal from the decision of said board and upon said
record may be taken within seven days from such decision to the
Secretary of the Interior.
If upon consideration of the complaint the charge is
not sustained, the suspension will be immediately removed. If, however,
such charge is sustained, or if default be made, the name of the
physician shall be stricken from the registered list.
RULE 13. Persons violating any of the foregoing
regulations within the purview of the act of April 20, 1904, entitled
"An act conferring jurisdiction upon United States commissioners over
offenses committed in a portion of the permanent Hot Springs Mountain
Reservation, Ark.," and the act of March 2, 1907, amendatory thereof,
will be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and be subjected on conviction to
the payment of a fine, as provided in said act of April 20, 1904, of not
exceeding $100, and be adjudged to pay all costs of the proceeding.
RULE 14. All bathhouses shall be kept in a neat,
clean, and sanitary condition, and all sewage and waste water properly
conducted away, and all underdrainage kept in perfect order. The
water-closets shall have sufficient and free connection with the public
sewers and be kept in the best order and with the best plumbing
furnishings and appliances. Lessees of bathhouses on the permanent
reservation shall, under the direction of the superintendent, cultivate
and maintain the parts of the bathhouse park in front of their
respective bathhouses, the space for each to cultivate to be allotted by
the superintendent.
RULE 15. Each bathhouse manager, clerk, and attendant
shall be required to have a full and complete understanding of the
bathhouse rules and regulations before entering upon his duties.
The superintendent is authorized to require the
discharge of any bathhouse manager, clerk, attendant, mercury rubber, or
masseur for bathhouse or doctor drumming, or refusing or neglecting to
carry out the bathhouse rules and regulations according to the true
intent and meaning thereof.
Any person discharged for cause from a bathhouse or
removed at the request of the superintendent shall not be again employed
by the same or any other bathhouse or permitted to render service in any
bathhouse without the written consent of the superintendent. Managers
must promptly report in writing to the superintendent the name of any
person so removed.
RULE 16. Automobiles will not be permitted on the
roads in the Hot Springs Reservation without the consent of the
Secretary of the Interior first had and obtained.
A neatly framed copy of the rules and regulations now
in force, together with the prices of baths and attendant's fees, both
separately and combined, printed in large black type on white cardboard,
shall be conspicuously posted in the office of each bathhouse.
RULES APPROVED BY THE DEPARTMENT FOR THE GOVERNMENT
OF THE FEDERAL REGISTRATION BOARD OF THE UNITED STATES RESERVATION, HOT
SPRINGS, ARK., WITH AMENDMENTS UP TO JUNE 30, 1914.
1. There shall be a president and secretary elected
by the board, who shall each serve for one year and until his successor
is elected and qualified. Such election shall be held at the annual
meeting, which shall be the first regular meeting of the board after the
personnel thereof for the ensuing year has been determined by the
Secretary of the Interior. Should a vacancy occur in either position by
death, resignation, or otherwise, such vacancy shall be filled by the
board at its first regular meeting next succeeding the date the vacancy
occurs, or at a special meeting called for that purpose.
2. Two members of the board shall constitute a
quorum, with full authority to transact any and all business that may
come before the board.
3. Minutes of all business transacted by the board
shall be reduced to writing and be copied in a record provided for the
purpose, and at the next regular or special meeting the minutes of the
previous meeting shall be read and approved, with such corrections, if
any, as the board may consider proper to make.
4. The regular monthly meetings shall be held on the
second and fourth Wednesdays of each month at 8 o'clock p. m., and all
routine business not filed with the secretary of the board at least 24
hours before the time fixed for the meeting will not be considered, but
will be held for consideration until the next regular meeting; provided,
however, the president of the board may waive this provision when, in
his judgment, the exigencies of the case demand it. Such other meetings
may be held as the board may deem necessary, prior notice thereof to be
duly given.
Examination of applicants for registration shall be
held quarterly on a date to be fixed by the board. Any registered doctor
hereafter dropped from the list of registered physicians will not be
restored until after he successfully passes the regular examination
prescribed by the board for original registration.
5. The following rules shall govern applicants for
registration:
(a) To be entitled to registration applicants
must be graduates of some reputable medical school legally authorized to
confer the degree of doctor of medicine, or of some reputable school of
osteopathy recognized by the American Osteopath Association, and must
have complied with the laws of the State of Arkansas relating to the
admission of physicians to the practice of medicine and surgery, or
either, within said State.
(b) Applicants will be required to furnish in
writing such evidence as the board may desire touching their personal
history and personal and moral character and standing during the five
years next preceding the date of their applications. Applicants will
also be required to submit to such examination as the board may see
proper to subject them touching their qualifications and knowledge of
medicine and surgery and to prescribe the hot waters, provided that the
names of medical officers of the Army stationed at the Army and Navy
General Hospital in Hot Springs, Ark.,, shall be placed on the list of
registered physicians without examination.
(c) An applicant who twice fails in his
examination before the Federal registration board shall not be permitted
to again take the examination prescribed by the board until after the
lapse of one year from the date of his last failure. No registered
physician shall be permitted to associate himself in practice looking to
the prescribing of the waters of the hot springs with a nonregistered
physician, under penalty of having his name removed from the registered
list. The name of any registered physician who shall give bath
directions for the patients of a nonregistered physician shall be
removed from the registered list.
6. The order for the transaction of business before
the board shall be as follows:
(a) Reading and approval of minutes of
previous meeting.
(b) Consideration of new business.
(c) Consideration of unfinished business.
(d) Presentation of evidence and trial of
physicians charged with violation of the rules of the Secretary of the
Interior "For the government of all bathhouses."
(e) Examination of applicants for
registration
(f) Miscellaneous business.
The foregoing rules are subject to amendment at any
regular meeting of the board on the giving of 30 days' notice in writing
of the proposed amendment, subject, however, to the approval of the
Secretary of the Interior.
PHYSICIAN'S APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION.
To the board of physicians appointed by the
Secretary of the Interior to pass upon the qualifications and character
of physicians to prescribe the waters from the Hot Springs
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REGULATIONS OF JULY 7, 1900, FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF THE
FREE BATHHOUSE.
These baths are provided and maintained by the United
States pursuant to the requirements of the act of Congress approved
December 16, 1878 (20 Stat., 258), for the use of the indigent only;
neither the manager nor attendants are authorized to supply them to
others.
The manager of the free bathhouse is required to
enforce a strict observance of the following rules and
regulations:
RULE 1. No baths will be supplied except on written
application made on blanks furnished at the office of the bathhouse,
making full answers to the questions therein propounded; then if the
applicant is found to be indigent (in accordance with the common
acceptance of the word), the manager will issue a ticket good for 21
bats, which may be reissued on the same application if necessary.
RULE 2. Persons using the free baths are required to
maintain quiet and orderly deportment while in or about the bathhouse,
to abstain from the use of tobacco, either by chewing or smoking, while
in the pool rooms, dressing rooms, or office, not to scatter rags or
paper on the floor, or to loiter in or about the building after
bathing.
RULE 3. The wanton exposure of person or entering any
of the front rooms in a nude state, the use of loud, vulgar, or profane
language, and the use of rags, paper, soap, or any foreign substance in
the pool rooms are positively prohibited.
RULE 4. Persons using these baths are not allowed to
stand or sit on or in any way interfere with the water pipes or valves
or to stand on the chairs or benches. All persons entering the house are
required to clean their feet at the door and avoid as much as possible
bringing dirt or mud on the floors. Boys over 5 years of age will not be
allowed in the female department during bathing hours.
RULE 5. Any willful or repeated violation of these
rules, or any disorderly or contemptuous conduct, will subject the
persons so offending to suspension or expulsion, at the discretion of
the superintendent of the reservation.
RULE 6. Neither the manager nor the Government
attendants shall be allowed to receive or become responsible for any
valuables or to charge any fee for any service rendered to bathers which
comes within the direct line of their duty.
RULE 7. The manager is required to enforce all the
foregoing rules and to maintain good order in and about the bathhouse,
to see that all indigent persons applying are supplied with baths, and
to make a written report to the superintendent each month on blank forms
supplied for that purpose. He may reject any application for free baths
if he has reason to believe the applicant has made false answers in his
written application, and the aggrieved may appeal to the superintendent
of the reservation.
APPLICATION FOR BATHS AT THE GOVERNMENT FREE BATH
HOUSE AT HOT SPRINGS, ARK.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR.
HOT SPRINGS RESERVATION.
The acts of Congress approved
December 16, 1878 (20 Stat., 258), and March 2, 1911, restrict the use
of free baths to the indigent; in other words, to persons who are poor,
needy, in want, or without means of comfortable subsistence.
Act of March 2, 1911:
"Be it enacted by the Senate and
House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress
assembled, That only persons who are without and unable to obtain
the means to pay for baths and are suffering from ailments for which
bathing in the water of the Hot Springs Reservation will afford relief
or effect a cure shall be permitted to bathe at the free bathhouse on
the public reservation at Hot Springs, Arkansas, and before any person
shall be permitted to bathe at the free bathhouse on the reservation he
shall be required to make oath, before such officer duly authorized to
administer oaths for general purposes as the Superintendent of the Hot
Springs Reservation shall designate, that he is without and unable to
obtain the means to pay for baths, and any person desiring to bathe at
the free bathhouse on the Hot Springs Reservation making a false oath as
to his financial condition shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and
upon conviction thereof shall be subject to a fine of not to exceed $25,
or thirty days' imprisonment, or both."
Persons desiring to use the free
baths are required to answer the following questions, in writing, and
sign and swear to the same, giving full name and home
address:
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