REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF THE HOT SPRINGS RESERVATION.
1915
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
HOT SPRINGS RESERVATION,
OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT,
Hot Springs, Ark., August 13, 1915.
SIR: I have the honor to respectfully submit my
annual report as Superintendent of the Hot Springs Reservation for the
fiscal year ended June 30, 1915.
HISTORY.
While there is no positive historical data fixing the
date of discovery of these hot springs, it is presumed from legendary
traditions handed down that they were discovered by the nomadic
primitive races and their healing waters were used for man generations
before the adventurous Ponce de Leon set foot upon the Western
Hemisphere. From the most reliable historical data available it is
believed that these now famous Hot Springs were visited in 1541 by De
Soto and his proud, chivalric band of Castillians, who were the first
white men to drink from the "Fountain."
As nearly as can be established from truthful history
the first white settlers came in the year 1800. Dunbar and Hunter of the
Lewis and Clark Expedition visited the Hot Springs in 1804, and their
report shows that they found an open log cabin and a few huts built of
split boards, which had been erected by persons resorting to the springs
for the restoration of their health. A cabin was built there by Manuel
Prudhomme in 1807, and he was joined in the same year by John Purciful
and Isaac Cates, who camped here and engaged in hunting and
trapping.
From this time the fame of the springs began to
spread and each year added to their patronage. Toward the end of the
twenties there were permanent settlers at the springs. In 1832 four
sections of land were reserved by the Government, with the hot springs
near the center, and in 1878 this land was platted and sold to various
claimants with the exception of that which now comprises the permanent
Hot Springs Reservation and all of the hot springs. At the time of this
subdivision the Government retained a large number of city residence
lots, practically all of which have since been sold from time to time at
public auction by order of the Secretary of the Interior, after due
advertisement. None of these lots, however, were within the bounds of
the permanent reservation, but located in the city proper.
The Hot Springs Reservation now contains an area of
911 acres, consisting of five units, viz, Hot Springs, North,
West, and Sugar Loaf Mountains, and Whittington Lake Reserve Park,
but the hot water springs issue forth only from the west slope
and at the base of Hot Springs Mountain, which embraces 264 acres, and
the 46 springs, with an average daily flow of 826,000 gallons and an
average temperature of 135° F., are confined within an area of 500 by
1,400 feet.
Situated, as it is, in a spur of the Ozark Mountains,
which are noted for their beauty, the natural scenic conditions are all
that heart could wish, and to sufferers of various diseases it offers
thermal radioactive water and climatic conditions unequaled, and no
mineral waters yet discovered can show as great a number of cures or
such a range and variety of ailments which the human body is heir to
that yield to their almost miraculous influence.
The wisdom of the retention, control, and supervision
of these springs under the fostering care of the National Government has
been fully demonstrated during the years which have elapsed since its
title was established. The trust reposed in the Government by the people
has been guarded with extreme care. The springs are now the property of
the people, free from monopoly and extortion, and within the reach of
all. The obligation assumed carried with it responsibilities which have
been discharged in a manner befitting their protection and benefit, and
is a guaranty that in future years this priceless boon to suffering
humanity will be administered with characteristic fidelity to the end
that it may remain the common heritage of all mankind.
ADMINISTRATION.
Upon assuming charge of the reservation as
superintendent August 4, 1914, I was fortunate in finding a corps of
efficient employees who have been of great assistance in the proper
administration of the affairs of this office.
The problems with which we have to contend are
entirely different from those encountered in any of the other national
parks, by reason of the fact that a large portion of the 125,000 or more
visitors annually call at the superintendent's office for information
and advice relative to doctors, bathhouses, hotels, etc. This
information given is necessarily general in character, and in most
cases a circular of general information issued by the department and a
list of the registered physicians is furnished to the applicant. A large
number of these persons are sick, debilitated, or nervous, and extreme
care is taken to see that all receive kind and courteous treatment,
which is highly appreciated by the visiting public. The visitor is the
principal asset in Hot Springs, and should be treated with due
consideration and made to feel at home up on his arrival.
Economy is practiced in the expenditure of funds, and
practically all improvement work is done by day labor under direct
supervision from the superintendent's office, thereby saving the profits
that would otherwise go to contractors and giving the Government full
value received for every dollar expended.
A complete daily report is rendered by the manager of
each bathhouse, showing the name, home and local address, attendant,
and doctor, if any, of each purchaser of a bath ticket, together with
the total number of baths given each day, supplemented by a sworn
monthly statement of the business of the bathhouse, and then at the end
of each fiscal year a sworn annual statement is submitted by each
bathhouse and the Arlington Hotel, showing the total receipts,
itemized expenditures, and net profits for the fiscal year
just closed; all of the monthly and annual reports are carefully checked
immediately upon receipt, and any discrepancies discovered are called to
the attention of the lessee or manager and corrected at once. These
reports, taken as a whole, furnish data for a complete, accurate, and
comprehensive record of the business of the bathhouse.
OFFICIAL VISITORS.
During November, 1914, the Hot Springs Reservation
was signally honored by a visit from the Hon. Bo Sweeney, Assistant
Secretary of the Interior, accompanied by Mr. W. B. Acker, assistant
attorney in the department, who for many years has been closely
connected with the National Park Service. While here they had an
opportunity of meeting, by appointment in the superintendent's office, a
large delegation of the city's most prominent business and professional
men, and after each citizen had expressed his views relative to the
different matters pertaining to the best interest of Hot Springs and the
Government reservation, the Assistant Secretary took up the different
matters separately, which had been under discussion, and handled them in
such an able and practicable manner that his remarks were the subject of
much favorable comment by those present.
This visit was made at a most opportune time, during
the week in which the Arkansas State Fair was held here, at which time
there was a large attendance of people from all sections of the State,
headed by Governor Hays and staff, together with nearly all other State
officials, all of whom were delighted with the interest the department
was taking in this resort.
A few days later in the month, on Thanksgiving Day,
we were honored by a visit from the general superintendent and landscape
engineer of national parks, Mr. Mark Daniels, whose eminent reputation
in his chosen profession had preceded him. It is to be regretted that
during his two days' stay it rained almost continually, thereby
preventing him from viewing the reservation under favorable conditions.
However, he expressed himself as highly pleased and prophesied a great
future for this resort. I do not think there is a more advantageous
place in this country for a landscape engineer to display his genius,
nor one where his accomplishments would be enjoyed to a fuller extent
by a greater number of America's health-pleasure seekers than on the Hot
Springs Mountain from which flow the far-famed hot waters of mysterious
healing.
Also, in the latter part of September of the same
year, the reservation was visited by Mr. T. Warren Allen, chief of the
Division of National Park and Forest Roads of the Department of
Agriculture, who made a tour and thorough inspection of the system of
mountain roads on the reservation, and took occasion to express himself
favorably on their general condition.
For the Fourth of July celebration this year, Hot
Springs had the distinguished honor of a visit from the Vice President
of the United States, Mr. Marshall, who was accompanied by his wife. His
visit here was the cause of a large and patriotic gathering being held
at the State Fair Grounds, where he delivered an address which was
highly appreciated by the large crowd who had the opportunity to hear
him.
Mr. Marshall took a deep interest in the Government's
possessions at Hot Springs, visiting this office, the bathhouses,
and the Army and Navy General Hospital.
These visits from Government officials are beneficial
in many respects and bring about a better understanding as to physical
conditions as they actually exist.
It is expected that Hon. Stephen T. Mather, assistant
to the Secretary of the Interior, and in charge of national park
affairs, will visit Hot Springs and the reservation during the fall of
the present year, which will be of immense value to both the department
and the reservation.
It is also earnestly hoped that Hon. Franklin K.
Lane, Secretary of the Interior, will find it convenient to visit this
place in the very near future, as I feel that this is the most valuable
reservation owned by the Government because of the fact that it affords
an opportunity for restoration of health of hundreds of thousands of
its citizens who are afflicted with ailments in which these life-giving
waters are indicated.
In all, it is estimated that approximately 115,000
persons visited Hot Springs during the past year.
DOCTOR DRUMMING.
The nefarious practice of drumming patients to
doctors was started in Hot Springs some 40 years ago when visitors were
forced to reach there by means of the old-fashioned wild western stage
coach. The drummers in those days would ride out 10 miles or more on
horseback and meet the stages coming in and solicit the passengers to
the different hotels, and later to some doctor, who would split his fee
with the drummer.
During the past 10 years the department has
promulgated rules and regulations setting forth conditions under which
registered physicians may prescribe the baths, which, if followed to
the letter, would eliminate the practice of drumming; but this office
has experienced much difficulty in getting evidence sufficiently strong
in character, as viewed by the department, to justify the removal of any
of the doctor's names from the registered list for some time past.
When evidence of drumming is taken by the
superintendent against any doctor the same is submitted to the Federal
registration board, which in turn reviews it and transmits it to the
department, together with such recommendation as in their judgment the
case may warrant. The Federal registration board is composed of three
members appointed by the Secretary of the Interior.
Even though the desired results have not been
attained with regard to drumming, the constant investigations being made
by this office has deterred this practice to a great extent, and it is
safe to say that conditions have been much improved during the past two
years. Drumming as it now exists is usually consummated through a
"confidence game"; that is to say, the visitor will be approached by
some person shortly after his arrival at the boarding house, who secures
the confidence of the visitor, perhaps by telling him that he had the
same trouble himself when he came here. The strange visitor will almost
invariably ask who his doctor is, and
usually employs him, thereby drumming himself. The
proprietor of the boarding house is the person who receives the split
from the doctor. However, vigilance by this office has reduced drumming
to such an extent that it is now confined to a very few doctors.
THE OERTEL SYSTEM OF MOUNTAIN CLIMBING.
On the roads on North Mountain and Hot Springs
Mountain courses have been laid out for a scientific system of mountain
climbing known as the Oertel system of graduated exercise, the same
that is used at Bad Nauheim, Germany. The courses are indicated by stone
monuments, finished with apex tops and painted, 300 feet apart. These
monuments have the number cut on the face of each stone on two sides and
are set so the patient can easily see the number or distance he has
walked either coming or going. There are four courses on roads marked in
this way and the number on each monument is painted in the color used
for the course on the map.
A map 8 by 10-1/2 inches has been prepared and may be
procured by physicians at a nominal cost. Each course is represented in
colors, yellow being used for a course comparatively level; green, for a
course slightly inclined; blue, for a course moderately steep; and red
for a course very steep. This map has a space on the back for the
physician's directions and signature, so that the physician can
prescribe in an accurate manner the distance and course required,
according to the condition of the patient.
Course No. 1, slightly inclined and shown in yellow
on the map, starts at the corner of Fountain Street and Central Avenue
and extends up Happy Hollow (Fountain Street) to monument 18
intersecting course No. 3, at North and Hot Springs Mountain divide.
Course No. 2, shown in green on the map, starts at
monument 5 and Government monument No. 36 on south line of Fountain
Street at entrance to Hot Springs Mountain road and extends to monument
No. 30, terminating at the drinking pavilion and tower at the top of the
mountain where it joins course No. 3.
Course No. 3, shown in blue on the map, begins at
junction of Canon Street and Central Avenue and extends to monument No.
33 at the pavilion and tower at the end of course No. 2. It traverses
parts of North and Hot Springs Mountain roads.
Course No. 4, shown in red on the map, begins at the
main entrance between Maurice and Fordyce bathhouses and extends up
mountain walks to monument No. 8 on Hot Springs Mountain road, intersecting
course No. 2. This is the steepest course.
This system of exercise is applicable to patients
whose heart action is impeded by deposits of fat and is effective in
preventing fatty infiltration from becoming localized in the heart. It
is, first of all, a preventive measure and can be employed with
advantage to improve the general nutrition of the heart. Even in cases
where fatty deposits have occurred it is of great value, as it also is
where the compensation has been already established by milder means.
In short, it may be said this system is beneficial
to all incipient heart troubles, especially those of a myocardial
nature.
Some of the other physiological phenomena noticed are
the following: Acceleration of the heart rate; acceleration of
breathing; elimination of an additional amount of carbon dioxide and
increase of intake of oxygen; increase of power of healthy heart
muscle and muscles of respiration; increase of capillary circulation;
increase of normal blood pressure in proportion to amount and degree of
exercise.
So far known this is the only system of this kind in
the United States. In connection with the baths it should be a great
boon to patients suffering from such ailments as will be benefited by
this method of treatment.
In making the survey and map for this system of
exercise all of the roads and walks on Hot Springs, North and West
Mountains, have been surveyed, measured, and accurately located on the
map, which is of material benefit to all persons requiring reliable
information as to distances, locations, etc.
|
MAP OF A PORTION OF THE U. S. GOVERNMENT
RESERVATION, HOT SPRINGS, ARKANSAS. FOR USE IN CONNECTION
WITH OERTEL SYSTEM OF GRADUATED EXERCISE.
(click on image for a PDF version)
|
GENERAL IMPROVEMENTS.
Among the more important improvements on the
reservation during the past fiscal year are the following:
Completion of a reenforced concrete reservoir under
the Fordyce Bathhouse, having a capacity of approximately 70,000
gallons, which is connected up with the main impounding reservoirs for
the storage of the hot water on the reservation.
Completion of the installation of water service on
top of Hot Springs Mountain, near the Hot Springs Mountain Observatory
at a cost of approximately $1,040. This system consists of a pressed
brick pump house, near the cooling tanks of the Army and Navy General
Hospital, equipped with electric motor and pump, a line of 2-inch
galvanized pipe, a 500-gallon cypress tank, and a drinking fountain and
other connections in the drinking pavilion on top of Hot Springs
Mountain.
Minor repairs at the Government free bathhouse,
including a coat of pitch to the roof and repairs to the plastered
walls in the building.
Removal of old iron light poles from the reservation
front to points on Reserve Avenue between the Army and Navy Hospital and
the superintendent's official residence, these poles having been
supplanted by an up-to-date "white-way" lighting system on the
reservation front.
The equipment of the tennis court at Whittington Lake
Park and the fence were renewed and repaired.
Extensive and needed repairs to concrete walk on
Bathhouse Row.
Burning of all underbrush and thorough cleaning of
west slope of Hot Springs Mountain during the early spring.
Repainting and repairing floors and other portions of
the interior of the superintendent's office.
Laying of approximately 200 linear feet of 18-inch
drain tiling at Whittington Lake Park to better provide for surface
drainage on that portion of the reservation.
Construction of 290 linear feet of rubble stone
retaining wall, topped with Alabama limestone coping, on Reserve Avenue
from Army and Navy Hospital grounds to grounds occupied by superintendent's
official residence, this wall being 18 inches in thickness and
averaging 3 feet in height.
Portion of work on new road, recently authorized by
the department, leading from road on top of North Mountain to junction
of Crag and Ramble Streets. This road affords an outlet from the system
of mountain roads on Hot Springs and North Mountains to
the northern portion of the city of Hot Springs, by
way of Ramble, Ravine, and Dell Streets; approximately 600 feet of this
road were completed in June, 1915.
Construction of 6,645 cubic feet of retaining walls
and 3,638 square feet of gutters along roads and in ravines on Hot
Springs and West Mountains.
Distribution of 453 yards of gravel and 22 yards of
soil on the mountain roads.
In addition to the above improvements completed, the
department has recently authorized the paving with cement of the main
entrance to the reservation leading off Central Avenue between the
Fordyce and Maurice bathhouses, including sidewalks and gutters on both
sides, the construction of two concrete foot bridges, walling up of
ravines with rubble stone and cement, construction of retaining walls
and concrete gutters and the installation of drain tiling on West
Mountain, and the construction of approximately 6,000 feet of retaining
wall and concrete gutters along the reservation side of the road leading
through Happy Hollow, Fountain Street, to a point to be determined on
Hot Springs Mountain, all of which work I expect to have completed early
this fall.
EMPLOYEES.
There are at present 30 regular employees engaged in
the administration, maintenance, protection, and care of the interests
of the reservation. All of these employees were appointed from Arkansas
under civil-service rules. A complete table showing the name,
designation, and compensation of each employee follows:
Employees of the Hot Springs Reservation.
|
Name. |
Designation. |
Compensation per annum. |
|
William P. Parks | Superintendent | $3,600 |
B. Frank Bayley | Chief clerk and assistant to superintendent | 1,680 |
James W. Walker | Clerk-stenographer | 1,200 |
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 |
Wm. M. Dixon (colored) | do | 600 |
Mary Clark (colored) | Female attendant | 480 |
Mattie Fielding (colored) | do | 460 |
Jonathan A. Jordan | Supervisor | 1,320 |
Hiram N. Anderson | Policeman, detailed as train inspector | 190 |
John W. St. Clair | do | 190 |
Richard L. Gaffney | Mounted policeman | 960 |
Montgomery Prichard | Policeman | 840 |
William H. Turner | do | 840 |
Peter Nelson | Laborer | 720 |
Wm. F. Jennings | do | 720 |
Jap George | do | 720 |
Philander H. Bump | do | 720 |
Bishop H. Burrough | do | 720 |
Hiram Walters | do | 720 |
David W. Poda | do | 720 |
Patrick J. Dugan | Laborer, Whittington Lake | 600 |
Robert L. Stutts | Park Laborer | 690 |
Bruno Hoffmann | do | 600 |
Abraham Logan (colored) | Laborer, superintendent's office | 600 |
James Daniels (colored) | Laborer, superintendent's residence | 600 |
Oliver H. Hoskins (colored) | Laborer, reservation front and barn | 600 |
1Per month. |
During the past fiscal year there have been but two
changes in the personnel of the reservation employees, the present
superintendent having succeeded Capt. Charles R. Trowbridge on August 4,
1914, and David W. Poda, laborer, having been appointed April 21, and
entered upon duty April 27, 1915, to the vacancy caused by the death of
Thomas Goins April 13, 1915. Also, on July 1, 1914, the salary of the
clerk-stenographer in this office was increased from $1,000 to $1,200
per annum, and the salary of the supervisor was increased from $1,200 to
$1,320 per annum.
RECEIPTS AND DISBURSEMENTS.
The receipts and disbursements on account of the Hot Springs Reservation
during the fiscal year ended June 30, 1915, were as follows:
Proceeds, sale of lots, special fund. |
July 1, 1915, balance remaining to Credit of fund of $82,518,
derived from sale of Government lots | $4,972.49 |
Protection and improvement, Hot Springs Reservation,
indefinite (revenue fund). |
July 1, 1914, balance to Credit of revenue fund | $62,087.94 |
Receipts, July 1, 1914, to June 30, 1915, inclusive: |
| Water rents | 27,757.50 |
|
| Ground rents | 10,100.00 |
|
| Sale of 84 bath attendants' badges, at 24 cents | 20.16
|
|
| 37,877.66 |
|
| Repay by disbursing officer, Interior Department, of amount disallowed
in his accounts June, 1914, quarter, by Auditor for Interior Department,
on 54-cent telegram paid in quarter ended March 31, 1914. | .16
|
|
| Total receipts | 37,877.82
|
| Total available | 99,965.76 |
Disbursements: |
| Salaries of superintendent and reservation employees,
July 1, 1914, to June 30, 1915, inclusive ($28 paid by the
department) | $26,554.00 |
|
| Improvements, repairs, incidentals, and miscellaneous
supplies | 9,528.90
|
|
| Expended by superintendent | 36,082.90 |
|
| Additional expended by the department | 859.05
|
|
| Total disbursements | 36,941.95
|
| Available balance, July 1, 1915 | 63,023.81 |
GOVERNMENT FREE BATHHOUSE.
The Government free bathhouse has been operated during the past year, in
accordance with the acts of Congress of December 16, 1878, and March 2,
1911, for the use of the indigent, with the results shown in the
following table:
Baths given at the Government free bathhouse during the fiscal year
ended June 30, 1915.
Total number of applications for free baths | 9,073 |
Number of applications refused | 383 |
Number of tickets issued to white males | 5,445 |
Number of tickets issued to white females | 847 |
Number of tickets issued to colored males | 1,592 |
Number of tickets issued to colored females | 806 |
Total number of tickets issued | 8,690 |
Baths given to white males | 71,579 |
Baths given to white females | 11,045 |
Baths given to colored males | 29,866 |
Baths given to colored females | 13,498 |
Total number of baths given during year | 125,988 |
Average number of persons bathed daily | 412 |
LEO N. LEVI MEMORIAL HOSPITAL AND BATHHOUSE.
This building was completed and opened to the public
November 1, 1914, on which date the hot water was turned on for the use
of the bathhouse. This is a modern hospital structure and has been
erected at a cost of more than $100,000.
The bathhouse is modern in every detail and is
operated exclusively as a charitable institution, as the rules of the
association prohibit the taking of any person who has means. It is
nonsectarian and any worthy person can be admitted, provided he
complies with prescribed requirements. A staff of able physicians give
their services free of charge for the benefit of the institution.
The annual report from the Levi memorial bathhouse
shows that from November 1, 1914, to June 30, 1915, there were given 1,670
baths at a total cost to the association of $1,153.90, although I
believe from a perusal of the report that some of this expense is
chargeable to the hospital rather than to the bathhouse. It is an
extremely hard matter to arrive at the exact expenses for the reason
that the two departments are operated as a whole.
BATHHOUSES.
During my incumbency I have endeavored to carry out
the rules and regulations prescribed for the different bathhouses, and I
may add that almost without exception I have had the hearty cooperation
of the managers in so doing.
I feel safe in saying, without fear of contradiction,
that Hot Springs has the finest bathing facilities to be found anywhere
in the world. There has been expended within the past four years
approximately three-fourths of a million dollars in bathhouses and
equipment, which includes the installation of the most scientific and
improved methods as well as complete and sanitary equipment for
bathing.
The total receipts of the bathhouses for the fiscal
year have been $200,629.21, which is approximately a decrease of 15 per
cent as compared with the receipts of the previous year, but this is not
attributed to a decrease in the popularity of this resort but rather to
the depressed condition which is existing throughout the country on
account of the European War. The total expenditures of the bathhouses
have been $144,878.20, and the net profits are given at $57,936.49.
There were given 480,227 paid baths, 1,812 complimentary baths, 125,988
free baths at the Government free bathhouse, and 1,670 free baths at the
Levi memorial bathhouse, making a total of 609,697 baths given in Hot
Springs bathhouses during the past fiscal year.
On March 1, 1915, the new Fordyce bathhouse was
opened to the public, after having been built and equipped at a cost
exceeding $200,000.
The Hale bathhouse was completely remodeled and
opened to the public January 1, 1915. To reconstruct this house cost
more than $50,000, and it has been opened to cater to persons desiring
baths at a moderate cost. It has all the facilities necessary for
sanitation and is equipped with all the essentials for giving the baths.
However, it lacks many of the accessories which are enjoyed in the
higher-priced houses.
The Arlington and Eastman bathhouses, which were
reconstructed last year, have been kept up to the standard and run in
keeping with the hotels with which they are connected.
The Imperial and Buckstaff bathhouses, which have
been in operation for more than three years, have also been kept up to
the standard and operated in such a manner as to give the public the
best of services.
The Maurice bathhouse, which was opened in the same
year as the two above mentioned, has submitted plans and specifications
for extensive improvements, which, when completed, will cost
approximately $15,000. These plans have been approved by the department
and work has been commenced. This is a first class bathhouse, operated
along the same lines as all the other bathhouses charging the same
rate.
The Majestic and Moody bathhouses, the former having
been rebuilt three years ago and the latter over a year age, are both
first class bathhouses, in good condition, well kept, and operated, in
connection with their respective hotels, in a manner to give entire
satisfaction to the public.
The Great Northern bathhouse was closed to the public
May 15, 1915, this being the date on which the lease expired.
The Hot Springs bathhouse was closed to the public
September 30, 1914, the lease having expired more than a year prior to
that date. The property was later sold by the owners to the Arlington
Hotel Co., and the expired lease has therefore not been renewed.
The Rector bathhouse was closed to the public June
30, 1915, plans having been submitted to and approved by the department
last November for the remodeling of this bathhouse, but this being so
near the beginning of the season the lessee was given verbal permission
to continue though the season, which was done and the bathhouse closed
on the above date in order that the same might be remodeled in
accordance with the approved plans.
The St. Joseph's Infirmary bathhouse is comparatively
speaking a new bathhouse, having been overhauled about a year ago, and
is thoroughly equipped to cater to the first-class patronage which the
infirmary enjoys.
The Rockafellow bathhouse, which is operated in
connection with the Rockafellow Hotel, also enjoys a considerable
patronage from adjacent hotels and boarding houses, and has been kept in
good condition, having been repainted and renovated throughout just
prior to January 1, 1915.
The Alhambra bathhouse, the lease of which expires
February 29, 1916, is operated at a moderate price in order to cater to
persons not desiring to pay more for baths. This bathhouse is a
substantial brick structure, but it will probably be necessary at the
expiration of the lease to make extensive repairs.
The Pythian sanitarium and bathhouse (colored) was
completed and opened to the public December 27, 1914, although it was
expected to open December 16, 1915. Water rent has been paid from that
date, which was also the date of the lease. This is a good house.
Considering the price charged, the administration of baths there will
compare favorably with baths given in other low-priced houses.
The Ozark sanatorium bathhouse, while a small one, is
entirely sanitary and operated in a manner satisfactory to its patrons.
The lessee had intended to erect a sanatorium in
connection with the bathhouse, as was the case before the fire, but as
yet has not fully completed his arrangements.
Three of the four remaining frame bathhouses on the
reservation, the Ozark, Horseshoe, and Magnesia, the leases on which have
long since expired, have been given until September 30, 1915, to prepare
and submit plans for the construction of new and modern bathhouses on
these sites. The fourth, the Lamar bathhouse, is the best of the frame
houses and has until December 31, 1916, to continue on its present
lease.
I am pleased to report that in the matter of the
rebuilding of the Superior bathhouse, plans therefor are practically
matured and a company is being formed for the purpose of building on
the Superior bathhouse site a sanitary bathhouse, to cost not less than
$50,000, to operate with a moderate rate for baths to cater to persons
desiring baths at popular prices. It seems at this time that rebuilding
of this bathhouse is practically assured, as the plans have been
approved except as to some minor details.
The Park bathhouse, which was destroyed by the fire
of September 5, 1913, has not yet been rebuilt and the water rent
thereon has been remitted until December 31, 1915.
Close supervision has been maintained over the
bathhouses and attendants during the past year and frequent inspections
have been the means of improving the service. The bathhouse managers
are unaware of the times when these inspections are to be made, and in
that manner can be seen just what service the bathhouses are giving from
time to time and the degree of cleanliness maintained at all times.
Advertising matter of all kinds whatsoever has been eliminated, and
altogether it is believed an entirely satisfactory condition exists. All
reports made by the bathhouses are full and complete and the records in
this office are valuable, not only to the office but to persons desiring
to locate friends whose address otherwise they are unable to obtain.
The following tables, showing the details and results
of the operation of the bathouses, have been compiled from the reports
and other data on file in this office.
There are at present 18 bathhouses in operation in
Hot Springs, with the following rates, approved by the Secretary of the
Interior, in effect therein:
Rates at bathhouses.
|
Bathhouse. |
Single bath. |
Course of 21 baths. |
|
Alhambra | $7 | $0.40 |
Arlington | 10 | .15 |
Buckstaff | 10 | .55 |
Eastman | 10 | .55 |
Fordyce | 10 | .51 |
Hale | 7 | .40 |
Horseshoe | 6 | .35 |
Imperial | 8 | .45 |
Lamar | 7 | .40 |
Magnesia | 7 | .40 |
Majestic | 9 | .50 |
Maurice | 10 | .55 |
Moody | 8 | .45 |
Ozark | 6 | .35 |
Ozark Sanatorium | 7 | .40 |
Pythian (colored) | 4 | .25 |
Rector | 8 | .45 |
Rockafellow | 7 | .40 |
St. Joseph's Infirmary | 8 | .45 |
|
Half tickets for 10 baths are sold in all the bathhouses, and quarter
tickets for 5 baths are sold in many of the bathhouses, at one-half and
one-fourth, respectively, of the rates shown above. Also, in addition to
the rates shown, there is a uniform attendants' fee, approved by the
Secretary of the Interior, of 15 cents for a single bath, $3 per course
of 21 baths, which fee is collected by the bathhouse manager and by him
accounted for to the attendant.
There are at the present time 26 leases of hot-water and ground
privileges, and two have been discontinued, as shown in the
following table:
Hot-water and ground leases.
|
Name of bathhouse, etc. | Lessee. |
Tubs. | Date of lease. |
Expiration. |
|
Alhambra | Alhambra Bathhouse Co | 18 | Mar. 1, 1914 | Feb. 29, 1916 |
Arlington 1 | Arlington Hotel Co | 68 | Mar. 21, 1914 | Mar. 3, 1932 |
Buckstaff | Buckstaff Bathhouse Co | 31 | Jan. 1, 1912 | Dec. 11, 1931 |
Eastman 1 | New York Hotel Co | 64 | May 13, 1912 | May 12, 1932 |
Fordyce 2 | S. W. Fordyce | 30 | Jan. 1, 1915 | Dec. 31, 1934 |
Great Northern 3 | Mrs. Fannie G. Williamson | 17 | May 15, 1912 | May 15, 1915 |
Hale 4 5 | Emily M. Roots | 25 | Jan. 1, 1915 | Dec. 31, 1934 |
Horse Shoe 6 | D. Fellows Platt | 30 | Jan. 1, 1895 | Dec. 31, 1909 |
Hot Springs 7 | C. H. V. & G.M. Smith | 16 | Jan. 3, 1903 | Dec. 31, 1912 |
Imperial | Chas. N. Rix | 27 | Jan. 1, 1912 | Dec. 31, 1931 |
Lamar | M. C. Tombier and G. H. Buckstaff | 30 | Jan. 1, 1897 | Dec. 31, 1916 |
Levi memorial 8 | Leo N. Levi Memorial Hospital Association. | 5 | Nov. 1, 1914 | Oct. 31, 1924 |
Magnesia 9 | Chas. B. Platt | 30 | Jan. 1, 1895 | Dec. 31, 1909 |
Majestic 1 | Avenue Hotel Co | 23 | Jan. 1, 1913 | Dec. 31, 1932 |
Maurice | Maurice Bath Co | 29 | Jan. 1, 1912 | Dec. 31, 1931 |
Moody 1 | Nicholas M. Moody | 16 | July 3, 1910 | June 30, 1920 |
Ozark 6 | W. S. Sorrells and F. B. Latta | 26 | Jan. 1, 1904 | Dec. 31, 1913 |
Ozark sanatorium | Ozark Sanatorium Co | 10 | Sept. 17, 1912 | Sept. 16, 1922 |
Park 1 9 | Garland Hotel Co | 47 | May 13, 1912 | May 12, 1932 |
Pythian 10 | Knights of Pythias (colored) | 10 | Dec. 16, 1914 | Dec. 15, 1924 |
Rector 11 | 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 | Sister Superior | 10 | Feb. 1, 1914 | Jan. 31, 1924 |
Superior 12 | Robt. Proctor and R. A. Simpson | 16 | Sept. 15, 1896 | Sept. 14, 1906 |
Waverly 13 | New Waverly Hotel Co | 20 | Mar. 24, 1893 | Mar. 23, 1913 |
Horse Pools 9 14 | Simon Cooper | 2 | Oct. 18, 1912 | Oct. 17, 1917 |
Arlington Hotel ground lease. | Arlington Hotel Co | -- | Mar. 21, 1914 | Mar. 4, 1932 |
Hot Springs Mountain Observatory, ground lease. | Hot Springs Mountain Observatory Co. | -- | Sept. 1, 1913 | Sept. 1, 1923 |
1Water used in private bathrooms in portion of tubs leased.
2Completed and opened for business Mar. 1, 1915 replacing Palace bathhouse.
3Lease expired and bathhouse closed May 15 1915.
4Remodeled and opened for business Jan. 1, 1915.
5Lease submitted but not yet executed.
6Tenants holding over.
7Lease discontinued and bathhouse closed Sept. 30, 3914.
8Completed and opened for business Nov. 1, 1914.
9Destroyed by fire Sept. 5, 1913.
10Completed and opened for business Dec. 16, 1914, replacing Crystal bathhouse.
11Closed for repairs June 30, 1915.
12Negotiations now pending for issuance of new lease to Superior Bathhouse Co.; bathhouse closed Mar. 31, 1911.
13Destroyed by fire Jan. 23, 1910.
14Water sufficient to supply 2 tubs.
|
Business of bathhouses for fiscal year ended
June 30, 1915.
![](1915b.jpg)
(click on image for a PDF version)
Total receipts, less redemptions, of bathhouses,
by months, for fiscal year ended June 30, 1915.
![](1915c.jpg)
(click on image for a PDF version)
Fees received by bath attendants in the bathhouses during the fiscal
year ended June 30, 1915.
|
Bathhouse. | Gross amount. |
Redemptions. | Net amount. |
|
Alhambra | $5,109.60 | 8194.60 | $4,515.00 |
Arlington | 5,662.05 | 747.85 | 4,914.20 |
Buckstaff | 7,223.85 | 776.85 | 6,447.00 |
Eastman | 1,197.75 | 100.50 | 1,097.25 |
Fordyce | 2,777.25 | 139.60 | 2,437.65 |
Great Northern | 1,008.45 | 145.95 | 862 50 |
Hale | 4,537.20 | 716.70 | 3,820.50 |
Horseshoe | 4 148 55 | 712.50 | 3,436.05 |
Hot Springs | 332.85 | 46.35 | 286.50 |
Imperial | 4,445.55 | 387.85 | 4,057.70 |
Lamar | 5,265.15 | 544.95 | 4,720.20 |
Magnesia | 2,570.25 | 359.55 | 2,210.70 |
Majestic | 5,067.45 | 852.00 | 4,215.45 |
Maurice | 7,928.25 | 811.15 | 7,097.10 |
Moody | 2,319.30 | 275.40 | 2,041.80 |
Ozark | 9,434.10 | 1,330.95 | 8,103.15 |
Sanatorium | 1,763.25 | 170.55 | 1,592.70 |
Pythian | 606.01 | 39.30 | 566.75 |
Rector | 982.80 | 140.10 | 842.70 |
Rockafellow | 5,847.90 | 510.80 | 5,537.10 |
St. Joseph's Infirmary | 1,358.10 | 141.90 | 1,216.20 |
|
|
Total | 79,585.70 | 9,765.40 | 69,820.30 |
|
RADIOACTIVITY OF THE WATERS.
In 1904 the Secretary of the Interior authorized Dr.
Bertram B. Boltwood, of Yale University, to report on the radioactivity
of the waters. The following résumé of Dr. Boltwood's conclusions
appeared in the Annual Report of the Secretary of the Interior for
1904:
* * * The results of the
electroscopic tests of the gases obtained by boiling the waters were
very satisfactory, as they showed that the waters at Hot Springs are
radioactive to a marked degree; and from other tests, taken to determine
the properties of the emanation from the waters, it was found that the
properties of these radioactive gases were identical with those of the
radium emanation.
On the other hand, when water from
which the gas had once been taken was boiled a second time, after being
allowed to stand, no radioactivity was detected in the gas obtained from
the second boiling, and it was therefore concluded that little or no
radium salts existed in the waters. This conclusion was strengthened by
the fact that a test of the residue of the waters which had been left by
evaporation also failed to disclose any sign of radioactivity of this
solid substance. A sample from the tufa deposit, formed by some of the
springs on issuing from the ground, was also tested, and it was found
that the amount of radium contained in 100 grams of tufa was less than
one one-millionth of the quantity of radium, associated with an equal
weight of uranium in pitchblende. Samples of the gas which arose from
the springs were also tested, and its radioactivity was found to be less
than of an equal volume of gas obtained by boiling the waters from the
springs. The following conclusions are reached by Dr. Boltwood as to the
result of his investigations:
1. The waters of the springs on the
Hot Springs Reservation are all radioactive to a marked
degree.
2. The radioactivity of the waters is
due to dissolved radium emanation (a gas), and not to the presence of
salts of radium or other radioactive solids.
PHYSIOLOGICAL TESTS OF THE WATER.
The pronounced benefits, in certain conditions,
derived from the proper use of the Hot Springs water have been fully
recognized both by the medical men and the laity. The therapeutic value
of these waters in certain diseases appears to be well established by
the concensus of opinion of the many bathers who have been
benefited and by physicians who have had an opportunity to
observe the effects of the use of these waters.
The department has during the past caused to be made
an analysis of the chemical contents of these waters, but the
physiological action has never been scientifically determined with
reference to the effects of the baths on either the normal or diseased
subject. The baths have been given emperically for such ailments as they
seem to benefit, based on the clinical experience of physicians who
have prescribed the waters and observed in this way the results. No
physician who is thorough and looks for the best results from the
medicines he gives would think of prescribing a drug whose physiological
effects and therapeutic value had not been scientifically proven and
described. So a large number of physicians throughout the country
hesitate to send their patients to this resort, believing, without an
authentic physiological report, these waters to be of no more value than
ordinary hot water.
Suitable investigation by the department, reported by
the department as authentic, would change this attitude. I believe that
an exhaustive experimentation should be made along the following
lines:
1. To test elimination, it should be made before the
subject takes the baths, using perfectly healthly subjects to get the
true physiological effect, the total solids eliminated by
the kidneys within twenty-four hours, this to be done on several
subjects and successive days. Then these subjects should be given the baths
and the total urinary solids determined each day; also an estimate by
weighing the subject before and after the sweat, of the solids
eliminated through the skin (the specific gravity of the sweat to be
used in making this test), and added to the total urinary solids
eliminated. This has not been done and can not be done without great
trouble and expense, as healthy subjects would have to be employed.
2. To test the constructive effect of the increased
cell activity of the blood-making system anemic subjects should be
selected and a hæemoglobin percentage and a white and red cell count
made before beginning the baths and again after every few baths, say,
every third, fifth, or seventh day. In the meantime a regular diet
should be observed and no medicines be given which would affect the
hæmoglobin or the blood-cell count.
This briefly outlines the first steps that would be
taken in case a physiological test should be made, and it is estimated
that approximately two years would be required to complete the
work.
In view of the many thousands of people who visit Hot
Springs annually for the benefit of the baths, and for the information
it would give the physician who could prescribe more rationally and not
empirically, I am decidedly of the opinion that an investigation should
be undertaken and conducted completely with the object of ascertaining
what definite and demonstrable physiological effects the water is
capable of producing.
RECOMMENDATIONS.
As the result of my observations and information
gathered during my administration of the affairs of the Hot
Springs Reservation for nearly a year past, I am firmly convinced that
this is the most valuable holding in the possession of the General
Government on account of its life-giving and healing thermal springs and that in
the near future Congress should provide liberally for the extensive
improvement and beautification on an elaborate scale of the Hot Springs
Mountain. In order that this matter may be laid before Congress
intelligently I recommend that the general superintendent and landscape
engineer of National parks, Mr. Mark Daniels, be authorized to cause to
be prepared a complete and comprehensive plan and estimate of cost for
the permanent improvement of the Hot Springs Mountain on a scale that
would, when completed, surpass any of the European resorts. The work
necessary to carry out a plan of this magnitude would of necessity
extend over a period of several years and Congress could each year make
an appropriation sufficient to complete that portion of the plan which
might be deemed most advisable. Experience has demonstrated that work
done systematically is much more satisfactory than if done haphazard. I
have in mind several prospective improvements which I would be glad to
discuss with the general superintendent, looking to their incorporation
if feasible in a general plan as outlined above.
I have been surprised to find from personal
conversation with visitors from all sections of the United States what
a small proportion of the inhabitants as a whole have any knowledge of
the Hot Springs Reservation, Ark., or the properties of its waters. To
remedy this condition and give to the vast number of persons throughout
the country who are afflicted with diseases in which these waters are
indicated and the efficacy of which is demonstrated by the Government at
the Army and Navy Hospital here each year, I would suggest that some
more effective method of publicity be adopted by which such persons
could be reached with true information relative to the merits of Hot
Springs as a health resort. Every effort should be made to convey to
suffering humanity reliable information as to just what health features
this Government has to offer for their benefit and relief.
As the department is so thoroughly familiar with the
urgent necessity for the rebuilding or reconstruction of the present
free bathhouse, I respectfully recommend that steps be taken at the
earliest possible date looking to the rebuilding or reconstruction of
this house along modern and sanitary lines in order that suitable baths
may be provided for persons who come to Hot Springs and are unable to
obtain means with which to pay for baths. It is believed that the new
bathhouse should be constructed on the present site and it is possible
that the present foundation and walls might be used in its
reconstruction. However, this is a matter to be determined later. I have
recommended that the amount of $75,000 be appropriated for this
purpose, this estimate being based upon the cost of a houses which have
been constructed on the reservation during the past four or five
years.
I wish to renew the recommendation heretofore made
for an appropriation of $237,840, which has been based on a scientific
estimate, by the Government for the construction of a storm sewer and
surface drainage system in the city of Hot Springs to care for the
drainage from the reservation.
I also wish to renew the recommendation of an
appropriation of $96,595, also based upon a scientific estimate, for the
construction of a sewer system in Hot Springs to provide for the
sewerage from the reservation.
A modern comfort station should be erected convenient
to Bathhouse Row, preferably near the free bathhouse also, as in that
way the necessary janitor work could be performed by the employees of
the bathhouse.
It is recommended that Fountain Street, bounding the
Hot Springs Mountain Reservation on the north, be paved with some
suitable material from Central Avenue to a point even with Government
Monument No. 36, at which point Fountain Street connects with the system
of roads on Hot Springs Mountain; also Reserve Avenue, bounding the
reservation on the south, should be similarly paved from Central Avenue
to point even with monument No. 26, which would carry the pavement just
beyond the grounds occupied by the superintendent's official
residence. It is believed that the property owners on the opposite side
of these streets from the reservation would be willing to pay their
proportionate share for such a valuable and needed improvement.
It is recommended that Congress cede Whittington Lake
Park to the city of Hot Springs for use as a municipal park, and in the
event the city declines to accept the trust the Secretary of the
Interior should be authorized to divide the park into lots and blocks in
his discretion and offer the same for sale at public auction. This park
is far removed from the reservation proper, and while it would be a
valuable adjunct to the city it is believed that its retention
by the Government is impracticable, as expenditures by the Government
for improvements in the future should be confined to the Hot Springs
Mountain Reservation and its immediate vicinity.
I also recommend the completion of the system of
rubblestone retaining walls and gutters on North and West Mountain
Roads, and also that these roads be graveled in many places, which is
now necessary on account of the heavy rains having disturbed the
surfaces.
The terms of a recent act of Congress make it
necessary to obtain specific appropriations for the maintenance of
passenger-carrying vehicles in the Government service, and I have
therefore to recommend an appropriation of $500 from the revenues of the
reservation for the care and maintenance of passenger-carrying vehicles
on the Hot Springs Reservation for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1917.
This estimate contemplates the feeding, shoeing, and other care of the
one horse, and the repair and maintenance of the two passenger-carrying
vehicles now in use on the reservation and also the purchase of one new
four-passenger vehicle which will be required before the expiration of
the fiscal year 1917.
CITY OF HOT SPRINGS.
The city of Hot Springs is a municipality governed
under State and municipal laws. The Department of the Interior exercises
no control or supervision over any matters connected with the city.
It is situated in the midst of beautiful surroundings
and enjoys all the modern facilities of cities ten times its size,
although its resident population is only 16,000. Its new public
utility service is unsurpassed and managed in a most satisfactory
manner. It has splendid churches of every denomination, and the new
Methodist, recently constructed at a cost approximating $100,000, is
probably unsurpassed for its size throughout the South. The
hotels are modern in every respect and the boarding houses are cozy and
inviting and the prices are moderate. Furnished apartments and cottages
can be obtained at a moderate cost. The climate is good the year round,
and the elevation of the city proper is 600 feet above sea level and the
surrounding mountains 500 to 600 feet higher than the city.
The large area burned on September 5, 1913, has been
nearly all rebuilt, mostly with modern and ornamental brick structures,
which tends to show a prosperous and healthy condition.
CONCLUSION.
In conclusion, I wish to state that from thex
standpoint of a disinterested physician I have the utmost confidence in the
hot waters as a curative agency, and I predict for Hot Springs a most
brilliant future as a health-pleasure resort and that each succeeding
year will bring a greater number of visitors. The municipality of Hot
Springs as well as its citizens should at all times work hand in hand
with the General Government, and by this means of concerted action its
world-wide reputation will be assured. Many disagreeable features have
been eliminated by the city during the past few years and conditions
generally improved.
Closing this, my first annual report, I have the
honor to be,
Very respectfully,
WILLIAM P. PARKS,
Superintendent.
The SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR.
|
MAP OF A PORTION OF HOT SPRINGS.
(click on image for a PDF version)
|
APPENDIX.
RULES AND REGULATIONS, WITH ALL AMENDMENTS
THERETO, UP TO AND INCLUDING JUNE 30, 1915, 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 drums or
solicits business for doctors, 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 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
physical 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 for 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, 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.
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
Reservation:
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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
baths, which may be reissued on the same application if necessary.
RULE 2. Persons using the free baths are required to
maintain 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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STATEMENT OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR HOT SPRINGS RESERVATION
FROM MARCH 8, 1877, TO JUNE 30, 1915.
TITLE: PROTECTION AND IMPROVEMENT HOT SPRINGS
RESERVATION.1
Revenue fund, derived from water and ground rents and sales of lots and
improvements, as provided by act of March 3, 1877, treated by Treasury
Department; for bookkeeping purposes, as Indefinite appropriation:
18772 | ------ |
|
1899 | $18,580.00 |
1878 | $5,035.00 |
|
1900 | 18,670.00 |
1879 | 2,881.88 |
|
1901 | 18,220.00 |
1880 | 2,774.03 |
|
1902 | 18,235.00 |
1881 | 5,820.47 |
|
1903 | 18,120.00 |
1882 | 37,323.70 |
|
1904 | 18,430.00 |
1888 | 13,442.94 |
|
1905 | 19,330.00 |
1884 | 30,944.07 |
|
1906 | 19,748.33 |
1885 | 4,996.85 |
|
1907 | 20,165.00 |
1886 | 4,705.00 |
|
1908 | 28,090.00 |
1887 | 4,705.00 |
|
1909 | 34,475.00 |
1888 | 7,241.40 |
|
1910 | 36,540.00 |
1889 | 12,490.00 |
|
1911 | $36,060.00 |
1890 | 13,090.00 |
|
1911 | 382,518.00
|
1891 | 19,682.00 |
|
| 118,578.00 |
1892 | 59,282.50 |
|
1912 | 35,279.16 |
1893 | 15,798.12 |
|
1913 | 40,711.00 |
1894 | 16,780.00 |
|
1914 | 38,380.00 |
1895 | 18,305.00 |
|
1915 | 37,877.66
|
1896 | 16,125.88 |
|
Total | 867,324.24 |
1897 | 18,000.00 |
|
|
1898 | 18,471.25 |
|
|
SPECIFIC APPROPRIATIONS BY CONGRESS FROM REVENUE FUND.
Improvement of Whittington Lake Reserve from proceeds
from sale of lands, included in above fund, 18923 (sundry civil act of
Aug. 5, 1892) | 4 $30,000.00 |
To repay expenditures upon a sewer, 1896 (act of May 1, 1896) | 4 930.00 |
Survey of the sewer system of the city of Hot Springs,
preparation of plans and estimate of cost of increasing present
storm-drainage system as well as present sanitary sewer system of the
city of Hot Springs, one-half ($5,000) to be paid from the revenues of
the reservation and one-half ($5,000) to be paid by the city of Hot
Springs (sundry civil act of Aug. 24, 1912), $10,000 | 4 5,000.00
|
Total | 35,930.00 |
TITLE: IMPROVEMENT HOT SPRINGS RESERVATION.1
SPECIFIC APPROPRIATIONS BY CONGRESS FROM REVENUE FUND.
Improvement of Hot Springs Creek, 1883.3 (Sundry civil act of Aug.
7, 1882) | $33,744.78 |
This amount accrued to the revenue fund from operation of the bathhouses
by the Court of Claims receiver in 1878. |
1Designations given on books of Treasury Department.
2Years scheduled on books of Treasury Department.
3Received from the sale of Government lots in the city of Hot Springs.
4Without year.
TITLE: SALARIES AND EXPENSES HOT SPRINGS COMMISSION.1
Salaries and expenses Hot Springs Commission, 18772 (sundry civil
act of Mar. 3, 1877) | 3 $27,500.00 |
Same as above, 1878 (deficiency act of Dec. 15, 1877) | 3 15,000.00 |
Same as above, 1879 (act of Dec. 16, 1878) | 127,500.00 |
Same as above, 1879 (deficiency act of Mar. 3, 1879) | 3 12,000.00
|
Total | 4 82,000.00 |
TITLE: PROTECTION AND IMPROVEMENT HOT SPRINGS RESERVATION.1
SPECIFIC APPROPRIATIONS BY CONGRESS FROM MONEYS IN TREASURY NOT OTHERWISE APPROPRIATED.
Improvement of Hot Springs Creek, 18852 (sundry civil act of July 7,
1884) | 5 $75,000.00 |
Same as above, 1886 (sundry civil act of Mar. 3, 1885) | 5 8,000.00 |
Same as above, 1887 (sundry civil act of Aug. 4, 1886) | 5 20,000.00 |
Reservoirs, pumps, piping, and improvement of the free bathhouse,
1889 (sundry civil act of Oct. 2, 1888) | 5 36,000.00 |
Improvement of the free bathhouse, 1890 (deficiency act of Apr. 4,
1890) | 3 3,200.00 |
For mains, pipes, pumping engine, etc., 1891 (deficiency act of
Sept. 30, 1890) | 3 5,000.00 |
Construction of roads, 1892 (sundry civil act of Mar. 3, 1891) | 5 5,000.00
|
Total | 152,200.00 |
TITLE: HOT SPRINGS RESERVATION.1
SPECIFIC APPROPRIATIONS BY CONGRESS FROM MONEYS IN TREASURY NOT OTHERWISE APPROPRIATED.
Repairs to roads, drives, etc., and remodeling the free bathhouse,
19032 (sundry civil act of June 28, 1902) | 3 $47,562.00 |
Repairs to roads, etc., and storage reservoir, 1904 (sundry civil act
of Mar. 3, 1903) | 3 30,500.00 |
Reimbursement of disbursing officer, 1904 (deficiency act of Feb.
18, 1904) | 5 500.00 |
Installation of electric motor for the free bathhouse; 1904
(deficiency act of Apr. 27, 1904) | 5 1,550.00 |
For gutters on mountain roads, 1905 (sundry civil act of Apr. 28, 1904) | 5 8,000.00 |
Filling lakes in Whittington Park, 1906 (sundry civil act of Mar. 3, 1905) | 5 6,000.00
|
Total | 94,112.00 |
TITLE: CLAIMS FOR CONDEMNATION OF BUILDINGS, HOT SPRINGS
RESERVATION.1
SPECIFIC APPROPRIATIONS (INDEFINITE) FROM MONEYS IN TREASURY NOT
OTHERWISE APPROPRIATED (SUNDRY CIVIL ACT OF MAR. 3, 1902).
1902 | 2 3 $26,385.45 |
1903 | 3 18,372.07 |
1904 | 3 3,500.00 |
1911 | 3 2,935.00
|
Total | 51,192.52 |
Up to June 30, 1915, in addition to the above
appropriations, there has been expended the sum of $464,811.39, under
the direction of the War Department, upon the Army and Navy Hospital,
located on Hot Springs Reservation.
1 Designations given on books of Treasury Department.
2Years scheduled on books of Treasury Department.
3 Without year.
4Reimbursable from fund arising from sale of Hot springs
lots, but treated by Treasury Department as a direct appropriation.
5Limited to fiscal years.
|