Report
of The
Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Home Commission
State of Colorado
Office of the Commission,
Room 4, State Capitol,
Denver, Colo., December 5, 1896
His Excellency
Hon. A. W. McIntire
Governor of Colorado
Sir--As accurately as possible, in view of a very recent change in the composition of the Board of Commissioners of the Colorado Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Home, I herewith submit to you a report of the administration of the said Board for the fiscal year ending November 30, 1896.
On December 3, the Commissioners met at their office, room 4, state capitol, for the purpose, among others, of consultation on questions relating to the welfare of the important state institution confided by a generous and patriotic people through their executive officer, to their care and business management, and hearing read by the president his annual report.
At this meeting the report of the secretary was ready to be incorporated with that of the presidents, both reports being required by law. Each of the Commissioners present expected that the president’s report would be read by him, be passed upon in regular order of business, and all be in readiness to submit to your excellency. Such was not the case, hence, what follows, is a combined report of the secretary and vice president acting in a dual capacity.
Very early in the proceedings of the meeting the president tendered his resignation, which was accepted, and severed his connection with the Commission by not thereafter participating in its deliberations. Later he tendered his resignation as a member of the Commission, which was accepted by his excellency.
On December 4, business was resumed, the vice president and secretary assuming the duties of presiding officer for the time being.
At different meetings during the year, the late president and Commissioner has reported that upon inquiry at the office of the secretary of state has been assured that the annual report for the fiscal year ending November 30, 1895, would not for lack of funds, be put into printed form. As the secretary of the Commission has nver seen the president’s manuscript of that report, to which was appended his own, in compliance with the law, he must necessarily, it would seem, prepare this year’s report as if that of 1894-1895 did not exist
The Commission has a permanent record of all its meetings and proceedings, and as the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Home grows in magnitude by reason of almost daily accessions to its membership, the minutes necessarily increase in the record of business transacted. With the sole help of this permanent record n preparing this report, it is hoped that your excellency, as well as every citizen of Colorado to whom the information herein contained shall come, will favor the Home Commission and the local administration with an opinion of faithful and diligent discharge of duty. To that end particular attention is called to the various reports of the officers of the Home those directly connected with it, as commander, adjutant, surgeon, quartermaster and commissary, which are so perfect in detail that each is recommended for careful consideration. The financial report is complete and detailed, and has been prepared by Mr. E. W. Garretson, bookkeeper, who has taken unusual precautions to have it correct and correspond with the records of other state officials who have custody of the state appropriations and of the fund derived from the general government. The financial report of the Hon. A. M. Sawyer, treasurer of the commission, will be found equally detailed and accurate.
Immediately after the completion of a wing to the dormitory--this in October, 1895--it was furnished and occupied, admitting all applicants whose applications were then on file. The membership was then about eighty in number and has not since been much less. In other words, this has been the minimum number of inmates.
During the month of December, 1895, telephone connection was established between the Home offices and the office and residence of Dr. A. W. Packard, in Monte Vista. Since then, in emergent cases in the hospital, speedy professional services have been rendered, and in several instances such service has doubtless saved lives or has quickly mitigated infirmities. During the three first months of 1896, a majority of those admitted were infirmed and assigned to the hospital; seven were reported more or less demented. Two of these were subsequently sent to the asylum at Pueblo and died there. Others died at the Home.
At the meeting in February, 1896, the commander’s report showed the necessity for increased accommodation. By reason of the difficulties incident to a former administration of the state auditor’s office, the Commissioners could do nothing toward building and were obliged to await more liberal construction of the laws relating to the state appropriation for maintenance. As one means of postponing admissions, circular letters were addressed to the chairman of every board of county commissioners in the state, and to the commanders of every post of the G. A. R., notifying them not to encourage further applications because there was no room for applicants. Also rules were established governing the issue of furloughs. These precautions prevented over-crowding.
During the spring and summer all went well with the home, its inmates and officers. There were occasional violations of the few rules formulated for observance by the old men, but nothing serious. The Commissioners do not believe the Home to be a punitive institution, hence have never provided a graded system of punishments for violation of discipline. All must abide by a few simple rules, and if dissatisfied, are at liberty to depart, but there are no other punishments inflicted.
The greatest annoyance arises from the drink habit, and its indulgence after mild censure by the commander is followed by discharge. So far, and no further, does punishment go.
At the July meeting, Comrade H. O. Dodge, of Boulder, Colo., took his place as a member of the Commission, having been elected, April 23, department commander, Grand Army of the Republic. Such election rendered him eligible to membership, with the same powers as are exercised by the appointed members.
During the year several minor improvements were completed, all authorized by the Commission and carried out under the supervision of the commander and Hon. J.D. Lewis, resident Commissioner. These brought the entire institution up to the requirements of the number of guests. As warm weather approached, nearly all the inmates who were at all able-bodied took discharges and there was again a minimum population with an accumulation of application. Later in the season others were received and fled, so it seemed necessary to devise plans for receiving more inmates. One of these was carried out by finishing the basement of the new wing to the dormitory and removing the offices of the adjutant and quartermaster into a part of it, while the other and larger part was used as an assembly room in which social amusements were held during the summer, largely contributed to by the citizens of Monte Vista. Every available place was otherwise utilized, and as applicants arrived they found comfortable quarters until there was again a plethora.
The next plan received the most careful consideration.
The appropriation for building purposes was exhausted. In this emergency an opinion was sought of the attorney general as to the use of part of the cash fund, so-called, being the contribution of the general government. It was fully represented to the official named how necessary it was, and as soon as possible, to increase the capacity in readiness for the coming winter. Fortunately the opinion was favorable and the Commission at its September meeting authorized advertisements for bids for erecting a wing on the west side of the main building or dormitory, on such plans as would render the whole symmetrical. After the contracts were let work proceeded rapidly and the commander’s report shows that about December 1 the new wing was occupied. The work was under the constant supervision of the committee on buildings and grounds. The whole institution can, at the date of this report, provide for 135 inmates. A part of these sleep in the old assembly room for which apartment a substitute was provided by setting up a tent convenient to the main building, into which were removed the library, organ, chairs, tables and other furniture. Here the inmates may, during fair and warm weather, enjoy their leisure, and here the social entertainments have been continued. It is hoped that competent authority will appropriate sufficient money for the erection of a suitable and separate building for the purposes named. Estimates of the cost of this, with other building improvements, will be found in their proper place.
The increase in membership begot other necessities, such as for the storage of supplies, for furniture and other requisites. A cellar, formerly used for storing vegetables, was converted into a two-story building and the quartermaster was installed therein. Here are kept the food and clothing supplies, while a separate cellar, recently constructed, receives only the vegetables.
The sewage system continues to work well but must soon be enlarged. The surgeon’s report contains information relating to this department and the sanitation. Individual members of the Commission have taken notes of the necessary improvements, to carry out which a liberal appropriation is confidently expected. These notes were formulated into a statement to be presented during the coming legislative session, and the Commission propose to present them when well digested.
A proposition to light all the buildings with electricity was considered. Officers if the Monte Vista Electric Company presented proposals for lighting from their plant, a distance of nearly three miles from the Home. Because of what appeared to be excessive cost for installation the proposition was deferred. The buildings remain, therefore, lighted by means of oil lamps. A local electric plant is not considered feasible because of the great expense.
In view of some agitation of the question of removing the Home to some other part of the state, the Commission visited a proposed site at Old Fort Lyon, near the town of Las Animas, Bent county. From the notes taken by the secretary is culled the following information:
There are some forty buildings situated on the military reservation of 538 acres contiguous to the Arkansas river. These were abandoned several years ago as a military post and the buildings have become dilapidated, especially those used as officers’ quarters, which are constructed of adobe bricks and plastered with stucco. Neglect and decay dominate the entire place. At the time of the visit a rough calculation was made of the cost of preparing for the reception of an old soldier population for the years to come and it was agreed that $10,000 would be none to large an amount. Should the matter of removal be the subject of consideration, by the people through their legislature at its coming session, the Commissioners will impart all the information they possess.
Later the Commission visited the Kansas State Soldiers’ Home, located five miles east of Dodge City. This visit was especially made for the purpose of observing the working of the law providing for the maintenance of “dependents.” The act of the Colorado legislature, approved April 10, 1895, provides that dependents of honorably discharged soldiers and marines who participated in the war of the rebellion shall be maintained at the Home on equal terms. Up to this date no provision has been made for the reception of such dependents, because the appropriations were inadequate. There should be provision made for the reception of the wives and widows of veterans after arriving at the age of say fifty years.
The Kansas home has no limitation as to the age of adult females, but the law provides that the children of veterans shall be maintained until the ages of twelve and fourteen for boys and girls respectively. When the commander informed the Coloradoans that during the year 1895 there had been ten births, and that 120 children enrolled as pupils in the home school, a large proportion of whom were native to the home grounds, a cause was given for grave reflection on the propriety of admitting other than old amen and old wife or widow to the benefits of this kind of public charitable institution. As a result of collecting the opinions of the Commission, it is officially stated that if Colorado continues to maintain a Soldiers’ Home, some limitation should be placed on the admission of adult females. This is a delicate subject to deal with, nevertheless it does not seem right that young wives, such as were seen at the Kansas home, many of whom were born long after the war closed, should be brought there as dependents, and in due course contribute to the propagation of public charges from birth to the ages mentioned.
Should means be provided for enlarging the Colorado Home for the reception of dependents, this Commission will not favor opening the doors to children.
With the completion of the new building, by enlargement and otherwise, of the several departments, the able management of the present commander, the ample provision of supplies, and recently completed repairs, the Colorado Home may be considered in excellent condition and will successfully bear the scrutiny of any citizen or official of the state. To the end that its usefulness may be extended, the Commission recommend liberal appropriations for the maintenance of an average of not less than 150 veterans for each of the next two years, and if the extension shall be toward receiving dependent wives and widows, then a sufficient additional sum as a building fund for the erection of quarters suitable for such purpose.
Former reports contain allusions to the lands supposed to be possessed by the state upon with the Home is located. no definite understanding exists as to the extent of these possessions. An attempt to gain satisfactory information was commenced in march, 1896, and the business was placed in the hands of Commissioner Lewis. At the April meeting he reported as follows:
“I have the honor to report that I communicated to Mr. Marsh, chairman of the Monte Vista committee, the result of the consideration by the Commissioners of the Home for the proposition in regard to the exchange of a piece of land of twenty acres for a roadway on the east side of the lake, and up to this date I have not received nay report from him.”
(Signed.) J. D. Lewis
At subsequent meetings, Commissioner Lewis has reported inability to secure attention to this proposition, and the matter is still open.
The title to the tract upon which the cemetery is located has been found to be secure, the land having been included in the original donation through the Monte Vista committee for securing the location of the Home.
At the July meeting another important question arose concerning the burial expenses of deceased inmates and whether the state or Rio Grande county should bear them. It was determined to submit the question to Atty. Gen. Carr, and the president was instructed to state the question to him and solicit an opinion.
Following is the official correspondence:
Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Home Commission
State of Colorado.
Office of the President,
Denver, Colo., April 2, 1896
Hon. B. L. Carr, Attorney General State of Colorado,
Sir--I am instructed by the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Home Commission, state of Colorado, to submit to you for a decision the following:
When does the responsibility of a county in the state of Colorado cease to exist in the burial of a deceased Union soldier, who during his live was sent to the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Home because of his indigent circumstances and inability to labor, and who died while an inmate of the Home?
Does an old soldier become a burden upon Rio Grande county in the way of burial if he claims residence in that county by registering to vote there?
In an old soldier does not, after going to the Home, exercise his right to register and vote, does he still remain a citizen of the county sending him there, or from which he went, and is that county responsible for the burial expenses should he die at the Home?
Very truly yours,
WARNER A. ROOT,
President Soldiers and Sailors’ Home Commission
Hon. Warner A. Root, President of the Soldiers’ and Sailors; Home Commission, Denver, Colo.
Dear Sir--Your favor of April 2, is received and contents noted. It would have been answered before but for my absence.
In reply to your first question:
“When does the responsibility of a county in the State of Colorado cease to exist in the burial of deceased Union soldiers who, during their lives were sent to the Soldiers’ Home because of their indigent circumstances and inability to labor and who died while an inmate of the Home?”
The liability of the county he went from would cease when his domicile was fixed in Monte Vista. If he afterwards became a resident of Rio Grande county by registration and voting there I suppose it would have to be held h changed his domicile when he went there, the registration in voting being evidence of intention to make such a change of domicile. He would then become a burden upon Rio Grande county from the date of his residence. If upon taking up residence a the Soldiers’ Home, his intention is to make it only a temporary residence, he at the same timer retaining his domicile in the county he came from, it would be the duty of Rio Grande county in case of his death to pay the burial expenses and recover from the county of his actual residence.
Very truly yours,
B. L. Carr,
Attorney General.
As the commission of Rio Grande county have uniformly rejected bills laid before them for said funeral expenses, which are for one-half the amount which the statutes provide shall be paid by counties should an indigent old soldier die within their limits, some law should be passed defining the status of citizenship of inmates of the Home and the responsibility if any, of the county in which the Home is situate. Bills rendered to other counties have been paid promptly.
There has been no changes during the ear in the conditions appertaining to the unpaid balance of subscription claimed to be due form the citizens of Monte Vista to secure the location of the Home. The hard times which have so long prevailed, even in the fertile San Luis valley and among an industrious and enterprising people, greatly impede, if not wholly prevent, them acquiring a surplus of cash, or indeed any amount which can be conveniently spared wherewith to make their subscriptions good.
The cost of maintenance for the fiscal year ending November 30, 1896, was as follow:
Current expense...........................................................$ 5,310.19
Hospital........................................................................$ 2,893.09
Clothing........................................................................$ 4,384.74
Household....................................................................$ 5,600.14
Subsistence..................................................................$ 8,768.14
Farm.............................................................................$ 1,274.02
$28,230.32
At the average of ninety-six men present during the year, the amount
per capita for maintenance would be............................$ 294.06
Deducting the amount allowed by the United States
government per capita....................................................$ 100.00
The net cost to the state per capita would be......................... $ 194.06
The present and increased capacity for 150 men at $194.06 per capita, would necessitate and appropriation for the two years ending November 30, 1898, of $60,000.
Estimates for necessary additional improvements:
Addition to hospital and furnishing same........................$ 5,000.00
Stable, storage for stable supplies and sheds.................$ 1,000.00
Assembly room...............................................................$ 4,000.00
Quarters for twenty-four aged couples............................$10,000.00
Minor improvements, such as enclosing the
building plot and cemetery.............................................$ 200.00
$20,200.00
PRESENT ESTIMATED VALUE OF THE HOME PROPERTY
Following is the estimated value of the Home property in its present condition, making no allowance, however, for slight deterioration of the older buildings. This item is probably more than compensated by recent improvements. All reference is omitted to an item of value hitherto reported in the valuation of Home property, viz., expenses of dyke erected several years ago to convert a venerable swamp into a lake, reported at a sum of $3,200, to which expense additions are perforce and continually necessary to protect the dyke against wave-wash and depredations of aquatic animals:
Lands, 120 acres at @25 per acre..........................................$ 3,000.00
Ditch stock............................................................................. $ 1,000.00
Main building, “dormitory”.....................................................$12,644.00
Hospital..................................................................................$12,789.00
Commander’s Cottage........................................................... $ 5,770.00
Dining room, kitchen and bakery............................................$ 3,299.00
Quartermaster’s storehouse and cellar...................................$ 1,240.00
Stables and sheds and other outbuildings..............................$ 1,800.00
Sewerage system....................................................................$ 2,303.00
Steam pumping and water system..........................................$ 1,800.00
Minor improvements...............................................................$ 700.00
Furniture and fixtures...............................................................$ 4,000.00
Live stock, farm implements and vehicles................................$ 800.00
Trees, shrubbery and fences....................................................$ 700.00
Artesian wells...........................................................................$ 375.00
$52,121.00
Upon all the above property in buildings and insurable accessories there are policies of insurance now in force amounting to $18,500.
All of which is respectfully submitted.
W. P. HARBOTTLE,
Vice President Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Home Commission.
REPORT NO. 1
Colorado Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Home.
Monte Vista, November 30, 1896
Hon. W. P. Harbottle, Vice President, Board of Commissioners.
Dear Sir--I have the honor to submit the sixth annual report of management of the Home for the fiscal year ending November 30, 1896:
Population
Present for duty--
Officers......................................................................... 4
Members....................................................................... 93
Absent--
With leave..................................................................... 4
Sick--
In hospital and excused................................................ 3
Total present and absent, November 30, 1896............. 119
Total present and absent, November 30, 1895............. 92
Net gain........................................................................ 27
Admitted during the year......................................................... 69
Readmitted during the year..................................................... 28
Total cared for.............................................................. 231
Discharged during the year..................................................... 64
Dishonorably discharged........................................................ 6
Sent to insane asylum, Pueblo............................................... 2
Average present during the year............................................. 96
Average present and absent during the year.......................... 101
Greatest number in home during the year............................. 119
Smallest number in home during the year............................. 89
Total number cared for since the home was opened............. 430
Vital Statistics
Number of deaths during the year......................................... 9
Average age of death............................................................. 59.33
Total number of deaths since home was opened................... 35
Number of graves in the cemetery......................................... 36
Number of buried in other places.......................................... 3
Social Conditions
Married or having living wives or minor children, or both...... 63
Single..................................................................................... 110
Employment
Officers, 4; amount paid........................................................ $3,150.00
Members on pay, 19; amount paid........................................ 2,400.00
Civilian employee, 1; amount paid......................................... 300.00
Pensions
Total amount of pensions during the year.............................. $7,160.00
Paid to pensioners and dependent relatives.......................... $5,440.05
On deposit with treasurer...................................................... $1,719.95
Subsistence
Bill of fare, general dining hall, for the week ending November 30, 1896:
Tuesday--Breakfast: Oatmeal mush; Irish stew; beefsteak; fried German potatoes; hot biscuit; bread and butter; tea, coffee, and milk.
Tuesday--Dinner: Boiled beef, Spanish sauce; macaroni and cheese; steamed potatoes; boiled cabbage with pork; currant roll, milk dressing; tea, coffee, and milk; bread and butter.
Tuesday--Supper: Cold boiled beef, baked potatoes; cornmeal mush; bread and butter; apple sauce; tea, coffee, ad milk.
Wednesday--Breakfast: Oatmeal mush; German fried potatoes; dry hash; fried beefsteak; hot biscuit; tea, coffee, and milk.
Wednesday--Dinner: Vegetable soup; roast beef; roasted potatoes; turnips; rice pudding with sauce; tea, and coffee.
Wednesday--Supper: Baked potatoes; cold boiled beef; meat pie; Irish stew; bread and butter; tea, and coffee.
Thursday--Breakfast: Oatmeal mush; dry hash, fried steak; hot biscuit; bread and butter; tea, coffee, and milk.
Thursday--Dinner: Oyster soup; roast turkey, cranberry sauce; bread dressing with giblet sauce; mashed potatoes; stewed tomatoes; mince pie; apples; bread and butter; tea, coffee, and milk.
Thursday--Supper: Boiled rice with raisins; giblet pie; baked potatoes; bread and butter; stewed prunes; tea, coffee, and milk.
Friday--Breakfast: Oatmeal mush; dry has; German fried potatoes; fried beefsteak; tea, coffee, and milk.
Friday--Dinner: Beef broth with cerealine; roast beef; mashed potatoes; turnips; pickles; dry apple rolls; coffee, and tea.
Friday--Supper: Steamed potatoes; cold boiled beef; hot rolls; boiled rice with raisins; tea, and coffee
Saturday--Breakfast: Beefsteak; codfish and potatoes; dry hash; bread and butter; tea, coffee, and milk.
Saturday--Dinner: Rice-tomato soup; boiled beef, tomato sauce; mashed potatoes; minced pie; tea, and coffee.
Saturday--Supper: Boiled rice with raisins; cold roast beef; steamed potatoes; cold baked cabbage; bread and butter; tea, coffee, and milk.
Sunday--Breakfast: Oatmeal mush; fried ham; German fried potatoes; hot biscuit and butter; tea, coffee, and milk.
Sunday--Dinner: Bean soup; roast turkey, cranberry sauce; mashed potatoes; pumpkin pie; tea, and coffee.
Sunday--Supper: Oyster soup; stewed peaches; bread and butter; tea, coffee, and milk.
Monday--Breakfast: Oatmeal mush; dried hash; German fried potatoes; hot biscuit; beefsteak; tea, coffee, and milk.
Monday--Dinner: Boiled beef, cranberry sauce; mashed potatoes; stewed corn; dry peach roll; tea, coffee, and milk.
Monday--Supper: Baked potatoes; cold boiled beef; cornmeal mush; tea, coffee and milk.
Changes are made in the general dining hall bill of are according to season.
The hospital bill of fare is prescribed by the surgeon. Average cost of subsistence per capita per die, $22.88; average cost of maintenance per capita per annum, $83.19 1/4.
The following publications donated by the publishers have been regularly received:
Monte Vista Journal
San Luis Graphic
Del Norte Inquirer
Colorado Herald
Rocky Mountain Herald
Durango Herald
Aspen Times
Boulder Herald
Saguache Crescent
Colorado Springs Gazette
Pueblo Chieftain
Denver Republican
Denver Times
Denver Post
Colorado Journal
Silver Dollar
Alamosa Independent
Mosca Herald
New Castle Nonpariel
Pueblo Magazine
Amusements
The facilities for amusements are not what they should be, owing to the want of a proper building in which to hold entertainments.
We are indebted to the Woodman’s quartette and the glee club of Monte Vista for numerous visits at great inconvenience to themselves, and have been entertained by the young people who have always shown a willingness to do all in their power to help enliven and make less tedious the monotony of the life of the members of the Home. But the necessity still exists for a greater variety of amusement, and above all, a suitable room in which to hold meetings of whatsoever kind.
Maintenance and Discipline
The policy of the manages of the Home has been to see that its members should be properly clothed and fed. The fact that the average cost per diem has been reduced from 25.1 for 1895 to 22.88 for 1896 is evidence that no extravagance has been practiced for this direction.
The number of offenses committed during the past year is much less than any year since the organization of the Home.
Six members were dishonorably discharged during the year, two only for drunkenness, one for insulting language, one for refusing to send pension to his family, one for assault and one for quarreling.
This very satisfactory state of affairs is due in great measure to the wise provisions of the law governing pensions which was enacted by the tenth general assembly. Up to that time the members were allowed full control of their pensions, the result being that in a majority of cases the money was squandered on drink.
Under the workings of the present law, many of these same men have a very respectable bank account which is theirs whenever they wish to leave the Home. I doubt very much if a law could be framed that would give as general satisfaction.
When a death occurs at the Home, the relatives of the deceased are notified, and if the remains are not claimed by them, interment is made in the Home cemetery in accordance with the previously expressed wish of the party, in all cases using the G. A. R. ritual. The graves are marked by marble headstones furnished by the government , and a careful record is kept at the Home of all interments, so that the graves can at any time be fully identified.
Rev. William Keiry, who resides near the Home, has acted as chaplain and been in attendance at every funeral since the organization of the home with but two exceptions; he has also held Sunday services whenever not otherwise engaged. Rev. O. S. Baum of the Presbyterian, Rev. G. W. Irwin of the Methodist, and Rev. L. A. Betcher of the Christian churches, have also held services at the Home.
There has been allowed the members perfect freedom of conscience and untrammeled enjoyment of their religious belief, and no distinction has been made between Protestant and Catholic, either in the matter of selecting paid employees or in visiting and ministering to the sick.
Very respectfully yours,
S. M. FRENCH
Commander
Report
of the
Committee on Buildings, Titles Grounds and
Farm Management.
Monte Vista, Colo., December 5, 1896
To the Board of Commissioners of the Colorado Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Home:
Gentlemen--Your committee on buildings, titles, grounds, and improvements beg leave to submit the following report for the fiscal year ending November 30, 1896.
The commissary quarters, which was a basement, have been raised one story, making office and store room for the quartermaster.
A new cellar has been built adjoining the quartermaster’s building which gives ample room for the storage of vegetables.
A new wing has been built on the west side of the main building or dormitory, 31x55 feet in size, one story and basement high, which materially adds to the appearance of the structure and provides room for thirty men.
A small addition has been made to the main kitchen in order to separate the bakery from the cooking department.
The plumbing has been thoroughly overhauled in all the buildings, and the wards and dormitories calcimined.
A artesian well has been sunk in the cemetery, the grounds graded, and shade trees planted, and the grounds prepared for seeding to grass in the spring.
Improvements Needed
The roofs of the hospital and main kitchen should have two coats of graphite paint, and all the outside woodwork requires repainting.
The hospital is crowded to about its limit and more room must be provided in the near future. An addition 31x110 feet could be built on north end of present hospital, the estimated cost of which is $6,500.
Owing to the fact that our state laws provide for the maintenance of wives and widows of dependent soldiers, it will be necessary to provide some place to shelter them. We submit a sketch plan of a building which will accommodate twenty-four couples and cost about $10,000.
GEO. H. ADAMS,
Chairman,
T. C. Graden,
J. D. Lewis,
Committee.
Commissary’s Report
7 barrels apples, $29.32
754 pounds apples, evaporated, $67.86
140 pounds baking powder, $53.70
46 pounds baking soda, $3.80
300 pounds bacon, $33.42
472 pounds beans, navy, $22.58
230 pounds beans, lima, $16.64
23,589 pounds beef, fresh, $1,402.43
2,507 pounds butter, ranch $535.53
2,300 pounds cabbage, $24.50
104 pounds cerealine, $9.36
245 pounds cheese, $37.50
812 pounds chewing tobacco, $321.80
10 pounds chocolate, $4.00
205 pounds chickens, $20.50
366 pounds codfish,$34.93
2,262 pounds coffee, $627.11
1,475 pounds cornmeal, $32.45
99 pounds cornstarch, $8.91
827 pounds crackers, $64.27
84 pounds currants, dried, $5.25
158 bottles catsup, $34.76
10 gallons cider, $6.00
1,038 dozen eggs, $162.72
21 jars extract of beef, $26.25
15 bottles extract of vanilla, $9.90
17 bottles extract of lemon $8.75
95 pounds farina and farinose, $8.54
17,000 pounds flour, $378.25
500 pounds flour, graham, $11.72
698 pounds ginger snaps, $77.36
2,238 pounds ham, $260.92
10 pounds hops, $1.90
790 pounds lard, $79.00
152 pounds macaroni, $15.94
463 pounds mackerel, $51.89
50 pounds mustard, ground, $11.80
1,527 pounds mutton, $112.56
5,214 gallons milk, $662.36
21 gallons molasses, $20.50
6 1/4 cases matches, $11.00
60 pounds mince meat, $15.00
663 pounds onions, $26.71
10 gallons oysters, $16.00
835 pounds peaches, dried $86.52
48 pounds pearl barley, $2.40
2,085 pounds pork, fresh, $110.08
83 pounds pork, salt, $6.81
23,909 pounds potatoes, $91.83
485 pounds prunes, $31.11
54 pounds pepper, ground, $10.30
1 barrel potatoes, sweet, $ 2.50
13 gallons pickles, $5.20
165 pounds raisins, $10.31
136 pounds raspberries, $35.31
960 pounds rice, $41.92
2,823 pounds rolled oats, $80.00
610 pounds salt, table, $14.03
270 pounds salt, common, $2.97
35 pounds sapolio, $2.80
827 pounds soap, laundry, $45.65
245 pounds soap, toilet, $24.95
8,472 pounds sugar, granulated, $550.58
590 pounds smoking tobacco, $283.90
30 gallons sauerkraut, $7.50
18 gallons syrup, $7.50
Sage, Saltpetre, lime, etc., $5.87
39 pounds tapioca, $2.74
283 pounds tea, $104.40
850 pounds turnips, $8.50
140 pounds turkeys, $18.37
1,700 pounds vegetables, garden $20.86
47 pounds vermicelli, $4.47
55 gallons vinegar, $14.50
27 packages years, $1.35
Canned Goods
105 cans cherries, $20.80
98 cans condensed milk, $10.16
135 cans condensed lye, $13.50
24 cans grapes, $3.95
28 cans jelly, $3.36
106 cans oysters, cove, $19.96
376 cans corn, $33.68
121 cans peaches, $17.44
41 cans peas, $4.92
80 cans pears, $14.20
12 can pie fruit, $4.20
30 cans plums, $4.95
50 cans pumpkin, $5.63
200 cans string beans, $18.75
830 cans tomatoes, $94.53
Total cost for provisions $7,268.92
Wages of cooks and waiters, $1,025.00
Freight $ 25.35
Total $8,319.27
Average number present 100
Average cost per capita annum 83.19 1/4
Average cost per diem .22.88
I certify that the above is a correct statement of the quantity and cost of the subsistence stores issued at the Colorado Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Home during the year commencing December 1, 1895, and ending November 30, 1896.
HARVEY W. GREEN,
Commissary of Subsistence
Quartermaster’s Report
Statement of clothing issued to members of the Colorado Soldiers’ Home at Monte Vista during the year commencing December 1, 1895,and ending November 30, 1896:
30 overalls, 46 cents $13.80
102 overcoats, $7 $714.00
18 jumpers, 62 1/2 cents $11.25
129 vests, $1.75 $225.75
168 pants, $3.75 $630.00
267 shirts, $1.37 1/2 $367.13
332 drawers, 50 cents $166.00
459 socks, 18 cents $82.42
126 shoes, $1.75 $220.50
157 hats, $1.04 1/6 $163.64
198 undershirts, 50 cents $99.00
33 carpet slippers, 40 cents $13.20
55 morocco slippers, 80 cents $44.00
118 suspenders, 25 cents $29.50
135 handkerchiefs, 6 1/4 cents $8.44
118 neckties, 25 cents $29.50
Buttons, cords, etc $82.00
Freight on clothing from Denver $54.12
Repairs on shoes and clothing $61.31
Total $3,015.56
Average number of members on roll, 102.
**Average annual cost of clothing per member, $29,564.
I certify that the above is a correct statement of clothing issued at the Colorado Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Home during the year ending November 30, 1896.
HARVEY W. GREEN,
Quartermaster
Physician’s Report
Monte Vista, Colo., December 7, 1896
Tot he Honorable Board of Commissioners of the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Home of Colorado:
Gentlemen--I have the honor of submitting to you my fifth annual report of the medical department of the Home for the year ending November 30, 1896:
Number treated in the hospital during the year, counting one man but once......... 71
Number treated at sick call, counting one man but once....................................... 132
Total attendance at sick call during the year........................................................... 741
Number of prescription compounded at sick all and in the hospital
during the year........................................................................................................ 2,349
Number of deaths during the year........................................................................... 9
Number of totally insane during the year................................................................. 2
Number impaired cerebration (not classed as insane)............................................ 8
The following are the names, date of death, and the disease of those who died during the year:
John S. Hughes--Admitted December 4, 1895; died December 18, 1895; cause of death, chronic gastritis.
Orin P. Smith--Admitted February 12, 1896; died February 19, 1896; cause of death carcinoma of the liver.
Benton Farrer--Admitted February 12, 1896; died March 15, 1896; cause of death; pulmonary abscess, the result of pneumonia. He was on his way to Creede with a freighting outfit when he was stricken with pneumonia, and after having the disease about one week, came to the home for treatment and was admitted to the hospital. The exposure was too great for him.
**Francis Barraclough---Admitted December 11, 1896, died April 17, 1896, cause of death, interstitial hepatitis.
Patrick Rooney--Admitted (the last time) February 10, 1895; died April 20, 1896; cause of death, cerebral softening due to cerebral hemorrhage. For nine months prior to death he was helpless as a child, and required and received attention as such.
John Smith--Admitted May 21, 1896; died July 12, 1896; cause of death, acute yellow atrophy of the liver.
Sylvester Hawkins (colored)--Admitted August 22, 1896; died September 18, 1896 cause of death; tubercular peritonitis. When admitted he said that he had not been out of his ward (he came from the National Home at Leavenworth) for four years. He improved greatly at first and he, as well as myself, were greatly encouraged, but the disease had such a hold on him that he finally succumbed to it.
Lorenzo Debolt--Admitted November 28, 1895; died November 15, 1896; cause of death, emphysema of lung and insufficiency of the mitral valve, due to asthma.
James M. Samuels--Admitted December 1, 1895; adjudged insane and sent to the asylum February 12, 1896.
Orlando Cortright--Admitted October 29, 1895; adjudged insane and sent to the asylum February 12, 1896.
The following are the diseases treated in the hospital and at sick call: Delusional insanity, dementia, epilipsy, insomnia, insomnia, melancholia, paralysis agitans, locomotor ataxia, paraplegia.
Not Well Defined Causes
Cerebra softening, intercostal neuralgia, facial neuralgia, occipital neuralgia, sciatica, hemicrania, torticollis, chronic nasopharyngeal catarrh, acute laryngitis, acute and chronic brongastritis, tonsilitis follicular, stomatitis, chronic gastric catarrh, gastritis chronic, gastralgia, indigestion, acute and chronic diarrhea, habitual constipation, hemorrhoids, tubercular peritonitis, carcinoma of the liver, intertitial hepatitis, fatty degeneration of the heart, hypertrophy of the heart, hypertrophy of the liver, enlargement of gall bladder, mitral regurgitation, nephritis, chronic suppression of the urine, facial erysipelas, catarrhal fever, rheumatism subacute, chronic articular and muscular, lumbago, alcoholism, senile debility, conjunctivitis, acute and chronic; ottorrhoea, eczema, coryza, cystiti chronic, hypertrophy of prostate gland, prostatitis, orchitis, acute and chronic; varicose ulcers, indolent ulcers, psoas abscess, inspissated cereum, frozen fingers, frostbite of the feet, emphysema of lungs, gummatous tumor of brain, tertiary syphillis, acute yellow atrophy of the liver, pulmonary abscess, spasmodic colic, pleurisy, ulceration of frontal sinus, necrosis of tubinated bones, chorea, crushed fingers, abscess of deltoid muscles, morphia habit, erythema, bilious fever, acute peritonitis.
You will see from the report of the causes of death that are greater number of those who died were in the Home but a short time. Their diseases were such and they were so disabled upon their entrance to the Home that it was necessary to admit them to the hospital at once.
There has been no epidemic during the last year, and by far the greater number of those admitted to the hospital for treatment are afflicted with old chronic diseases which are gradually sapping their lives away, and should they be stricken with any of the acute diseases, they fail quickly. I report this for the reason that it will be absolutely necessary for more hospital accommodations to be made during the coming year, and it is only a question of a very short time when the Home will of necessity be one general hospital.
If permitted, would recommend that during the coming year an addition be built on and to the north side of the hospital similar in construction to the present building.
We have no trained nurses, but I do not believe that there is an institution in the country where more care and attention is given to the sick than is in our Home. The hospital steward, Mr. W. C. Lewis, is a civilian and is doing excellent work.
The assistant steward, Mr. Wm. Hawk, is an old veteran and has been with us as an assistant for over two years. I must say that the salaries paid them for the amount of hard work they have to do are inadequate. They put in 365 days in a year and fourteen hours in a day.
I do not feel like closing this report without giving mention of Commander S. M. French. Upon his shoulders rests the entire management of the Home, which to my mind is a great responsibility. But, however, he bears that responsibility and bears it well. No matter what is asked for in the Home and more particularly in the hospital, and especially when it will give comfort to some one suffering, he is always ready and willing to render such assistance as is in his power. He truly has the good of the members of the Home at heart.
And now, gentlemen, I thank you for the kindness shown me and for granting of the requests which I have made from time to time pertaining to my department.
Yours respectfully,
DR. W. A. PACKARD
Home Physician