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REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF THE HOT SPRINGS RESERVATION.
1914

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,               
HOT SPRINGS RESERVATION,          
OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT,     
Hot Springs, Ark., June 30, 1914.

SIR: I have the honor to submit herewith my annual report of the operations of this reservation for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1914.

I assumed charge of the Hot Springs Reservation as acting superintendent August 4, 1913, and was appointed temporary superintendent September 23, 1913.

ADMINISTRATION.

The duties of this office for the past year have included the duties performed during the previous three years by the superintendent and those performed by he medical director, which latter position was discontinued by the department.

The bathhouses having been under the direct supervision of the medical director, it has been my policy to continue the ideas inaugurated by that official which had been found to be practicable, and to substitute new policies only for those which had been proven impracticable. The general policy of this office has consisted of a rigid enforcement of the rules and regulations. Great care should be taken by future superintendents in carrying out the rules laid down for the regulation of the bathhouses, as only in this way may the best interests of the department and the public be served.

EMPLOYEES.

There are at present 30 employees, including the superintendent, engaged in the administrations maintenance, and care of the reservation interests. The names, designation, and compensations of the various employees, all of whom with the exception of the superintendent, were appointed from Arkansas, appear in the following table:

Employees, Hot Springs Reservation.


Name.Designation. Compensation.
Per
annum.
Per
month.

Charles R. TrowbridgeSuperintendent$3,600-----
B. Frank BayleyChief clerk and assistant to superintendent1,680-----
James W. WalkerClerk-stenographer1,000-----
J. H. DembyManager, free bathhouse1,080-----
Richard L. LawrenceHead male attendant, free bathhouse840-----
Martin Winn (colored)Male attendant600-----
Van Cannon (colored)   do600-----
Elisha W. Baziel (colored)   do600-----
William M. Dixon (colored)   do600-----
Mary Clark (colored)Female attendant480-----
Mattie Fielding (colored)   do480-----
Jonathan A. JordanSupervisor of reservation1,200-----
Hiram N. AndersonPoliceman, detailed as train inspector-----$90
John W. St. Clair   do-----90
Richard L. GaffneyMounted policeman980-----
Montgomery PrichardPoliceman840-----
William H. Turner   do840-----
Patrick J. DuganLaborer600-----
Peter Nelson   do720-----
William F. Jennings   do720-----
Philander R. Bump   do720-----
Jap George   do720-----
Bishop H. Burrough   do720-----
Thomas Goins   do720-----
Hiram Walters   do720-----
Robert L. Stutts   do600-----
Bruno Hoffmann   do600-----
James Daniels (colored)Laborer (superintendent's residence)600-----
Abraham Logan (colored)Laborer (superintendent's office)600-----
Oliver H. Hoskins (colored)Laborer (reservation barn)600-----

During the past year the salaries of seven of the laborers on the reservation were increased from $600 to $720 per annum, upon my recommendation, these men being skilled artisans and having been connected with the reservation for a number of years. Tho salary of the clerk in this office, who is also a stenographer, was increased, upon my recommendation, from $900 to $1,000 per annum.

There has been added to the regular reservation force one laborer at $600 per annum, and one additional policeman at $840 per annum, in compliance with my recommendations. There has been no friction encountered in the discharge of the duties of the various employees, and I believe I can safely say that I have had the earnest support and cooperation of all the employees. As will be seen from this report, considerable more work has been accomplished in excess of that reported for previous year.

I believe that it would be advisable to secure an additional employee to assist in the investigation of drumming cases, if this feature is pursued with the energy necessary to attain results. It is frequently necessary to send reservation policemen a considerable distance from the reservation to obtain information, and by so doing the property of the Government is left without the police protection that it should have. It is also believed that an additional police man should be employed in order that the reservation front may be patrolled at all times of the day and night, while the mounted police man could give his entire attention to the mountains comprising the reservation during his tour of duty. There are approximately 11 miles of mountain roads on the reservation and the entire time of the mounted policeman should be utilized in their protection.

It is suggested that a first-class gardener, with some knowledge of landscape gardening, be employed, at a salary sufficient to procure the services of a thoroughly competent man. Such an employee, with but little extra expense, would add materially to the beauty of the reservation front and the Hot Springs Mountain.

THE BATHHOUSES.

At the present time there are 18 bathhouses in operation in Hot Springs, and the following rates for the baths, approved by the department, are in effect therein:

Rates at bathhouses.


Bathhouse.Single
bath.
Course of
21 baths.

Albambra$0.40$7.00
Arlington.5510.00
Buckstaff.5510.00
Eastman.5510.00
Great Northern.357.00
Horse Shoe.356.00
Hotsprings.458.00
Imperial.5510.00
Lamar.458.00
Magnesia$6.40$7.00
Majestic.509.00
Maurice.5510.00
Moody.458.00
Ozark.316.00
Ozark Sanatorium.407.00
Rector.458.00
Rockafellow.407.00
St. Joseph's Infirmary.458.00

The above table of rates does not include the attendants' fee, Which is 15 cents for single bath and $3 for the course of 21 baths in all the bathhouses, this rate being also approved by the department. There are at the present time 27 lessees of hot-water and ground privileges, as shown by the following table:

Hot-water and ground leases.


Name of bathhouse, etc.Lease. Tubs.Date of lease. Expiration.

AlbambraAlbambra Bathhouse Co18Mar. 1, 1914Feb. 29, 1916
Arlington 1Arlington Hotel Co68Mar. 4, 1912Mar. 4, 1902
BuckstaffBuckstaff Bathhouse Co31Jan. 1, 1912Dec. 51, 1931
Crystal 2Knights of Pythias (colored)12Aug. 1, 1903July 31, 1913
Eastman 1New York Hotel Co64May 13, 1912May 12, 1932
Great NorthernFannie G. Williamson17May 15, 1912May 15, 1915
Hale 3Emily M. Roots23Jan. 1, 1893Dec. 31, 1907
Horseshoe 4D. Fellows Platt30Jan. 1, 1895Dec. 31, 1909
Hot Springs 4C H. V. & G. M. Smith16Jan. 1, 1903Dec. 31, 1912
ImperialChas. N. Rix27Jan. 1, 1912Dec. 31, 1901
LamarM. C. Tombier & G. H. Buckstaff30Jan. 1, 1897Dec. 31, 1916
Magnesia 4Chas. B. Platt30Jan. 1, 1895Dec. 31, 1909
MajesticAvenue Hotel Co20Jan. 1, 1913Dec. 31, 1932
MauriceMaurice Bath Co30Jan. 1, 1912Dec. 31, 1931
Moody 1 2 5Nicholas M. Moody14July 1, 1910June 30, 1920
Ozark 4W. S. Sorrells & F. B. Latta26Jan. 1, 1904Dec. 31, 1913
Ozark Sanatorium 2 6Ozark Sanatorium Co10Sept. 17, 1912Sept. 16, 1922
Palace 7Samuel W. Fordyce23Jan. 1, 1907Dec. 31, 1921
Park 1 2Garland Hotel Co47May 13, 1912May 12, 1932
Rector 4Elias W. Rector12Apr. 16, 1904Apr. 15, 1914
RockafellowMahala J. Rockafellow18July 1, 1901June 30, 1916
St. Joseph's Infirmary 1 4Sister Superior10Feb. 1, 1914Jan. 31, 1924
Superior 8Robt. Proctor & R. S. Simpson16Sept. 11, 1896Sept. 14, 1906
Waverly 9New Waverly Hotel Co20Mar. 24, 1893Mar. 23, 1913
Horse Pool 2 10Simon Cooper2Oct. 18, 1912Oct. 17, 1917
Arlington Hotel, ground lease.Arlington Hotel Co--Mar. 21, 1914Mar. 4, 1932
Ground leaseHot Springs Mountain Observatory Co.--Sept. 1, 1913Sept. 1, 1923

1Water used in private bathrooms in portion of tubs leased.
2Destroyed by fire Sept. 5, 1913.
3Closed Mar. 31, 1914; to be remodeled.
4Tenants holding over.
5Rebuilt and reopened Apr. 18, 1914.
6Rebuilt and reopened Jan. 26, 1914.
7Closed Dec. 31, 1913; to be replaced by Fordyce Bathhouse, now in coarse of construction. Expect to reopen Jan. 1, 1911.
8Closed Mar. 31 1911.
9Destroyed by fire Jan. 23, 1910.
10Water sufficient to supply 2 tubs.

tables
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During the first part of my incumbency I found upon investigation that the rules and regulations were not being observed as the should be by the bathhouses, but I believe that at the present time the bathhouses are being conducted along much more satisfactory lines. There are from 18 to 23 bathhouses operated in Hot Springs, employing approximately 300 people the year round, and giving baths to approximately 75,000 people, or over 600,000 baths, in the course of a year, with total net receipts of approximately $250,000. Consequently the regular and thorough inspection of the bathhouses is of supreme importance, and each bathhouse should be inspected at least once each month, with more frequent inspection of those bathhouses which are found to be habitually negligent, for only in this way may the bathhouses be properly regulated by the Government. It has been my custom, upon making an inspection of a bathhouse, to make notes, from which a letter was addressed to the manager, with a copy of the letter to the lessee of the bathhouse, calling attention to the defects noted, and requiring immediate action looking to their correction. This has been of great benefit to the bathers, as well as the bathhouses, which have been maintained upon a higher standard of efficiency than ever before.

Bathhouses have also been required to submit a sworn monthly statement to this office showing the business transacted by them, including the receipts from massage, mercury rubbing, and other sources, which receipts have not heretofore been reported to this office. As will be noted from the foregoing tables, this item has been no small one for the six months that this requirement has been in effect. In addition to the monthly reports and daily reports required by the rules and regulations, the bathhouse lessees are required to submit a sworn annual statement of receipts and expenditures, in duplicate, to this office.

All advertising and soliciting has been eliminated from the bathhouses during the past year. There has also been a marked reduction in the number of complimentary baths given by the bathhouses during the year, this office having discouraged the practice. There has also been a marked reduction in the number of redeemed tickets.

Close supervision has also been maintained over the work of the bath attendants in the bathhouses, attendants being suspended or discharged where it was found necessary. The attendants were formerly trained and examined by the medical director, but during the past year the department authorized this office to issue permanent licenses to all attendants who had passed two successive examinations, as a result of which, approximately 200 permanent licenses were issued, while 40 temporary licenses were issued to attendants who had passed but one examination.

The Palace Bathhouse was closed on December 31, 1913, and immediately thereafter razed, and a new building to be known as the Fordyce Bathhouse is now being constructed on this site. This new bathhouse will cost in the neighborhood of $200,000 when completed. It will be opened about January 1, 1915, and will be a substantial and ornamental improvement, as well as a modern bathing establishment.

The old Hale Bathhouse was closed March 31, 1914, and the work of remodeling the building is now under way. The remodeling will cost approximately $50,000, and it is expected that the work will be completed and the bathhouse reopened about January 1, 1915.

Plans and specifications have been approved for the remodeling of the New Hot Springs Bathhouse, which will be closed September 30, 1914, when the work will be commenced, and it is that this bathhouse will also be reopened not later than January 1, 1915.

The St. Joseph's Infirmary Bathhouse was thoroughly overhauled and remodeled to some extent in compliance with the requirements of the department, and a new lease or a period of 10 years from February 1, 1914, was granted to the lessees.

Plans are being prepared for the remodeling of the Rector Bathhouse, and it is intended to complete this work as soon as practicable.

The interiors of both the Arlington and Eastman Bathhouses have been thoroughly remodeled during the past year, at a cost of approximately $50,000 each, and new leases executed to the lessees.

The lease of the Alhambra Bathhouse expired February 27, 1914, but a new lease was executed whereby this bathhouse will continue as at present for two years, during which time arrangements must be made for remodeling accordance with departmental requirements.

The Moody, Park, Ozark Sanatorium, and Crystal bathhouses were destroyed in the fire of September 5, 1913. Of these four bathhouses, the Moody and Ozark Sanatorium were rebuilt in accordance with plans heretofore approved by the department, and were reopened for business on April 18, 1914, and January 26, 1914, respectively. The contract has been let and work is now under way in the construction of the New Pythian Sanitarium and Bathhouse, which will replace the Crystal Bathhouse for the accommodation of colored bathers, and it is expected that the new building will be ready for business about November 1, 1914. No action has been taken as yet looking to the rebuilding of the Park Hotel and Bathhouse.

The lease of the Ozark Bathhouse expired December 31, 1913, but an extension of 15 months has been granted on account of a number of other bathhouses being closed during the present year. I am advised by the lessees that this bathhouse will be rebuilt during the year 1915.

The leases of the Horse Shoe and Magnesia Bathhouses expired December 31, 1909, but these bathhouses have been permitted to continue in operation to the present time. Too much can not be said as to the unsatisfactory condition of these two bathhouses, the Horse Shoe in particular being in a very bad state of repair, and is unsanitary to a marked degree. While not quite in as bad a condition as the Horse Shoe, the Magnesia Bathhouse is unsanitary, and I am of the opinion that both of these bathhouses should be condemned by the department and ordered closed. Both are situated in front of and within a few feet of the Government Free Bathhouse, and being of a highly inflammable character, there is great danger of fire, in which event the free bathhouse would undoubtedly be destroyed.

The old Superior Bathhouse, which has been closed for over three years and the lease of which expired in 1906, is another "eyesore" on the reservation, and some arrangement should be made for its early demolition. Too much stress can not be laid upon the desirability of razing this bathhouse and the two bathhouses above mentioned, and I earnestly recommend that some action to that end be taken in the near future. In addition to being unsightly and unsafe, the reservation is also deprived of the revenues from a bathhouse on that site, as long as the Superior is allowed to stand as it is at present.

FIRE OF SEPTEMBER 5, 1913.

While the bathhouses have enjoyed a fairly prosperous year, there can be no question but that this city suffered greatly as a result of the disastrous conflagration of September 5, 1913. The nature of this holocaust was such that the press gave considerable publicity to the fact, although the harmful effects of this was in a measure offset by the issuance of an official bulletin to the press by the department.

In this fire 518 buildings were destroyed, entailing a property loss of between $2,000,000 and $4,000,000. The city, however, quickly recovered from this catastrophe, and many of the buildings were rebuilt, while a great many more of the buildings have been replaced by more substantial and better buildings during the past 10 months, and there are now ample accommodations for all visitors to this resort. Fortunately, the flames did not extend to the reservation. The number of visitors to the Hot Springs Reservation during the year is estimated at 125,000.

GOVERNMENT FREE BATHHOUSE.

The Government Free Bathhouse which has been operated during the past year in accordance with the act of Congress approved December 16, 1878, for the use of the indigent, with the results shown in the following table:

Baths given at Government Free Bathhouse during fiscal year ended June 30, 1914.

Total applications for free baths9,991
Applications refused215
Tickets issued9,776
Tickets reissued on original application11,516
Baths given to white men87,087
Baths given to white women17,724
Baths given to colored men33,900
Baths given to colored women15,324
Total baths given154,035
Average number of baths given daily497
1On January 1, 1914, the reissue of tickets on original applications was discontinued and a new application required for each ticket issued.

It will be noted that approximately 10,000 less baths were given at the free bathhouse during the past year. This is largely due to investigation by this office of all persons of whom there was doubt as to their indigency, prosecutions and convictions resulting in some cases.

The Government Free Bathhouse building is badly in need of repair and I understand that there is now a bill pending in Congress carrying an appropriation of $20,000 for the remodeling of this bathhouse. In the event that this bill fails to pass, I recommend the department approval of a bill in Congress for an appropriation for the construction of a new bathhouse situated on the reservation at some other site than that now occupied by the present one.

WHITTINGTON LAKE PARK.

This park should be ceded to the city of Hot Springs, provided the city will accept it, for use as a public park. In the event the city will not accept it, the park should be platted into lots and sold, as it is so far from the important points of the reservation that it is not used to any great extent by visitors, although the citizens of Hot Springs use it as a public park.

All efforts toward the parking of the reservation should be confined, for the next few years at least, to Hot Springs Mountain, which is the logical location for a Government park in Hot Springs

However, if Whittington Lake Park is not disposed of as suggested above, a new iron fence should be constructed around the park, the present one having about served its period of usefulness. I believe that a two-rail iron pipe fence would be preferable to the ornamental iron fence now in use. The bed of the creek flowing through the park should also be concreted to protect the side walls which are being undermined by the action of the waters. This could be done at an expense of approximately $500, and would serve to prevent the breeding of mosquitoes during the summer months, as the present natural bed being uneven, causes the water to become stagnant, thereby making a breeding place for mosquitoes, and as a result complaints have been made to this office.

HOT SPRINGS MOUNTAIN.

As above stated, all efforts toward the parking of the reservation should be concentrated on Hot Springs Mountain which in my opinion, is one of the most beautiful spots to be found anywhere.

At the present time the west slope of this mountain is parked about one-third of the distance to the summit. This should be extended toward the summit from Fountain Street on the north to the Army and Navy hospital grounds on the south. By the employment of a competent landscape gardener, as before recommended, and the placing of a number of flowering plants and shrubs on this portion of the reservation, this natural park could be converted into a spot of beauty that would be a source of pride to the department, the reservation, and the citizens of Hot Springs.

During the past year there was installed an extension of the city water lines on the west slope of this mountain and a number of sprinkling connections provided, the need for which improvement has been clearly demonstrated by the recent drouth. This water supply could be further extended along with the work of parking the mountain.

The roads on Hot Springs Mountain are in excellent condition, except for considerable dust during dry weather. This, however, could be eliminated by oiling the roads, which should be done in the near future.

There is now being installed a system for supplying water from the Army and Navy General Hospital cooling tank to the pavilion on top of Hot Springs Mountain for drinking and other purposes. Means will be supplied in connection with this work for providing water to the Hot Springs Mountain Observatory Co. for sprinkling purposes. This system will soon be completed, and includes a pump house equipped with electric motor and pump, a 2-inch pipe line, a 500-gallon red cypress tank, and a drinking fountain in the pavilion above mentioned. The tank is being erected upon a 12-foot steel tower, located immediately adjacent to the tract of land leased to the observatory company, and at an elevation above that of the drinking pavilion, and water will be supplied to the pavilion from the tank by gravity. Arrangements will also be made for a watering trough or horses near the pavilion.

There have been erected during the past spring nine concrete bridges at various points on the reservation, replacing in some instances wooden bridges. These bridges will stand indefinitely, and I consider them a valuable and durable improvement. Trails and paths on this mountain have been repaired and resurfaced with crushed whetstone, and new trails constructed at advantageous points.

By authority of the department, an extra force of laborers was employed for about two months this spring in cleaning up the slopes of Hot Springs Mountain, parts of which had not received any attention for a number of years. I believe that arrangements should be made to do this each spring in the future, as the expense the past spring was only about $200, and the appearance of the reservation has certainly been enhanced more than enough to repay for the expenditure.

An ornamental fountain of native tufa rock was constructed near the main entrance, in the rear of the Maurice Bathhouse. Similar fountains could be constructed at various other points at a nominal cost.

Guard railings of 2-inch iron pipe have been installed at various points on the reservation for the protection of the public, and I do not believe that there are now any places on the reservation that would be dangerous to anyone exercising ordinary discretion.

Gutters have been constructed at various points on the west slope where there was danger of washouts, and there is little to fear from this source on the Hot Springs Mountain in the near future.

WEST MOUNTAIN.

The roads on West Mountain are at the present time in good condition, although they could be improved by resurfacing with gravel. Some parts of these roads have not retaining walls or gutters, and all such portions of the roads should be properly protected in the near future, as most of the damage by heavy rains in the past has been on this mountain, principally at such unprotected points. Other portions of the roads have retaining walls but no gutters, there being approximately 5,000 linear feet of gutters required to properly protect those portions of the roads now protected only by retaining walls and to provide proper drainage for the roads on this mountain.

On this mountain there are also a number of drain tile under the main road at needed locations, and the outlets of these drains should be protected by stone abutments. This has been done at six points, and there remain about 15 such drains to be protected in the same manner.

During the month of April, 1914, a number of slides of earth occurred on West Mountain, carrying away retaining walls which had been laid dry, and it was necessary at one point to construct a solid masonry wall containing approximately 7,000 cubic feet, at a cost of slightly over $700. This wall will prevent future slides at that point, which has been a source of considerable annoyance in the past, and a great deal of the trouble heretofore encountered on West Mountain in the spring will be avoided by the construction of this wall.

Owing to the small force regularly employed on the reservation, it has been impossible to accomplish all the work that should have been done on West Mountain during the past year. The next work to be taken up there should be the construction of walls, gutters, and other arrangements for the proper drainage of the mountain at the junction of Canon Street and the road leading up onto West Mountain, in order to protect the buildings on Central Avenue in that vicinity. Some work that was deemed absolutely imperative has been done at this point, but there yet remains a large amount of work along the same lines to be performed.

There are also several points on West Mountain where concrete bridges similar to those constructed on Hot Springs Mountain should be erected.

GENERAL IMPROVEMENTS.

Foremost among the many improvements on the reservation during the past year is the erection and installation of 15 ornamental electric-light standards along Bathhouse Row, commencing at the Imperial Bathhouse on Reserve Avenue and extending to the Arlington Bathhouse on Central Avenue. These standards are 13 feet in height, each equipped with one 16-inch and four 12-inch white globes containing a 100-watt lamp and 60-watt lamps, respectively, which afford about eight times as much light as the single lamps used on this thoroughfare in the past. These standards have been installed along the inside line of the walk, which presents a much better appearance than along the curb line, as the old single-light poles were placed. It is also believed that the installation of these lights along Bathhouse Row will do much to promote the installation of similar lights along the opposite side of Central Avenue.

The pavilion housing the hot spring in front of the Hale Bathhouse, formerly known as the "Alum Spring," was repaired, repainted, and sanded and a suitable inscription placed on the pavilion, the name of the spring having been changed to "Major Harry M. Hallock Spring," in honor of the late medical director, the former name of "Alum Spring" having been found to be a misnomer.

The pavilion in Happy Hollow, in which are located the "General Kelley" and "Colonel Hamblen" Spring, was also repainted and the roof supports were cut off about 3 feet from the bottom and concrete bases substituted, making them much more durable.

The office of the superintendent was repainted with two coats of white paint in November, 1913, and a number of other repairs made to the building, including new concrete steps leading to the basement in place of the old iron steps, and the placing of all wiring in conduits.

The residence in Happy Hollow formerly occupied by the superintendent was vacated during the year on account of the building being badly in need of repairs. The residence, which was originally erected for the use of the medical director, and which had been vacant since May, 1913, was formally designated by the department in June, 1914, as the superintendent's official residence, and on the 15th of that month was occupied by the superintendent. Furniture was purchased for the first floor and installed in the new residence.

A concrete walk extending approximately 580 feet from the east line of the Army and Navy General Hospital grounds to the new residence has been authorized by the department, this being necessary to make the residence accessible.

A new reinforced concrete reservoir is being constructed under the basement of the new Fordyce Bathhouse and will soon be completed.

This reservoir will have a capacity of approximately 72,000 gallons and will cost when completed approximately $2,800, and will be of material value in the impounding and conserving of the hot water from the various springs on this site.

The line of pipe supplying city water to the old residence on Fountain Street has been extended to remote parts of the grounds to facilitate the watering of the lawn, plants, and flowers.

A new fence was constructed along the boundary line of that portion of the reservation over which exclusive jurisdiction was ceded to the United States by the State of Arkansas and proper notices posted thereon.

RECEIPTS AND DISBURSEMENTS.

The receipts and disbursements on account of the Hot Springs Reservation during the fiscal year ended June 30, 1914, were as follows:

Receipts and disbursements fiscal year 1913.

PROCEEDS, SALE OF LOTS, SPECIAL FUND.
July 1, 1914, balance remaining to credit of fund of $82,518, derived from sale of Government lots$4,979.25
Telegraph charges (paid at department)6.76
     Available balance July 1, 19144,972.49

PROTECTION AND IMPROVEMENT, HOT SPRINGS RESERVATION, INDEFINITE (REVENUE FUND).
July 1, 1914, balance to credit of revenue fund$60,355.06
Receipts, July 1, 1913, to June 30, 1914, inclusive:
     Water rents$28,280.00
     Ground rents10,100.00
38,380.00
Repay of disbursing officer, Interior Department, account bill Chicago & Alton R. R. Co., transportation of department electrician, approved for settlement May 16, 1913, disallowed by Auditor Interior5.80
Repay of H. H. Myers, former reservation superintendent, of amounts disallowed by Auditor Interior on account of subsistence expenses of himself and Dr. L. R. Ellis, paid in accounts Superintendent Myers, December, 1912, and September, 1913, quarters5.70
     Total receipts38,391.50
Total available98,746.56
Disbursements:
     Salaries of superintendent and reservation employees, July, 1913 and Oct. 1, 1913, to June 30, 1914, inclusive21,227.51
     Improvements, supplies repairs, incidentals, and miscellaneous10,730.41
          Expended by superintendent31,957.92
     Salaries of superintendent and reservation employees, August and September, 19133,567.67
     Improvements, miscellaneous supplies, etc1,103.03
          Expended by the department4,700.70
          Total disbursements36,658.62
     Available balance, July 1, 191462,087.94

DRUMMING.

The most difficult feature with which this office has to contend is the drumming evil. A large portion of the time of the office force and myself has been taken up in the investigation of drumming cases which came to my attention. However, by a system of checking the daily bathhouse reports and investigating all suspicious cases, I believe that drumming has been held in check to a large extent, although drumming still exists in Hot Springs.

Considerable opposition on the part of certain local interests to the announcement made on incoming trains by United States inspectors has been encountered, but it seems to be the general opinion of the bona-fide visitors to this resort that the announcements are of great benefit to them. There is nothing in this announcement detrimental to Hot Springs or its people, although this has been disputed by some persons. A careful inspection of the wording of the announcement, however, fails to support any such contentions. There can be no question but that these announcements should be continued as long as drumming in any form exists in Hot Springs.

I believe that it would be better, however, if this announcement was prepared in printed form and handed to each passenger by the inspector, as in this manner there could be no misunderstanding on the part of the visitor. In any event, the announcement should be continued in some form. If this announcement is discontinued by the department, it is certain that the visitor will have little, if any, protection. This has been clearly demonstrated in the past in cases where violations of the various drumming laws, both State and municipal, have been called to the attention of the authorities, in practically all of which cases the violator was acquitted or the case dismissed. This should not be misconstrued, however, as being the sentiment of the community, for while a number of people here regard drumming as strictly legitimate, there are also a large number of people here of high moral character who respect the rights of others.

RECOMMENDATIONS.

In conclusion of this report, I have the honor to submit for the consideration of the department the following recommendations:

The construction of a new greenhouse. This new greenhouse should be constructed in the rear of the Buckstaff and Lamar Bathhouses parallel with the west line of the Army and Navy General Hospital grounds, the building to be approximately 100 by 20 feet. If located at this point, the greenhouse could be heated by connection with the heating plant now in use in the free bathhouse, which is approximately 150 feet from the north end of this site. The present greenhouse is in a very unsatisfactory location, being directly in the rear of the Arlington Hotel, and the sun's rays rarely reach this point.

It is recommended that a modern public comfort-station be erected in the rear of the Ozark Bathhouse, which would be in close proximity to the Government Free Bathhouse, and the necessary janitor work could be performed by an employee of the free bathhouse.

The roadway leading from the main entrance should be paved from Central Avenue to the free bathhouse either with concrete, asphalt, or vitrified brick. From the free bathhouse to the observatory the roads on Hot Springs Mountain should be oiled.

A new impounding reservoir with a capacity of at least 200,000 gallons should be constructed on the reservation, the best location being in the rear of the Maurice Bathhouse and to the left of the main entrance.

Concrete gutters should be built at the base of all retaining walls where there are no gutters at the present time.

Construction of retaining walls for the protection of the roadway on West Mountain from the Whittington Avenue entrance to rear of old opera house building on Central Avenue, at intersection of Canon Street.

The Government Free Bathhouse should either be extensively repaired and remodeled or a new building constructed. In either event, the plans should include the installation of at least two tubs and a shower bath for the exclusive use of the employees of the reservation. I believe this latter improvement to be very necessary to the interests of the reservation.

It is also recommended that the department refuse to approve of any stock or interest in any of the bathhouses being owned or controlled by any practicing physician in the city of Hot Springs, as it is but natural for any such physician to send his patients to the bathhouse in which he is interested, thereby depriving the other bathhouses of the opportunity of securing the patronage of patients of that particular physician. Exceptions may be made in the case of sanitariums having bathhouses in connection with them.

I also recommend an appropriation by Congress of an amount sufficient to provide for surface drainage from the reservation, the necessity of which is shown in report of Geographer Sledge Tatum and Engineer Barnett, submitted January, 1913.

In reference to sanitary sewerage as contemplated in connection with the surface drainage, I believe the same arrangement should be carried out as was consummated in Sulphur, Okla., at which place the city paid half the cost and Congress appropriated a like amount, and I recommend departmental approval of such a plan.

Concluding this, my annual report, I have the honor to be,

Very respectfully,

C. R. TROWBRIDGE,     
Superintendent.

The SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR.

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, 1914, FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF ALL BATHHOUSES RECEIVING HOT WATER FROM THE UNITED STATES RESERVATION AT HOT SPRINGS, ARK.

RULE 1. Bathhouses or hotels will be allowed such number of tubs as the Secretary of the Interior may, in his discretion, deem proper and necessary for the public service and the amount of hot water will justify.

RULE 2. The constant flow of hot water for vapor or other baths, even during business hours, or the unnecessary waste of water in any manner, is strictly prohibited, and will, if continued after written notice from the superintendent to stop such waste of water, be considered by the department sufficient grounds for the cancellation of the lease of such offending lessee.

RULE 3. Rentals must be paid quarterly, in advance, at the office of the superintendent, and if not paid within five days from the beginning of each quarter the supply of water may be cut off.

RULE 4. The charge for baths at the different bathhouses shall be at the rates fixed by the Secretary of the Interior, and no bath tickets shall be sold for more than said rate, and then only to such persons as intend to actually use them for bathing. The rate or rates so fixed for baths shall include, without extra charge, the supplying of each bather with one clean sterilized sheet to envelop the body of the bather while in the bath hall and cooling room. In event of charges in a less amount being exacted for baths, such new rate shall at once be reported to the superintendent, and when approved by the department shall thereafter become the maximum rate. No bath ticket shall be sold except at the office of the bathhouse where the bath is to be given, and tickets must show the date when issued, the serial number, the number of baths for which issued, the full name of the purchaser, and the amount paid therefor. Bath tickets shall be redeemable for the same proportionate price for which they were sold, when presented by the original purchaser: Provided, That when less than seven baths have been taken on any ticket presented for redemption the bathhouse may charge the rate for single baths for the number of baths taken on said ticket. No bath ticket or part of a ticket shall be reissued after having been redeemed. No bathhouse receiving water from the Hot Springs Reservation will be permitted to issue complimentary bath tickets, except that bathhouse lessees may, on written permission of the superintendent, issue complimentary bath tickets in such cases as in his judgment justify such action. The renting and selling of bath robes, towels, soap, toilet articles, or articles of merchandise in bathhouses is prohibited.

RULE 5. The owners or managers of bathhouses receiving waters from the Hot Springs Reservation are prohibited from bathing in said bathhouses persons stopping at any hotel, boarding house, or rooming house which has a drummer or solicitor on trains or the owner of which drums or solicits on trains, or who has employed in or about such house any inside man or person engaged in drumming or soliciting business for doctors or bathhouses; also the owners or managers and the employees of such bathhouses are absolutely prohibited from either directly or indirectly drumming for doctors or reflecting on or questioning the integrity of the hot-water supply of any other bathhouse, or of claiming superiority of its own supply of hot water over that furnished from the springs on the reservation to other bathhouses. Upon evidence of violation of this rule, the superintendent shall report the facts, with his recommendation, to the Secretary of the Interior, looking to the shutting off of the water from any bathhouse or canceling the lease, as the department may determine.

RULE 6. Owners and managers of bathhouses receiving waters from the Hot Springs Reservation will provide in their respective bathhouses the requisite number of head bath attendants, who, under the supervision and direction of the superintendent of the Hot Springs Reservation, shall supervise the administration of baths, the treatment of patients, matters of hygiene and sanitation in the bathhouses, and the work of bath attendants generally. Bathhouse attendants shall be allowed to charge for their services not exceeding 15 cents for a single bath, $1 per week, or $3 per course of 21 baths, to be collected for the attendant by the bathhouse manager and properly accounted for by him to the attendant. The duties of the attendant shall consist in the administration of the baths in strict accordance with the bathing directions of registered physicians and in lieu of these as ordered by the superintendent. They shall be required to clean and care for such parts of the bathhouse as may be assigned them by the manager, subject to the approval of the superintendent, to keep themselves in a neat and cleanly condition both in person and in dress, and to make good any damages accruing from breakage or neglect of duty. They shall not be required to handle helpless individuals, rub mercury, furnish mops, brooms, or cleaning materials, furnish or launder towels, mitts, sheets, or robes; pay for the services of the porter or perform work which properly belongs to him, or incur any expense whatsoever incident to the operation of the house not specifically authorized. It shall be optional with the bather whether he employ an attendant or not. No person shall be employed or permitted to serve or occupy space in any bathhouse as a mercury rubber or as a masseur without the approval of the superintendent first had and obtained; and every person so employed or serving shall be subject and amenable to the rules and regulations the same as attendants and other bathhouse employees.

RULE 7. The payment of any sum of money or anything of value, either directly or indirectly, by any bathhouse owner, manager, clerk, or attendant as compensation for drumming customers to any bathhouse, or allowing public drummers, drumming doctors, hotel or boarding-house proprietors who are drummers or persons who work with them as inside men, to bring persons or show them through, or to loiter in or about any bathhouse is positively forbidden. Upon evidence of violation of this rule, the superintendent shall report the facts, with his recommendation to the Secretary of the Interior, looking to the shutting off of the water from any bathhouse or canceling the lease, as the department may determine.

RULE 8. The lessee of each bathhouse shall cause to be kept a full and correct daily register of each bath given, the number and kind of bath tickets sold, and the number of complimentary tickets, if any, issued each day, etc., such form of register to be approved by the superintendent and a copy therefrom of each day's business to be forwarded to the superintendent daily. No person shall be allowed to bathe without a numbered ticket being issued and a record of the same being kept, and report thereof duly certified by the manager filed with the superintendent on the first day of each month as paid, complimentary, or free baths, together with any information he may have showing a violation of the bathhouse rules and regulations which may be susceptible of proof.

RULE 9. All bathhouses receiving deposits of jewelry, money, or other valuables from bathers must provide means satisfactory to the superintendent of the reservation for the safe-keeping thereof; it is to be understood, however, that the Government assumes no responsibility in the premises. All losses must be promptly reported to the superintendent by the bathhouse manager.

RULE 10. An applicant for baths who is under medical treatment shall not be permitted to bathe in any bathhouse supplied with hot water from the Hot Springs Reservation, unless said applicant presents satisfactory evidence that he or she is the patient of a physician who is duly registered at the office of the superintendent as qualified to prescribe the waters of the hot springs, and who is known not to engage in drumming for custom: Provided, That every applicant for baths, not under the care of a registered physician, shall be required to make a certificate to be filed with the bathhouse manager that he or she is not under the care of any physician, and should such applicant subsequently employ, consult, or take treatment from any physician while taking baths, then in such case he or she will immediately notify the bathhouse manager of such fact. The violation of this rule by the owner, manager, or any employee of a bathhouse receiving hot water from the reservation will result in the cutting off of the water from the bathhouse or the canceling of the lease, as the department may determine.

RULE 11. Physicians desiring to prescribe the waters of the hot springs, either internally or through the medium of baths, must first be registered at the office of the superintendent of the reservation, and shall use only such uniform form of bathing directions as meets with the approval of the superintendent. Registration will be accorded only to such physicians as are found by a board designated by the Secretary of the Interior to have proper professional qualifications and character and who do not engage in drumming or custom. No physician who shall engage in the solicitation of patronage through the medium of drummers or otherwise, or who shall engage in unprofessional, disreputable, or dishonest conduct, or is addicted to the drug or other habit which disqualifies him for the performance of his professional duties, shall be or remain registered. In case any person who, in violation of these regulations, bathes or attempts to bathe, or enters or attempts to enter upon the Hot Springs Reservation to bathe, shall have the permit of a physician therefor; such physician shall be liable to the penalties provided in the act of April 20, 1904, unless he is regularly registered, but the bather or person attempting to bathe shall not be liable to the penalties of said act unless it shall be made to appear that he knew or had reason to believe that the physician giving him the permit to bathe was not regularly registered.

RULE 12. If a charge is made to the superintendent in writing, under oath, supported by the affidavits of two or more witnesses, that a registered physician has violated any of the laws or regulations pertaining to the government of the bathhouses receiving hot water from said reservation, the registered physician against whom the charge is made shall be immediately notified by the superintendent of the fact that affidavits have been made and be accorded an opportunity to cross-examine the witnesses on the subject thereof, in the presence of the superintendent, and the affidavits so filed, with the answers to such interrogatories as may be propounded by the physician, when completed, shall be duly certified by the superintendent and turned over to the Federal registration board, and thereafter, if in the judgment of the board the facts warrant such action, they will immediately cite the physician to appear before such board on a day to be named, within not exceeding 10 days from date of notice, to show cause why his name should not be stricken from the register of physicians authorized to prescribe the hot waters of said springs, and pending the investigation and final action upon such charges the right of such physician to prescribe the hot waters may be suspended by the Federal registration board. The physician against whom such complaint is made shall have the right to file further written interrogatories pertinent to the issue to such complaints or witnesses, to be answered by them under oath, and may submit within 20 days thereafter counter affidavits in answer to the charges made in the affidavits of said witnesses.

The complainant witnesses may file rebuttal affidavits within 10 days after the service upon them of said counter affidavits, and the hearing of said charges shall be had on the record aforesaid. An appeal from the decision of said board and upon said record may be taken within seven days from such decision to the Secretary of the Interior.

If upon consideration of the complaint the charge is not sustained, the suspension will be immediately removed. If, however, such charge is sustained, or if default be made, the name of the physician shall be stricken from the registered list.

RULE 13. Persons violating any of the foregoing regulations within the purview of the act of April 20, 1904, entitled "An act conferring jurisdiction upon United States commissioners over offenses committed in a portion of the permanent Hot Springs Mountain Reservation, Ark.," and the act of March 2, 1907, amendatory thereof, will be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and be subjected on conviction to the payment of a fine, as provided in said act of April 20, 1904, of not exceeding $100, and be adjudged to pay all costs of the proceeding.

RULE 14. All bathhouses shall be kept in a neat, clean, and sanitary condition, and all sewage and waste water properly conducted away, and all underdrainage kept in perfect order. The water-closets shall have sufficient and free connection with the public sewers and be kept in the best order and with the best plumbing furnishings and appliances. Lessees of bathhouses on the permanent reservation shall, under the direction of the superintendent, cultivate and maintain the parts of the bathhouse park in front of their respective bathhouses, the space for each to cultivate to be allotted by the superintendent.

RULE 15. Each bathhouse manager, clerk, and attendant shall be required to have a full and complete understanding of the bathhouse rules and regulations before entering upon his duties.

The superintendent is authorized to require the discharge of any bathhouse manager, clerk, attendant, mercury rubber, or masseur for bathhouse or doctor drumming, or refusing or neglecting to carry out the bathhouse rules and regulations according to the true intent and meaning thereof.

Any person discharged for cause from a bathhouse or removed at the request of the superintendent shall not be again employed by the same or any other bathhouse or permitted to render service in any bathhouse without the written consent of the superintendent. Managers must promptly report in writing to the superintendent the name of any person so removed.

RULE 16. Automobiles will not be permitted on the roads in the Hot Springs Reservation without the consent of the Secretary of the Interior first had and obtained.

A neatly framed copy of the rules and regulations now in force, together with the prices of baths and attendant's fees, both separately and combined, printed in large black type on white cardboard, shall be conspicuously posted in the office of each bathhouse.


RULES APPROVED BY THE DEPARTMENT FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF THE FEDERAL REGISTRATION BOARD OF THE UNITED STATES RESERVATION, HOT SPRINGS, ARK., WITH AMENDMENTS UP TO JUNE 30, 1914.

1. There shall be a president and secretary elected by the board, who shall each serve for one year and until his successor is elected and qualified. Such election shall be held at the annual meeting, which shall be the first regular meeting of the board after the personnel thereof for the ensuing year has been determined by the Secretary of the Interior. Should a vacancy occur in either position by death, resignation, or otherwise, such vacancy shall be filled by the board at its first regular meeting next succeeding the date the vacancy occurs, or at a special meeting called for that purpose.

2. Two members of the board shall constitute a quorum, with full authority to transact any and all business that may come before the board.

3. Minutes of all business transacted by the board shall be reduced to writing and be copied in a record provided for the purpose, and at the next regular or special meeting the minutes of the previous meeting shall be read and approved, with such corrections, if any, as the board may consider proper to make.

4. The regular monthly meetings shall be held on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month at 8 o'clock p. m., and all routine business not filed with the secretary of the board at least 24 hours before the time fixed for the meeting will not be considered, but will be held for consideration until the next regular meeting; provided, however, the president of the board may waive this provision when, in his judgment, the exigencies of the case demand it. Such other meetings may be held as the board may deem necessary, prior notice thereof to be duly given.

Examination of applicants for registration shall be held quarterly on a date to be fixed by the board. Any registered doctor hereafter dropped from the list of registered physicians will not be restored until after he successfully passes the regular examination prescribed by the board for original registration.

5. The following rules shall govern applicants for registration:

(a) To be entitled to registration applicants must be graduates of some reputable medical school legally authorized to confer the degree of doctor of medicine, or of some reputable school of osteopathy recognized by the American Osteopath Association, and must have complied with the laws of the State of Arkansas relating to the admission of physicians to the practice of medicine and surgery, or either, within said State.

(b) Applicants will be required to furnish in writing such evidence as the board may desire touching their personal history and personal and moral character and standing during the five years next preceding the date of their applications. Applicants will also be required to submit to such examination as the board may see proper to subject them touching their qualifications and knowledge of medicine and surgery and to prescribe the hot waters, provided that the names of medical officers of the Army stationed at the Army and Navy General Hospital in Hot Springs, Ark.,, shall be placed on the list of registered physicians without examination.

(c) An applicant who twice fails in his examination before the Federal registration board shall not be permitted to again take the examination prescribed by the board until after the lapse of one year from the date of his last failure. No registered physician shall be permitted to associate himself in practice looking to the prescribing of the waters of the hot springs with a nonregistered physician, under penalty of having his name removed from the registered list. The name of any registered physician who shall give bath directions for the patients of a nonregistered physician shall be removed from the registered list.

6. The order for the transaction of business before the board shall be as follows:

(a) Reading and approval of minutes of previous meeting.

(b) Consideration of new business.

(c) Consideration of unfinished business.

(d) Presentation of evidence and trial of physicians charged with violation of the rules of the Secretary of the Interior "For the government of all bathhouses."

(e) Examination of applicants for registration

(f) Miscellaneous business.

The foregoing rules are subject to amendment at any regular meeting of the board on the giving of 30 days' notice in writing of the proposed amendment, subject, however, to the approval of the Secretary of the Interior.


PHYSICIAN'S APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION.

To the board of physicians appointed by the Secretary of the Interior to pass upon the qualifications and character of physicians to prescribe the waters from the Hot Springs


REGULATIONS OF JULY 7, 1900, FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF THE FREE BATHHOUSE.

These baths are provided and maintained by the United States pursuant to the requirements of the act of Congress approved December 16, 1878 (20 Stat., 258), for the use of the indigent only; neither the manager nor attendants are authorized to supply them to others.

The manager of the free bathhouse is required to enforce a strict observance of the following rules and regulations:

RULE 1. No baths will be supplied except on written application made on blanks furnished at the office of the bathhouse, making full answers to the questions therein propounded; then if the applicant is found to be indigent (in accordance with the common acceptance of the word), the manager will issue a ticket good for 21 bats, which may be reissued on the same application if necessary.

RULE 2. Persons using the free baths are required to maintain quiet and orderly deportment while in or about the bathhouse, to abstain from the use of tobacco, either by chewing or smoking, while in the pool rooms, dressing rooms, or office, not to scatter rags or paper on the floor, or to loiter in or about the building after bathing.

RULE 3. The wanton exposure of person or entering any of the front rooms in a nude state, the use of loud, vulgar, or profane language, and the use of rags, paper, soap, or any foreign substance in the pool rooms are positively prohibited.

RULE 4. Persons using these baths are not allowed to stand or sit on or in any way interfere with the water pipes or valves or to stand on the chairs or benches. All persons entering the house are required to clean their feet at the door and avoid as much as possible bringing dirt or mud on the floors. Boys over 5 years of age will not be allowed in the female department during bathing hours.

RULE 5. Any willful or repeated violation of these rules, or any disorderly or contemptuous conduct, will subject the persons so offending to suspension or expulsion, at the discretion of the superintendent of the reservation.

RULE 6. Neither the manager nor the Government attendants shall be allowed to receive or become responsible for any valuables or to charge any fee for any service rendered to bathers which comes within the direct line of their duty.

RULE 7. The manager is required to enforce all the foregoing rules and to maintain good order in and about the bathhouse, to see that all indigent persons applying are supplied with baths, and to make a written report to the superintendent each month on blank forms supplied for that purpose. He may reject any application for free baths if he has reason to believe the applicant has made false answers in his written application, and the aggrieved may appeal to the superintendent of the reservation.


APPLICATION FOR BATHS AT THE GOVERNMENT FREE BATH HOUSE AT HOT SPRINGS, ARK.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR.

HOT SPRINGS RESERVATION.

The acts of Congress approved December 16, 1878 (20 Stat., 258), and March 2, 1911, restrict the use of free baths to the indigent; in other words, to persons who are poor, needy, in want, or without means of comfortable subsistence.

Act of March 2, 1911:

"Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That only persons who are without and unable to obtain the means to pay for baths and are suffering from ailments for which bathing in the water of the Hot Springs Reservation will afford relief or effect a cure shall be permitted to bathe at the free bathhouse on the public reservation at Hot Springs, Arkansas, and before any person shall be permitted to bathe at the free bathhouse on the reservation he shall be required to make oath, before such officer duly authorized to administer oaths for general purposes as the Superintendent of the Hot Springs Reservation shall designate, that he is without and unable to obtain the means to pay for baths, and any person desiring to bathe at the free bathhouse on the Hot Springs Reservation making a false oath as to his financial condition shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof shall be subject to a fine of not to exceed $25, or thirty days' imprisonment, or both."

Persons desiring to use the free baths are required to answer the following questions, in writing, and sign and swear to the same, giving full name and home address:

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16-Mar-2012