Page:U.S. Department of the Interior Annual Report 1873.djvu/34

714 the sum of $70,000, a balance of indebtedness remains, unprovided for, of $10,697.46. It had been hoped by the board that this amount could be raised by private subscription, but owing to the fact that the title to all the real estate of the institution is vested in the United State, this expectation, it is feared, will not be realized, as those who are called upon for subscriptions are disposed to decline aiding what has, practically, become a Government institution. No estimate of an appropriation for the amount is submitted by the board, but they invite attention to the indebtedness, representing the importance of securing the possession of this valuable property, and trust that Congress will be disposed to make an additional appropriation for the purpose.

The following estimates are submitted by the Board of Trustees for the ensuing fiscal year:

For support of the institution, salaries and incidental expenses, including $500 for books and illustrative apparatus, $49,500; and for continuing the work of erecting, furnishing, and fitting up of the buildings of the institution, in accordance with plans heretofore submitted to Congress, including necessary repairs to the completed portion thereof; $54,000; a total of $103,500. The directors state that the estimate of $54.000 for building purposes is greatly needed to complete the college building, and to provide for the erection of two houses for professors. The college building has been in an incomplete condition for nearly; seven years, and requires enlargement for the increasing wants of the institution. The plans submitted with the ninth report of the institution showed the necessity of ultimately erecting six dwelling houses for its officers, as it was considered to be to the interests of the institution for its officers to reside on the premises. Two of such dwelling houses have been built, and it is desirable to erect two more at present.

During the last fiscal year 2,285 women received treatment at the Columbia Hospital for Women and Lying-in Asylum. Of these, 2,135 were received during the year, and 1,924 were out-door patients. Twelve hundred and seventeen were restored to health, 542 relieved, 104 discharged as incurable, 9 died, the results are not known in 296 cases, and 117 remained under treatment. Of the whole number treated, 401 were foreign born. The hospital has been remodeled, an additional story and a number of private rooms added, and a thorough system of sewerage, heating and ventilation of the building introduced. The wards and private rooms have been refurnished, and every comfort that can be desired for the sick has been supplied.

The estimates for the next fiscal year are as follows: For the support of the institution, $24,000, and for the erection of a stone wall around the western and northern portion of the grounds, with stone coping and iron railing, and for grading and graveling the grounds, $10,000; a total of $34,000. The directors state that the improvements