Page:U.S. Department of the Interior Annual Report 1876.djvu/30

XXVI For the completion of the work on the erection, furnishing, and fitting up of the buildings of the institution in accordance with plans heretofore submitted to Congress, $69,524.62.

For the inclosure, improvement, and care of the grounds of the institution, $10,000.

The board of directors present in their report certain valuable suggestions in relation to the higher education of the deaf and dumb of the several States, and the propriety of inviting the States to make provisions for the support of students here. Under its present management the institution has demonstrated the feasibility of imparting a collegiate education to certain of the deaf and dumb of the country, and this should encourage the belief that a greater degree of usefulness would be attainable if the facilities afforded were enjoyed by the more proficient among the deaf and dumb of the several States who are now shut out because of the inability on the part of the institution to support them. The board suggests that the subject of State support to worthy students be brought to the attention of the governors of the several States in some formal manner, so that the necessary steps may be taken to secure the requisite legislation.

FREEDMEN'S HOSPITAL

During the year ending June 30, 1876, 596 persons were treated in Freedmen's Hospital, of which number 331 were admitted during the year; of this number 203 were males and 113 females. During the year 7 males were born in the hospital and 18 females. Of the total number of patients, 214 were discharged as cured, 30 as relieved, and 89 died; total discharged and died, 333. Eemaining in hospital June 30,1876, 263.

In the dispensary attached to the hospital 1,466 patients have been prescribed for and furnished with medicine.

The orphan asylum, containing about 110 children and attendants, has been furnished with medicines and medical attendance during the year, and subsistence has been furnished to 25 of these orphans.

COLUMBIA HOSPITAL FOR WOMEN. During the year ending June 30,1876, 330 patients were under treatment in the Columbia Hospital for Women and Lying-in Asylum; 222 were admitted during the year. There were 80 births during the same time. There were 131 cases cured; 59 relieved; 2 died; 18 incurable; 5 sent to other institutions, and 21 cases the results of which are unknown.

The character of cases treated and the nature of operations performed embrace all the variety of diseases to which women are peculiarly liable, and for the treatment of which this institution was established.

The general health of the hospital has been remarkably good, not a single death occurring among the patients admitted during the year.