Page:U.S. Department of the Interior Annual Report 1872.djvu/29

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been validated.
REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
25

The appropriation of $70,000, made by Congress on the 10th of June last, by means of which the purchase of Kendall Green was consummated, was of great benefit to the institution, as it is now provided with one hundred acres of land, affording ample space for gardening, farming, play-grounds, &c.

The receipts for the support of the institution, during the last fiscal year, exceeded the disbursements $384.60.

The board of directors submit the following estimate for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1874:

For the current expenses of the institution, $48,000.

During the last fiscal year 4,576 women received treatment at the Columbia Hospital for Women and Lying-in Asylum, a number more than double that of the preceding year. Three thousand seven hundred and eight were restored to health, 561 relieved, and 35 discharged as incurable; twenty-one died; in 101 cases the results are unknown, and 150 remained under treatment.

The annual report of the surgeon-in-chief will contain, in addition to the statement of the year's transactions, a résumé of the operations of this charity, from its commencement, June, 1866, to June, 1872, and a detailed account of the principal operations performed during that period, illustrated, when practicable, by photo-lithographs. This is one of the most interesting reports that have been made to this Department. As a scientific production it will be of great value to the medical profession throughout the country, illustrating, as it does, the efficiency of well-directed surgical aid in curing many of the diseases which but a few years ago were not considered amenable to treatment.

The directors report that the expenditures of the institution have been characterized by the strictest economy, and that its whole conduct has given great satisfaction.

The estimates for the ensuing fiscal year are as follows:

For support of the institution $23,00 0
For microscope and appliances 50
For new furniture 5,00
Total 28,50 0

This is an excess of $5,200 over the estimates submitted for the current fiscal year; but the increase is deemed necessary in order to meet the expenses which will be incurred in view of the increasing demands upon this deserving institution.

Congress, at its last session, appropriated the sum of $25,000 for the purchase of the building and grounds now occupied by the hospital. The purchase has been consummated, the deed of conveyance having first been approved by the Attorney-General. The title to said real estate is now vested, as required by the statute, in the United States.