A series of cross checks made of the property records during the course of this inspection disclosed that over a considerable period of time several employees of the home had resorted to irregular and fraudulent practices, including the falsification of commissary records, by means of which they had defrauded the commissary of subsistence stores. These facts, including a detailed explanation of the irregular practices found to exist, were reported to the governor of the home who promptly instituted a detailed investigation with the result that full confessions were obtained from the individuals involved and appropriate action is being taken in connection therewith. ACCOUNTS 5. The accounts and records of the treasurer were examined and found to be in excellent condition. Balances were properly accounted for. A firm of certified public accountants makes a monthly audit of receipts and disbursements. This audit, however, is not as complete as the usual Government audit in that the calculations on the vouchers are not verified but are accepted as certified. A more complete audit should be made, and all vouchers should be verified. PERMANENT FUNDS 6. The balance in the permanent fund account of the home on deposit with the Treasurer of the United States as of June 30, 1938, was $2,799,716.91. This is an increase of $262,312.96 over the amount reported on June 30, 1937. Under the act approved February 13, 1936, a deduction of 25 cents per month from the pay of each enlisted man and warrant officer on the active list of the Regular Army is made for the benefit of the Soldiers' Home. As a result of this act the permanent fund has shown an increase of $422,317.26 since June 30, 1936. DISCIPLINE 7. The discipline of the home is satisfactory and is administered under the regulations of the home with kindness and firmness. Due consideration is given to the character of the offense and to the age and mental condition of the offender. The majority of the delinquencies are of a minor character for which the punishment consists of restriction to detention barracks and work in the general mess. Serious offenses or repeated violations of the home regulations result in dismissal. Application for readmission may be made by a dismissed member one year after date of dismissal. MEDICAL CARE AND SANITATION 8. Medical service is excellent and sanitary conditions in all installations of the home appear to be excellent. The condition of the hospital as to cleanliness and neatness is outstanding. During the past year particular attention has been paid to interior repainting in the hospital and this has resulted in a greatly improved appearance, especially in the main dining room, the clinical rooms, and the motion picture hall. The installation of gas ranges in special diet kitchens has enabled the special diets to be prepared and served in a more efficient and economical manner. The motion picture hall in the hospital, improvised from an unused dining room, is a well-situated and attractive entertainment room, and is furnished with the most modern sight and sound equipment. Its construction is calculated to add materially to the comfort and pleasure of the patients. The attitude of the officers, nurses, and other attendants toward the patients is kindly, patient and sympathetic. The precept for this attitude is established and maintained by the surgeon and his medical staff. The results obtained are so outstanding as to be deemed worthy of special mention. BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS 9. The buildings are suitable in type and sufficient in number for the present demands of the home. Their condition and general appearance, which were reported as excellent last year, have even been improved by a considerable amount of plastering, painting, and pointing up. Works Progress Administration labor was largely used. Roads, walks and grounds were also excellent. Many repairs and improvements have been accomplished. Authority for the expenditure of not to exceed $30,000 for a much needed poultry house was granted by the Board of Commissioners and approved by the Secretary of War. With the exception of a comparatively small percentage for supervision, this amount will be expended on materials as the bulk of the labor is being furnished by the Works Progress Administration. At the time of the inspection the building was approximately 60 percent completed and the center section was already in use. It is expected that the 10,000 hens to be housed therein will be sufficient to supply all activities with fresh eggs at all seasons. Local fire-fighting equipment, consisting of hand extinguishers, hand reels, and hose attached to fire hydrants, appears to be adequate. The District of Columbia Fire Department is available on call. GENERAL CONCLUSIONS 10. The administration of the affairs of the home by its officers and their assistants has been efficient and economical, with due consideration for the general welfare of the institution. The members of the home are treated with kindness and respect. They are comfortably quartered, well cared for and contented. They appear to appreciate fully the care and attention they receive as well as the many other benefits of the home. W. L. REED, APPENDIX B The Numbers, Grades, and Assignments of the Officers and Enlisted Men of the Army, and the Numbers, Kinds, and Strength of Organizations Pertaining to Each Branch of the Service (Par. 4c, National Defense Act, 41 Stat. L. 762) |