Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 39, Number 87, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 5 July 1907 — OFFERS FREE BATHS [ARTICLE]

OFFERS FREE BATHS

William L. Taylor, Former Attorney General, Hailed At Benefactor By Indianapolis Children. rr _______ HIS GENEROUS GIFT ACCEPTED •Swlmmln’ Hoi*” and Playgrounds fSr tha Masses Established Through tho Generosity of Wtll-Known and Pop. ular Formar Stata Official. Indianapolis, Ind., July 3.—An “old swlmmln' hols'* has besn given to tho citizens of Indianapolis by Former At-torney-General Wm. L. Taylor and it promises to become as popular with them* as James Whitcomb Riley's famous “swlmmln’ hole" of poetic fame. The former attorney general’s “swimmin’ hols” was presented in fee simple by him to the city and the dedlca tlon of it was one of the happiest events in the history of Indianapolis. There is a human interest story connected the giving of the swimming hole to the city. Several years ago when Mr. Taylor was a struggling young attorney here he conceived the idea of establishing free bath-houses for the masses. , Hs always advocated the plan and gave as freely as possible to public charities. So a few days ago when a number of public spirited men started a subscription for free houses, the name of Mr. Taylor headed thn list sees One of the solicitors mentioned the project to Mr. Taylor. The latter was deeply Interested. "How muoh money do you needt“ asked Mr. Taylor. The solicitor named the amount and it was large. "You can count me in for it” said Mr. Taylor. Within an hour the deed was closed and Mr. Taylor had placed In the hands of the officers of the Children's Aid Society a deed for the largest bath house tn Indiana. He had given to a oause that has been near his heart for many years. ae * e In speaking of the gift, Vice-Preal* * dent Fairbanks said: "The Hon. Wm. L. Taylor, whese liberality has made possible the dedication of this institution to the use of the public, is & benefactor of all the people and Is entitled to the thanks of our entire citizenship.” Mr. Taylor has found time for study of social problems In the midst of his active business career, and he la convinced that public play grounds ter the masses will prove a rich endow*" ment for future generations. He believes that free play grounds, free baths and the like will be a glowing tonic to the body that will radiate good things from the minds and do> much towards the upbuilding of seel* -J©. With referenct to the free bath house In which thousands of laboring men, women and children are finding great comfort and pleasure, Mr. Taylor says: "Every working man and working woman of this city should have equal opportunities with their more favored neighbors to enjoy, not * only the delights, but the health-pre-serving effects of the bath. Every boy and girl in this city ought to learn to swim, not only for the recreation but for the preservation of health. No aserclse can be better. We who lived on the farms in the oountry, along the lakes and streams can fully appreciate the limitations that surround the city boy. "The people of means In Indianapolis owe it to themselves and their oity to see that these streams saw harnessed up and made to do service for the public good." sees Jtk Mr. Taylor has some decided views in matters pertaining to public welfare. Said he: “In a larger way the state of Indiana owes it to every citlten within its borders to aid in every possible way in the preservation of health. We apend millions on educating the mind and & few dollars in taking care of the body. The great white plague of consumption and the great red plague of esneer is afflicting the people of Indiana with frightful ravages. A great army of more than 30,600 in the state are now marching in the same direction scourged with the white plague. Regiments of men and women in the prime of life eaeh year march to the tomb, all yielding up their lives from disease entirely curable. If I had the power I would cause an annual appropriation by the state of Indiana of sufficient means to maintain a farm and sanitarium combined where the cause and cure of these great plagues could be studied and from which would go those who could tell others of such cause* and cure. The people of this state should openly assail these enemies of health and life and at last conquer j and overcome them. "Let us begin here at home in a modest way this great work of buildtag up the body, affording physical exeroise. recreation and pleasure to the thousands of those who need and. who would enjoy those blessings.” sees. It Is very likely that the oharity of Mr. Taylor will result in &» establishment of more fide bath* and claygrounds here for do Mattes o» otter Hk - *