Sanitarium Plans After the Fire
The Sanitarium managers have been busily occupied since the fire in adapting their work to the changed circumstances, and in considering plans for the future. The insurance was divided among a large number of companies, but the settlement was adjusted without any serious difficulty, and the work of clearing away the ruins is now well started. A number of architects and contractors have been in town during the past week, desirous of submitting plans and specifications for the erection of new buildings. Urgent propositions have been received from various sources offering financial inducements to the managers to locate the new Sanitarium in other places. In the meantime the citizens of Battle Creek are giving serious thought to the subject. A deputation from the city council has waited upon the Board of Managers to learn more definitely about the method of conducting the institution, and to satisfy themselves that it is really doing philanthropic work to such an extent as would justly entitle it to exemption from taxation. There seems to be a growing feeling on the part of the citizens that the city ought to withdraw its appeal to the supreme court in the tax case now pending. The case was decided against the city in the circuit court, Judge Winsor taking the case from the jury, and ordering a verdict for the Sanitarium, on the ground that it was a benevolent institution. The whole situation will be carefully studied by the Sanitarium managers before they definitely formulate their plans. There are other considerations which have a bearing upon their decisions, besides the financial side of the question. Much wisdom is needed just now that right conclusions may be reached. All the friends of the institution should bear the work on their hearts, and pray for its prosperity.