Grand Rapids Herald Review

Floating Sanitariums,

The sanitarium at sea is a European idea. A large steamer especially fitted up for the accommodation of invalids in need of fresh air and a favorable climate is to be constructed by a ship-owning association. The ship is to be in constant employment for eight or nine months in the year, but for at least three months out of the twelve she will go into dock in order to be thoroughly cleansed and disinfected.

It is proposed to make this steamer, which is to be the forerunner of a large fleet similarly equipped, a veritable floating palace in the matters of both comfort and salubrity. Although skilled advice and nursing will always be available, the accompaniments of a sanitarium will be kept as much as possible in the background.

The prominent idea to be carried out in this new departure is the isolation of a dangerous class, with the least possible amount of discomfort to its members; and, furthermore, that by judicious timing of moves the sufferers will be afforded a chance of recovery under the most favorable climatic conditions, which it would be difficult to secure otherwise. A list of anchorages has been made, all of which have their special seasons. As soon as any undesirable change of weather is imminent at the port of stopping, the ship will sail for a more salubrious climate.