[Illustration: DR. JOHN R. FRANCIS' private SANATORIUM.] As a member of the school board of the District of Columbia Dr. Francis was very progressive, and equally as aggressive in his attempt to bring about the many needed reforms in the public schools of that city. Although having done much good, on account of the lack of support by the colored citizens, being ahead of the times as they saw it, he resigned his position on the board because he saw the impossibility of accomplishing the desired good and securing for them the many benefits it was possible to gain at that time. His strengthening of the teaching ability of the Washington High School and his improvement of the Normal school, with the subsequent retrogressions is but a fair example of his good work and the difficulties he had to overcome. While acting surgeon-in-chief of Freedmen's Hospital during the several months' illness of the surgeon-in-chief, he instituted reforms there in the conduct of its professional workings, notably the surgical and obstetrical department; in the management of ward work and the installment of the present training school for nurses, which his characteristic modesty has kept from the outside world and for which he has never been given credit. [Illustration: OFFICE AT SANATORIUM.] He is now obstetrician to the Freedmen's Hospital and demonstrator and clinical lecturer of obstetrics in the medical department of Howard University. [Illustration: OPERATING ROOM.] One of his most worthy contributions, however, to the District of Columbia and to the professional ability and business tact of the colored man is the Francis Sanatorium at 2112 Pennsylvania Ave., N. W., Washington, D.C. [Illustration: DIET KITCHEN.] This institution is established for the care of sick persons whose home environments, as is well known, so often prevent proper treatment and rapid convalescence. The object is to guarantee to such persons the careful scientific treatment of the hospital combined with the comforts of home. Any physician in good standing is permitted to enter and treat here proper cases, from his private practice, the compensation being as usual, a matter of agreement between himself and his patient. In such cases a fee is charged only for room, board, nursing, ordinary medicine, and any assistance by Dr. Francis which may be desired. A corps of trained nurses is constantly on hand by day and night. No insane, contagious or other objectionable cases admitted. All surgical operations will be charged for according to agreement made, in advance. Trained nurses are furnished, any hour of the day or night, to families in the city where such services are needed. This institution is conspicuous in being the only place of its kind in the United States, established, owned and managed by a colored man. Indeed we believe it is the only one in the world.