The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1873-01-09
o,e,,us Of the Greedy Hospital.

Opening Of the Greedy Hospital.
, Yesterday afternoon Mayor Kingsbury AM
other members of the city government accom-
panied by representatives of the press and citi
zens rode out to the Greedy Hospital in Rob
inson's sleigh barge Champion for the pur
pose of inspecting the general condition OF the
building and particularly the improvements
which have recently been made. Arrived at the
hospital the party made the tour OF the
building, and found it in most excellent condi-
ton for the purposes for which it is designed.
The building is three stories, of brick, with
brick partitions and a large, commodious base
ment, and is nearly fire-proof 1t contains
twenty-five large, comfortable, well-aired
rooms for private patients, and three great
wards which will easily contain twenty pa
tients each. ''Upon pinch three hundred
patients can be accommodated in the institu-
tion 1t is fitted up with large kitchens, din
ing rooms, wash-rooms water-closets, and all
the conveniences which pertain to a first-class
| hospital. The floors are all underlaid with
! cement, and the building is heated by large
furnace which thoroughly warns all the rooms.
In fact, nothing has been left undone which
can conduce to the comfort and convenience of
the patients. We venture to say there is not
smallpox hospital in New England which sur
passes it. All ingress and egress is strictly
barred except to those who are connected with
the institution. The great gate at the en-
trance to the yard is bolted, and notice of Wis
itors is given by wire which extends from the
gate to bell in the building.
After thorough inspection OF the building
the Mayor led the way to the dining hall, where
substantial collation. was served. At the con-
clusion of the repast Mayor Kingsbury made
some remarks explanatory of the purpose of
the visit. The building was in wretched con-
dition at the time when repairs were entered
upon Consequently there was unavoidable de
lay in getting it ready for occupancy. The
building has been thoroughly fitted up, and
now furnishes much more convenient place
for small pox patients of either high or low de-
gree than can by any possibility be found at
their own residences. The private rooms afford
the patient complete seclusion if it be desired.
The Mayor bestowed well mer ted tribute of
praise upon the city physician, who has done
all In his power to stay the progress of the dis
ease, and has sacrificed his general practice in
o-NS~ w.
The mild cases at the old hospital will be re-
moved to new quarters as soon as the furniture
can be got into the building. All new cases
Will be taken to the Greedy Hospital, and the
old hospital Familiarity known as the "pest
house, will be discontinued as soon as empty.
Since last March there have been fifty cases of
small pox in the city. There have been four
teen deaths, twelve Of which occurred at the
hospital. These figures can be relied upon as
authentic. In conclusion, the Mayor strongly |
deprecated the practice of spreading false |
alarms and repeating foolish and extravagant |
stories in which too many of our citizens in |
dulge He besought those present, the repre-
sentatives of the press in particular to acquaint
the public with the true state of affairs and to
the ridiculous rumors which are float
ing about the city.
The Mayors remarks gave great satisfaction |
to those present, and all commended the prompt |
and efficient measures taken by the city author
tiles to stay the progress of the disease. In re-
Spouse to an inquiry the Mayor stated that there
were now five cases at the old hospital, and
two mild cases Of varioloid, one child six years
old, in the city. A close carriage is used to
convey patients from their homes to the hos
ptal, and there is scarcely possibility of
catching cold during the Journey 1t was ask
I'D why patients were not taken to the hospital
Turing the pleasant part of the day, so as to
escape danger from the night air. The Mayor
said in reply that public sentiment was opposed
% it, and people were frightened at seeing the
Vehicle pass along the streets. He deprecated
his unreasonable fear, and hoped public senti-
nent might be educated up to the proper stand
,oint.
After short time passed in conversation the
'arty returned to the city, well pleased with
he condition of affairs.
The hospital is under the general direction of
he City Physician, DR.. B. B. Foster. A medi-
al gentleman, Mr.. Larrabee, is constantly at
he hospital and has charge of the labratory in
he neatly arranged Superintendent Office.
We cannot leave this snhjact upis4rout
ing conviction that to the zeafous and I'M
iring efforts of DR. Foster is due in a great
measure the favorable condition of the city in
aspect to to the disease. Never man worked
harder nor discharged his duty more faithfully.