The Portland daily press., 1875-10-06

bOaru. LII Was VOCeu tnaG tne report pc pub
lished in the daily papers, and that it and the
reports Of the treasurer and resident physician
be issued in pamphlet form.
REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS.
The directors of the Maine General Hospital,
in compliance with Article of the bylaws Of
the corporation, beg leave to submit the follow
ing report:
pavilion of the Hospital has been finished and
furnished, and on the 22d of October, 1874, was
formally dedicated, in the presence of a large
assemblage of ladies and gentlemen, by appro-
pirate and interesting services-the Governor Of
the State giving the dedicatory address.
Its organization was soon thereafter perfect
ed by the election of medical and sargical
staff, Superintendent and resident physician,
Eatron and subordinate officers and the first
patient was admitted on the ninth day of the
succeeding month
at its last session asking for an appropriation of
$4,000 for the purpose of finishing the central
building and placing it in a suitable condition
for occupancy. The amount specified was gen.
erOusly granted and satisfactory contracts have
been made for the completion of the work on
or before Nov. LIST of the present year. By
this timely bestowment new rooms will be
provided for the executive officers and employ
es,-thus restoring those now occupied by them
to strictly hospital purposes; also private apart
ments for that class of patients who may be
able and willing to pay literally for the mani
fold privileges and comforts which well con-
Quoted hospital always affords.
With the central building completed, we
shall have all in the way OF construction that
the wants OF the state will at present require.
Our heating apparatus, laundry aud appli-
ances for cooking are intended for large num-
Der of patients. They are finished in all their
parts, and permanent in structure. The hospi-
tai buildings, as contemplated in the plan of
our architect, we do not expect to finish in a
day. 1t will require more thaa one decade to
bring them to tie completeness and perfection
which we believe they will finally attain. For
tunately, with our extensive grounds additions
eau be made as future necessities may require,
and in conformity withall Improvements which
the most advanced principles of hospital archi-
lecture may be able to suggest. The appara.
tus for heat and ventilation, the two most i'm
portant elements in hospital construction, has
been thoroughly tested, and we are happy to
say, exceeds in every respect our most Sanguine
expectation-furnlshing as it does, all the heat
desired in the coolest winter weather, with an
uninterrupted supply, day and night of fresh
air for the ventilation of the wards.
This arrangement and the varied appoint
mentS for the accommodation and comfort of
patients have not failed to elicit the unquali-
fed commentator of the numerous visitors
who have examined them.
The general management of the Hospital
and daily administration of its affairs, are en-
titled to and receive our warm appreciation.
The various officers to whom were committed
important wards, have performed their res
pective duties with ability, and we believe with
a conscientious regard to the welfare of the
patients, as well as fidelity to the interests of
the Hospital.
10 remove a Misrepresentation which we have
reason to believe widely prevails in the state, it
is proper to say here and again, that the servi-
ces OF the physicians and surgeons are render
ed without pecuniary compensation.
The whole number of patients admitted thus
far is ia, and it is a gratifying fact that they
have come from all, even the most remote Sec
tions of the state, the city of Portland furnish
ing only about Is per cent. of the number
In the annexed report of the superintendent
will be found statement of the expenses in
Cured in his department since November 9th,
1874
The amount at first sight may seem large
but it is not SO regarded by your directors.
Many charges are Included IN the account for
subsistence, which properly belong to that of
construction. The numerous incidental ex.
penses which could not have been foreseen, and
are in fact inseparable for every work of mag.
nitude when first set in actual operation, have
largely contributed to swell the amount. This
will not occur to the same extent in the future,
and it should be remembered also in this con-
nectlOn that the current expenses of the Hos
pital would not ne materially increased by an
accession of twice the present number of pa
uients. The coal and gas bills are the largest
incurred, aud the salaries of the superntend
ent, matron, engineer and employees would re-
main unchanged. The additional expense
would consist in the employment of another
servant, two nurses and cost of subsistence, a
matter OF small account when compared with
the increased revenue which would be derived
for the additional number of patients
General hospitals are supported in part by the
payment of reasonable board from all pa.
tents who may have or can command the re-
quisite means. But they ought to be- to Ger
tain extent, great public charities, and in the
absence of large state, municipal or private en-
dowments can only be made SO by gifts and be
quests towards general fund, the establish.
ment of free beds, and annual contributions, il
such sums as will come within the means of all
who may be disposed TO give for free bee
fund.
Your directors know that prospective be
quests for its support have already been made
which, although not available for present use
will come into the treasury at some future day
Three free beds supported by annual subscrip
tions have thus far been established. for which
we returnSour warmest thanks-one by Mrs
Dummer, of Hallowel, another by the Main,
Medical Association, and the third by the Port
land Army and Navy Union,-and we have the
promise OF more from other sources which we
hope to realize before the close of the year.
Our hospital is now in its infancy, and fo
obvons reasons cannot for the present certainl,
be self-supporting. That it will eventually be-
come so we confidently believe. The history o
all similar institutions in this country bear
convincing testimony to this interesting ant
important fact,
The pressing need at this time is money, t,
enable US ito meet promptly the current ex
| penses of the institution aud to accomplish tn
benehcent purposes contemplated by its found
| ers and friends. To this end we appeal to tn
| directors of the various railroads entering GU
city, and OF all corporations in its vicinity VIII
employ large number of men to make annua