The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1877-06-27
LOCAL MATTERS.

TIE CrTY AMBULANCE SERvICE.-0n the
oath Of March. 1875, the Committee for the
Relief Of the Poor, OF the City Council, see
ing the need of an addition to our public
charities in the shape OF an ambulance TO
be used upon the street in cases'of accident,
sudden sickness, &C., to persons who might
need prompt medical or surgical attention,
or be unable to reach their homes without
such assistance, inaugurated plan which
has been in Successful operation for over
two years. ~. Eas
The "city ambulance" has become
widely known, and its efficiency has con-
tinued to increase from day to day, and it
is now recognized as q fixed institution OF
the city. Its appearance. upon the streets
is the signal for vehicles of every descrip.
ton to give it the right-of-way on its mis-
sion OF charity; and il we were called upon
to record the many cases in which it has
rendered material aid, and probably been
the means OF saving life, it would be neces-
sary to extend this notice over several CO.
lumns. The efficiency Of the ambulance
corps was fully tested, and the wise fore
thought Of the committee practically illus
trated, during. the unprecedented cheated
term" OF last summer, when the human and
brute creation suffered alike under tue pros
trating effects OF the intense heat But its
service and usefulness has not been con-
fined to the summer season alone. 1t has
done good alike during the rigors OF winter,
and in fact ut all seasons; and the most
sceptical and parsImonious would now
hesitate to pronounce in any manner
against it. ..- .~
Being impressed with the importance, and
| still further necessity, OF enlarginS this
public charity, the committee have recently
| added to its effectiveness by the purchase OF
new and beautiful ambulance, the supe-
rior Of which cannot be found in any city
| in the Union. 1t was built by Mr.. r. II. Bo-
sher the well-known carriage manufacturer
Of this city, at a cost OF about $3.50, COM
plete, and when the amount OF work done
and beautiful finish of the vehicle is con-
sidcred, these figures may be regarded as
remarkably low. The ornamental painting
was done by Mr.. j. I. Chappell, as free
contribution on his part to this noble char
ity, and the work reflects great credit upon
him as an artist.
The new ambulance is of light and sub
stantial construction, and is supplied with
strctcher-cot, surgical instruments, and
every other necessary appliance for the re-
lief OF persons needing its services. 1t
weighs, when ready for service, 1850
pounds, and when in motion runs with re-
markable ease and smoothneSs-a great de-
sideratum in the transportation of patients.
1t made its first appearance on the streets
Yesterday and attracted much attention.
Drs. W. 2. Nicholson and r. T.. Sty1l are
in charge of the ambulance, and are alter
nately on duty day and night, the whole be-
ing under the control OF Captain Charles Z.
Bigger, Superintendent OF the Almshouse-
the model institution of the city-asssted
by Captain w. J. Epps, who has charge OF
the colored department.
Yesterday MeSsrs. L. Wagner (chairmanl,
NJ. L. Straus, w. II. Williams, and j. Nj.
Talbot, of the Committee for the Relief OF
the Poor; Drs. Cullen, Brock, and other
gentlemen, made tour of inspection OF the
almshouse, and found everything in the
most perfect condition, combining cleanll-
ness, order, and comfort. The ambulance
was pronounced to be most complete affair
of its kind, and was praised in the highest
terms. ~. l-