The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1878-12-23
MRS. STEWARDS CHARITY.

THE DIRECTORS OF THE MOUNT SINAI HOSPITAL
FINALLY REJECT HER DoNATIoN-A SECRET
MEETING.
The Board Of Directors of the Mount Sinai Hospital
met yesterday morning at ten O'Clock, in the parors
of the institution. to discuss the proper course to
pursue regarding the offer of Mrs. Stewart to donate
TO them $500 through Judge Hilton AS this is one
OF the principal of the Jewish charitable missions in
the city great interest attached 10 the action of those
who have charge of its management, and ever since
the present excitement began it has been looked
forward to with some Impotence by the ma
jority OF tho Hebrews. The chief patrons
Of the Mount Sinai Hospital represent the
richest and most arstocratc caste in their society
but the minor subscribers scattered all over the
United States and their constant liberality demon
strates how place in the affection and graft
tude of the multitude this noble charity occupies
Fresh evidence of this fact is found i'll the spon-
tanety with which proers Of money have lately been
made with the avowed purpose OF making up for the
loss which might be incurred by refusing to accept
the gift just mentioned. At Cincinnati the Hebrew
congregations have declared with unanimity that
they win not permit the Mount Sinai Hospital to
the $500 from Mrs. Stewart but that they themselves
viii refund it to Judge Hilton unless the New York
proper and elevated spirit The jews in other cities
have been equally prompt in signifying to their
brethren here the united impulse Of their commune
ties.
POLICY AS WELL AS PRIDE.
The directors OF the hospital believe that to
accept the contribution from Judge Hilton now
would be most unwise and impolitc act. 1t
would. they believe, repress the sympathies of
large number OF people who among the most
valued friends Of the charity and it would materially
affect its income for the coming year. at time too,
when all is needed that can be obtained for such
work During the year which nearly ended the
hospital has received but very small proportion of
its support from the Christian or non-regous pub
lie. Only $1,000 was appropriated from the county
funds Since, therefore, it must depend almost en-
trey upon the for its maintenance they do not
feel that there is the slightest motive Of interest to
induce them TO forbear rejecting the sum in question
What said in the meeting yesterday was
jeaously guarded from publicity. Every pres
ent pledged to absolute secrecy. Mr.. Adolph
Hagarten, the president, occupied the chair. Among
those who spoke Mr.. II. Aronson. the vice presi
dent; Mr. Samuel Shafer, the treasurer, and Mr..
Harmon H. Nathan. One director announced that
he had received 500 for the reimbursement of the
institution for the sacrifice of Mrs. Stewards
tribution Mr. Louis Silk said that he had secured
sixteen members, representing at the lowest
estimate the interest $4,000, and some Of them
wealthy enough to swell the yearly income much
more than that.
A FORMAL DEcLrNATIoN.
During the session good deal of earnest debate
had. A committee was appointed to draft a
resolution the subject of the donation, and while
they were celebrating i'll a separate room An inter
mission taken by the other directors. About
O'Clock the Board again assembled, with closed
doors and the report of the committee received
After considerable comment it adopted. While
ali detailed information denied to the press the
reporter of the HERALD given to understand, in
a manner which could not be mistaken that the pur-
port of the resolution final refusal Of Judge
Hilton's check. 1t was ordered that a note be adj
dressed to him to-day conveying this information.
The directors would not permit il to be published
until after it should reach Judge Hilton. They con-
sidered this prohibition simple courtesy due to him.