Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1894-01-12
READY FOR ITS WORK
FORMAL OPENING LAST EVENING OF
THE VIRGINIA HOSPITAL.
splendid Addresses by Professor Hodges
and Rabbi Csiisch-Rcception by the
House Committee.

The formal opening OF the Virginia HOS
pital took place yesterday afternoon. Inc
large amphitheatre in which the Exercises
were held was packed to its utmost, ana
many could not get near enough 10 near
what was going on at all. The audience
was mainly composed OF ladies. clearly IN
dicating tho interest they have taken IN
this young. yet important institution.
Among the gentlemen present were many
OF Richmond's most prominent business
and professional men, several members
OF the Legislature and large num-
Der OF the students OF both medical col
leges.
The exercises were presided over by Or.
Hunter Mcclure. and were opened with
an earnest and devout prayer by Rev. DR..
John y. Newton. rector OF Monumental
church.
a DELIGHTFUL ADDRESS.
The feature Of the occasion was the
splendid and appropriate address by Pro-
fcssor !. Allison Hodges, who rlls the
chair Of anatomy in the College Of Physi-
clans and Surgeons. The speaker was
presented by Or. Mcclure, and began by
declaring 10 the students present that he
did not purpose TO 20 into a discussion Of
any sublime medical theory. lie would
simply speak OF something about which
nc knew The opening Of this hospital.
he went on 10 say, marked an suspicious
day I'm the history Of Richmond. The peo-
pie OF the South would not be long IN
realizing that r. contained some or the
special advantages that only belonged 10
the great institutions Of its kind in the
North. Professor Hodges spoke OF the
other hospitals and their good York. and
added that with the two colleges for
medical and surgical training Richmond
was bound to become the medical centre
OF tho southern States.
Professor Hodges dwelt at great length
upon the development OF medical
science and research. The Srsat strides
achieved in this connection were very
largely due 10 the medical schools ond
laboratories and hospitals OF the world.
THE HIGH CALLING.
Speaking OF the high calling Of the
physicians. Professor Hodges said that his
first duty was to ward on and alleviate
those very disease that would enrich
him. The best skilled and most successful
physicians were among the trucst most
worthy and philanthropic citizens Of all
communities. They stood as faithful
heroes upon the threshold OF the great
hereafter to signal humanity Of the COM
Ing storm. To adprn and glorify their
profession and glorify their communities
tho coming physician Of the South needed
Just such an hospital as the one being
dedicated. with an appreciative word for
the generous cooperation that the ladies'
OF the land had given. not only the medi-
cal profession, but especially TO the hos
pitfalls, and thanking the women Of Rich
mond specially for their magnificent work
in connection with the Virginia Hospital
the speaker closed.
Captain Frank W. Cunningham here
sang with tenderest effect that beautiful
hymn, while the Days are Going By"
Rev. Dr. Moses j.. IIoge was to have
made an address. and upon being intro
duced by DR.. Mcclure, excused himself
in some humorous remarks that were
received with great applause by ,Ae audi
ence.