The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1896-05-14

the construction of a man or woman
who cannot be attracted to or inter.
ested In little children. Theif very
innocence, naturalness and helpless
ness draw us to them and make ue
care for and love them. If this be true
Of children who enjoy the greatest Of
all blessings, health, how much more
should we feel for and wish to be
blessing to the less fortunate little
ones, those who lie day after day suf-
fering from disease or deformity.
Childhood implies or suggests health.
happiness. vigor. and exuherant spirits,
but alas! many little ones never know
the Joys of such childhood. but are
doomed to weary beds of pain. Per-
haps the little one has met with some
serious accidents or disease has over-
taken it. or may be it Is the victim Of
some hereditary trouble. Whatever
the case may be, 1t is sad indeed.
Where comforts and luxuries abound
and everything can be done that is
suggested for the welfare of the little
sufferer 1t Is hard enough.
But do we give much thought to
those who have not even the neces-
stiles, much less the comforts Of life,
who are obliged to see their little ones
suffer and waste away and feel how
helpless they are to provide aid. Even.
perhaps, If they have medical or sur
gical attendance the child may need
careful nursing, nourishing diet, etc.
which the parents are unable to pro-
cure for lack of means. You may say,
Why do they not send the child to the
hospital? Did you not know there is
no children's ward provided? True.
there are some children there now and
have been the greater part Of the time,
hut he, IL, IN,
and women's wards: and. while they
are being helped back to health, still
it is hardly the proper place for chill
dren to be.
In the first place, they are occupying
space that is meant for adult patients:
next, the environments are not those
with which we should wish to surround
little sick children. Imagine in char
ity hospital. such as the Lackawanna,
a severe accident case being brought
in, perhaps from a mine explosion or
something similar. The patient suf-
fering indescribable agony may be
placed in bed adjoining or very near
the one occupied by little child.
Think how the means and groans
would affect a strong man or woman.
! wonder how the little child. weak
and nervous from its own suffering.
must feel! Then, perhaps as does
sometimes happen, the accident case
dies in view of these little patients.
What a shock it would be for us who
are well and strong to witness such q
sight. Can you picture anything more
distressing for child to bear? These
thoughts are not pleasant to dwell on
and it must be unnecessary to cite any
more reasons why childrens ward is
needed in our city.
The Laclawanna hospital is doing
grand and noble work. but it Is much
handicapped for lack Of room. What is
more needed than a children's ward?
Only one charity hospital i'm this
large and growing city and pract-
cally no place in it for the sick and
suffering children. 1t was a sweet
thing for those young girls to do
short time ago when they held a fair
and entertainment at private resi-
dence and realized a handsome amount
of money for some missionary or char
liable work. The thought suggests it,
self that other circles of girls might
form themselves into a society and do
similar work for this new undertaking
What could be more lovely than to
see girls and boys who are blest with
health and vigOr working for the poor
little unfortunate ones who are around
lItlli E'bi'lt nave dilfduF uctu d.
work: two Sunday schools i'm the city
sent in handsome contributions short
time ago; others also have become in
terested and have sent in their contrib
utions, and only few days ago two
ladies asked permission of the direct
ors to go among their friends and So
lcit for the childrens ward. The per-
mission was readily granted and in a
very short time the ladies returned
and placed $25 in Miss Kraemer's
hands. They found their friends more
than willing TO contribute to such a
worthy cause. IF any think it is not
worthy, let them visit the Lackawanna
hospital and see the dear little chill
dren who are there receiving care and
treatment, and who while suffering
pain are still patient and wear bright.
smiling faces. We, who are In health
and IN the enjoyment Of many bless
ings beside, may draw "a lesson In
cheeriulness, patient endurance and
contentment from these little suffer-
ers. After visit to the hospital we
are sure no one will fail to see the me-
cessity of children's ward.
a..u BERTHA Il. FULTON. <