The San Francisco call., 1896-02-03

many successful benefits, Will soon repro
duce '7-20-S" in aid of the Kings
Daughters Home for Incurables. The
charity company, which made such sue
cess of the play at Oakland recently, will
give a repetition OF their performance and
the Metropolitan Orchestra will donate its
services.
The only Kings Daughters Home for
1ncurables in the United States is that
which occupies the old building at 217
Francisco street, once the City and County
Hospital, later the Scandinavian Home.
aud, prior to passing into the hands of the
Kings Daughters, the Old Peoples Home.
Only those whose lot it is TO battle with
disease the remainder of their lives are
eligible to refuge within its walls. The
Kings Daughters Home and st. Joseph's
Hospital are the only institutions devoted
to this purpose in the City.
San Francisco has 5000 daughters of
royalty. Daughters of the King of Kings
they are, and they have taken his name
and wear a silver cross on which is in
scribed the legend which is the motto of
their lives, "In his name" Some of these
daughters are in the dewy dawn OF life
Some there are who have children of their
own who are also Kings Daughters. But
whether their brows are covered by brown
or silver hair their ruling purpose is the
same-to relieve distress wherever found.
The organization is not an old one
Probably two decades would measure its
life. 1t was borne in upon some helpful
spirit that many small bodies would make
a better working force than one large, un-
wieldY one and the practical unfolding of
that plan has been the formation of well
nigh innumerable circles of ten members
each, who are pledged to labor for the
alienation of human ills.
They choose such names as "Fidelity,' -
Consolation" and Hope whose sound
is an inspiration, and work bravely, qui-
etly, patiently for the accomplishment of
their laudable purpose. They rise above
all considerations of creed or sect and Ia
Dor in the spirit of truest altruism.
Two of these Kings Daughters were
talking one day less than four years ago OF
the rule that banishes incurabes from hos
pitfalls after three months treatment and
of the pity of it. "Why can we not have
home for incurables?" asked one. "We
can, was the confident answer 1t was
but woman's resolution, growing out OF
great need. ct it has borne speedy
fruit in an admirably managed institution
that provides home comforts and atmos-
phere for siXtytive men and women.
When the Crocker Home was removed
TO its present location, in 1892, the old
building was donated to the King
Daughters Home, which was then bur 3
name. The officers incorporated and
opened the home, in which 200 invalids
have been cared for within three years.
Many OF them were aged, and have since
passed or to the mystic bourne where.
perhaps, youth and its joys may have
been renewed.
There IS that about the home which JUS
titles its name. The visitor forgets he is
in an institution" There is to be found
there the intangible something that sug-
gests family life. There is not much eyi.
dence of wearing pain. Usually the pa
hents condition is that of serene waiting
for nature to issue her final decree in
their case. Yet there is nothing funereal
about the atmosphere. Cheerfulness is
the keynote of the genuine harmony OF
life al the home. There are no wards with
their dreary monotony of suffering.
Every inmate has his or her own
room, which is his or her castle
The treasured accumulations of wears
make these rooms bright spot oi
remlnlscence, IN most instances, and the
individuality of the occupant is permitted
free range in the adornment with per.
sonal effects. There is q COW reception.
room and the Gining-room has less o.
dreariness than the average boarding.
house refectory.
The unanimity with which the patients
members of the big family is striking. ave
are in home, not a prison." said a neat
happy-faced old lady, who, with her nus.
band, occupies room where color and
cheer and sunlight have an abiding place,
II never was happier in my life.'' de.
clared a bed-ridden invalid, with ashen
hair, gnarled by warping rheumatism, but
face that reflected peace that many a
storm tossed soul would envy
The personnel of the home is interesting
in the highest degree. Clad in handsome
dressing-gown and leaning back luxurious
Iy in an easy chair was handsome old
man, who seemed entirely harmonious
with his surroundings. He is the last lea1
on a fine old family tree, and here his
brother Masons have placed him until such
time as death shall detach him.
81 am 16, averred small but sturdy
old gentleman. who walks with the vigor
of youth and greeted lady visitors with
old-time gailantry.
He was an educator of the old school
Forty-five years was his term of service in
training the young. AT one time he was