The San Francisco call., 1896-06-10
PLANNING FOR A
BRITISH HOSPITAL,
Benevolent Society Has
Money and Is After
a Site.
NO LACK OF PATIENTS.
The Consulate Alone Spends 5000
a Month on Marine
Cases.
LONG UNUSED VICTORIA FUND,
Might Locate on Rincon Hill-The So.
ciety's New Mem bers-A Brit.
ish Headquarters.
LONG UNUSED VICTORIA FUND,

The British Benevolent Society of Cali
fornia thinks that British hospital can
be maintained in this City.
At the monthly meeting of the society
held yesterday afternoon at GOA Merchant
street the proposition was thoroughly dis
cussed and committee of five, consisting
of business men and physicians, was ap-
pointed to collect all necessary data rela-
tive to financial prospects, expenses and a
location for the buildings.
The several members who submitted the
idea presented some very plausible figures
in support OF it.
Years ago there was talk of the society s
building a hospital to care for its cases,
but an investigating committee reported
that only about half dozen sick British
ers requiring hospital treatment came to
this port in year, so the matter was
dropped.
Now, however, according to the Rev. W.
W. Bolton, who is honorary secretary of
the society and who was yesterday made
honorary chaplain, the prospects for a
British hospital are very encouraging. In
the last six months the British Consulate
has paid out $500 for marine hospital
month. This does not include private
British patients nor resident Britishers
sent to hospitals by local British doctors
nor does it include any of the society s
own hospital cases.
In addition to these standard sources for
patients every British doctor would be re-
lied upon to send his surgical cases to the
physicians would do likewise. Nor would
Britishers alone be the only patrons any
more than the French and the Germans
are the only patients respectively at the
French and German hospitals in this City.
So the society thinks scarcity of patients
would not be one of the drawbacks to the
undertaking.
amounting to $4,000, which can be used for
any purpose desired. In addition to this
it holds in trust $500 as half of fund
established many years ago as nucleus
for a British or Victoria hospital. The
st. Andrews Society is in charge of the
other half. These amounts form the avail
able resources.
On the corner of First and Harrison
streets, up on the summit of Rincon Hill,
and commanding good view of the City,
is the old McAllister place. on which there
are a large house and several cottages.
The property is for sale at $4,000. The So
ciety believes the place is not unsuited for
the location of a hospital. st. Mary's
Hospital is situated in the immediate
neighb borhood.
Fourteen new members were elected into
the society at yesterdays meeting, the
total membership now being 40. Each of
these pays 81 month dues to support the
work of the institution.
During the month of May 4S5 cases were
investigated and acted upon, at a cost of
$130 so, for family supplies, medical at
tendance, travelling expenses and other
things. OF those aided 172 were new cases,
all men but one.
The treasurer's report showed that
$1262 95 had been received during MAY,
$1096 80 of this amount being legacy
from the late j. i'll. DobInson. A balance
of $1062 95 remained on hand.
The secretarys report indicated an Office
balance of $157 70, after $187 20 had been
paid out for charity cases and office ex-
penses.
1t was unanimously voted that the So
ciety Join the Associated Charities in order
to secure its valuable assistance in the
work of investigating cases applying
for aid.
Another matter of Importance that
created good deal of favorable discussion
was the practicability of having a general
British headquarters III this City where
both the British Benevolent Society and
the recently organized st. Georges Club
might have rooms under the same roof.
A committee of five was appointed on
literary exercises and social recreation.
the suggestion being that a banquet be
held every three months to encourage
British fellowship and to. increase the
membership of the Benevolent Society.