The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1897-06-05
OUR HOSPITALS.
Movement TO Awaken In
tercSt in Support.
Believed that the Public Will
Take Hold if Aroused.
"HOspital Saturday" Proposed as
Day for Contributions.

ing 70 discuss the question of the best
method for raising perpetual fund for
the maintenance of the local hospitals.
The Rev Floyd w. Tomkns Jr, pre-.
y.ously sent invitations 70 representatives
Of the various institutions OF that nature,
requesting their attendance, and desiring
them to come prepared TO speak upon
the }ic OF tho evening IN consequence,
although the audience was small IN num-
ber there were present many representa-
tlyos OF the city hospitals and others
whose presence was valuable toward the
furtnering of MIR Iomkin's 5 designs
kty Mr. lOmkins in beginning, briefly
stated the object of the assembly. lie
showed how necessary and how praise
worthy is the work which our hospitals
reriOrm and thon explained that during
the past iow years there has been de-
Cidpd lack of interest shown on the part
of citiZous in this work. Especially has
this proved true in the matter OF contrl-
buttons, which have steadily fallen OH
from wear TO year until such is the out
look at present that unless in some way,
yet 90 bo devised, an addition be made
10 the sustaining funds, several OF the
institutions VIII lie obliged 10 narrow
HEIR work considerably in some depart
ments
Ho thon stated directly the nature of
10 propose "A method, or appoint com
mittee. 10 look into the matter more fully,
that shalt create popular sympathy for
this work, and ms direct result lncr9ase
the fund which carries II on. In closing
he read few suggestions the nature OF
which are In substance as follows:
That "A day should be appointed, known
as hospital Saturday, preferably in
June or the early summer, upon which
contributions shall be made toward the
support of hospital work.
that committees should be appointed
who shall have charge of the collecting,
soliciting and counting of the receipts.
and reporting upon the same to tho gen
tral society.
That all Brown students shall be re.
uuested TO contribute a small sum, posi-
bly ten cents per year, and all lodges ana
-iFaternities IA correspondingly larger sum.
That there should bo standing commit
tees TO ascertain the best practical pur-
poses to which tho money can lie put, TO
decide whether IL shall be equally divided
or not, etc.
Mr. Tomkins also read other suggos-
tions, tho nature Of which, however, was
more of a detailed account for the carry
ing out Of this idea. Tho meeting was
then thrown open for discussion by all
and special request was laid upon the
various gentlemen who represented local
institutions, TO speak.
Mr.. Robert Galnmell Of tho Rhode
Island hospital was the first To make re-
marks. He stated that IL was his expecta-
lion that Mr. Nightingale OF that institu-
ton would be sent, but owinE 10 his
absence he would state the facts as well as
he know them. Mr. Gammell narrated
briefly the present condition Of the Rhode
Island hospital, showing how although IL
was endowed more than any other insti-
tuition of like nature III the state yet 1t
was in sore need Of funds. The expenses
of tho hospital average about SH, 600 per
annum. We're IL not for generous doDa-
tions from friends who are constant con-
tributors and donators tho hospital would
he unable 20 carry on Its work ns IL has in
the past He showed also how the contri
buttons have gradually become moro and
more insignificant, the lack of interest
gradually becoming more widespread.
MIR. Gammell gave his hearty approval
of the proposition Of Mr.. Tomkins for
hospital Saturday, but took exceptions To
the early date. According To Mr.. Gam
mell's idea, which was subsequently shown
10 be the general one, the date should be
changed to OCto ber.
After Mr. Gainmell had finished few
remarks were made by Mr.. Hodgeman of
the Lying-in ht spital Mr.. Hodgoman like
his predecessor stated "a lack of popular
support during the last three or four
wears He showed how the peculiar func-
tion OF tire LyinE-in hospital although
radically different from the Others, Is
nevertheless equally important and de.
serves sympathy. He showed how work
in that department has greatly increased
i'm magnitude during recent years. and
how ttey do not receive tholr quota OF
ttt-tit4t-i.e4s- - -nther hospitals Mr.. Hodge.
man pledged firm and hearty support To
Mir Tomkins in this work but ho too,
argued that the date should be changed
ll.a. I...
thought that ho keenly realized the need
OF such a movement aud was anxious TO
furtter It's progress 10y every means in his
power.
Alderman Mccarthy of St Iosephs
hospital was also called on for remarks.
Mr. Mccarthy said There is no doubt
but what there are thousands of people
who give no attention Co this matter. TIE
great and final object OF this committee is
90 arouse public sympathy aud sentiment.
IL this thing ls understood it Will bo
appreciated. | too, prefer the latter date.
With the cooperation OF the press and
tine people this thing can he done as it
ought % be done
AS the last representative, Mr.. &. W.
Bowen of the Homeopathic hospital also
added his support 10 the movement
Mr. Bowen, as all the uthcrs, showed rho
gloomy financial outlook of his hospital
oar. EuWcl has grcat faith IN interesting
the pupils on the puD'lc SCHOOLS attcf tncy
ore fresh from the long vacation. First
investigation Is necessary and then
prompt aud efficient action. Mr.. Bowen
iu closing pledged the support Of tho
Homeopathic hospital in TINS work.
By request Mr.. W. H. Moreion gave an
interesting account Of the manner I'm
which hospital saturday and Sunday arc
observed In England especial v ia Bir
mingl am. where 10 originated. lie
showed how In England the contribu-
tions are universal, an orders and classes
even the saloon fuiilling their parts.
Mr.. MoretOn was also enthusiastic over
the discussed proposition. but looked at
10 In "a slightly different light
TO be- a success the public men must
handle the question ana the great manu-
factories must ndOut :hg plnn. IL must
not he In connection with any political or
religious body.
Further remarks were mauo by Mr..
/ tHrfv NJ t-ruvrrt-rfrt- Air. t3-.+e--..f-t
Ladies' Auxiliary and others At this
point MIR Hudvemnn of tLe Lying-in
hospital moved that the chair appoint
committee Of five with power 90 add 90
their numbers, who should look fully into