San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1897-06-06

charity, in the largest and divinest
sense of that term. There lies be-
fore the Light preacher at this moment
of preparation the report for 1896. From
1t the facts herewith presented are la
ken. The sanitarium is situated in
Lincoln park on the shores of the lake
1t is free in attendance, medical adj
vice, medicines and food to all the
sick babies of the city, regardless Of
sex or color. The structure is over the
water, on piles securely and closely
driven, and is 9Ox200 feet 1t was
placed in the park by special permits
sion of the commissioners of the park
and is furnished with every appliance
known to medical science as fast as it
is discovered and approved.
Free transportation is given to and
from the great street car centers Of the
city in the sanitarium omnibus, and
| the poor mothers who are unable to
pay car fares to come and go to their
little ones are furnished car tickets at
| the sanitarium. Over $500 was paid
out in this way last year. The orig
inal cost of the sanitarium was s12,-
S75 and several thousands additional
have been paid out since its opening.
The cost of it's maintenance rests up
on the shoulders of the Daily News,
but it is ably aided by the charities of
those who feel with the originators of
this blessed ministry to the sick ba-
bies, that no child should suffer unnec-
essarily because it is sick and is poor.
Into this sanitarium the sick babies
of Chicago are taken and dieted given
| oil Nd
medicines, under the most skilful ply
sicians and trained nurses, until restor-
ed in body they are returned to their
! homes. Only moderate proportion
of these received are put under medical
treatment, perhaps % per cent, the
other rs needing only the fresh air, the
cool atmosphere and the nourishing
food that the sanitarium supplies.
There are other quarters for those who
have infectious diseases, and here the
poor little sufferers receive the best
possible care, for there are none turn
ed away. 1t is only necessary to be
a baby and sick and the sanitarium
does the rest. These are the only re-
quirements.
The report shows that last year, from
the 7th of June to the 18th of Septem-
her, the period during which the sani-
tarium was opened, there were receiv-
ed 14,773 babies. Regular course treat
ment was administered to 1857 of these
and of the whole only "a died. The
Hammock" cases, those requiring on
ly bathing, proper food and clothing
and instructions to the mothers as to
the best way of caring for their in
fants, numbered 1856. This is in no
sense relief society, but it is obliged
to go out beyond medical attendance
and food to the babies in the care of
the sick mothers and children who
bring them. This work of mercy ON
bring them. This work of mercy on so
large ascale cost last year $16,753. Much
of the attendance and work of super
vision is donated. This year eight
prominent physicians and surgeons
give their services to the sanitarium
free, dividing the time so as to have
one always in attendance.
Such an institution may not be need
ed in San Antonio, but there are sick
babies of the poor here. Sick little
children as well, over the age of two
years, at which they are scheduled in
Chicago. There might be a fund
| TdlSeu anu uioput5 Su lulS City lldt
would provide these little ones, who
seldom enjoy the fresh air of the hills
or the delights of the natatoriuln, and
their worn and weary mothers, with an
occasional day of rest and recreation,
where good food, pure air, medical at
tendance for those who needed it, and
the change from the old Conditions
that in itself means resurrection, would
be theirs without money and with
out price. The idea is certainly well
worth consideration.
There is hope for the world when
such charities as this of the Chicago
fresh air fund are organized and do
their quiet and gracious work or heal
ing the sick little ones with so open
and so wise hand. One kneels rever-
emily at the feet of these ministers
who serve the sick babies and lifting
them up to health, lift also their dis
couraged mothers and bring into their
lives the rainbow promise of a better
day to come. From this far off south
land, where the breezes blow free and
the crowded tenement is hardly known,
fervent God bless the Fresh Air
Charity of Chicago" will be waited
this morning from many hearts. May
you also in your turn help the sick ba-
bies of San Antonio.
During the summer Of 1891 Mr.. Chas.