Daily Kennebec journal., 1898-02-16
THE CITY HOSPITAL.
The Movement Is Rapidly
Gaining Strength.
Some Important Facts and Sugges-
tons on the Subject
Brought Out at Meeting in City Hall. Last
Evening.

There was gathering of Augusta
citizens at City hail. last evening, for
the purpose of considering the question
Of the establishment of a city hospital
The meeting was called to order by
Hon. J. Manchester Haynes, who re-
felTed to the worthy character of the
project under consideration, and the
interest that was being manifested
throughout the city. He said that
the soliciting committee would report
the progress made in their work, and
others interested who We're present at
the meeting would give their views
upon the matter.
Mr. Haynes then introduced as the
first speaker, Rev. ]. S. Williamson.
IN opening, Mr.. Williamson referred
to the interest he had felt in the move
ment for the establishment of city
hospital ever since its conception. He
had talked with many men on the SUBJ
ject and had found many conflicting
ideas regarding it, He felt confident
however, that all the citizens of Au-
Susta needed to appreciate the necessi-
~ Of such an institution was a thor
ough understanding Of it's plan and
purpose. few months ago. in that
very ward. he had entered a house
where one of our physicians was en-
deaVoring to combat disease. The win
doWs on one side of this house was COW
cred with blankets to keep out the
cold. The conditions of the place We're
not very favorable for cleanliness-to
The physician who was attending the
case there must have called at least
ten times. and. at professional rates,
have been entitled to $l5, and yet he
must have known that he was giving
his time. and could never expect to re-
ceive a cent. 1t was a work of pure
work he believed that it was the duty
of the city to provide its physicians
with the best possible opportunities for
the proper care of their patients
He said that some had professed to
believe that the city hospital move
ment was a scheme for the benefit of
the local physicians, but this is nos
true. No man makes the sacrifices
that a physician does; no class of
people do more for charity The great
est benefits of the city hospital would
come not 50 much to the wealthy, rs
TO the poor and the middle class of
people to whom it would be a practical
blessing
Mr. Williamson then referred to the
difficulties encountered at the start
with the Bangor city hospital; how
only six physicians and the pastor of
sympathy with the movement at it's
inception. Al the rest of the physi-
clans and members of the clergy in the
city were either opposed to the pro-
ject, or Indifferent to it; but still the
good work went forward. A house
was leased, and the doctors, largely
from their own pockets, contributed
the money to meet the running ex-
penses of the small but we'll managed
hospital thus established Today. that
institution is fixture and enjoys the
cordial endorsement and support of
the whole community.
Five years later. two physicians Sc
cured 100000 for the construction of n
new wing in two afternoons This was
an example of the support which am
institution of this character might
reasonably expect when the people had
become familiar with its work and
its necessity
He then referred to the history of the
Lewiston hospital, which, he said, in
its essential features, was similar to
hat of the one at Bangor The history
If the Augusta city hospital would be
he same, years practical operation
Indifferent to the enterprise enthusias-
ticaliy in its favor. He thought the
small and practical beginning which it
vas proposed to make in the work of
| hospital in this city, would be certain
O insure it's success.
Rev. Father G. W. Doherty, was the.
leXt speaker, and very ably and elo-
luently did he present the needs of a
ity hospital in Augusta and the man
Ter in which it would contribute to the
public welfare. He thought that no
Work OF charity was more worthy of
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