New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-12-21
HELP MOTHER AND CHILD.
WoMAN's AID SOCIETY OF SAN JUAN
CALLS FOR ASSISTANCE
THE GREAT NEED OF A MATERNITY HOSPITAL
IN SAN JUAN-TEsTIMoNY FROM SEVEN
DIFFERENT DOCTORS

DIFFERENT DOCTORS
letter received from the secretary OF the
woman's Aid Society in San Juan. Porto Rico. viii
not only give the readers OF The Tribune vivid
picture OF the work being done there by the Amerl
can women for the sick and needy, but will point
out the quickest way TO give relief and thereby save
many lives Miss Whlpples letter given in full be-
low followed by letters OF testimony from proIn-
nent doctors now in Porto Rico
To the Editor Of The Tribune, , -.
Sir Owing 10 the cordial interest expressed by
you in all that pertains 10 womans work III Porto
Rico, l have been asked by the Executive boaru
of the Woman's AID Society TO write you not, not so
much Of what we have done as Of what we long 20
do in the near future: We have truly earned me
BOARD OF women trying TO do what we can ior
the poor. and second, because all our work touches
ne has ae ever OF bee1 POOR Weak egeced helpless
woman comes to those OF her own sex for aid sure
Of pe s seeh unntesbfe ca"
The hearts OF all true Americans were touched
with sympathy for the people OF this Island Whe a
homes and all prospect OF maintenance for months
10 come. Time would fall US 10 tell or haIf inc
REARED people In heaven alone is the record fully
kept IN thai book Of rems%sranee where is the
Of the least Of these my brethren We have done
cane has been the means OF teaching US many
things and OF bringing US into closer contact with
a cruel past accounting for much that is discourag
ing and heart rending IN nth, the present present, .oo-..
try to realize what i has been to be woman Of
the W c0 Sas 9 fo s of the child no
sanctity Of home sheltered the girl In ripening
Se mother BY the father Of her chidTen Gen
erations OF such treatment have left their stamp,
SRa In ns has srd Te by little one ed
after another has been brought to our notice, until
people on the island that "The woman's Aid" will
do anything in its power to help women and chill
There are among US a number Of Porto Rican
TO keep up free dispensary as branch OF our
work. These men know the poor In their own
ssd Condition att of some women 10 comfort. no
privacy. no care Of any kind can the new mother
in the one room where the cats, dogs children
and entire family eat and sleep. i has been the
and give sO birth to their children there Frequent
cases have been reported where children were born
in the streets and in public buildings. An attempt
was made in one instance TO take the woman to a
was no provision for such cases.
We feel that American women must work for
that our friends would feel more sure that our
appeal is just and urgent. we have SECURED the
surgeon in the United States Army and our vaIua
give but few cases Of sad neglect but their tesi-
mony agrees with the CONVICTION growing upon,
every one-that much Of the deformity. the halt half
development OF physical powers and mental force rec
receives before and at the time OF chidblrth MOT
Who will send the cup OF cold water in the Mas
sweet ns aIry room KIND nurse-these are the in
estimable blessings these poor women need, These
mother above the brute beasts give the little i'm
mortal being fair chance 70 start on the journey
Isl small beginning is all we ask. Look at your
own sweet. sunny hospitals and see what we heeo.
struction at home than they are here They can
come TO US on Government transports we nave
money have come already. May God put II INTO
the heart Of every woman VINO mas s can 10 tbose
who have none. am yours yours v WSiyE wurppIE
T. s e. Member and Corresponding Secretary
Woman's Aid Society. -
San Juan. Porto Rico. Dec 2. 1893
Don Luis Sanchez Morales Alcalde Of this mi. city.
certifes that search OF the archives OF this mu-
nicpaty shows that lyng-in hospital or estaD,
shment set aside for such purpose has ever exsIea
herein and that women Of the poor classes In neeu
Of medical attendance receive assistance from the
tituary physicians municipal doctors), or In any
0'"er manner they are L. s0s SANCHEZ i5 MORALES
MuRlc ;.ss Corporation. San Juan Porto Rico Oct
To Dr. Jose Lugo VIVA.
Dear Sir Replying 10 your favor respecting the
In both poor women and their infants would re-
eeye necessary attention both during and irnmeoi.
consider such an establishment OF imperative
necessity. owing 10 the sad ana precar'ous cInui
SR' 4 TRe pe wns w the y
benefit suffering humanity and will receive nnum-
full toward its benefactors; Yours truly ,,,,>yrz
San Juan. Oct. %. 1899.
To Dr. Lugo VIVA
Dear Sir: Your conversation with me this morn
ing on the subject OF hospitals for Porto RICO
seushs % a d neeS o be Above
GIETC VOn CHI G