Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1899-10-20
PLANS FOR A HOSPITAL,
Great Interest Shown in the Pro-
ject by Our Citizens.

Fipbty or More Attended the Meeting
Monday..- Committee Appointed to
Report at a Later Meetin gee Railroad
Companies and North WRlpOle Would
Contribute TO Its support
Monday evening marked the first steps
in another decided advance in good citizen
shin. co-eaual with the establishment OF the
free library in 1887 1t will, in its way,
he in future wears of as much advantage
to Bellows Falls and vicinity as that, as
well as a mark of decided progress to be
pointed out with pride to visitors. 1t was
n nnblic meeting of about so of the lead
inc citizens to take the first steps in the
establishment of hospital here.
For some years the matter has been ag-
itated and the united effort of the physl-
clans has led to its elimination at this time
with prospect of being started at once
The meeting was held in the banquet
hall and called to order by DIR. T.. >. All
bee, who briefly stated the object, calling
Hon. A n. Swain to preside. Mr.Swaln re-
ferred feelingly to the first steps taken IN
the library project, in which Bellows rams
is much more indebted to him than TO any
other person, and likened the magnitude oil
advantages to be gained by this project 10
that of the library. Nearly every physl-
clan and clergyman in town were present,
and large number of prominent citizens
were called out, expressing universal
idea of the great benefits to be derived not
only bv the village but all surrounding
places. Being the centre of railroads,
stage lines and large surrounding terrific
nv. where accidents and serious injuries
are constantly occurring among 'nose Nv
ing remote from their homes, Win no aue-
uuate place in which to be cared Tor, the
need of hospital here was emphasized
The nearest hospitals are at hutland,
Keene, Claremont and Greenheld. Inc
statement was made that the Boston *
Maine road officials have repeatedly urged
. tba establishment of one here, and have
intimated they would pay $1,000 per year
or SUPPORT two or three beds for the use OF
their employees. They would bring any in
iured persons here from Brattleboro, Wind
sor and intermediate stations. The Fitch
burg road would probably contribute, as
we'll as each of the leading manufacturing
concerns here.
DR.. Gorham had prepared synopsis OF
the way hospitals had been established
how much the expenses and income OF each
were, and how many patients mad oeeh
treated in each the past year. Inc needs
and advantages were made very clear, as
we'll as the possibility of our being able 10
have one. The meeting was unanimous In
regard to it, and committee OF hve were
appointed by the chair to take into consld-
Grafton ways and means, to formulate a
plan of organization, and to report to the
next meeting, which was adjourned to next
Monday evening.
This committee, consisting of Drs. Camp
bell and Kirkland, George r. Wales, q. j,
O'Neil and Frank G. Flint, have been act
i've this week in investigating the matter,
and have number of plans to report tc
the meeting. The organization seems wise
at this time, even if the actual work is not
begun at once, as there is general feeling
that requests and legacies will come early
The village of North Walpole is much IN
terested in the project, and in the meeting
it was stated that without doubt when the
thing materialized, that village could be
depended upon to make an annual appro
priation toward its expenses. This towI
will also be asked to contribute, and with
the other assistance mentioned above iron
individuals and corporations makes the en-
terprise look feasible. Accommodation
NAV be hired for the present. or the way
may open toward erecting suitable build
ing at an expense, including equipment, o.
from $4,000 to $500. The people are united
and earnest in the matter, and in LOOKING
back over the past it has always been thu
history here, that when such was the fact
and Bellows Falls was convinced of tn
real need, the way was opened to makinl
it success. 1t looks as if this would b.
the result of this agitation, and at an earl!
day.