The age-herald., 1900-12-01
Father o,Reilly and pr. McFerrin.

pr McFerrin desires me to say that he is very sorry indeed that he cannot be with us here today; but the meeting of the Con- ference of the Methodist church at Decatur has necessitated his absence" said Father O'Reilly
 Many times have had the happiness of meeting Dr. McFerrin, t.ind he impresses me as being a broad-guage generous, hos pitable, good man, one whose purposes are good He is as big intellectually and in goodheartedness as he is physically; and although he is absent from us physically I am convinced that he ia with us in spirit in good wishes.
 pr McFerrin realizes that St. Vincents Hospital is a great work of human charity, conceived in the spirit of real Christianity; that we all of us are trying to do real good for mankind and he is with us; he gives us his cordial support and encouragement. He assured me that it was with deep re- gret that he could not be here on this proud and happy occasion; and l am sure that everybody here today is sorry that Dr. McFerrin Is not present to give us his words of congratulation, good counsel and good cheer.
 And I want to express something of the great regret we all feel on account of the absence of MT. w. R. Farley of the Uni- ted MineworkerS. Other and more pressing duties are keeping MT. Farley away, and we are all sorry; but I can assure you that wherever ne IS MT dlIiey IS SdyahS d good word for St. Vincent's Hospital.
 ''Our good friend MT. Cruickshank is also ur,yoidably absent. He sent me word that he had sore throat, and if his throat Is as sore as nine is, them it is very sore in- deed We are sorry to not have MT. Cruick- shank with us; but he has powerful pen, and we know he will use that for St. Vln- cents good always"
 Father O'Reilly also paid a praiseful tribute to MT. Emile Lesser, who had been of powerful assistance to the hospital. MT. Lesser was not able to be present.
 Bishop Allen.
 Bishop Allen said that as he had on the day previous dedicated St. Vincents and thereby taken part in its formal opening for the reception of suffering humanity, it was perhaps appropriate that he should say a word or two in concluding tne memorable exercises and to give his bene- diction. He shared the pride and satisfac- tion of the Sisters of Charity. for whom he prayed the Lords blessings, and he felt assured that all the public shared in gen. eral rejoicing.
 The Sisters of Charity had builded that splendid hospital for charity: it remained for the people of Birmingham and the dis trict to aid the Sisters in making the hos pital self-supporting. He did not believe that there was any right-minded person in all the community who would fail or re- fuse to aid the Sisters whenever opportun- ity was presented. The people of this com munity would assuredly make self-sustain- ing this great hospital builded for all who suffered. without regard to creeds or forms of faith Let 1t be understood that the hospital was for all sufferers who needed it's care and ministrations! It is a public charity hospital in the widest sense of charity, and as such it appealed to every body for support This community stood sorely in need of this great hospital The people should now see-t;lat 1t was properly supported.
 Somewhat Personal.
 St. Sjncent's Hospital ciation, the power behind the society of St. Vincent's
 
 Continued on Eighth Page)1