Evening star., 1901-06-13

known that he needed no introduction, was
next on the program, to present the diplo-
mas He said that when his honored
friend DIR. Bayne called on him and asked
him If he would present the diplomas he
said he consented, for he knew such a duty
would be a pleasant one. He said he could
not refrain from saying a few words Of
ccngratulation to the young ladies and re-
fer to the institution. for which he has
very high respect. During the course Of
his official life it had been his pleasure to
know something of the management of
the hospital. There was time when per
sons suffering from contagious diseases
could find no place to go, and In this con-
nection he said he had a severe personal
experience when, in 1888, two of his chill
dren had the scarlet fever. They were
then living in the National Hotel, and
the only thing that could be done was to
isolate the patients as well possible.
Noble Work of the Sisters.
The question of place for the treatment
of minor contagious diseases came up. and
the noble sisters in charge of Providence
Hospital voluntarily opened rooms for the
treatment of cases of scarlet fever and
dphtheria. The relief thus afforded, Com
missioner Ross said. was fully appreciated
by the municipal authorities. Following
this. he said, Congress made an appropria-
tion. and the sisters of Providence Hospital
proffered ground for the hospital site. as
did Garfield Hospital. The Sisters of Char
ity took the initiative, however and for
this they must certainly be congratulated.
With these contagious disease hospitals
and the smallpox hospital Washington Is
placed on a footing with other modern
cities Turning to the graduating class he
extended them his hearty CONGRATULATIONS
telling them 1t was the consensus of opin-
ion that the life of patient depends more
upon the nursing than upon the medicines
prescribed by the doctors
Gen. Sternberg's Speech.
Following the comforting of the medals
and diplomas Surgeon General George NJ.
Sternberg, Z. S. A, made a few remarks
He spoke in terms of highest praise of the
hospital and of the good work the Sisters
of Charity are doing. AS surgeon general
of the army, he said the government money
appropriated for the hospital went through
his hands. and it was one of the best in
vestments ever made by the government
The hospital always cared for more pa
tients than the contract called for He
concluded by saying he hoped some day to
see the young ladies wear the badge of the
army nurse corps.
The guests enjoyed a vocal solo by Mr..
w. p. Kenealey, and then Inspector Cen
eral }. {. Breckenridge of the army who
was introduced as the hero Of two wars
had something to say about the hospital
and its work. The profession chosen by
the nurses. he told the graduating class,
III,
Trained nurses, he said have come to stay.
Sisters Work in Wars.
He spoke at length upon the work of the
Sisters Of Charity in two wars, and re-
called their work in the city of Charleston.
s. c., In 1854. when the only outside ap-
peal to Christian aid was made by them.
He told of the work done at that time, and
said that of all the people who Iabored in
the derense or their country none should
be recorded higher than the Sisters of
Charity. ST Vincent de Paul the founder
of the order, he said, would not have lived
In vain had he lived for that one scene.
Founded on Broad Principles,
Rev. Father d. ]. Stafford, during the
course of his remarks referred to Prov,-
dence Hospital as an institution of which
the people of Washington have been Justly
proud. 1t has the foundation of Christian
charity. The Protestant as well as the
Catholic and the Jew as well as the Cen
tile were admitted, and he had no doubt
that in the future as well as in the mast
the only requirement would be that the
one knocking at the door was a member
of suffering humanity.
Commissioner Beach said he thought his
part would be complete with a little man
ual labor, as he was on the program to
break the ground for the nurses home He
told of his visits TO hospitals in connection
with the work in relation to the MunicipaI
Hospital. and said he noticed the cry of the
younger patients was for their mothers.
while with orphan children it was for the
nurse. There was nothing equal to Wo-
mans gentle touch in treatment of the
sick, and IL there was anything In the quo
tation. by their works ye+ shall know
them. he said he was glad his name was
connected with so admirable an undertak-
ing under the able direction of Sister
Louise.
Flag Decorated Spade.
When Commissioner Beach had concluded
his remarks the party repaired to a spot
where a large American flag marked the
place for the breaking of ground for the
nurses home. Against the stafY
rested a spade decorated with ma
tional colors. When the party FORM
ed q circle about the flag Com