New-York tribune., 1902-02-08
TO SA We THE BABIES.
NEW ORGANIZATION FOR THE SICK AND
DESERTED FORMED AT THE HOME
OF MRS. JAMES A. BURDEN
YESTERDAY.

we are here 10 begin a branch Of work for
SICK children" said the Rev Dr. Donald Sage Mac
nay yesterday to a large gathering Of women at
the home Of Mrs. James A. Burden. No sOs Fifth
ave II has been said that many charities overlap
each other, but this an enterprise which is strik
ing out on entirely new lines. There are two types
OF children that come to the babies wards of the
POSTGRADUATE Hospital Some are from homes Of
poverty, but homes. They are treated and when
convaescent go back to their families. and in the
unfavorsble surroundings the disease breaks out
afresh in a few eks, or another disease is con-
tracted and they return from time to time until
they become known hospital children and suffer
from what is called 'hospitalism'
Other children placed by their parents where
they will contract diseases. and are then brought
10 the hospital for treatment Fictitious addresses
are given or the parents move Immediately after
entering the children at the hospital. When
tees sent that the children have recovered the
parents cannot be found and the infants sent
to RandalTs Island.
The work Of this organization will be 10 raise
means so that homes may be found for these con-
valescent children in nearby farms until the
is permanent in each case continued Dr. Mackay.
Little pinched faced children who are fighting
their battles for life will he sent for weeks or
months to the country, where under the best au-
spices they will recover health. For those that
have been deserted hope to find permanent
homes. and it is intended to make this practical
work.
Dr. Henry Dwight Chaplin. who spoke on behalf
OF the babies wards, referred to the work
that would result in a great saving OF child life
After giving some statistics regarding infant deaths
in the city. he said: We handicapped by the
fact that We work among the poorest classes and
thus its permanency is affected"
A number Of children in the hospital de-
serted last summer by the parents. In one case the
mother had desire go the stage and disap-
peared with that object in view. Two children in
need of treatment taken from a Caralboat
When they recovered and the visitor went TO in
appeared
There are also many cases where the poverty is
so extreme that to return the children means Ger
tain DEATH said DR.. Chaplin Many Of them could
be adopted, but our machinery stops at that point
and that is where this organiZa tion vii. come
In. These must be handled at 1t is
impossible 70 wait several weeks or months. Some
| only want homes for few weeks. The child is,
after all the only permanent subject for work. It's
not patchwork, with older cases. The palliative
charity is good, but the preventive charity is the
The work Of the joint committee of the Associa-
ton for Improving the Condition OF the Poor and
Mrs. William B. Rice Miss Z. ". Guy and Miss
Y. NJ Walker.
In closing the meeting DR.. Mackay made a
stirring appeal for the little ones 1t Is sins or
omission that viii he asked about at the last
day he said. 1T little things did not
do. IG8SmuCh ye did IL not TO one Of the least
| It to me 80"
Mrs. Donald Sage Mackay is chairman Of the com
mittee having the organization of the new society
in hand II will be known the Society for Find
ing Permanent Homes for Deserted COnyaleSCent
Hospital Children. and will be auxiliary to the
babies wards Of the POSTGRADUATE Hospital Some
A Alexander. Mrs. Coe Mrs Chauncey, Miss Still
| man Mrs. James A. Burden and Mrs. Z. Francis
Hyde. The work will be supported by voluntary
contributions.
Among those present yesterday Mrs Will
lam D. Sloane Mrs y Thayer Robb Mrs H Van
Rensselaer, Kennedy and Miss Russell.