The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1903-03-19
DISTRICT
NURSING
ASSOCIATION
Quarterly Meeting Held In Old
State House Interesting Re-
ports and Addresses Are Made

p0tto WV NeSsSSSS~ w.
The quarterly meeting OF the board OF
managers of the Providence District
Nursing association was held at o'clock
yesterday afternoon In the Sixth district
court room in the old state house on
North Main street. with the president
Judge william s Sweetland in the chair
The meeting was called TO order shortly
after 4 o'clock by the president. after
which Mrs William c. Dart. secretary
pro tenn, read the minutes OF the last
quarterly meeting. held on February 2lst
This was followed by a report for the
committee on ways and means. presented
BY Mr. Lucan Sharpe.
Mr.. Sharpe. in this report. brought out
the encouraging fact that during the
past two weeks. six persons had pledged
themselves TO become annual sub
scribers 10 the association for the sum
of 500 each.
PRESIDENTS REMARKS.
After Mr. Sharpes report Judge Sweet
land spoke briefly, outlining the objects
explained the excellent work now being
done by the district nurses employed by
the associa ton. Tho fact was brought
out however. that only about one half
Of the city Is now under the supervision
OF the association. II Is the ultimate aim
Of the associa tion. however To cover the
entire city. Judge Sweetland further
explained that but two nurses were now
employed and that their respective sal
yta
month each for expenses.
Judge Sweetland quoted also from the
quarterly report OF the district nurses
That OF Miss Bremen showed GA visits
made from Dec. i TO March IA, and the
amount OF money spent In these visits
1880. Miss Stuarts report showed eso
visits during the same period and $i4.2O
expenses.
PRAISES THE WORK.
At the close of the formal business OF
the afternoon the president called upon
board. Mr.. Webb responded with rev
words OF encouragement. In the course
OF his remarks he declared that or All
the charitable work done In this city
that the District Nursing association
leads them all.
"It is the most practical. humane char.
fly that can be devised he said, 'but
phiianthropic people don't realize the cry
Ing need OF the work of this association
The work should be more widely known,
there should be more interest in IL.
Mr.. Webb was followed by Mrs. John
b. Gardiner and others, who made plea
for financial aid and for hospital sup
plies. such as bed linen. bandages etc.
During the course OF the meeting the
following letter from Rev. Willard c. Sell
leck. who was expected TO address the
meeting. was read by Judge Sweetland:
REV. MR.. sELLECK's LETTER.
The work of the Providence District
Nursing association commands my warm |
approval. because II possesses In large
degree the spirit and method of social
service The organization is very simple;
there is little machinery, and there is
no waste of energy In salaries, Office rent
or even printing; all the funds raised go
directly TO the maintenance OF the prac-
tical work in hand. Yet IL must not be
forgotten that an organization OF some
kind is necessary in such an enterprise.
the undertaking In too large and of too
much consequence to be carried on by
few individuals; II needs many sympa-
thizers and supporters. and the only way
In which these can cooperate systemati-
cally and effectualfy Is through organiza-
ton, which Is merely q simple social
mechanism for their voluntary associated
labor.
Again. the movement springs out OF en-
hghtened sympathy--not merely a strong
feeling OF compassion for the suffering,
but a clear understanding OF what really
needs TO be done for them. The day Of
blind charitable effort is altogether past
fof intelligent people II we want 10
help our felowmen. II IS our business TO
know what we are about
Once more. this work is admirably per-
sonal. The trained nurse IL an educated
friend. going az friend in time of real
need, yet under orders from n physician,
20 render an essential service I'm the most
intimate and personal OF ways. There is
no impersonal. mechani device but n
direct living contact OF one human being
with another I'm an intelligent and friend
" relationship. Much so-called phil
anthropic work, well meant. is vitiated
by the want OF this vital personal touch
No work with which / am acquainted
better avoids this weakness than that OF
the District Nursing association.
Finally this ministry is constructive
IN the best sense. IL ~ at once ameliora-
tive; then II Is Immediately educative. in
ssmuch as the sick poor are taught how
10 care for themselves. and OF course.
ss a direct result ~ becomes preventive
because patients will have learned what
to do next time when illness comes or
before it comes
In view Of these excellent features [ am
sure this good work IN deserving OF the
heartest commendaton and the most
generous support. II ought TO be ex- !
tended so as 20 cover the city. but this
cannot be done without a considerable
increase Of contributions Those who
really desire To do something worth while
In response 10 the sense OF social svm-
pathy and obligation which grows strong
or year by year. may find here an oppor-
tunity or wisely helping their brothers
and sisters by the best sort OF a proxy"
ss Mr.. Devine said
The meeting adjourned at shortly after
O'Clock 20 meet again In June
n