The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-01-10
FINANCIAL PROBLEMS
 OF THE HOSPITALS
BY ANNIE kENpRIck WALKER.

t.,ad hv a,,eh extensions and enlarge mants that before they are finished lne problem of maintenance becomes more urgent than it was before, and an lnsu- tution is likely to find itself with spien- did plant and no working capital
 "This subject Is one of first imporlaIce' and it's discussion will certainly result In hanaAt If if results in the creation of board of trustees to solicit, receive ana disburse to the best advantage the large sums which are undoubtedly available for this purpose, 1t will have accomplish ed a great public good"
 Hospital Expenses.
 The Hillman hospital has no endow- ment, and receives only three hundred month for it's running expenses. As point ed out by the Times, the progress of medical science has so improved the methods of treating disease and deformity and of giving patients the proper care and treatment Is steadily increasing. The financial problem of the hospital Is growing more difficult every day. The monthly expenses vary according to the number of patients, but the cost of keep ing open the hospital is about the same. The revenues from the pay patients de- fray only the expenses of the ten rooms set aside for private individuals The city and county feel that its appropria- tions can not be increased at present, and the financial situation must be relieved by other revenues.
 What can be done to change the pres ent situation?' was asked several of Bir- minghams prominent business men yes terday
 Colonel Bush Talks.
 Col. T. c. Bush in discussing the sub ject said:
 Answering your inquiry as to the im- portance of sustaining the Hillman hos pital, and the best method of doing so, It Is needless for me to say that the sue cessful operation of the hospital Is matter of great importance to this com munity. I know of no greater benent to be conferred upon our fellow men than to provide a retreat for the needy sick. where necessary medical attention and comforts can be provided. I do not think 1t feasible at this time to secure an en- dowment to cover the operating expenses of the hospital, even a deficit In cur rent expenses, but it does seem to me practical and feasible to secure annual subscription from enough citizens of Bir- mingham and the adjoining communi- ties to sustain the hospital and make 1t what it was intended to be-free to as many as can be accommodated, where they are not dDle Io prOViue loi lhein selves.
 "A support of this kind could, and should be obtained pending the raising of a permanent fund and awaiting the ability of the county and city to con- tribue literally to the support of such an institution. I cannot but think that there is a large number of persons who would be willing to subscribe so much per year to sustain the managers of the hospital in so grand and noble pur- pose. I think a certain number of sub scriptions could be had for $100 per year. so many $50 so many s25 per year and even smaller sums that would put the hospital for time in easy and comfort able financial condition. Those who know anything about the operation of an in stitution of this kind must know that a great deal of expenses Is necessarily incurred in meeting the requirements and wants of the sick