The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1904-09-08
THAT HENDERSON HOSPITAL

There are two things the town OF
Henderson needs, and that soon or
late she must have: building for
the graded school and Il hospital.
Our graded school has already estab-
lished its claim and proved its right
to IL fit dwelling place by the most ex-
cellent work it is doing for our chill
dren. 1t is no longer to be regarded
rs pilgrim and Il stranger dwelling
in tents; but rather as an hOnored
citizen and permanent resident OF the
town, it should be provided with a
suitable home of it's own, i'll keeping
with its standing and its work.
And along with this graded school
building that We are going to have
soon will come the hospital. Our
physicians are already calling for it,
and g little reflection and Observa-
ton must convince us that the pro-
iect is not only feasible but most
commendable. A hospital plant that
would amply suffice for our needs
would not have to be very large,
elaborate or expensive. We see them
conducted with entire satisfaction
and success iii smaller towns than
Henderson. and where the demand
for such an institution Is even less
urgent. Judging from the experience
of other towns we could indeed eX-
pect it to be an economy and saving
to the town. Wisely managed it
would pay its own way; not to men-
ton the obvious advantages of hay
inc these facilities at our doors, i'll
stead of having to go to the cities in
search OF them.
But there are other considerations
which make the appeal for a hospital
much stronger. From the standpoint
of charity and benevolence, a hos
pital in every town where the condi-
tions are similar to those that OBJ
tain here is we'll nigh a matter OF
course. When we consider the large
number of those who have no homes
and the vastly larger number whose
homes cannot possibly furnish the
proper facilities and comforts in
sickness, human charity demands a
hospital.
The first and main thing is sutti-
cient funds to secure a building. That
done, the rest will be easy. We have
the necessary medical staff already
with us, both able and willing. There
are organizations in the town that
could and doubtless would furnish
and maintain a number of cots in
free wards. Theprivate wards would
more than pay their own way The
Kings Daughters could turn their
attention and their liberal and de-
voted ministry to this work The
churches would find most suitable
outlet for their charity. The Masons,
Odd Fellows Pythians, could each
support one or more cots. Our pros
porous industries, the cotton mills,
knitting mills and the like, we doubt
not, would cheerfully contribute for
the welfare and comfort of their en-
pioyees Once get the institution on
its feet and there would be little diff
Guilty in maintaining it. 1t would
plead its own cause in lives saved.
suffering relieved and the happiness
OF countless homes promoted by the
removal of that gnawing dread of
sickness which constantly Expresses
the poor.
The need OF a hospital has often
been impressed upon Us and we were
glad to see the question agitated in
recent meeting of our physicians.
The project must secure the hearty
endorsement of all classes. Every
one recognizes the growing need and
the feasibility OF the undertaking.
The only question that remains to
be answered is, when and how shall
we set about raising the fund neces-
sary for the building and equipment?
Let Us hear from the doctors again.