The Washington herald., 1912-02-13
CRIME TO DROP
HOSPITAL FUNDS
Georgetown Citizens Make
Strong Plea for Support
of Columbia.
~ITs GREAT, GOOD WORK"
Speaker Says Municipal Institu-
ton Could Not Give
Needed Privacy.
"ITs GREAT, GOOD WORK"

Characterizing as crime any action
tending toward the abandonment of the
Columbia Hospital for Women, the
Georgetown Citizer5' Association at a
meeting last night adopted resolutions,
urging upon Congress the continuance OF
the annual appropriation for the main
tenance Of the institution, which item
has been droped from the District ap-
preparation bill upon the recommenda-
ton OF the Board of Charities. The as
sociation expressed in strong language
the opinion that the abandonment OF the
hospital would be calamity to the COM
munity.
Text of Resolution.
The resolution. framed by the executive
committee of the association, and which
was introduced by Henry Matthews,
chairman OF the committee, is as follows:
Resolved, That the Georgetown Citi-
zens' Association views with alarm any
intention on the part Of the Congress
OF the United States in its contemplated
action IN abandoning the support given
in past years TO the Columbia Hospital
for Women; and earnestly urge on the
committees of Congress the restoration
Of sufficient appropriation OF money
for a new building on the present site,
together with some provision for its
maintenance, as the association would
consider II a great calamity TO the pub
lie to have this most desirable inStitu-
tion abolished"
The Columbia Hospital has been in
existence for a long time-about thirty
years-and 1t would be a shame to have
II supplanted by "A municipal hospital.
such as Is recommended by the Board
OF Charities said Albion X. Paris,
president OF the association. The with
drawal OF the governmental support of
the institution will practically mean the
abolition OF the hospital. The municipal
hospital may have some praiseworthy
features, but il surely should not be
erected at the sacrifice Of an institution
so sacred to the hearts OF the people of
Georgetown and the entire city as we'll
The institution has done a great and
good work for women. The service has
been entirely satisfactory. Equal atten-
ton has been given to both white and
colOred patients: to both rich and in
digent. All classes have been served
by the hospital, and all have been serv-
ed we'll The hospital is to the women
Of the city like a great old home. There
are women who now unhesitatingly go
to the Columbia Hospital, but who
would dread to enter the portals Of a
municipal hospital There Is a privacy
and a home-Iike atmosphere about the
institution which no municipal hospital
could offer to patients"
Plea for Support.
Columbia Hospital is an old and
established institution" said L. G. Stu
art, and it would be pity to see it go.
During its existence il has accomplished
marvels. 1t is admitted that the hospital
is sadly in need OF repair, but this is
no argument for the abolition of the in
stitutiOn. Instead of centering action on
a municipal hospital. an appropriation
should be granted either for the repair
OF Columbia Hospital or for the erection
Of a new building on the present site"
1T would be nothing short of a crime
for Congress to withdraw its support
Of the hospital and thus place the in |
stitution in jeopardy" said DR.. Hender- |
son Suter. The hospital has an excel |
lent record. Its stafT of physicians and |
surgeons could not he surpassed. and its |
corps Of nurses is deserving of praise"
4 unhesttatingly reiterate the state
ment of DIR. Suter that the withdrawal |
of the appropriation for the maintenance |
of the hospital would be a crime" said
DIR. II. +. Nichols. The institution is |
a magnificent one aside from its build |
ings. 1t would be a disgrace to abolish |
an institution which has such a COM
mendable record, and which is serving |
the public so faithfully at present"
a resolution introduced by Z. G.. Stuart /
was adopted fayering the erection Of a |
new Calvert street bridge over Rock |
Creek.
Upon the recommendation of the ex-
ecutive committee, a resolution was
adopted requesting the Washington Rail-
way and Electric Company and the Cap
ltal Traction Company to explain why so \
few Georgetown cars. in comparison with
Mount Pleasant and Fourteenth street |
cars are operated during the rush hours
Debate on Transfers.
A resolution favorinE the enactment OF
a universal transfer bill was introduced
by Archibald King. and after much de-
bate 1t was decided TO refer the matter
10 the legislative committee for consid-
grafton and report at the next meeting.
It was announced that a special pro-
yramme is being prepared for the March
meeting. There will be speakers of
to talk on questions of live
public interest. Refreshments will be
served.