Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-01-27
Buildings Old and Unsuitable.

"The buildings and site of Columbia
were bought by the government many
years ago for the purpose of a woman's
hospital exclusively. The buildings now
are very old and unsuitable, and the time
has come that the women should ask
Congress to erect g. new hospital on the
unsurpassed site which was bought for
that purpose. and that alone II the
same sums Of money had been appro-
priated by Congress to the government
property for Columbia that have been
given to the numerous private hospitals
we would have today a fine hospital for
women on that ground. The corps of
ated from Columbis are among the
finest in the country, and many a wom-
an will testify to the skilled treatment
and good care she has received there.
Will not the women Of Washington rise
and urge that their rights and wishes
should be considered by those who have
the power to aid them?
(Signed)
BOARD OF LADY VISITORS OF CO.
LUMBIA HOSPITAL"
One Mothers Endorsement.
appeal Of one mother who was treated at
Columbia Hospital. This letter is self
explanatory and is as follows:
Editor Star:
"Will you permit me sufficient space in
your paper to publicly give to the man.
agement and nurses Of Columbia Hospital
for Women the thanks of grateful
mother?
1T would seem. strangely enough. that
this institution has need of friends and
find myself wondering where the many
women are who have from time to time
received treatment there, and why their
voices are not raised in protest at the
suggestion that 1t be abolished. There
are thousands Of such women ana this
is the time for them to come forward
and show their appreciation OF the care
which they received. 1t matters not that
you paid for It, you will each and every
one agree with me that you received ex-
ceptional care.
Columbia is woman's hospital. a
place where only woman is cared for. a
place where our babies may be safely
brought into the world, and II frail, re-
ceive the perfect first care which means
SO much to them in after life. There are
many, many women who have been SIREN
uously opposed to entering q general hos
pital who have entered Columbia without
a murmur because 1t is a woman's institu-
ton.
Better Than General Hospitals.
Between four and five hundred little
| fore stands to reason that Columbia is
| better fitted for this work than the gen.
eral hospitals of the city. 1t Is the only
hospital conducted exclusively for our
sex, yet we sit calmly by and without pro-
| test permit Congress to take 1t from us.
by what right do they do it? Where
| is the reason, the justice of 1t?
Where are the physicians who send
their wives to Columbia? Surely no
| recommendation could be better!
II was an inmate Of Columbia, for three
| weeks, and during that time out Of
| seven rooms in my ward two were Occu-
pied by wives Of physicians. one the wife
| OF one of the most prominent surgeons in
Washington. the other the wife Of a doc
tor whose name is well known in every
section of the city. This was the second
! Of their children born there-and the room
which occupied had just been vacated
| by a Doctors wife.
where are these women now? Why
are they silent at this time Of Columbia 8
need of friends?
Speaks From Personal knowledge.
| my own strong feeling In this matter
is entirely inspired by the personal knowl-
edge which 1 have Of the good work done
in this hospital. my own wonderful ex-
perience there and remembrance of the
tender watchfulness and care which saved
my little one and myself and gave to him
the foundation Of the good health which
| he has today I do not believe that
another hospital in the city could have
secured for my boy the natural nourisl,-
| ment required to save his little life.
1.-THE fact that 1t Is just woman S
hospital keeps its wards full Of nursing
mothers. and 1t was from one Of these
mothers of the free ward that he re-
ceived the nourishment which gave him
| life. The assurance of the nurse in
charge was enough for me to know that
she was healthy mother and l have
reason every day to thank God for CO.
| and her busy. CHEEKY, tireless young
| assistants.
"Oh, how 1 wish I could place this
darling blue-eyed boy Of mine on the
to all present: Behold a Columbia Hos
pital baby! Saved at Columbia Hos
| pital for women. Look at this boy
| this beautiful specimen OF your own sex
and then dare to take this institution
| away from the mothers!'
Suggests Strong Protest.
Again 1 ask. where Is their right to
| take it from us? And beg those women
| q protest as shall start the tide the other
| way and secure for us a new building,
fully equipped and endowed, SO that this
hospital may continue to hold the posi-
ton 1t has for 80 many years held In
spite of parsimony-in It's class second
| to none in the country.
Personally am trying to be charita-
BILE and believe that these congressman
on the hill have not looked well into the
matter; that they do not fully realize
what they are doing. 1t Is inconceivable
that they should abolish such an instttu-
ton Willingly.
TT will certainly be lasting disgrace
20 the women OF Washington II their In
huence b not used to prevent such q
step. (Mrg) e. B. RUSS"