Harrisburg telegraph. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1879-1948, 1917-04-02
HARRISBURG AS
HOSPITAL BASE
COULD DO MUCH
City Has Means to Care For
5000 Wounded Soldiers
and Sailors
LOCATION IN ITS FAVOR
Churches Plan to Do Their
Share of Patriotic and
Humane Work

Harrisburg as hospital base could
take care of 5000 wounded soldiers
and sailors in the event of a clash
between the armed forces of the
United States and Germany, it was
said to-day. 10 eu,as
Tie opinion has been expressed
that on account of the location, rail-
road facilities and commodious build
ings, this city would make an ideal
base for a military hospital. No enemy
shells could be dropped into Harris
burg from the Atlantic; the city is
only a short distance from Phila-
delphia and Baltimore; hospitals,
churches and several public buildings
could accommodate at least 5000
wounded, and the river front could
be used for convalescent purposes
A survey of the situation made to-
day by tie Telegraph showed that
ample provision could be made here
to take the proper care of the wound
ed soldiers and sailors. City officials,
ministers, doctors and members of
the Red Cross Society and other or
CARNATIONS declared that Harrisburg
would throw open its doors wide and
go the limit in looking after the
wounded.
Churches TO DO Share
That the local churches could be
counted upon to do their share in
caring for wounded men was made
the ministers of the city. Bishop
James II. Darlington, of the Episcopal
church, in discussing the matter said:
THAT is a bright idea. 1t would be
an excellent thing for the people of
Harrisburg to put their hands to such
work. TEis is an ideal location for
a base hospital and Harrisburg
churches would be loyal and liberal
in their support of the work"
The Rev. DR.. John ID. Fox, pastor
of Grace Methodist church, said that
the people would be found in the
forefront in carrying on this kumani-
tartan work.
II am sure the churches of Harris
burg would give as much space as
gency," declared the Rev. JOSEPH
Daugherty, pastor of the Sixth Street
United Brethren church.
Police Chief j. Edward Wetzel said
that Harrisburg could easily take care
of 5000 wounded and that this city
has many arguments it could advance
for the establishment of a base hos
pital.
Best Site Possible
f. u. Gross, president of the local
Red Cross chapter, thought that be-
cause of its accessibility Harrisburg
was the best inland point for base
hospital.
I'VE can erect temporary build
ings on the grounds of Polytechnic nos
pital to accommodate 1000 patients"
said DR.. Samuel u. Shope. "and we
would welcome the opportunity to
be of service in this work, in the
event of war. Polytechnic is ideally
situated for just such an emergency.
1t has the very finest outlook in the
smoke, and convalescents would
greatly enjoy the breezes from the
river"
Besides the Harrisburg and Poly
clinic hospitals these buildings could
be utilized for the caring of the
wounded: Chestnut street hall. the
Armory. Board of Trade building,
Harrisburg club, Engineers club.
Cameron hall, Russ hall and Whites
hall The State Capitol would in all
probability be offered TO the Federal
government for hospital purposes In
CASE more room was needed and at
least 1000 men could be cared for
there.