Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1917-10-13
AUGUSTA LOCALS
FOR HOSPITAL
Vigorous Pleas at Dim
ner of Business Men
Governor Milltken, Hon. George e.
Maeomher and Rev. Henry {. Dun.
mack Explain Plans for $4,000 Hos
pitaI Drive and Needs for Institution
Director Smith Outlines Methods
of Campaign

With enthusiasm and vigor the cam
Augusta General hospital was launched
last night at the Augusta House hy an
opening business dinner at which the
team workers chose the names Of the
persons from whom they ale cordCen.
Of obtaining subscriptions that viii per-
nit the construction and equipment of
the institutions much needed addition.
Stirring addresses covering all phases
Of the hospitals appeal were made by
George E. Macomber, executive chairman
Of the campaign Governor Carl E. Milli-
ken and the Rev. Henry E. Dunnack.
Cornelius NJ. Smith of New York, direc-
tor of the campaign. explained to the
workers the method to be followed in roll
ing up the fund for the city's most i'm
rortant public utility.
$50 Were Present
More than $50 we'll wishers of the hos
pital including many Of Augustus lead
ers in business, professional and public
life, assembled in the large banquet hall
Of the hotel and heard the rousing call
to arms sounded by the forceful speakers.
Although the actual subscription seek
ing stage of the movement will not be
reached until this afternoon, the first day
Of the campaign itself being Monday,
more than one-tenth of the fund was sub
scribed last night, s92lO being reported
Besides the workers from Augusta who
gathered when the opening gun Of the
Hailowell and Winthrop, in which com
munities an aggressive presentation or
the hospitals needs will be made by pub
lie spirited men and women enrolled In
the campaign corps The hospital treats
hundreds of patients from the towns ad-
iacent to Augusta and much interest has
been aroused in those communities by
the campaign.
In telling of the necessity Of building
an addition to the hospital Mr. Maeom-
her pointed out that the lives of the pa
tents in the present frame structure,
which was erected 50 years ago, are in
constant danger. ut is either construct
an addition, or close the hospital" he
added. The hospital Is so overcrowded
Mr.. Macomber continued, that 1t is i'm
possible to make much needed repairs
because there is no place to put the pa
tients.
The vast amount of charity work done
by the hospital was also urged by MI
Macomber as one of the strong factors
of the institutions appeal. He reviewed
the hospitals work since it was establish
ed and predicted complete success for
the ca mpaign. asserting the public wouid
he sure to respond to the humanitarian
appeal to take care in an adequate way
of the city's i'll and injured persons.
Mr.. Dunnack Stills Listeners
The earnest men and women who en-
ter TODAY on the hospitals fund rails
inc effort were thrilled by the stir
ring address made by Mr.. Dunnack.
He said the most needful duty to be
performed by the residents Of Augusta
and kennebec county is TO bulm an
addition TO the hospital.
The fund will he raised. he contin-
ued, hy generous subscriptions from
wealthy residents and by vast num-
/ Der of subscriptions from citizens
throughout the city and the county.
He predicted the public would be
quick to respond to the appeal and
if necessary to make sacrifices to pro-
tect the health of the community and
/ also to take care of the soldier boys
! from Augusta and kennebec who arc
returned from the battletelds of Eu-
rope TO recover here. The hospital,
he added, has offered to treat such
soldiers from this county right here
. at home.
/ nh eli ri ~ the Mood ~
concerted action in forcefully carrying
the institutions appeal 10 the pub
lie, he spoke of its humanitarian work
among members Of all classes and all
creeds. Never in my experience OF
90 years in YOUR city have | had a
poor woman who said to me, 1 need
hospital aid, but that the woman was
cared for by our hospital without pay
WHO supports the hospital?' he
asked. The city of Augusta? No
This is the first time the people of
Augusta have been asked to aid this
hospital" He then added that it was
only the small aid received from the
State that kept the institution alive.
Mr.. Dunnack aroused the keenest en-
| thusiasm by his bris,ling talk on the
necessity of making every resident
realize fully the vital importance to
himself and his family of the contin-
ued existence Of the hospital He pro-
voked much applause when he said
he hoped many wealthy residents
would give generously TO the institu
ton now when 1t faces A crisis rather
than to plan testementary gifts which
would come too late
He spoke Of the vast expenditure
by the government for war and the
F., splendid response Of the public eeen-
orally to appeals for that work ana
then contrasted the overwhelming ne
cessity Of making adequate provision
for the care Of the sick and injured ~
the community
The hospital campaign Is simnIv
another way OF saying that We mus,
stand together and protect each 9th
err by caring for our health and look
ing after the less fortunate persons In
need OF hospital treatment" he added
Governor Praises Manaaemsnt
Governor Milliken praised the man
agement of the hospital and pointed
out that If It were not for the effee
tive way in which Its affairs were
conducted the State would not have
| assisted 1t as ii has for some wears
Il am interested In the welfare Of the
institution and know of its splendid