The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1927-06-07
GRADUATING
NURSES HEAR
JUDGE BURR
Supreme Court Justice I.auds
Members Of Class For
Choice of Profession

Landing the class for its choice Of
n life path, Judge A. G.. Burr Monday
night addressed the graduates of the
Bismarck hospital training school at
the annual commencement exercises
at the city auditorium.
ut is indeed an inspiring sight, in
this age of rush for power, position
and material gain, to see so many
young women from deliberate choice
devoting themselves TO life OF
service and mercy" Judge Burr said.
Reminding the graduates that the
presence of the large audience was
tribute to the devotion symbolized
by this class and proved that society
appreciates those who serve others.
the speaker said:
I'VE admire the talents Of some
great captain of industry who can
organize men and women into an ef-
fectivc machine which controls and
yields power; we read with interest
the records Of warriors and adven
turcrs who, though actuated by pure
~ selfish motives, performed colos-
sal tasks; but after all the men and
women who command perpetual add
miration, who receive our instructive
homage, who are our unconscious
ideals and whom we select without
debate as exemplars for ourselves
and our children are the men and
women who sacrifice themselves for
Others"
Examples Cited
Here he cited Father Damian of
the lcper colony ut Molokai, John
Howard and his prison reform, Flor
cnce Nightingale, Clara Barton, and
the Red Cross on the field of battle
as shining examples of sclf-sacr fice.
Judge Burr dwelt upon the ancient
origin Of the nursing profession,
bringing to light facts concerning the
regard Of the medical profession in
the early ages. In following the evo-
luton Of nursing through centuries
he called it IA profession born Of the
very necessities of life. At one time,
he said, it was considered mental
because il meant service and subor
dination.
Judge Burr stated that the power
Of religious principles was respon-
siblc for the change i'm attitude to-
ward this great work and that all
the blessings Of life found in civil
iZatiOn, government, and social en-
deavors, come from religious in
stincts. Because human life be-
comes sacred, the speaker declared
that glory comes from saving rather
than from destroying it.
In bringing out the essence of
Christianity which constitutes the
profession Of Il nurse, Judge Burr
dwelt upon the splendid opportunity
the graduates have to exemplify
Christianity through their own serv-
fees. He called the sick chamber the
school Of humanity and quoted from
an old Roman philosopher who re-
allied that one in the environment
OF the sick could reach people at a
time when they are most receptive
to good teaching.
Qualities Necessary
In enumerating the qualities re
Quired Of q candidate for graduation
from a hospital, Judge Burr stressed
an education in self-denial, religion.
health and strength Of body, power
OF observation. He noted that she
much be reliable and progressive to
keep pace with the medical profess
sion, and she must have consecrated
common sense. These qualities
Judge Burr declared, we're ones which
must be acquired outside Of the
necessary education from books
WHICH dIe CSSeULldl W tHc uuISc WIN
deals with life and death. He added
that often when cool, calm, self
reliant nurse is called into action,
disease is stayed and death cheated.
Turning to the class Of graduates
Judge Burr concluded his address
with words of praise.
1--WE congratulate this class on it's
choice of life work." he said. I'VE
bespeak for the members the sym
pathetic appreciation of the men and
women Of this community, and ask
that the unalloyed pleasure which
comes alone from service to human
~ may, be your portion and your
reward without stint and without de
probation"
H. G.. Schwantes, president of the
board Of trustees of the Bismarck
hospital, was chairman Of the pro-
gram. Rev. Walter f. Water asked
the invocation while Rev. c. A.
Stephens gave the benediction.
Bishop Spreng Talks
Bishop S. p. Spreng of Naperville
ILL.,, who has had considerable ex-
periencc in disqualification in con.
nection with his work in the Evan
gelical church, addressed the gradu
ates on the efficiency and good OF
the hospital under Christian organ
ization. Religion and healing ar
20 together" he said, in pointing ou
the religious influence.
Bishop Spreng declared that, il
the efforts of Christian denomina