- Email: [email protected]
THE DUKE OF CAMBRIDGE AND THE MARQUIS OF SALISBURY AT STRATFORD.
56
duty. He knew that times were hard, for even lawyers felt the pressure; but a great deal of money was wasted that might be turned to better uses. If those who THE fifth district meeting was held in the Highbury sought to "cut out" their neighbours, to have smarter Athenaeum on Friday, under the presidency of the Duke (carriages and higher-stepping horses, or to give more dinner of Westminster. The Duchess of Westminster was also Iparties, would only think of the little use they were doing in comparison with that attending the support of hospresent. In opening the proceedings, would expend their money differently. Now The Duke of WESTMINSTER said the object of the1pitals they t that there were so many divisions in society, political and meeting, like that of its predecessors, was to awaken the religious, all might unite with advantage in the hospital through the agency of the press, to an and most assuredly nothing would be found to interest in the Hospital Fund. A great debt of gratitude movement; so well as the good that was done to our fellow-men. was due to the press for its efforts in the cause, without pay Mr. BURDETT, in seconding the resolution, said that if which, indeed, the promoters of the movement would hospitals ever came upon the rates all persons would have be absolutely powerless. The coming election would1 to pay for them, and the cost would be infinitely greater probably distract attention from the movement, and the than under the voluntary system. The condition of countries prevailing agricultural and commercial depression wouldwithout hospitals was simply frightful, as might be seen also act prejudicially against it. In London too, from the descriptions that had been given of the hideous deby its vast size, there was a want of local feeling and formities in where a broken limb had to unite as it interest; and hence the subdivision of effort that had been best could. China, The development that had taken place in made during the week. The matter was one affecting rich was well illustrated by the contrast between the and poor alike. To the poor man it was of the utmost im- hospitals state of the Hotel Dieu in Paris ninety years ago (when portance that his sickness should receive prompt attention, some of the beds contained four or five or more patients) and he could nowhere receive such effective treatment as in and its present highly satisfactory condition. In the fifth a London hospital. The rich also were benefited by the district there was about to be constructed one of the best in those who enlarged experience gained hospitals by in London, of which a prominent feature would attended their families. Hospitals were not so liable to hospitals be the introduction of the provident system, which would abuse as many other charities, and there was no object to which public charity could be so fitly directed. The support entitle it to a proportionately larger grant than that given of the hospitals fell at present on a very limited number of to hospitals where no such element existed. The motion was unanimously adopted. individuals. The subscribers numbered only 40,000 persons Sir E. HAY CURRIE, in proposing a vote of thanks to the out of 4,000,000. Surely the burden ought to fall on a wider alluded to the dreadful results that would attend chairman, area. The amount required next Sunday was said to be of any impairment efficiency in London. He also .680,000; the amount hitherto collected was less than half paid a tribute to thehospital of the press in promoting the efforts that amount. Besides the general wants of maintenance, and to Dr. Wakley and to Mr. Burdett movement, hospital there were special wants to be met in the No. 5 district. for having set the ball rolling. University College Hospital required enlargement and a Mr.WILLETT seconded the motion,which was unanimously great deal of rebuilding, entailing a large outlay. The Soho adopted, and was briefly acknowledged by the chairman. to Hospital for Women also required enlargement, so as accommodate a larger number of patients. A site had been THE FIFTH DISTRICT MEETING.
matter of
public, especially
selected for the North London Central Hospital, but sufficient funds had not been received to enable the committee THE DUKE OF CAMBRIDGE AND THE to begin building. A great deal of interest had been taken MARQUIS OF SALISBURY AT in another matter which was in one sense connected with STRATFORD. a Bill was in Parliament for There the hospitals. acquiring open space known as Parliament-hill, near Hampstead, and, if that addition to the Heath could be made, probably less ON Saturday afternoon the Hospitals Week was brought funds would be needed for the North London Hospital, and to a close by a crowded and enthusiastic meeting held the health of the metropolis would be largely promoted. in the Stratford Town-hall. The chair was taken by Sir SYDNEY WATERLOW moved the first resolution, R. and Mr. E. there were present Sir E. Currie, Mr. Cook, their best the to use exertions to meeting promote pledging the efficiency of the London hospitals, and urging ministers Carr Gomm, Sir T. F. Buxton, Mr. H. C. Burdett, Mr. J. H. of religion to make an earnest appeal for increased contri- Buxton, Colonel FitzGeorge, Captain Storer Smith, Messrs. butions, sothatthe whole sum collected might not b6, less than Custance, Meeson, F. Young, A. Johnston, Ashton Warner, .680,000. He said that no money was collected for charitable T. Mitchell, A. H. Haggard, and Nixon, Dr. S. Mackenzie, the purposes in London at so small an expense as that collected Bishop of Colchester, the Rev. Canon Scott, the Rev. W. for the hospitals. None of it was wasted in transit, but Reaney, and several clergymen and ministers. The Duke of CAMBRIDGE moved the first resolution, went direct to the object for which it was given. Grants were made by the Hospital Fund to 115 institutions, accordwhich pledged the meeting to arouse the inhabitants of ing to their needs and merits, which were inquired into the district to the importance of maintaining medical with the greatest care. The amount collected in 1885 was charities in efficiency, and urged the clergy and ministers to £34,320, contributed mainly in 1597 places of worship. In appeal for increased subscriptions, so that Hospital Sunday a rich place like London that was not an adequate amount, might produce not less than .680,000. His Royal Highness and he hoped it would be largely increased. Even if the said he had the honour of being president of two great £80,000 asked for by the Duke of Westminster were given hospitals in this part of London, the London Hospital and it would only provide about one-fifth of the total amount the German Hospital. In that district they had a deficiency that had to be collected. The wants of the hospitals were of .616,000, which was their proportion of the deficiency constantly increasing, not only for the inhabitants of of .640,000 or .650,000 for the whole of London. He London, but to meet the applications often made from the observed from the statistics that last year no fewer than a provinces. Increased expenses had to be met for the im- million patients were treated in all the hospitals of proved nursing and the additional cleanliness attending it, London, and that the total cost was .6500,000. That gave the singularly small figure of 10s. per patient. If they could for surgical appliances, and other demands. Mr. C. LAMBERT, in seconding the resolution, urged the not keep the hospitals going a sad calamity would fall claims of the hospitals in the district, and expressed a hope upon the community at large. The sum collected last that the utmost endeavours would be made to meet their year in connexion with Hospital Sunday was £40,000; it fell £40,000 short of the requirements of the London pressing demands. The resolution was unanimously adopted. hospitals. This was why the large figure of .680,000 was Mr. INCE, M.P., moved: "That this meeting regrets to presented to them on the resolution. The amount collected learn that the expenditure of the hospitals and medical was 9s. per patient, and now they wanted to make it 10s. charities of this district in the year 1885 exceeded the per head. These were marvellous facts. It was hardly income by £4500, and pledges itself to increased exertion known to the public how large an amount was expended, with a view to preventing any deficiency during the current how small was the average expenditure on the individual year." He said that the support of London hospitals was patients, and how large a number of patients were reprenot so much a matter of charity or benevolence as it was a sented by the additional shilling required. (Hear, hear.)
57 A leading feature in this question was that they had no State hospitals in this country, and a very good thing too, because he believed all these institutions were far better under private management by individuals who took the trouble which was taken by so many gentlemen on that platform. If they wished to keep the hospitals free from dependence upon State support, which he thought was essential, they must be supported by the people, not only by their sentiments, which he was sure would always go in this direction, but by positive pecuniary contributions. It was a very difficult thing to send a penny or a sixpence to a subscription list, or, it might be, to put it upon the plate on the Sunday, and to feel that they had done the right thing. They might be giving as much as they could individually, and yet feel a sense of shame at giving so little, although they had not the means to give more. It was not the amount-it was the sentiment with which it was given. (Cheers.) Very often a penny or a sixpence represented a far finer sentiment than a £100 note. It was often a more serious thing for a poor man to give a penny than it was for a rich man to give a £100 note. (Hear, hear.) That was why the Sunday collections were of such great value. There could not be two opinions of the value and importance of such a meeting as that, and such meetings all over London would increase the general appreciation of the value of hospitals. Every man and woman could contribute to the great work they had in hand. When there was such a work in hand, there could be no question of convenience or inconvenience. When a man had a great object in view he sacrificed everything to attain it. (Cheers.) No doubt many felt their pockets affected by the depressed state of trade; but sickness, disease, and accident did not stop ; they did not go with the times in that respect, and the scarcity of money was no reason why there should be less sickness or fewer accidents. Nay, in times of depression sickness increased because nourishment fell off from the want of employment, and disease resulting from want due to non-employment increased the demands upon the hospitals. (Hear, hear.) There was, therefore, a special claim upon them to give their mite, penny, shilling, or guinea, to these great and useful institutions. If they got the larger sum they required, he should feel more than ever gratified that he had come down among them. (Loud
cheers.) Sir E. HAY CURRIE seconded the
resolution, which
was
supported by the Bishop of Colchester and unanimously agreed to. The Marquis of SALISBURY moved: "That this meeting regrets to learn that the expenditure of the hospitals and
medical charities of this district, in the year 1885, exceeded the income by £15,000, and pledges itself to increased exertion with the view of preventing any like deficiency during the current year." The noble Marquis said-The apology, the defence which we have for this universal movement in favour of the Hospital Sunday Fund is furnished by the peculiar circumstances of the times in which we are speaking. I do not refer only to the great state of depression of trade and industry in London, though that is an argument which has already been alluded to, and is one of the most cogent. It is a reason that applies more especially to this part of London, so thickly populated, so industrious, so full of energy and labour, but one in which the accumulated wealth of the metropolis is not to be found to the same extent as elsewhere. And the consequence is that when depression of trade comes it affects a vast number of purses, it affects all those small subscriptions upon which the support of the hospitals is dependent in this part of London. And men feel that, struggling as they are against the evil and sinister tendency of the times, they may be well excused if they diminish the offerings which they formerly brought forward gladly. It is partly to struggle against this natural feeling that we are here to-day; because as the difficulty of subscribing increases the misery is increasing also. That very want of enterprise, that very depression which affects all, increases the wants of the poor; it spreads the depressing and fatal influence of insufficient nourishment ; and the evils of illness or disease which might claim assistance from the hospitals at another time are made worse. It is less easy to cure the spread of the evil over a larger area by the fact of the commercial suffering against which such vast multitudes of our poorer brethren are struggling. That is one of the arguments that should urge you to special exertion at this time. It is one that I hope is transitory.
But we must make an effort to get over it without allowing these magnificent institutions to fall into arrear or diminish in utility. And I think there is another argument for a greater effort, which, perhaps, those who summoned this meeting did not foresee at the time. They did not, perhaps, foresee that while we were addressing this meeting a certain ceremony would be taking place which has the effect, besides a great many other effects, of emptying London of a large proportion of its richer population. I mean the dissolution. I do not allude to politics. On this fact rests a great part of the trade of London. It diminishes the number of those from whom subscriptions might be obtained; it makes all charitable effort more difficult than before, and gives Hospital Sunday a worse chance than it otherwise would have had. Therefore, whatever political colour we are of, let us make an effort to diminish this evil effect of political events in which we are all interested. And I confess that when I consider the tremendous interests which we are engaged here to-day to promote; when I consider the comparatively small pecuniary effort that is required in order to stem so much suffering, to remedy so much misery; and when I look outside this room into the turmoil that rages away from our peaceful councils, and think how much energy, how much money, is being spent on other matters, I cannot but have melancholy feeling about it. It has been well said, " How small of all that human hearts endure That part which laws or kings can cause or cure."
And the contrast between the difficulty of sustaining these admirable institutions, the effort that it requires to collect the small sum that is necessary, with the tremendous energy that is characterising our movements out of doors, makes us feel that there is, perhaps, a little disproportion in our enthusiasm-that we care much for that which is temporary and small, and that we care less for that which is more important than any political interests-viz., the vast amount of human suffering contained in this tremendous population. Perhaps it is that the hospitals suffer because no one disputes their excellence. If they were an interest about whose value there was any controversy they would have their assailants and defenders ; and their defenders and assailants would be very keen, and parties would be formed, and there would be leaders and programmes, and, no doubt, great political efforts, and large sums of money collected, and great struggling and political life on both sides. But the hospitals have the misfortune of being so undoubtedly good that nobody will venture to attack them; and therefore the defence of them is comparatively lukewarm and rare. I do not know whether we shall be able to persuade anybody to act the part of what is called elsewhere the devil’s advocate," and give the hospitals a chance of vigorous controversial existence by attacking them thoroughly well; but I am sure it would be very good for them. Not that there would be any defects discovered, for I do not believe there are any; but I believe that it would call attention to them; and in England no duty is thoroughly well performed unless a little fighting is involved in it. But, seriously, I would urge upon you that this claim of the hospitals is prior to any other claim that can be made upon you. It is the only philanthropic kind of charity against which the sternest and most rigid professor of political economy has never ventured to raise his voice. If you relieve the misery that you see in the streets you may.be said to be encouraging beggary and pauperisation. You are always exposed to the risk, if you try to relieve suffering, of seeming to discourage the individual effort by which that suffering should have been attacked. But the sufferings which the hospitals relieveare those which no foresight can prevent and no industry or energy can cure entirely for themselves. It is a kind of effort which has no drawback ; a kind of charity which leaves no evils behind it; and it is precisely, perhaps, for that reason that it requires more effort to advocate it than is the case with other charities. No doubt these are times of depression. Everybody has less to give than he had before, and we feel that especially when we have to rely on the small contributions which are diminished by distress. But everybody, though giving less, must give something (hear, hear). A certain proportion of his income would be necessary in order to remedy the sufferings of those less fortunate than himself, and let me urge you rather to put other objects of philanthropy behind; rather, if so it must be, to cease from gifts elsewhere, than to allow this splendid machinery for succouring the masses of human
58
suffering to run any risk of having its utility abridged, or I of those whose incomes are not large will each feel the reof being thrown upon the dangerous, and insecure, and sponsibility of contributing what he can to so glorious an delusive support of State contributions. These are evils object. (Loud cheers.) which are worth very serious attention on our part. And, The resolution was seconded by the Rev. G. S. REANEY, depend upon it, it is an evil from which no one can hope to supported by Mr. C. H. BUXTON, and unanimously agreed to. Mr. H. C. BURDETT moved, and Mr. F. C. CARR GOMM escape the responsibility by saying that his own position in life is low, and his own means restricted. No doubt the seconded, a vote of thanks to the Chairman and speakers, heavier call is upon the rich; but it is equally upon all, and and the meeting terminated with hearty cheers for the this deficiency will never be filled up unless the vast masses Duke of Cambridge and the Marquis of Salisbury.
INCIDENTS
A collection
OF
HOSPITAL
Too BAD. made at the Home
SUNDAY.
to be called for from the authorities of the question, and will doubtless be forthcoming. seems
hospitals in
Hospital, Fitzroy Hospital Sunday, at the request of WHAT AN OFFERTORY BAG CONTAINED. the paying patients who were inmates on that day. This collection, amounting to a goodly sum, was taken by one of The Pall Mall Gazette gives the following list of the coins the nurses, on behalf of the patients, to be given at the given at the collections at St. Margaret’s, Westminster, on offertory at St. Mary Magdalen’s, Munster Square, the church Hospital Sunday:— which the staff of this hospital attends. No collection was, however, made there on behalf of the hospitals on Hospital Sunday, and the patients’ contribution went to swell the amount elsewhere in the evening. was
House, Fitzroy Square,
on
THE RECEPTION OF THE SUPPLEMENT. The Duke of Cambridge quoted at the Stratford meeting several of the figures published in the First Special Supplement. After the meeting, one of the clergy present inquired if he could be informed where the same information could be obtained for the purpose of his sermon. He was told that it was taken from THE LANCET Special Supplement, and he was asked if he had not received a copy. He replied, " Certainly ; but I never looked at it, because I am swamped with communications of a similar character." Contrast this with the following letter from Canon Trench:-"Let me thank you for the Special Supplement of THE LANCET, which must have greatly helped many clergymen, as well as myself, yesterday, by the statements you have so clearly put
How NURSES CAN HELP!1 upwards of fifteen thousand skilled nurses in the United Kingdom, many hundreds of whom are engaged in together." private nursing. The majority were trained at one of the great general hospitals, and most of them in London. One hospital nurse, A. P. Roche, collected from the Earl of Howe’s A VOLUNTARY LAY PREACHER’S CONTRIBUTION. household, on Hospital Sunday, the sum of £9 Os. 2d. She Mr. John Girling, a voluntary lay preacher and worker sends the announcement of this collection from Branksome amongst the people of Bethnal Green and Shoreditch, ob- Dene, Bournemouth. tained the largest amount that he has ever collected, from Hackney Road Mission, Union Street, E., on Hospital THE EFFECT UPON INDIVIDUAL HOSPITALS. Sunday. He truly says, " This year we have done extra The well"-a statement which is borne out by the following secretary of one of the principal Metropolitan general total is made how the details, showing up :—Morning: Open- hospitals states that he has been issuing an appeal for funds air service, at corner of Columbia Road, Hackney Road, for some weeks past. During the last fortnight he has 12 to 1.20 p.m. Amount collected, 30s. 4d. Afternoon : received a response many times greater than that he has ever School in Mission Hall, Union Crescent. Collected, 10s. 6d. before met with throughout many years’ experience. This one direct advantage of the new departure on the Evening: Service in ditto, 7 p.m. Sum contributed, 24s. is no ofdoubt Evening : Open-air service at same place as morning, at part the Hospital Sunday Fund Council. 8.30 p.m. Collected by 10.30 p.m., 40s. 8d. Total, £5 5s. 6d. COLLECTING ON A TRICYCLE. "Cyclist"writes to The Echo stating that he spent Sunday afternoon on a tricycle in Seven Dials and Drury Lane amongst the very poor. He everywhere met with a kind reception, but his collection was not nearly so much as in 1885, because certain friendly societies had a church parade and collection before he arrived, in aid of the funds of King’s College and the Temperance Hospitals. He adds : I " Surely on a day set apart for a general collection, and when made in all places of worship for the appeals were itbeing general fund, was extremely bad taste on the part of the authorities of these two hospitals to send round the hat on their own account. It may have been only an error of judgment, and can be rectified by their treasurers forwarding the amounts collected to the Mansion House." Some explanation
There
are
duty. He knew that times were hard, for even lawyers felt the pressure; but a great deal of money was wasted that might be turned to better uses. If those who THE fifth district meeting was held in the Highbury sought to "cut out" their neighbours, to have smarter Athenaeum on Friday, under the presidency of the Duke (carriages and higher-stepping horses, or to give more dinner of Westminster. The Duchess of Westminster was also Iparties, would only think of the little use they were doing in comparison with that attending the support of hospresent. In opening the proceedings, would expend their money differently. Now The Duke of WESTMINSTER said the object of the1pitals they t that there were so many divisions in society, political and meeting, like that of its predecessors, was to awaken the religious, all might unite with advantage in the hospital through the agency of the press, to an and most assuredly nothing would be found to interest in the Hospital Fund. A great debt of gratitude movement; so well as the good that was done to our fellow-men. was due to the press for its efforts in the cause, without pay Mr. BURDETT, in seconding the resolution, said that if which, indeed, the promoters of the movement would hospitals ever came upon the rates all persons would have be absolutely powerless. The coming election would1 to pay for them, and the cost would be infinitely greater probably distract attention from the movement, and the than under the voluntary system. The condition of countries prevailing agricultural and commercial depression wouldwithout hospitals was simply frightful, as might be seen also act prejudicially against it. In London too, from the descriptions that had been given of the hideous deby its vast size, there was a want of local feeling and formities in where a broken limb had to unite as it interest; and hence the subdivision of effort that had been best could. China, The development that had taken place in made during the week. The matter was one affecting rich was well illustrated by the contrast between the and poor alike. To the poor man it was of the utmost im- hospitals state of the Hotel Dieu in Paris ninety years ago (when portance that his sickness should receive prompt attention, some of the beds contained four or five or more patients) and he could nowhere receive such effective treatment as in and its present highly satisfactory condition. In the fifth a London hospital. The rich also were benefited by the district there was about to be constructed one of the best in those who enlarged experience gained hospitals by in London, of which a prominent feature would attended their families. Hospitals were not so liable to hospitals be the introduction of the provident system, which would abuse as many other charities, and there was no object to which public charity could be so fitly directed. The support entitle it to a proportionately larger grant than that given of the hospitals fell at present on a very limited number of to hospitals where no such element existed. The motion was unanimously adopted. individuals. The subscribers numbered only 40,000 persons Sir E. HAY CURRIE, in proposing a vote of thanks to the out of 4,000,000. Surely the burden ought to fall on a wider alluded to the dreadful results that would attend chairman, area. The amount required next Sunday was said to be of any impairment efficiency in London. He also .680,000; the amount hitherto collected was less than half paid a tribute to thehospital of the press in promoting the efforts that amount. Besides the general wants of maintenance, and to Dr. Wakley and to Mr. Burdett movement, hospital there were special wants to be met in the No. 5 district. for having set the ball rolling. University College Hospital required enlargement and a Mr.WILLETT seconded the motion,which was unanimously great deal of rebuilding, entailing a large outlay. The Soho adopted, and was briefly acknowledged by the chairman. to Hospital for Women also required enlargement, so as accommodate a larger number of patients. A site had been THE FIFTH DISTRICT MEETING.
matter of
public, especially
selected for the North London Central Hospital, but sufficient funds had not been received to enable the committee THE DUKE OF CAMBRIDGE AND THE to begin building. A great deal of interest had been taken MARQUIS OF SALISBURY AT in another matter which was in one sense connected with STRATFORD. a Bill was in Parliament for There the hospitals. acquiring open space known as Parliament-hill, near Hampstead, and, if that addition to the Heath could be made, probably less ON Saturday afternoon the Hospitals Week was brought funds would be needed for the North London Hospital, and to a close by a crowded and enthusiastic meeting held the health of the metropolis would be largely promoted. in the Stratford Town-hall. The chair was taken by Sir SYDNEY WATERLOW moved the first resolution, R. and Mr. E. there were present Sir E. Currie, Mr. Cook, their best the to use exertions to meeting promote pledging the efficiency of the London hospitals, and urging ministers Carr Gomm, Sir T. F. Buxton, Mr. H. C. Burdett, Mr. J. H. of religion to make an earnest appeal for increased contri- Buxton, Colonel FitzGeorge, Captain Storer Smith, Messrs. butions, sothatthe whole sum collected might not b6, less than Custance, Meeson, F. Young, A. Johnston, Ashton Warner, .680,000. He said that no money was collected for charitable T. Mitchell, A. H. Haggard, and Nixon, Dr. S. Mackenzie, the purposes in London at so small an expense as that collected Bishop of Colchester, the Rev. Canon Scott, the Rev. W. for the hospitals. None of it was wasted in transit, but Reaney, and several clergymen and ministers. The Duke of CAMBRIDGE moved the first resolution, went direct to the object for which it was given. Grants were made by the Hospital Fund to 115 institutions, accordwhich pledged the meeting to arouse the inhabitants of ing to their needs and merits, which were inquired into the district to the importance of maintaining medical with the greatest care. The amount collected in 1885 was charities in efficiency, and urged the clergy and ministers to £34,320, contributed mainly in 1597 places of worship. In appeal for increased subscriptions, so that Hospital Sunday a rich place like London that was not an adequate amount, might produce not less than .680,000. His Royal Highness and he hoped it would be largely increased. Even if the said he had the honour of being president of two great £80,000 asked for by the Duke of Westminster were given hospitals in this part of London, the London Hospital and it would only provide about one-fifth of the total amount the German Hospital. In that district they had a deficiency that had to be collected. The wants of the hospitals were of .616,000, which was their proportion of the deficiency constantly increasing, not only for the inhabitants of of .640,000 or .650,000 for the whole of London. He London, but to meet the applications often made from the observed from the statistics that last year no fewer than a provinces. Increased expenses had to be met for the im- million patients were treated in all the hospitals of proved nursing and the additional cleanliness attending it, London, and that the total cost was .6500,000. That gave the singularly small figure of 10s. per patient. If they could for surgical appliances, and other demands. Mr. C. LAMBERT, in seconding the resolution, urged the not keep the hospitals going a sad calamity would fall claims of the hospitals in the district, and expressed a hope upon the community at large. The sum collected last that the utmost endeavours would be made to meet their year in connexion with Hospital Sunday was £40,000; it fell £40,000 short of the requirements of the London pressing demands. The resolution was unanimously adopted. hospitals. This was why the large figure of .680,000 was Mr. INCE, M.P., moved: "That this meeting regrets to presented to them on the resolution. The amount collected learn that the expenditure of the hospitals and medical was 9s. per patient, and now they wanted to make it 10s. charities of this district in the year 1885 exceeded the per head. These were marvellous facts. It was hardly income by £4500, and pledges itself to increased exertion known to the public how large an amount was expended, with a view to preventing any deficiency during the current how small was the average expenditure on the individual year." He said that the support of London hospitals was patients, and how large a number of patients were reprenot so much a matter of charity or benevolence as it was a sented by the additional shilling required. (Hear, hear.)
57 A leading feature in this question was that they had no State hospitals in this country, and a very good thing too, because he believed all these institutions were far better under private management by individuals who took the trouble which was taken by so many gentlemen on that platform. If they wished to keep the hospitals free from dependence upon State support, which he thought was essential, they must be supported by the people, not only by their sentiments, which he was sure would always go in this direction, but by positive pecuniary contributions. It was a very difficult thing to send a penny or a sixpence to a subscription list, or, it might be, to put it upon the plate on the Sunday, and to feel that they had done the right thing. They might be giving as much as they could individually, and yet feel a sense of shame at giving so little, although they had not the means to give more. It was not the amount-it was the sentiment with which it was given. (Cheers.) Very often a penny or a sixpence represented a far finer sentiment than a £100 note. It was often a more serious thing for a poor man to give a penny than it was for a rich man to give a £100 note. (Hear, hear.) That was why the Sunday collections were of such great value. There could not be two opinions of the value and importance of such a meeting as that, and such meetings all over London would increase the general appreciation of the value of hospitals. Every man and woman could contribute to the great work they had in hand. When there was such a work in hand, there could be no question of convenience or inconvenience. When a man had a great object in view he sacrificed everything to attain it. (Cheers.) No doubt many felt their pockets affected by the depressed state of trade; but sickness, disease, and accident did not stop ; they did not go with the times in that respect, and the scarcity of money was no reason why there should be less sickness or fewer accidents. Nay, in times of depression sickness increased because nourishment fell off from the want of employment, and disease resulting from want due to non-employment increased the demands upon the hospitals. (Hear, hear.) There was, therefore, a special claim upon them to give their mite, penny, shilling, or guinea, to these great and useful institutions. If they got the larger sum they required, he should feel more than ever gratified that he had come down among them. (Loud
cheers.) Sir E. HAY CURRIE seconded the
resolution, which
was
supported by the Bishop of Colchester and unanimously agreed to. The Marquis of SALISBURY moved: "That this meeting regrets to learn that the expenditure of the hospitals and
medical charities of this district, in the year 1885, exceeded the income by £15,000, and pledges itself to increased exertion with the view of preventing any like deficiency during the current year." The noble Marquis said-The apology, the defence which we have for this universal movement in favour of the Hospital Sunday Fund is furnished by the peculiar circumstances of the times in which we are speaking. I do not refer only to the great state of depression of trade and industry in London, though that is an argument which has already been alluded to, and is one of the most cogent. It is a reason that applies more especially to this part of London, so thickly populated, so industrious, so full of energy and labour, but one in which the accumulated wealth of the metropolis is not to be found to the same extent as elsewhere. And the consequence is that when depression of trade comes it affects a vast number of purses, it affects all those small subscriptions upon which the support of the hospitals is dependent in this part of London. And men feel that, struggling as they are against the evil and sinister tendency of the times, they may be well excused if they diminish the offerings which they formerly brought forward gladly. It is partly to struggle against this natural feeling that we are here to-day; because as the difficulty of subscribing increases the misery is increasing also. That very want of enterprise, that very depression which affects all, increases the wants of the poor; it spreads the depressing and fatal influence of insufficient nourishment ; and the evils of illness or disease which might claim assistance from the hospitals at another time are made worse. It is less easy to cure the spread of the evil over a larger area by the fact of the commercial suffering against which such vast multitudes of our poorer brethren are struggling. That is one of the arguments that should urge you to special exertion at this time. It is one that I hope is transitory.
But we must make an effort to get over it without allowing these magnificent institutions to fall into arrear or diminish in utility. And I think there is another argument for a greater effort, which, perhaps, those who summoned this meeting did not foresee at the time. They did not, perhaps, foresee that while we were addressing this meeting a certain ceremony would be taking place which has the effect, besides a great many other effects, of emptying London of a large proportion of its richer population. I mean the dissolution. I do not allude to politics. On this fact rests a great part of the trade of London. It diminishes the number of those from whom subscriptions might be obtained; it makes all charitable effort more difficult than before, and gives Hospital Sunday a worse chance than it otherwise would have had. Therefore, whatever political colour we are of, let us make an effort to diminish this evil effect of political events in which we are all interested. And I confess that when I consider the tremendous interests which we are engaged here to-day to promote; when I consider the comparatively small pecuniary effort that is required in order to stem so much suffering, to remedy so much misery; and when I look outside this room into the turmoil that rages away from our peaceful councils, and think how much energy, how much money, is being spent on other matters, I cannot but have melancholy feeling about it. It has been well said, " How small of all that human hearts endure That part which laws or kings can cause or cure."
And the contrast between the difficulty of sustaining these admirable institutions, the effort that it requires to collect the small sum that is necessary, with the tremendous energy that is characterising our movements out of doors, makes us feel that there is, perhaps, a little disproportion in our enthusiasm-that we care much for that which is temporary and small, and that we care less for that which is more important than any political interests-viz., the vast amount of human suffering contained in this tremendous population. Perhaps it is that the hospitals suffer because no one disputes their excellence. If they were an interest about whose value there was any controversy they would have their assailants and defenders ; and their defenders and assailants would be very keen, and parties would be formed, and there would be leaders and programmes, and, no doubt, great political efforts, and large sums of money collected, and great struggling and political life on both sides. But the hospitals have the misfortune of being so undoubtedly good that nobody will venture to attack them; and therefore the defence of them is comparatively lukewarm and rare. I do not know whether we shall be able to persuade anybody to act the part of what is called elsewhere the devil’s advocate," and give the hospitals a chance of vigorous controversial existence by attacking them thoroughly well; but I am sure it would be very good for them. Not that there would be any defects discovered, for I do not believe there are any; but I believe that it would call attention to them; and in England no duty is thoroughly well performed unless a little fighting is involved in it. But, seriously, I would urge upon you that this claim of the hospitals is prior to any other claim that can be made upon you. It is the only philanthropic kind of charity against which the sternest and most rigid professor of political economy has never ventured to raise his voice. If you relieve the misery that you see in the streets you may.be said to be encouraging beggary and pauperisation. You are always exposed to the risk, if you try to relieve suffering, of seeming to discourage the individual effort by which that suffering should have been attacked. But the sufferings which the hospitals relieveare those which no foresight can prevent and no industry or energy can cure entirely for themselves. It is a kind of effort which has no drawback ; a kind of charity which leaves no evils behind it; and it is precisely, perhaps, for that reason that it requires more effort to advocate it than is the case with other charities. No doubt these are times of depression. Everybody has less to give than he had before, and we feel that especially when we have to rely on the small contributions which are diminished by distress. But everybody, though giving less, must give something (hear, hear). A certain proportion of his income would be necessary in order to remedy the sufferings of those less fortunate than himself, and let me urge you rather to put other objects of philanthropy behind; rather, if so it must be, to cease from gifts elsewhere, than to allow this splendid machinery for succouring the masses of human
58
suffering to run any risk of having its utility abridged, or I of those whose incomes are not large will each feel the reof being thrown upon the dangerous, and insecure, and sponsibility of contributing what he can to so glorious an delusive support of State contributions. These are evils object. (Loud cheers.) which are worth very serious attention on our part. And, The resolution was seconded by the Rev. G. S. REANEY, depend upon it, it is an evil from which no one can hope to supported by Mr. C. H. BUXTON, and unanimously agreed to. Mr. H. C. BURDETT moved, and Mr. F. C. CARR GOMM escape the responsibility by saying that his own position in life is low, and his own means restricted. No doubt the seconded, a vote of thanks to the Chairman and speakers, heavier call is upon the rich; but it is equally upon all, and and the meeting terminated with hearty cheers for the this deficiency will never be filled up unless the vast masses Duke of Cambridge and the Marquis of Salisbury.
INCIDENTS
A collection
OF
HOSPITAL
Too BAD. made at the Home
SUNDAY.
to be called for from the authorities of the question, and will doubtless be forthcoming. seems
hospitals in
Hospital, Fitzroy Hospital Sunday, at the request of WHAT AN OFFERTORY BAG CONTAINED. the paying patients who were inmates on that day. This collection, amounting to a goodly sum, was taken by one of The Pall Mall Gazette gives the following list of the coins the nurses, on behalf of the patients, to be given at the given at the collections at St. Margaret’s, Westminster, on offertory at St. Mary Magdalen’s, Munster Square, the church Hospital Sunday:— which the staff of this hospital attends. No collection was, however, made there on behalf of the hospitals on Hospital Sunday, and the patients’ contribution went to swell the amount elsewhere in the evening. was
House, Fitzroy Square,
on
THE RECEPTION OF THE SUPPLEMENT. The Duke of Cambridge quoted at the Stratford meeting several of the figures published in the First Special Supplement. After the meeting, one of the clergy present inquired if he could be informed where the same information could be obtained for the purpose of his sermon. He was told that it was taken from THE LANCET Special Supplement, and he was asked if he had not received a copy. He replied, " Certainly ; but I never looked at it, because I am swamped with communications of a similar character." Contrast this with the following letter from Canon Trench:-"Let me thank you for the Special Supplement of THE LANCET, which must have greatly helped many clergymen, as well as myself, yesterday, by the statements you have so clearly put
How NURSES CAN HELP!1 upwards of fifteen thousand skilled nurses in the United Kingdom, many hundreds of whom are engaged in together." private nursing. The majority were trained at one of the great general hospitals, and most of them in London. One hospital nurse, A. P. Roche, collected from the Earl of Howe’s A VOLUNTARY LAY PREACHER’S CONTRIBUTION. household, on Hospital Sunday, the sum of £9 Os. 2d. She Mr. John Girling, a voluntary lay preacher and worker sends the announcement of this collection from Branksome amongst the people of Bethnal Green and Shoreditch, ob- Dene, Bournemouth. tained the largest amount that he has ever collected, from Hackney Road Mission, Union Street, E., on Hospital THE EFFECT UPON INDIVIDUAL HOSPITALS. Sunday. He truly says, " This year we have done extra The well"-a statement which is borne out by the following secretary of one of the principal Metropolitan general total is made how the details, showing up :—Morning: Open- hospitals states that he has been issuing an appeal for funds air service, at corner of Columbia Road, Hackney Road, for some weeks past. During the last fortnight he has 12 to 1.20 p.m. Amount collected, 30s. 4d. Afternoon : received a response many times greater than that he has ever School in Mission Hall, Union Crescent. Collected, 10s. 6d. before met with throughout many years’ experience. This one direct advantage of the new departure on the Evening: Service in ditto, 7 p.m. Sum contributed, 24s. is no ofdoubt Evening : Open-air service at same place as morning, at part the Hospital Sunday Fund Council. 8.30 p.m. Collected by 10.30 p.m., 40s. 8d. Total, £5 5s. 6d. COLLECTING ON A TRICYCLE. "Cyclist"writes to The Echo stating that he spent Sunday afternoon on a tricycle in Seven Dials and Drury Lane amongst the very poor. He everywhere met with a kind reception, but his collection was not nearly so much as in 1885, because certain friendly societies had a church parade and collection before he arrived, in aid of the funds of King’s College and the Temperance Hospitals. He adds : I " Surely on a day set apart for a general collection, and when made in all places of worship for the appeals were itbeing general fund, was extremely bad taste on the part of the authorities of these two hospitals to send round the hat on their own account. It may have been only an error of judgment, and can be rectified by their treasurers forwarding the amounts collected to the Mansion House." Some explanation
There
are