THE OPENING OF A MODEL HOSPITAL IN KIUKIANG

“On Saturday afternoon the 7th instant, some foreign residents of Kiukiang, the members of the Methodist Central China Mission, and many native friends gathered together at the formal opening of the Elizabeth Skelton Danforth Memorial Hospital, of which two ladies, Drs. Stone and Kahn, are the physicians in charge.  There were a number of Chinese ladies, whose rich costumes showed the official rank and wealth of husbands and fathers.  The Chen-tai, prefect, assistant prefect and magistrate added their official dignity to the occasion.  These were noticeably appreciative of the first hymn, ‘God save the Emperor.’”

“Bishop Moore presided, formally opening the hospital; Mr. Clennell, H.B.M., Consul for Kiukiang, gave a very good address, to which Dr. Stuart, American Vice-consul of Nanking, made fitting response.  Then followed short, pithy speeches by Drs. Beebee and Hart.  The two heroines of the occasion kept modestly in the background, refusing to be introduced, much to the disappointment of the audience.  The officials insisted that coming forward would be in entire harmony with etiquette and propriety, but the Chinese young ladies remained firm and were represented by their wise teacher, Miss Howe, who has planned with them and for them since their childhood.  After refreshments guests were at liberty to saunter across verandas and through the various wards, the room for foreign patients, the convalescents’ room, solarium, dark room, offices, reception room, etc., of this admirably planned hospital.  The operating room with its skylight, its operating table of glass and enamel; the adjoining sterilizing room, containing apparatus for distilling, sterilizing, etc., are especially interesting to Chinese visitors.  The drug rooms are well stocked and furnished with modern appliances, instruments, a fine microscope, battery, etc., and there is the nucleus of an excellent library.  Everywhere one finds evidence of wise forethought and careful expenditure.”

[Illustration:  Dr. Stone, Dr. Kahn, and Five of the Hospital Nurses]

“The Chinese have a high regard for the skill and ability of these gifted young physicians.  One sees this appreciation, not only in the commendatory tablets hanging in the entrance hall, but in their equally gracious and more serviceable gifts, which together with fees amounted this year to about $2,500.  The doctors have had within the last twelve months, 7,854 patients and have made 531 out-visits.  Their services have been requested by different official families of Kiukiang and Nan-chang, the capital of Kiangsi.  Patients come to them from different provinces.  The young physicians fearlessly make journeys far out in the surrounding country, crossing the mountains perhaps, but always in perfect safety, as they meet only with respect and courtesy.  Sometimes