hool diplomas, grand, noble women and men thoroughly trained
in true temperance methods for relieving the sick.

"Our organization lived on paper, and was sustained in purpose
by prayer and planning for two years. In September, 1885, Mr. R.
G. Peters, of Manistee, Michigan, signified to us his intention
to give $50,000 toward our buildings whenever we had
satisfactorily materialized. About the same time a good old
gentleman in Michigan placed in his will for us $2,500. The dear
man is still living, and we hope will live many years. Even the
money when it comes can never be of greater service to us than
was the knowledge at that time that the Lord was our leader and
was raising up helpers in the work.

"In January, 1886, we found, according to the law under which
our charter was obtained, that we must commence active
operations at once, or obtain a new charter. After a blessed
season of prayer and counseling together in the board meeting
held January 29, there being present only the members of the
board at that time, Mrs. Plumb offered to advance $3,500, if
necessary, toward the expenses for the first year. We accepted
it with great thankfulness, rented a building the 15th of
March, 1886, and formally opened the National Temperance
Hospital on the 4th of May, 1886.

"In April, 1886, we took a firm stand upon the alcohol question,
and decided to eliminate it entirely from our list of
therapeutics, as we had become convinced that there were better
and more reliable remedies as stimulants and tonics.

"In September, 1886, at our annual meeting, we reaffirmed this
decision, and we now have the following as one of the articles
of our constitution: 'All medicines used in the hospital must be
prepared without alcohol, and all physicians accepting positions
on the medical staff of the hospital or dispensary must pledge
themselves not to administer alcohol in any form to any patient
in hospital or dispensary, nor to call in counsel for such
patients any physician who will advise the use of alcohol.

"Any physician of pure character, and in good standing, who is a
total abstainer from liquor and tobacco can, by subscribing to
this pledge, become a member of our physicians' association, and
if so desired, be placed upon the visiting and consulting staff
of the hospital.