arts, who are increasing monthly, and even weekly, would
have been able to come forward and contribute sufficiently to
this excellent institution.

"It has been said that the Hospital of St. George is a rich one,
but that is a great mistake. One would indeed think that it
would be rich from its important position, and when one
remembers how full its wards invariably are. To go back to the
new wing. After all, it is not a very large sum that is required
to maintain these wards. The sum only amounts to L2500 a year.
Is it not, therefore, a scandal, ladies and gentlemen, that for
the sake of this small sum we cannot use forty-eight beds in
that wing? The Hospital itself is in want of money, as I will
prove by stating that last year the expenditure amounted to as
much as L20,000, while the income was only L15,000. In order,
therefore, to make up the deficiency, L5000 had to be sold out
of capital. That will be the case this year, and it may be the
same in future years. The capital thus diminishing, the income
will naturally be smaller, and in that way this excellent
Hospital, which is most admirably cared for, which has the very
best surgeons and physicians--one of whom, Mr. Prescott Hewett,
I know personally--will sustain a yearly diminution of its
usefulness. In this way, if the public do not come forward
liberally we shall see one of the most excellent and important
hospitals in London becoming, year by year, in a more difficult
position with regard to funds.

"I am here to state what I am not sure is known to all of you,
that, with the exception of one hospital, the average cost of
beds at the St. George's Hospital is less than in any other
hospital in London. The authorities of the Hospital are not even
satisfied with that, and, I believe, intend to appoint a
committee to inquire still more closely and rigidly into the
expenditure, in order to do their utmost to lessen that
expenditure.

"My Lords, Ladies, and Gentlemen,--The address I have to make to
you is brief. I feel convinced that the gentlemen on this
platform will advocate the claims of the Hospital in longer,
more detailed, and more able statements than I have made; but I
am sure that none can feel more strongly than I do the
importance of this meeting. I feel certain also that the public
at large, if