MANUEL ARRIARAN, Secretary , to Mr. Root.—Letter from the central society of hospitals, July 1, 1872

Mr. Mackenna to Mr. Root.—Letter from the central society of hospitals.

Sir: The very interesting memorial upon the arrangement of hospitals and the treatment of those afflicted with small-pox, which your excellency has had the goodness to direct to us, has filled with satisfaction and gratitude the society of citizens charged with combating the epidemic which to-day is making its terrible effects felt in this capital.

The wealth of information and vast experience which its author places in it to the service of humanity, as well as the practical and scientific application of knowledge which he applies to the present case and circumstances, fill us with gratification. And we are no less inspired with profound gratitude by that self-denial with which your excellency personally has visited the poor sick in the hospitals and investigated in those places most scrupulously everything connected with their wants and the treatment of the sick, so that we have been permitted to see at one view the learned physician who determines the best remedy for the malady of the patient, and the practical Christian who closely approaches the sufferer in order to relieve him, and even, if necessary, to participate in his pains in order to alleviate them.

This society, in view of all this, has decided to present to your excellency, in this note, a testimony of the high appreciation which so noble acts merit. Besides, each and all of the members that compose it offer to your excellency their perfect attachment.

Your excellency’s obedient servants,