The meeting at Willis's Rooms, on Thursday, to found a
perma- nent testimonial to Miss Nightingale for her services in the East, was successful, as a matter of course; and the subject is so Obvious and so well understood by the whole public, that not a
word needs to be said to recommend it. We sel that the inten- tion of founding a new and separate hospital to compete with others is disclaimed by the Committee. The real object is, to found a school for nurses, who can be usefully supplied to the chief hos- pitals. This is consistent with the character of Miss Nightingale's services. She had commenced a most important reform where it was much wanted, in elevating the character of the attendants upon the sick in the hospitals in the East. Her social position raises her above the acceptance of direct reward ; but the country cannot be satisfied without marking its recognition ; and no recog- nition can be so happy as that which extends a perpetual benefit such as she began; importing her reform for more extended and permanent use at home. It has been objected that the provincial hospitals would not share in the benefit that is given to the Metropolis : but this is an error. If the character of the attendants of the London hospitals be raised, not only will the nurses that are trained for that service gradually become available for other hospitals, but a model will be established for the whole country. The character of the profession thus instituted will be elevated throughout ; and let us add a not unimportant incident—an employment will be provided for women, to which their capacity and disposition are peculiarly suited.
