At this historic point Francis Scott Key wrote the national anthem which solidified and united our country and meant more to the American arms than 10.000 bayonets. I quote this historic synopsis that I may lead on to what I have to say in regard to the present situation. Some years agoabout 12 or 14Congress carved from one corner of the historic grounds of Fort McHenry a piece of land upon which to erect a modern immigration station. This was erected at an expense approximating $600.000. It was thought that this location was most advantageous because of its easy access both from water and land. anid. secondly. because It was thought a fine sentiment to have the hundreds of people from foreign lands who were about to become American residents and finally citizens arrive here and view the StarSpangled Banner waving from that point which inspired Key to write the national anthem. It was a fine sentiment and a fine location for this immigration station. The war came on. Tie immigration station. with its large buildings and great capacity. was recognized as a very useful unit for a large hospital. and so it was taken over by the Government for hospital purposes and gradually temporary buildings covered the whole fort grounds. Thousands of veterans were brought here for treatment. both from the camps of this country and from the battle fields of Fralnce. A second time the old fort demonstrated its usefulness in time of war and had emblazoned upon its escutcheon the noble deeds of physicians. surgeons. nurses. and others engaged in looking after the needs of humanity.
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immigration