Evidences of Progress Among Colored People

by G. F. Richings

DR. JOHN R. FRANCIS.

Dr. John R. Francis is distinctly a product of Washington, D.C., having first seen the light of day in that city. He is the only son of one of the city's most worthy citizens, Richard Francis, his mother being Mrs. Mary E. Francis. He has been loyal to his place of birth, having remained constantly there except during his absence in other states in the pursuit of his education. His early school days were spent in the private and public schools of the District of Columbia; his academic education was received at Wesleyan academy at Wilbraham, Mass. His professional course was taken at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mich., where he graduated with high honors in the class of 1878, which class is noted for the fact that some of its members are the most distinguished scientists of the world to day. His career since graduation has been that of the typical doctor. He has devoted his time and energy during that period to the relief of suffering humanity. With Dr. Francis it has not been a mercenary pursuit, but the relief of the wounded and sick has always been his first thought when called upon. Indeed his career has been such that he has been invariably sought by the people of Washington as a most desirable person to assume the several responsible positions that have fallen to him. He has served that city and the colored people faithfully, and has done most excellent service in the many offices of trust and honor which he has held. Among his works we find that individuality and originality of thought and action which is doing so much at the present time to draw, to the colored citizens of this country, the attention of the civilized world, and to command its respect for the former's intellectual ability and skill to cope with the other American citizens in the upbuilding of the government and the development of its grand institution.

DR. JOHN R. FRANCIS' private SANATORIUM.

As a member of the school board of the District of Columbia Dr. Francis was very progressive, and equally as aggressive in his attempt to bring about the many needed reforms in the public schools of that city. Although having done much good, on account of the lack of support by the colored citizens, being ahead of the times as they saw it, he resigned his position on the board because he saw the impossibility of accomplishing the desired good and securing for them the many benefits it was possible to gain at that time. His strengthening of the teaching ability of the Washington High School and his improvement of the Normal school, with the subsequent retrogressions is but a fair example of his good work and the difficulties he had to overcome.

While acting surgeon-in-chief of Freedmen's Hospital during the several months' illness of the surgeon-in-chief, he instituted reforms there in the conduct of its professional workings, notably the surgical and obstetrical department; in the management of ward work and the installment of the present training school for nurses, which his characteristic modesty has kept from the outside world and for which he has never been given credit.

He is now obstetrician to the Freedmen's Hospital and demonstrator and clinical lecturer of obstetrics in the medical department of Howard University.

One of his most worthy contributions, however, to the District of Columbia and to the professional ability and business tact of the colored man is the Francis Sanatorium at 2112 Pennsylvania Ave., N. W., Washington, D.C.

This institution is established for the care of sick persons whose home environments, as is well known, so often prevent proper treatment and rapid convalescence. The object is to guarantee to such persons the careful scientific treatment of the hospital combined with the comforts of home.