All officers and servants of the hospital, above the rank of assistant matron, a messenger, and nurses, are elected by ballot at a general court of the Governors: and on any vacancy, the day of election for filling it up is appointed at least one month, and not more than three months, from the day such vacancy happens, unless directed otherwise by an express order of a general court: but the inferior servants are appointed by a weekly committee. The qualification of an annual Governor of this charity is a subscription of three guineas or upwards _per annum_; and of a perpetual Governor, the payment of thirty guineas at one time, which intitles the subscriber to recommend, and have in the house one woman at a time. A subscription of six guineas a year, or a payment at once of sixty, intitles the subscriber to have in the house two women at a time, and so, in proportion, for larger sums. Ladies subscribing the like sums have the privilege of recommending women in the same manner as Governors. They have likewise a right of voting in all elections at general courts, for officers and servants, by proxy, provided such proxy be a Governor of this charity; or they may send a letter to the board without a proxy, naming the person they vote for, which is regarded as their vote: but no Governor is to be proxy for more than one lady at a time. Benefactions or subscriptions of smaller sums than those abovementioned, are thankfully received, and properly applied to the use of the charity. A general meeting of the Governors is held every quarter; and the sole power of making laws and rules for the government of the hospital is lodged in this general court. A committee of fifteen Governors is chosen at each quarterly general court; of whom the Treasurer for the time being is always one, and any number of these may transact business. Every Friday morning they meet at the hospital, to receive the women recommended, and to direct the ordinary affairs of the house. Temporary orders are made by this committee for the service of the hospital; but a report of these and all their other proceedings, are made to the quarterly general court. Any Governor of the charity may be present at this weekly committee; but none have a right of voting there, except those who are members of the committee, and the President or Vice-Presidents, if present. The same rule extends to all other committees. A special general court may, on a fortnight’s notice, be called at any time between the quarterly courts, either by order of a general court, or of the weekly committee; or at the demand of the Treasurer, or of any five of the Governors; this demand being delivered in writing at the weekly board, and signed with their respective names; the business of such special court to be expressed in this writing, and in the summons to the Governors. _From the account of this hospital published by order of the Governors._ See LONDON LYING-IN HOSPITAL.