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21. Municipal Vaccination.—The comparative numbers of cases vaccinated per
mensem, with percentage of success, by each class of vaccinator, show widely differ¬
ing results, not at all favourable to the municipal and local vaccinators, as contrasted
with the government servants. The rural community is somewhat amenable to the
vaccinators' persuasive powers, but the citizen mind is differently constituted, and
proves less open to appeals to reason. This peculiarity is especially observable
amongst the Bunneahs, the priestly, and partially educated classes.
It has been too readily assumed that the amount of money contributed by muni-
cipalities for purposes of vaccination is the measure of their desire for it. It is an
altogether erroneous conclusion. The money, generally speaking, is granted because
the Native municipal commissioners have been told by their European chairman that
it is the "correct thing" to do. Some of these Native gentlemen, if left to their own
devices, would not grant a single rupee for the purpose; whilst others, if pressed in the
matter, would not mind doubling their contribution, on the understanding that the
vaccinators should never darken their doors with his presence. I mention these matters,
because I dislike the vult decipiet decipiatur principle. The amount of vaccination
done by a municipal vaccinator within the actual boundaries of the municipality bears
generally but a small proportion to that which he performs outside the limits. The
bunneahs and their friends will, as a rule, have nothing to say to him; they simply
drive him out by passive resistance to his proffered services. I think the fact of the
vaccinators being the servant of the municipality is operating injuriously. He has
ceased to be independent, and refrains from pressing his unacceptable wares upon his
masters. He is afraid of them, and dare not report their vaccine sins of omission
and commission; for the day of reckoning will be soon at hand, when the season is
over, and he passes from under our protective influence into the cold shade of the
municipal board. It is the old story of trying to serve two masters. I prefer the
plan which was superseded, viz., that of the municipality making a grant for vaccina-
tion purposes, and handing over the amount to the Vaccine Department, leaving it to
the Superintendent to make all the necessary arrangements. I regret to see that a
new feature is beginning to creep in, viz., that of allowing Native doctors of the
dispensaries, hukeems of the city, and mortuary clerks to undertake the vaccination
of the municipality in addition to their other duties. It is an utterly wrong system,
and will completely break down; for these men are not only not up to the work,
never having been brought up to it, but they have no heart or interest in it. The
cost of a thoroughly-trained and experienced vaccinator can be supplied for the entire
vaccine season for Rs. 92; and he can during that period protect a population of
30,000. It appears to me a singular conclusion for the sake of a small miserable
economy to risk the sacrifice of such high interests as are involved. This is not a
question of ornamental railings, or patterns for shop-fronts; but it is one of life and
death, misery, rags, deformity, and sightless orbs. I speak of these matters from an
experience of 20 years, and feel that my opinions should have the weight of authority;
otherwise I have served the Government to little purpose.
22. Assistance from the Civil Authorities.—Wherever the Civil authorities, and
I include amongst these the tehseeldars and all Native officials of position, show
themselves most in earnest in persuading the people to avail themselves of the ser-
vices of the vaccinators, there the good results are visible and broad as daylight.
There is really no feeling of serious genuine hostility to vaccination anywhere in the
North-Western Provinces. The attitude is one of either apathy, ignorance, suspicion,
or impudence, which is readily overcome by a few words from the Magistrate and
Collector of the district. But he must be in earnest, for every official under him
takes his cue from him. It is only necessary to express an honest wish that the peo-
ple should accept vaccination, and the thing is accomplished. There is a too squeamish
sentimentality in speaking out these wishes boldly, for fear of some misconstruing
them into orders. After all, the worst that would happen, would be that such people