Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1860-07-03
NO. XVIII.
For the Spectator.

MeSSTS. ECttt0TS IN your issue OF May l0tn,
writer. signing himself M. D. calls on, or rather
appeals to, the Physicians of the county to join
him and vindicste their rights-such privileges
as were left them from inconsiderate tribunals.
The writer is evidently in sour mood, so far as
regards bis fortunes; he sets out first by arraign
ing the Legislature for its late acts enlargng or
increasing the tax on Physicians License, by in
timating in words that they overlooked interests
of theirs and all that was done for them by that
body was trouble and a failure. The writer
doubtless is himself in trouble, for no man in his
sober senses would such unwarrantable charges
make in public prints unless he thought that
body was doomed to act no more on bis privi.
leges thus far $50 dearly paid for.' But while
this NJ. D. is arraigning the Legislature for its
late acts against this profession he indirectly at
tacks the people at large for their course against
this profession, butsas matters stand he would
have greatly preferred the Legislature to have
provided for him more agreeable mode of en-
tightening the people; but for bis part, he fell
bound to do the best he could under the circnm-
stances; he would for himself, ''Present all old
women who practiced midwifery in his bounds
who paid no license for so doing" We would
be glad for this M. D. to give us at least the dis
trict of country or bounds in which be practices,
Nocality,) or does he, or can he cOntine himself
with safety to small portion of the country
as it requires such enormous efforts through
formidable obstacles to live and pay this prodig
ious taxC) As guardian for "Old Ignorant Pre-
tenders" we ask for the points2 As the sub
scriber is not posted touching this enormous tax,
and the law provides no scale of Licenses, those
interested would be glad to learn its size, we
ourself being in the dark among the people,
we are free to abide the Laws and save cost IN
time, as we are in possession of one of the OBJ
IL Ar GuUhn coll them.
selves Doctors As to M. DIS. determination to
rid the bounds he practices in of the cause OF his
sufferings, we still think the people are left as
yet choice as to who shall be their doctor,
either male or female as they may choose
From N. DIS. remarks we are thrown on peril
Gus times the time was when we could choose
without the Doctors consent, but now the fear
of the Doctor intimidates the people from so do
ing; people are Dervously anxious to respect this
great and alarming profession. For ourselves,
we are free to reason against all such enormlues,
and to show that such remarks are unbeeomlng
a Physician. We think a Physician should abide
the will of the people, and not practice legal re-
monstrance, for the people, as whole, possess
enough wisdom to determine for themselves g.
bout the above controversy. Past success OF
professions enables US to determine future ad-
yantages as to the use of Doctors; after taking
an impartial survey of the whole, we are led to
the conclusion where women are not under the
fear of the man in this particular calling, (Mid:
wifery,) having borne children, studied the case
and the treatment for women in child-bed to-
gether with good amount of book theory, as
much so as q man can get iii his possession, and
this woman can acquire, with these helps COM
bined, the conclusion is demonstrable the woman
is the safest trnst as also women prefer their
own sex to assist in giving birth to children
Again, as for ourselves we think no M. ID. ever
should complain when denied this particular
branch of the profession, especially young man,
and for physician to push his claims directly
or indirectly loosens our confidence in such prac-
titioners. Again, for Physician to complain,
threaten and lose sociality among US, is in our
opinion calculated to set a community In un-
pleasant feelings against each sex OF the pro-
fession, logical conclusion with the M. D's.-
We sincerely hope, that without cant or incanta-
tion NJ. d. will show better and more peacea-
bic claims on the people. but think as ne hes
not the pen nor the head, he had better resolve
to un-resolve his former resolves, lest his pro-
ductions manifest signs of humbuggery. Now,
in conclusion, I, as sort of spokesman, would
say to each party, stay in your right elements,
and if the people need your services, with pleas
ure accept their practice, and if not, retire to
the masses which you in the beginning left. If
this missile should go forth among mankind, for
them to gaze at they must excuse me, if excusa-
bic, for carrying out the provision of tae laws
enacted under lhs-control of our forefathers.
]. N. G.