The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1885-03-27
DOCTORS FURIOUS.
Shall Physician Tell the Truth or Not :!
A Nice Point In Ethics.
A Sensible Health Omcial.

BALTIMORE, MD.-A decided stir ha.
been caused here over the question az
to the right of physician to certify tc
the merits of remedy not in the mod
ern pharmacopeia. DR.. James A
Stouart, one of the most eminent physi
clans in the South and Health Commits
sioner of this city, had analysed s
newly-discovered article, and certified
officially not only to its efficacy but to
the fact that it replaced old-time prep
arations of similar character which
analysis had proved, were adulterated
and poisonous. The Medical and Chi
rurgical Faculty, of which he is a mem.
Der, held that he had violated the code
If medical ethics, and much public in
crest was aroused because of the con-
idence felt both in his professional
standing and official integrity.
1t was argued that to thus place a
imitation on the acts of a physician,
and especially of health officer, was
opposed to the spirit of the age; that
such reasoning might have been logical
enough when it was to the interest of
rulers or societies to invest themselves
with supernatural halo, but now
when thought should be free and I'M
;rammeled, such things savored of bar
oarism. TWAS the duty of a physician,
especially of a health officer, to con-
iemn publicly any remedy which he
knew to be injurious, but it was not
right to say that he should be debarred
flcm testifying to the merits of any
hing which he knew to be good. If
this were SO, the world would not re-
ceive the benefit of half the discoveries
made in art or science. Thus the
people argued, whilc the faculty threat
sned expulsion and talked of time-hon-
pred customs, ethics, professional cour-
tesy and traditions.
But the matter soon assumed new
and surprising phase. A few days
afterwards certificate appeared in the
daily papers bearing the autograph
signatures of Governor McLane, Attor-
ney-General Roberts, Mayor Latrobe,
City Postmaster Adreon, chiefs of State
and municipal departments, Judges
and Clerks of Courts, Federal officials
and Congressman, emphatically endors-
ing the action of the Health Commits
sioner, and concurring in his opinion as
to the efficacy of the remedy, asserting
that they did so from personal expert
ence with it and practical tests and OBJ
servations.
There could be no gainsaying such
evidence as this, but, as if to cap the
climax, shortly afterward there appear
ed another certificate with autograph
signatures of leading practicing physi-
clans from all parts of the state, in
Guiding the physicians of all the lead
ing hospitals, the physician to the City
Fire Department, the Port physician,
vaccine physician and resident physi-
clans of intirmaries, all endorsing the
discovery and stating that it had been
tested by them in hospitals and private
practice for weeks with wonderful cura-
tive effect, and that analysis had shown
no trace of opiates or poisons, preva-
lent in other cough mixtures. They
further stated that they had been in
duced to take this step in view of the
many hurtful preparations which con-
tanned narcotics and poisons and OF the
dangers consequent on their use. The
remedy in question is the Red Star
Cough Cure. Such a conclusive answer
as this to the narrow arguments OF the
few arrayed public sentiment on the
side of the Health Commissioner, and
it is significant that DR.. Steuart has
since been appointed to office by the
Mayor for third term, and has had
his appointment unanimously confirm
ed by the City Council.
Owing to the high professional repu-
tation of the gentlemen who endorsed
his action, as well as the enviable
of the owners of the remedy,
The Charles A. Vogeler Company, of
this city, widespread interest has al
ready been created in the subject, not
only here, but in Philadelphia, Wash
ngton and other neighboring cities.
The feeling is generally expressed by
professional men that Red Star Cough
Cure, on account of its freedom from
narcotics and poisons, inaugurates
most desirable new departure in medi-
,ine. This is the pronounced opinion OF
authorities like DR.. Fawcett, who has
oeen for thirty-three years resident
physician of the Union Protestant In
Urinary, in this city, and Prof. John j.
Caldwell, NJ D., member of medical
societies of Baltimore, New York and
and with long experience
n civil and military hospitals. Both of
hese gentlemen, together with no less
han fifty other practicing physicians of
have publicly put themselves
N record rs to the evil OF narcotic |
medicines, and the consequent value |
nd Importance of the new discovery |
eferred to. 1t is conceded that public
pinion has completely indicated DR..
teuart in his action, and that in his
yhole course he was actuated simply
Y an earnest desire to benefit the COM
,unity at large.