Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-01-30
DUTIES OF DOCTORS.
,,yIc OBLIGATIONS AS WELL, AZ
PROFESSIONAL ONES.
CLEVELAND TO NEW WORKERS
Address before the Academy of
Medicine cf the Nctropoiis-prnisc
for and Advice TO the Physi-
clans.


NEW YORK. January 2s-The Acade-
nv 81 Medicine celebrated It's semi
centennial tonight in Carnegie Music
uau The exercises consisted of ad-
dresses by Dr. Joseph d. Bryant, the
pr,sdent Of the academy. and by Samuel
: purple NJ D.. and Lewis A. Sayre.
Al d.. the founders OF the academy; an
grafton OF A. Jacob. former president
of ,ae academy. and an address by the
President Of the United States. Grover
cleveland.
Tho han was crowded. From orchestra
to hc topmost gallery. every seat was
Grsi. the boxes being brilliant with color.
and pretty women, in evening dress.
"Hail TO the Chief" greeted the President
as be entered the hall on the arm OF
Dr. Bryant. the audience rising out Of
respect 20 the nations Executive. Bishop
Henry C.. Potter, dressed in the purple
robes Of the Episcopate, offered the OPEN
nr prayer.
President Joseph ID. Bryant, NJ. D., then
made the opening address Of welcome
ur Bryant explained that the objects Of
tte academy were fostering Of the med
Zeal profession. a lettering of the study
OF medicine and the maintenance of n
good medical library. Or. Purple. Dr..
saver. and DR.. Jacob spoke on the aims
and work Of the academy.
Mr. Cleveland was then introduced by
pr Bryant.
The opening, and the greater part of
1'r. Cleveland's speech, was devoted to
complimenting the doctors upon the rapid
advancement their science Is making, and
upon the resulting benefits to the human
race. Then he sketched some of the de-
fects IN existing medical legislation. and
put The question TO the assembled com
pany whether they were sure their duty
as citizens had been as fully discharged
as had been their professional duty
whether they were doing all in their
power TO remedy the situation he de-
scribed. lie said:
CIVIC OBLIGATION.
1--WE cannot but think that the discove-
ries and improvements in medical practice
which we now enjoy are dearly bought.
if the members Of the profession, in their
onward march. have left behind them
their sense of civic obligation. and their
interest ia the general public welfare. We
cannot accuse you Of utter neglect of your
duty 10 the country. and yet we cannot
Keep out OF mind the suspicion that II
your professional work in exposing evils
were more thoroughly supplemented by
labor I'm the field of citizenship. these evils
would be more speedily corrected.
III laws are needed TO abolish abuses
which your professional Investigations
have unearthed your fraternity should
not be strangers to the agencies which
make the laws. IL enactments already in
force are neglected or badly executed.
you should not forget that ii Is your priv
lege and duty 10 insist upon their vigo-
rOus and honest enforcement. Let me also
remind YOU of the application to your
case Of the truth embodied in the homely
Injunction: II you want job well done
do Al Yourself If members OF your pro-
fessiOn were oftener found in our ma
tional and State legislative assemblies,
ready TO advocate the reformatory mea-
sures you have demonstrated 10 be ne
cessary, and 10 defend your brotherhood
against fiippant and sneeTing charges or
impracticability. the prospect OF your be-
stowal upon your fellOw-men OF the rlpen-
ed results Of your professional labor would
be brighter and nearer.
''While thus suggesting TINS need OF
your influence in legislative classes Tor
the accomplishment OF REFORMS Ieialeu 70
your profession, you VIII, ] hope, permit
me. i'm conclusion, TO en1oin upon you the
duty Of an active and general interest ana
participation in public affairs Tor the pro-
motion OF your country good IN an IT'S
phases Our government was founded on
4re faith and anticipation that those VINO
"a
loved il most and were best able TO hold
IN steady. would be at its helm. without
This 1t will surely so astray. Never ulu
Yatieut need your medical treatment more
tnan tho body polite needs the watcniui
care Of your patriotic and oisihteiesIeu
no object Of personal ambition, ana
mo activity OF professional life should De
Permitted TO withhold from our govern
mont the 1.-THE Of devotion and service
due for its thoughtful Intelligent ana
educated citizens The reward OF VII,
inc recognition Of our obligation 10 WaIch
iTs protect our free Institutions and pre-
serve them from weakniess; ana GGeay'
win surely come when Just GOV io,S,,e,
s,,n,,orfed bv the patriotism OF a loVlhs
,.able. shall bestow with equal hand upon
ws and all our countrymen me Dless us
of national peace. contentment, ana nap
piness.' , .,..,,,
After the exercises Mr. Cleveland Went
10 Dr. Bryanrs house, where he VIII pass
Inc night. He viii return to washington
tomorrow.