The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-02-01
Pure-Food Legislation.

To the Editor of the indianapolis Journal:
The paragraph in recent issue of the
Journal entitled Science Run Mad" which
tells of children being used for experiment
tation, suggests a state of barbarity beft-
ting the dark ages. One recoils from such
horrors. refusing to give credence to any
thing 50 atrOcious when charged against a
civilized country like Austria, preferring to
draw the veil of uncertainty closely over
such a picture. The question arises, how
ever. in view of the almost criminal apathy
which exists toward hsalth-protective, in
other words life-protective agencies, is
wholesale sacrifice of human life any more
excusable when occasioned by rank neglect
or from false notions of economy, than
when deliberately undertaken in cold blood,
for science sake? 1t is, indeed, in the latter
case more brutalIy inhuman, but probably
not so far-reaching nor extensive in its re-
suits. For instance, in round numbers, we
have two thousand deaths annually in the
State from diphtheria alone, and fifteen
Thousand to twenty thousand cases, with
long train of ills accruing to those who re-
cover often involving for life the impair
meEt of the organs of sense. We are told
that sanitary science stands ready to stop
30 per cent. of this fearful waste of life and
money. Why not. then employ the science
which shall effect this vast improvement?
There are, and for the past month have
been. intelligent minds a. work devising
the best plan for securing. the highest de-
gree Of health and sanitation to the citizens
of our State. These expert students have
framed a bill providing for every possible
ordinary condition which prevails and for
oil emergencies which may arise in the do
main Of health-promoting science. They
have provided against food adulteration,
and for food inspection, so that it is be-
lieved if this health bill is passed, which is
now almost a certainty, such a thing as the
manufacture of chocolate" from cigar
boxes will not get under great Roadway,
it cid in New York city just before the
advent of an inspector there. This bill, Of
fered by the State Board of Health, is
worthy of the support it is receiving at the
and definite in its provisions and economi-
cal from a financial point of view in its de-
mands. The Local Council of Women,
through their delegates from some fifty or
unanimous Endorsement, also the Indiana
State Medical Society and various county
medical societies.
II is pleasing to note the interest taken
IN live stock sanitation by leading citizens.
The sheep, swine and cattle deserve, indeed,
our hum me care and attention, but in our
ardor to secure just legislation and health
giving oversight for them, let us not be OBJ
NVlous to the claims of men, women and
chlIdren VINO are ready prey to disease
and infection, too often directly traceable
TO causes which might be prevented by wise
and Well-tr1ed methods 1t is Hoped that the
state health department will not be denied
Dy the legislators the money they require
10 make any wise law which NAV be passed
effective. When citizens and news organs
eVince the interest due q cause so near 70
the hearts and lives Of the great human
family as that OF good hcalth and SANTA
ton, legislative bodies are very sure to act
promptly and wisely in the same behalf
Indianapolis Jan. 30. X H. d.