The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1899-03-27
Board of Pharmacy
Fighting the Bill.
A1clRCULAR LETTER
Aid Wanted Of Druggists to
Secure disappointment.

Local druggists are exercised over
the receipt of circular in the interest
Of the present members of the state
board of pharmacy signed by several
Boston pharmacists The circular is an
appeal against what is termed an I'M
wise, piece of legislation aimed against
the present board of pharmacy.
A bill is before the Senate now on
its third reading. which takes the pow
er of reappointment Of members to the
state board of pharmacy away from
the governor. The bill provides only
against the reappointment of the pres
ent incumbents, but does not take the
future power of appointment from the
governor.
The bill is entirely satisfactory to the
local druggists, who would like to see
new blood infused into the board. The
present members, When their terms
of office expire, will all have served 10
years on the board. This is thought
by many to be a long enough time for
any one to serye[on the board.
The circular Coming at this time is
deemed rather peculiar to say the least,
by the local pharmacists. The local Ii
cense commissioners will not grant a
license to a druggist unless the latter
is recommended for license by the
state board. Naturally a druggist who
desires license very badly will COM
ply with the requirements of the Cir
cular. The other druggists are entire
~ satisfied with the legislation as 1t
has progressed thus far. They claim
that the board is guilty of discrimina-
tion in registering pharmacists, and
also say that politics play too large
a part in the doings of the board.
1t is understood that the opposition
to the board will issue circular stat
ing its side of the case. One druggist,
when seen by Spy man, said 1t was
peculiar that circulars should be sent
around after all the legislation on the
subject. The bill before the Senate
was recommended to the house by the
committee on health and the house
passed it by vote of 100 to u. The bill
passed two readings in the Senate by
81 vote of IS to 8.
The circular which follows explains
itself; rs
"ss Boston, March %, 1899.
Dear Sir--You may not have had
called to your attention the singular
bill now before the Legislature, which
makes the members of the state board
of pharmacy ineligible to reappoint-
ment. Such a restriction has not been
commission in Massachusetts. Are we
not making a mistake to invite such
legislation binding the governor not
to reappoint the men who may be of
most service to the state and to phar-
macy?
If at any time there is any consider
able opposition to the reappointment OF
any individual, governor will listen
as readily to pharmacists as to other
offivAv4c ECcrof}s Vvniiid not he inclined IN
use the power conferred upon him by
the constitution to their detriment. The
commissions of Massachusetts have
been a credit and pride to her people,
extending her reputation for wisdom,
uprightness and public spirit. Her ex-
ample has more influence and her ac-
tions are more closely studied than
those of any other state. She has Sc
cured good men for her commissions,
made them experts by offering them in
ducements to study in special lines, and
when their competency has made them
leaders, has shown her appreciation by
continuing them in her service Her
state board of health, railroad commits
sion. bureau of statistics, of labor, in
surance commission. ETC., are known
and respected not only within her Dor
ders. but in all the states and in Eu-
rope. Shall we allow without pro-
test such a reflection on our profess
sion as this bill will make? There is
strong reason for believing it exceeds
the lfmitS tons Of the constitution of the
state. Which gives the governor the
power. of appointment by and with the
consent of the council The legisla-
ttlre cannot name to the governor whom
he shalIsor shall not appoint, and this
bill, by indireetion, attempts to limit
his constitutional power. II you think
the proposed law is unwise, kindly sign
the enclosed postal card and mail at
once: If you can see some of your
brother pharmacists and get their sig
natures and influence against the BILL
It will greatly assist those who are try
ing in the interest of good law and good
pharfnacyto defeat this legislation. A
vote. on engrossment will be taken by
the Senate on Wednesday, March 18th
A telegram or letter from you to your
senator may defeat the bill.
Respectfully yours,
'- (SigneO
Henry Canning,
7 sl,p sud