Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1900-01-12
STOP THE CONTENTION

The chief topic OF conversation, In
social and domestic circles in this city,
Is the threatened exclusion OF healthy
children from the public schools. II Is
hoped by large majority Of the peo-
pie that the Board OF Education win
not insist on carrying into effect the
resolution recently adopted by a bare
majority Of one. II will be no loss of
dignity for the Board to recede suf-
hciently from It's decision to admit TO
the public schools, next Monday, all
children OF proper age who have not
been exposed to a contagious disorder.
Its recommendation, as 10 vaccination,
has been compiled with in a large num-
Der OF instances, but there are hosts OF
children whose parents object to sub
hitting them to this disputed opera
tion.
That body should seriously ponder on
this propositions How is II possible for
a healthy child. who has not been ex-
posed to Infection, TO lnjure children
who have been vaccinated? II success
full vaccination affords, as claimed by
some physicians, perfect immunity
from smallpox, the vacclnated children
are safe anyhow. II that claim Is
fallacious, or to be allowed with ex-
ceptlons, still healthy child cannot
be a menace to the children fortified In
the manner prescribed BY orthodox prae-
tItioners. A little reflection would make
this apparent to anybody who Is not
carried away with a needless scare
I'LL his wits are enfeebled or benumbed
with fright.
Another thing that should be con-
sidered carefully Is the lack OF au-
thority to shut out healthy children
from the schools supported by the taxa
ton Of their parents, 1t cannot be
found In the laws Of the State or the
ordinances of the city. Its exercise
would be without color Of law, and
therefore should be resisted by every
citizen who values his constitutional
rights. That It will be fought TO fin
ish II necessary is as certain as any
thing can be that is not yet accom-
plished.
Why should such an extreme measure
be taken when no earthly good can be
shown as a result from its enforcement.
and no harm can possibly come from
Its REIMBURSEMENT? 1t Is true that a
considerable number Of persons, who
object on principle to vaccination, have
submitted their children TO the process
because Of the announcement that they
would not be permitted TO attend the
public schools unvaccinated. So far
the advocates Of the edict have been
successful. They had better be content
with what they have accomplished, and
show some regard for the rights OF 9th
ers who will not bow down to lawless
and irrational attempt at force.
The Dessert News stands for the
rights of the people in this matter.
While II does not admit that the opin-
ions Of medical men are conclusive on a
question which Is in dispute in the
medical world, It has done nothing 10
prevent such persons as believe IN the
virtues Of vaccination from adopting It
In practice. But this paper disputes the
lawful power Of any board. or public
officer, 20 compel submission Of those
who object 10 have their children sub
jected 10 the injection into their veins
Of corrupt matter from diseased ami
mai. That which the Legislature re-
fused TO authorize by statute, must not
be assumed by any subordinate organ
izatlon or individual. The Board 81
Education should be reasonable in this
matter and take course 10 stop the
strife which Is now impending.