New-York tribune., 1901-02-18
PRESENTS PHARMACISTS SIDE.
GEoRGB J. sEABURT HOLDS THAT THEY SHOULD
HAVE COMMISSIONED RANK IN THE
NATIONAL GUARD.

HAVE COMMISSIONED RANK IN THE
NATIONAL GUARD.
To the Editor Of The Tribune
Sir: Permit a member of the National
Committee for the State Of New-York, appointed
by the American Pharmaceutical Association, on
the Promotion Of Pharmacists 10 the Rank and
Pay OF a Commissioned officer in the United States
Army. Navy and National Guard OF the Various
States. to respond the statements made by the
affirmative or negative forces that are involved in
the discussion of the subject contained under the
caption Pharmacists Ignored in The Tribune of
February b.
The American Pharmaceutical Association has
for nearly fifteen years agitated this recognition in
order that the Nation be furnished with pharma-
csts OF the first class who must be either gradu-
ates of a reputable college Of pharmacy Icent-
ates who have subjected themselves to a rigid
animation before a legally appointed Board Of
Pharmacy.
a prominent officer Of the State wisely asserts
that IL pharmacists had more political influence
they would not be ignored where law has
been passed for their promotion. and but few COM
manders have acted accordingly And right mere
let state that there are many officers to-day in
our State National Guard who owe their appoint
ment more 10 political influence than to their ef-
fcency in military tactics Many of our intrepid
commanders in times OF peace-for many OF them
have no use for war-are not as well informed
as they might be The fact Is. however. that naval
apothecaries with the consent of Congress. were
promoted 10 the position and pay OF a warrant Of
hcer. which is the highest non-comuissioned officer.
Germany. France Italy and Russia. the foremost
military powers in Europe have special branch
in their armies grouped as regtmental. brigade,
division and army corps pharmacists. who rank
from captain 70 colonel. the entire service being
commanded by a brigadier-generaI. They surely
would not have admitted them 10 the rank and pay
OF commissioned officers II pharmacy was not uni
versally recognized profession.
In the interview held with one Of our chief State
officers a criticism was advanced which was indeed
a most cruel and unjust comparison. whether in
Jest seriously that a regimental farrier. barber
armorer might make a similar application for
promotion and that mere horseshoer. tonsorial
artist Inspector OF rifles in the aTmory. Occu-
patton which every soldier IN the ranks under
stands quite well. should be classified with a pro
fessional pharmacist II he had mentioned veteri-
nary surgeon II would have been more IN the line
or etiquette. for believe they. too. entitled 20
a higher grade and pay in the service.
Now let analyze the situation TO whether
the officers in any regiment in the United States.
whether Wes: Pointers National Guardsmen
have higher claims than pharmacist or whether
their fraternal relations would In any way endan-
ger the service It's morale In the first place. he
must have had four years OF practical experience
in a pharmacy before he can graduate from his
college OF pharmacy. and before he can be ad-
mitted 20 the college curriculum he must be IN
possession Of a diploma from academy
public school show that he has had a good
English education. I'm the absence OF which he
go before the State Board OF Regents and
pass its examination before being admitted TO n
three years course. The studies include the fol-
lowing: Practical pharmacy organic chemistry
pharmaceutical chemistry. physics botany phys
ioogy. materia medica, microscopy. pharmacogno-
sy. toxicology, analytical and qualitative chemis
Try. pOsolOgy. bacteriolosy and several minor
studies, 10 which. ~ could be added surgery. the
practice OF medicine and pathology, which would
take Just about year more, they could be grad
uated as full nedged physicians and practical phar
macists- But a small proportion OF physicians are
practical Pharmacists. and there IS where the phar
macist has the advantage OF the medical practf-
uoner. Pharmacists also educated In minor
surgery. in case the regimentaI surgeon should be
wounded or killed, act as his substitute in
emergencies professional and well educated
pharmacist By natural disposition and culture IS
gTntiemHn i. The very nature Of his occupation
soldiery. 71'-' 70 '''@e"
r The attempt 70 create classes in the National
Guard VII simply tend 70 dernoralize its members
-, Htcn sholId never be tolerated any
~ -. ici.sIoh or potlcsso that. II the plea
by thoSe VINO are opposed To his promotion is that
tal and personal department then thew have COM
United most egregious error For. knowing the
caAore not only of guns. but OF most officers who
are In the State service. venture TO state that a
large percentage not even his equals In eiIca-
tion and general intelligence. Most of them are
quite familiar with Tegimental and military evoIu-
'19Hs 9iL ana l the manual OF arms
,,dIn he drug trade IS well represented in the Ma
studies that the pharmacist OF to-day is compelled
become familiar with than infantry tacficl the
manual OF arms hridling and saddlinF OF horses
power Of black smokeless powder or dynamite
or me trajectory flight Of rifle bullets solid shot
Had encouragement been offered spontaneously
uy the various commanders and officers OF the Ma
tional Guard, II would have been unnecessary for
peaied 70 the LEGISLATURE or the St,to 70 Of Tp y
York They have decided and the law should be
eNecuted ana not repealed. as mere whim
said that there is no class distinction in mis- fair
land OF ours. but IL seems that OF the com
State OF New-Yorlx represent bgber element th1p
that In which the first citizen of the United states
moves. But there in a few regiments am opposi-
ton 10 their appointment which has not Yet been
accounted for Under the law three regimentaI
commanders have appointed Pharmacists. who re-
ceive the rank and paw Of first lieutenant so
that In this letter II is unnecessary 10 impeach the
officers Of the entire National Guard. still have
few sensible representatives among our National
Guardsmen
have been compelled 10 carry a correspond
ence with Of the colOnels OF different
regiments and was amazed when read their
sponses. which were unaccompanied by any reason
whatsoever. except that the officers had decided
that the law should not be executed. again demon
strating the fact that they considered their de-
hberatiOns OF higher import than the will Of the
people. which made the situation all the more ag-
Governor Roosevelt while acting Secretary OF
the Navy favored the same bill for the United
states Army and Navy. and have no doubt he
will emphasize his convictions Vice President in
the same direction for the good Lord has given
MIN strong sense OF Justice. He knew that they
were entitled 10 officers rank. with it's emolI-
ments. on account Of their professional standing.
Ior the place or military pharmacist Is a most ex
acting one-much more onerous than that OF any
oncer In the regiment IL has been said that the
opposition came chiefly from the surgeon and
slstant surgeon, but IL does not stand 10
that they would be actuated by any jealousy since
the nne OF separation between the professions is
well understood and they do not conflict. Since IN
mas been mentioned that II the political influence
there would be no dificulty in their obtaining the
possession OF the facts that fbsre are oenS & IN Z Ie
,hous9nd PHARMACISTS and druggists in the State OF