The Laurens advertiser. (Laurens, S.C.) 1885-1973, 1901-02-13


are playing with dynamite when W
90 to putting such laws on our statut
books. They will bring about troub
and friction which do not now eXis
In his judgment o pass such law
would be the most unwisc step th
Legislature ever took.
MEDICAL STUDENT'S BILL.
Senator Dean moved TO strike ou
the enacting words of the medica
student exemption bill and proceede
to argue against it. He said thit
States in the Union had examining
boards, and there must be some neces
sity for it, and these boards stand be
tween the people and incompetence
The enactment of this law would lowe
the standard of excellence III th
State. Six students of this Colleg,
failed last year and with the law a.
proposed there would be SIX incom
petent doctors turned loose IN tn,
State.
Senator Graydon favored the bill
reviewing legislation on the subject
saying that the proposed law had beer
the law i'll South Carolina for nearl,
one hundred years, until comparatively
recent years, and no revolution or any
change will be made by the adoption
OF this law. The board may ask lot
OF theoretical questions, which the,
themselves could net answer if the,
were undergoing examination, and foi
student, who has graduated with al
average of 75 per cent. to fail on such
questions is no evidence that he is in
competent so far as practicing medicine
is concerned.
Senator Blakeney opposed the bill
saying that every medical college
should stand on its own footing, and
the passage of this law would be con-
fession of weakness on the part of the
faculty. When the faculty opposed
the bill it showed that they were will
ing for their graduates to stand any
way. The passage Of the bill would
be in the public mind an evidence
that the standard had been lowered.
The State board is safeguard against
humbuggery within and coming force
without the State and restriction can
not be too stringent In medical prac-
ticc.
Senator Manning also opposed the
bill and regretted that he had to op.
pose the wishes of his young friends,
for the passage of this bill would be a
distinct backward step. In behalf of
tie State board he would say that the
examinations hal been fair and on
practical questions. lie thought this
bill was lamentable error.
Senator Maylield favored the bill.
This institution Is one that the State
ought to be proud of. There is lust
as much reason why a graduate cf this
College should be allowed to practice
as student graduates in law at the
South Carolina College. The Medical
College is well equipped and the work
is thorough ana well done. He was
willing to aid the College to mako it
better equipped, rather than do any,
thing which would retard its growth
and usefulness.
Senator Henderson opposed the bill.
He could not understand why these
young gentlemen, with such great ad-
vantages, should object to standing an
examination. Wha. objection can
there be? This is not a State institu-
ton and why should laws be passed
concerning institutions which are be-
yond our jurisdiction? AS to the
argument about lawyers being adj
milted, there is a great difference
between the two Professions. The
lawyers practice is in public and he
advances or falls as lie shows himself
fit, but who knows what a physician
is doing, whether the dose he gives
will kill or not? He declared that
the board was competent to examine
the graduates of this eminent institu-
tior. Mr.. Henderson made very
strong speech.
Senator Glenn opposed the bill and
he could sec no reason why the law
should be changed. The law as it
stands IS step forward in protecting
the people against incompetent doctors.
The fact that the students seem TO be
afraid to stand the examination is q
strong reason why this bill sh ould be
passed.
Senator Ilderton favored the bill,
saying that the only opposition TO the
bill came from the medical board, and
he charged that they were actuated by
jealously. lie denied most cmphati-
cally that the College turned out any
men unfit to practice. The Senators
who have been preaching all these
funeral sermons don't know anything
more about medicine than cat does
about Sunday. He charged that
most of the State board were not
competent to examine these stu
dents. The rejection of this bill
would aid the Medical Association in
killing the College.
Senator Barnwell had resolution
read from the faculty endorsing the
bill. lie oppose! the bill last year be-.
cause the faculty did. He supported
1T now because the College has fol
years without aid offered young men
an opportunity to become physicians
The faculty has heightened the term
to four years and in thus strengthen
ing the standard they showed them
selves worthy Of confidence. The
men who have prevented the College
from going down are the uen whose
| Judgment he respects and he will vott
as they desire.
Senator Crubcr said he had beer
opposed 70 this bill, but having beer
assured that no advantage would b
taken by this legislation to lessen th
terms or lower the standard he ha,
changed his mind on being assure,
that nothing of the kind would eve