The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1903-03-22
CHRISTIAN SCIENCE WINS
A NOTABLE VICTORY
Act Defining Practice of Medicine LegaIizes the Pro-
fession. Miss Harrison's Able Argument. Rep.
Sells Brilliant Speech

No more important legislation was
framed, so the Christian Scientists think,
at the present assembly than that which
in defining the meaning of medicine and
surgery gave them proviso thus plac-
ing them under the protection of the law,
thereby relieving the people who wish
their services free to choose them with
out any chance of interference or con-
domination by their critics. 1t was MOTTO
able throughout that no attempt was
made to show that fatalities under Chris
tiap Science were more numerous than
Under other methods, but the frank ad-
mission of DR.. Lewis, the promoter of
the bill against them, that seventeen out
of twentyfour would get well anyway
four under intelligent treatment, but
three would of necessity die, at once dis
armed all criticism against them In
making complete list of deaths under
their care during the eight years Chris
tian Science has been practieed in this
state not even half dozen could be
found, whereas thousands Of cases have
been healed. including many given up by
the physicians as incurable So it seemed
to help humanity should be protected and
not condemned by law makers Their
representatives were intelligent, cultur-
cd, consecrated Christians.
From their first appearance at the
hearing before the Joint Committee on
Health it was seen that Christian Science
was neither fad or a fancy, and al
though it was new subject to the ma
jority of those concerned it was soon
recognized as too vital a part of life of
representative North Carolinans to at
tempt to deprive the State of its uplift-
ing benefits, or limit the freedom of
those engaged in its holy work
1t was proven that concerning conta-
gion every precaution was taken, every
Scientist being law-abiding in reporting
such cases, while under their care as the
following shows:
"Dr. Ernest Lederle, president of the
Health Department, today made state
ment to the New York Evening World
upon the attitude of the health authori-
ties in New York county toward the
Christian Science fraternity. 4 have been
informed that there are upwards of Co.
coo members of the fraternity in the
the head of the Health Department l
have received no proof of any violation
o. the rules and regulations of the SAM
tary Code by Christian Scientist. | know
they are reporting their cases of eonta-
gion as required by law and are taking
the necessary precautions of proper iso-
lation and disinfection. Further than
this have no official jurisdiction
Also the latest step taken by Mrs. Eddy
in regard to the matter. showing her
wise and loving attitude towards those
who differ with her. Mrs. Eddy advises
that until the public thought becomes
better acquainted with Christian Science,
The Christian Scientists shall decline to
doctor infectious or contagious diseases
The bill which brought about this leg
islation was: THAT section 1922 of the
Code, be amended by adding these words:
For the purpose of this act the express
sion practice of medicine and surgery
shall be construed to mean the manage
ment or treatment for fee or reward oil
any case of disease. physical or mental,
real or maginary with or without drugs,
surgical operation. surgical or mechani-
cal appliances. or by any other method
whatsoever Provided, that this shall
not apply to mid-wives, nor to nurses
acting under the direction of registered
nhvsicisn ~
The hearing on February nth before
the Joint Committee on Public Health
was notable gathering. Scientists were
present from Buncombe to Craven. Out
OF the twenty three present seven were
men. The Senate Chamber was filled TO
overlooking with interested spectators.
The lawyers. Mr.. c. NJ. Bushee. Judge I.
r. Womack. of Raleigh. and MIR. w. ~.
Clark. of New Bern, made most effective
speeches from the legal standpoint, de-
olaring the bill unconstitutional and Miss
Mary Hatch Harrison. c. S b. OF New
Bern. n c.. spoke by request of the
Committee from the Christian Science
standpoint DR.. r. II. Lewis spoke for
the State Board of Health. refusing to
consider amendments offered by the
Scientists, demanding that the bill be
passed as written. Il
Thursday, February 18th. the bill was
fsvorably reported by the Joint Commit
tee on Public Health. This was not a
surprise. though be it said to the credit