The daily telegram. [volume] (Clarksburg, W. Va.) 1901-1926, 1904-07-12

nearly to the ideal.
Let West Virginia take the initiative
step toward securing the yet higher ed
ucation of funeral directors and add one
more proof that as state we are not
only keeping step with but are pioneers
in the path of human progress.
All the migratory lecturers and the
free schools have more interest in the
introduction and advancement of fluids
and sale. of goods than anything else
and they have had a tendency to draw
the profession from association work.
a longer period of instruction should be
given in embalming schools, and, the
state boards ought to require applicants
to present a diploma from some credit
able school of embalming which IS APP
proved by our state and national asso-
citation, and the state board ought to
make the examinations in the future
more strict and require practical work
from all applicants.
The clp-tom seems TO prevail among
some of the manufacturers of embalm-
ing fluids. when their fluid is used in
preparing the body of some distin-
guisncd person, to advertise 1t extern
.sivcIy and oftItimes use the photo
graphs of such persons in trade journals.
We should condemn such advertising as
degrading to our profession ana IN ex'
cecdingly bad taste.
It has been reported that in some
parts of the state embalming is being
practiced without a license. Gut of re-
spect for the laws on embalming,
would urge every member to yield a
cheerful compliance with the law and
take pains to furnis-. evidence in cases
of violation. 1t is a duty you owe to
your state as a citizen and to your as
sociation as member. If you file COM
plants and furnish evidence your state
officials will do .Ae rest.
The adoption of the code of ethics by
the national association and the reading
of it in each session of the state assoc
citation has accomplished much good in
stimulating the profession.
The relations of funeral directors to
one another should always be courteous
and gentlemanly, especially in tine ship
ment of bodies. which are becoming more
frequent each year. 1t involves an ex-
change of eourtesies that count for
much good in professional life. The en-
ba1mer who prepares a body for trans
portation should accompany it with a
letter. Such a letter coming from one
in possession of all the facts is OF
great assistance to the director who re-
ccives tine body at its destination. The
receipt of this letter, as any other
would require an acknowledgment. Thus
friendly and professional exchange OF
courtesies and information becomes al
once pleasure helpful and clevatfng te
the profession.
The present tendency in our Profcs.
sion is to raise our STANDING in every
way. The recent laws that have beer
passed by the different states, also th'
( new transportation rules agreed uPoF
between the association and general pas
4 senger agents, the provincial boards o.
health and the National Funeral Direct
4 ors' Association all show that in tht
near future disfnfection will be specia
subject requiring attention at the hands
of all progressive undcrtakers.
A mistaken idea has gained SONG
Judgment even in the minds of some
of our members, that the purpose o
our association and our legislation is t.
restrict the number of undertakers. Thi'
4 is false notion and one that cannot b
too strongly condemned. The purpose
OF our organization has not changes
from the beginning, and the purpose o
9ur legislation has always been to main
tain the present high standard ATTAINED
i and to elevate 1t still higher. 1T j
gratifying to observe the advancement