Lexington gazette. [volume] (Lexington, Va.) 1871-1962, 1905-02-01
Suggestions as TO Lexington
fBoard of Health

fBOaru OF Heultu
EDITOR GAZETTE There seems
to be considerable difficulty ex
perienced by our town council il
securing q new board of health
the position of chairman OF
health officer has been offered tC
three physicians, each of whom
has declined it. TIE reason is,
think, not far to seek. These mer
apparently feel that the former
health officer and his colleagues or
the board, were efficient in their
work, accomplishing a great sew
vice for the town, and that il
would be wise to continue them
This view is certainly shared by
many other citizens.
A word or two regarding this
board may not be out of place.
The chairman, DR.. Estill, was
selected upon the recommendation
of all the physicians of the town,
and, especially during his term of
office, has made a most careful and
effective study of all questions
pertaining to public health. The
representative from the Institute,
Dr.. Howard, is recognized as an
authority on bacteriology and all
matters relating 70 contagious
diseases. The member from the
University, DR.. Campbell, has
bsen-for a good number of years a
teacher of hygiene and public
health, and no man in this section
of the State is more familiar with
the subject. The two other mem
bers of the board, Mr.. Adair and
Mr.. Witt, are well known as
public spirited citizens and men
of excellent judgment, and their
presence upon the board has done
much to commend it's actions to
the people of the town. Altogether
there are few towns or even cities
of Virginia where board of such
material could have been selected.
1t is not unnatural that the
council should have felt, after the
boards resignation, somewhat
reluctant to re-elect them, espe-
cially in view of the statement in
their letter that the council had
shown lack of sympathy with
their efforts. / have been some
what familiar with the doings Ct
the board and / confess that have
shared this feeling, especially in
view Of the fact that the salary of
the health officer was cut from
$3.50 TO $3.50, without any consulta-
ton with him or intimatIOn as to
why it was done.
But by their resolutions, passed
in accepting the designations, the
council clearly state that this view
is erroneous, that they have not
been unsympathetic, and that nc
want Of confidence was intended
by the salary cut. This being the
case. is there any reason why the
old board should not be reelected
This board did not wish to serve
an unsympathetic council, but the
council is sympathetic, and there
is no reason why the two bodies
should not work in harmony. In
place of this size, is it probable
that a better board can be found,
or o better health officer, especially
after three other physicians have
declined the place? Is not the
matter too serious for experimental
Out of nil. mer elected to the
board, | understand that only two
have accepted, and If the council
desired to re-elect the old board,
| have no doubt these two would
gladly yield their places.
AS regards the salary of the
health Officer, considering the
duties of the office and what has
already been acc )mplished. | dc
not think the tax payers would
consider it an extravaganza If tie
salery we've to remaina Mt $3.50,
where it was originally placed.
The warm season will soon be
upon US, and if we are to have II
repetition OF last summe. y virtual
freedom from typhoid fever the
greatest vigilance will be demand
ed. We cannot afford to sacrifice
the health of Lexington to mis-
Understandings or personal feel
ings.
JAS. LEWIS HOWE.
Jan. 80, 1905.