Evening bulletin. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1895-1912, 1905-08-10
BOARD Of HiA[Ta
DISCUSSES
GAS INSPECTION

| WV "u"u uhVsv
| At the meeting OF the Board of
| Health yesterday the matter of licens-
ing Japanese physicians was brought
up. No action was taken. however,
as ar answer to the following letter
written by President Pinkham to the
Medical Association is still expected:
Honolulu. Hawaii, Aug 2, 1905,
DR.. st. D. G. Walters. secretary Of the
Hawaiian Medical Association, Ho-
nolulu, T. II.
Dear Sir:-While the Board OF
Health has no authority to prescribe
any rules under which the Board Of
Medical Examiners shall conduct its
examinations Of applicants for IL
cense to practice medicine within the
Territory OF Hawaii. such rules are
properly a matter for consideration
among the profession and among the
Board of Health authorities who are
charged with the enforcement Of the
laws.
The Board OF Medical Examiners
have established the rule that all ex-
aminations shall be conducted in the
English language.
My own knowledge covers but COM
paratively short period. Many of you
from long years of residence are famil-
lar with the subject.
japanese candidates for licenses TO
practice medicine constitute the only
nationality that seeks an exception to
the rule, so far as my information can
be relied upon. This exception has
been granted until recently. The Board
has been compelled to rely on Jap
anese interpreters.
While the Board has frequently re-
jectcd American applicants | know Of
few instances where japanese appli-
Cants have failed.
The plea is put forth that Japanese
physicians practice only among their
own countrymen. This plea is not sus-
tanned by the facts.
We recognize the skill Of many Jap
anese physicians and their studious
ambition to reach the highest attain
ments In their profession. Their testi-
mony has been most respectfully re-
ceived in our highest court, and In a
case involving the determination Of the
most vital right OF the Territory to
guard public health.
This Is an American country: its
government is carried on In the Eng
lish language. and its officials rely on
the Enrlish language In carrying out
the laws OF the Territory.
The question resolves itself into n
determination of what is sound public
policy. and whether In matters OF
health and practice OF medicine the
officers OF the government shall be
able to supervise through their own
direct intelligence, or some interme'
diary.
doubt II the profession as a body
or any board, or official, has any de.
sire to place single improper obsta
Gle In the way OF alien physicians o.
the requisite attachments. There ap
pears. however, to be a lack OF appre'
citation on the part OF some applicants
OF what Is due government that Is
American, ana when must MAINTAIN
IN reasonable degree, American con-
ditions or language and administra'
ton.
regret the facts compel me 10
designate the japanese as the question
Is a general one. but they are OF the
nationality that raises the issue
! believe a carefully considered opin'
Ion by your organization would be OF
great value and In the event opinions
vary, botn SIDES should he presented
: beg TO remain
very respectfully
(signed) l.. r. PlNhHAM'
President Board OF Health
Inc matter us 10 Whether the PIE
runs at kamehameha schooI sh~'ld DC
allowed IN spite OF the regulation Tor
Diddihg such withih iour miles Oh inc
postofhce' was discussed Agrlcuitur-
Isl krauss OF the kamehameha SCHOOLS