The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1907-09-23

In the course Of an article on farm and
dairy management, written with special
reference 10 the needs Of Indian schools.
Charles S. Davis, Of the Geological
Survey who was formerly in charge Of
the Chilocco Indian School, in Oklahoma,
says:
a. consideration OF the great value Of
milk and its products as articles Of food,
and their natural conformity to the needs
Of the developing children assembled at
these schools, emphasizes the wisdom Of
carrying on in a practical way the proc
esses Of dairying at these schools as a
means Of economically and properly pro-
viding for the daily subsistence Of the
pupils.
Every animal suspected Of being in
fected with tuberculosis should be tested.
and proper measures taken 10 eradicate
the disease, If found to be present To
neglect this IS In the nature Of a crime
against innocent and helpless children.
The prevalence Of tuberculosis among the
Indians calls for a thorough investigation
along these lines.
Competent Inspection Is Needed.
To cooperate with the office Of Indian
Affairs in such investigation. and in the
proper instruction Of officials having
charge OF herds al the Indian schools. in
a matter Of such moment, would seem 10
be a function Of the Department Of Agri-
culture. best executed by its experts. In
different schools particularly the twenty
five large uonreservatIon schools, remain
ing at each long enough 10 become thor
oughIy acquainted with local conditions.
Each inspector should report conditions
as he finds them. and If further action is
needed should advise with the Indian Of
fee.
To discharge these duties successfully
an Inspector should be cOnversaut with
business Methods and would also need 10
De practical dairyman. man OF mature
judgment. well grounded in modern dairy
practice.
For a Department of Health.
a writer in Worlds Work for January,
1871. pertinently states.
There goes on forever an extension OF
governmental functions that is disquieting
to old-fashioned thought. But it must be
so. because new duties arise that can be
done by no other agency, or at least that
will be done by no other Among such
new duties is the work that the national
government might do 70 preserve the pub
lie health, not only 10 prevent the i'm
portation Of diseases. but TO prevent 1.-THE
spread OF diseases that We already have.
There has long been an agitation for the
creation Of department OF health. and it
is an agitation that will win at some
time
The above IS quoted in this connection
not for the purpose Of indOrslng the
plan for the creation Of a new depart
ment, but TO show the present pressing
demand for investigation and action
along sanitary lines. VOluminOus details
have recently appeared in the daily pa
pers in regard 10 a sanitary inquiry now
being made in Washington and vicinity
under the direction OF Chief Z. Il Web
s1er. OF tie dairy division OF the Depart
ment OF agriculture This inquiry is re-
feTred 70 as being the first one Of this
kind to be undertaken by such author
ity. The motive 10 action IN this instance
Is need the country over for better saui-
tary methods. with regard TO milk and
that the Capital City should be a model
in this respect. Assistant Secretary
Hays, who is said 10 have general over
sight of the inquiry into the local milk
supply, Is quoted as emphasizing the
educational value Of such Investigations,
and as saying.
IS The time has come when il is nee
essary that more money be expended,
and more effort and energy in improving
and protecting our animal food supply.
This applies 20 both meat and milk. Milk
is q ready culture medium for bacteria,
and disease is easily communicated
through it. a clean milk supply is very
important It is not proper 10 blame any
one IN particular for present conditions;
bat local health authorities should take
hold Of this question and see 10 it that
the milk supply is protected thoroughly.
Places where milk is kept FOR sale in
cities should be subjected to careful in
SpectiOn City meat markets likewise
should be inspected, and should be kept
as clean as the cleanest kitchen
Authority Already Exists.
This would indicate that authority to
proceed with sanitary investigations as
related TO the milk supply of communities
in general in order 20 meet the urgent
need for information relating thereto.
already exists and is vested in the Depart
meut Of Agriculture A logical outcome
Of the exercise Of such functions viii be
their extension in the manner herein indi-
cooperation with the De-
partment Of the Interior 10 the Indian
schools. It is obvious that the milk sup
plies furnished 10 communities Of Indians
under governmental care need rigid in
spection no less than supplies 10 other
people. That the supplies TO the Indians
are produced without such inspection. yet
under government sanction, indicates q
neglect of plain duty. What sort Of con-
is that which requires Uncle Sam
10 inspect privately produced milk sup
plies while allowing his own TO go unin-
spected? The great white plague which
the government is organizing TO fight is
the plague of the red man as well as Of
the white and of the black. What avails
It if we purge all the rest Of the world OF
disease if we leave any open door for re-
Infection? The one SOuCe Of infection 90
which attention is herein directed is suffi-
cient to reinfect the whole lump.
The plan thus briefly outlined is in
tended to go TO the root Of the matter so
far as the Indian Service is concerned.
and calls for action on account of its I'M
portant bearing on the health of Indian
pupils and employees in government serv-
ice Inspection is urgently needed. II will
be worth all il costs on account Of its