The Evening statesman. [volume] (Walla Walla, Wash.) 1903-1910, 1907-01-10

from DR.. F. II. Luce, chairman of the
judicial council of the Washington
State Medical association. regarding
proposed legislation advocated by ply
sicians of the state:
1T may be stated as a general fact
that the physician of today realizes
his responsible relation to the people of
the state and, therefore, he is concern
ing himself largely with such matters
as pertain to preventive medicine In
the accomplishment of great results
along this line, it is necessary to edu-
cate the people in various ways, and to
keep hammering prevention into them
until they come to have proper regard
and concern for the welfare of others as
proposition, and necessarily long up
hill pull, but the state medical associa-
ton is committed to this work and
hopes for good results in the coming
years. This is distinctly a step in keep
ing with the advanced general progress
of the age. and think it will be appre-
ciated by the people when they be-
come familiar with the work
Criminal Insane Institution.
Concerning measures for legislation,
we suggest the following:
The establishment of a criminal in
sane institution in connection with the
state penitentiary. This institution
would naturally be placed under the
same jurisdiction as the penitentiary.
THE enactment of a law making it
mandatory upon the trial judge to COM
nit to the criminal insane institution
any person acquitted of d crime on the
provision for the possible release of a
person so committed, but under such
stringent regulations as to make it ex-
ceedingly difficult to effect such release
appropriate legislation relating to
the hospitals for the insane, providing
that the medical superintendent shall be
an expert alienist and that he shall be
provided with sufficient number OF
competent assistant physicians; that
the members of the medical staff shall
continue in office during efficient ser
vice, irrespective of changes in the
state administration; that adequate ap-
preparations be made by the state for
the salaries of the medical staff.
Public Water Systems.
The enactment of law placing I'M
der control of the state board of health
the approval Of all plans for installing
and extending water supply and sewer
age systems; the prevention of pollu-
ton Of water sheds and water sources
by individuals, corporations. and cities;
and enabling the state board of health
to employ necessary assistants to con-
duct experiments along the lines Of
water and sewerage publication.
THE enactment of a law giving to
cities the power to regulate their own
milk supplies, including diaries, milk
dealers. and the standard of purity and
cleanliness of milk and cream.
"A more comprehensive and stringent
law concerning vital statistics
That the state provide separate
wards in public institutions for the iso-
latiOn, care and treatment of those in
mates who are afflicted with tuberculo-
sis. l am not satisfied that Legislation
is necessary to accomplish this, and
probably the board of control would
have power in the matter
General and special measures to cur
tail and generally stamp out tubercu-
losis. l will enumerate the recommen-
datons of the report. Some call for
legislation, some for municipal action,
and a few are in quasi effect.
The following practical measures in
the line of restriction are recommended
and state and municipal laws should be
enacted, with adequate penalties for
non compliance, giving health officers
sufficient latitude in the enforcement of
these requirements.
The notification to and the resig-
tration by health authorities of all cases
of tuberculosis.
THE notification to and the resig-
ties when a tuberculosis family moves
from one house to another, or when a
tuberculosis patient dies. and the i'm
mediate and thorough disinfection of
the vacated house and the recording of
such action in an open record.
Prevention of Splitting.
THE prevention of splitting in open
places where the sputum is likely to in
| feet others; namely, upon the floors,
platform or steps of any railroad sta
! ton. steam or electric car: or upon the
! door. platform. or steps of any puphc
building, hall. church. theater, market,
or street sidewalk.
THE compulsory disinfection OF hotel
| roo>,. COR herthS and steamer