The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-10-05
Philadelphia Doctor Predicts the Fate of Tuberculosis
 In Near Future
JOHN MITCHELL TALKS
 BEFORE TIE CONGRESS-
Labor Leader Talks About the ! en- dency of Workers To Contract
 Consumption and Necessity of Helping Workers.

Washington, October 4---"If every unit of our society is willing to do that which they can do, I feel confident that the day is not far distant when we will have wiped the dread disease, tuberculosis, off the face of the earth'
 This was the message of hope given to- day by Dr. Lawrence Flick of Philadel- phia, one of the most eminent medical men of the country, at the New National museum, where the tuberculosis exposi- tion is being held in connection with the International Congress on Tuberculosis, which adjourned yesterday. Today's meet ing was in the interest of labor, and was one of a series to be given this week. The speakers were Dr. Flick. John Mitch ell, former president of the United Mine Workers of America; Samuel Gompers, president tof the American Federation of Labor, and others.
 Tuberculosis is peculiarly disease1o of the wage earner," said Dir Flick, 'and this is so for the very good reason that one of the strongest predsposing causes of the disease is overwork. It is an ex- ceedingly fatal and prevalent disease among wage earners s
 Exposure to Disease.
 Dr. Flick pointed out that the reason why the wage earner is so likely to con- tract tuberculosis is because in many in- stances he is overworked, he tolls in in- sanitary workshops and oftentimes he is underfed, which causes his powers of re- slstance to be less able to throw off an implantation of the tubercle baclli. If the wage earner gets the implantation, Dr. Flick Said, it is almost certain to re- suit fatally. He refuted the theory of infection from inheritance, saying that unless the tuberculosis miero-organism is admitted into our bodies it is not pos sible for one to become infected. The need of the establishment of hospitals and sanatoriums for the care of contag- ious and non-contagious consumptives was emphasized
 John Mitchell who presided. enumerated some of the obstacles to greater progress In the promotion of health and the erad- ication of disease, and said it was due to the attitude of many employers of labor. who, he declared resist the enactment of e laws for the prevention of accidents and the promotion of health, and who comply with such laws with the greatest reluc- tance
 MitchelI's Address.
 MT. Mitchell said
 ''ro the men of learning and science, who have gathered in this capital city from all quarters of the globe, the working peo- pie of America turn with expectancy and confidence. We men of labor who carry more than our full share of the burdens and make our full share of sacrifices, cry aloud for assistance and direction in our struggle against this terrible plague, which unaided. we cannot successfully combat.
 ''In common with all other factors in society, are alive to the importance Of the researches made to find a cure for those already afflicted, but we are equally --even more--concerned in regard to meas ures which will prevent infection and stop forever the spread of this disease.
 Immunity from infection and relief from those things which predispose work ingmen and women to consumption must be brought to us in the places in which we live and work It is, of course, a source of qualification to know that those more favored by fortune. who are victims of this disease, may find relief in other cllnleS; put the men and women or tO1l are compelled by circumstances beyond their control to remain, not only in the community where they contracted the dis ease, but often are obliged to continue in their employment until they succumb to its ravages.
 Obstacles to Progress.
 Among the obstacles to greater prog ress in the promotion of health and the eradication of disease Is the attitude of many employers of labor. Not only do the prevention of accidents and the pro- motion of health, but it is with the greatest reluctance that they comply with such laws when they have been enacted
 Equally important are the housing conditions in our large cities Owners of property feel little responsibility for the health or comfort of tenants their chief concern seems to be to secure the largest possible return upon their Investments and all attempts to enforce by law reg ulatons of a sanitary character are de- noVnced as unnecessary and unwarrant- able interference.
 Tt would be- of course, unjust to say that employers or landlords should be blamed for all the evils which affect and threaten the lives of the working people, There is much that the wage-earners may do to alleviate conditions, to prevent the dissemination of disease germs and to cure tuberculosis in it's incpient stages. The danger may be minimized by the application of simple and natural rules of life and conducts; and to the extent that education and agitation may offer relief, 1t is the duty of the working people to take advantage of the practical sug- gestions which are made for their guid-