The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1908-06-03


engaging his attention, he found time
to inform the officers OF the Interna-
tional Congress on tuberculosis of
his acceptance OF the presidency Of
that Congress, which is to be held in
Washington on September p to
October r. incidentally, in com
menting upon the importance of the
anti-tuberculosis crusade from an eco.
nomic standpoint, he characterized
the movement as full OF hope for the
Individual and sure to confer mater
ial benefit on tthe country as whole
He touched upon the opportunity the
gathering OF scientists and investiga-
tors from every part OF the world will
afford for the interchange OF know
ledge and for the consequent increas-
ed efficiency on the part of the med
ical profession to be expected. He
referred also to the strengthening of
international ties, and to the profound
realization OF the brotherhood of man
to be gained from the union OF all
nations in the fight against the foe
the white plague-that is common to
all. The Presidents acceptance was
addressed to Dr. Lawrence F. Flick,
Of Philadelphia, chairman OF the Com
mittee of Arrangements for the Con-
gress. The letter follows
The White House,
Washington, May II, 1908
Sir:
1t is with great pleasure that / ac-
eept the presidency of tthe "Interna-
tional Congress on tuberculosis"
which is to meet in this city on Sept.
Fl, 1908, and extend its session to
Oct. II, 1908 Official duties, how
ever, may prevent my presiding at the
initial meeting of the Congress, in
which case will deputize Secretary
Cortelyou.
The importance of the crusade
against tuberculosis, in the interest of
which this Congress convenes, can
not be overstimated when it is realiz
I'd that tuberculosis costs our country
two hundred thousand lives year,
and the entire world million lives
a year, besides to material progress,
prosperity and happiness, and being
an enormous expense to society, most
often in those walks of life where the |
burden is least bearable.
Science has demonstrated that this |
disease can be stamped out, but the
rapidity and completeness with which |
this can be accomplished depend upon |
the promptness with which the new
doctrines about tuberculosis can be
inculcated into the minds OF tthe peo-
pie and engrafted upon our customs,
habits and laws. The presence in our
midst of representatives of world wide
workers in this magnificent cause
gives an unusual opportunity for ac-
celerating the educational part of the
program.
The modern crusade against tuber-
culosis brings hope and bright pros
poets of recovery to hundreds and
thousands OF victims Of the disease,
who under old teachings were aban-
doned to despair, The work of this
Congress will bring the results of the
latest studies and Investigations be-
fore the profession at large and place
in the hands Of our physicians all the
newest and most approved methods of
treating the disease--a knowledge
which will add many years Of valu-
able life to our people and will there
by increase orr public wealth and
happiness.
The international Congress on Tu-
berculosis is in the interest Of univer-
sal peace. By joining in such a war
fare against common foe the people
Of the world are brought closer to-
gether and made to realize better the
brotherhood Of man; for united in
terest against common foe fosters
universal friendship. Our country
which is honored this year as the host
of other nations in this great gather
ing of leaders and experts and as the
custodian of the magnificent exhibit
which will be set up by the entire
world, should manifest its apprecia-
ton by giving the Congress a setting
worthy of the cause. of our guests,
and of ourselves. We should en-
deavor to make it the greatest and the
most fruitful Congress which has yet