The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1909-11-03


New York. Oct. 2s.---A gift OF ST.
100000 by John ID. Rockefeller to
night the hookworm disease was an
ncuncsd at the once Of the Standard
OH Company here late today.
A dozen well known educators and
scientists. selected largely from insti-
tutions Of learning In the South. where
the parasite II prevalent, were called
In conference with Mr.. Rockefeller's
representatives at the Standard Oil
Company's Offices at 2e Broadway last
Tuesday and at that meeting Mr..
Rockefefler's desire to organize
eommission to carry on campaign
axainst the malady was discussed. AZ
rssult Of this discussion "the Rookie
feller Commission for the Eradication
Of the Hookworm Disease" was form
ed. The members OF this commission
as selected by Mr.. Rockefeller is as
follows:
Dr William H. welch. professor Of
pathology In Johns Hopkins unlversi-
~; DIR. 9. r. Lexner. director Of
Rockefeller Institute. for Medical Re-
search: DR.. Chas. w. stiles. chief of
the division of ssology United States
public health and marine hospital
service. discoverer of the American
spscies Of hookworm and the preva-
lencs Of the diseases in America; DR..
r. A. Alderman. president Of the Uni
versity of Virginia; DIR. Davis f.
Housman. chancellor Of Washington
University. st. Louis; Prof. p. p. Ciax-
ton, professor of education In the Uni
versity Of Tennessee; J. Y. Joyner.
state Superintendent Of education in
North Carolina and president Of the
National Educational Associations; w.
N. Page, editor Of The Worlds Work;
DIR. H. 8. Frissell. principal Hampton
Institute; Frederick T. Gates. one of
Mr.. Rockefeller's business managers;
Starr J. Murphy. Mr.. Rockefeller's
counsel In benevolent matters; John
ID. Rockefeller. Jr.
In calling these gentlemen together
for Tuesdays conference Mr.. Rookie
feller addveesed to each letter, point
Ing out his interest In relieving the
human suffering caused by the hook
worm parasite. especially because. he
said. Il had been his pleasure to spend
! q portion Of each year among the
warm-hearted people OF the South and
ne welcomed the opportunity to, ex-
pres appreciation of their many
kindnesses and hospitalities.
The members OF the commission. in
framing reply to Mr.. Rockefeiler's
offer OF $1,000. 900. said the PROPOSE
tion met with their heartiest approba-
ticn.
Two millions Of our people are
infected with this parasite" they ad-
ded. 1T is by no means confined to
one class; IL takes Its toll Of suffering
and death from the intelligent and
well-to-do as we'll as from the less
Fortunate"
The correspondence In full was as
follows:
Mr.. Rockefeller wrote to the con-
ferees:
New York. Oct. 26, 100.
Gentlemen: For many months my
representatives have been inquiring
into the nature and prevalence Of
hookworm disease and considering
plans for mitigating its evils. have
delayed action In this matter only un-
I'll the facts as to the extent of the
disease could be verified and the ef-
fectiveness Of Its cure and prevention
demonstrated.
The wide distribution and the Sc
rious effects of this malady, particu-
larry In the rural districts OF our
Southern States. as pointed out by DR..
Stiles. have now been confirmed by
independent observations Of other dis
tinguished investigators and physI-
clans an well as by educators and pub
lie men OF the South.
knowing your interest in all that
pertains to the wellbeing of your fell
iow-men and your acquaintance with
this subject. have invited you to a
conference In the hope that 1t may
lead to the adoption Of we'll consider.
ed plans for a cooperative movement
OF the medical profession. public
health officials. boards of trade.
churches. schools. the press and 9TH
er agencies for the cure and prevenT
ton of this disease.
IF you deem 1t wise to undertake
this commission 4 shall no Glad 10 ho