Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-10-12
VACCINATION ISSUE MAY
Be SETTLED BY COURTS.
Position of Board of Education
Defined by President
w. v. Cox.

We are not lawbreakers. When we
came in certain laws existed governing
the admission. OF children to the public
schools. Until the courts decide that
these laws are illegal and imperative we
will have to enforce. them"
W. V. Cox. president of the board of
education, this morning thus summed up
what the attitude OF the board will be
in the legal fight promised by DIR. George
w. Harris OF 1900 street northwest be-
cause his nine-year-old son Carl was re-
fused admission to the Adams School for
compliance with the compulsory vac
cination Law of the District.
Mr.. Cox stated that only one course
was open to the board of education in
case DR.. Harris persists in his refusal
to have his son vaccinated and fails to
SO place him that he will receive the
required educational training outside Of
the public schools.
Issue as Presented.
DIR. Harris says that if his son is not
admitted to the public schools he will
keep him out OF school rather than have
him vaccinated Mr.. Cox points out that
the law says il DR.. Harris fails TO pro-
vide for the education of his son the
parent shall be given three days notice
by the board. after which he shall he
liable to arrest and fire. DR.. Harris
says he will let matters take their course
and he is anxious to fight the case out
in the courts.
1T looks to me as if some one is try
ing to make the board of education bear
the brunt of a fight between the anti-vac-
cinationists and the health officer of the
District" continued Mr.. Cox. We have
no leeway at all in the matter The law
he vaccination of al li~
school children is not for to enforce or
break at our pleasure.
Vaccination Not Considered.
I'VE are not trying to pass on the merits
of vaccination. If il is d bad custom we are
perfectly willing to see it done away. with,
but the only way to abolish it is through
the courts or by act of Congress revok-
ing the measure. We have nothing to do
with the fight between anti-vaccination-
lists and pro-vaccinationists.
IF DR.. Harris refuses to provide for
the education of his son or to comply with
the conditions of public school educa-
ton We shall be forced to have him ar
rested and fined. as provided for by law.
II he carries the matter further and the
proper courts decide the compulsory vac
cination law TO be illegal and imperative.
well and good. The law will be nullified and
We will make no attempt 10 enforce IL,
1t will then be up to the health officer
to provide what measures he deems prop
er and effective to ward against possible
smallpox epidemics. We will take the
only course left open to us
After Withdrawing his son from pri-
vate institution, DR.. Harris yesterday
went with him to the, Adams School, I'm
r street, and applied for his admission.
He was furnished with a certificate of
admission, but when informed that his
son would have to be vaccinated he re-
fused to enter the boy.
Ready for Contest.
II am ready to contest the compulsory
vaccination law in the courts said DR..
Harris 1T is now up to the truant obi
GERS to arrest me for alleged violation Of
the compulsory education law. One thing
In certain-I am not going to observe the
compulsory education law II vaccination
Of my son Is required by the school board,
and / defy the board Of education to
mako me have him vaccineted."
Charles w. Darr and Walter c. Balder-
son, attorneys for the ADMINISTRATION
Society and the Personal Liberty League.
saw they will defend DR.. Harris IL the
case IL carried to the courts.