The Idaho Republican. [volume] (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1904-1932, 1911-05-19
DEADLY COCAINE HABIT THEME
OF PAPER BY WALLIS
State Pure Food Inspector Makes
Address at Meeting of Pharma-
ceutical Association at
POcatellO


here attended by a large number OF
druggists from all parts of the state.
A feature of the initial meeting was
a strong address by Pure Food In
spector James H. Wallis, who plead
with the druggist to assist his depart
ment in enforcing the laws of the
state, particularly with relation to
certain dangerous drugs. Among
other things, Mr.. Wallis said:
when the federal food and drugs
act was passed it was apparent that
products containing cocaine or CO.
caine derivatives must bear a state
ment on the label of the quantity or
proportion contained in each ounce of
the caterial, if shipped in interstate
commerce or manufactured and sold
in the District of Columbia or in ter
ritory subject to the jurisdiction of
the United States The result has
been that most of these cocaine-laden
mixtures have been either taken off
the marlet, sold locally or shipped in
interstate commerce by and through
irresponsible persons. In some cases
they are sent directly to the drug
habitues by so-called reputable deal
ers. For example, clergyman inter-
viewed the drug inspector some time
ago as to the possibility of taking
action against a certain firm supply
ing his community with "catarrh
POWDER He stated that the use of
the powder was ruinous to some of
his congregation and furnished the
writer the name of a large whole
saler in an adjacent state who fur
nished the remedy. A letter was
written to this firm asking whether
it would furnish this powder, and if
so, what the charges would be. The
firm was also advised that the reason
for making the application was that
the laws of this state were so string
ent and SO rigidly enforced that it
was exceedingly difficult, if not impos-
sible, to purchase any cocaine or CO.
caine preparation in this jurisdiction.
This firm in question responded to the
effect that the desired article would
be sent at certain price. The amount
named for three packages was trans
mitted by postal order and three
packages of the powder were duly
received.
Another case was that of a boy
who had contracted the cocaine habit.
His father made inquiry as to whether
1t was possible for the federal au-
thoirties to interdict the sale of this
commodity. He stated that in his
home city the article was freely sold, |
and his son being known as a hab-
itue, it was offered to him continually,
The boy, about Is years of age, stated
that 1t was simply impossible for him
to resist the temptation, and in order
to save the family from disgrace he
requested that he be sent into a coun-
try where cocaine could not be pur-
chased. He was accordingly sent to
Germany, where he was at the time
of the fathers interview with the
writer. 1t was also stated that the
habit was contracted by the injudi-
cious use of cocaine in the treatment
Of catarrhal conditions by reputable
and well-known specialist. The father
was anxious to bring his boy back to
America, but was afraid to do so,
owing to the ease with which this
dangerous drug could be obtained.
I'm conclusion | beg of you to as
'ist us in the enforcement of one reg
llation, which | regard as the most
important enacted by the legislation,
md that Is the prohibition of the sale
Of habit-forming drugs. beg of you
% assist us in the enforcement of
his law, and not refill prescription
Tor sell any drug prohibited without
he prescription of physician. Not
'ne regulation deserves half the seri-
Jus consideration that this regulation .
loes ! appeal to doctors, druggists
Ind to the people engaged in the sale
If drugs, and to all citizens, to obey
md enforce this regulation, which
the indiscriminate sale and |,
Use of habit-forming drugs, when the |.
words do not refill are written above
he signature of the prescribing ply
cian
II have met people addicted to the
lrug habit, friends of mine, that l
4ppeal to you to assists us in the
Increment of this law; | appeal to
'ou in the interest of the husband
vho has wife addicted to the drug
labit or is in danger of contracting
he habit. If not for the husband, Ia
hen for the wife who has a husband
ms