The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1912-10-17
Stdt = pointed Health Officer
s>lendered Resignation
~
BECAUSE OF lNHARM0NY.
Did Moi Wish &c Be in Conflict With
Local Administration at Importsnt
Time-Special Council Meeting Ap-
pointed Dr.. Woodruff To-day.

As the elimination of long period
OF inharmony between the municipal ad-
/ ministration of Barre and the state-ap.
pointed health officer, which assumed a
more acute stage on the smallpox ouo-
break. and Mt the suggestion OF the state
| board of health, Dr. Joe w. Jackson last
night resigned as health officer; and
the city council at special meeting this
forenoon appointed DR.. ]. II. Woodruff
to take full charge Of the present cpl
demie acting in the capacity OF health
officer.
The resignation of Dr.. Jackson WAS
the direct outgrowth OF representations
| to the state board OF health at confer
enee in Montpelier, after which the state
board consulted with DR.. jackson. AT
the latter conference the state-appointed
health officer, while agreeing that there
had been some friction in the conduct OF
the city's health department because of
lack of entire harmony with the city
council, denied that he had neglected his
duty, yet, feeling that he did not wish
to hinder harmonious action at an inn
portant time, he would tender his resig-
nation. This DIR. Jackson did at once,
the resignation to take effect immedi-
ately. Therefore, in the period between
the time of the resignation and the meet
ing of the council this forenoon, Barre was
without a health officer.
The meeting was called to order at
l0:l5 o'clock by Mayor Thurston City
Attorney f. l.. Scott was present and
the mayor called upon him to tell of the
circumstances leading up to the confer
ence between the local officials and the
state board OF health and of the action I,
which transpired at the meeting. The
city attorney stated that things had
come to light Wednesday which prompt
ed the state board to ask for confer
ence with the mayor, city attorney,
states attorney, health officer and Others
After the hearing at the Pavilion hotel,
he said DIR. Jackson rendered his
TO take effect at once.
The names of two physicians and a lay
man were discussed among Others for
a successor and at last the comforting Of
ficials consulted DIR. John H. Woodruff.
The question of expense arose and the
state board officers declared that a ply
sician should be put into the field and
given entire charge of the situation. In
order to bring this to pass. the board 4
that the city pay DR..
Jaekson's successor stipend that would
Enable him to give his full time to the
Epidemic. In some Vermont towns and
titles, according. to the board members,
he health officers had been recompensed
It salaries of 500 per week or $l0 per
lay At this juneture DR. Woodruff was
onsulted and he consented to give up
lis present practice accept the Office of
Iealth officer and devote his whole time
o the suppression of the epidemic for
he sum of Sl00 per week.
Ii was finally agreed, said Mr.. Scott,
hat the state boards appointment OF
)r. Woodruff would become effective inn
after the city council should
X his salary and confirm the selection.
Iembers of the state bosrl wished TO
mphasize their desire to make a choice
greeable to the council and citizens of
ARE DR.. Woodruff's commission was
lade out and il vas agreed TO forward
to him providing the council confirmed
ne appointment.
In closing his report of the proceed
lgs at the conference, City Attorney
eott recommended accepting the sug
sstion Of the state board and said that
r. Woodruffs appointment would be-
me effective at once On the motion
Alderman Ward. the mayor took an
formal vote on the question of co2ilr-
alton and all of the members voted
in favor of the reeomn,ep-
,tions OF the state board. Later ~
,rman Rossi made a motion that Inc
opposition of DR.. Woodruff TO serve rs
ty health officer with full authority at
salary of 500 be accepted. Alderman
cLeod seconded the motion, which was
rried unanimously.
Upon the action of the city council
I'd that of the state board, the newly
pointed health officer is to have full
thority and the remaining members Of
G board of health are to act in an ati-
sorry capacity. DIR. Woodruff stated
at he desired the cooperation of the
uneil. citizens az well as the board of
smbers in the campaign against small
Y. He assumed his duties immediate
after the confirmation by .he council.