New-York tribune., 1912-04-07

S-IE whole question Of sanitary and
moral prophylaxis is now being con-
l. sidered from a broader viewpoint
than ever before in the worlds history
Special recognition is being given to the
fact that moral as well as medical issues
are involved in the problem Of prevention
of the diseases Of vice.
The intellectual and moral awakening
now manifest in this and other countries
in the problem of prevention is one OF the
most significant signs of the times. IL
may be positively affirmed that the IN
terest In this subject is wide, profound ana
rapidly increasing. 1t may be characterized
rather as an undercurrent of interest which
has not vet come TO the surface as the
ordinary channels of communication with
the public. in which new movements find
expresson-the newspaper press and mag
azines-have been effectually closed by
traditional prejudice. Yet in many social
groups in educational centres, in sociolog-
ical circles and among intelligent and
serious minded parents. it is one of the
livest questions of the day.
Societies are being organized in all coun-
tries for the study of the best means of
every order. educational moral, social. leg
z,
in the prophylaxis of these diseases. Their
enormous prevalence and their slgnlncahCe
as danger to the public health are oelng
emphasized and appreciated as never Detorc'
In point of prevalence they vastly over
shadow all other infectious diseases COM
bined. 1t is a conservative estimate that
fully one-eighth of all human disease ana
suffering comes from this source.
seeking information and cooperation from
the medical profession. Publicity or these
evils. authorities believe. cannot fail 10
create "a public sentiment in favor OF TINS
work which will lead to sympathetlc
and active cooperation on the part ot all
mon and women interested in the social
. welfare.
Certain churches in the United States
have recently announced that before any
marriage can be performed in them the
parties must furnish a certificate from a
reputable physician. showing freedom from
disease. Bishop Whitehead, of Pittsburgh
has commended this plan The New YORK
Board of Health has taken radical ster
toward the control and cure of these dis
eases.
And the man most responsible for these
activities in this country is DR.. Price A
: Morrow. president OF the Society of Sani-
tary and Moral Prophylaxis. To the IT'D
une man DR.. Morrow related. at his nome
No 66 West 40th street, few days ago
! some of the discouragements that he' Ike
. All pioneers. has been forced TO combat
1T required months Of effort, said Dr.
Morrow. "of written appeals. of personal
solicitation. 10 muster this small advance
guard of movement. which has since
grown in numbers. influence and strength
and which is destined. as | believe. to 40
a great work in the interest Of preventive
medicine and for the good of humanity.
FIe told how on February S. 1905. a hand
ful of half-hearted men met In the halI OF
the Academy of Medicine, in this city, to
discuss the wisdom and expedency OF
forming an organization for the specific Oh
iect of the study and prevention OF thc
spread of diseases which have their origin
in the social evil
only about twenty-five persons respond
cd to this call" said DR.. Morrow, and
the array of empty benches was so dlsplrlt-
ing that the meeting was adjourned 10 an
adjacent smaller room. The movement so
inauspicieusly launched started SLOWLY
besitatjngly. then advanced with more GER
tainty and courage, later boldly and more
aggressively, until now it has gained recog-
milton and respect and achieved no small
of success"