The Washington times., 1913-11-16
This is the age Of the child.

This is the age of the child.
Within the last few years, humanity
has suddenly awakened to A truth
voiced centuries ago by the Gentle
Master, that even the least of these"
should not suffer.
The ancient Spartan ideal of the sur
vival of the fittest' had its merits.
perhaps. But the new American Twen-
ueth Century ideal seeks not only to
conserve the babies that are already
here. but TO eliminate the raCially un-
fit by proper prenatal care.
For three days, learned scientists,
nurses and social workers from all the
large cities in the country have been
meeting in Washington.
From every possible angle. even that
of sentiment, they have considered the
welfare of the baby.
Annually for four years this organza-
ton, which bears the rather fnrmida Die
looking name of the Association for the
Study and Prevention of Infant Nor
tslity, has met to consider ways and
means of reducing the frightful death
rate of babies.
Instead of being appalled, at the gen
eral ignorance that seems TO prevail
about the commonest phenomena that
exist in nature. these specialists nave
quietly set to work with their remedial
measures.
Influence Is Nationwide.
From coast to coast its influence has
spread, until every town of any lrnpor-
tance has its milk fund associations, its
welfare societies. dispensaries and other
phases of baby work
Naturally, il has reached it's greatest
degree of efficiency so far in the more
congested centers. where it is most
needed
AS pointed out by one of the speak
ers at a section OF the congress, the
child Of the pauper is now having an
equal chance with the child Of the
prince. because of this newly awakened
interest in public health.
While the Eastern cities have been
pioneers in this movement. Cleveland,
ts nous for its progressiveness. has not
forgotten its tiniest citizens in the
working out Of its political Inc"Ii"s.
The city on a HiH," ss it was de-
nominated by its famous mayor, the late
Tom johnson. is universally conceded
10 have reached a high plane in lhc
administration of its baby philanthropy.
To the efforts OF DR.. II. J. GeTstcnber-
ger, head Of the Bah es Dispensary
Harriet Leete, superintendent Of nurses
at the same institution, is due in no
small measure Cleveland'E r superior sys-
tenn.
To DIR. Gers;enbeTger and his commit
tee Of assistants WAS entrusted the i'm
portant work OF preparing d bulletin OF
practical advice 10 mothers. This bulle-
tin is written in uon-technical language.
and has the official Endorsement Of the
society.
Have To Fight Tradition.
We would like especially to empra-
size a few of these points," said Miss
Leete as she gave me the list of the
thiEgs which she declared il absolutely
imperative every mother should know.
These rules seem like a very simple
proposition to any one with even just
ordinary common sense" she continued,
but we nurses know, alas TO our ire
quent evaporation, that in altogether
to many families they are not observed.
We have to fight tradition; We have
to tight superstition: anG, hardest of
all. the .obstinacy of parents who refuse
to See reason.
Mothers are often horritied at some
Of the things upon which we insist. But