The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-01-27
GOVERNOR WILSON
TALKS TO GATHERING
!. OF SOCIAL WORKERS
Expresses Interest in Sub
jects Treated-Talks of
the Health Depart
ment

Hoboken, N. J., January 26-Presi-
dent-elect Wilson today addressed a
private gathering of prominent social
workers at the home of Mrs. Caroline
b. Alexander. wherc he and his family
were weekend guests. In statement
given out by Mrs Alexander setting
forth Governor Wilson's remarks, he
is quoted as declaring that in forward
ing the movement for national bn-
reau of health 1t was desirable to re-
move the Impression that the govern
ment expected to set up "a medical
trust" The governor is reported as
having said that there was no inten-
tion to put any school of medicine In
charge of national health projects but
that all schools of medicine should
work in harmony on the question OF
sanitation, which he considered most
important
Several speeches we're made embrac-
ing immigration, child labor, prison
contract labor. workmen's compensa-
tion and Industrial relations No news
paper men were admitted and Governor
Wilson could not be reached tonight TO
make any comment on the conference
The statement given out at the Alex
ander home quotes the President-lect
as saying:
Interested in Topics
"Evry subject treated here today en-
cages my deep interest and enthu-
siasm. My enthusiasm Is in proportion
generally to the practicability of a
scheme. / have always been eager to
forward general principles. but 1 do
not feel the breath fill my lungs until
see the practical rlan. L hope you will
always come to me with plans and you
may depend upon me to consider those
plans with interest and friendliness.
Most of the things that you have
spoken of are without political embar-
rassment. one that does have political
embarrassment IL the health department.
project. Already, in dealing with medi-
cal education IN New Jersey, we have had
political difficulties, because of the yali-
Gus independent schools of medicine tina,
have sprung up 0i all sides. There Is a
fear in many minds that we are about r.
set up what has Ieen called a medical
trust, and it is ycly desirable TO remove
that idea. | have never seen any serious
proposal to put any particular school u
medicine in cnarge of the natitora
heath.
Difficulty Exists
with regard 10 the childrens bureau
another similar difficulty exists. My owl
party, in some OF its elements, represents
a very strong states rights feeling. Il
Is very plain that you would nave to Sc
much further Than most interpretations
of the constitution would allow. If you
were to give 20 the government general
control over child LABOR throughout tine
country. 1t is important to make 1t gen.
orally understood that the purpose Ct
your bureau is t. collect and coordinate
information on the subject
Il want above all things to enjoy the
confidence of and to have at my service
the information and counsel of those who
are engaged in these fundamental things
Most of the vitality of public action Gomez
from outside the government.
THE government does not originate. II
re spends to public opinion. You all try
10 regard yourselves as forces playing
upon the government and [ hope that
during the next four years you will find
q sensitive part of the government al
the top
A. j. McKelway, secretary for southern
states of the national child labor commit
Tee and chairman of the juvenile advisory
committee of the children's council OF
Washington, d. c.. while speaking on
Washington rs Model CITY," criticised
the system of government of the District
Of Columbia, as controlled by men with
connections in speculative real estate
In commenting on this, Governor Will
son is reported in the statement as say
ing:
"Dr. McKelway excited me because he
lut under my nose fresh trail and the
Find of a trail that | always will follow
with zest."