The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1915-02-17
DOINGS OF THE
LEGISLATURE
Continued from first page)

effects OF such unions, which result IN
children being born into the world Grip
pied and blind idiots and detectives.
DIR. II. d. Holton OF Brattleboro, mem
Der of the state board OF health, advo.
Gated the passage OF the bill in strong
terms, telling OF the imperative need of
such legislation. Divorces, he said, are
increasing and the causes in great pro-
portion are due to the bringing of ven-
ereal diseases into the family. The dis
eases do not cease with the first gen
Grafton but are inherited for generation
after generation, even to the third and
fourth. The speaker said that up 20
the present time we have not gone to
the root of the trouble and he was not
positive that the Eaton bill would be an
absolute cure, but il would be a great
step in the right direction.
In reply to an inquiry from Mr. Black
of Burlington as to how extensive an
examination would have TO be made to
determine the presence of the disease,
DR.. Holton said that blood examina-
ton would have TO be made, that the
average doctor could not make it, and
it would probably have to be done at the
state laboratory OF hygiene. Each test
would cost few dollars,
Mr.. Graham OF Rockingham attacked
the bill. arguing that it was not eonsti-
tutional, travesty on marriage and in
terfered with the inalienable rights OF
man to get married. Mr.. Morse of Hard
wick was moved TO inquire after Mr..
Graham had finished whether it were a
constitutional right for man to spread
disease and bring into the world crippled,
blind and diseased children. Mr.. Morse
finished by asking DR.. Mayo OF North
field to present his opinion.
DR.. Mayo said that he could conceive
of no legislative business OF more far
reaching effect and Importance than that
under discussion and he made a forceful
plea for the passage of the BILL speak
ing from his standpoint as physician,
and telling of instances where he had had
opportunity for seeing things under dis
eussion.
He said that il was the hope of his
professional life to see some means
adopted to "rid us Of this damnable
curse" He spoke OF the increasing de-
mand for examinations by physicians by
parties who contemplated getting mar
ried. ii his own practice could be taken
as criterion. He pointed out the fact
that the state expends large sums Of
money for its unfortunates. and asked
why they were not protected while pro.
lection could be given them, Persons
suffering with these diseases should be
uuarantined. like those afflicted with
smallpox. but they are not because it
would necess tate the making known Of
the persons so afflicted
Mr. Moore of Ludlow spoke in favor
Of the bill, along the same lines as Mr..
Morse and DR.. Mayo, but said that the
bill had certain defects, which, however,
could easily be remedied by amendments,
and these amendments be proposed TO
offer. One amendment was to substitute
for the word transmssible the word
yenereal. and he would offer a second
change which would provide that only
the male applicant for a marriage H.
cense should be required to be exam
med.
Speaker Weeks, being called upon
spoke of the conditions at the Industrial
school, house of correction and state s
prison, and told Of specific instances
with venereal diseases, He thought that
it was one of the most vital things that
could come before the legislature and
| favored the bill.
Mr.. Black of Burlington opposed the
measure. saying that the state should
direct its efforts toward the moral uplitt
of the people and enter more into the
! home life He mentioned the fact that
the state has no law whereby prostitu'
| tion is made crime; what laws we have
| in regard TO the matter are inadequate
TO cope with the situation. He thought
the expense OF the extensive examina'
tions would be a burden, and did not
| favor placing into the hands of the state
board OF health the power to name the
fee to be charged for examination. hC
spoke of the fact that but three states
! Oregon, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania
have passed such a law and they but
recently; and in but one state, Nlscon'
sin. are both parties required TO have
health certificates.
Mr.. Atwell OF Brandon opposed the
/ bin and Mr.. Jones of Shrewsbury and
Mr.. Stacey Of Hartford favored it. The
committee arose and Mr.. Wilson. a.
chairman. reported 90 the House that
progress had been made on the bill but
no determination had been reached. Tho
House adjourned without action.
The fish and game bill changing the
open season on deer and allowing IN,
shooting Of doe as wen as buck wa'
PASSED to a third reading, a motion by
Mr.. lance Of Cabot to dismiss the bal
I being lost by a rising vote Of 10 10 "a
/ Mr.. Hapgood's motion 10 shorten ths
season ten days was also defeated by a
big majority.
The bin establishing standard weight
I for the sale Of maple syrup was passed
10 a third reading without discussion.
The senate. in y minute session
nassed several House bills in concurrence
several senate bills. refused others thirl
readings and referred other measures q
I committees.
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