The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-07-15
Declares He Is Unwilling to Direct Department With
 Such Inadequate Forces
IS NOT A QUESTION
 OF SALARY, HE SAYS
Makes Parting Plea for Retention of Assistant Milk Inspector, Saying This Is More Important Than In-
 spection of Imported Meat

Dr. R. NJ. Cunningham, city health of f1cer, has protested vigorously against the release of the assistant milk inspector, as he deems the inspection of milk of far more importance than of meat. In his letter to the commission in this regard he states:
 "I write to respectfully suggest that this official be continued. I regard the inspection of milk stores, milk depots and dairies of far grater importance than the inspection of imported meat which has already been inspected by the national government. This Is a matter of serious importance.
 Birmingham shows a splendid record, doubt If excelled or equaled anywhere in the United States. in the low mortality rate of children under two years of age. The most important cause of diarrhoeal diseases in children is bad milk
 Dr. Cunningham Resigns
 In regard to the health department Dr. Cunningham states that 1t is not a ques- ton of salary with him, but mat ne is unwilling to continue at the head of de- partment whose forces were so depleted as to be inadequate. His recommendations follow:
 .'I desire, first of all, to express my ndorsement of the city commission in providing for the deficit by retrenchment in expenditure. I do not see how any fair-minded man could criticise the abso- lute necessity of living within the in- come. presume the head of each de- str< t<I better terms.
 ''The following Is not stated az criticism, but as a fact which seems to me to be little unfair toward the health de- partment When I assumed the duties of city health officer April 1. 1914. the appropriation for the health department was SlS35. This was reduced to S1250 on the first of March of this year. and now has been further reduced to s450, leaving only $900 for the sanitary department per month.
 After consultation with MT. Burson. we respectfully recommend the follow ing: Health officer, $50; chief sanitary inspector. $135; secretary, s7o; registrar, $75 and four sanitary inspectors at $50 each s2o There are no salary reductions except that of the health officer, which Is reduced from $200 to s150
 Not Question of Salary
 "So far as my salary Is concerned, l would be willing to continue in the serv- ice of the city at mere nominal sal ary, say $10O per month. if I thought there were any prospects of achieving the reforms that I have honestly and earnestly advocated. Under existing con ditions, I see no prospects Of tneir con- summation. I am also unwilling to be responsible for the administration of a department whose force is so depleted as to wholly inadequate for performing the duties of the department. The people would expect the same service as here tofore, which, of course, 1t is impossible for them to have.
 You also request that I figure upon the proposition of absorbing the duties of the city physician. In my humble opinion, the city health officer and city physician have entirely different duties to perform and require entirely different qualifications
 "The city health officer has in charge the problem of the public health which deals with sanitation and hygiene and his work is a public service. The city physician has in charge individuals and the servce rendered is medical and sur gical If have been correctly informed as to the duties of the city physician, it is worth something like $500 per month, Personally I would decline to assume such a grave responsibility at a nomi- nal salary. Personally I would prefer to do charity on my own account than on that of the city. I, therefore. leave this matter to my successor. Very truly yours. R. M. CUNNINGHAM, M. D.. City Health Officer"