The copper era and Morenci leader., 1916-02-25
CHRISTIAN SCIENCE PRACTICE |S
 DEFENDED
Member of Christian Science Com nnittee on Publication Writes Com nnunication Regarding Death of In- fant at Globe.

In a recent issue of the Copper Era was published an account of the death of an infant in Globe, the parents relying solely on the practice of Chris tian Science to effect a cure.
 The following communication bear ing on the subject is addressed to the Editor of the Mesa Tribune: Editor Mesa Daily Tribune,
 Mesa, Arizona.
 Dear Sir: My attention has been called to news article relative to the death of Phen D. Brouilette of Globe, Arizona, published in your issue of February Sth. In this article special stress was given to the fact that this child received Christian Science treat ment and that his parents had refused medical and surgical aid. The article, which gives but portion of the facts in the case, is misleading, and do not think the parents of the child should be subjected to the bitter cen sure directed at them. Had it ever been established that medical and surgical practice had become fixed sciences, or were even the foremost medical experts agreed as to the diag- nosis and treatment of diseases and the advisability of operations, or had our national or state government ever lent their recognition and approval to one school of the treatment of dis ease, to the exclusion of all others, then we might find more reason for blaming the parents in this case. Christian Science, judged solely on the. basis of the healing work accom- plished in thousands of cases where other means had failed, is at least entitled to as much respect as an healing agent, as is material medicine Because of their own satisfactory ex- perience with Christian Science, MT. and Mrs. Brouilette simply followed the promptings of their own best judgment and their conscience in se- curing Christian Science treatment for their baby. The remarkable growth of the Christian Science move ment, and the fact that in it's ranks are included thousands of culturjed and influential men and women of high rank in statecraft, journalism, art, law, business, etc., should give pause to it's critics and, at least, ex- ten0 to its adherents 'tthe benefit of the doubt"
 Our critics would do well to bear in mind this statement from Dr. Rich ard J. Cabot, instructor in the liar yard Medical school: That Christian Science has done, and is doing, vast deal of good, not only as religion, but as a health restorer and protest against the Short-sighted naturalism of the doctors, we are firmly convinc- ed. Its affirmations are helpful. to thousands
 In view of the great number of un- successful operations and the high mortality in childAen's diseases for which the medical profession has been so bitterly censured by its own foremost authorities, why should not one be justified in condemning the parents of a child who dies under medical treatment? However, Chris tian Scientists are never found con demning or interfering with the de sires and rights of those who may still prefer material treatment. We simply ask to be allowed to enjoy our con- stitutional privilege of seeking the aid of the Great Physician "who healeth, all thy diseases" Psalm 103, 8.
 As the supreme court of the United States held in "U S. vs. Jhonson," 221 U. S. Reports 4SS, 49S, that for the government to establish criteria where opinions are far apart" as with respect to the curative effects of med icines would be ito distort the uses of its constitutional power"
 Relative to the principle involved in the parents action in the Brouilette case, Judge Clifford P Smith says in his standard work on Christian Science, Its Legal Status," page 54: Tt is well known that the mortality o children under medical treatment is great, and parents who have found a superior system will naturally en- ploy the system whose known results inspire them with the strongest hope Parents should not be expected nor forced to disregard their own obser- vations, experience, and knowledge and employ a system which they dis trust-a system which they may have tried and found wanting''
 Cordially yours,
 GARTH W. CATE, Christian Science Committee on Pub