The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1919-12-11
MATRIMoNy AND HEALTH

Observers have frequently noted the
care with which breeders Of fine horses
and FLOODED" cows, and other live
stock select mates for their animals.
as compared with the absolute indif-
ference they often. and indeed usually,
show relative to the matrimonial
mates Of their own sons and daugh-
ters. Developments in connection with
the war, involving strenuous meas
ures for improved health as well as
higher physical standards of our sol
diers, have served 10 stir the public
conscience as well as to add TO public
intelligence delative to this whole mat
ter Of matrimony and health, and what
is called the single standard of morals
for the two sexes.
II will be recalled that while the
Hon. John A. Mead, of Rutland, was
governor, he proposed TO prevent the
multiplication Of detectives by slight
surgical operation, the merits Of which
were being actively discussed at that
time. From that period to the pre-
sent the necessity of doing some
thing to counterfeit the spread of dis
eases in connection with matrimony
has continued to receive increased at
tention, although with wide variety
Of remedies suggested.
From Montreal comes the announce
ment that at the next meeting of the
city council discussion will take
place regarding the necessity of the
production of medical certificates on
the part of persons about to be mar
ried. Alderman Dixon has given not
ice of an Interpolation which is ex-
pected to bring up an interesting is
sue, strongly being recommended by
medical men Of the city as the most
effective way to fight the spread of
veneral diseases.
Mr.. Dixon, according to the Mon
treal Herald, favors system which
would make it necessity for both men
and women contracting marriage to
present clean bill Of health in the
form Of a medical certificate before
the priest or minister performing the
marriage ceremony and where such
certificate is not presented, he is in
favor Of the law being so amended
that the officiating clergyman be auth
orized to refuse marriage.
In the course Of an interview with
the Herald Alderman Dixon said facts
regarding the spread of contagious
diseases in Montreal would simply as
found the people if they knew them,
and as a result Of the present careless
system thousands Of innocent young
people were made victims and event.
ually found their way into the hospi-
tails or asylums.
1t is known that the present board
Of health, most Of the eminent medi-
cal men who fought the Spanish influ-
enza epidemic year ago, hold strong
views upon the subject, and Alderman
Dixon will ask the administrative com
mission to consult this board of health
and II necessary take steps to have the
necessary powers granted by the Que
bee Legislature to enable the city to
make the production of medical GER
tiicates at weddings compulsory.
Doubtless a long period of popular
education will be necessary to lead our
people to adopt effective measures to
guard against the spread of transmits
sable incurable diseases and the breed
ng of defective human beings The
more people consider the absurd spec
,acle of the breeder of fancy stock
letting his children breed
scrubs" and offspring diseased from
birth, the more will they become i'm
pressed by the necessity Of govern
mental measures to protect the home
~ some simple measure like that I'M .
Ter consideration by the Montreal City a
ouncil. Burlington Free Press. :