The West Virginian. [volume] (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1914-1974, 1919-08-13
WASHINGTON. D. G., Aug. a.

equip the new constabulary organIZa-
ton in West Virginia, the man en-
trusted with getting 1t equipped and
started, Is looking to the Federal gov
eminent as market in which he can
buy more cheaply than elsewhere such
articles as cloth for uniforms, harness,
saddles, brides, etc Senator suther-
land hal, made the arrangements with
the government officials here. those at
the Offices OF the Director OF Sales
torlthe War department, for Superin-
tendent Jackson Arnold, OF the Con-
stahnlary, to open up negotiations eth
er In person or by writing. 1t is most
probable, however. that Supt. Arnold
will como to Washington In person,
as that would be the most satisfactory
and speedier way TO conduct the nego-
tiations and make the deal.
After two weeks spent In the Capt.
tai and at the government ware houses
at Newport News, Va, DR.. @. T. Epp-
ling has returned to his home at
WEIGH. The doctor got what he came
for. which was access to army dental
supplies, and their purchase at min.
fmum cost. 1t wasn't an easy thing to
do. At first the officials seemed to
oppose, Notwithstanding that the
equipment desired was for the inno-
walton that Mcdowell county has en-
barked upon-a free dental clinic for
the 10000 childTen of that county up
70 and including the age of 16. By
referendum the taxpayers OF Nc
Dowell levied $4,000 in taxes on them
selves, after securing authority from
the Legislature. Had not DR.. Epp-
ling been successful in getting all the
equipment necessary to start the elm
ic from the War department--eQuip-
ment that was used during the war at
home and abroad-it would have taken
the bigger part OF the $4,000 appro-
priated to buy it from private dealers.
The success Of DR.. Eppling, therefore,
means big thing to the people OF Nc
Dowell.
In his quest here, DR.. Eppling had
the active and sincere cooperation OF
Senators Sutherland and Elkins, and
Representative Goodykoontz. But
those who are familiar with this case
know that that fact should not lessen
the praise and credit that the Nc
Dowell county visitor should receive.
It was the determined. patient, Stick
toitiyeness" Of Eppling that OVERRIDE
all obstacles and government red tape
land there was lot of 1t to contend
With. He Just wouldn't give up and,
against all official opposition with
which he met during the first half Of
his visit, he finally won out. He was
finally given carte blanche author.
tty to VISIT government war house at
Newport News and pick out what he
wanted. Nor was he restrained by any
embarrassment IN making his selec-
tons. They were the best and ample
The regult is that Mcdowell county's
free dental clinic is to be fully ana
finely equipped at an expense that is
trivial compared to what such an
equipment would cost at the places OF
private dealers and manufacturers.
When Il comes to getting what he
wants when he wants It, the West Vtr-
giniGns in Washington don their hats
to DOC" Eppling. In flguratiye sense,
OF course. They admire his bulldog
teuaclty, his patient, unruffled diplo-
macy, his quiet and effective manner,
and his smile that smiles on "smiler'
In the face OF refusals. They liked the
way he worked" 1t was an outstand-
ing case OF tho brilliuncy Of a rare
gem, among many.
Tho free dental clinic is absolutely
q now thing in West Virginia. Some
1f the largest cities have had 1t for sew
eral years. No ommunity in the Uni
ted States has undertaken 1t with the
county as basis. The idea took roo,
in Mcdowell county from the time that
two big coal corporations there IN
dsrteok TO look after the teeth of the
Children OF their employees. They paid
all tho expenses. Not only were the
teeth OF the children put in order and
kept in order, but dental hygenie was
taught parents as we'll as children, The
results were so successful that the
people OF Mcdowell decided It would
be good thing to carry the good work
to all the children OF the county. and
that 10 what 10 to be done. When the
citizens voted to DO this, the vote was
Practically unanimous.
The theory 10, of course, that good,
Sound teeth are tho basis OF good
health, good morals, normal mentality,
especially In tho case OF the develop
ing child. Preservation In a healthflIl
state OF the childs first teeth is q guar.
hhtee Of StTeng, healthy second set.
The first work OF the Mcdowell coun-
~ clinic will DO done by trained den.
tal hurses, who will visit tho homes and
the schools, chart tho teeth, cleanse
them, take full Rad complete history
Of the case itself, not only the condi-
tisH OF the teeth, etc, but noting many
other things about tho ch!ld's history,
, eenditien generally, otc. All of this
Information will be set down on a form
& card After case Ia Cured" 1t will
net be inspected for six month";. Every
case will be inspected every six months
until the child passes the age Of 16,
DIR, Epplias will have nine expert
dentists associated with him aud un-
der his direction. and hslf-dozen
trained dental nursss, whom he has
eraiaea himself This number will be
increased, The frat year OF the free
clinic 10 expected to be the hardest,
Making the teeth OF 10000 achool chill
arsn sound and healthy Is considered
big job, but DR.. Eppling says 1t ism,
tee big Job to tackle and to do.
There are two automobiles that ara
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