Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1920-01-14
ELIMINATE CHILDREN'S
PHYSICAL DEFECTS

mer Governor of Pennsylvania and a
summer resident who has been COM
ing to Maine for so many years that
he is practically claimed by the Pine
Tree State has congratulated Maine
upon the work it is doing to eliminate
physical defects among the children
in the public schools.
Governor Brumbaugh, before and
after his entry into politics. was re-
garded as an authority on education
subjects. In a letter from him to
Governor Milliken, he says:
AT the Governors Conference one
year ago at Annapolis, it was my
privilege to address my colleagues
upon some current educational
problems-particula upon the les
sons for the schools growing out of
the Great War.
"Since then, the Provost Marshal
General has issued the statement that
81 per cent. Of the men called to the
Colors were. because of physical de-
fects, unable to perform complete
military service. This is a condition
that both for war and for peace must
be. I submit, promptly corrected,
We assuredly want a citizenry as
vigorous and as healthy as our re-
sources and our endeavor can Sc
cure.
"The National Physical Education
Service, Washington, d. c., in whose
work I am deeply interested, pro-
poses to ask Congress to allot funds
to the several states, under local
control, to carry on this work in all
the schools. 1t is proposed to give
all children between the ages of six
and 10 years. respectively, definite
physical training and instructions in
health measures. With the CO.
operation of the State Health De-
partment, the State school authori-
ties will have the administration OF
the entire procedure. Our, object Is
to- insure the maximum of vigor, eff
ficiency and health in all our chill
dren. The Congressional grants will
be conditioned upon like sums being
provided by the several states, as IS
now done in other National enact
ments.
I'VE are greatly heartened to learn
that you have already initiated State
work in this direction and trust that
you will see to it that full provision
is made as suggested herein.
"The meaning and importance of
this. am certain. will appeal to you.
I am making bold to suggest that in
your next message to your assembly
onH in ouv othor NOV 1yn,, y,,ox, Aooy,
proper, you give expression to the
importance of this work and. if
possible, your approval Of the move
ment."
That Maine is in the forefront Of
education health work is evidenced
by the reply of Governor Milliken to
the letter Of Governor Brumbaugh.
The Maine Chief Executive said:
II have noted with keen interest
your letter. AS you know, during
my three years Of service. have
given special attention the develop
ment Of the States educational pro-
gram and, on my recommendation,
the Legislature has established a de-
partment Of Public Health, along
modern lines.
There is entire harmony and close
cooperation between the State
Superintendent Of Public Schools and
the Commissioner Of Public Health
in an active campaign for the better
care Of the health Of school chill
dren.
I'VE hope that the Federal aid re-
ferred to in your letter may be mace
-
the large appropriation already au-
thorized and the further authority
which the Governor and Council
have to meet emergencies by ex-
penditures from the contingent fund.
we are fully prepared to take ad-
vantage of any such Congressional
grants without waiting for further
action by the Legislature"