The Cordova daily times., 1921-01-11
THINKS HOOVER NOT SLATED FOR
 CABINET PLACE
BY COL. WINFIELD JONES

OOA o' 'p'iiNCAASCJ' fNillOIlS dll JuS flood of bills now before congress there is none more meritorious, in the opinion of many members of congress and humanitarians generally, than the Mothers Law" as it is called, or the SheppardTOWner maternity and in fancy bill. Senator Sheppard is from Texas and Representative Towner from Iowa. This measure is universal. ly regarded as one of the most if not the most important welfare legislation that has ever been proposed in con- gress.
 The Sheppard -Towner bill provides an appropriation of $480000 the first year with increasing appropriations annually until the appropriation would amount to $4,000000 in the year 1926. Thereafter $4,O0O,OOO would be appropriated annually for the moth. CTS and infants welfare. This is considered by many members of house and senate a mere drop in the bucket compared with the great sums that should be expended annually by the federal government for the care of mothers and children, because this care will benefit the whole American race, and make for the greater health, happiness, welfare and prosperity of the people of the United States.
 In addition to the appropriations provision is made for the federal gov ernment to give a general course of instruction to mothers who are ex- pecting childbirth, and also instruc- tions in the care of infants. Truly a great and noble undertaking, worthy of the support of every man who calls himself an American.
 The bill provides for close cooper ation of the states with the Washing ton government.
 After the house hearings and pass age by the house, for it is not doubted that the house will pass the bill, the senate may make similar speed in an effort to finish the legislation before this session adjourns next March.
 Many congressman are beginning to believe that house and senate pay too much attention to appropriations for live stock, farming, labor and the army and navy, and to little to those things like infancy and maternity, which strike at the roots of family life in this country. A sentiment is growing that more attention should be given measures like the Sheppard Towner bill.
 Other measures along similar lines are now planned by various congress- men.
 One of the most powerful lobbyies that Washington has ever seen is now at work for the measure. Practically all of the largest women's organiza- tions in the country have representa- tives here who are urging congress- men to pass the Sheppard-Towner bill. The Chicago and San Francisco con- ventions endorsed the bill in their platforms, consequently the women are now calling on house and senate members of both parties to make good on the campaign pledge.
 The women's lobby is working on theory that the bill can be put through congress at this session, but there is some doubt of that being done because of shortness of the ses- sion. From everything that could be learned today regarding the prospects of passage of the bill it seems that there is some doubt that it can be en- acted into law until the next con- gress.
 Thousands gf letters, however, are now pouring in on congress urging passage of the bill at this session. These communication are being backed up by the agents of the wo- mems organizations.
 From investigation in government departments today it was learned that more than 250O00 American women die each year in childbirth. This is an appalling record. It is believed bv congressman and officials of the pub lie health service that the Sheppard Towner bill when enacted into law. would reduce this terrible mortality to practically the vanishing point, or to where the deaths, practically every one of which is caused by lack of knowledge or suitable medical atten- tion, would be reduced to very small