The Seattle star. [volume] (Seattle, Wash.) 1899-1947, 1922-10-31

Referendum 13.
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Vote Thoughtfully on This Measure
(EDITORIAL)


Most of us have quarrel with the folks who refuse
to believe that disease exists in this world. Folks
who want to believe that theory have right to do
This Is free country
But the big majority of us do not hold to that
theory at ALL When sick. call doctors take
medicine, both
We have no fight with those who are convinced that
tho disease may exist. 1t is best remedied by manpua
ton of the spinal column massagng of the muscles.
But, most of us don't hold to that theory.
Perhaps some day will all agree questions
of health and sanitation. Maybe wen all treat
selves mentally and regard disease mind disorder
Or well shoot serums into arms for nearly every
thing find Is wrong with ourselves. Or wen have
joints and backs twisted and jerked and that will
Of ills.
A question which thousands Of citizens believe is
vital to the health of the school children will be set
tied at the general election November Z.
The 1921 legislature passed "an act providing that
parents guardians may forbid physical examinations
of their school children in districts of the first class,
except when such children show symptoms of
agious or infectious diseases providing that vaccna-
ton. inocculation other medication shall not be
made condition OF attendance employment in such
schools except of persons suspected of having or who
have been exposed to contagious diseases"
The ink the governors signature was hardly dry
before the physicians started circulating referendum
petitions. They got enough names and the bill is be-
fore the people for adoption or rejection next Tuesday
The purpose of the bill seems clear.
If Johnny Jones to school with nest Of
diphtheria germs in his throat, and il Johnnys
pa guardian writes note to the principal stating
that he refuses to let the school physician
examine Johnny that's all there is to that. Until
Johnny gets sick the nurse physician must let him
alone They dare not rot peer into his throat for signs
But before Johnny begins to act queerly he will
have passed the dphtheria germs around to Susie
and Tony and Jackie. Then, when he shows symptoms
of the disease he may be examined and sent home.
Maybe Johnny's ma and pa don't believe there is
any such thing as diphtheria germ. Maybe they'll
cure Johnny. too. But, that won't help Susie and
TOry uudva Lta fOr rnang fhar oufC holA Tho
oldfashioned belief that germs material and dis
ease Is real. Maybe Susie will carry the germs to
the baby and Tony viii infect the twins before il is
discovered. Then. we have a fe-sized epidemic, and
two or three little fellows die.
Unless you scott at all medical science you know
that certain people disease carriers. They
III, perhaps they immune. but they carry the
germs and they and do pass them along. Physical
examination often discovers the disease carrier Some
school children tho perfectly normal in all other ways
carry disease and transmit it. Perhaps the child whose
parents do not believe in disease won't come home
with scarlet fever or itch or lice or smallpox. But
what of the children of the vast majority who believe
that disease does exist2
personal liberty" and constitutional liberty" are
two of the pet phrases of set of folks who oppose
the health laws. Personal liberty is sacred and in
vioable but there limits. Personal constitutional
liberty doesn't and shouldn't permit you to endanger
the lives Of others.
The clause in Referendum 13 thar prohibits vaccina-
ton other medication of pupils against the will of
their parents guardians is superfuous We already
have state law that contains that provision So that
question is not up for argument now. Whether Ref
erendum 13 wins loses, parents and guardians will
still have the legal authority to prevent vaccination
of their children.
It's a question of what you believe, and it's ques-
ton that tests your fairness.
The Star believes that if Referendum 13 wins we
may pay heavily in human life-lves of the school
children of Washington. The defeat of Referendum
13 will NOT be a guarantee against epidemcs-for
physical examination is not infalibe. 1t is measure
of precaution.
Think this carefully before you vote on Ref
erendum 13 and KNOW just exactly what you are
doing. For you may have to accept mighty
serious consequences!
49, X.uaLa. &c Or K;lIoI q LIT