Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1922-06-02

Small and DR.. S. ]. Beach of Portland
Hiram Kicker of South Poland was
unable to be present but had pre-
viously expressed his approval OF the
plan.
Names vital need Of this work as
shown by the latest available figures
was surprise even to the members OF
the Council who were familiar with
conditions here. 1t appears that only
two states in the entire registration
area of the United States have
higher infant death rate than Maine.
AS the sum appropriated by the
state is wholly inadequate for carry
ing on a campaign of any size, 1t was
voted to urge the Governor to accept
the $4,000 which has been APPROPRIATED
BY the Federal Government under the
sheppard Towner Act for carrying out
this work in Maine. This is the por-
ton of the money so available winch
can be had without expense to the
state.
The Sheppard-T owner' Act is an act
to encourage the individual states to
make an effort to reduce the disgrace
fully high maternal and infant death
rate in the United States. The prob
lem differs in different localities, but
in Maine the work will consist OF an
enlargement of the present efforts to
educate mothers and expectant moth
ers in the danger signs, and encourag-
ing them in seeking proper advice. BY
such measures, 1870 or more OF these
needless deaths can be prevented.
In answer to the objection that has
been raised to Federal supervision of
this work within the states, DR.. Ken
dali reported that he had just had an
interview with the authorities of the
Children's Bureau in Washington who
have this work in charge. They con-
template only such oversight as is
necessary to insure that the funds are
used for this work, and not diverted
to some other division that happens to
be out of money. They have no wish
to interfere with work within the
State. 1t was pointed out that the
act forbids any intrusion into the
homes of individuals, or compulsory
treatment of parent or child.
A communication was read showing
that this appropriation will be lost un-
less accepted by the Governor before
June Goth. In reply to the question
whether the Governor has power to ac-
cept this money, it was shown that
out of the 81 other states which have
accepted the money, 81 had accepted
through their governors.
1t was also pointed out that if the
act be unconstitutional as has been
claimed in Massachusetts, this State
in accepting the money is left no
worse off than at present. On the
other hand, if it is sustained by the
Supreme Court unless the Governor
has previously, made application. the
State absolutely loses the current ap-
preparation of $4,000.
In view of this emergency it was
voted to bring the matter to the atten-
ton of the Governor and Council, pre-
senting the view of the Public Health
Council of the State Department OF
Health that no hidden joker is to be
found in the bill, and IN their belief
none was intended; that it represents
an earnest effort on the part of the
Federal Government to assist the
states in reducing the death rate from
childbirth and the infant diseases,
and would not be offered if conditions
did not demand it; and that it seems
essential that Maine avail herself of
this opportunity as without expense
to us it will add $4,000 to our present
appropriation, which is inadequate to
complete the contemplated campaign
of education.