Evening star., 1938-01-16
FEDERATION BACKS
D|PHTHER|A FIGHT
Citizens Associations Re-
ject Suggestion for Com
puISory incubation.

NATURALIZATION Oh all CnllQren In the
District against diphtheria was rec
ommended' to parents last night by
the Federation of Citizens Associa-
tions after protracted debate on sug-
gestions that incubation should be
made compulsory.
All suggestions that the Health De-
partment be given authority, even
during the threat Of an epidemic. to
compel administration Of diphtheria
toxoid was deleted from the resolution.
1t was the second meeting to which
considerable portion of time was
devoted to the question.
A proposal that immunization be
made compulsory as requisite for
entrance to the public schools was
offered at the Federation meeting
January 8, but action was deferred
because of the absence of Dr. Charles
B. Campbell, chairman Of the Health
Committee. He brought In last night
modified proposal that Congress be
asked to pass legislation providing
for the protection and immunization
Of children from the dangers of diph-
liberia"
Bill Is Requested.
DR.. Campbell proposed also that
the health officer be requested to draft
bill providing for the immunization
OF children" Both these suggestions
were voted down because of fears Of
some delegates that it would result in
compulsory immunization. The rec
ommendation" for immunization was
adopted on motion by Harry N. Stull
of Stanton Park.
A determined battle against diph-
liberia immunization, particularly If
1t would be made compulsory, was
waged by William ]. Tucker OF Ana
costa, who questioned reports of the
effect of use of toxoid in eliminating
diphtheria. DR.. Campbell offered sta
tistics to prove that where extensive
use is made of the modern toxoid the
incidence and death rate for the dis
ease had been tremendously reduced
Many members Of the federation Joined
in debate.
Congress was asked to adopt legis-
lation requiring that nonresident pu-
pills be required to pay an equitable"
tuition sufficient to cover the cost Of
their education. for admission to the
Districts public school system. This
action was taken on recommendation
by H. c. Phillips. chairman of the
Education Committee.
Safety Ideas Backed
The Federation approved a proposal
by Traffic Director William A. Van
Duzer to require that each new ap-
pllcant for an automobile drivers
permit, or for renewal of a permit,
be required to supply two photographs
of himself. one to be affixed to the
permit and the other to be placed tn
the records of the traffic director.
Harry S. Wender, chairman of the
Safety Committee. declared racket"
had developed in the illegal borrowing
or sale of automobile permits and that
many persons not qualified to drive
are holding what appear to be proper
permits.
In another move to improve safety
conditions. the Federation protested
against violation Of traffic rules by
operators Of taxicabs, buses and street
cars Complaints were voiced particu-
larly against jumping" of traffic
lights and stopping vehicles at points
away from the curb.
School Opening Debated.
The Commissioners were asked to
adopt regulation forbidding trucks
from stopping on the streets either day
or night for longer than one half
hour, except when being loaded or un-
loaded.
A proposal by the Wender Com
mittee that schools be opened at $50
am. instead Of 8, as a means Of facili-
tating traf1ic and protecting school
children against trafic hazards, pro-
voked long debate, but action was de-
ferred to await report by the Educa-
ton Committee.
The Federation reiterated its recon-
mendation that Congress provide
funds in the 1899 District Appropria-
ton Act for the starting of construc-
ton of new Pennsylvania Avenue
Bridge over the Anacostia River.