Article November 29, 1919 Issue

Among the Churches

Current Notes

Wisconsin. —The attitude of the daily papers continues to become more and more friendly. There were fewer adverse references to Christian Science, Christian Scientists, or Mrs. Eddy published in the daily press during the period just past than ever before. Every correction of adverse comment offered to the daily press was courteously published. Some of the religious papers continue to attack Christian Science, and though four letters of correction were submitted, not one was published. However, we feel that the better class of religious papers does not attack Christian Science or give space to such attacks.

A bill to amend the Workmen's Compensation Act to permit workmen under that act to have Christian Science treatment in case of injury was introduced. This bill was given a hearing before the Senate committee on corporations, and also before the assembly committee on public welfare. The bill passed both houses by a large majority, only to be vetoed at last by the Governor, the Senate refusing to pass over his veto.

The Governor's objection to the bill was that as the employer had to pay the bills for the illness or disability of an employee, under the Workmen's Compensation Act, he should have something to say about the form of treatment. He assured us that if we amended the bill in such a manner that the employer could, if he wished, elect not to come under that part of the act permitting Christian Science treatment, by filing a written notice with the Industrial Commission, he would not oppose it. Although nearing the close of the session of the legislature, we immediately prepared another bill with said amendment. This bill was passed by both houses, signed by the Governor on July 15, and is now Wisconsin law. The Workmen's Compensation Act has been amended to change the word "accident" to "injury;" and as "injury" is now made to include occupational diseases, the scope of the act is much wider.

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