PLACING THE RESPONSIBILITY

Archibald McLellan

Several weeks ago we called attention to a letter from a physician in which, although these are not the exact words in which he expressed his thought, he boasted somewhat of the fact that a certain other physician had been elected to the Legislature of his state solely because he was a physicians and would use his position as a legislator to further the interests of his colleagues in their efforts to prevent the people from employing any method of healing other than that which they dealt in. He also told how this physician was paid by his professional brethren for his work in their behalf while serving in the Legislature.

At this point it is perhaps a pardonable and pertinent question whether or not such practises come dangerously near that which many of the states have tried to prohibit through the "corrupt practises" laws which they have adopted, and whether or not these practises justify the editorial statement of the Albuquerque (N. Mex.) Journal, "that doctors should not be sent to the Legislature, because in practically all instances they cease to be representatives of their constituents and become representatives of the medical fraternity."

In another editorial the Journal calls attention to a bill, now pending in the New Mexico Legislature, which the physicians who are urging its passage say "will not interfere with the practise by Christian Scientists; that it will merely subject them to regulation." This regulation, according to the Journal, would "consist of a four-years course at an orthodox medical school, a diploma from the same, and an examination by a board of hostile physicians." It should be borne in mind, however, that the public is not asking for such drastic legislation, and that the reason given by the doctors in their own trade journals for its advocay is that their own financial interests demand laws which, speaking plainly, will give them a trade monopoly. This is precisely the same course which in the past has been pursued by large corporate interests in the commercial field, and has led to the political downfall of a number of public men when their secret employment and affiliations were exposed.

Mrs. Eddy says in Science and Health (p. 342): "If Christian Scientists were teaching or practising pharmacy or obstetrics according to the common theories, no denunciations would follow them, even if their treatment resulted in the death of a patient. The people are taught in such cases to say, Amen. Shall I then be smitten for healing and for teaching Truth as the Principle of healing, and for proving my word by my deed? James said: 'Show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works.'" Since Science and Health was first published, in 1875, thousands upon thousands of the weary and heavy laden have found rest and healing through its teachings, and this without any such "regulation" as is proposed.

Is it not time for the people to put a stop to all class legislation, no matter whose interests are to be advanced thereby? The way to its accomplishment lies in a wise and legitimate exercise of the franchise, and it can easily and quickly be made effective in its action. It is incumbent on every citizen who has the welfare of his fellow men at heart to see that those who are chosen to make the laws of the state or nation are men who, unactuated by selfish motives, will work for just and equitable laws and their fearless and impartial administration, and it is a responsibility which cannot be ignored.

Archibald McLellan.

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OUR WORD OF TESTIMONY

April 12, 1913

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