Yes, be a Missionary.

The following are some items from letters received from Mr. Jay D. Miller, of Oak Park (near Chicago), Illinois

"Dr. A. O. Pitcher, of Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, obtained a copy of 'Finance and Transportation' and writes me that he thinks it is the best thing he can give his patients during convalescence. He sent me $1.50 and I mailed him twenty-three copies, prepaid.”

"Received $1.00 from Dr. F. S. Benson, of South Chicago, due to your efforts in WORLD, and I sent him fifteen copies."

"Your efforts also brought me $5.00 from Dr. D. M. Currier, of Newport, N. H., for which I sent him ninety books, prepaid."

I need not take space to multiply, for these are enough to indicate that doctors are becoming missionaries in educating the people on the economic questions that are pressing upon us so hard at the present time. Mr. Miller sent me a number of the letters and postal cards that he received in response to my announcements in the last two issues of THE WORLD, and I am gratified to see that so many Republican doctors asked for his book; for, as I purposely explained, Mr. Miller is himself a Republican, and I was anxious that his book be read particularly by Republicans. Economic questions should be decided upon the basis of economic laws and honesty, and not by partisan feeling or prejudice. Members of all parties should study principles, and insist on their party taking the right side, as determined by a conscientious study of principles.

V. E. Lawrence, M. D., of Ottawa, Kan., writes: "I carefully read my copy of 'Finance and Transportation,' and then sent it to a member of Congress, calling attention to the importance of its contents, and expressing the belief that our legislative halls are sadly in need of a few Gladstones."

In May WORLD I gave a review of this book, and said that I had purchased one hundred copies, to be sent free to those who first request the same. In June issue I repeated this. Mr. Miller is so interested in reaching doctors-the above efforts having been so encouraging in spreading the truth among an influential class of citizensthat he and I have arranged for a continuation of the same arrangement to the extent of two hundred more copies. The conditions are these: Write Mr. Miller that you are a subscriber to THE MEDICAL WORLD, that you will give the book a careful reading at your earliest convenience, and then, if you approve its contents, you will circulate it among your most influential patrons, preferably Republicans. Write this on a postal card to Mr. Miller (address given above), and a copy of the book will be sent to you free. Thus far, you can be a missionary without it costing you anything.

Our Congressmen.

Last month we published the following letter, which we sent to every United States Senator and member of the House of Representatives, together with the replies received up to time of going to press. This is the letter:

PHILADELPHIA, PA., MAY 13, 1898. DEAR SIR:-Every issue of THE MEDICAL WORLD reaches over twenty-five thousand physicians in all parts of the country. For the reason that physicians lose much because of the inability of their patrons to pay, our readers have become deeply interested in those public questions that have a bearing on the prosperity of the masses of the people. Among the questions that our readers have become interested in are: Postal Savings Banks, Government Telegraph, and Government ownership of the postal cars. You are doubtless familiar with the facts and arguments bearing on these questions.

Nearly all the progressive nations have postal or government savings banks, furnishing convenient and secure depositories for the savings of the poor, with a reasonable interest. A bank account makes a man a better citizen; and if the Government is his banker, he becomes a more patriotic citizen.

The rapid transmission of intelligence is an important public function, which should not be owned nor controlled by private individuals. All the civilized countries of the world conduct the telegraph as a part of the postal system except Bolivia, Honduras, Cyprus, Cuba, Hawaii and the United States.

As is seen by the reports of Post Masters General Vilas, Wanamaker and others, we pay an annual rental for the postal cars equal to the value of the cars. As the average life of a car is twenty years, why should we pay for them twenty times, and then not own them? Besides the rental we pay an extortionate rate (Sc. per pound for an average haul of 448 miles) for the hauling of mail matter in the cars.

For the information of our readers, particularly those in your State, please answer plainly the following questions:

1. Do you favor Postal Savings Banks, and will you vote for them in Congress if opportunity presents? If not, why not?

2. Do you favor Government ownership and operation of the Telegraph as a part of the Postal System, and will you vote for the same in Congress if opportunity presents? If not, why not?

3. Do you favor Government ownership of the postal cars, and a requirement that the railroads haul them for the Government at as low a rate as they grant to other parties for a similar service? and will you vote for the same in Congress if opportunity presents? If not, why not?

A stamped and addressed envelope is enclosed for reply. Definite "yes" or "no" replies are desired to the three questions. The doctors of the country want to know how you stand on these questions. If you wish to add any remarks, they will be published if not too long, particularly if they are on the negative side. I think I can safely say that the members of the medical profession of this country are generally in favor of these questions, but they are not only willing, but eager, to consider arguments on the negative side, if there are any.

Very respectfully,

C. F. TAYLOR.

On May 26th, I followed with the following postal card:

MY DEAR SIR.-On May 13th I sent you a letter inquiring your position on Postal Savings Banks, Government Telegraph, and Government ownership of the Postal Cars. I requested "yes" or "no" replies and enclosed an addressed and stamped envelope for reply. Not having heard from you, I beg to again ask your attention to these questions. I know that you are a very busy man, and I dislike to ask for even a moment of your time; but it will take you only a moment to answer either "yes" or "no" to the three questions. The doctors would like to know how you stand on them. Very sincerely,

C. F. TAYLor. When the replies began to slacken, I sent the following postal card:

PHILADELPHIA, June 16, 1898. DEAR SIR.-On May 13th I sent to every United States Senator and member of the House of Representatives a letter asking the position of each on Postal Savings Banks, Government Telegraph and Government Ownership of the Postal Cars. I received a great many replies immediately. On May 26th, I sent a postal card to the delinquents. This brought many more replies, but still there are many delinquents. I do not ask because of idle curiosity, but on behalf of over 25,000 physicians in all parts of the country. I hope that you will send a reply immediately, so that we can publish same.

We will have to construe failure to reply as unfavorable to these measures, and publish a list of delinquents in our next issue. Do you wish to be announced to the country as opposed to these measures? THE MEDICAL WORLD, per C. F. Taylor.

As this has again started up the replies, we will not publish the list of delinquents until next month. In the meantime let the Senators and Congressmen from your State hear from you in regard to these matters. We, the people, must give some attention to public questions, or the corporations and trusts will have everything. Write to your representatives in Congress to-day. Also see how the candidates for Congress, of all parties, to be voted for in your district next fall, stand on these questions. Cause them to be discussed during the campaign in the newspapers and on the "stump."

REPUBLICAN SENATORS. Senator J. C. Burrows, Michigan:

"My inclination is toward favoring Postal Savings Banks and governmental telegraphy. The question of the ownership by the government of postal cars is a matter concerning which I have not given sufficient attention to arrive at a conclusion."

Senator Frank J. Cannon, (Silver Republican) Utah:

"Answering the inquiries in your letter of May 13th, numbered 1, 2, 3, I say emphatically, yes."

Senator J. H. Gallinger, New Hampshire:

1. "On general principles I am in favor of the postal bank system, but before fully committing myself to it I want to carefully investigate its

effects upon the savings banks of the country, in which New England is greatly interested."

2. "I do not think the time has come for the Government to own and operate the telegraph lines of the country."

3. "As the matter of transporting the mails is now in the hands of a Joint Committee of both Houses of Congress for investigation, as per provision of a recent appropriation bill, I do not care to express an opinion on your third proposition.'

[You say you wish to study the effect of Postal Savings Banks upon the private savings banks of the country before committing yourself. Why not consider their effect upon the people? Are you representing the banks or the people?

If the time has not now come for this Government to own and operate the telegraph lines, like the Government of every other advanced country -if the time has not yet come, when will it come? There was a good opportunity recently to vote for reduction of the present exorbitant price paid to the railroads for carrying the mails. Only a few senators voted for it. I will publish the vote for and against, if my readers desire it. Putting the matter into the hands of a Joint Committee for investigation is feared to be intended only for delay. We will see next year if this is true. Matters of this kind have many times been delayed in this way, while the people's money is being wasted by payment of exorbitant rates for service by corporations.]

Senator H. M. Teller (Silver Republican), Colorado:

"I do not wish to appear to be discourteous in refusing to answer your questions. The demands of this kind on a public man are very great and cannot be answered without a great loss of time, the questions often demanding much thought and much research before an intelligent answer can be made. I have made it a rule not to answer letters of that character, but to let my work in the Senate speak for me.

"My position on the subject of Postal Savings Banks, government telegraphs, etc., can be learned from the record that I have made in the Senate, and I do not feel that in justice to myself I can answer inquiries of the character you make."

[The above will be very disappointing to the many admirers of Senator Teller. The questions asked are not new. Every man in public life should long ago have made the investigations necessary for an opinion upon them. I did not ask the questions for personal curiosity, but on behalf of over twenty-five thousand wide-awake and interested physicians in all parts of this country. We have not the facilities, nor have we time to search your long record in the Senate. We will have to consider you against these propositions until you are ready to state your position.]

Senator John M. Thurston, Nebraska:

"I regret very much to disoblige you, but I make it my rule to announce my views on political and legislative problems, either in or out of the Senate, when I think the occasion is fitting. and I cannot reply to the multitudinous questions addressed to me on such subjects."

[Free American voters, what do you think of

this? By the representative system, the opinions of the electors are supposed to be represented by the person chosen to do the representing. The above looks like a "grab in the dark," doesn't it? Are the people and the doctors of Nebraska satisfied with this way of doing? Suppose the physicians of Nebraska make it their purpose to notify Senator Thurston concerning their views on these three questions, and ask that he represent these views in the Senate. No doubt some of you will put it "demand" instead of "ask."] Senator Francis E. Warren, Wyoming: 1. "Yes."

2. "Not without further consideration." 3. "Have not sufficiently investigated."

Senator Jno. D. Wilson, Washington:

"I am in receipt of your postal card of May 28th, as also your letter of May 13th, and beg to say that the former was not answered for the reason that it is not my custom to cast my vote on matters of legislation before the same are presented in the Senate."

[What do the doctors of Washington think of this? I will venture the assertion that the vast majority of the physicians in that new and progressive state are in favor of Postal Savings Banks, Government Telegraph and Government Ownership of the Postal Cars. But they have a representative in the United States Senate that will not give his position upon these matters. How is this for the representative system? It utterly fails to represent. If we "free" American citizens had the right to vote directly upon important public questions, we would find it much better-much more satisfactory—than the system which we now have. Then senators would have to vote as their constituents desired, or their constituents would do the voting directly for themselves; and the undutiful senator would probably be recalled by the Imperative Mandate. Let us move on to this higher ground of freedom.]

DEMOCRATIC SENATOrs.

Senator Chas. J. Faulkner, West Virginia:

"It is impossible for me to do myself justice by answering your three questions 'yes' or 'no.' In a speech delivered in the Senate on compensation for railway mail transportation, found in Record of Wednesday, May the 11th, front page, some facts bearing on one of the questions are alluded to by me."

[I have carefully read the recent discussions in the Senate on the proposition to reduce the compensation for railway mail transportation twenty per cent. Mr. Faulkner is a member of the Senate Committee on Post-Offices and PostRoads. I have carefully watched his attitude during the consideration of the above-mentioned question, both in committee and in the open Senate, as reported in the Congressional Record, and it seems to me that he was much more anxious to serve the interests of the railroads than the interests of the people of West Virginia or of the United States. Anyone who doubts this, please read all the discussions in full and the records of votes upon this and related questions in the Congressional Record during the month of May. Read both sides, all sides, carefully, and judge for yourself. Senators are supposed to be

The

elected to look after the people's interests. railroads can look after their own. They have lawyers employed for that purpose. Our senators and representatives are the people's lawyers. But while accepting fees from us, some of them also accept fees, or favors from the other side, and are influenced thereby. Whether Senator Faulkner is one of these double dealers or not I cannot say; but the facts point decidedly that way. But if so, he is not alone.]

Senator James K. Jones, Arkansas:

"I have a postal card from you, saying that you have heretofore written me asking for categorical answers to certain questions. It seems to me that public questions require careful consideration, and each should be fully understood before final action, and should not be answered in this categorical way. I have certain views on these questions, but am open to conviction, and remain so until the time comes for action."

[The above will be a disappointment to many of Senator Jones' admirers. He has been in public life for many years, and is now the leader of his party. He should by this time certainly know whether or not he is in favor of Postal Savings Banks, which have been in successful operation for many years in the leading countries of the world. He should also know if he wishes our country to continue to be classed with Bolivia, Honduras, Cyprus, Cuba and Hawaii, as the only countries that leave so important a service as the telegraph in the hands of private parties, to be exploited for private profit. He should also know that the government pays about ten times as much to the railroads per pound, for carrying the mails, as is paid by the express companies for carrying express matter.]

POPULIST SENATORS.

Senator Marion Butler, North Carolina :

1. "I am in favor of postal savings banks. Have a bill now pending before the Committee on Post-Offices and Post Roads to establish such a system, which I hope to get reported at an early date. Have collected thru the State Department information about the postal savings bank systems now in operation in every foreign conntry, and have had the same published in Senate Document, known as Senate Document, No. 39, 2nd, 55th.

2. "Yes; I have a bill now pending before the Senate Committee on Post-Offices and PostRoads to establish a postal telegraph, and will use every possible effort to get the same reported at as early a day as possible.

3 Yes; have recently offered such an amendment to the Post-Office Appropriation Bill, and made as vigorous a fight as I could for the adoption of the same. We are now each year paying more for the rent of postal cars than it would cost to buy them. For the Government to own its postal cars, and pay a stipulated sum for hauling the same, would remove one of the greatest abuses that have grown up in our postal system.

"Permit me to congratulate you on the splendid work that you are doing for these great and needed reforms."

(The other Populist Senators answered last month.)

INDEPENDENT SENATOR.

Senator James H. Kyle, South Dakota : 1. "I have had a bill for the establishment of Postal Saving Banks before the Committee on Post-Offices and Post Roads for six years.

2. "I have had a bill for the government ownership of the telegraph for three years before the same committee.

3,Under proper conditions and regulations I would favor the government ownership of postal cars, and think doubtless that an arrangement can be effected to bring this about."

REPUBLICAN CONGRESSMEN.

Hon. John F. Shafroth (Silver Rep.), Colo.: "I am heartily in favor of postal savings banks, provided the investment of the deposits by the Government cau be made in securities in the State from which the deposits come. In other words, I do not wish the money of the western States taken from those States and put into securities of the eastern States.

"I am heartily in favor of the governmental ownership of the telegraph system; also greatly reduced rental for postal cars, and if that cannot be obtained, then governmental ownership of postal cars."

Hon. E. D. Crumpacker, Indiana :

"I am not prepared to answer your interrogatories respecting postal savings banks and Government ownership of postal cars, etc. I have not sufficiently considered the various phases of these important propositions to be able to give an answer that I would be willing to stand by. I hope to be able, in the near future, to give the subjects a careful investigation, and then determine what my course will be in relation to them." Hon. Case Broderick, Kan.:

1. "I favor a P. S. B. system."
2. "I favor regulation of charges."

3. "I see no reason for changing present sys

tem."

Hon. R. W. Miers, Indiana:

"Representative Miers is out of the city and will not return until next week. I take the liberty of notifying you, however, that he is in favor of the measures to which you refer. Very respectfully, D. K. Miers, Secretary."

Hon. G. W. Faris, Indiana:

"In answer to your recent inquiry, I have been favorably disposed to the proposed legislation on Postal Savings Banks, and can see force in the proposition for Government ownership of postal cars as a part of the equipment of the postal service; but I am not in favor of Government ownership of telegraph or railroads."

Hon. J. S. Barrows, 10th Dis., Mass.:

"It is not easy to answer your questions by 'yes' and 'no.' Postal savings banks are a success in England, Government ownership of railroads on the continent. Whether they would be a success in this country, is another question. Without the extension of the civil service system they would be a doubtful experiment. I do not think the arguments for or against such important questions can be settled in a few lines."

[It is absolutely necessary that the merit system of Civil Service go along with extension of Governmental functions. The spoils system is bad enough now; it would be worse then.]

Hon. W. H. Moody, Mass.:

"I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the 26th ultimo, and to say that I have not given the subject to which you refer sufficient attention to warrant me in answering yes or no to the questions you propound."

[I hope you will study these questions during the present summer, and mention your position upon them to your people during the campaign this fall.]

I. A. Barber, Maryland:

"In answer to your request, I would state I am opposed to postal savings banks. Nearly every village in our country has a savings bank, and under the best local management, which would fill the bill better than an indiscriminate class of fourth-class postmasters. I am opposed to the Government ownership of the telegraph lines of our country. I am opposed to the present system of carrying the mails on railroads. Radical changes are needed to lessen the present burden of expense."

[Thanks for your frank reply. I know of no "village" with a savings bank. Postmasters would not manage the Postal Savings Banks. They would only receive and pay out deposits under strict regulations and appropriate bonds. These banks could never fail unless the Government would fail. Private savings banks "close their doors" when danger threatens. Government banks, by keeping open in the face of a storm, would help to ward off the danger.]

Hon. Jno. B. Corliss, Mich.:

"The time of Members of Congress ought not to be consumed by persistent communications like yours, especially in times when every moment of their time is occupied with important matters. I would favor the measures suggested if they were properly guarded and protected by judicious laws."

[We, the people, have not the right of the Referendum, the Initiative, nor the Imperative Mandate. We have no control over our agents in Congress; hence we must be "persistent" in order to find out what they propose doing for us. Isn't it funny that the agent has all the power and the principal (the people) none? All we can do is to be "persistent." Let all who read these lines "persist" in bringing their agents in Congress out on these and other questions.]

Hon. S. W. Smith, Mich. :

"I made a speech in the House on February 7th, which states my position with reference to the ownership of postal cars. I am in favor of the establishment of Postal Savings Banks, but have not entirely made up my mind with reference to the ownership of government telegraph. I send you a copy of my speech."

[It is a good speech. Send to Congressman Smith for it.]

Hon. L. Fletcher, Minn.:

"Your postal enquiring my views on Postal Savings Banks received. I am in favor of Postal Savings Banks, but as to the other matters I cannot at this time say."

Hon. J. A. Tawney, Minn.:

"Replying to your letter of the 9th inst., will

(Continued over next leaf.)

members of the monthly symposium. Often the germ of a great discovery lies in a fact in itself unimportant, yet which mates appositely with another small fact gained in a second differing experience. Still this does not imply neglect of such diseases as are always to be encountered, altho, naturally, the attention is mainly directed to the disorders most prevalent at a given time. Please do not forget that any and all practical notes upon any disease are always in order and perennially valuable. Send us your experience and reflect upon what others give you with a view to further development.

Fevers of the Malarial Type.

With the onset of the dog-days in early August, physicians have learned to look for the fevers of the type known as malarial. This name was given from the fact that the chief number of cases were found among persons who had been exposed to miasmata arising from marshy lands, the "mal aria" or "bad air" of the Romans.

For years there had been speculation as to the causation of the disease, and even yet, after the apparent demonstration of the parasitic theory by the researches of Laveran, Marchiafava, Bignami, Tommaso Crudelli and others, there are scientific advocates of other causes, such as atmospheric, like sudden changes, etc., to parties not used to other than an equable temperature.