It is highly advisable that there should be intelligent action on the
part of the Nation on the question of preserving the health of the
country. Through the practical extermination in San Francisco of
disease-bearing rodents our country has thus far escaped the bubonic
plague. This is but one of the many achievements of American health
officers; and it shows what can be accomplished with a better
organization than at present exists. The dangers to public health from
food adulteration and from many other sources, such as the menace to
the physical, mental and moral development of children from child
labor, should be met and overcome. There are numerous diseases, which
are now known to be preventable, which are, nevertheless, not
prevented. The recent International Congress on Tuberculosis has made
us painfully aware of the inadequacy of American public health
legislation. This Nation can not afford to lag behind in the world-wide
battle now being waged by all civilized people with the microscopic
foes of mankind, nor ought we longer to ignore the reproach that this
Government takes more pains to protect the lives of hogs and of cattle
than of human beings.