TEE DISEASE AND THE REMEDY 455 



ship, which would, through its own increased productivity, own more 

 property on which larger taxes would be collected and expended for 

 the benefit of all. This should be borne in upon the voter's mind, 

 and when he fully comprehends its real import, true socialism will have 

 been born. Take to the voter a direct and consistent story, show him 

 the ruthless waste of treasure which comes primarily from his purse, 

 point out to him the intelligent exercise of the franchise as the remedy, 

 and improved civic conditions will prevail. But, in order to be helpful 

 and of the highest usefulness, this plan must follow certain well-known 

 laws of social evolution, and paternalism with its attendant subtle 

 evils must be guarded against with the greatest vigilance. And in 

 passing it may be well to register a protest against the present epidemic 

 of uncoordinated, misdirected and impotent ' philanthropy ' which, not- 

 withstanding its well-meant purpose, fails to do aught but blight the 

 fiber of the receiver, and fritter away the energies of the giver, thus 

 proving injurious alike to both. Such heterogeneous and pestilential 

 efforts might well be termed criminal philanthropy. 



Let the better element in society forget class distinctions, sectional 

 strife, sectarian differences and personal bickerings, and take up seri- 

 ously the consideration of these problems. 



Unless thoughtful persons are prepared to formulate and act as a 

 unit in the furtherance of some such plan as here indicated, it will 

 very appropriately be asked, "If these people who are accredited with 

 possessing superior intellectual attainments, and who profess humani- 

 tarian purposes, can not agree among themselves when there are at 

 stake matters of such vital consequence to all mankind, how can they 

 expect to attain their ends, and obtain from less talented persons the 

 cooperation necessary to succeed ? " 



Nor let us squander our resources in needless discussion and the 

 costly delay it entails. It must be remembered that time also is a 

 national and individual asset, for the proper use of which a higher 

 power is to hold us accountable. When the welfare of human life is 

 in the balance, trivial and senseless controversy is criminal. 



Notwithstanding the industry with which the medical profession, 

 already overworked, and frequently grievously misunderstood, seeks to 

 propagate progressive ideas regarding the acquirement and maintenance 

 of health, personal and public, never can a decisive conquest of ultra- 

 conservatism, bigotry and ignorance be made without the active support 

 of thoughtful and discerning people. 



