436 The Public Health. [July, 
who should be able to advise and instruct in all matters of sanitary 
science, and who would be able to answer off-hand all points which 
might easily have passed from the mind of general practitioners. 
Such a new order of medical men, by their influence on the public, 
by the education of the public in the laws of health, would do a 
vast amount of good among all classes of Her Majesty’s subjects.” 
The Duke of Marlborough listened attentively to all the speakers 
said, and having replied, concluded by saying, “ Whether the mform- 
ation wanted could be obtained by a Commission or through the 
offices, was a matter of secondary consideration.” The Duke was 
quite right ; nothing but delays, vexations, and annoyance will attend 
either process. Why do not the sanitary reformers go to the public? 
For ourselves, we confess that we are heartily and indignantly tired 
of waiting on Government officials ; it has never ended in anything 
but vague promises and disappointment. If sanitary legislation is 
to be ever more than a mere name, it must be done through the 
people. Their voice must be heard in the House of Commons, and 
six men in earnest about Sanitary Reform in the Lower House, would 
carry every object asked for by the memorial in six months. 
In connection with the above deputation, we may mention that 
the 5th clause in Mr. Torrens’ ‘Artizans’ and Labourers’ Dwellings 
Bill,’ appointing officers of health without medical qualifications, 
has led to the following resolution from the Joint Committee on 
State Medicine :— 
“That the chairman and secretary of this Committee be in- 
structed without delay to call the attention of Her Majesty’s 
Ministers to the 5th clause of the ‘Artizans’ and Labourers’ Dwell- 
ings Bill;’ and to urge them to withhold their assent to that clause 
on the following grounds :— 
“J. That it would increase the confusion already existing, by 
creating, under the title of ‘officers of health, an inferior, unquali- 
fied, and inefficient class of agents, whom it would be difficult to 
supersede. 
“2. That it would leave the appointment, remuneration, and 
dismissal of the proposed officers of health unconditionally in the 
hands of the local authorities. 
“3. That an inquiry is about to be asked for into the appoint- 
ment and action of medical men in the public service, and that, 
until the results of such inquiry, if granted by Government, shall 
be known, it is highly inexpedient to legislate on the question of 
health officers. 
“4, That a better agency than that proposed in the said clause 
already exists; namely, the district medical officers under the Poor 
Law, who, pending the appomtment of medical officers of health 
duly qualified and properly protected in the exercise of their func- 
tions, might be employed in that capacity, and should receive addi- 
tional remuneration for such services.” 
