ORGANIZATION OF NATIONAL ASSOCIATION 27 



how seriously and earnestly the United States Government has endorsed the 

 movement. The fact that these people have succeeded in obtaining the support 

 of the government is unfortunate, for as a natural result physicians of foreign 

 countries interested in the subject will be led to come to this congress. If, 

 having come so far, they find that the ' congress ' is not supported by the better 

 element of the profession -by those prominent in tuberculosis work in the 

 United States; if, to use a familiar expression, they find the play of Hamlet 

 with Hamlet left out, they will feel that they have been imposed on. The result 

 will not be complimentary to us, but will in a measure reflect on the medical 

 profession of the United States, irresponsible as it is for the conditions. 



"We are neither ready, nor is the time opportune, for an international con- 

 gress on tuberculosis. But when we have one, let it be one that shall have its 

 inception in some reputable and recognized body; one that shall have the 

 indorsement and support of the profession, and especially of those who are 

 recognized as authorities on the subject; one whose utterances shall be authori- 

 tative and command respect, and one that shall redound to the credit of 

 America and of which Americans can be proud. 



"We believe that those who are working in behalf of the organization known 

 as the Lewis-Brown congress are animated by pure motives, and by the belief 

 that its contemplated meeting will be beneficial. Nevertheless, we cannot but 

 think that under the circumstances it will be a mistake for them to go on. They 

 have inherited with their 'congress' all its former stigma, and the only way to 

 get rid of the stigma is to quickly let the 'congress ' die and start anew. The title 

 of the Lewis-Brown congress the American Congress on Tuberculosis for the 

 Prevention of Consumption is too much like that of the Bell congress the 

 American Congress on Tuberculosis and it will be impossible for them to free 

 themselves from the odium the name carries with it. 



"As far as the other congress is concerned, the so-called 'Bell Congress,' it 

 seems to us that the time has come to do something more than simply ignore it. 

 If it is to become a reality under conditions in which it cannot receive the sup- 

 port and cooperation of those best qualified to represent the American medical 

 profession in the discussion of the subject, and we believe such to be the case, 

 it is well that the world should know the fact." 



As a result of Dr. Knopf's suggestion, a conference was held in 

 McCoy Hall, Baltimore, on January 28, 1904, at which the fol- 

 lowing men, representing various agencies, activities, and inter- 

 ests were present: 



Drs. Daniel Lewis, New York city; John B. Huber, New York 

 city; Thomas Darlington, New York city; W. Freudenthal, New 

 York city; S. A. Knopf, New York city; Lawrason Brown, Sara- 

 nac Lake, N. Y.; Herbert D. Pease, Albany, N. Y.; Walter J. 

 Marcley, Rutland, Mass.; Edward O. Otis, Boston, Mass.; 

 Vincent Y. Bowditch, Rutland, Mass.; M. G. Overlock, Wor- 



