22 ESSENTIALS OF VETERINARY LAW 



nation has frequently obtained the same result by 

 the use of other powers, or through moral in- 

 fluence. For example : Though Congress may not 

 have the power to determine the conditions under 

 which veterinarians shall be pemiitted to practice 

 their profession in the several states, the object 

 may be obtained indirectly. Under the provision 

 giving to Congress exclusive control over inter- 

 state and foreign commerce, laws have been passed 

 giving to the Department of Agriculture the 

 supervision of the meat industry and the trans- 

 portation of animals. It is necessary for the 

 Department to employ many veterinarians, and 

 it may refuse to consider the application of 

 candidates who have not graduated from colleges 

 of a certain prescribed standard. This forces all 

 the colleges to that standard. Further, the Depart- 

 ment may refuse, under suitable laws, to permit 

 live stock to pass from one state to another unless 

 accompanied by a certificate from a veterinarian 

 of approved standing. Neither of these provisions 

 would have influence upon the right of a man to 

 practice his profession in a given state, except 

 indirectly. This right of regulation, depending 

 as it does upon police power, has always been 

 interpreted as belonging to the individual states. 

 For this reason there would be great difficulty in 

 arranging for such a license as would be operable 

 in all the states. The number of fully qualified 

 veterinarians is not relatively great. Most of the 

 present practitioners might not find it difficult to 

 pass the test which might be required of them 

 should they attempt to move into another state. 

 There is in this condition a practical guaranty 



