164 CONFERENCE ON MILK PROBLEMS 



pull down and render less efficient the work of some capable 

 city health officer. 



In considering the relative desirability of different systems, 

 remember that after all the greatest efficiency depends upon 

 the man rather than upon the actual statute, or its source. 

 An honest officer, full of intelligent enthusiasm and desiring 

 to be of service to his community, will do commendable work 

 and secure good results with mighty poor laws. As I recall 

 the various places where I am somewhat familiar with exist- 

 ing conditions, there is always associated with good work and 

 praise-worthy results, the mental picture of an active, intelli- 

 gent individual, rather than the recollection of any commend- 

 able law. 



In many cases, great improvement would be made by state 

 law enforced by state officers. On the other hand, some of 

 the most efficient officers that I know of are city officers en- 

 forcing city laws faithful, intelligent, energetic men doing 

 more in and for their various communities than we could 

 reasonably expect a state system to do. It would seem wrong 

 to crowd these men out of their positions and possibly turn 

 over the work to those who would be less efficient. Remember, 

 also, that dairy inspection is almost entirely a health propo- 

 sition. The work accomplished must finally be acceptable to 

 the health sentiment and authorities. 



It occurs to me to suggest, with considerable hesitancy and 

 conservatism, whether or not the final solution of the problem 

 will be along the line of co-operation of state and municipal- 

 ity, with the state at the last analysis responsible for results and 

 having supervisory powers over the cities, with authority to 

 send inspectors into all places, especially those that are not 

 up to the state standard, but allowing any municipality to 

 take advanced steps if it so desires. 



THE CHAIRMAN: While you were all very indulgent of myself 

 and Mr. Whitaker for our transgression, I will ask the remaining 

 gentlemen on the program to keep, if possible, within the pre- 

 scribed limit of twenty minutes, in order that we may hear Dr. 

 Park, who, although he is the last, is not the least on the program. 



It gives me great pleasure to introduce to you Mr. J. B. Cole- 

 man, Deputy Attorney General of New York State. 



MR. COLEMAN spoke as follows: 



