96 INOCULATION FOR PLEURO-PNEUMONIA. 
to speak, made any experiments itself. It has relied upon 
vague reports, partial and hostile, of some veterinary sur- 
geons. It has conducted its operations with a tardiness 
which can only be contrasted by the activity displayed by 
foreign commissions. During a whole year, the Belgian 
Commission has absolutely done nothing. At different 
times, and conformably to the ministerial decree of the 3d 
of April, 1832, by which it was instituted, I put myself in 
communication with it, and sent it much information, and 
made different propositions, but what is the result. 
“ I say it. Sirs, with much regret, that its party spirit is 
such, that it has not even answered me. I complained of 
this to the Minister of the Interior, by my letter of the 20th 
of September last, and this high functionary, no doubt 
through the acts of the Commission, has not been able at 
present to furnish me with the information which he pro- 
mised. I am convinced, Sirs, that the representatives of the 
nation will be of opinion that this state of things has lasted 
long enough, as it can be but a question of vital importance 
to the Agricultural industry — industry w T hich Marie Theresa 
calls f the nurse of all the arts’ — that it should be made to 
suffer from a bad feeling, based upon unjustifiable motives. 
I think I have done all that depended on me in this affair, — 
sacrifices, trials, proofs of every kind; I have indeed neg- 
lected nothing, in order to bestow upon my country the 
fruits of a discovery, judged every where to be of the highest 
importance, and I am still disposed not to neglect any 
means to establish and make acceptable a useful truth. I 
rely then, Sirs, upon your distinguished intervention in order 
that as much at least may be done in Belgium, as has been 
done in foreign countries concerning my procedure. You 
will be of opinion, I am convinced, that it is deplorable to see 
our beautiful country remain far behind others in this parti- 
cular. You will judge that it is prejudicial to the interests 
of the country ; — that in a certain degree it is humiliating to 
our national pride; and lastly, that it is discouraging to 
those Belgians, who have promulgated ideas which are use- 
ful, and of a nature to ameliorate the material or moral 
condition of the people you represent. I rely then, I repeat, 
Sirs, upon you, and I am persuaded that in this instance 
your distinguished protection will again not be denied me. 
Permit me to assure you, Sirs, of the sentiments of high 
esteem and perfect devotion with which I have the honour to 
remain, 
“ Your very humble and respectful servant, 
“Dr. Willems. 
“ Hasselt ; Dec. 11, 1854.” 
