MEETING OF THE VETERINARY PROFESSION. 319 
the present meeting', and the veterinary body, that a veteiinary 
examining'committee oug'ht to be appointed. It is the want of a 
competent tribunal that has deluged the country with ignorant 
and inefficient practitioners; and, in the stables of too many 
sporting men, have placed the veterinarian lower in estimation 
than the common farrier or the meanest groom. 
However he may, at a former period, have opposed our claim, 
Mr. Coleman has now declared himself a zealous advocate for the 
establishment of a veterinary committee. The medical committee 
has strongly recommended its formation : we have firmly, but not 
insolently demanded it. The governors, however, knowing nothing 
of the real state of that institution over which they preside, or 
misled by artful, interested, unprincipled men, have refused the 
appointment of this committee. 
What are we do ? Are we to submit to injury and to wrong ? 
Are we to give up the contest, and abandon the cause we have at 
heart? I trust not—especially when v r e have the power in our 
own hands, and can, to a very material degree, accomplish the 
object at which we aim. It is time for us now r , as has been said 
in a pamphlet published a few days ago on the abuses of our pro¬ 
fession, to act as well as talk. We, all impartial men, feel the 
necessity of a more competent examining committee. Let us 
form it. Let a certain number be selected by the general voice, 
and from the general body; and let them constitute this import¬ 
ant and much-desired committee. We have the opinion of the 
Professor, and of the medical examiners, that such a board is 
necessary ; but certain governors, illiberal, or misled, or preju¬ 
diced, will not have it so. We will no longer ask their leave. We 
will appoint that body which public opinion demands. It shall 
sit in candid judgment on every student who may present himself, 
from whatsoever school. We cannot compel any to present them¬ 
selves—we wish not to do it; for public opinion will do that loi 
us. No sooner will it be known that horsemen are become the 
judges of the acquirements of the horse-practitioner, than the first, 
question which will be put to the veterinarian by every sportsman 
and every sensible agriculturist, will be, “ Under whose authority do 
you practise, that of surgeons, proverbially ignorant of horse-flesh, 
or of veterinary practitioners, who alone can judge of you V 1 I sec 
other consequences; and they are not distant or unimportant. I 
cordially support the motion. I here is no breach ol connexion, 
no interminable war here. Let your examiners be competent-— 
they will not act dishonourably,—and the voice of the public will 
recognize and support them, A . 
The question was soon after put, and carried by a considerable 
majority. The hour being now late, the meeting was adjourned. 
