680 
EDITORIAL. 
whom have not been specially trained. A physical examination, even when conducted 
by those having the highest skill, fails to detect the disease, in a large percentage of cases, 
and consequently, can never prove satisfactory, if eradication of the disease is the object 
in view. 
On September 30th, the Board issued a general order to all the inspectors in the State, 
providing for a regular and thorough inspection, by physical examination, as provided by 
law, of all neat cattle throughout the Commonwealth, and directing that such examination 
be completed before December first. The time for this examination has now expired, and 
the work of the Board for the present year is, therefore, practically ended. 
While the expenditure has necessarily been large, a considerable portion of the ap¬ 
propriation still remains in the hands of the treasurer, while there are but a few days of the 
current year left to be covered. 
Feeling, therefore, that there can be no permanent improvement of the herds in the 
State commensurate with the expenditure involved, and that there is little promise of sue 
legislation as will make such improvement possible, I am convinced that I cannot consi 
tently remain a member of the Board. Very respectfully yours, 
F. H. Osgood. 
The Governor sent the following acceptance: 
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, 
Executive Department, 
Boston, Dec. 7, 1896. 
Dr. Frederick Id. Osgood , Chairman Cattle Commissioners. 
Dear Sir :—In accordance with your expressed wish, I accept your resignation as 
member of the Board of Cattle Commissioners, to take effect this day. 
I regret that the Commonwealth is to lose your faithful and efficient services. 
Very truly yours, (Signed) Roger Wolcott. 
The Review deeply regrets the circumstances which have 
necessitated the action taken by the Chairman of the Board, for 
it feels that the profession has lost a grand opportunity to have 
profited by the results which promised so much. The profes¬ 
sion of the State should unite to reinstate the law of 1894, and 
we have no doubt that they will receive assistance from all in¬ 
telligent sources which are not hampered by individual interest. 
As showing the sentiment of the press, we quote two extracts 
from Boston papers upon the subject: 
\_Boston Transcript , Dec. 9.] 
“ In resigning his position of member and chairman of the State Board of Cattle Com¬ 
missioners, Dr. F. H. Osgood has acted logically as well as conscientiously. As he 
clearly points out in his letter of resignation, he could not, with self-respect, continue his 
connection with the board, for by so doing he seems to be in accord with the laws which 
it is the duty of the board to administer. The laws relative to the inspection of cattle are 
so inadequate as in effect to be utterly useless towards stamping out tuberbulosis or other 
diseases; it would seem, indeed, as if their sole purpose were to prevent any interference 
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