528 
SOCIETY MEETINGS. 
At a recent meeting of the United States Veterinary Medical 
Association at Boston the failure to secure legislation looking to the 
proper recognition of the veterinarians in the United States Army 
was reported by the Chairman on the Committee of Army Legis¬ 
lation. He further stated that one of the chief reasons for this con¬ 
dition of affairs was the result of the lack of unity upon the part of 
the profession throughout the country, as to the needs or the 
united demand for the same. The lack of harmony, indifference and 
consideration of selfish interests had resulted in so many diverse 
views, reaching the committee in whose charge this bill was, that 
they felt that it was a difficult matter to decide what was wanted, 
and where the profession as a body stood on this important ques¬ 
tion. When we consider that we are living under the only civ¬ 
ilized government which does not accord the veterinary profession 
any rank in our army, it is not hard to see what an unfortunate 
position we hold in the eyes of all the other civilized goverments 
of the world. Only repeated failures have been the outcome of 
the hard work done by the committees in this direction. It still 
is of so much importance that it should not be given up without 
continual agitation, and keeping of the question prominently be¬ 
fore those at whose hands we can only expect help. We may 
ultimately find a fitting opportunity to secure this much needed 
legislation. The recommendation of that committee should not 
go unheeded during the coming year by the various veterinary 
organizations throughout this country, but starting from them as 
a voice of the profession in the various States, counties and cities 
which they represent, they should pass such resolutions com¬ 
mending the need of this act, and these to be presented by the 
Army Legislation Committee, would, no doubt, be a strong fac¬ 
tor in aiding the accomplishment of this work. I trust that this 
Association will not fail to recognize their duty in this direction. 
I might go on, fellow-members, calling your attention to many 
other points of equal importance and value to us, but inasmuch 
as I have already encroached very largely upon your time I will 
leave for you such other points of equal interest as I know are 
important, and demanding your consideration and recognition in 
your daily duties. 
