436 
EDITORIAL. 
for its object the establishment of a national patho-biological 
laboratory, and which is to be introduced in Congress during the 
present session. Our purpose in this is to enable our readers to 
obtain a knowledge of its objects, and if it is thought to be ex¬ 
pedient, to enlist their assistance and influence in securing its pro¬ 
per consideration and passage. Its objects are minutely de¬ 
fined, and though its provisions may need change and modifica¬ 
tion, the beneficial provisions it embodies are too obvious and 
important to escape the attention of those who are interested in 
the study of the true nature of contagious diseases. 
Swine Plague Commission. —The need of a tribunal like that 
for which Dr. Salmon petitions is illustrated by the controversy 
which has been for some time maintained between disagreeing in¬ 
vestigators of the nature of swine diseases. It is in consequence 
of this variance in the opinions held by these gentlemen, and in 
answer, we believe, to a kind of challenge issued by one of them, 
Dr. F. S. Billings, that the worthy Chief of the Bureau of Ani¬ 
mal Industry has addressed the letter to the Hon. N. T. Coleman, 
United States Commissioner of Agriculture, which we copy below. 
The response of Commissioner Coleman to Dr. Salmon’s rec¬ 
ommendation has been prompt and favorable, and the Commis¬ 
sion, which has already been appointed, will consist of Prof. T. T. 
Burrill, of the University of Illinois, Dr. Wm. H. Welch, of Johns 
Hopkins University, and Dr. E. O. Shakespeare, of Philadelphia. 
These gentlemen will not only investigate the subject of swine 
disease, but also adjust any other questions which may be inci¬ 
dentally in dispute. 
To borrow the language of the Breeder’s Gazette , “ the high 
standing and scientific qualifications of these gentlemen for the 
character of the work they have been designated to perform, are 
too well-known to need comment, and whatever result they may 
reach in their investigation will doubtless be accepted by the whole 
country with confidence.” We subjoin Dr. Salmon's letter : 
United States Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Animal Industry , 
Washington, D . C., Nov. 27, 1888.— Hon. Norman J. Coleman, Commissioner of 
Agriculture — Sir : Among the most important scientific researches undertaken 
by the Department of Agriculture since its formation are the investigations in re¬ 
gard to the diseases of swine. There is no question of greater interest to far- 
