THE TUBERCULIN TEST IN MASSACHUSETTS. 
265 
As to that portion of the report of the majority which 
states,— 
“ If cattle are to be condemned or regarded as suspicious animals only after they 
show signs of disease, it is a question as to the propriety or equity of the State paying full 
value for those which are actually diseased ”— 
we would respectfully submit that if this means, as we infer it 
does, that in the opinion of the majority an excessive value is 
being paid for animals condemned as tuberculous, this is a 
question for the Board of Cattle Commissioners to settle, and 
not for a change of law. There is no authority in the present 
law for paying for tuberculous animals anything more than 
“ the full value thereof at the time of condemnation ” ; this law 
having been drawn as a substitute for a section in an act sub¬ 
mitted to His Excellency the Governor and by him referred to 
the Attorney-General, and pronounced unconstitutional, which 
provided that “ the full sound value ” should be paid. If an 
excessive value is being paid by the State the Commission have 
power to remedy this under the present law. 
In conclusion, we would respectifully submit:— 
First. That the tuberculin test condemned animals as 
tuberculous with remarkable accuracy, there 'being at most 
only 1.56 per cent, of mistakes. 
Second. That the post-mortem examination of animals 
which were not condemned on the tuberculin test is of no 
value, because of the lapse of time and lack of sanitary precan- 
tic ns. 
Third. That in all cases where entire herds are tested 
it should be followed by sanitary steps and subsequent re¬ 
tests. 
BTurth. As a public health measure, animals shown by 
tuberculin or other proper tests to be affected with tubercu¬ 
losis should be killed ; since the extent cannot be determined by 
any known means except upon post-mortem examination. 
Fifth. That whether the State will permit the use of any 
portion of such beef for meat is a question of State policy not 
before the committee. 
Sixth. That any change in the law relating to tests by 
private veterinarians is unncessary and inexpedient. 
Seventh. That the question as to the law of compensation 
is at present a question of administration and not a question of 
legislation. Respectfully submitted, 
G. H. Kelton, 
Wm. H. Porter. 
