ARMY VETERINARY LEGISLATION. 
771 
This represents the progress that is taking place in our 
country, both in science and in army improvement. In the old 
days the farriers were sufficient to take care of the live stock of 
the Army, but with the progress of science now every man 
who practices the veterinary calling must have a diploma from 
a university. A man who is* educated to that point should be 
raised above the farrier, and is entitled to the recognition of 
rank in the Army of the United States. If these men are to be 
established as a corps, they should be organized as such if you 
are to have efficiency throughout the Army, $2,000,000 repre¬ 
senting the value of the live stock in the United States Army 
to-day. It is of sufficient value to warrant an additional $6- 
500 for their care and promotion. 
Not only that ; I would call attention to the fact that every 
civilized nation to-day has its veterinary corps to examine ani¬ 
mals purchased. England, in the war with South Africa, sent 
veterinary surgeons to this country, when they were buying 
live stock, and saved hundreds of thousands of dollars in the 
purchase of those animals by means of careful inspection. 
There is another point I would earnestly press upon the House. 
One of the few disagreeable things that we want to forget 
about is the spoiled meat served to our gallant troops that were 
fighting in the armies of this country. If we had had this 
corps, that meat would all be inspected, and there could no 
such scandal take place. 
It is seldom, Mr. Chairman, that I find myself in opposition 
to the committee. I can not agree with the suggestion of the 
chairman of the committee that this matter should go over so 
that it could be dealt with in conference with the Senate. If 
this House believes in the measure, they should vote for it now 
and put it in the bill. This is the proper place to put it in 
and let it be established, and then it is beyond peradventure 
and can not be traded off for any other proposition, and will be 
in the bill for the benefit of the Army and economy to the Gov¬ 
ernment. It will be a recognition of a profession which is ris¬ 
ing to-day ; and all the veterinary schools and that great pro¬ 
fession throughout our country are solidly behind this measure. 
I hope the House will act now and not trust to chance. A 
wise man never trusts to chance if he can get what he wants in 
hand. Vote to put this in as the Senate had it in the bill and 
it places this question beyond peradventure. 
Mr. Steele. Does not the gentleman say that this bureau 
is to cost $6500 ? 
