EDITORIAL 
805 
A hope yet remained that the conference of the two houses 
would give the veterinarian the rank of second lieutenant, if 
the corps was lost. In fact, the Secretary of War seemed 
rather to favor it, and many Senators who bitterly opposed 
the formation of a corps, conceded the justice of rank, and our 
champion, Senator Gallinger, offered an amendment embodying 
that proposition, which was promptly voted down, and the 
veterinarian of the United States Army remains as he was, a 
civilian employee, without rank, dignity, authority, or respect 
beyond that which is accorded to individuality. 
The Committee of the A. V. M. A. have worked so val¬ 
iantly, intelligently and indefatigably, that the sincere thanks 
of the profession will not be withheld from them on account of 
the failure of their efforts at the eleventh hour. They have 
already issued a preliminary report, setting forth a complete 
history of their stewardship, and close the document by the 
Phoenix-like statement: u We will at a later time render another 
report and suggest an outline for future action.” 
SOME IMPORTANT FUNCTIONS OF ASSOCIATION 
WORK. 
The new constitution and by-laws of the consolidated State 
association of New Jersey, adopted January ioth at Trenton, 
create two important committees—a Public Health Committee 
and an Animal Industry Committee—the work of which, if in¬ 
telligently conducted, which we have no doubt will be the case, 
will be of incalculable benefit to mankind and to the animal 
industry of the State. These two committees, we understand, 
have been established at the suggestion of President-elect Rowe, 
which indicates that his administration will be along scientific 
and advanced lines with a view to applicability and practical 
usefulness. 
It is made the duty of the Public Health Committee to in¬ 
vestigate, advise and report on animal diseases, animal foods, 
sanitation and other matters relating to and concerning the 
public health. The Animal Industry Committee shall investi- 
