240 
CORRESPONDENCE. 
CORRESPONDENCE. 
THE NATIONAL VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION. 
To the Editor of the American Veterinary Review : 
It may not be out of place for me to make a few remarks 
concerning some objections raised by a subscriber to articles pub 
lislied in your journal in the June and July numbers, signed, 
H. F. James, Y.S., St. Louis, Mo. 
In the June number he absolutely refuses to have anything 
to do with any association that was not exclusively of graduates 
of recognized colleges, and asserts that State associations were 
tainted with the empirical element, mentioning the names of some 
distinguished practitioners who signed the conventional call at 
St. Louis, and whom he objects to. It would be well if the dif¬ 
ferent State societies could be supported according to Mr. James’ 
views. Possibly it could be effected, but the grand aim we are all 
after would be frustrated without the assistance of many re¬ 
spectable non-graduates, which I believe, nearly, if not all veter¬ 
inary societies have among them. 
There are many ignorant imposters practising veterinary 
medicine who are entirely unfit to be recognized and incompe¬ 
tent to pass before our State Board of Censors, but on the other 
hand we admit experienced practitioners who are intelligent and 
are respected in their community. The admission of members 
into our State associations is conducted with care and judgment 
and we admit or reject candidates according to their credentials 
and examination. 
It is impossible for any body of veterinary surgeons, qualified 
by diploma only, to expect of Congress an act to protect them in¬ 
dividually, nor will any law ever be passed without some compro¬ 
mise. It has already been tried and defeated, but by admitting re¬ 
spectable practitioners who have had extensive practice and are 
educated, into State associations, we will have a stronger hold, and 
we will there draw our line. Have them registered, as adopted in 
England, as existing practitioners, and register the graduates as 
such. Although a graduate myself of one of the first colleges, 
