260 
.T. D. HOPKINS. 
of contagion in large number, have, we believe, completely dis¬ 
armed our opponents, and left us, for the present at least, in com¬ 
paratively quiet possession of the field. 
The same fortunate result has not yet been arrived at in other 
States, and in the majority of those which are infected there is 
still a deplorable contest over the nature and existence of the 
disease. As a result nothing is done, the danger continues and 
the malady is spreading; and this state of things has, as can 
readily be seen, a considerable influence on the time required for 
the completion of the work in this State and our safety in the 
future. 
A word about the stamping-out process. Criticism will always 
follow the appointment of a commission to perform such impor¬ 
tant work, even though the selection is made because of special 
qualifications; but I am sorry to see young men, ambitious of no¬ 
toriety, whose experience extends little beyond the four corners 
of a school room, criticising competent and conscientious men, 
who have on hand a work greater than these would-be critics cam 
appreciate, and who have to encounter obstacles which are un¬ 
known to such lookers-on. 
If our friends would only give the State Commissioners credit 
for possessing intelligence and a natural desire for the success of 
their work, they would not need to be informed that there may 
be good reasons for carrying out the work exactly as it is being 
done. 
It is possible for pleuro-pneumonia to'be exterminated in other 
ways than going with a torch in one hand and a pole-axe in the 
other, arousing opposition on every hand and raising a disturbance 
entirely out of proportion to the work performed. 
This most insidious foe, pleuro-pneumonia, because of its long 
period of incubation, must be met by the guarded quarantine, 
blocking the avenues of traffic, thoroughly disinfecting the centres 
of contagion and distroying diseased animals. The people must 
be made acquainted with the laws on the subject, and in my ex¬ 
perience I have found my greatest allies among the intelligent 
herdsmen, who, understanding what was required of them, failed 
not in their duty. 
