STATE BO^VRD OF HEALTH. 
269 
the infant mortality, which has been very high, Milwaukee would 
at once rank as among the healthiest cities in the world, and there 
can, we think, be no reasonable doubt but that the state at large 
could make an exhibit equally, if not more favorable. 
In conclusion, we congratulate the people of the state upon the 
enlightened wisdom of her legislature, which by the inauguration 
of state medicine, has shown this appreciative care of the highest 
interests of her citizens and placed herself abreast with the most 
advanced humanitarians. 
We beg leave also to say that as the main object to be accom¬ 
plished by the publication of the annual reports of this board is the 
dissemination of the information they may contain among the peo¬ 
ple, for their education in matters pertaining to their health, such 
object may be largely defeated by the fact that the very limited 
number of copies of such reports placed at our disposal by existing 
laws, will prevent such liberal distribution of the same as we be¬ 
lieve this object demands. 
Very respectfully, 
E. L. Griffin, James Bintliff, 
John Fa till, J. T. Reeve, 
Solon Marks, H. P. Strong, 
O. G. Selden. 
DR. GRIFFIN’S ADDRESS. 
Gentlemen: — Acting under instructions from our worthy gov¬ 
ernor, we have met at this time to perfect our organization and 
enter at once upon the special work committed to this board. 
I shall not go amiss in your judgment, I think, if I briefly call 
your attention to some of the objects of the field of study and labor 
upon which we are now about to enter; for upon our right appreci¬ 
ation of the position we now take, and the duties growing out of 
that position, and our fidelity to those duties, will depend the use¬ 
fulness of this organization to the state. We can hardly overesti¬ 
mate the importance of the work to which we now personally com¬ 
mit ourselves. 
Through the enlightened judgment and liberal action of our 
