dr. Edwards' report. 
155 
On the 7th of that month I reached New York, and hav- 
ing acertained that three-fourths, or more, of the importations 
of drugs, medicines, &c, are made at that port, my time and 
attention have been most directed to investigations there. 
As is ever to be expected, the immediate operations of a 
new law will meet with opposition from those whose inter- 
ests it effects. No bill ever met with more decided opposi- 
tion on its introduction than the act of 26th of June last. 
A large number of honest importers were fearful that great 
injustice and injury would result to business. Many com- 
mission houses attacked it, with a violence unexpected by its 
friends ; while one or more leading commercial journals in 
New York, for weeks before the passage of the law, devoted 
large space to its attack, and after their arguments had 
been answered, resorted to abuse of its authors and friends. 
The advocates of the bill have ever been willing to test 
its advantages by time and practical operation, and I am 
happy to say that my careful investigations warrant me in 
the opinion, that whilst the law in its practical operation 
has not fulfilled the predictions of its enemies, it has more 
than realized the anticipations of its friends. I have con- 
versed with a number of the importers of drugs in the 
various cities, and especially in New York, whence came 
most of the opposition, and I am confident in the assertion 
that the early prejudices are not only rapidly passing away 
but that all are now inclined to view the law with senti- 
ments differing widely from those entertained at its intro- 
duction, A very limited number now advocate that free- 
dom of trade which gives to the designing and dishonest 
drug dealer power not only over the health but the lives of 
the community. Strongly impressed as were the friends of 
the bill of its ultimate success, and that an enlightened pub- 
lic opinion would sustain and foster it, as beneficial to the 
physical well being of society, we were not prepared for so 
full an expression of its benefits, and miscalculated its 
strength of confidence in all classes of the community. I 
