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GRIEVANCES OF UNION SURGEONS.
19
Correspondence. "
Audi alterant
place
partem."
GRIEVANCES OF UNION SURGEONS. 1’0 the Editor
of
THE LANCET.
SIR,—In THE LANCET of June 24, I noticed a letter from "Scrutator,"in which I regret to find that he has designated the efforts which have already been made by union surgeons to gain better remuneration for their ardnons duties, as "much to-do about nothing." To this off-hand view of the matter I cannot consent; for I firmly believe that the frequent exposés which havebeen made, and the no less frequent applications to the Poor-law Board, have rendered the cause of union surgeons an essential service, and have led indirectly to the institution of the present Parliamentary inquiry. What will be the result of that inquiry no man can tell; though I cannot divest my mind of the idea that it will end in a recommendation to the House of Commons for a considerable amelioration of the present condition of union surgeons. It is not my intention to give you any more " dispensing statistics" at present, as those already issued I have reason to know have answered a good purpose, nor do I wish to trouble you with a " croaking letter." But such as it is, pray accept it. From boards of guardians and from the Poor-law Board, I know, from ample experience, that union surgeons have nothing to expect, and it has certainly proved to be "much to-do about nothing" in attempting to gain justice from either of these bodies. Over and over again during my term of office, (now upwards of seven years,) I have endeavoured to obtain a modicum of justice from the board of guardians, but invariably without success; my application being generally responded to by a hasty resolution, "that the subject be deferred to that day six months." But has this deterred me from prosecuting my purpose? No. I have striven even with more vigour after every defeat, and if I am spared a little longer, I still hope to see the day when union surgeons will not be considered as the dregs of the profession, and fair game for unworthy treatment, but as honourable men performing a dangerous, a painful,
or humble in circumstance, to implore them, most respectfully yet energetically, to aid our cause by addressing letters of explanation and remonstrance to some member of the "Select Committee,’’or to the representative in Parliament of the county, borough, or town in which the writer resides. This would be but a small outlay of time in so good a cause, and the combined movement would carry great weight. It is at all times difficult for medical men to meet together, but a letter
be written at leisure. Let me hope that our professional brethren will accede to this request, and step in to our succour without a moment’s delay, or the vantage ground will be lost. Let not another sun set without their rendering this graceful service, and they will thus ensure the gratitude of a large body of fellow practitioners, whose only fault is that they clo too much work for too little pay. I am, Sir, your obedient servant, FREDERICK SMITH GARLICK. Cheapside, Halifax, June, 1854.
can
THE "VALUE" OF THE ASSOCIATION JOURNAL. 7’o the Editor of THE LANCET.
of the Provincial Medical and anomalous one. Having a word or two to say upon it, I prefer addressing myself to you, rather than to incur a polite note from the Editor of the Association Journal, informing me that, on consideration, I should agree with him that the publication of my communication in the Journal would not be conducive to the interests of that extraordinary piece of imbecility. At the Oxford meeting the long-existing dissatisfaction with the old Journal was brought to a crisis by the energetic declamation of Dr. Cowan. We were promised everything that could be desired in the shape of a weekly journal, and the only special pleading required was in reference to the increase of expenditure which the projected change would entail. Still, so far were the majority from being convinced of the desirableness of the step, that it was only by dint of admirable management, to the extent of obfuscating the ideas of many (both ruling and ruled) as to what they were voting for, that a mere majority was obtained. I voted for the change, and I did so in the confident expectation that we should obtain a weekly and a properly-requited duty. periodical of the highest character, which would contain a. I have appealed also repeatedly to the Poor-law Board, and succinct epitome of all British and foreign notable medical have received a polite official reply on several occasions, that matters at the very time of their appearance, a full account of my case should be considered, but "hope deferred maketh the the proceedings at the Medical Societies, a brief digest of mediheart sick," and, hitherto, my expectations from that source cal news, accurate notices of new books, and an earnest expo have been woefully disappointed. I find the Poor-law Board sure of quackery, whether in or out of the profession, in books do not consider themselves a court of appeal, and, as a rule, or in actions, and all this done in the best style. I did not experience ratifies that they will only sanction what the anticipate that much space would be occupied by editorial boards of guardians recommend. So that, between the two, platitudes on things in general, good-boyish moralities, heavy union surgeons fall to the ground, and have no chance of cumbering scraps of self-gratulation for things done, which had been merely by chance alluded to in some forgotten previous obtaining redress. In August, 1853, I received my last communication from the number, coupled with threats of future boredom on all Poor-law Board, in which the following sentence occurs :- imaginable text-book subjects, winding up at the end of the The Board direct me to state, that had the guardians thought year with an index of the grand results which had flown from it right to make any recommendation to them on the subject of the exertions editorial! I, for one, expected that the duties of your salary, they would have given that recommendation their the future Editor would consist rather in the industry with consideration, but that, looking to the amount of the salaries which he would cull good materials from the very prolific soil paid to the other medical officers, and to the extent and at his disposal, and in the cautious supervision he would exerpopulation of their respective districts, the Board do not think cise over the epistolary twaddle department, than in flourishing that your case is of such an exceptional character as to require his pen in the so-styled leading articles, of which, if our own Heaven preserve me from ever becoming their interference in opposition to the views of the guardians." be typical This is all that can be obtained from the Poor-law Board. a writer! We were to pay enough for it. Indeed, but Is it not clear that these two bodies play into the hands of one for this, we do not really require a journal of our own at another? And is it not equally clear that between two stools all. The argument, that we need one for the publication the medical officer is permitted to fall? Whether it be cre- of Association business, is untenable. That would find inditable or not, I leave others to judge. If, therefore, it be sertion quite as readily, and perhaps with less prejudice, admitted by the Poor-law Board itself, that my case is not one elsewhere, if we possessed no Journal. The real reason for of "an exceptional character,"the medical officers under the having the Journal, and for having it published once a week, Poor-law must, as a body, be in a lamentable condition; but I was merely that of tempting new members to join, by holding sincerely hope the pending Parliamentary inquiry will redound out the bait of a cheaper mode of keeping a2t courant with the to the honour of our legislators, and secure justice for a body of times than any other journal affords. I do not impugn the gentlemen without whose services the Poor-law would be little excellency of such a reason. I think it a very proper and better than a blank. forcible, as I know it to be the influential, one; but I do im"Scrutator" says, "resign in a body." This is prompt pugn the mode in which the promise, whether assumed or exadvice, but would such a course do any good? Strikes seldom pressed, is fulfilled. Good type and good paper we have; but or never accomplish the purpose for which they are undertaken. I assert that the Association Journal is not nearly what we If it could be guaranteed, however, that the entire profession have a right to expect it to be, it is the poorest by far of all would stand aloof in case of a general resignation by unionthe medical journals, with one exception. The addition to the surgeons, then the point at issue might, perhaps, be gained;; number of members, of which so much has been said, is but I do not think this devotion to our cause can possibly bE due, not to what the Journal is, but to what was expected expected. Unanimity could not be gained. The strike wouldfrom it. In its own special line, it ought to be an unsurpassable prove a lamentable failure. The better course I think is, tc) enlist the sympathies of the entire profession, be they high injournal—a periodical of which each member might feel proud..
SIR,—The present position
Surgical Association
is
.
specimens,
.
an
Correspondence. "
Audi alterant
place
partem."
GRIEVANCES OF UNION SURGEONS. 1’0 the Editor
of
THE LANCET.
SIR,—In THE LANCET of June 24, I noticed a letter from "Scrutator,"in which I regret to find that he has designated the efforts which have already been made by union surgeons to gain better remuneration for their ardnons duties, as "much to-do about nothing." To this off-hand view of the matter I cannot consent; for I firmly believe that the frequent exposés which havebeen made, and the no less frequent applications to the Poor-law Board, have rendered the cause of union surgeons an essential service, and have led indirectly to the institution of the present Parliamentary inquiry. What will be the result of that inquiry no man can tell; though I cannot divest my mind of the idea that it will end in a recommendation to the House of Commons for a considerable amelioration of the present condition of union surgeons. It is not my intention to give you any more " dispensing statistics" at present, as those already issued I have reason to know have answered a good purpose, nor do I wish to trouble you with a " croaking letter." But such as it is, pray accept it. From boards of guardians and from the Poor-law Board, I know, from ample experience, that union surgeons have nothing to expect, and it has certainly proved to be "much to-do about nothing" in attempting to gain justice from either of these bodies. Over and over again during my term of office, (now upwards of seven years,) I have endeavoured to obtain a modicum of justice from the board of guardians, but invariably without success; my application being generally responded to by a hasty resolution, "that the subject be deferred to that day six months." But has this deterred me from prosecuting my purpose? No. I have striven even with more vigour after every defeat, and if I am spared a little longer, I still hope to see the day when union surgeons will not be considered as the dregs of the profession, and fair game for unworthy treatment, but as honourable men performing a dangerous, a painful,
or humble in circumstance, to implore them, most respectfully yet energetically, to aid our cause by addressing letters of explanation and remonstrance to some member of the "Select Committee,’’or to the representative in Parliament of the county, borough, or town in which the writer resides. This would be but a small outlay of time in so good a cause, and the combined movement would carry great weight. It is at all times difficult for medical men to meet together, but a letter
be written at leisure. Let me hope that our professional brethren will accede to this request, and step in to our succour without a moment’s delay, or the vantage ground will be lost. Let not another sun set without their rendering this graceful service, and they will thus ensure the gratitude of a large body of fellow practitioners, whose only fault is that they clo too much work for too little pay. I am, Sir, your obedient servant, FREDERICK SMITH GARLICK. Cheapside, Halifax, June, 1854.
can
THE "VALUE" OF THE ASSOCIATION JOURNAL. 7’o the Editor of THE LANCET.
of the Provincial Medical and anomalous one. Having a word or two to say upon it, I prefer addressing myself to you, rather than to incur a polite note from the Editor of the Association Journal, informing me that, on consideration, I should agree with him that the publication of my communication in the Journal would not be conducive to the interests of that extraordinary piece of imbecility. At the Oxford meeting the long-existing dissatisfaction with the old Journal was brought to a crisis by the energetic declamation of Dr. Cowan. We were promised everything that could be desired in the shape of a weekly journal, and the only special pleading required was in reference to the increase of expenditure which the projected change would entail. Still, so far were the majority from being convinced of the desirableness of the step, that it was only by dint of admirable management, to the extent of obfuscating the ideas of many (both ruling and ruled) as to what they were voting for, that a mere majority was obtained. I voted for the change, and I did so in the confident expectation that we should obtain a weekly and a properly-requited duty. periodical of the highest character, which would contain a. I have appealed also repeatedly to the Poor-law Board, and succinct epitome of all British and foreign notable medical have received a polite official reply on several occasions, that matters at the very time of their appearance, a full account of my case should be considered, but "hope deferred maketh the the proceedings at the Medical Societies, a brief digest of mediheart sick," and, hitherto, my expectations from that source cal news, accurate notices of new books, and an earnest expo have been woefully disappointed. I find the Poor-law Board sure of quackery, whether in or out of the profession, in books do not consider themselves a court of appeal, and, as a rule, or in actions, and all this done in the best style. I did not experience ratifies that they will only sanction what the anticipate that much space would be occupied by editorial boards of guardians recommend. So that, between the two, platitudes on things in general, good-boyish moralities, heavy union surgeons fall to the ground, and have no chance of cumbering scraps of self-gratulation for things done, which had been merely by chance alluded to in some forgotten previous obtaining redress. In August, 1853, I received my last communication from the number, coupled with threats of future boredom on all Poor-law Board, in which the following sentence occurs :- imaginable text-book subjects, winding up at the end of the The Board direct me to state, that had the guardians thought year with an index of the grand results which had flown from it right to make any recommendation to them on the subject of the exertions editorial! I, for one, expected that the duties of your salary, they would have given that recommendation their the future Editor would consist rather in the industry with consideration, but that, looking to the amount of the salaries which he would cull good materials from the very prolific soil paid to the other medical officers, and to the extent and at his disposal, and in the cautious supervision he would exerpopulation of their respective districts, the Board do not think cise over the epistolary twaddle department, than in flourishing that your case is of such an exceptional character as to require his pen in the so-styled leading articles, of which, if our own Heaven preserve me from ever becoming their interference in opposition to the views of the guardians." be typical This is all that can be obtained from the Poor-law Board. a writer! We were to pay enough for it. Indeed, but Is it not clear that these two bodies play into the hands of one for this, we do not really require a journal of our own at another? And is it not equally clear that between two stools all. The argument, that we need one for the publication the medical officer is permitted to fall? Whether it be cre- of Association business, is untenable. That would find inditable or not, I leave others to judge. If, therefore, it be sertion quite as readily, and perhaps with less prejudice, admitted by the Poor-law Board itself, that my case is not one elsewhere, if we possessed no Journal. The real reason for of "an exceptional character,"the medical officers under the having the Journal, and for having it published once a week, Poor-law must, as a body, be in a lamentable condition; but I was merely that of tempting new members to join, by holding sincerely hope the pending Parliamentary inquiry will redound out the bait of a cheaper mode of keeping a2t courant with the to the honour of our legislators, and secure justice for a body of times than any other journal affords. I do not impugn the gentlemen without whose services the Poor-law would be little excellency of such a reason. I think it a very proper and better than a blank. forcible, as I know it to be the influential, one; but I do im"Scrutator" says, "resign in a body." This is prompt pugn the mode in which the promise, whether assumed or exadvice, but would such a course do any good? Strikes seldom pressed, is fulfilled. Good type and good paper we have; but or never accomplish the purpose for which they are undertaken. I assert that the Association Journal is not nearly what we If it could be guaranteed, however, that the entire profession have a right to expect it to be, it is the poorest by far of all would stand aloof in case of a general resignation by unionthe medical journals, with one exception. The addition to the surgeons, then the point at issue might, perhaps, be gained;; number of members, of which so much has been said, is but I do not think this devotion to our cause can possibly bE due, not to what the Journal is, but to what was expected expected. Unanimity could not be gained. The strike wouldfrom it. In its own special line, it ought to be an unsurpassable prove a lamentable failure. The better course I think is, tc) enlist the sympathies of the entire profession, be they high injournal—a periodical of which each member might feel proud..
SIR,—The present position
Surgical Association
is
.
specimens,
.
an