discredit them before the public by misrepresentations, calumny, and positive hostilities, the so-called "regulars" had manifested a spirit of fair, honorable and manly competition, as is generally followed by the adherents of the various arts and sciences, there would have been no occasion for them. But when, with a just cause, one is constantly maligned and persecuted, it would be rank cowardice to remain silent and offer no defense. THE MEDICAL COLLEGE CONSPIRACY. As an evidence of the correctness of the views that have been stated, your attention is requested to the "Articles of Confederation" between twenty-six Allopathic colleges, the general purport of which is sufficient. Articles 1 and 3, section 2, express the idea in a decidedly clear and positive manner: "The medical members of the Faculty must be regular graduates or licentiates and practitioners of medicine, in good standing, using the word 'regular' in the sense commonly understood in the medical profession. “He (the graduate) must file a satisfactory certificate of having studied for at least three years under a regular graduate or licentiate and practitioner of medicine, in good standing, using the word 'regular' in the sense commonly understood in the medical profession. No candidate shall be eligible for final examination for graduation unless his term of three years' study shall have been completed, or shall expire at a date not later than three months after the close of the final examinations; this clause to take effect at and after the session of 1879-80." In the announcement for 1879 of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of New York City, we find the following, the purport of which is to be observed in the announcements of all the Allopathic colleges who have subscribed to this vile conspiracy against mental independence under the gossamer term "confederation." "Certificates of preceptorship from Eclectic, Homœopathic, or other so-called 'irregular' practitioners, will not be received, even if such practitioners be graduates of regular medical colleges." When a set of men conceive and foster such a spirit of egotism, such bigoted attachment to sect, to caste, what rights, what justice can reformers expect from Boards of Examiners or Boards of Health consisting of them? Would time permit I could cite from various prominent journals statements that would astonish you as regards the great love this class of physicians entertain towards medical reformers, the intense desire for their indefectibility. THE ANIMUS. Why are such laws solicited? The questions naturally arise as a consequence of the course pursued by the so-called "regulars:" What object to be gained by them? our rights as American citizens? Unless medical reformers arouse from their apathy and indifference upon this subject, they will soon regretfully ascertain that the present enactments are-under the pretext of a desire to elevate the standard of medical education, and to protect suffering humanity from ignorance and charlatanism-really but the entering wedges of the garotte that is designed to choke them out of existence. Although we have no desire to compel our opponents to fellowship, or to consult with us, our preferences, in fact, being in an opposite direction-no disposition to court their friendship, nor to incur their enmity-it appears that in all fairness and justice, when one has been obliged to conform to their insidious schemes, and has attained the legalized goal of perfection which they have erected for him, as a matter of principle they should at least be required to consult with him, under penalty of fine and imprisonment for a refusal based upon differences of school; and should one of their number be expelled from any society for so consulting, said society should be legally compelled to restore him to full and honorable membership, or be held liable to heavy fine therefor. PLOTTING AGAINST THE N. E. M. ASSOCIATION. Excuse me, gentlemen, for occupying so much of your valuable time, during which I have scarcely touched upon points connected with our system of practice that are nearest my heart. But I cannot close without calling your attention to a common adage, which I am induced to repeat from having heard of threats that have been uttered, of destroying this Association, and creating another upon its ruins, and simply because certain persons have been unable to control it for their own purposes and aggrandizement. This adage is: "Every family has its black sheep." Our Eclectic family would, indeed, be fortunate to escape the application of this old saying. In the family of twelve there was one found who betrayed his Master under the privilege and sacred seal of love and friendship, a kiss. And shall we be more favored? Unfortunately, individuals exist in this world whose motto through life appears to be "rule or ruin." They desire o accomplish their own selfish ends, wholly regardless of the rights of others, and to control with a self-assumed authority and arbitrary, despotic will. Failing in this, and becoming disappointed in their hopes and ambition, they next attempt the destruction of those who oppose them. Falsehoods are devised and propagated; misrepresentations are shamelessly perpetrated; private and confidential conversations are not only betrayed, but tortured into every conceivable form, save the true one; and every plan and device which the malignant passion of selfish and bigoted minds can invent are malevolently brought to bear as so many engines with which to effect their base and nefarious designs. HOW TO AVERT REAL PERIL. Too great care cannot be had in preventing such persons from becoming associated with us. They are not true Eclectics. Eternal vigilance is the price of Eclectic harmony and success! If, unhappily, such persons sneak into our ranks, beware of them; they will prove unworthy your confidence, and will violate it whenever it suits their purposes. And though they may assail your ear with horrible tales, manufactured expressly for the occasion, to win your sympathy and friendly feelings, and to arouse your indignation towards those they would injure, or, with pathetic recitals of their great sacrifices for the cause-their unjust and ungenerous recompense-in fact, their life, sufferings and death, for the purpose of securing your condolence-do not allow yourself to be kissed into error or recreancy to the great interests of humanity, but be careful how you receive their assertions. Hear them, and weigh them well; carefully ponder upon the motives, and the motives only, by which they are prompted, and then make the response to your hearts in the Eclectic spirit of freedom, purity and truth. My immediate predecessor in this chair, in his opening discourse, has truly remarked: "We want closer fraternal relations. Eclectics have no business to quarrel and seek to destroy each other. Let us be first pure and then peaceable, remembering that that those who kill their friends will sooner or later be killed by their friends. It is a disagreeable office to note scandals in our ranks. But it is no less our duty to inquire into its causes, and remove them where it is possible. We can afford to endure all manner of evil that may be spoken against us falsely; but we cannot afford to have it true." Of one thing be assured: if selfish designs, personal strifes, unnecessary criminations and recriminations, and contumacious parties are permitted to find place among us, we can never expect to occupy a high position in the ranks of enlightened humanity. To be successful and to properly attain the elevation justly belonging to us, we require a thorough organization, based upon intelligence, justice, right and duty, and tempered with liberality, forbearance and harmony. Without these qualities and sentiments it is utterly impossible that any one can, at heart, be a true Eclectic. Ever remember that the prosperity of this Association, and of our State organizations, means prosperity to Eclectic physicians, individually and collectively; while, on the other hand, the subversion of these organizations-more especially, when effected through internal dissensions-means disaster and ruin to Eclecticism, as well as to Eclectic practitioners. Schedule B. COMMUNICATIONS. FROM THE INDIANA ECLECTIC MEDICAL ASSOCIATION. INDIANAPOLIS, June 17, 1879. To the Secretary of the National Eclectic Medical Association: Whereas, Dr. H. W. Taylor, Crawfordsville, a member of this Association, has been guilty of unprofessional conduct and breach of gentlemanly courtesy, wherein he says in the Indianapolis Medical Review (Vol. IV., No. 4, page 119): Eclectics are a bragging, boasting, ignorant, careless, quackish set of jackasses as a rule;" Therefore Resolved, That the said H. W. Taylor be expelled from the membership of the Indiana Eclectic Medical Association. Adopted. G. W. PICKERELL, M. D., J. B. SHULTZ, M. D., President. Secretary, PETITION FROM THE ECLECTIC MEDICAL SOCIETY OF MISSOURI. ST. LOUIS, MO., February 27, 1879. TO THE OFFICERS AND MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL ECLECTIC MEDICAL ASSOCIATION: We, the undersigned, members of the Eclectic Medical Society of Missouri, herewith present for examination a copy of the charter of our society, with the proceedings of our last regular meeting, and respectfully ask that our society be recognized by the National Eclectic Medical Association, as "The Eclectic Medical Society of Missouri," and that the delegates elect, named in the proceedings accompanying this petition be received and allowed to represent The Eclectic Medical Society of this state. FROM THE GENESEE VALLEY DISTRICT ECLECTIC MEDICAL At the yearly meeting of the Genesee Valley District Eclectic Medical Society, auxiliary of the Eclectic Medical Society of the State of New York, the following preamble and resolutions were adopted, May 4, 1879 : Whereas, We have an abundance of satisfactory evidence that one Dr. M. L. Filkins, an affiliated member of our State Eclectic Medical Society, has, within the jurisdiction of this auxiliary medical society, advertised his approved standing in Eclectic organizations as an endorsement of his proprietary medicines; and whereas we absolutely know nothing of and have no |