Thursday, April 9, 1925
Another live question is the practice of medicine. Like most of the professions, the legislature has from time to time laid on weight for starters in the medical profession until they have well-nigh ruined the rural districts without a doctor, and in many that have doctors, these invaluable men are growing old and about ready to join the innumerable caravan that leads to the burying ground.
Only a rich man’s son can hope to become a doctor now, and he settles in the city. He does not fill the description of the old-time doctor:
“In misery’s darkest cavern known,
His useful care was ever nigh.
Where hopeless anguish poured, I groan,
And lonely went retired to die.
No summons mocked by cold delay,
No petty gains disclaimed by pride,
The modest wants of every day supplied.”
That kind of a doctor is fast passing away.
Instead of hanging out a shingle and winning his way with the sick and the well, it requires first and last some 17 years in school before he is competent to prescribe a remedy that will function like Epsom salts.
As the legislature seems to have refused county courts to grant temporary certificates to practice it is likely that the body is committed to the higher walks in medical life, but it seems that some chiropractors, which being interpreted means something like a curing by the laying on of hands, elected some member of the legislature and they are to be reckoned with.
I do not care whether the legislature in its wisdom lets them practice or not. I am inclined to believe with the old colored man that whether it be an allopath, homeopath, neuropath or what not, that all paths lead to the grave. Gray outlook at best.
The doctors surely thronged into Charleston last week. And I wonder how many of them had to look back on a meager beginning in the way of an academic education. Like I told the State Bar Association when it was at its successful work of closing the profession to those who were born poor: how many can be for these high standards without stultifying themselves?
ARBOVALE
The word is that Mr. Reed the coal man, has located a coal mine on Joe Phillip’s farm on Buffalo Mountain.
The farmers are busy plowing; more has been done at this time than ever for the time of year.
No young cattle changing hands yet, but good ewes are in demand at a good price
Granville Gillispie, of Detroit, Michigan, who spent a week here with home folks, has returned to his work.
ONOTO
Plowing and building lime kilns is the order of the day. A. C. Barlow has just completed a large kiln. The rock Mr. Barlow used was tested and proved to be 92 percent lime.
A large community dipping vat or tank is being built near the Big Spring Bridge on A. C. Barlow’s land.
I. B. Bumgardner, of Marlinton, was here on business recently.
There have been several cases of mumps in this section recently.
Miss Ruby Barlow has been visiting her cousin, Miss Dameron Barlow, for a few days.
A. E. White is installing a light plant in his store.
Sunday school was reorganized last Sunday. Jim Sharp, superintendent; P. L. Carter, assistant; Charles Sharp, secretary and treasurer.
