View report page

13
may generally be prevented, or soon remedied by medical
treatment; they are but a feather in the scale, and not to
be compared to the inconveniences which follow small-pox.
To all objectors on principle, or from reasons however
inconclusive, we would shew the most scrupulous
tenderness; and believe that by fairly admitting the
amount of truth which these objections really possess,
and by a little good-natured treatment, they may generally
be disposed of.
But as to those who neglect vaccination from pure
carelessness, they are entitled to no consideration; and no
feelings of delicacy need prevent us from coercing them.
Yet the question arises, is it possible to coerce them? and
if possible, is it expedient? We believe that both
questions may be answered in the negative.
Respecting the power of compelling the refractory
by law to be vaccinated, we may observe that we were
favoured with an audience of the Board of Governors
and Directors of the poor of St. George, Hanover
Square, in March 1860, when we laid before them a
representation from the whole body of Metropolitan
Medical Officers of Health, and a memorial from ourselves,
respecting the defects of the present law, and a
prayer that they would take steps to procure an amendment
of it. Our memorial was kindly forwarded by a
nobleman present, to the noble lord who promoted the
present Vaccination Bill, and who admitted its defects;
but as to a remedy, neither private members of the legislature
nor the government seem to have much appetite
for medical Acts of Parliament.
The defects of the Act are these:—When the birth
of any child is registered, the registrar is bound to give
a notice to the father or guardian, requiring such child to