Henry Baird Favill, AB, MD, LL.D., 1860-1916, a ... - University Library

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MEDICINE AND PUBLIC HEALTH 245
A distinct advance with respect to the organization of
the Council has been made in the Constitutional Amendment
looking to an equitable reapportionment of representation
from the Branches. So far, it appears, this
subject has been satisfactorily adjusted.
There are many
flaws and discrepancies in the constitution and by-laws.
It is very imperative that these be taken up systematically,
and the whole matter harmonized and put into definite
form.
The Committee appointed by the Council to take up this
question was appointed too late for effective work this year.
That Committee dies with the expiration of this year and
should be reappointed with instructions to do as much work
as is practicable during the summer.
The last few weeks have seen the development of a very
stirring political campaign with reference to the offices of
this Society. Generally speaking, I can conceive of no
more healthy fact than universal interest in our election.
It is probably inevitable, and there is no objection to
strong factional activity with reference to elections. There
are two considerations, however, which the members of
the Chicago Medical Society must honestly and disinterestedly
weigh in connection with such political activity
1. The issues must be issues of principle and policy
and not issues of
selfishness.
2. In the pursuit of political supremacy in the Society
based upon issues of principle and policy, personal interests
and private antagonisms must be eliminated.
Recognizing the tendency in human affairs to acrimony
in the heat of strife, I yet enunciate as a fact, demonstrated
times without number, that in the long run selfishness and
personal interest will be recognized by the rank and file and
effectually and permanently discredited.
The work of the Chicago Medical Society has only just
begun. Its influence as a force in this community is not
one tithe of its due. Its power for achievement must not