A successful "boss" in politics, whose methods have been invincible in promoting the interests of his party says: "There is some good man or woman in every city block or ward who will be your resident representative. He or she will know the immediate requirements of his beat or detail in the matter of quarantine suggestions, and will give you all the information you want. District your community in as small sections as possible, find the right person to assist you in each section, tabulate your need for the prevention of neglect, estimate reasonable cost, and then demand it of the City Council or Town Board, and you'll get it without a kick. If your movement is all right, as it seems, the 1/100 dues by your quarantinists will be more than you will want for your purpose till the council acts, but any 'boodle' body, as people call the progressive governments, that I know anything about, will do it for you as quick as a wink and they won't want any 'rake off' either. They will be the first to join your order, as they can understand a 'sweep,' and they know the needs. Everybody will vote to give the babies a chance. Put me down anyhow; I'm with you for all I've got."
The above suggestion is excellent. One serious and earnest person in any community can start a movement to district his or her community and get co-operation in each district. The politicians will help you if your aim is single and if the welfare of the children, on non-political and non-sectarian lines, is your high purpose. Do this first, and know that good politics and religion will be the fruit of the effort as surely as light dispels gloom or darkness!
The above method is in use in many German cities for philanthropic and educational work and secures for the community practically a quarantine from disorder. The "five household" method of division and social supervision was the ancient method adopted in Japan, to whose influence is undoubtedly due the marvelous discipline, on social lines, and the immunity from disorder, that the Japanese enjoy more than any other people.
ABOVE ALL: BE A QUARANTINIST YOURSELF!! THE REST WILL FOLLOW.
Later, February 1st, 1899
"FIRED THE SHOT HEARD 'ROUND THE WORLD"
Leading citizens and officials in four cities have pledged their cities to accomplish Social Quarantine.
The General Federation of Women's Clubs of the United States, through the president, Mrs. Rebecca D. Lowe, of Atlanta, Ga., and the National Congress of Mothers, through the president, Mrs. Alice G. Birney, have pledged their efforts to Social Quarantine, and will make Social Quarantine the key-note of their administration.
The adjourned Prison Reform Congress, which convened at New Orleans in January last, resounded with notes which advocated prevention to avoid the necessity of punishment. Social Quarantine was explained to the Congress by the author, and, at the close of his address, by a rising vote, the Convention unanimously subscribed to the practicability, desirability, and possibility of Social Quarantine as just expounded.
BECAUSE "IT PAYS!"