What is in sight in the way of prolonging human life? I have briefly laid down what seems to be the fundamental principles of the conservation of man and the prevention of disease. If this plan can be carried out, is there any hope to be offered to man of greater freedom from disease and a longer life? I answer unhesitatingly in the affirmative. Why should we be content with an average life of 44 years? There is historical evidence to show that man’s greatest activities are developed with experience and that the age between 60 and 70 is more productive for one who has lived in accordance with nature. It is shown from statistics that we die sixteen years before we reach the maximum usefulness of man. I would like to see more old age. I would like to see more men and women with gray hair and more wrinkled faces than I can see today. To all this, objection may be made that a place must be made for the young man and young woman; that the old man and woman keep the young from development and usefulness. But to this I reply, that there is infinite opportunity for good work offered to all. If we can secure a race free from disease, endowed with all those qualities of mind and body which make for human efficiency, we need not ask that every one become eminent and wealthy, but each can perform the duties which come to him in a way to develop a uniform excellence of the human race. We have room in the country for millions of people. We welcome the infant and the child, but let us keep the man and woman. There is room for all.
This is my message to you tonight—the conservation of man—not only his health, but his life, the most precious possession man has. (Applause.)
Col. John I. Martin—I move that the fullest acknowledgment and thanks of this gathering be and are hereby tendered to Dr. Wiley for his very interesting and splendid address.
The motion was seconded by many delegates and carried unanimously.
After announcement by the Secretary, the Congress adjourned until 9:30 o’clock Wednesday morning.
[FOURTH SESSION.]
The Congress convened in the Murat Theater, Indianapolis, on the morning of October 2, 1912, and was called to order by President White.
President White—I want to take this occasion to state that there is a child’s welfare exhibit richly worth seeing. It is an education in itself and is installed at the Capitol building. Every one should embrace the opportunity of seeing it.
The audience will now arise while the Rev. Dr. Harry G. Hill, of Irvington, invokes Divine guidance.