The Fees in the Case of the Late President

     We note with regret that the subject of the physicians’ fees in the case of President McKinley is still being made the subject of widespread newspaper comment. It seems to us that the proper method for this matter to have been brought to public notice would have been the introduction of a bill into Congress, providing for the payment by the nation of all the expenses incurred in connection with the treatment of the President. There is no question but that the American people would gladly assume responsibility for these expenses. The introduction of such a measure would have brought the subject before the public in a definite and dignified manner which would have admitted of discussion, so far as it was necessary to arrive at public sentiment, without involving any infringement of professional dignity. It unfortunately happens that the matter is being discussed in the lay papers at large in a vague and indefinite way and, on the whole, in a manner which is hardly befitting the solemnity and dignity of the occasion. The purely financial aspects of the case can, of course, scarcely be ignored; but we cannot but regret that public notice should have been directed to the matter through the newspapers, and not through Congressional action.