profession published a book
exposing all the fraudulent patents and quack medicines which occupy so
large a space in the advertising columns of our newspapers. The book was
put authoritatively upon the market, and, as I understand, was
advertised in all the leading papers. When the paid-for advertisements
terminated not a single paper would renew the contract. The holders of
those quack medicines and patents had found means to shut down (so far
as the advertising of it was concerned) a scientific work which
threatened to diminish their profits. That is why I ask what price we
are prepared to pay for the protection of trade interests."

"I should like to be assured of the truth of that statement, with all
respect to your Majesty, before I pass any comment."

"You can write to the College of Medicine if you really wish for the
facts. I myself made very much the same query, and was shown as proof a
letter from its president to one of the medical journals."

But even this did not induce the Prime Minister to regard the matter
very seriously. "After all, sir," said he, "viewed in a certain light it
is only a method of trade competition; for when the sales of patent
medicines decrease no doubt the doctors begin to profit."

"The State has thought it worth while," said the King, "to give to the
medical profession a certificated monopoly. Is it outside its province
to warn the public against charlatans?"

"Is not charlatans an extreme term? I believe, sir, that many of these
patents are quite excellent and in their first effects a stimulant to
health; and in these days when 'suggestion' and 'faith-healing' are so
much talked of it is an arguable proposition that those drugs which give
to mind and body a certain preliminary incentive afford the best
leverage for faith to work on. Of course there are a great many matters
which need control, supervision, and reform; vested interests do tend to
create abuses; but I must remind your Majesty that in the pushing of its
reforms the Government has not been quite a free agent. In many respects
we have been greatly hindered; that is still the crux of the political
situation."

"Ah, yes," said the King, "you do well to remind me. You are, I take it,
now engaged in educating the country; the terms of your proposals are
before it. May I ask whether your anticipations of popular support have
proved correct?"

"We find no reason to alter our opinion as to the necessary solution."

"O