The revised sterilization bill seems to be highly innocuous and inoffensive, as far as it is purely a voluntary affair, to be invoked by reputable physicians and with no "mutilation clause" in it.

So far, so good, but how long will the advocates of mutilation be content with a voluntary statute? An anonymous writer in the Barre Times commenting on the remark of Mr. McNamara at a recent hearing as to the ability of the feeble-minded to give con sent, says:

"And that proves -- although the Rutland Herald probably did not realize it when the editorial was written -- the case for sterilization. Why should those incapable of a "voluntary act" be allowed to procreate others incapable of "voluntary acts"? Th e bill provides that a guardian may give sanction for sterilization if the patient is incapable of understanding what it is all about. There are many persons who suffer from mental diseases who are rational at times and they could, under the bill, consen t to sterilization."

In other words, what the sterilization advocates really want is the right to mutilate, as provided in the original bill, The Herald hopes that before the Legislature is stampeded into adopting any measure authorizing sterilization they will get the q uiet, unpublished opinions of physicians who do not get into the headlines very much but have valuable opinions about it.

One of this sort, a physician of standing and wide practical knowledge, says,

"Theoretically, a sterilization law along proper lines is a good thing, but practically such a law works out indifferently. We will not be ready for such legislation for a number of years.

"In fact, it will not be possible to have drawn the best type of bill until we get scientific information and experience on some points where we do not have either.

"The British eugenists stand aloof from legislation of this type, though they are quite willing to see America try it out while they stand on the sidelines and watch the experiment."

With the utmost respect for laboratory men like Drs. Allen, Stanley, and the proponents of the Vermont measure, let the members of the General Assembly stop, look, and listen before they embark on something, the end of which cannot even be estimated.

-- Rutland Herald.