12 
PROTECTION OF MATERNITY. 
Mrs. Kilbreth. I think that those plans are all right in the 
States 
The Chairman. But would it not be socialism for the State to do 
that? 
Mrs. Kilbreth. I think it is absolutely for the State to meet its 
own special conditions. 
The Chairman. But if the State does not meet those conditions, 
should not the country at large ? Has not the country at large any 
interest in these matters at all ? 
Mrs. Kilbreth. It certainly should be under medical people 
The Chairman. But I want to know about this socialism. 
Mrs. Kilbreth. Yes. 
The Chairman. In talking with these women down there by the 
country home at Long Island, did you discuss socialism with them? 
Mrs." Kilbreth. No; they don’t know anything about socialism. 
Their husbands look after them. 
The Chairman. Do you know how many mothers die in this 
country every year ? 
Mrs. Kilbreth. I do not; but Senator Thomas said that there 
were about 23,000; and he also said that it was about normal. 
Senator Kenyon. You believe it would be an element of socialism 
if the Government should try and save the mothers ? 
Mrs. Kilbreth. No; I do not think they are going to save them. 
That is not the way to save them. 
Senator McKellar. What way would you suggest ? 
Mrs. Kilbreth. What means do I suggest ? 
Senator McKellar. Yes. 
Mrs. Kilbreth. I suggest absolutely that we give whatever help 
is possible in local points in the States. Mrs. Gibbs, whom I wanted 
to speak here, is one of the chief workers in Maryland in the babies 
milk foundation, and in these different things which have to do with 
mothers, and she is a woman with much familiarity 
The Chairman. And do you desire to have her come? 
Mrs. Kilbreth. Yes; Mrs. Gibbs, of Maryland, and Mrs. B. L. 
Robinson, of Cambridge, head of the Public Interests League of 
Boston. 
The Chairman. Who else; who are your doctors? 
Mrs. Kilbreth. Dr. Swain, of Boston. 
The Chairman. And do you know that he is ready to come ? 
Mrs. Kilbreth. Of course, he is the greatest obstetrician in the 
State. He is on record against the bill. 
The Chairman. And can you state that he is ready to come ? 
Mrs. Kilbreth. I will endeavor to find out by long-distance 
telephone. 
The Chairman. Will Thursday be a good time ? 
Mrs. Kilbreth. I should think that Thursday would be. 
The Chairman. Is that satisfactory to the members of the com 
mittee ? Shall we have them here on Thursday ? 
Mrs. Kilbreth. At what time ? 
The Chairman. At 10.30. Are there any others that you want to 
be heard at this time or at that time ? 
Mrs. Kilbreth. Yes; Mrs. Gibbs, who is very familiar with the 
work, and Dr. Goodnow, of Johns Hopkins, is very much opposed to