State Health Secretary Talks of Love, Eugenics, Marriage

Iowa, Jan. 1914

Des Moines News: Dan Cupid, that diminutive pink person indicted and convicted the world over of "breaking" and "entering," Saturday was granted a renewed lease on industrial life in Iowa by the state health board when Dr. Guilford H. Sumner, secretary, called him "the primary consideration" in all marriages. Mr. Cupid's field had been threatened with encroachment by Dr. A. J. Oschner of Chicago, who entered the lists with the declaration that "the time is coming when health will make love a minor factor in the consummation of the marriage contract."

Dr. Sumner favored eugenics to the extent that it apply to the elimination of defectives. He also endorsed the marriage certificate plan which calls for what he termed a "square deal" by the parties being married.

"But," said the health officer, "I don't think that health should overshadow love in marriages. And I know that it won't except in a few isolated cases.

"Love is the primary factor in all ideal matches. Granted that it is, then why should the parties, in view of their affection and consideration for each other, not give every assurance of perfect health or at least warning of imperfect condition?"

The doctor has the appearance of the practical business man rather than the professional aspect, popular with many physicians. But there are little wrinkles about his eyes and mouth that constitute a continuous smile. They seemed to indicate he has considered, possibly experienced some of the problems that face Iowa's lovelorn. "Love," he went on, "is of two kinds. There is the unholy love that leads to crimes and there is the lasting binding affection that leads persons to endure one for another.

"I believe that we should insist, in case of either classification, that the parties protect each other. The latter element would, if educated to it, give the guarantee of warning without question. Of that I am certain. The former class would be compelled to give the guarantee."