Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1832-08-01
From the Nev York Gazette.

AZ we have attained some degree OF knowledge
of the Cholera, by an unhappy experience IN TINS
city, we feel deep solicitude that other places
in the United States may derive some benefit
from it,
The most active measures should be taken to
ascertain where the most filthy and crowded Po-
pulation exists, and they've hesitate not to say
should be removed Immediately. Let their
habitations be purified, or if necessary even de-
stroyed, ami let the public pay the expense, or
the loss II the removal of their contents be
dangerous after the appearance ot the disease
let them at least be closed against all adnttance:
Let houses or huts be erected, in some AIRY and
open place, if necessary out Of the city or village
where houses are not to be had otherwise; aud
having inspected the individuals and cleansed
them and their clothing, supply them with work
an far as possible, and clothes aud food 1t neces-
sary This will require the expense OF much
money-no doubt; but how much more would
be necessary in the end? fit is expensive to
remove few hundred such persons. and to pro.
vide for them in this manner, let it be computed
how much it will cost to carry them one by one
to the hospitals, employ physicians, nurses and
sections, purchase medicines, beds, &c. &c'-
how much money is lost by the rise OF fuel, pro-
vi sions, and other necessaries 10 consequence OF
the Cholera panic; how much by flying into the
country and suspendins business
In the second place, let the sale of spirituous
iQuor be stopped at once. If needful in any
case for medicines, let certificates be obtained
from the physician who recommends it, This.
in our opinion, IS a step of greater importance
than that Of removing people, or cleansing hahi-
tatons. Were 1t not for intemperance. habla-
tons would rarely become very dangerous to the
public health as Repositories Of filth, and the in
habitanta might generally be alarmed by their
danger, and excited to personal exertions to
avuid it. If men were not brutihed with drink from
morning till night, the reiterated appeals, daily
published, calling on them to take the necessary
precautions for their own lives the lives of their
children, and the safety of their city, would not
be totally disregarded. This fundamental cause
of the ravages Of the cholera should therefore be
at once. ifany suppose that to with
hold the customary supply of ardent spirit frr IN,
him seek it elsewhere BY going away. he will
remove from the city one of those living powder
casks which endanger the lives OF all. But why
should others be over.delicate towards any one
whose business for life Is 10 do harm to all aIuunu
him, and to set a, nought their physical as well
as moral interests!
And now, what is necessary to secure the
adoption Of two such prompt and efficient meas
ures in other ctiesl Why can they not be taken
IN Boston, Philadelphia. Baltimore, and many
smaller places in the country? Is there any want
of money or of power? The local governments
are authorized to take strong measures 10 cases
OF pressing necessity; and in this city. at least
immense sums have been expended Tor many
purposes, without any question being raised about
chartered privileges. or constitutional power
There can be no difficulties OF these kinds All
that is wanted is determined, judicious and up
right magistrates.
In this CITY few cases Of removal have been
tried with success; and SO far as measures have
been adopted for purifying, they are universally
believed to have contributed materially to the
preservation Of lives.
But let Other cities derive benefit from our me-
lanchov experience in relation to lntemperance.
Ardent spirits have been freely bought and sold
through our cry, up to this moment, although 1t
is acknowledged. even by our magistrates. that
thew are the great promoters OF disease. A, this
late hour. in few of the wards, public 9TH ers
have had the courage to require compliance with
an old law prohibiting the sale of them on the
Sabbath. But we will suppress further remarks;
and content ourselves with hoping that other ci-
ty governments may take these most important
measures for the preservation of their citizens
against the Cholera.
Steam Boat Burnf.-The steam boat Phoenix,