The Abbeville banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1847-1869, 1847-04-14
The ASiatic Cholera.

The distresSes Of Europe are causing us
to forget the scouroe of Asia. The famine
in Ireland and Scotland seems to be almost
at our very elbows. Men, women, and
children, speaking the SINE language with
ourselves, are dying by thousands for lack
OF bread. And The end is not yet With
out the mcrciful interposition OF Providence,
this work OF death may go on for months
Let there be another harvest like the last
and who will venture to fore,ell the scene.
OF the coming year2
But let us turn for Ii moment 10 Central
Asia: and watch the progress, slow but re-
sislless, Of the king Of terrors in another
form. Early in 1916 it was announced
that the cholera had commenced its raga-
ges in Khorasan, the eastern province of
Persia. About midsummer it reached
Teheran, where i! swept off ten thousand
souls in Il few weeks. Going out from this
centre of influence and power with div-
ded force, as from Il conquered capital, 1t
took the great roads north, south, and west,
spreading desso!ation and wo along its course.
Soon ii lays lspahan under contribution
Bagdad is compelled 10 yield up seven
thousand Of lis inhabitants; and in the
whole pashalic thirty thousand fell before
their relentless foc Tabreez- was spared
till the 7th Of October but then it paid
dearly for its reprieve. In Iorty days near
ly seven thousand souls were hurried to the
grave. Three weeks later, Oroomiah was
smitten by the hand Of the same fell de-
stroyer and two thousand persons shortly
became the trophies Of his power.
Here the disease was stayed in its west
ward progress by the mountains of Koor-
distan but with the ready skill Of an able
general, it changed its line of march and
proceeded south, scattering its deadly ar
rows on every side, and threatning very
soon to find practicable pass to Asia
Minor and Europe. Indeed, in watching
the advance OF this formidable enemy, we
have been constantly reminded of the tao
tics of war. 1t is careful TO seize the great
roads for its lines Of communications. It
moves forward with a solemn and measured
tramp, as if in no haste, and yet sure of
success. It attacks the great centres of
business, as being the strong points which
are in no case to be left unassaiIed. When
it enters the walls of a popuIous city. it
moves ai'ng, from street TO street, and ward
TO ward. as if treading upon the rear of
slowly relrehting foe. In about forty davs
its works is done, and it emsrges once more
into the open country, and pursues its ap-
pointed journey
And whittier is 1t tending2 Will it pause
upon the sultre plains of Mosul: Will it
stop its career Of conquest under the walls
of old Byznntium? Or will it sweep over
Europe, finishing the sad work which ia
mine has begun2 And for us there is anoth-
er question, more interesting STILL Will
the broad Atlantic arrest the march of this
dreadful foe? In 1882 it proved to be no
barrier. Will it avail US now? These
enquiries are not propounded with the view
OF exciting premature and groundless fears;
but rather thnt we may look the danger in
the face, ascertain its nature and extent
ind do whatever true wisdom may enjoin..;
Boston Traveller. 8