Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1854-08-05
local AFFAiRn

| wArxsurloss.-Nesry three weeks ego We suggested
to tho Council the propreiy Of chasing uat and musk
MELONS With the other articles upon the sale OF which,
ct our markets prohibition placed, BY the revival Of
an dinsncc passed In ls49. Since then action
bad in tho natter and these unshoiesome fruits are now
used unsparingy with effect which the record. Of this
weeks iptermsnts, when they exhibited, will show
to be by favorable to the health Of the city.
II is no longer matter OF doubt, h,, negroes arc
DYING fact from easesses In the Of wa,ermelons Nor
be doubted, that goodly number OF our white
population being daily FRUSTRATED, 10 all probability,
| nom q similar cause.
In presenting these results As reasons why prohibition
should be enforced against the sae Introduction into
the city Of such articles lead to theu apprchend
that thoso whose duty Is remedy the evil. win argue
that the results referred not produced by thosc
causes. We do not suppose that moderation in tho use
of waiermeons would produce such disastrous effects
the condition Of large number OF negro population
within the past three four days evidences But viii
| DO remembered thst the negro knows no medium The
happy effect Of half dozen melons day OF last summer
bic no regards as the proper data to regulate
his this unwholesome Ho cannot
umate any peculiarly Of temperature-not at
least In nice degrconor does he understand that what
las. year. would oeses no susceptibility Of disease would
peculiar conditions which diversity the suscepbiles Of
individuals, and mako them accessible to danger
from disease at time than another No. What he gcs
no eats without looking to the probable effect Of his i'm
prudence.
Many white persons equally impruden from similar
c,uses; and ne can See for two three days past
they have suffered.
We would not be understood As SAYING that the deaths
by cholera which have occurred In greater numbers since
Saturday than for days before have been caused by
the which rfer above Such an assertion
would DO Inconsistent with the arguments which have
already put forward, dproving the pesumptions which
would attribute the deaths by cholera TO mprudeuce only
We stil hold that the cholera, appeared here IL
epidemic.
Our condemnation Of the use of watcrmeIons or any
other uuwhoes omo article OF Diet uttered purs
alce OF opinion heretofore expressed that the
chances OF individuals catch disease has regard to
peculiar suscepubites, which must be increased by
eesses in the Of unwholesomo Diet ftgue ntorica
ton, exposure TO the sum- aud the like Causes Such
causes lead to those evil consequences and only ac
i've when tho atmosphere Is impure and epidemic
lists.
The most eItrsvsgint excuses may DO INDUCED at
other seasons with perfect impunity
ihese remarks have been suggested by the unhappy
elects OF too great indulgence in and musk mel
ons a. evinced In the of or two negroes who
died suddenly In this city Thursday lu one instance
this coincidence Of death and he use of watermelon
snort Time before was so striking to leave to
doubt that the excess was accessory this sad result
There have been aud always necessities which JUS
tiy LEGISLATIVE inerposon to protect persons against
ther own imprudence, and if there Is any particular in
stance in which such more usfabe than an
other is In the of negroes.
NE noticed short communication from citizen in tho
Penny Post OF Thursday, urging strongly the propety OF
prohibiting the sale OF waermelous within the CITY, The
authorities will find before week passcs over how un
II VIII be to disregard that suggestion. Before water aud
muskmelons were introduced into our markets cholera
had all but disappeared Ia that tho We deny
IL and upon authority which IL moro authentic than any
that can be aiduced upon the subject.
We say again that We do not regard mprudence as the
sole OF disease. But We say obvae H. and the con
dons which invite disease will be for the most part re-
moved.