Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1860-05-31

by the guaranty of influential citizens. 1t is
true that the Legislature would not be bound
to legalize such proceedings, nor TO meet by
appropriation the sum guaranteed, but such
refusal, il it were practicable, would be meas
uraby unjust, and necessarily cause public
discomfort. The legislature therefore must
III the end, have borne the burdens and as
sumed all responsibility, leaving to individuals
the power to determine the extent and to de-
rect the execution of all remedial measures.
If the object could have been obtained by a
limited subscription, but light objections
could be urged against it. That did not
appear to be the fact, and in order to
sure to the representatives Of the people the
power which legitimately belongs 10 them, it
was advisable that l should summon them to-
gether.
adopted this as a measure of public econo-
my. The statute of April 4th provides exclu-
sively for extirpating the disease by slaughter.
1t is now apparent in my own Judgment, that
the end desired cannot with any considerable
degree of certainty be attained in this manner,
and the course to be adopted should be one
which admits Of the instant slaughter, or the
perfect isolation of suspected Or diseased cat
tie The statute determines that the appraisal
OF part of the cattle whose destruction might
be ordered. should be at what would have been
their fair market value if the disease had not
existed.
1t is apparent that a different procedure and
more equitable principle of appraisal will
greatly diminish the drafts upon the treasury.
In submitting to the legislature an inquiry
as to the course of conduct to be adopted it
may be proper to present a few suggestions re-
latlng to the historical character of this dis
temper, and lis diagnosis where it is found in
the cattle of the con monwealth
The exact origin of the disease does not ap-
pear to be very clearly determined 1t is sup.
posed to have been limited, for a long period
of time, to the mountainous parts of Europe,
especially near the Jura, from whence it has
been carried to Holland, to France, Eng and,
Africa, Australia and other countries. A dis.
case of similar character was prevalent in
England more than century since.
1t appeared in France about the year 1910
and in England, Scotland, and Ireland he sub
sequent year. Its ravages, however have been
most extensive in Holland, from whence it has
been carried into Germany and Southern Afri-
ca. The rayages OF the disease in these coun-
tries have been fearful. The course of treat
ment adopted seems to have embraced the
triple policy of slaughter, isolation, and innoc-
ulatlon, according to the condition of the ami
mails infected or exposed. The loss of cattle
by slaughter and by death in all these countries
has been alarming, and the burdens upon the
treasury consequent upon the plan of COM
pensation, very great
The Governors recommendations are as fol.
lows
In the first instance | think the legislature
should regulate and prohibit, so far as it can
be wisely ard properly done, the expectation
OF cattle, in which the seeds of the disease may
possibly exist from this state into other neigh
boring states.
1t would seem to be necessary in addition to
the powers conferred upon the commissioners
by existing legislation, that there should be a
distinct recognition of the policy Of isoIating
and separating from contact with other cattle,
suspected or diseased herds.
And it may also be expcdcnt to limit the
discretionary power of Strengthening condemned
animals, and also to modify the principle of
appraisal hitherto established
1t will be necessary to provide for the reim-
bursement or relief of the subscribers to the
guaranty fund, to which reference has been
made, and also to inquire what further appro-
priatlons the present public emergency re-
quires.
1t would not seem, if policy like that here
tofore suggested would be adopted, that ex.
travagant appropriations would be required to
carry out the objects specified in the report of
the commissioners.
1t will be necessary, for a brief period
least, to enlarge the powers of towns, so that
they may protect themselves from invasion by
infected cattle, and to control the course of the
disease when it is discovered within their linn
its.
The pressing public necessity that now com
pels towns to act upon this subject for their
own protection, may lead them in some in.
stances to go beyond their legal powers, and
occasion public difficulties. This should be
| avoided.
In the Senate, subsequently, on the motion
OF Mr.. ODIoRNE, it was ordered that a Joint
committee of both branches be appointed to
take into consideration the various portions
OF the governors address, and TO have 5000
copies of the same printed for the use of the
legislature.
In the House, Mr. Pierce of Dorchester pre.
scented memorial, signed by Francis w. Bird
OF Walpole and Is others of that town, re.
monstrating against any further expenditure
OF money by the legislature for slaughtering
cattle, and asking for the repeal of the law Of
| the last session.
Mr.. KIMBALL of Boston Offered an order for
the appointment of a committee of five. with
such as the Senate may join to consider what
legislation, if any, is necessary in relation to
the publication of the general statutes. Agreed
to, and Messls. Kmbal, Griffin of Maiden,
Edrldge of Canton, Upton of Fitchburg, and
Southworth of North Bridgewaer, were ap,
pointed. The rules were suspended and the
order was sent 10 the Senate where the com.
mittee was joined by the appointment of
Messrs. FELTON,, and Parker of Worcester
The order from the Senate for the reference
of the governors address to joint commit
tee, was agreed to, the number of members on
the part of the House being fixed at fourteen.
The Chair said it would take time to appoint
| the cOmmttee.