Delaware State journal and statesman., 1865-09-19

at this stage of our proceedings, as a Board
of Health that we should indulge in any
observations, or enter into any detailed in
quiry as to the origin and progress of cholera,
whether ii be of domestic origin, or introduc-
ed from ahtoad-whether IL is derived from
an atmospheric or malarious poison--whether
contagious or infectious These questions
Having been fully If not satisfactorily discuss
ed elsewhere, il is sufficient for our purpose
that we tamiliarize ourselves with the fact
that large and densely populated cities, on
the border of rivers, are favorite resorts for
cholera and tina the power of the disease is
increased in proportion TO the degree of insa-
lubrity arising ffom the influence of locality,
and the existing sanitary condition of its
several districts.
In possession of this information, we con
slider II our first duty TO be prepared TO meet
the epidemic should II approach our shores.
! If we procrastinate and delay action until
until the outbreak of the disease, or until
the atmosphere has become infected with the
cholera poison, we might be held responsible
for culpahle neglect Of the faithful discharge
of sworn trust committed TO lis as the guar
dians of the public health.
While the Board have all confidence in
their own ability and resources, aided by
legal enactmcnts to perform the duty incum-
bent upon them at this crisis, they feel that
the cooperation of the Mayor and Councils
is desirable in order to inspire confidence in
the conn rnity, and give greater weight to
any precursory measures for the preservation
and protection of the health and lives of the
citizens from the impending epidemic.
Entertaining these views, and relying
upon the assurance that they will meet with
popular favor, the Board would adopt the
following resolutions:
/. ReSOlDed, That in the opinion of this
Board, the time has arrived for the adoption
and enforcement of strict sanitary police regu-
lations, in anticipation of the advent of chole-
IA at an early or more remote period.
2. Resoleed, That - district agents be ap-
pointed by this Board, who shall be under
the direction of the district committees, to
act as assistant messengers until otherwise
ordered their salaries to be the same as the
messengers of the Board.
g. ResOlUsd, That the duty of the district
agents shall be to visit and inspect carefully
every house, cellar, yard, stable, factory,
Workshop shed, manure heap, priyy, water
closet, drain, street. sewer, gutter, alley
court, vacant lot burying ground, vault
slaughter house, rag and bone shop, dock
and furnish the number Of underground tene
ments, with their population, within theil
several districts, and also other places
wherever there may be suspicion of existing
filth or accumulation of material liable to ac
as food for the poison of an epidemic, ant
report each week TO the board, through thu
district committees, in books provided fo
the purpose.
A. Resolued That the citizens be earnestly
advised and required, as an essential sanitary
domiciliary defence against the inroads o
cholera, TO keep their houses, cellars, work
shops, factories stores and storehouses clean
TO whitewash their cellars fences, clubhouse
and other places where it can be done; I,
avoid the accumulations of rubbish of ever,
description in their houses, cellars and yards
and direct their efforts to establish free Ven
tilation about all their premises, as among tn
best known means for averting lessening ant
destroying the poison of cholera.
s. ReSotosd, Thatthe Mayor and the Healtl
Committee of Councils be invited 10 NEE
the sanitary committee OF this board, for
free conference, as regards the hest means t
facilitate the carrying out effectually the abov
plan Of house-to-house visitation and for tn
suggestion of other suitable measures for pro
, per enforcement of personal and public clean
illness, before the epidemic shall make il
appearance among us
9, Resolged, That Councils be requested 4
make special appropriation of 100000, I
enable the board TO put in operation, withou
embarrassment, the above system of sanitar
police regulations.
All of which is respectfully submitted.
, WILSON JEWELL Chairman.
JACoB b. COATES,
PETER ARMBRusTER
Il. WARD,
Sanitary Committee,