Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1865-11-24
state of Vermont.
OFFICE oF THE SURGEON GENERAL, }
MONTPELIER. Nov. . 1865. (

MONTPELIER, Nov. ., 1866.
To His Hon. .li5crt l. CaiIin, Mayor Of
Burlington:
Sri have the honor 10 transmit to you A
copy Of ''State Documents concerning Asiatic
Cholera, - and most respectfully to invite your
attention TO the subject.
We viii not discuss the contagiousness Of the
disease as communicated from person to person.
Although we hold in high estimation the authors
Of the transatlantic communications, We most
respectfully disagree with them in the opinions
therein expressed, and consider the publication
and wide spread distribution Of such opinions
from such sources, 20 be productive Of great in
jury, by exciting the fears Of the people, Undue
ing the disease, and interfering with the proper
care Of the sick.
Cholera in its Westward course, is rapidly ap-
preaching this continent, and in few months
may be sweeping over this country more fatal
ami wide spread than ever before.
Although heretofore all quarantine regula-
tons, however perfect and thoroughly executed,
have failed in arresting the onward progress Of
cholsrl. much, very much, has been done to
limit us extent ami mitigate It's severity.
Two conditions are necessary for the develop
mcEt and prevalence Of cholera, without both
the disease cannot originate nor continue.
First, Ciclrrr Seef-A peculiar pestilential
condition Of the atmosphere, so mysterious and
subtle IN rs character, that science has failed 10
define IL or detect its presence.
Second. Ch0lcra S0il-Filth Of persons and
places, aud impure air.
With the first II Is useless 10 contend-it is
beyond cur control, Ike wave, it moves here
and there, onward from East to West, from
country TO country, city TO city, and across
ocelns from enc continent TO another, taking
L u
ment and growth, there to yield the harvest Of
death.
The second cause Of cholera which, without
the first, would be comparatively powerless in
producing that instead of other diseases, is, 10
certain extent, under our control, and il is in
that direction our efforts should be promptly
and energetically made, and mh way to afford to
our citizens absolute immunity from the dis
ease.
In considering this subject, my attention has
been directed TO the sanitary condition of this
city and several Of the larger towns 9fths State,
and find the soil prepared, and by unmistak-
able odors, inviting the pestilence to come and
bring forth its fruit.
Burlington, by the character Of its soil, and
its elevated position above the Lake, and expos
ure 10 currents Of air, is more highly favored
than most places, still there are foul places with
Imperfect drainage anu scarcity OF running va
ter, in which disease will most surely occur, and
he transmitted to other points, unless some plan
is adopted which will relieve the city of a large
amount Of accumulated filth.
1t is useless with the amount of knowledge
now 10 cur possession, to give in detail, de
scription Of the sanitary condition of Burliag-
ton, and make such suggestions as are necessary
10 secure her citizens from the ravages of such
a dreadful disease as cholera. Therefore, most
respectfully request your Honor to recommend
to the Board Of Aldermen and members Of the
Common Council, the appointment of Health
officer. who shah be authorized to make such
Al inspection of the city as IS necessary, to as
certain is sanitary condition and who shall be
quirel to make at m early date, a report of his
inspection. with such suggestions and recon-
mendations rs are in his opinion necessary for
the public safety.
| am,
Most respectfully,
Your most ob't serv't,
SAAl'L W. THAYER.