Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1867-08-09
CHOLERA.


this subject, as we can most reliably
learn it; and we intend to keep that
promise. Somehow or other report
has gone forth, and is circulating through
all the press of the country; and which
we have to-day read in the New York
papers, that cholera is raging here to a
frightful extent, and that we are dying
like sheep at the rate of fifty day and
that it is extending along the whole
line of the river. 1t is certainly news to
us. If the disease is no more prevalent
at other places on the river, in proper
ton to the description given of it, than
it is here, there should be no alarm
we should think lest it should
prove the terrible and universal
scourge often following great wars. We
do not know Of course what the summer
and fall will unfold. But this we say
now, that, while it is probable there are
few cases in the city, and while we be-
lieve some of our most reputable physi-
clans attest they have treated such cases,
they are evidently so rare as to be I'M
known to the mass Of our citizens, and
have hardly excited alarm in the minds
of the most timid. 1t may be that some
have gone about with a lantern and
found cases; but for ourselves, ming
ling from day to day with the citizens,
we have not heard of single case in
which the character of the disease was
not questionable, and we think there are
not larger number of fatal dis
eases Of any sort than are usual
in the summer months in any other
city in the country Of the same popula-
lion. We do not affirm that we are abb
solutely right 10 this statement; but
only that we have made inquiry for the
express purpose of writing this article
upon reliable information, and we think
the statement may be relied on. We
heard of a case 70 day which was re-
ported as cholera, and even prescribed
for as such, in which it turned out that
cathartics were indicated as necessary
for the removal Of constipation, and
which was relieved by their administers
ton on the advice Of an intelligent ply
stefan. We once heard of successful
pretender to medical knowledge who
boosted that he "eould cure eonva-
lescence in two days" We think we
have some more Of the same sort left,
as the razor strop man used to say.
We think some of the few re-
ported cases we have had here
may have originated in quaekery,
or malpractice, and that real cases are
at least not more numerous than the
reputable physicians report them, and
almost confined to those who live in filth
or in circumstances which peculiarly
invite disease. To have a big case OF
cholera which is durable with bread pills
may make q big doctor; and some may
be trying it on-which helps to account
for the false rumors which sre floating
about If we should never be more
alarmed for our own safety than we are
now, We shall have a pleasant lime Of il.
So far from being in the midst Of great
aud devouring pes,ilonee, we are inform
ed that our city is nov unusually
healthy. It is due TO our country
friends that they should know when
there is danger in coming to the city, as
well as 10 the citizens at home that they
should know the truth also; and we viii
state It IL we can find j, out On the
other hand, false aud absurd rumors
should be corrected, and the mortuary
reports relied on; which viii henceforih
come on the honor Of cur Medical
Board