New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1870-01-22
THE SMALLPOX.
FACTS AND FIGURES VERSUS sRNSATTON-THE
DISEASE NOT sPREADiNG-NO CAUSE FOR
ALARM,

FACTS AND FIGUTEs VERSUS sRNsATION-THE
DISEASE NOT sPREADiNG-NO CAUSE FOR
ALARM.
Some of the sensational newspapers still con-
tnue to print alarming articles spread OF the
pox In this city, notwithstanding that their statements
not corroborated by the facts and figures always
be obtained at the Board OF Health Office and most Of
which have been published in TIE TRIBUNE. An
Ing paper says that the Board Of Health exert
ngthemselves as they should TO prevent this dreadful
disease from spreadlng that those afflicted with should
have been removed immediately to tho smallpox
hospital but they not; that many have been al
lowed to escape that persons already broken out with
the disease have been permitted to walk ride In the
street cars that the Board Of Health content with
What they could do toward checking tho disease and
dcayorng all the time to keep the facts relating It's
rapid spread secret; that 1t is well known fact that
our public schools the nests where this dreadful
conagiOn is hatehed" and much more OF similar
nature.
Now the facts that the Board OF Health have been
ard making every eNeon to prevent the spread OF
the disease and their efforts meeting with
Those affected with the disease sent to the smallpox
hospital unless there other in the house. They
then allowed to remain but great is taken that
persons exposed to the disease SO far as Is known
only person has escaped from the custody OF the
patients almost daily walk walk or ride through
the streets is true, but this Is the
person they see who have the disease. The Board OF
Health not endeayOrDg to keep the facts relating
TO the rapid spread of the disease secret as such
state OF affairs does not exist and witake the
pains 10 examine the records Of the Board they easily
verify this statement with regard to the last allegation
the Board of Health declare emphatcay that there is
smallpox IN the schools and deny that they the
meats In which this dreadful contagon Is hatched."
person signing himself " Precauton" has written to
TIE dRIBuSE that the smallpox hospital on "ta
with the disease TO remain their houses and
consequently spread the disorder THAT the staff con-
n
rant but well intended nurse German man In the same
capacity, and you may get well or die at leisure lie
would recommend n substitute for this that an
Isolated house be procured and pay literally doctor,
matron and staff Of nursesal the patients to pay s26
week for treatment.
For the benefit Of Precauton," and those who enter
tain ike views It may be stated that the smallpox hos.
pal disgrace the city, and the fact that fifty
per cent patients who are treated there
those treated mt home, furnishes no excuse TOT he
10 remain In their houses The stan does not consist OF
young physician OF experience but OF eleven phys-
clans at the head OF whom Is gentleman OF large ekpe-
rience in tho treatment Of smallpox patients There ls
also sufficient number Of Persons VINO desire
IL pay for their accommodations and thus secure the
constant attendance Of a nurse or nurses.
The history OF this last epidemic extends PACK 70 tne
Fall Of 1865 when the attention Of the Board having
been called by DR. Harris the fact that the disease was
likely become epidemic large numbers OF posters were
put in conspicuous Places giving full directions as TO
how to proceed In OF smallpox. and also stating
where virus could be obtained for yaccinaiing very
large number OF persons vaccnated, but occasional
were brought to the port by emgrants, anu
at the beginning Of go the eontagion had
spread 80 that the Board appointed corps 81
physicians to vaccinate the people During tne hOnIn
OF $4,000 yacclnated In July there were
only 70 cases In August az in September 69 In Oeoper
%. During tho last quarter OF 1869 there was Ot Vi
acty the number The number now IN the Guy y
$780, most Of which In the district bounded ny @
FOurteenth-sts Firstave. ana the East lVer
The number OF cases reported each day rapidly dmin
ishing aud there Is no occasion whatever for alarm