The New York herald., 1870-02-06
QUARANTINE.
MEETING OF THE NEW COMMISSIONERS.
Organization of the Bonrd-Full Inquiries to be
Made Into the Workings Of the Depart
ment-Merchants and shipowners to be
Heard in Regard to Abuses

The newly appointed Commissioners OF Quaran-
tine, Messrs wilson G. Hunt, DR.. A. N. Rei and
Samuel Barton met yesterday afternoon at the office
OF the Commissioners for the purpose Of organ
izing ana for entering upon their duties in
due form. After full, but informal, discussion Of
the business connected with the department. tho
Board organized by electing Mr. Wilson G. Hunt.
President with MI. G. N Stebbins oiciating Sec
resary Mr. II. w. Johnson legal adviser to the late
Board OF Commissioners, was presented and was
then asked by the president tMr. Hunt assto what
would probably be the amount required Dy the Com
mlssioners to carry on the work under their direc-
ton for the coming year.
Mr. Johnson stated that the amount appropriated
during several years past $50, 900, and that 1t
would not be advisable TO ask for less than that
amount; that although, when there was q sickly
season. the was supposed to be. ana was, In
fact larger than other times there were practical
difficulties to overcome. The appropriation for
building the new hospital. in accordance with the
laws OF 1885. was 100000. OF this some $4,000
had been expended in building the ''rip-rap." BY
heavy storm large portion Of the original rip-rap
had been carried away. some $4,000 had to be
expended ON building q new rip-rap. Then there
had been some $4,000 or $4,000 worth OF work done
which had not yet been paid for The Commissioners
found that there was great deal OF plumbing work
whcn could be done at the time for nearly half what
pleted aud then discussion had been had to
what method of lighting the buildings would be
most practicable and profitable, aud 1t was con-
cuded to light them with gas. 1t would be neces-
sary, therefore, he thought, TO have the appropra
made large enough TO cover the $1,000 or $4,000
the ground with earth. The sand, 1t was found,
was being continually blown of, and 1t had been
Concrete had been mentioned, but there were many
objections to that, as IN case OF fire and also because
suggested tnat earth should be tried ana that. sown
with grass would make q safe pretty and economical
covering. In relation TO obtaining any special APP
preparation Mr.. Johnson explained that II had been
the practice In past years to prepare paragraph for
insertion in the supply BILL that the counsel Tor the
Board would go before the Committee on Ways and
Means and explain the necessity for the amount
and that on examination 1t was generally allowed
and passed as portion Of the supply bill: In rela
ton to the erection OF warehouses provided for In
the law OF 1868 there were practical dinicuties.
wscn WSad tend .ne TO nr s4w mat Il wSs ,as
10 20 to the expense OF erecting extensive
warehouses, which would be made subject to
OF an Infected vessel the owners Of course would
want to get possession OF their vessel as soon as
with full cargo on board % II the cargo were en-
tlrely removed. According to the laws Of Congress
without permit from the collector Of the Port. He
might Withhold that permit or he might decide to
discharge the cargo and leave an onlcer Of the
smuggling or cheating :ne government 80 that the
warehouses would be under the control Of Officers OF
the general government.
A Resolution was offered BY DR.. Bell and adopted
by the Board requesting Mr.. Johnson to prepare
statement OF the amount which would be required
for the purposes Of the Commissioners during the
current year and the items Tor which the money
would be required.
A resolution was offered by Mr.. Barton and
adopted by the Board directing Mr. Rich TO explain
to the Board, by maps and otherwise, the condition
OF the structures now used for quarantine, and what
Is necessary TO c0mpe te them as originally c0ntem
plated.
On motion OF Mr. Barton the secretary was directed
to prepare and furnish TO the Board list OF
poyes attached to the department., their respective
salaries and the duties incumbent on them III the p0-
sitiOns which they severally occupy.
IL was decided unanimously that, as the Commis-
s0ners desire TO 30 conduct the business OF the
department to correct whatever abuses may exist
and ut the same time provide for the accommoda-
ti0n OF merchants and owners OF vessels lille guard
ing the health Of the port at the next meeting,
which will be held In few days, arrangements be
made and invitations extended TO merchants and
others TO meet with Commissioners and state what
grievances tney may have to complain Of
The meeting then, alter some further informal dis
cusaion among the commissioners, adjourned.