The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1871-07-17
The Health Of New York-yigiiauce Of
Officials.

The Health Of New York-yigilauce Of
Officials.
Considering the hot and sultry weather we
have had for some time the health of the city
is remarkably good. Though there was an
excess of deaths, according to the report of
the Health Commissioners, for The week ending
July 8, over the corresponding week of last
year. the state of the weather will account for
that. Two hundred and sixty -four deaths are
ascribed to diarrhGal complaints, which are
fifty -four more than in the corresponding week
last year. Three hundred and seventy-four
deaths were due to zymotic diseases Thirty
were from smallpox. This latter disease,
which has been among us for some time to a
limited extent, appears to be declining. So
far, then, we have escaped any serious
epidemic or contagious disease, and we
hope we shall continue to escape through
the watchfulness of the health authorities.
A great deal depends upon DR.. Carnochan,
the Health Officer of the port. Vessels
arrive frequently from infected places. That
terrible scourge, the yellow fever, existed at
three, four or more ports with which New
for example, the ports of Buenos Ayres, Vera
Cruz and Havana. Some few cases have been
brought here, and one death from yellow fever
occurred the other day; but through the vigi-
lance of DR.. Carnochan these have been kept
away from the city. 1t is a critical period of
the year, but we have confidence in our efficient
Health Officer. Some of our merchants may
grumble, the captains of vessels swear. and
spiteful newspapers and those antagonstic to
the Health Officer may abuse him, but the pub
lie of New York will commend and sustain
him. He has great responsibility in protect
ing the city. If the yellow fever were to get
into the city it would prove, probably, more
disastrous to property and business, as well as
to life, than if third of our beautiful metro
polls were burned to the ground. It would
take long time to recover from such dis
aster, and none would suffer more than these
very merchants who are too apt to complain of
the vigilance of DR.. Carnochan. We have no
doubt the Health Officer will continue to do his
duty to the public, and, therefore, have little
fear, but the press and the Quarantine and
Health Commissioners, as well as the people,
should sustain him to the utmost in his efforts
CAPTAIN PETTY AND THE BOARD OF POLICE
COMMISSIONERS 1t is rumored that Captain
Petty, of the Thirteenth precinct of our police
is to be summoned before the Police Commits
sioners on some charge of having reflected
upon the conduct of portion of the National
Guard at the late attempted riot. While it may
be proper enough to investigate what may have
been said or done improperly by any official on
or relative to that occasion, we must say that,
according to all reports, no one did better SER
vice than Captain Petty last Wednesday. We
do not know the precise nature Of the charges,
and shall not attempt to justify any one in
doing wrong, or for breach of discipline, but
If Captain Petty should have been guilty Of
imprudent expressions merely his exemplary
and gallant conduct on Wednesday and gene
raj character for efficiency should outweigh such
fault We doubt not Mayor Hall and the
Police Commissioners will look at the matter
in this light.