Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1872-10-16
Board Of Health,
PROMPT MKAsUREs FOR PREVENTION OF TT
SPREAD OF SMALL POx


PROMPT MEASURES FOR PREVENTION OF THE
SPREAD OF SMALL PoX.
AT meeting of the board OF health last night,
Mr. Maroury, from the finance committee,
made statement in relation to the bill OF
Messrs. Fitch & Co. for disinfectants which
had been presented at previous meeting. The
quantity OF disinfectsnts used by the board for
fetid matter had not been separated in the bill
from that used by the scayengers. He would
not object to paying them, say 500, on account
OF Tue disinfeetants used, but the scavengers
must pay their own bills. He, as treasurer
would not pay out one penny for them. This
Was the understanding when the board decided
TO use the disinfectant.
DR.. Verdi took a different view of the matter
be believed the board liable for the payment OF
the bill already contracted. They must look out
ia the future, and the Scavengers must he mads
10 refund the amount to the board.
Nr. MaTbuTy opposed this view of the case
and stated that he had been informed that
Messrs. Fitch s. Co. had been paid some amounts
by the seavengCrs. which should be deducted
from the bill.
Dr. Cox moved an appropriation OF $500 as a
payment on account; carried.
DT. Nerdl laid before the board the res yna.
ton Of Meat Inspector Chase, which was ac-
cepted. and Mr.. Wolfe was appointed to act
temporarily III his place.
SMALL POX STATISTICS.
Dr. ". ID. Stewart was Temporarily detailed
to give his whole time to vaccination and atten-
ton TO small poX cases. Inspector Craig was
temporarily appointed inspector OF the 9th SAN
new cases OF small pox as having been reported to
bim during the past three days. Two of the mum
her were removed to the hospital, and there were
deaths. He also reported lO3 vaccinations by Dr.
Stewart during the past three DAYS. Also sub
united report Of nuisances for the week end
ing october II. Total number reported 34S;
shated, 81; undated; 81; dead animals re-
moved, q. DIR. W. ID. Stewart was detailed Tor
duty in the office of the health officer, between
the hours Of 9 a. m. and p. M, tor the purpose
OF free vaccination.
CAMPAIGN AGAINST SMALLPOX
DR.. Cox, from the committee on epidemics,
stated that an extraordinary session OF the board
had been called on Monday for a conference
with the Governor in relation to the suppression
OF the small poN, and the means TO be provided
| In order that the board might be enabled to act
promptly. Vaccination was the great means to
must be taken at once. The Governor had as
sured them Of his earnest Coz operation and had
assured them that by the organic act as he un-
oers,cod II, the board possesses plenary powers
In the premises to use any measures to sup
press the pest and also to abate instances
where u l. for the public good. He (the speak
err hsd gwen the subject great deal of study,
and had concluded that the most effectual way
70 proceed il to adopt the methods used in Bal
tiInore and other cities, that of going from house
to house Tor the purpose of vaccinating all who
have need OF IL. Congress is now very near
them, and will hold the board Of health reSpOn-
sible for the spread of this disease He submit
ted resolution that the cities Of Washington
and Georgetown be divided up into ten DISTRICTS
and ply stefan appointed in each one for the
purpose OF making an energetic and faithful
canvass, and vaccinate every man, woman or
child requiring IL.
Mr.Msrbury thought the resolution should lie
| over until the next meeting-it is a matter for
| serious consideration, and would be a very ex-
pensiye undertaking.
DR.. Cox (emphstically).-"Id don't care what
IL cots; If il takes $40 0pO, so OO0 or 500 OO
/ II has got TO be done at once; it's duty have
denim US"
DR.. Verdi thought the old ward physician who
| had served the public almost gratuitOusy and
/ duty.
| Or. Cox.-we must have men who can be
| depended upon to act promptly, and with mod
| crate salaries; be thought there were young and
i energetic physicians who would gladly accept
the positions, and who are not embarra ssed with
| large practice.
| Mr.. Marbury concurred with DIR. Verdi, and
| thought the old ward physicians would be the
| most efficient as they would know when vscci-
nation is most needed. They should be paid for
| this duty II performed by the sanction of the
| board, and he was sorry that he could not speak
| very encouragingly as to any corporation they
| might expect from the legislative assembly.
| He cited the case of the poor house physician
who had rendered most valuable service
last year in the attendance on the small pox
cases entirely outside his prescribed duties and
legislative assembly had struck out and refused
to pay him q cent. He thought there was a
higher power than that body on whom they
might rely for means to 20 on.
The resolution was adopted.
Dr. Verdi moved that the secretary be re-
CURED 70 notify the ward physicians to meet
tne oosrd Tor consultation on the subject at an
4 early Day; carried
Dr. Verdi submitted a resolution, which was
ADOPTED, that whenever any person affected
WIN smallpox cannot be isolated I'm his dwell
ing as TO prevent the spreading OF the Infection
l. and contagion, and that In the opinion of the
officers OF the board Of health persons residing
IN the same Dwelling would by the presence OF
the person 30 affected be exposed To the infec-
ton or contagion above mentioned the person
affected by small pox shall be taken to the
small pox hospital.
The subject Of procuring the suitable vaccine
matter was discussed, and DIR. Verdi Moved tn At
! 800 vaccine points be ordered, which wa