The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1873-07-10
&Y ,rKing Cholera.

The cholera is discussed from one end
OF the American Union to the other. It
is the all.absorbing topic, and il con be
discussed now without creating unneces.
sary alarm or pauio. Indeed, the pre-.
valling disease, whether cholera or some
kindred epidemic, is 30 general and
widespread that it is almost impossible
to lind safe refuge. We believe it il
as safe to remain in Memphis as to 20
elsewhere, for the prevailing disease
first made its appearance in this citv:
and IL it be true that epidemics of this
kind soon spend their fury, Memphis
viii be free while other sections become
Injected with tho epidemic, as it marches
over the country with the certainty and
regularity Of the epizootio last winter.
Old and experienced physicians still as
sert that there is no cholera in America.
VI this We are not prepared to Judge; but
we all know that q terrible disease has
suddenly swept over the country on
.haVoo's wing" moving down its vic
TINS as with the scythe Of ruin. We have
Just read an elaborate account Of the
cholera in the South, in 1882, published
by DR.. j. G. McFarlane, of Louisiana.
many years ago, nnd il the disease now
sweeping oyer the country be cholera,
We are bound. to conclude that the
disease has lost much of its virulence, or
that great improvement has been made
IN the curative art. There has been no
panic in Memphis Our people hav.
shown remarkable and commenduble
coolness, composure and imuerturbation
under the circumstances. This GOODNESS.
resignation aud philosophy has no doubt
been productive of good results. Timid
people. US they tremble with fear and
alarm, believe that the majestic AIissis-
sippl, tnrbid with the agitations of the
pestllential breezes. rolls mournfully by
our city like sea Of poison and death.
But If the appalled, and horror-struck
would know what cholera means. let
them read various accounts OF this
disease in 1892, and they will find that
the disorder which now pervades the
country has no more resemblance to the
Asiatio cholera Of other days than the
itch hos to conhuent small -po1. In o.
tober, 1882. the yellow fever was raging
IN New Orleans in it's fullest conoentra
tlon OF autumnal strength and malignity.
But cholera suddenly appeared, like a
menacing comet of s.lire portent. "
shaking its fell and fiery train. and the
yellow fever. ns if ashamed OF its power
to compete with its rival, at once
abandoned the field. The yellow fever
paled before the ravages of cholera as
tho moon pales before the new risen sun
The accounts Of the cholera in New Or
leans for several weeks in the fall Of
1882 are sickening, but We revive them
in order to give silver lining to the
present cloud. The graphic and inte.
resting account, by DR.. McFarlane.
shows that the disease made its appear
ance in New Orleans on tho morning Of
the 25th OF October, and from that time
forward, for two weeks, it ragged with in
creasing fury.
During the first few days OF tho epide-
mlc, many men sustained at least on ap-
penrance OF firlnness; but as the disease
progressed, and nothing but desolatlon
and death was to be seen or heard of on
every hand. human courage could no
longer endure the fearful trial, and the
constancy OF the most resolnte at length
gave way. Horror cleaned in every face,
and hope and fortitude fled from every
heart. Persons were seen bereft of reason
by the violence Of their terrors, hurrying
through the streets and wringing their
hands in absolute despair. When per-
sons left their families, which they never
did unless called away by some pressing
outy' tuey LOOK leave as II 1t might
prove their final adieu. No man pro.
ceeded many steps from his own door
without meeting his neighbor searching
for aid, with horrible accounts OF suffer.
ing and death in his family. Persons
apparently in perfect health would often
speedily sicken and die, even before the
moro fortunate survivor had reached his
home. No physical powers or constitn-
tional strength could withstand the
Irresistible assaults of this terrible mala-
dy. The most herculean frame quaile]
beneath the pestilential bast-was sud
denly unnerved and withered-while the
painting lungs, sunken eyes, and livid
features, even of those who were con-
aldered well, bore awful testimony to
the omnipotence of the baleful destroyer.
About the first of November, many
persons formed themselves into small
bands to aid one another, when attacked
with this horrible disease. Almost every
physician in this city WAS worn down
with excessive lubor and fatigue, aud
some were so much disheartened, by tho
successless result of their professional
endcayors. that they gave up in despair,
quit the field, and abandoned all exer.
finn frha o,,oIbooo -; ,lu..