Wilmington daily commercial., 1874-12-12

A new theory in regard to the spread OF diph- I
iberia has just been promulgated in New YorE,
where the disease isprcvailing to great extent.
1t s the conception of a DIR. Smith, whose state
ment is that diphtherc infection il propagated |
simply through the atmosphere, and the area |
Of infection does not extend much beyond the |
room occupied by the patient or the reach Of |
currents Of air emanating from the apartment. |
1t may, however, be carried by persons who |
have inhaled the air Of such a room, and |
whose systems have retained some of the par
asites with which the disease originates or
course, there are certain atmosphere conditions
which favor the existence of the diphtheric par
asites, and certain conditions of the body which
. favor their deadly influence ON the system. Both
arise from pretty much the same causes as pro-
duce low feyers, and both find in efficient sani-
tary precautions their most powerful antidote
If we may believe the statements which are
from time to time put forth there is a visible de-
cline in trades unions throughout the country.
In New York alone it is estimated that since 1873
no less than 1000 mechanics and 1000 laborers
have left these societies, being about twenty
per cent OF the strength OF the organizations in
that city. Various causes are assigned for this
decline, but the ono most generally accepted s
that it finds its justification in the suffernga
from the strikes which the Unions are alleged
to have precptated. Employers, too, it is sta
ted, have manifested preference for nom socie-
ty men, and the rule in that city seems to be
that III most cases where skilled mechanics have
withdrawn from the unions they have ex-
perenced no difficulty in obtaining situations.
---
The Gid Dominion Steamship Co., in its
purchase Of the Junction Il Breakwater Il. r.,
seems to have opened up new era Of promise
iii that part OF Sussex through which it passes.
Very little ia now said about extortionate rates
Of freight or Of lack of desire to accommo-
date shippers. On the contrary, the highest
praise is bestowed upon the facilities which are
afforded, and tue farmers are fastening to get
of their crops to New York, instead of housing
them for the winter, as has been frequently
done heretofore. new impetus seems to have
been infused in agriculture throughout thai
whole region by the expectations which the new
management hae awakened, and altogether the
change seems to have been most beneficial
one.
Our neighboring city, Chester, has taken ON I
said, is now to be seen in the streets the Satur
day night carousals with their Sunday morning
leyees at the Mayors Office have disappeared
the falling of in fines during the past year hai
produced keenly-felt deficit in the City Trea
sury, and a serious Inconvenience is anticipate,
in the school fund for another year. The Chief
VI Police has lost his Importance and an ex
Mayor. whose election could be easily secured
declines tc accopta nomination for that posi-
ton The millenid dawn is now confidently ex
pected.
The Cheap Transportation Convention tia
has been in session in Richmond has set ts fac
against free passes-and yet, excaims the Fred
ericksburg Herald, it positive fact that most 0
those from distance came on free passes, ant
in no case with which we are acquainted did the
pay over half fare.
very pleasant story Of home life, complete
is printed on our third mage