The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1878-10-01
The Yellow-Fevcr Investigation.
CIRCULAR LETTER FROM sURGEoN-GENERAI
WoODWoRTH.

:
- woODWoRTH.
WASHINGTON, September 3O.-The follow
ing circular letter was issued this after
noon: ,
Department of United States Treasury.
Office of the Surqeo7,- General of the United
States Marine Hospital Service, Washing
ton, d. g., September 30.-To Chambers Of
Commerce and Boards Of Trade OF the
Cities OF New York, Philadelphia, Balti-
more, Boston, Chicago, St. Louis, and Gin
cinnati: Soon after the yellow-fever ap-
peared in Memphis. several leading citizens
OF that city appealed to the President 10 ap-
point commission to investigate and re-
port upon the origin and progress OF the
endemic. The President would have
taken prompt action in the matter
had there been any appropriation available
for the expenses Of such a commission.
Fortunately noble lady-Mrs. Elizabeth
Thompson, Of New York-actuated by the
same motives that prompted the citizens Of
Memphis, addressed me asking what she
could do towards the great end in view, and
pledged an amount to start general sub
scription for the purpose. My reply led
her to say that she would, il necessary, con-
tribute sufficient to meet the expenses OF a
commission, provided I would promptly
undertake its organization and direct
a thorough investigation Of the causes
OF the epidemic, with a view Of pre-
venting such .deplorable visitations Of
yellow-feyer in future. In view Of the
foregoing, ard acting upon the advice OF
members Of the American Publie-Health
Associatiol-an organization representing
all sections Of our country have appoint
ed Professor S. NJ. Bemis, NJ. d., Of New
Orleans; jerome Cochran, M. D., OF Mo-
bile; and a third member (whose accept
ance is not yet received), to acsas such com-
mission. DR.. Elisha Harris, president OF
the American Public-Healta Association,
has consented to join the yeHow-fever COM
mission IN the field about the gotta OF
October. Should the contributions OF
money be sufficient, or Congress so direct,
two or three scientific experts will be
attached to the commission for the purpose
of extending the line Of inquiry, IS far as
practicable and useful, into the nature and
causes of and conditions governing the
disease itself. 1 have instructed the COM
mission that the great object OF the inves-
tigation should be 10 CLEAN al important
facts possible to be obtained which haze
reference 10 measures OF prevention Of
future spidemics. The work will be csm-
menced at once at New Orleans, ana as
many as possible OF afflicted cities and
towns will be visited before the 18th Of
November next, on which day the Ameri-
can Public-Health Association will convene
in special session to receive the facts which
the commission shall have gathered up to
that time, with the view Of determining the
best course to be pursued by the commits.
sion in concluding its labors.
Being charged with the execation OF the
national quarantine act, approved April 30,
1878, / shall submit the report of the com.
mission to the Secretary Of the Treasury,
to be transmitted TO Congress by the Presi-
dent. Mr.. George W. Riggs, Of Riggs &
Co... bankers, Washington city, hss con-
sehted to act as treasurer to receive and
disburse funds contributed, which will be
devoted exclusively TO the expenses OF the
commission, and publicly accouated for.
Should you desire TO assist in defraying the
cost of this undertaking beg to request
that / may be advised of the contributions
forwarded to Mr.. Riggs for this purpose.
l am very respectfully. e
JOHN W. WooDw0RTH,
Surgeon General United States Marine Hos