The Somerset press. [volume] (Somerset, Ohio) 1873-1977, 1878-10-10
The Yellow Fever Commission.

The following circular letter has been is-
sued by the Surgeon-General of the Marine
Hospital Service:
offce Surgeon General u S. Marine Hosp Serv,
WAsHINGToN, September 80, 1873.
To the Chambers of Commerce and Boards of
Trade Of the Cities of New York. Philadelphia,
Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, st. Louis and Gin
cinnati
Soon after the yellow fever appeared in
Memphis several leading citizens of that
city appealed to the President to appoint a
Commission to investigate and report up
on the origin and progress of the epidemic.
The President would have taken prompt
action in the matter had there been any ap-
preparation available for expenses for 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 toward the great
end in view, and pledged an amount to start
general subscription for the purpose My
reply led her to say that she would, if neces-
sary, contribute sufficient to meet the ex-
penses of Commission, provided would
promptly undertake its organization, and
direct a thorough investigation of the
causes of the epidemic, with view of pre-
venting such deplorable visitations of the
yellow fever in the future.
upon the advices of members of the
American Public Health Association
an organization representing all sec
tions Of our country-I have appointed
Prof. s. NJ. Bemiss, NJ. D., of New Orleans
Jerome Cochran, M. D., of Mobile, and a
third member, whose acceptance has not vet
been received, to act as such Commission.
DR.. Elisha Harris, President of the Ameri-
can Health Association, has consented to
join the Yellow Fever Commission in the
field about the Goth 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 in
quiry as far as practicable and useful into
the nature and causes of and conditions
covering the disease itself. | have in
structed the Commission that the great
| object of the investigation should be to
| CLEAN all important facts possible to be OBJ
tanned which have reference to measures Of
prevention of future epidemics. The work
will be commenced at once, at New Orleans
and as many as possible of the afflicted
cities and towns will be visited before thu
| 10Th of November next, on which day thu
American Health Association will conven,
| in special session to review the facts which
/ the Commission shall have gathered up tt
that time, with view of determining tn
best course to be pursued by the Com
mission in concluding it's labors.
Being charged with the execution of tn
National Quarantine Act, approved Apri
90, 1878, shall submit report of the Com
mission to the Secretary of the Treasury, t
be transmitted to Congress by the Pres
dent. Mr.. Geo. w. Riggs, of Riggs & Co
bankers, Washington City, has consente
to act as Treasurer to receive and discharg
the funds contributed, which will be d.
voted exclusively to the expenses of tn
Commission, and publicly accounted TO