Daily press and Dakotaian. [volume] (Yankton, Dakota Territory [S.D.]) 1875-1880, 1878-10-02
THE YELLOW FEVER COMMISSION.

Washington, Sept. 30.-The following
circular letter was issued this afternoon by
the surgeon general of the marine hospital
service:
Il To H CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE AND
ankRDs OF TRADE: Soon after the yellow
1yver spread in Memphis several leading
citizens Of that city appealed to the presi-
dent to appoint a commission to investigate
and report upon the origin and progress of
the epidemic. The president would have
taken prompt action in the matter had there
been an opportunity available for the ex-
penses of such a committee. Fortunately q
a noble lady, Mrs. Elizabeth Thompson, of
New York, actuated by the same motives
that prompted the citizens of Memphis, ad-
dressed me. asking what she could do toward
the great end in view, and pledged an
amount to start q general subscription for
the purpose. Ny reply led her to say that
che would, If necessary, contribute sufficient
to meet the expenses of the commission,
provided l would promptly undertake its
organization and direct . thorough investi.
CATION of the causes Of the epidemic with q
view of preventing such . ~deplorable vista
ton of the yellow fever in the future. In
view of the foregoing, and acting upon the
advice of members of the American public
association, an organization representing
all sections Of our country, l have appoint
ed Prof. NJ. L. Bemis, n. D., of New Or
leans, Jerome Cochrane, N. D., of Mobile,
and a third member, whose acceptance
has not been received, to act as
such commission. DR.. Elisha Harris.
president of the American public health
association, has consented to join the yellow
fever commission in the field about the Goth
Of October. Should contributions of money
be sufficient, or congress SO direct, two or
three scientific experts will be added to the
commission for extending the line of inqui-
ry Is far - practicable and useful into the
nature and causes of and conditions govern.
ing the disease itself. I have instructed the
commission that the great object of the
investigation should be to CLEAN all impor.
tant facts possible to be obtained which have
reference to measures for the prevention Of
future epidemics. The work will be com.
menced at nee at New Orleans, and as many
as possible Of the afflicted cities and towns
will be visited before the 10Th of Novembe,
next, on which day the American public
health association will convene in special
session to review the facts which the com.
mission shall have gathered up to that time,
with q view to determine the best course d
be pursued by the commission in CONCLUDING
its 1abors. Being charged with the execu'
ton Of the national quarantine act, approx.
Cd April %, 1873, I shall submit a report
Of the commission to the secretary of the
treasury, to b transmitted to congress by
the president, Nj. Geo. w. Riggs Of Rige.
& Co, bankers Of Washington city, has con.
oented to act - treasurer, to receive and
disburse funds contributed, which will be
exclusively devoted 10 the expenses of the
commission and publicly accoustxd for.
Should you desire to assist in defraying the
expenses Of this undertaking, / bes TO re.
quest that / may be advised OF the eoutribu.
tons forwarded 70 Mr.. Riees for this purpose
(Sigued) JONI II. WooDwoKrH,
surseon.Geu US Marine hospitslservics