The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1878-12-03
PRESIDENTS MESSAGE
A Sound, Sensible and. Well Written
Nl Document.
An instructive and Interesting Summary of
Facts and Recommendation In Regard
TO the Domestic and Foreign In.
terests Of the Country.
A Cheerful View of Our National Affairs.

FelIOD- Citi:elS Of The Senate and House O
Representatives:
Our heartfelt gratitude is due to the Di.
vine Being who holds in His hands the
destinies OF nations for the continued be-
stowal during tho last year Of countless
blessings upon our country.
We are at peace with all other nations.
Our public credit hasgreatly improved, and
is, perhaps, now stronger than ever before.
Abundant haryests have rewarded the
labors OF those who till the soil, our manu-
featuring industries are reviving, and It is
believed that general prosperity, which
has been SO long anxiously looked Tor, IS
al last within our reach.
The enjoyment OF health by our people
generally has, however, been interrupted,
during the past season, by the prevalence
OF fatal pcstilcncc, the yellow fever, in
some portions OF the Southern States, Gre
ating an emergency which called for
prompt and extraordinary measures Of re-
lief. The disease appeared as an epidemic
at New Orleans and at other places on the
lower Mississippi, soon after midsummer.
1t was rapidly spread by fugitiyes from
the infected cities and towns, and did not
disappear until early in November. The
States OF Louisiana, Mississippi and Ten
nessee have iered..severely. About one
hundred thousand cases are believed to
have occurred, OF which about twenty
thousand according to intelligent estimates,
proved fatal. 1t is impossible to estimate
with any approach to accuracy the loss TO
The country occasioned by this epidemic.
II is to be rcckoned by the hundred mill
ions OF dollars. The suffering and dcsti-
tuition that resulted, excited the deepest
sympathy in all parts OF the Union. Ply
sicians and nurses fastened from every
quarter to the assistance OF the afflicted
communities. Voluntary contributions oil
money and supplies, in every needed form,
were speedily and generously fur
nished. The Government was able
TO respond in some measure to
the call for help, by providing tents, medi-
cines. and food Tor the sick and destitute,
the rcnuisitc directions for the purpose be-
ing given, in the confident expectation
that this action ofthe Executive would re.
cciye the santion OF Congress. About
eighteen hundred tents, and rations Of the
value OF about twenty-five thousand dol
lars, were sent to- cities and towns which
applied for them, lull detillls ol WHICH Will
be furnished TO Congress by the proper
Department. ~
= HE fearful spread OF this pestilence has
awakened very general public sentiment
in favor OF national sanitary administra-
ton. which shall not only control quaran,.
tine. but have the sanitary supervision, oil
internal commerce in times OF cpidemics,
and hold an advisory relation to the state
and municipal health authorities, with
mower 10 deal with whatever cndangers
tic public health, and.which the munich
pal and State authorities are unable to
regulate. The national quarantine act, ap,
proved April 90, 1873, which was passed
too rlate in the last session OF Con
gress to provide tho means for carrying
L into practical operation, during the past
season. ID step in tho direction here IN
dieated. In view OF the necessity for the
most effective measures, by quarantine
and otherwise, for the protection, OF oul
seaports, and the country. generally, IRON
this and other cpidcmics, It is recommend.
ed .hat Congress give 70 the whole subject
early and careful consideration. 's' F"
= ,, So,,rtyppx nTTttAGES