The weekly clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1863-1882, 1878-09-11
A Letter Upon the Prevailing
Epidemic.
BLACK HAWK, Miss, Sept, 2, l

EDIToRs CLARION: In this day of sac
calamity to our already over-stricker
people, which must excite the most pro-
found sympathy in the breast, not only OF
the philanthrophist, but of every civilized
man wherever found on the earth, science
and ingenuity should be exerted to their
full capacity to discover means of relief
No suggestion should be left untried that
presents the slightest possibility of success
it matters not from whence in emanat s.
| This conceded, allow me, though neither a
scientist nor physician, to present through
your valuable paper a few thoughts on the
| free use of gunpOWder as a diSinIectant in
| cities, towns and houses already, or liable to
| become infected with the terrible scourge
| yellow fever. Without entering into a
| philosOphic demonstration OF the principles
| L propose to present for your own and your
readers consideration, L will simply state
| "A few facts in support of my belief hOpin e
| that they may be reduced to the more
| thorough investigation and experiment.
| Now it is q well established philoSOphic
| princip pie that thunder storm has the eff
| feet of purifying the atmosphere in its trace.
| 1t is equally well established that the dis
charge of artillery in given locality has
| the effect of DESTROYING or removing from
| the atmosphere surrounding, malaria
which L regard as but another name for the
| floating myrads of Bacteria that fill the at
| mOsphere and produce disease In the first
the effect is produced by electricity, heat
and CONFUSION. The second by convulsion
heat and the fumes emitted by the ignted
powder, all repugnant to Bacterial life.
Another evidence of the powerful inf uence
of the discharge of artillery on the atmos-
phere is the fact that after nearly every big
battle that has been fought either in this
country or Europe rain fall was sure and
that soon after. The discharge OF artillery
has raised bodies that have drOwnded from
tho bottom of largo LAKES, rivers ana ponds.
In addition to the powerful effect produced
By conclusion upon the earth, atmos Dhere and
waters, the birthstone contained in powder
is a well known efficient agent in the de-
struction of all minute animal life, whether
contained in the atmosphere or after it at
taches to the body of man or animal; used
either as fumigatOr or applied directly in
its Incorporated State. Now sir, much has
been said and written in regard to Gen
Butler preventing the development of yell
low fever in the city of New Orleans dur
ing our late war. All seem to attribute il to
the cleanliness of the city during the time
he was in C command. l doubt not this had
its effect. But l believe the main cause has
been overlooked. Gen. Butler had large
army IN the city, stationed at every point o
the compass, with large numbers at its very
heart. He was a strict discplinaran. and
required the most exact performance OF
every duty. Canons were fired from the |
headquarters of every Brigade at nightfall |
and daybreak. He daily practIced his troops |
In artillery, and musket target shooting. |
Besides there was large fleet in front of |
the city, and at every other point of possible |
ingfess. Inere, consequently, must have |
Deen much discharge of artillery from that |
quarter, all of which necessarily kept the |
in a state OF constant convG1sion,
and i'm pregnated with the fumes of i0nited
powder: believe that such was the case
with all ot our Southern cities during the
war, whether held by ourselves or the enemy.
do not believe that cleanliness alone has
or ever will protect. L believe that filth
will originate, and augment its vrulence.
but that lt may originate from other causes
than local is beyond doubt. l hope the ex-
pertinent will be fully made. Let artillery
be discharged at nightfall and at davbreak
from every point of the city or town infect
ca, or liable to become so. Especially lie
this be done on the banks of rivers, creeks
stagnant pools or filthy sewers in or near
The corporate limits. Let it be discharged
N the broad streets throughout The
length and breadth of the place. Let
nusketry be discharged in the narrow
streets and backyards of all premises
Finally let pistols be discharged or powder ]
exploded in some way in every room and ,
nall OF your house. All this will REQUIRE
line; trouble an expense, but what will it
De when compared to the distress and sor- |
'ow entailed by the appearance or existence {
1t this fearful plague.
4gurs respectfully,
III. II. SoUrHwoRTH. I
(Our respected correspondents theory is !
net at thew outset by the fact that when
he yellow fever broke out in Jackson in q
81, the military camp where the vii I
famous smell of gun powder predomina- '
ed, and where the big gun was fred reg :
larly to warn the unreconstructed citi- 9
en- that loyalty was his first duty, was . >
he only part of the town in which the 0
isease ragged virulently -EDs. CLAIR I
oN.) s