New-York tribune., 1879-05-12
NATIONAL QUARANTINE.
THE MEETING OF EMINENT PHYSICIANS AT AT
LANTA PRODUCTIVE OF GOoD-HARMoSY AND
EARNESTNESs ITS CHARACTERISTICS.
rr1In

LANIA PkODCCllhE Of NOVb-lihh'iCA'i AM
EARNESTNESs ITS CHARACTERISTICS.
IBY TELEGRAPH TO THE TIIBUSE.l
WAsHNGToN, May 11.-Dr. Turner, president,
and DIR. Billings, vice-presdent, of the National
Board of Health, have arrived in Washington from
Atlanta whittier they went to take part in the de-
lberatiOns of the Board and i'll the medical cOnVen-
tions which have been IN session in that city.
DR.. Turner describes the session of the Board as
an interesting and harmonious one. Although great
disappointment was felt on account of the failure
of the Harris Yellow Fever BILL which made pro-
visions for carrying into effect such plans as the
Board might tx upon, yet valuable results will grow
out of the meeting
AS the American Medical Association was in ses-
SION at Atlanta at the same time, there were called
to that city the most eminent of the profession
from all parts of the country. The Sanitary COun-
Gil of the Mississippi Valley, which contains many
eminent medical men from the section which was
lately scourged by the yellow fever adjourned its
meeting which had been called at Memphis. and re-
assembled at Atlanta. where its members could con-
suit with those of the National Board of Health.
There were also present by invitation of the Board
all the principal health and quarantine officers of
the United States.
Athorough comparison of views disclosed prac-
teal unanmty of opinion with regard to the neces-
sity foT united action, and there was general har-
mOny of views as TO what the action should be. Dr.
Vanderpoe of New-Yorb, gave the Board his opin-
ions based upon his extended experience with lis
remarkable results as health officer of New-York
In general terms it may be said that the testimony
of all the quarantine and health officers was to
the same effect. and that the plans which the
Board will recommend TO Congress Tor adoption as
a National Quarantine system of laws viii not be
dssinlilar to those now In operation in New
York. This, 1t IS believed, will be a relief
rather than burden on commerce, especially in
Southern ports. In New-Orleans, for example
where the quarantine laws already in operation re-
qure a twenty days detention of vessels coming
from Havana, no detention beyond that necessary
for the publication of the vessel and cargo will be
recommended, and this should not exceed five days
from the day of leaving Havana. The plans de-
cided upon will also include an inspection Of the
vessel before sailing from any infected foreign
port, and certain course of procedure while en-
route to America.
With regard to internal commerce, the results
were less definite owing to the fact that the Board
had no opportunity to consult with railroad and
steamboat men, representing interests which must
he largely affected In the conclusions which were
reached the Board was governed to considerable
extent by the recommendations Of the Sanitary
Council of the Mississippi Valley. In brief,
these were as follows: All steamboats, before
leaving any seaport for inland points are
TO be examined by the Sanitary authorities
and a certificate given in accordance with the facts.
IT, while on their passage up tho river any cases of
fever should break out, au horlty Is to be given to
order the infected vessels back at once. No such
authority now exists anywhere. With regard to
railroads Gordon is to be established at distance
of from twenty TO sixty miles around any place
where the fever prevails, and passengers, baggage
and freight are to be examined ana transferred 10
other cars and in of necessity more rigorous
measures are 10 be applied TO prevent the spread OF
the cOntaRiOn. -, r. ,
The feeling in all parts Of the South was repre-
sented as being very earnest in regard to these
matters and il is believed that shotgun duaTan-
tine and even the destruction OF railroads
and steamboats,. will be rcsorted to by the
people themselves IN case OF another out
break of the yellow fever if Congress
should not provide for a National quarantine
system Among the conclusions reached by the
SANITARY Council of the Mississippi Valley was one
to the effect that intelligence should be immcdI-
ately sent to all members of the council whenever
case of yellow fcver should develop itself in any
place within the knowledge of its members. Here
tofore there has always been a disposition to con-
ceal the presence of yellow fever.