Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1880-07-23

other. So long as injected vessels
visit US during the summer months,
We shall continue to have epidemics
every few years. Yellow fever germs
are dangerous citizens in any portion
Of the country, even at a quarantine
station. For instance, the germs are
exhaled from the bodies of the sick,
pass into the atmosphere, penetrate
the houses, attach themselves toclOth-
ing and in a suitable atmosphere in
feet the whole place. When a vessel
arrives, the physician visits her with
his clothing full of germs. Parties
bringing the mails, supplies, etc.,
are also exposed. We see
that a committee has just been
sent from New Orleans to the quaran-
tine to inspect it. They will visit the
fever cases and return to the city with
no thought of danger. If all dry
goods are Quarantined because, capa-
bic of infection, by what process does
the clothing of a physician become
incapable of conveying it? AT the
present time we should apprehend no
epidemic, either in New Orleans or
Memphis, if twenty cases of fever
were introduced into either city, be-
cause there is not a febrile condition
of the atmosphere to propagate the
germs. The numerous methods by
which germs may be conveyed from
quarantine stations justify the
statement that perfect immunity
from epidemics can only be secured
by an absolute ncn-intercourse with
infected ports during summer. But,
how are we to know when foreign
ports are infected ? The national
board of health rely upon reports from
'consuls. IF c%onsuls are so different
from the majority of other men. as to
be proof against the influences of con-
signees and masters Of vessels, their
reports are reliable. In the case of
the Excelsior, she undoubtedly left
Rio with the full knowledge fall par
ties concerned, that she was bringing
an infected freight into New Orleans
in the sickly season. But, what wa
it to them if this ship again desOlated
the country with fever. There was
money in it. New Orleans was the most
profitable post.
Now, for the purpose of calling at
tention to the subject, we will suggest
a plan for protecting ouselves against
these visitations of yellow fever,
which, if impracticable, may serve to
call out one that is practicable. Let
every southern portnotify the CONNER
cial world through consolar agents,
etc. that vessels from infec ports will
be admitted only during specified
months in cold weather, and then sub.
iect to discretionary sanitary regula-
tions. But in view of the opinion
held by many, that the epidemic of
last summer resulted from germs re-
naming from 1873, it is ii question for
consideration, if the wiser plan would
not be to make an absolute prohibition,
winter and summer. Such an inter-
ruptiOn to their commerce would
stimulate those countries to ~endeavors
to abate the cause of their fever, and
thus prove a humane measure for
them and their neighbors. A great
difficulty would be to watch small
craft running into the by-ways on the
coast. The penalty should be impris-
onment for such a term as would make
it a serious matter.
The total value of the Excelsior
and cargo would not be an equivalent
for the injury inflicted by her; and
the total value of the trade with all
the ports subject to yellow fever, is
insignificant in comparison with the
damage to the southern country from
continual visits Of yellow fever. 1t is
an incubus resting upon it, checking
immigration and paralyzing every in
dustry, and no half way protective
measures will relieve us.
CITIZEN.