The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1880-01-07


meanings of one of the afflicted, presented
scene hard to describe. Be il remembered
that besides this sickness they are unpro-
vided for-no food, no fuel, no clothing.
THE FIRST CALL.
On the corner of Pratt and California
streets the reporter found an old weather
worn'house. There was but a single window
and a broken door, which hung by one
hinge There were two rooms, ornamented
with like number of benches and a stove.
There was no fire, but huddled around the
cold and broken stove were Is negroes.
They were an ugly set for cold and hunger
had made them so. They were very
feticent at first, but when told, their story
was short and sorrOwful.
'How many are there sick?' asked the
reporter.
Three" was the answer that came from a
woman, nearly nude, as she lay stretched
out on @ bench.
with what?"
"Diphtheria."
mo scarlet fever?"
The doctor says one CASE
For quarter OF an hour such questions
were asked and answered 1t was soon
ascertained that one poor women had
DIED on FRIDAY
last, and that there were three very sick
These were Lizzie Barber, Sarah Woods and
Louisa Patterson.
The children, of whom there were six,
were complaining Of their Threats, and show
symptoms of scarlet fever. The woman fur
tner said that little provisions had been fur
nished them, and she could not See how they
could survive through the winter. as the
reporter withdrew and closed the door
which had neither lock nor bolt, he could
not help thinking that all the sweet
doors of night could not take from
those obscure, nauseating corners, faint
signs OF mortality. 1t was poverty-stricker
place, If ever there wss one, with - persons
grouped about waiting for aid. This much
is what it costs to be acclimated to Western
fevers.
MORE DISTRESS.
Proceeding to CSC North Mississippi street.
the reporter was met by a big, black
negro. He, like those of his race men,
toned above, was little afraid to talk
and IT became necessary for the reporter to
change his tactics 81 am from the city dis
pensary," the reporter said This had the
desired effect, and muttering something
about free dispensary," the negro admitted
him. He was not satisfied and turning said
lis you Doc Thompson"
Hardly" the reporter answered. aud
passed through this small and inconven-
tent hospital. This house had two
rooms and a summer kitchen. They were
not to exceed eight by II feet, and here were
stored II negro men, women and children.
This place was very disagreeable, aud the
rooms nauseating for all were sick save four,
and those "Dr. Thompson" had said the
negro continued, were likely to be taken
with the fever.
THREE DEATHS.
Three have died in this miserable den in
less than six days, and the burial certificates
at the undertaker's read Scarlet fever"
the people In the vicinity are greatly
alarmed and fear for their children, whom
they spprehend will be taken with the
fever. Complaints ole numerous but the
negroes an'not be removed. The people
who put them there must be responsible Tor
the spread of these contagious diseases.
THE NAMES.
In order to get The number OF deaths
among these people the reporter visited J.
H Russell & Co, county undertakers. to
whom he wss referred by Town
ship Trustee King. Mr.. Russell
willingly gave the information through bis
assistant, Mr.. Nesbeth, who had charge of
their burial. Mr.. Nesbeth said that on Fri
day he buried Mary + Lucss. w. H. Hines,
Mrs. Lucas and John f. Smock. Four others
had died and we're buried since the inter
ment OF those mentioned, but it was impos
sible TO find the certificates. Mr.. Nesbeth
says he never saw such misery &C he found
in these novels. Nearly all were sick and
dying, aud those fortunate enough to be
well had nothing to eat.
THE TOWNSHIP TRUSTEE.
Township Trustee King said numerous
com paints had been made to him, but that
he had not helped the negroes or acted
against them He feared that the fever
would spread and finally get into the
schools. l am told by the county under
taker, said Mr.. King, that the fever is in
every household where these people are
stationed, and that nine of the certificates
given by rue were for the burial of these I'M
migrants. He cited a case where
young girl came for aid.
Her father and mother, who came here with
her, became separated, and she from them.
She was sick and penniless, and her husband
was dying with the diphtheria.
WHAT THE PHYSICIANS SAY.
The reporter sought several physicians,
among them DR.. Henry Jameson, who, with
the others. thought the fever might spread
and be Injurious to the health Of the city;
this, however, provided these people were
allowed to live as at present. Before these
cases, in all about 40 were re
ported in the north and western
parts OF the city. They were free from
these contagious disorders, but since that
statement dozen or more additional cases
have been reported and the residents
naturally feel a little indignant and Ger
tainly very anxious for the wslfare of them
selves and their children.
OTHER PLACES WHERE THE FEVER RACES
At 213 West Second street the reporter
found three families OF Carolina negroes.
Three persons were sick and two others com
planning
At the Blackboard Street church one girl
was thought to be sick with the scarlet fever,
and an effort was being made 20 have her
removed to the City Hospital.
WHY THEY CANE.
During the conversations held with the
negroes, the Sentinel commissioner referred
to the cause Of their coming to this State.
One man, who came from Bunt's plantation,
said be was told that he would get a good
salary and plenty Of work, and that those