The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1881-03-25
The Ctty Council.
MEETING OF THE TWO BRASCuEs-IxPORTAS
ACTION-FREE VACCINATION,

MEETING OF THE TWO BRANCHEs-IMPORTANT
AcTION-FREE VACCINATION.
Both branches OF the City Council held
called meetings yesterday afternoon to
take such action as was necessary to pre-
vent the spread OF smallpox in our midst.
BOARD OF ALDERMEN.
II was decided TO hold separate sessions
Of the two bodies, and accordingly about
o. o'clock the Board OF Aldermen was call
cd to order by Judge John A. Meredith,
president.
The following members were present at
| roll-call: Messrs. Barksdale, Bass, CabelI,
Crenshaw. Gasser, Gray, Rankin, Smith,
Wagner, Wexford, Williams, and Meredith.
Mr.. BarkSdale moved that the members
OF the Common Council present be invited
to take part in the deliberations OF the Board,
but not TO vote. Adopted.
DR.. Cabell, president Of the Board OF
Health, by invitation addressed the Board.
He did not think that the few cases that ex-
isted in the city justified the alarm which
prevailed among our citizens. Thought
that by prompt action on the part OF the
Council the disease could ~ stamped out
entirely. He suggested that sufficient
number OF physicians be employed by the
city to yacciDate all who had not already
been yaccinated. This course would neces-
state the expenditure OF money, hut in view
of the great interests at stake he thought
the outlay would he jusifable.
DR.. Wexford offered the following -eso-
luton:
Whereas the City Council are creditly
informed that one case OF smallpox ard
| four Of vlrOlOid have been developed in
the city, OF which two have already been
removed to the hospital, and the eXJgge.
rated TumorS thereof have created some
alarm in the minds OF citizens, which il is
the desire OF the Council 10 alay by such
prudent action as the matter seems now 10
demand; be it therefore
| ReSOlued Ohe Common Council concur
ring, That the Board OF Health be respect
fully requested 10 take prompt measures TO
provide by vaccination and other precau-
tiOnary action against the spread OF small
pOX within the Ctv limits, using for these
ends their best efforts, and employing in
aid of their purposes two physicians IN
each ward, TO he specially selected by them
for the vaccination OF all who have need OF
this service, and that said Board Of Health
be. and are hereby, instructed to use out
OF funds now at the credit OF their ac-
count so much as may be necessary for the
present emergency.
This resolution gave rise TO an animated
aud interesting discussion. which was par
tieipated in by members oi both branches.
and while there was great diversity Of
opinion as TO details, all agreed that prompt
action should be taken to prevent the spread
OF this dread disease, and that the question
OF cost must not be allowed to enter in a.
Il consideration. Another fact fully brought
out during the discussion was that there
was really no cause for alarm, and that il
was within the power OF the Council to
afford speedy and ehec,ull relief in this
matter.
Or. Wexford fully agreed with the presi-
dent OF the Board OF Health 4, II the in.
portance OF general vaccination. Hi,
speech, which was full Of interesting facts.
was listened 10 with the closest attention by
the members.
The resolution was unanimously adopted.
Dr.. Wexford offered the following: An
ordinance 70 amend section & OF chlptCr 2G
of the City Ordinances, concerning health
and the city hospital.
Mr.. " lhams moved TO suspend the rules
so tha, the ordinance could be pnt upon is
passage.
Or. Cabell was opposed 20 such ha,ty
! legislation, ana Dopcd that me ordinance
would be referred 10 the proper committee.
On motion OF Mr.. Rankin, the whole mat
ter was laid on the table.
Mr.. Howard, the clerk. read commune
cation from the Hon. John GoOdc, inviting
the members OF the Council TO be present at
the opening Of the rooms OF the yorktown
Centennial Association. The Board then
adjourned.
COMMON COUNCIL.
Immediately after the adjournment OF The
Board President Clarke called the Common
Council 10 order
The following members were present al
rol.cal Mes>rs. Campbell, Cole, Edward,
Elett, Ferguson, Forester, Foster. y. >
Gum, Hargrove, Hayes, Higgins, King
Mcdowell, PiZzini, Robinson, Strans, Tay
lor Tinsley, Warren. aud Weisiger.
On motion Of Mr.. Taylor, the resolution
OF the Board OF Aldermen providing for ;
general vaccination was unanimously con