The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1882-02-08
Reported Existence of Small
Pox.
A Stranger Who Had Been
Exposed.
His Treatment while in This
City.

over the contagious disease was somewhat
intensified this morning by the report that
a case had been discovered on Fourth
avenue, near the German Catholic church,
and also that person afflicted with the
malady had been found at the Rock Island
and Mercer county depot, and had been
placed in the hospital room of the city
armory.
AS usual both reports were in a measure
unfounded, as an investigation by the
Health Commissioner, DR.. Craig, proved
at late hour this morning.
THE REPORTED CASE
of smallpox on Fourth avenue, adjoining
the German Catholic church, proved to be
severe case of intermittent fever. The
patient of this disease, as well as the resi-
dents of that quarter, had been success
fully vaccinated, and there was not the
least indication that the dreaded contagion
would make its appearance in that local
ity. DR.. Craig is of the opinion that vac
cination is the most effective and only sue
cessful way of fighting the smallpox, as
he contends that quarantine cannot be
directed only against those places where
the disease is prevalent, and is no protec-
ton against other places or the public
generally who have been exposed
That official thinks that the inhabitants
of Rock Island generally have taken every
precaution in the way of vaccination, and
little danger is apprehended, although an
isolate case may make its appearance.
THE STRANGER
said to have been arrested at the depot
this morning and conveyed to the armory,
proves to be r. B. Ellis of Gable. He is
the proprietor of coal mine in that village
and has number of men employed.
It became known in that place that mem
bers of his family had visited houses where
the disease had manifested itself and the
town authorities decided to quarantine
himself and family and compel them to re-
main within their residence. 1t is stated
that certain members of his household had
taken delicacies to those afflicted, and it
was on this account that precaution was
taken to prevent them from communicat-
ing the malady.
Mr.. Ellis objected and claimed that the
authorities had no legal right to prevent
him from attending to his private bust
ness.
He did not induce them, however, to
change their minds, and consequently de-
:ided to come down to
ROCK ISLAND.
The Gable authorities ascertaining that
he had started for this city, notified the
Health Commissioner of the facts and
hus gave that official timely warning of
Mr. Ellis arrival. On the arrival of the
rain from Gable, policeman took Mr..
Ellis in charge and escorted him to the hos
oital room of the armory, where he was
detained until this afternoon when he took
lis departure for Cable.
Mr. Ellis came down to this city to draw
some money for the purpose of paying off
lis employees, and made no resistance to
lis detention at the armory building He
tates that there is undue excitement about
he alleged epidemic in Gable, as he claims
here are but three cases, and these Of a
mild character
5 told at the expense of one of the Deputy
'heriffs, in reference to Mr. Ellis, which is |
ighly enjoyed by his associates. The |
ounty officer had been notified of Mr. |
Ellis expected arrival, and was in readl-
ess to receive him and take him to the
ounty pest house, as it was at first under
TODD that the expected arrival was already |
f1icted with the disease.
The Deputy interviewed the drivers of
ne several hacks standing at the depot |
ut the drivers inferring that their vehicles
nall-pox patient refused to hire them and |
$50 made a hasty retreat from the depot. /
It becoming noised about that the depu-
7 had been exposed to the small -pox,
aving a patient in charge, he was given
wide hearth by all with whom he came
contact. He did not comprehend the
tuation until after the police officer had
alked off with Mr. Ellis.
AT MILAN.
The Beard of Health of the town Of
[ilan met yesterday and passed the fol
wing order which is designated as
o. 1
In view of the very imperfect quarantine.
aintained by the authorities of Gable, the
GARD of Health of the town of Milan,
,em it their duty to quarantine against
e Mercer County Railroad, and it is
,reby ordered that no person be permit
d to enter or leave any trains upon said T
ad at Milan until further orders.
u. z. GILMER, President.
J. III. RATHBuN, Med Sec'y., pro tenn
AT DAVENPORT.
ne Davenport Board ofhealth held q meet
g yesterday, when case of smallpox