The Portland daily press., 1884-02-28
FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE.
Meeting Of ths EaImeuth Farmers Ysster.
daVs


Since the foot and mouth disease first an
peared in Falmouth the farmers In the yicipi.
ty Of the cases have felt uneasy in regard to its
spread, and since the breaking ont of the disease
among Mr.. Whitehouse's cattle, reported
monday, the excitement there has been H.
tense. There was feeling that proper pre-
cauuonary measures had not been taken by
me selectmen of the town and public meet
ing was called for yesterday afternoon at the
town house. There were about 150 present.
Mr.. Samuel Bell was chosen moderator and
stated the object of the meeting
Mr.. @. j. Dearborn was the first speaker
and stated that he had made inquiries into the
sanitary measures which had been taken and
had been antonished at what he called the
slackness and utter indifference of those who
had the cattle in charge. The complaint
seemed to be against Mr. Whitehouse, who, it
is claimed, has visited his neighbors with the
game clothes on in which he took care Of his
cattle and has also left the doors Of his barn
wide open. Mr.. Dearborn claimed that the
seIectmen should do something to prevent
such carelessness and did not believe the
matter should be left wholly in the hands Of
the commissioners.
The latter he said regarded the disease as
too light matter when it was really very &C.
rious one. Although in mild form at present
1t was liable at any time to take more serious
turn. If 1t attacks our cattle we can sell no
butter, milk or hay, and IL there were more
precautions that could be taken he wanted 1t
done.
Mr.. Franklin Hall, one OF the seIectmen.
said they had followed the instructions of the
commissioners as they believed the matter to
be wholly under their charge.
DR.. Geo. FL. Bailey, made clear and able
statement of the condition of things and stated
that Mr.. Whitehouse had been instructed to
exercise the greatest caution In regard to the
spreading OF the disease. If he had not obeyed
these instructions it was the first intima-
ton he had received of it and the matter would
be attended to. He said 81 think there is more
danger of false alarm being created by such
statements as just made by Mr.. Dearborn than
there is in danger of contagion from all the
herds thus far affected. The town officers have
done their duty faithfully. we have agreed
fully and are striving for the same
pN@FS5c Oh Inc 016-
disease. The cases are nearly all mild
ones, only one assuming violent form, and
that one is now nearly recovered. Nothing
has been sold from the farms in quarantine
since the disease first appeared. I believe we
are well out of the woods, the most of the cat
tie affected being all clear from the disease,
and yesterday began on the three weeks pro.
BATON which we require after all symptoms of
the disease have disappeared before allowing
them out of quarantine. believe everything
necessary has been done and every precaution
has been taken. / am ready 10 answer all
questions that may be put to me.
DR.. Bailey was then asked large number
of questions. There seemed to be q general de.
sire to learn how to prevent the spread of the
disease. The doctor gave much valuable in
formation in regard to the cure and prevention
of the disease.
The discussion seemed to satisfy many, but q
large number seemed bent on carrying out the
original object Of the meeting-to censure
those in charge, and ask for more stringent
measures. 1t was voted to take the sense of
the meeting in the matter, and small maiori-
ty voted that proper measures had not been
taken.
Mr.. Dearborn explained that he referred
more particularly to the conduct of Mr.. White
house.
The meeting then adjourned.
A visit to Mr.. Whitehouse found him In
charge of his cattle, and he emphatically
stated that he had taken every precaution, and
had not been away from the house without
changing his clothes. He had left the doors
open under the impression that ventilation
would be beneficial to his cattle, The door
was promptly closed by order of the doctor,
and aquarantine sign ylaced upon his stable.