The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-11-16
THE CHOLERA PLAGUE.
Arrangements to Prevent Its Entry Here
Minister Morton's Views.

Arrangements to Prevent Its Entry Here
Minister Morton's Views.
New York Special to Chicago Times.
There is a good deal of suppressed alarm felt
in this city over the rapid spread of the cholera
epidemic in Paris. Stringent measures are be-
ing quietly taken to prevent, if possible, the
dread scourge gaining a foothold in this port.
The following letter, signed by several promi-
nent physicians of this city, among whom are
Prof. John G. Drap,s Drs. Frank Hamilton,
Flint, Dormeus, of the City College, and Weisse,
has been addressed to Hon. Hugh McCulloch,
Secretary of the Treasury at Washington:
I'VE, the undersigned recognizing the fact that there
is great danger Of the Introduction of Asiatic cholera
into the United States through the medium of old
rags imported into the country and coming from
European ports, do hereby respectfully suggest and
urge upon YOU the necessity of immediate and decisive
action in reference thereto. We are promoted thus to
appeal to you because of the recent removal of re-
striction on the importation of old rags, and it is our
firm belief that this threatened danger can only be
averted by the most thorough and systematic disin-
fecting OF Old rags coming from any and all European
ports"
Sanitary Superintendent Day said to-day fur
Their precautions had been taken at quarantine
to prevent the introduction of cholera. Rags are
not landed without a declaration, signed before
an American consul, showing that they are
not from any infected port. ANY arriving from
infected ports are held at quarantine.
DR.. Frank Fl. Hamilton, one of the surgeons
who attended Garfield, and one of the signers of
l. b.O DNNAbAOAA bchAAAS NiitAN Nv 1h02 W ACf " III
ter this port until they have been disinfected,
was asked: What are the probabilities of hav-
ing cholera here next summer}"
Judging" he said, from history and causes
Of epidemies, it is probable that we shall have it.
'If we do, is it likely that 1t will DO as severe
as the epidemic in ParisF'
This city is situated more favorably to pre-
vent the spread of an epidemic than probably
any other city of its size in the world. 1t has a
great river on each side, which can receive the
sewage of the city without being rendered in
the least impure. 1t is sufficiently elevated for
drainage, and has straight and incomparably
wide streets. There is, besides, less extreme
poverty than in probably any other city in the
world. Considering these facts, l see no reason
why we should suffer much. 1t is for these
reason, probably, and owing to the Intelligence
and energy of an experienced board of health,
that we have enjoyed / at all times ~ comparative
exemption from infectious and epidemic diseases.
This applies especially to the various outbreaks
of cholera which have from time to time oc-
cured in this city, in all of which the disease
has been confined to the smallest limit Judg
ing from the past, we ought to have no serious
apprehension for the future"
''What are the most important means for pro
lection or disinfectionf
Cleanliness" said the Doctor, decidedly.
"This must be observed about the premises and
about the person, and stands first in order as q
means of protection. This cleanliness should be
absolute; every cellar should be clean and dry.
| Nowhere should dirt be allowed to accumulate.
Light and air are next IN point as dlSlnfectantS.
There should not be a dark place in the house
or in the alleys. After that, in order, are the or
binary chemical disinfectants, but they never
should be used to cover up filth"
us cholera equally fatal in all placesf'
by no means. Cholera, like other epidemic
diseases, requires a soil, and q low, humid and
filthy atmosphere are It's natural habitat. Ele-
waited positions, other things being equal, are
always comparatively safe. In such places it
will never assume an epidemic form2"
d you think the disease is likely to be dis
seminated by the Importation of ragsN
"'Yes, unless the bales are thoroughly d!sin-
fected."
as the cholera likely to visit us this year,"
Previous epidemics have usually presented
themselves during the warm weather. The
chances are, therefore, against its appearance
this winter.
Levi p. Morton, United States minister to
France, was asked today whether he had
changed his plan of returning soon to his post
on account of the cholera in Paris. He said; ~
shall sail on the Umbria on Wednesday next 1