Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1885-07-11
WHEELING, W. va. SATURDAY MORNING. L..
CHOLERA.
Practical Hints Suggested by the United
States Consul at Marseiliss.

Practical Hints Suggested by the United
States Consul at Msrseiliss.
WASHINGTON, July l0.-United S:steH
Consul Frank q. Mason, of Marssilles, has
sent to the Department Of State q practical
conclusion concerning native Asiaic chol,
era, and the best methods Of prevention
and treatment, derived from studies of the
epidemics of 1884 and preceding years at
Marseilles. After sketching briefly expert
ences there during cholera epidemic since
1884, describing the varying action of the
disease as manifested in different cases
such as diarrhea, for two or three days, fol
lowed by the disease proper, again sudden
attack, sometimes while sleeping, in one case
vomitipgs and purgings and in another
neither of these. Consul Mason goes
on to say that thsse variations
were never so great or 50
perplexing to physicians as last year. he
adds "In Its choice of victims cholera is
most precise and definite. With rare excep.
tons they belong to one of the four follow
ing classes of persons. Those who live
Esder bad hyaanic eoaa aisi5n Z. resEsct %
food and lodgings; those who are impru-
dent in respect to eating, drinking and ex-
posure; those weakened and debilitated by
alcoholic excess, and those who suffer from
chronic digestive weakness or arrangement.
Among imprudence which become danger.
Gus in the presence of cholera are over
eating to extent producing lethargy or
Indigestion; drinking any liquid that checks
the process of digestion; eating raw vegeta.
bles in the form Of salads, and in general
use, raw fruits, unless perfectly fresh and
ripe. Drinking cold water or beer, after
having eaten raw fruit is direct challenge
to the cholera which no person, however
strong and healthy can afford to risk. The
susceptibility of drunkards to cholera inau-
ence is proven by abundant evidence,
among which may be cited the sweeping f.
tality of the disease wherever it attacked in
mates of inebriate ssylums. Anything, in
fact, whether Of temporary or chronic ma
ture, which impairs the vigor of the diges-
tive organs, exposes persons thus weakened
to choleraic attack"
Transmission of the Plague.
In relation to the transmission OF cholera
Mason says the contagion is transmitted by
inhalation of air infected by clothing, rags,
WOOL &c. which have been tainted by con-
tact with the disease, and by water. He
cites the case OF man who fled from Mar
seilles and was not taken i'll until he had
uDfastened bis trunk, taking the contagion
from clolhing therein.
A servant girl went from Marseilles to the
village of 0merques, aud after arriving
there washed some of her infected clothes
in a creek which supplies the village with
water. Not only was the village decimsted
by cholera as a result, but the territory be
low through which the stream runs while
that above escaped.
The authorities of Marseilles agree that
the disease does not transmit itself directly
from cholera patient to person in good
health, neither by contact nor by inhalation.
Objections and vomit of cholera patients
usually contain the germ Of contsgion,
while, although not Immediately transmissi-
BILE, often, when placed under favorable con-
ditions, quickly develops the contagion.
Clothing and textile merchandise are far
more dangerous as vehicles of the contar
gious principle than individuals. Cholera
attacks only persons in greater or less de-
grees prepared for it.
For Cleansing Sewers and Drains.
For Washing streets and drains, sulphate
of iron 40 pounds in 220 gallons OF wster)
or liquid chloride zinc GO pounds in 220
gallons). has been found most effective and
practicable. Picnic acid, in the proportion
of 10 pounds to 220 gallons of water, was
largely used at Marseilles last year, bat the
results were less satisfactory than expected,
some experts even going go far as to affirm
that the picnic principle preserved rather
than destroyed the germs of contsgion.
Advantages of Military Regimen.
The report that touches upon the prob
lens OF carrying cholera on shipboard, in
barracks asylums, prisons, etc., is exempi-
fed at Marseilles. At Vomschs there was
practical exemption from disease, which
was attributed to the required army regimen,
including the wearing of broad belt or
girdle OF flannel to protect the stomach and
bowels from sudden chill, while linen or cot
ton Hsvelocks were to be worn during all
out door exercises the absolute iuterdiction
of green fruits, the use of rice in all soups,
and quart Of wine daily to each man,
with variation of food as often as prsctic.
able. The stewards were required to have
cor stsntly ready tea, sugar aud rum, to be
ad mluistered in all cases OF collie; also
Liquor of Batavia" to be given (2J drops
in quart of water upon appearance o.
choleraic symptoms.
What to Eat and What to Avoid.
Mason then proceeds to give an outline
of what to eat and what to avoid. Mar
seilles prohibited entry into the city OF mel.
ors, cucumbers and summer fruits. In
structions we're issued to the public to avoid
all excess, 70 drink as little as possible be,
tween meals, eat beef and mutton, protect
the body from sudden chills and see that
food partaken of was not stale. Daily
tepid baths, followed by vigorous rubbing is
There is nothing more perilous than for
persons who have once LETT an infected at.
mosphere 10 return to it before the pesti-
lence is completely suppressed. No person
should return to an infected city unless in
condition Of good health, particularly in re-
spect to all the functions Of nutrition.
Whenever possible persons so returning
should stop for at least forty eight hours in
the SUBURB or other locality as near as possi
bic to the afflicted city. AS q popular
remedy for immediate use, nothing has been
found superior to chlorodyne, sold by most
druggists.
IMMEDIATE DANGER OVER,