The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-12-30
MANDERS0N'S BILL.
A Measure That Humanity Demands
f. Proposed Establishment of Patho-
Biological Laboratory.
Tho National Government to Pro-
vide for It's Maintenance.
It's Objects to Be the Defense of
the People
From the Spread of Contagious Diseases
and the Prevention of Their Trans
mission by 'Cattle-An Ana
lysis of the Bill.

4 NfHNea thS hNAhhhSs int TODDStu
National Patho- Biological Laboratory"
z the Buffalo Medical and Surgical Journal
says editorially
~ The proposition to establish Nationa,
Patho-B Biological Laboratory will excite a
keen interest not only in medical and
scientific circles, but in tho large class
whose financial success is, more or less, ai-
fecied by the existence OF contagious dis
ease. We have had abundant occasion TO
Zee during the past few months how ex-
tensive sections of our Southern belt can
suffer from this cause. Production is
stopped, commerce hampered, the general
well being OF communities lessened, and
their natural healthful growth seriously
checked, ms the result OF even limited
visitation OF the yellow fever scourge II
is impossible to calculate the loss 10 the
State OF Florida from the diversion OF
travel and immigration alone, which is
the inevitable sequel OF her recent misfor-
tunes.
Still more extended geographically are
the vast interests of our stock raisers so
frequently imperilcd or crippled by the
prevalence OF infections complaints among
the more important varieties OF domestic
animals. The question OF contagion Is, i'm
ing phases OF our life rs q people, such rs
foreign and internal trade and commerce,
the management of our municipalities, the
development OF entire sections OF territory,
aad the prosperity of our enormous agri-
cultural interests, dependent invariably on
the propagation and preservation OF animal
life.
II is, therefore, eminently fitting that the
subject should be taken up earnestly aud
eNhanstively 10y our National Government.
Excellent work, on a limited scale. has
been done by individuals State institu-
iioDs aud some Government departments.
notable in the Agricultural Department and
by the National Board OF Health, before
the limits Of the latter's usefulness was so
iNslicied by legislative Interference.
The question Is, however, too iar.rcach-
Il ing terriiorially 10 be successfully man.
aged by state action, and too closely re-
lated 10 the & neral welfare for satisfactory
aud thorough treatment in any existing
II Washington department
The bill rs proposed meets the wants of
the case in many respects. Ample poo
vision Is made Tor the study OF all prop
i lens from both the biological and chem.
ical sides, and the sharp separation OF the
Z two divisions for the study Of human and
animal diseases would undoubtedly slim.
ing helpful cooperation. The proposition
10 place the institution under the con-
= troll OF the supervising surgeon-gcneral Of
~ the Marine Hospital service NAV possibly
be subject to criticism, chiefly in view OF
the zoo-pathological features Of the work
10 would, however, be difficult 20 select
eny one official in the public service thor
oughly yersed in all the proposed phases
investigation, and tits probable that the
oprgcon-gcneral Of the Marine Hospital
Krvicc Is better placed for exercising a
Rneral supervision over the laboratory
nan any OF his scientific colleagues
We should not underestimate the value
~ the proposed institution, in rendering
o1r political capital more and more CEN
~ OF advanced scientific research aud
hRher learning European nations find
mnlfold advantages In multiplying the
uQNber OF such establishments at their
c1Ilials, ccnlralizng aud consolidating the
wUk OF specialists, and attracting the tai
cnted youth Of distant lands. Washington
has already made n beginning In this d.
! recion, but il is yet far behind such cities
- London, Paris, Berlin, Vienna, ~. Pc.
f&hgrg, aud even the residences Of many
T1ninor German States.
The sum required 10 execute the proys-
Ions Of the bill Is certainly modest. II Is
+ but u drop IN the bucket, compared with
tnc vast draft on human effort aud mater.
hl resources in our land, due 10 the exist.
cncc Of contagious diseascs-discases
which, ne experience gives us every reason
10 believe. may ultimately be brought
completely within mans control.
As powerful factor In bringing about
this result, We 10 not hesitate TO recognize
IN the projected institute an object worthy
OF the cordial aud earnest support OF the
medical profession; and Il Is our hope that
sufficient intelligent and proper influence
may be brought 20 bear upon our national
Legislators 10 insure an early passage OF
A the bill.
We publish In this issue OF the Journal
n copy Of the bill that is proposed on thi.
subject, that our readers may Judge OF It's
merits for themselves.
The Duiiy Aetcs Newark, n. J.l saws
"The time has come % establish labora-
tory OF this kind. Numerous letters from
all parts OF the country attest 10 the gen.
cfal interest being awakened. Few OF the
laity, however, appreciate the full value
OF such an institution. No one can
deny that one OF the cardinal princi.
pies which should prevail In every en-
lighicned and intelligent government II
the preservation and protection OF the |
health Of liz citizens. Every one will adj |
init that an unhealthy locality, locality |
Ia which infections aud malarial diseases |
prevail Is not only unpleasant TO live In,
but an unprosperous locality. People do |
not care 10 60 who're they are likely TO be. /
como III or die. No one, again, will deny |
that yiolcn; outbreaks OF any contagious |
or infectious diseases In any part Of a !
country not only seriously interfere with |
s~the welfare Of such section, but react |
upon nll parts Of the country. The results |
OF the late eruption Of the yellow fever are |
still fresh In oiir minds, and the painful /
anxiety caused thereby IN all our scaboard l
cities has not yet and should never ~.
cape the minds OF our people. Whole /
sections Of our cities and many valuable |
districts OF our country are moro or less
unprosperous because Of their pcstiierous
or unhealthy conditions.
What have We done 10 prevent these
thlngs7 Established boards OF hcalthl
That Is all What have they done? Or
dcred some cleaning OF aud made such 10.