The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1889-02-21
A HEALTH BILL PASSED.
THE LEGIsLATURE THEN AID
JOURNS SINE DIE.

An Appropriation of $4,000 Voted
for the Expenses of the New Board
The Legislators Provide for the
Expenses of the Extra session-The
Closing Scenes.
TALLAHASSEE, FLA. Feb. 20-This morn
ng it was discovered that the health OIL
had been mutilatei by House amendments
inserted in the wrong place, and the whole
matter was again referred to the conference
committee. Upon its return to the Senate
the bill was re-read and passed unanimous
". The House concurrei in all the amend
rnents recommended by the conference
committee and the bill was finally signed
nv the officers Of both houses and sent to
the governor, who is now considering It.
After passing this bill and bills appro-
priafing $4,000 for the expenses OF the
extra session and $50, 900 for the expenses
Of the board Of health during the current
vear. passing resolutions complimentary 70
The presiding officers secretary and other
attaches, both houses adjourned sine de at
$50 o'clock Previous to adjournment
committees were sent from both houses to
inform the governor of the pending ad-
journment, but he had no further commu-
nication to make except the report, through
his private secretary, that he had signed
the appropriation bills and the joint resolu-
ton asking for a speedy settlement OF
Florida's Indian war claims against the
general government.
IN SESSION FOURTEEN DAYS.
The legislature, under the call of Gov.
Fleming, has been in session fourteen DAYS
to-day 1t pas ed the bill creating a state
board of health, for which it was specially
convened, and indefinitely postponed the
special health bill for Pensacola a d the bill
toreorganize the county boards Besides this
two appropriation bills were passed, and
the following four not mentioned IN tha
call: To extend the time for the con-
struction of the Townsville and TallahaS-
see railr ad: to repeal the law giving a re
ward for the scalps of wild cats; to fix the
time for holding the circuit court in the
Sixth circuit; and reducing the bond Of
county treasurers. A number OF JOINT reso-
buttons and memorials also passed. Gov.
Fleming has not vetoed any measure 50 far,
and he will probably sign the health bill
tonight or tomorrow. Both houses con-
cluded all their labors before the hour set FIR
adjournment SINE die, and much merriment
was INDUCED in by the members when the
final hour arrived. Great rejoicing and cor
dial congratulations characterized the part
ing of the mem era, who will meet again in
weeks 1TGSlQGuk AlOuSlpA dIA dACl
Gaskins received many congratulations, and
ali left the state house in good humor.
A SYNOPSIS OF THE HEALTH BILL
The board of health bill passed to-day
provides for the appointment by the gov
ernor within twenty DAYS Of three discreet
citizens Of Florida as a state board of health,
who shall meet IN Tallahassee IN ten days
and elect a state health officer and one
assistant. who must be graduate
physician skilled in the diagnosis
and management of infectious diseases.
These are well paid, and have full control
of all saerlffs, constables and police of the
state to enforce the rules made by the board.
Ample powers as t. quarantine and SAM
tary matters are conferred, with a right 20
call on the governor for assistance from the
militia TO enforce the rules when necessary.
All suspected cases must be reported to the
president of the board of health. who is to
dispatch health officer to investigate be-
fore the disease is declared in any locality
Su table penalties are provided for failure
to report to the president cases discovered
and for unnecessarily spreading alarm to
cause panic. gs
PUBLICATION OF THE RULES
Ample rules and regulations will be fully
published by the board and health officers
Criminal courts and all officers are required
to enforce the law Tigidly and impartially.
The board has authority to restrict travel
when necessary, and to destroy infected
property, which is to be paid for out of the
special health fund. The board shall meet
frequently and render minute account of all
its doings, 70 be made to the governor, who
shall have it published and presented TO the
legislature A special tax is to be levied
and collected and fees allowed from vessels
that come under the quarantine and fumi-
cation regulations Authority is given to
call on the general government for aid in
time Of great trouble.
COST OF THE SESSION.
TIE legislature was in seSsian longer than
il wss supposed it would be when it was
called together. but If the measures
sio-tsd contribute materially TO preserve
tie health Of the state, great deal of good
VII have been accomplished. The expenses
were about s. 900 day in spite Of watch
f.. s5orts made 20 reduce the clerical aid
az Lrctde1tsls 70 q minimum.
Yc= regular session convenes the first
T-ss3sy after the first Monday in April.
al : vi lAst fully sixty DAYS. which will
ElsEs Il. quite eighty days for the two ses-
E1laE, s. COS: % t1s state Of something
hEs s., IN
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