The Russellville Democrat., 1889-03-14
A southern Question.


 A Southern question that is vastly mere important to the South than any mere matter of sociology is how to pre- vent yellow fever from becoming epi- demic. Or. W. c. Van Bibber, of Bal timore. has published paper read by him before the Baltimore Academy of Medicine, December 4, 1888, in which he suggests measures by which the danger of yellow fever may be reduced to minimum. As contribution to the literature of this dreadful destroyer, Dr. Van Bibber's paper has the merit of breyity and directness. He writes for the people, and his suggestions, be- ing grounded upon an extensive scien- titic experience with the scourge, are eminently practical and wise. Perhaps the most valuable hints to the more Northern States of those embraced in the yellow fever district, arc those in reference to quarantine regulation. After pointing out that tho present sys- tenn of quarantine is wholly lnadequo
 for the protection of cities against
 infection of the yellow fever germ, proceeds 10 define how the sanitary conditions of an exposed city or town can be rendered such as to absolutely prevent the development of disease. even if the germ should pass quarantine. He does not argue against the contin- uation of rigid quarantine, but rather against an absolute dependence upon it as precautionary measure, and in favor of change of methods. Every body who read last summers current reports of the vexatious and even cruel subjections 10 quarantine rigorousuess instigated by unreasonable fear, and in many cases by ignorance and incom- l petence to deal with matters of such vital importance, will understand that a reform of quarantine methods is most urgent. In scarcely State south of | the Ohio is there a Board of Health or l ganized with competent powers to act efficiently in cases of epidemic and con- sequent panic, and in none of them is 1 there any humane and adequate system of quarantine. Such thing as inter- state quarantine regulation does not 1 exist, and when an emergency arises l the most extreme and often unnecessary measures are reverted to for protection against infection. It is needless to say that these measures are generally worse than useless, and result in much per 1 sonal suffering and in extensive injury l to vital interests of the States affected. The cruel and inhuman shotgun quar- antine," which was made famous last fall, is the natural result of this lack of system and general authority.
 l Dr. Van Bibber undertakes to show how this state of affairs may be reme- ] died by little legislation and the ex- penditure of a moderate amount of money. He says of the quarantine of the future: ''ln this you will see four houses situated at proper distance 1 from each other. in the most accessible point of the State, built and appointed i in manner not only to make them most efficient for the comfort of the sick and afflicted citizens and strangers, l but to serve also as schools and models l to teach private citizens how they can preserve among themselves continued cleanliness and give no foothold to pre- 1 ventible disease. The humblest man in the commonwealth cannot thon plead ignorance as to how he should and must build his house and manage his domes- l tic affairs so as to preserve his own l health, not iniure that of his neighbor, nor impair the reputation of his State. These four buildings should have ample communication with each other and the outside world by telephone and what other appliances the future may have in store. Then no one who is quarantned will feel himself isolated or harshly treated. The citizen from abroad and the denizen can alike receive and send messages from and to all points"
 In these houses all actual cases are to be treated, and those who are simply | Htiu III Cuotouy alC to ha'o iou5 hiSht. They are designed to provide for the treatment of the three most deadly germinal diseases, yellow fever, cholera and smallpox. They would be under the control of the State Board of Health, body which would then have local habitation as well as name, and full powers to deal with the exigencies of the situation as they should arise
 Some such system must be adopted. the temporary makeshifts suggested by l the presence of immediate danger no longer sufficing.
 In regard to sanitation Dr. Van Bib ber's suggestions are wise, and in this respect the city of Louisville should bestir herself. Last summer she opened her gates to the flying refugees when all others were barred against them. The generosity was praiseworthy, but the risk was great. If the occasion should arise again she should be prepared to be generous without recklessly en- | dangering the lives of her citizens. Not only should the streets be thoroughly cleaned. but the health authorities should subject private houses and yards, front and rear, 10 more rigid scrutiny. and compel the thoughtless and the careless to a more cleanly and less dan gerous mode of life. e.-Louiscide (Ky.) Commercial
 ACCORDISC to the last report of the