The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-09-04
AFRAID OF DIPHTHERId.
Many Prominent Citizens Opposed TO Open
Ing tho schools Until October lst.

Many Prominent Citizens Opposed TO Open
| in;. the schools Until October lst.
In two weeks moro the regular session OF
the public schools in this city will commence
and every head of family who has children
to send TO school is asking his neighbor what
effect diphtheria will have upon the opening
of the school ON the regular day. September
| 18th.
The desire of the parents to have their
children at school again after long vacation
is almost universal. but the dread
of this disease is 80 great
| that they will be very 10th
| TO expose them TO any Of the risks attendant
upon the assembling Of large numbers OF ut
tie ones in the same building until there is
strong assurance that the source OF danger no
longer exists. The general expression OF
opinion seems 10 bo that the schools should
not commence their sessions until 1t IS def
nitely ascertained that our city Is nd OF dlph-
liberia
Many individuals declare that they will not
send their children even II the schools com
mence unless they are satisfied that the dan
ger from this source has passed The follow
ing interviews give clear idea OF the senti-
ment of the people on this question:
Sheriff D. 5. Gates ! certainly believe that
the opening of the schools should be post
poned until all possibilities OF the spread OF
contagious disease Is past. | am not OF the
opinion that dlphthera 10 as prevalent as IS
generally supposed but do think that II IL
wise to act with absolute safety, and would
advocate the delay.
Colonel John Bell Bigger: 1t is difficult
now To determine what may be the situation
by October list but would certainly suggest
caution in the matter.
julius A. Hobson: | am strongly in favor Of
delay until October lst or even 10 the 18th,
and think the teachers should al be paid
from the regular opening day.
Frank =. Jones: | think the schools should
unquestionably DO closed until every trace of
diphtherla has gone.
John ). Harwood: | think the delay adys-
able | believe the reports of contagious dis
ease are exaggerated, but still it's desirable
that we be on the safe side, and | would sug-
gest delay.
great deal of diphtheria. and / am Of the
opinion that the schools should not attempt
b. begin their sessions before the LIST of Oct
ober al least
Col. Daniel Higgins: The people about my
home are seriously questioning the advisa-
bilty OF sending their children 10 school at
this time / believe the delay would DO best
under the circumstances.
Dr. Thomas j. Riddell ] would certainly
advocate a delay in the opening of public
schools until later III the fall, as Il large gath
ering OF children at this season of the year
with the surrounding circumstances Is not
conducive 20 health.
Colonel James Il. Werth: Ny children will
be kept away until that time, and believe it
best that no congregation Of children be en-
couraged until frost Education Is splendid
but health is preferable
State Treasurer Harman / am not fully
advised as to the extent of diphtheria in the
city, but surely we must protect our chill
dren. and think 1t preferable 10 delay the
opening rather than jeopardize the lives of
our little ones.