The morning call., 1892-09-12

A whole crop of ticklish constitutional
questions are sprouting, and all on account
of the cholera scare, The conflict between
the Federal authorities and the State
authorities Of New York and New Jersey is
one that might develop into seriousness.
and 1t is by no means light at this moment.
Quarantine arrangements are IN the hands
OF DR.. Jenkins OF the Health Office. Now
York, and he insists upon retaining con-
troll. 1t is quite likely he will not accept
Sandy Hook as quarantine ground even for
steerage passengers, and although New
York may purchase Fire Island and send
cabin passengers there. il is quite possible
the inhabitants of Long Island 10 the neigh
borhood will forcibly resist the establish
ment of quarantine station there. The
proprietor Of the Island is willing to sell it
at certain price, but the inhabitants will
not consent to its being used for cholera
purposes. The Governor of New Jersey
also protests against Sandy Hook being
made quarantine ground to assist New
York. There. however, the land belongs to
the Government. and presumably the Gov
eminent could enforce its rights to do with
ii as ii pleases, just as it could make Goat
or Angel Island in San Francisco Bay a
quarantine station.
One remedy either New York or the Fed
eral Government could take. Vessels could
be chartered and converted into hospitals,
and anchored either in New York lower
bay or outside Sandy Hook and the High
lands. Two such vessels are now en-
ployed, but one of them is the gift of
private citizen. 1t is to this step is owing
the mercifuI transfer Of the Normannia's
saloon passengers, who seem to have Jared
very badly on board that Hamburg liner
both from want OF good water and whole
some provisions, and all owing to DIR. Jen-
f. kins' fault. The passengers could have
been supplied with Croton wafer instead of
Elbe polluted water. and they could also
have got fresh supplies Of meat, bread and
vegetables had DR.. Jenkins not most I'M
warrantably stopped the relief. A high de-
gree of evaporation has been stirred up
against this officer. not without excuse. As
long as his term OF Office lasts he is re-
spOnsible By refusing cooperation from
the Federal authorities he assumes fearful
responsibility, should the cholera plague
actually invade this country.
Another nice controversy may arise on
the action OF interior States. Illinois, 1t is
said. will require from immigrants when
they reach the State line certificate that
they have been quarantined and fumigated
with all their belongings, and that they are
in sound health. IL the requirements are
not complied with, then they will be stopped
or sent back whence they came-that is,
New York, Philadelphia or Boston. Quar-
antne is already In force for twenty days
at Detroit, but that applies 10 immigrants
from Canada. How will the matter Of inter-
state immigration be settled, and at whose
expense? VIII Illinois or the railroad CON-
panies be saddled with the cost? No single
State authority could compel the companies
to carry the immigrants back to the port OF
debarkation or even compel New York TO
let them pass its western frontier. The
steams hip companies also could not be COM
PEELED TO take passengers back on board,
once they are passed by the authorities and
Landed This is all antcpatory. but the
circumstances indicated might easily occur.
The plague Is undoubtedly only kept at bay
In New York harbor.
Another strange question is mooted. Can
the steamship companies be made liable for
the expenses OF enforcing the quarantine
laws and any issues In the law courts or