New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1892-06-01
THANKS FROM DIR. ". W. SMITH,

| HIS APPRECIATION OF THE TESTIMONIAL TO
HIM FROM THE STEAMSHIP COMPANIES.
| DR.. William NJ. smith, formerly Health officer OF
Tho Port has written the following letter to Lawson
sanford secretary of tho North Atlantic and Cont
mental steamship Conference, In response to the
testimonial recently presented to him by the steam
ship companies:
No. 81 First Place, Brooklyn May sy 20 ol liS2
Nr. Lawson sanford secretary OF the North NJ
antic and Continental steamship Conference, No.
- Broadway. New York.
Dear Sir: / am in receipt of the valued and
beautifully illustrated testimonial OF my services as
Health officer OF the Port OF New York ~, .,,.
cnihot eNpre.s ~ WtrS my @ p,lot 70 taith
am dcepIy grateful for his manifestation OF the
confidence and regard Of the representatives, of the
oceanic lines trading Mt the port Of New-iork -,
the Health Officer with determination to protect the
public from the contagious and infectious diseases
that approch by our great highways from the sea.
secondly, In some to relieve the burdens
t r-tat rtcnt conSIstcnt with the protection Of
the public health. The " testimonial does me the
honor to refer the decrease In the expense Of
compliance with the quarantine law during my ad-
miuis'rition. This was the result. in measure
~ the faithful co cooperation II the officers 81 the ncr
camille marine. who quickly comprehcnded and re-
spond, to the suggestion that IL was better to AVOID
the Infections and contagious that nfnce disease than
destroy It after It has obtained n Judgment IN
vessels or In the human system.
Tho act Of the Legislature. which became law
April TO- lass. which gave TO the Health Officer
llscd by law which provided certain compensation
for employs for services rendered. and reduced the
fees fr inspection and disinfection. originated In my
fiction that efficiency In the management would be
promoted by the change and that Inducements 10 the
conscientious exercise ~ the powers and discharge
u the duties OF the Health Occr would be promoted
thereby.
They have been pleased 10 refer To the system OF
vaccination ~ IMMIGRANTS By the surgeons OF steam
err, which wa initiated I'm l--l. This measure.
which has greatly contributed, doubtless to prevent
the Introduction into country ~ of the most
fatal ., the contagious diseases. and has saved the
transatlantic passenger steamship companies much
vexa1us delay 81 their steamers and no inconsdeTbe
expense been and will be. largely dependent for
its efficiency upon the medical officers Of Immigrant
pas srrcr steamers.
My official relations and personal Intercourse with
the representatives Of the steamship companies trad
ing nj the port Of New York. both foreign and do.
nestle will constitute NJ tho most cherished
memories %, my nfc. Measures were sometimes
necessary for the protection ~ tho public lralth
which required "A greater or less RcHfce on the part
Il the steamship companies. Their cheerful acqul-
cscence and Manifestations ~ confidence under such
circumstances contributed tn relieve my anxicies and
render less nrerOus nv responsibilities.
In conclusion. I desirc 10 express my heartfelt
thanks FOR their Uniform courtesy IN our official re-
lutions for man yperonn kndncsscs and for the
goodwill. Sincerely yours. WILLIAM VI. SMITH.