New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1892-09-10
FOR RESCUE And SAFETY.

For the passengers on the infected ships In
the Lower Bay there can be only one feeling
on the part of every sympathetic individual IN
the United States That feeling is one OF pro-
found commiseration. The plight in which
they have been detained for week Is awful
Moreover, if numerous statements which nave
been made are true, and it is hard TO dlspe-
lieve them, many Of these passengers were per-
suaded TO make the voyage on the ships wnlch
have become their prson-houses by shameful
Misrepresentation. But the present is no time
for harsh charges against any one man or any
body of men. A duty of the gravest character
confronts those who are charged by local, special
and general laws with safeguarding the health
and lives of the people of the United states.
A duty almost equally grave devolves upon
rs all. The scourge must be kept out OF this
country, if by any possibility that can be done.
TNe record that has been made thus far is
one which. as to the main results accomplished,
is most satisfactory and honorable. For ten
DAYS pestilenoe has been at our very doors, yet
il has not gained entrance. For this, great
credit should be given ungrudgingly to the
Health authorities. But the time has now come
10 saw that the task which DR.. Jenkins has
undertaken to fulfil is beyond the capabilities
of any single man. and that he ought TO ask
for help from the medical profession or the
city. Such an appeal would be merely the call
of humanity, and history vouches for the re-
Spouse which it would receive. Certainly such
a step would not diminish public appreciation
of the zeal and energy and devotion which
the Quarantine authorities have displayed.
It is in the nature of Americans to admire
heroism, to give due tribute to every proof
of honesty and manliness. Tho captives at
Quarantine have been subjected to terrible
strain. Doubtless their complaints are to a
great extent based on facts. Yet It must be
plain to all that the sufferngs which have been
endured, the risks which have been run, the
hardships to which the passengers have been
subjected, have gone to make up their con-
tribution to the common good. As we grant
to them the right Of complaint so also do we
ask of them patience and charity. Their trials
have not been forgotten. They have indeed
called out noble expressions OF practical phil
anthropy. Whose heart was not warmed by
the generous deed of Mr.. ]. Pierpont Morgan
in buying the steamboat Stonington and put
ting It at the service of the Health Officer and
of Mr.. Abram S. Hewitt in offering the use OF
Plum Island, while the authorities were seek
ing a fit refuge on land for the unfortunate
travellers who have been subjected to risk of
infection? The Nation shares the emotions of
pride and gratitude which such acts produce.
But while under the sway of these feelings,
the imprisoned passengers, their friends and
kindred, and the whole public should be dis
passionate in their judgment of apparent short
oo,n;pcc for tho nrnhlem which has confronted
those pledged to protect the country against
the scourge has been extremely complicated.
The solution now happily appears to be at hand.
The authorities have acquired, through private
and official cooperation, possession Of places
of refuge aHoat and ashore, and will doubtless
make wise use of these new facilities for the
relief of the imprisoned passengers and the
common welfare.