New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1892-12-04
BAR THE ENTRANCE NOW.

BAR THE ENTRANCE NOW
Foreign medical authorities agree i'll the eX-
pcctation that cholera will reappear early next
year in Europe and extensively invade the
continent. Our own sanitary experts likewise
look forward with apprehension to an early
arrival of the peStilencc at our gates. Recent
dispatches announce the adoption Of stringent
precautionary measures in England, and there
is every reason to insist that this sautary cx-
ample shall be initiated here. An outbreak of
cholera in 1898 would be peculiarly unfortu-
nate on account Of the Worlds Fair, inasmuch
as it would not only be exceedingly injurious
to that enterprise. but would, because OF IL,
find conditions exactly adapted TO its magn
work. When the population of place Is sud
denly increased far beyond It's customary limits
so that the demand for the common con-
vcniences Of life much exceeds the readily
accessible supply, diseases are always likely to
germinate ard flourish. NcwIOrl physicians
are dispcsed u believe that direct connection
between the Columbus celebration in this city
last October and the epidemic of bronchial
maladios which followed Immediately after and
still prevails can be reasonably inferred. though
not concluSively established Assuming that
they are right this incident supplies sug-
gestion of the consequences which vast con-
grcgation Of visitors in Chicago might be ex-
pected to produce under hygiCnic conditions
far more proptious than are likely to attend
tho Worlds Fair. What the results might be
if cholera obtained foothold in the United
States it is important, however distressing, t.
bear in mind.
1t is as far as possible from the wish of any
al an
this score. But it is foolish to ignore in time
of tranquility the perils which lie ahead. Chi
cago is becoming a centre of interest 10 the
civilized world. The managers of the Fair
are doing their work with extraordinary rapid
ity and skill and no doubt remains that their
colossal undertaking will be satisfactorily com
plotcd 1t is pleasure to praise them un-
equivocllly. But we are not Informed that the
municipal authorities of Chicago or It's in
habitants are earnestly addressing themselves
to the task of making the city wholesome.
And vet they have no time TO lose or energy
to waste Their streets and sewers and water
supply are in a shocking condition unless the
Chicago press grossly msrcpreScntS il. How
these clements will figure in the vital statistics
Of next year unless they undergo radical
change, nobody needs to be told.
The requirements and the duty of every other
centre of population are equally obvious and
essential. New-York in particular is under the
most stringent obligations to be vigilant and
energetic. This is the gateway through which
the stream of travel from abroad will flow.
Disease may enter elsewhere, but here lies the
chief danger. Cholera has hundred chances,
numerically considered to effect an entrance
3hi tn rvh has NJ M hpr
point 1t was brought TO a halt last summer.
and probably can be again If all the forces Of
opposition arc arraycd against ii. But the
task will be harder next year than ii was this.
and there is no sense in refusing to consider
tho danger and the means Of aycrting it until
it actually compels attention. Now is the time
to devise and apply measures OF safety. The
questions Of immi grafton and quarantine ought
to be taken up by. Congress at the beginning
Of the session with determination t. settle
them wisely if diligence and humane. patriotic
and intelligent purpose can accomplish that end.
But in the mean time there are other things
to be done which would certainly promote the
object in view. For Il brief period last au-
tumn This city was c)nspicuOusly clean. 1t is
not so to-day. Professor Chandler has OppOr
tuney emphasized the fact. and Commissioner
Brennan has made an inadequate explanation.
1t is his special business and solemn duty t.
put and keep the streets OF NcwY ork in such
condition as will guarantee the city against
injection from that soWce. He has facilities
for the work which were never given to his
predecessors, and he will have no valid excuse
to offer if he fails. The Health Board pos
scSses powers which it seldom fully utilities
m1ricipal government ought to cooperate with
constant zeal in the indispensable task of max
Ing NcwYork wcllnigh discasc-proof. II can
be done, and it would be done if all conc rned
now felt the solcitudc and the sense of re-
sponsibity which will oyerwhclm them a few
months hencs if cholera makes its way into
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