The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1892-09-13
Not Allowed to Land, Food and
Bedding Refused by the Mad
Savages.
Islip, a Name Made Infamous bv
the Citizens Who Dwell
There.
Unfortunate Passengers Of the Ouaran-
tined Ship Nornania-Condu not Abhor-
rent and DisgraccfuL "

QUARANTINE. Sept. 12.-This dav will
probably be looked on in future years ae
one OF the most horrible reproaches on
American civilization that ever occurred In
American history. The federal government
on one side, state government on tho
other. both anxious to be rssouinQ partv.
and in front were local authorities and pri.
vate people forcing back the victims from
their haven of refuge. On Sunday the un-
fortunate cabin passengers of the Norma-
MIA. who Tor eight days have been confined
on the oholera-strioken ship, we're greeted
with the information that they were to 10
to Fire island. The iron steamboat
Cspheus was hired. and the first and Sec
ond class passengers started for the prom
issd land. The weather was rough and
many were sea sick. After . voyage of
about thirtysix miles tho captain weak
ened and said he was afraid to take the
Cepheus over the bar without q
pilot. In consequence the Cepheus
started back and the frst class
passengers once more put on board the
riokety old StoninRton liner. The second
cabin passengers were kept ON board the
Cephsus. without beds or even q pillow on
which to lay their heads. They were strewn
about the settees and carpeted decks of the
steamer. Early on Monday morning tho
captain of the Cepheus discovered that he
required coal and water and could not oct
to Fire Island without them. He calmly
steamed to quarantine jetty and made ia st
alongside and sent word shortly after four
to wake the health officer up. Dr.. jenkins
decided TO let her take water and GOAL at her
own dock. This was done and at about 10
O'Clock the Cerheus once more started down
the bay to embark the first saloon passen-
gers and take them to Fire island.
The trip was again q rough one, but there
were more than the elements to be met.
storm had been brewing around Babylon
and lslip since the first rumor of Fire island
being turned into quarantine station was
heard. The Babylonians and near neigh
bors cared not for the sufferings of fellow
eonntrymen and women, they did not care
II they died of cholera, starved or were
drowned; all they thought of in their
craven hearta was tho totally improbable
proposition of their being attacked by tho
pestllence. owing to tho propinquity of a
number of ladies. gentlemen and children
who never had the cholera in their midst,
who lived for fortnight on board plague
. ~ AohoA buAp WAtuOub OeluR tOQCQ6O, and
who were returning to their own homes.
The craven hearted creatures. blind from
their own imaginary fears rather than from
any real danger, not only invoked the arm
OF the Law by means Of that anomalous legal
stay entitled injunction, but assemble
as an armed mob, hundreds strong,
10 drive these helpless women and children
back to the cholera ship. and to, at ali
events, possible death. The governor
begged and implored, DR.. jenkins prayed |
the men to allow the passengers to land. |
telegram after telegram was flashed over
The wire assuring the men of Islip and those |
Of Babylon that they ran no risk. They
were ohdurato. They would not give iu, |
and the passengers of the Normania are |
now. on Monday night, lying in an inlet by |
Fire island.
The passengers appointed q committee, |
With Senator Mcpherson ss chairman, to |
,onfer with mob violence. The latter re-
used to withdraw the injunction. and 90
Far Tonight at least they can claim a VIC
,ory, gained over All helpless women and
,hildren and their equally inotfending hus-
3ands.