Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1892-08-04
A SMALLPOX EPIDEMIC.
Measures Taken to Prevent Its Intr oduc-
ton Into the United States.

Measures Taken to Prevent It's Intr oduc-
ton Into the United States.
The Treasury Department has received re-
port from Surgeon Conover of the marine hos
pital service at Port Townsend, Washington,
relative to the epidemic Of smallpox at Vic
toria, B. C.
The report says: "In company with the local
health officer here, visited Victoria on the
afternoon of July IL, instant. The health Off
Ger at Victoria, a DIR. Milne, stated that there
were forty-eight cases Of smallpox at that time
and no more. The mayor and few other
prominent citizens seemed also to agree that
there was only about that number Of cases, but
from information obtained from apparently re-
linble sources it is reasonable to believe that
the estimate made by the health officer did not
comprise more than one-third OF the actual
number of cases at that time. Notwithstand-
ing the reluctance Of the officers to admit the
fact, and their evident lack of candor regard
ing the true state Of affairs, we were not de-
tered in our inquiries nor our conclusions
called upon the American consul. Mr.. Myres,
who seemed to feel no alarm. and to take for
granted that what he heard from the officials
was true.
1--WE also called at the post Office and inquired
as to whether the mails were properly fumigated
prior to being sent away, and were informed
that they were thoroughly fumigated.' asked
If they would be kind enough show me where
and how the process was performed, the answer
being right here. meaning the main floor Of
the post office. where all the mails we're opened
and distributed. Requesting them to show us
their methods. apparatus &C., l was shown an
atomizer such as is used in a lady's bOudoir,
and containing weak solution of carbolic acid
a small quantity of which they squirted over
he latt and hov nd lad
thorough fumigation.' We then informed
them that no mail would thereafter be admitted
into the United States from Victoria without
being first perforated and exposed in tight
room to sulphur fumes for twenty-four hours
prior to being transported to the United States.
II also addressed q note to the Puget Sound
and Alaska Steamship Company, directing them
to bring no mails from there until this require
ment was complied with. This is now being
strictly carried out All passenger and other
traffic from that place has been suspended.
sit was reported, and was doubtless true,
that many persons were leaving Victoria for
Vancouver and New Westminster, thence by
rail over the border into Washington. I &C
cordingly addressed n letter to the Puget sound
board Of health, calling their attention to this
report, and suggesting that measures be taken
to at once appoint inspectors at the towns Of
Sumas City and Blaine to stop passengers and
baggage, unless thoroughly and properly fumi-
gated. coming from the places named in British
Columbia into the United States. am in
formed that this is now being done. Gases are
also reported mot officially at Nanaimo, New
Westminster and at Vancouver, b. c., but are
not sufficient in number TO excite great alarm.
The people Of the various towns and cities on
Puget sound are thoroughly aroused to the
danger that threatens them from the invasion
OF smallpox, and are using commendable eff
forts to check its inroads. So far have found
all the authorities and others ready and anxious
to cooperate with this service to the end sought
and believe there is no reason to apprehend
the slightest conflict. Should an outbreak Of
an epidemic occur beg to assure the depart
ment that there will be no hesitation in meeting
ton to the satisfaction Of the service and the
protection Of the public"