The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1892-08-28
WILL CHOLERA COME?
WHAT THE RICHMOND DOCTORS SAY
Interviews on the Subject with Several
Prominent Physicians, and All Agree
That We Should be Careful.


its raging in foreign countries was most i'm
portant The TINES sent out representa-
tive last night TO interview prominent
physicians on the subject and the result OF
his talks were as follows:
DR.. II. Cabell Tabb said ne thought
there was a probability that the disease
would break out in New York and thence
might 90 over the country. He believed
though that with prompt and proper sani-
tary regulations and cautions, which would
undoubtedly be taken by the Board Of
Health IN advance. there was not much
chance of an outbreak here. He remem-
bered the last cases here, in 1857, prlncl-
pally caused by uncleanliness.
THERE IS DANGER.
DR.. George Ross was very emphatic IN
his belief that there was danger, too. said
he. We have been visited by this dreadful
disease. and why not now, The hrst eau
ton Is cleanliness and the strictest atten-
ton 10 the hygiene Of the city; the Inspection
of meats vegetables and fruits 70 see II any
unsOund or dscayed articles are offered Tor
sale Cholera Is an insidious disease, the
germs lying dormant from year 70 year
Certain it is we cannot have TOO much care
or use too great precaution IN providing
against IL at once.
Or. Hugh H. Taylor said: / am glad your
paper has brought up the subject. j can
not conceive of one Of more momentous u
terest Already We are known as one OF the
most unhealthy cities in the country. and
We are trying 20 find out the cause. be-
lieve 10 Is the water and one Of the trst du-
ties OF the authorities should be 10 see
20 this and adopt plan for giving us pure
water. Whatever tends to Intestinal urlta-
ton lays the path for the dreaded cholera.
There should be strictest measures taken
for cleaning the streets and alleys. Per
sonal cleanliness and care Of the general
health should be insisted on.
The great danger of cholera is its liability
% break out anywhere. say from luggage
brought from abroad 20 New York. thence
by emigrants 10 DO carried. without open
ing 1t there, 10 points West. There are
many emigrants going West over the Nor
folk and Western and Chesapeake and Ohio
railroads.
They may open their luggage passing
through at Norfolk or Newport News and
spread 1t in Virginia. Your paper does well
70 bring attention to the Importance OF
urgent action in the matter.
NOTHING MORE IMPORTANT.
DR.. Edward Mcclure said: l am pleased
TO see that you are moving on this subject
There can be nothing more important than
this fact. that cholera may break out IN
New York Baltimore or New Orleans at
any day in spite of quarantine. and then
what is easier than for it TO reach US before
we have moved in the matter
think the water we drink is o great source
of danger and disease. ! have noticed
decidedly bad odor about that used by me
az my Office in washing my hands, and others
have told me of the same experience with
theirs.
/ think the United States Government
should. if necessary or eXpedlent, blockade
the ports of the country 20 all foreign emil
grants so We can run no sort OF chances IN
the matter. You cannot too strongly urge
10 on your readers.
DIR. George Ben. Johnston told me that
there was danger of our having chol-
era here. And said he There IS perhaps
no city 50 I'll equipped IN hospitals and
provisions for the sick, public and pri-
vate as Richmond. Look 40 the filthy
streets There seems 10 DO no inspection
of them Why. said the Doctor, the city of
Charleston, >. c.. appropuates SoOOO
TO pay for eight doctors 20 the poor,
and 100000 10 her city hospital yearly
where Richmond spends l believe. but
$500 apiece on four doctors for her poor
Richmond Is o very unhealthy city indeed.
There is no inspection of plumbing and
sewers These are the causes OF much OF
the sickness here.
AT the huEEcsllDu 81 III l-AWHiA III
CURE / was furnished by the kindness OF
Mr.. b. b. Valentine who has just returned
from Europe. with a copy OF a late Berlin
letter 10 the Lancet the highest
British medical authority of London. which
is very complete in It's statement OF facts re-
oarding the disease and rules for following
10 avoid il.
The rules as TO the use Of water about
which there Is any sort OF suspicion are es-
pecially noted for the benefit Of IHE TMEs
readers.
FROM TIE LANCET.
The Lancet. among other things. says:
The virus of cholera can be carried and
transferred in almost every article of food.
drink and clothes. People should not be
received from places where there is cholera.
BE prudent IN excessive eating. drinking
and irritation of the stomach. All water
believed 10 be polluted bv anything must
be vigorously avoided. If you cannot get
any other than suspicious water IL must
be boiled both for drinking and
bathing, washing utensils etc la general
the belief that drinking water alone IS 10 10
regarded as the bearer Of the virus and that
one is completely protected If only uneX-
ceptional water Is drunk is urgently 10 be
warned against. Every patient should go
to a hospital. Clothes and linen should be
burned ~ once. Persons coming in contact
with patient. bed OF clothing should wash
at once The funeral should be as simple
as possible. Nobody should enter the house
of death. Articles of dress must be thor
oughly disinfected.
4 Successful Doctor.