Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1892-09-15
AUGUSTA LOCALS.
CHOLERA EPIDEMIC
Subject that Engrossed Attention Of
Governor and Council
"Wednesday Eyenins-wiIl Assist Board Of
Health in Emergency.

In view of the possibility OF the introdue-
ton Of the cholera epidemic into this State
OF into adjoining provinces and states, Gov
Burleigh desired the State board
of health TO hold their meeting for the con
sideraiion of this subject on the day of the
meeting of the council, so that consultation
might be had with the Governor and his
Council.
Secretary Young, Prof. +. {. Robinson
of Brunswick, Dr. II0rr Of Lewiston, DIR.
e. D. Smith and President +. {. Jordan of
Portland met Wednesday afternoon and III
the evening came before the Governor and
Council.
Secretary Young explaine,I the routine
work OF the board and for what purposes
additional money woull be needed in ease
any emergency. such as the cholera in the
State, should arise.
President Jordan gave a more extended
explanation of the situation. II seemed
that at present the people are not 20 anxious
in the matter as the authorities, but in case
of an outbreak they would Immediately be-
come more so.
DR.. c. ID. Smith thea reported 10 the
council the results of his tour of inspection
at st. John, Halifax and at Eaneeboro. At
St John he found absolutely no precau-
tons. More danger is to be apprehended
from the baggage and clothing of the lmmi-
grants than from the immigrants them
selves but the authorities at ST. John are
apparently giving the matter no considera-
tion and were out of town at the time of the
visit of the committee though aware that
the committee was to visit hem. lie visit
ed the island in St John harbor where in
the cholera epidemic of l-jl quarantine
was had, but where now there are absolute
ly no decent provisions for quarantine.
On that island he saw the graves of 600
immigrants that died there from cholera
| during that epidemic, showing what proper
tons the emergency may assume. At
Vanceboro there is an inspector, At Hall
| fax he found an entirely different condition
| from that at St. john, the authorities being
thoroughly alive to the situation. DR..
| Curry of Fredericton is doing all he pos
sibly can. but the Dominion government is
slow in taking action and i'll providing
| money. He also explained what arrange
| ments they have at Portland.
Dr. ilorr spoke of the many channels by
which the epidemic may be introduced into
the State, not only by means of immigrants
but through the foreign commerce.
Prof Robinson said he believed the peo-
pie of the State would feel safer if they
knew that the State board of health was
prepared to meet the emergencies of the
epidemic should they arse.
1t was shown from the remarks of the
different members that they did not desire
now any specified sum hut wished to know
that the Governor and Council would stand
behind them in ease of need and be willing
| to anticipate the Legislature i'll rendering
assistance.
Governor Burlrigh said that he cUnsa-
cred this IA most important meeting and that
he stood ready to assist the beard III any
manner lie was able, both officially and
personally He felt that the people of the
state held them responsible for the efficiency
of this work in Maine.
| Arran grments were made for action by
the Governor aud council in connection
| with the board in ease of need and the fol
lowing order received unanimous passage
| ordered. That the State board of health are
hereby instructed to use every available
means in their power to protect the citizens
| of this State against the cholera and every
other epidemic This order was introduced
by Councillor Downs.
| 1t was stated at this meeting that DIR.
Meserve of the Portland board of health
stUrted last evening for VAST ington for the
purpose of securing all from the general
/ government aud the use of House island in
! Portland harbor for quarantine purposes.
/ The council will meet again this forenoon
at O'Clock.
/ The last list of nominations were unaui-
mously confirmed including that of Charles
/ L. Whittcn ns bank examiner