The record-union., 1893-01-05

specific functions, win have the con-
fidence and moral support of the people
of the interior; while the State and
municipal officer, no matter how capa-
Bile and high-minded he may be, cannot
have equal confidence and support.
There must also be considered the moral
aspect Of the question, the question Of
right. The interior claims by right that
our national detenses shall be made suffi-
cient. If foreign enemy were to invade
our shores or borders, no one questions
the right of ali the States to repel the in
vaders. How much greater is that right
TO demand that our shores and borders
shall be guarded against an invasion that
is terrible and loathsome. This is not a
question that admits of sentimental con-
siderations.
The authority of the General Govern
ment may be applied to all matters of a
national system of maritime and inter-
state quarantine, without trending upon
/ the right and prerogatives of States to
manage their own local affairs. But
State or municipality has no greater
moral right to use its powers in such a
way that other States shall suffer, than
has the individual. There inheres in the
National Government police power for
national purposes, in the State Govern
ment for State purposes, and where dele
gated to county, city or town, for local
purposes. There are times when the vlg-
orous exercise of this police power must
be invoked for the protection of society.
This power, which is the essence OF all
social order, may not be evaded or re-
linquished. The citizen of an interior
State has the same right to invoke the
general police power of the National
Government for protection against an
invasion of cholera, as he has to call
upon his local health officer to abate
local nuisance.
Win a rich, intelligent and powerful
country continue to jeopardize its pros
perity by trustful faith in the ability Of
any local government to act for the
whole people? Is it just to impose upon
the local government the enormous cost
of such quarantine? With a full knowl
edge of the power of local politics and
meretricious influences, is it wise to
leave our defenses entirely or even par
TALLY in such hands? 1t would seem
wiser to invoke the authority Of the
United States, backed by its treasury,
and to inaugurate a uniform system of
national maritime and Interstate quaran-
tine. That such a system would afford
increased security cannot be successfully
contradicted. That it would have the
confidence of the people there can be no
doubt.
The matter of commerce might be so
adjusted that only such lines as are least
capable Of carrying injecting germs shall
be transported during seasons of danger,
but there should be scope in the laws for
total and absolute inhibition of all COM
merce, if the exigencies for such an ex-
| treme measure shall arise.
believe that the placing Of capable and
trustworthy medical inspectors at all in
fected ports would be of first importance.
Their authority would be superior to Off
GERS of customs and shipping agents, who
should not be permitted to issue clearance
papers until after a full compliance with
the requirements of the medical in
spector. A report by cable would vouch
for the condition of vessel, crew, passen-
gers and cargo, when leaving port.
An absolute inhibition of travel and
commerce with any port that refused to
comply with imposed conditions would
narrow the quarantine service to practical
proportions. Very respectfully,
j. r. LAME,
Secretary California State Board of
Health.