The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1893-06-25

prislng that politicians are averse 10
agtating any questions which may In any
manner tramnel the rights Of the states
through laws passed 10y the general Gov
eminent.
The trend OF public sentiment. as shown
by the laws enacted by Congress. ana the
decisions Of the supreme court OF the
United States for the last twenty years,
manifests very clearly that the public
conscience recognizes the fact that
return 20 old conceptions on this subject
is necessary for the general good OF the
country. While we may admit this 20 be
true yet In the particular issue we have
I'm hand. may we not fail into very
grave error by failing to perceive what
is clearly our duty 20 the people as
whoe2 THE general welfare" clause In
the Constitution clearly gives 20 Congress
the right TO legislate for the preservation
OF the health Of the citizens Of this
country. and for the prevention OF the
spread OF epidemic and contagious dis
eases among them.
There will be many who will cavil AT
this application Of the clause referred TO.
and the attempt TO enact a quarantine
law Of rigid and vigorous character
viii meet with stout and bitter resistance.
Reared in the school Of strict construc-
tiOn as 10 the rights Of the States, /
do not hesitate TO declare that the time
has az last arrived IN this country when,
owing 10 the imperative exigency growing
out OF our great increase I'm population,
the facilities for travel end inter-com-
munication. and the constant How OF
immigration from all parts Of Europe.
All patriots. representing every shade
Of political opinion. should unite I'm de-
handing of Congress the passage Of n
law, strong. concise. and yet comprehen-
sive, that will enable the Government
10 properly protect its citizens against
disease whenever, I'm the discretion Of
it's officers. the. emergency may have
arisen. There is as much reason why
the power Of the Federal Government
should be invoked to aid In repelling the
advent OF pestilence as to aid in repelling
the advent Of hostile feet or army
Cost Of Prstil"ncc.
once established pestience would cost
our country more human lives and more
money than war with any foreign
power. These remarks are made fin conse-
quence Of the failure Of our late Congress
TO pass such n bill The measures which
they adopted are partial and temporizing,
and fall far short OF the exigencies OF
the hour. I will not attempt 10 give
YOU the details Of this law. approved
the 18th Of February. 1893. known rs
can act granting additional quarantine
powers and imposing additional duties
upon the Marine Hospital Service" It's
provisions are no doubt familiar TO you
all. All Of its sections relating 10 consul
lar regulations abroad are everything
that we could wish. But when # comes
10 be applied on this side OF the water,
Il Is grossly defective
All on the other side Of the Atlantic
Is compulsory; all on this side permits
slve and cooperative. So long as the
Government officers are only permitted
10 cooperate with State and municipal
quarantine officials. just go long viii the
law be imperfectly executed. We must
not let the matter rest here. This So
ciety should endeavor 10 arouse the peo-
pie 20 a correct appreciation Of their dan
ger. and Of their rights and duties in re-
gard 10 IT, and never cease aeitating It
until Congress shall be forced 20 enact
such laws MS are necessary and proper"
for meeting each and every emergency.
Personally 7 am not in favor Of n quar-
antine OF detention. but Of anticipation
and prevention. This IS the true way
Of avoiding the Introduction OF epidemic
diseases into this country
The modern system Of quarantine Is not
n system Of exclusion. CT even OF pro-
longed detention; It is based upon the
application Of scientific methods and APP
paratus. ] call your special attention
10 the significant fact that this System
Of maritime sanitation" has kent New
Orleans free from yellow fever for the
last twelve years, and absolutely without
interfering with commerce; Il has been
pronounced by competent observers the
most complete system Of quarantine I'm
the world: and st should be adopted as
a model by the Federal Government for
our common defense at every point where
pestilence may me imported