Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1894-06-09
Disinfecttrg Chamber, Rcddy Island.
Del.

Dashn1ecttnE Chamber, Rcddy Island,
Del.
ence. or course. no one can tell what the
summer may bring forth. The bureau has
an experienced surgeon, who has now been
abroad more than year visiting various
european points and collecting information
investigating rumors and keeping constant
~ In touch with the Washington headouar-
tiers by letter and cable
Inc latest reports indicate decrease of
tne threatening danger Of disease in those
localities where IL had recently appeared.
There is no doubt that cholera Is now bet
ter handled throughout Europe than ever
before. and less doubt of the fact that the
presence Of medical officers of the United
States marine hospital service last year in
AL the principal ports had a marked effect
II induced other nations to pay attention
10 preventive measures in a manner never
before attempted. The influence of the
United States regulations in regard to the
expectation of emigrants and merchandise
from choiera-infected districts had most
oenefic al effect on the civilized world They
came to understand that the United States
was not, and would not be, a dumping
ground for foreign garbage; that the United
ot2teS would not receive with indifference
immigrants and baggage irrespective of
cleanliness and freedom from contagion
Even today all immigrants and baggage
imrst be Inspected and properly labeled at
the ports OF departure-if infected, disin-
lection is required.
Yellow Fever.
Yellow fever. however. Is geographically
nearer at hand. Its cause is less perfectly
understood than that of cholera. 1t is more
lnsioious IN Its approach. and even last year,
although the cholera was severe, yellow
Fever proved greater menace. A severe
epidemic has been raging, until within a
short time since at Rio Janero, and it ex-
lists In other brazilian ports continually. 1t
Is always In Havana and other Cuban norris
and special and extraordinary measures
nave already been put into operation to pro-
tect the southern coast of the United States
during the present season. In tine first
pace, In order to relieve the southern quar-
autfne stations Of the presence of yellow
fever infected vessels. instructions have
been sent, through the Department of
state. TO all consular Offices in Mexico, Cen
trai ana South America and the West In
dies to warn masters of vessels bound for
the United States that in case yellow fe-
yer breaks out during the voyage they
should go direct to one OF the outlying
United States refuge stations for uuaran-
tine. before entering the port OF destina-
ton. These outlying stations have been
established with a view TO accessibility and
are at the same time sufficiently distant
from the coast to prevent possible contact
with other shipping
The Refuge Stations.
One is at the Dry Tortugas in the Gulf of
Mexico These islands are the most south
erly possessions of the United States. and
Gre directly In the line of travel from South
America The marine hospital service has
most complete quarantine establishment
there, including a large steam disinfecting
chamber, sulphur fumigating furnace, a
strong iron pier. and a powerful ocean tug
for towing vessels in and out of anchorage
Further up the coast is another complete
station at Black Beard Island. off the coast
OF georgia The bureau possesses and has
entire control of this island. All vessels
sailing from certain ports in Cuba Havana
among the number. which are regarded as
suspicious and subject to treatment even
thoueh no yellow fever has actually been
on board are required to put in at Black
Beard Island Many of these vessels are
warned to perform their quarantine at the
outlying stations as a precaution and con-
seguene renef TO the quarantine stations at
ports OF destination These stations are
commanded by experienced officers thor
ouShly posted in the scientific as well as
The PRACTICAL nature of their work most
thorough and rigid discipline is maintained
There Is no work more manly than that
performed by quarantine officers 1t re-
quires physical bravery. powers of endu--
s s,s. nrinness OF purpose. vigilance. scien-
tine knowledge, and. of course involves
tremendous responsibility. They risk their
yves. and some have been sacrificed in this
fork.
Under National Surveillance
National supervision of quarantine has
been developed beyond the general expecta-
ton Of those who but casually examined
the law which was approved February L.
1SoS- In accordance with that law every
seaport of the United States is under the
surveillance, as far as quarantine is con-
cerned. Of the general government. The
whole coast. from Maine around to the
state of Washington. is divided into districts
and quarantine stations. State and local as
well as national stations. are subject to
periodical visits OF inspection by detailed
officers of the Marine Hospital service AS
FAR as yellow fever is concerned, the danger
Gus coast Is from Virginia to Texas An
officer OF the Marine Hospital. service has
been specially detailed for the present sea-
son to do nothing else but inspect the quar-
anime stations on the coast OF North and
South Carolina and Georgia. Another has
the Florida coast: another the gulf coast of
o portion OF Florida, Alabama and Missis-
sippi, and another The Louisiana and Texas
coasts. Each of these officers has been Sc
lected with reference TO fitness, and Is sup
piled with most minute printed instructions
He transmits to the bureau reports of each
station visited In addition to these two
these remains In Brunswick. Ga. where the
yellow fever prevailed last year. for the
purpose OF prompt action should any suspf-
cious case of fever appear.
The authorities OF brunswick and the
marine hospital bureau are in thorough ac-
feet harmony, which Is the greatest guar
anty OF successful and beneficial work The
advisability Of cooperation was represent
Cd to the local authorities Of Brunswick.