Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1894-12-27

CHESTER, Pa, Dec. 25.-rherc is revolt
of large dimensions among tho 1863 steurnse
passengers of the steamship Southwark,
who have been detained at the State Quar-
antine station, Essington, since Friday
last: They complain that they hayo been
subjected TO great Privations and hard
ships, and they have publicly appealed to
the nelShboring citizens of Delaware
county to aid them in procuring relief
IL is said that the fond with which the
Immigrants are supplied is ut times unit
to eat, and that il is served out To them
as they stand in line, old men and
women and little children being cpmpellpd
alike to wait 30 or 40 minutes for their
turn. The food is dishpd ont of wash
boilers and pans, and it is wonder that,
Instead OF preventing mn epidemic, as was
intended, this detention has not itself brcu
contagiUn.
A petition was recently drawn IN and
signed by upwards OF 80 passengers but
was Withdrawn upon the promise Of the
quarantine master to remedy existing
grievances. When the promised improve
inent was delayed another petition was
drawn up and signed by nearly all the
passengers The text of the latter petition
is as follows:
THE GROUNDS OF COMPLAINT.
"Either little or no improvement has
been effected in the punctuality or regu.
larity of serving meals, the supply not
being sufficient, and the same allowance
oil rations allotted for men, women and
children alike. Persons have to stand in
the open air waiting their turn to be
served, ill many Instances about so or 40
minutes; old and young. feeble or
strong, commanding no respect. 1t is
really surprising that there are not more
cases of sickness from exposure than
already exist. The supply of food is Of a
"a
We can say with all safety that of the
beef supplied yesterday more than two
thirds WAS unfit for food. The supply of
food is forbidden to be purchased, except
the superintendent, and the demand for it
is so great thatit would occupy the whole
time OF one or Two men to distribute the
requirements
The whole of the buildings are in n
very dilapidated condition, the state of
the sanitary arrangements being Disgrace
ful i'll the extreme. In some instances
one closet has to serve the purpose of
ABOUT so persons OF both sexes. Water
supply facilities, &c, are very much out
oil repair, and il is surprising the amount
of cleanliness exhibited by both sexes
under these trying circumstances. Tho
supply of soap, towels and water is so
limited that the least touch OF disease,
should IT break out, would OF surety
result in an epidemic"
SHOCKED AT THEIR TREATMENT.
An intelligent Engishman, who came
over i'll the interest oil u patent in conneC-
ton with the silk industry, said to u re-
porter to-day:
MANY OF those confined here are men
of standing in their native country, and
are shocked at the treatment they are re-
ceiving. We are not permitted to see our
relatives who have called here, although
the quarantine officers go out and in, aud
physicians from Philadelphia have the
entry. The butchers and bakers are adj
united; but our folks are prohibited"
One of the policemen on duty corrobor-
ated the allegations OF the petition and the
interview Of the Englishman. lie said that
often they 1.-THE oifiGers) shared their food
(Which is OF a better quality with the
immigrants, many OF whom were intelli-
gent men and women, and were forced 10
herd with dirty Immigrants.
The attention of Representative Bliss OF
this city, will be called to the matter. and
Delaware county authorities will probably
take some measures to. relieve the immi.
grants.