Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-11-29

antine system for the whole United States.
The yellow fever epidemic In the south
fully demonstrates the urgent necessity 1or
the contamination of such plan. LOOK
at the condition of affairs under the ex-
listing conflicting regulations and opposing
authorities. There is the national quaran-
tine, very ably managed by Surgeon Cen
eral Wyman, assisted by an experienced
body of surgeons, all working IN perez &c
harmony, to alleviate the sufferings OF the
sick. to circumscribe the spread of disease
by judicious quarantine, and by SAFE and
proper methods against infection, to keep
the wheels of commerce from being stopper
and the business of the country from be-
ing unnecessarily paralyzed; but at present
their powers are SO limited that the re-
suits are anything but satisfactory. why
Well, the first obstacle is the state quar-
antine authorities demanding supreme ae
rights: the next is the county officials; the
next is the city. town and village ofnciais;
and then the independent shotgun brigade;
all claiming supremacy over the otner.
'.Now. look at this spectacle! There are
at present five distinct quarantine organi-
cations, and what is necessarily the re-
suit? Why, as every fair-mlnded sane man
can see, the result IS petty jealousies, con-
Aict of authority, diametrical opposition and
chaos. and who are the sufferers and VIC
Tins Of this dreadful, fve-headed monster?
The great majority of the people and the
great commercial interests of the country
are it's victims.
Future Prospects.
..Mr. Dahlgren, do you think there is La
BILE to be yellow fever next summers"
..I7nless the marine hospital service takes
hold right now and thoroughly disinfects
and fumigates every infected place during
the winter and is given proper authority
believe we will have an early outbreak
of fever next spring, and If we do this
wears epidemic will be pigmy beside II.
/ think one of the first things Congress
she Id do is to pass a very definite law
on this subject and give entire control Of all
quarantine matters to the United States
ms rine hospital service, under q national
quarantine law, giving it supreme author
ity in all times Of epidemic. whether it be
yellow fever, smallpox. diphtheria, leprosy
or any other infectious or contagious dis
eases.
Il think the law should make the Presi-
dent of the United States. the Secretary of
the Treasury and the surgeon general Of
the marine hosSitafvservice the executive
committee, vested with full power to act
in all emergencies, and with ample funds
at their command, Ehe people would have
full confidence in such an executive body.
IF this is done there will be no useless
embargo put upon interstate commerce,
car sing millions5of dollars loss in a few
months time, and the stagnation of bust
Less Observation-Disclosures.
petent and experienced surgeons, ready at
all times for duty. aad perfectly equipped
camp outfits that can be sent on short
notice near any infected locality for the
safety and comfort df all those desiring to
leave who can ItherbIproceed, with proper
health certificates. to any part Of the coun-
try with perfectsafaty and thereby lessen
the chances of an epidemic.
Then, II any blunder is committed, or
diseases get into the country or spread
after getting in. the blame viii be put
where It would rightly belong. upon the ma
tional quarantine, which will be held re-
sponsible by the people.
at will be the means of saving life,
health, property and commerce. It viii
stop all the rivalries, partialities and jeal-
ousies of local boards of health. the actions
of some Of whom have been disgraceful in
this present epidemic.
Southern People VIII Approve.
"As regards the question of the states
rights OF police power. believe the large
majority Of the southern people. and Of
the whole country, sees Its folly in this
matter and win demand its curtailment.
for when these state. county. city and shot
gun guarantees masquerade under the
guise OF state police power the calm, sober