The evening herald. [volume] (Shenandoah, Pa.) 1891-1966, 1897-09-21

DR.. Holt, Ex-President OF the Board
OF Health, Fails to Report Promptly
Number of Cases In His own Prac-
tice, aud May BE Prosecuted.
New Orleans, Sept. 21.--The largest
number Of cases reported on any day
since yellow fever first made its ap-
peararce in New Orleans, two weeks
ago, was recorded on the books Of the
board of health last evening at 6
o'clock, although at that hour not
single case had proven fatal during the
day. There were 18 cases in ALL
The most sensational incident Of the
day was the announcement from Dr.
Joseph Holt, ex-president of the board
of health, that he had discovered nine
cases among his practice the first Of
which had come under his observation
on Friday. DR.. Holt wrote a letter to
President Oliphant and entrusted It to
the mail, and his letter reached the
board of health yesterday. But fearing
that the letter might not reach its des-
tination in time DR.. Holt sent a special
messenger to the residence of DR.. Oil
phant Sunday midnight giving this in
formation. At the board Of health Of
fee, when the Holt letter was opened
there was first incredulity, and then
criticism of DR.. Holt because he had
adopted what the board considered an
irregular way In which to make known
his cases.
Immediately upon receipt of the letter
the machinery of the board was placed
in motion, and inspectors were sent to
the various houses where DR.. Holt re-
ported sickness to exist The places
were all disinfected and guards placed
in front of them. but the board said
It had very little hope of the effective
ness Of these measures since all those
who desired were given an oppor-
tunity to escape from the infected
houses. One of the houses, where are
/ four of the patients, is a fashionable
| boarding house. Those living in the
house, of whom there were quite a
number. knew of the existence of fever
early Saturday morning, and therefore
| got out as fast as possible
When the experts attempted to in
! vestigate the cases DR. Holt entered
an objection and refused them permis-
sion to examine any Of his patients,
taking the position that he had proper
| ly diagnosed, and that, being an expert
! himself. he had no occasion for further
investigation. After the experts made
! their report the board of. health, went
into executive session and discussed at
length what was termed DR.. Holt's
violation of a city ordinance which he
himself had passed and which pro-
vides for fine or Imprisonment of any
physician who fails to report a posi-
] or of
in a period like the present. The board
decided to summon Dr. Holt to appear
before them and explain his alleged
negligence. The result of the meeting
will decide whether or not there shall
be a prosecution of DR.. Holt in the
courts.
Most of the patients in the city are re-
ported as doing we'll Trouble in two
cases was reported in the effort to en-
force quarantine regulations. One mar
managed to escape from the infected
quarter and was chased and arrested
and after being arraigned in court anC
frightening everybody present wa!
sent back to his home A report was re
ceived that a man had appeared III
front of one of the infected houses
armed with a shotgun and had tori
/
taken possession of the premises. 4
squad of police was sent to the scene.
The board of health has sent an ap
peal to Governor Foster, asing him t,
supply the board $25,O0O from the sur
plus fund of the state to assist tn
board in prosecuting its fight agains
the fever The governor was also asket
to issue orders for tents and othe
camp supplies to be used at the CAM
of detention. The Oakland driving parl
has been selected as the site for tn
camp of detention. 1t is situated in tn
rear Of the city, and was rendered t,
the officials by the Crescent City Jocl6e,
club. 1t is expected that by this even
ing the camp win be ready to receivl
: 200 or 300 people from the Italian quar-
ter.
Fifty-eight people slept at Fontain
bleau, the federal detention camp, Sun
day night, and yesterday additiona
refugees arrived there from Mobile. To
day the camp is being prepared to re
ceive $50 additional guests, and b.
Thursday the surgeons in charge sa.
they will have room and accommoda
tions for 500 people, besides those al
ready quartered there. The Louisvill
and Nashville railroad is providing FIRE
transportation for all who wish {
go to the camp There were no ney
cases at Ocean Springs up to last even
ing, and several of the old patient
were discharged.