New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-03-14
FOR A BETTER QUARANTINE
SCHEME FOR NEW BUILDINGS ON HoFF-
MAN AND swINBURNE ISLANDS.
PLANS OF THE CoMMIssIoNERS-THE LEGfsLAT-
IRE ASKED TO APPROPRIATE ABOUT
s57oooo-PREsENT FACILITIES
ENTIRELY MADE
QUATE.

For some time the Quarantine Commissioners
have been considering plans for the Improvement
OF the Quarantine stations on Swinburne ana HON
man Islands. and they have far perfected tne'r
scheme that the Legislature has been asked Io'
appropriations amounting in round figures to S'o'-
oO The inadequacy and the many deficiencies.
from a medical point OF view. OF tho present es-
adjustments on the two Islands we'll known.
1t is 10 remedy the defects In this direction and to
build up a quarantine institution that shall ef-
fectually guard this city from Infection from other
ports that the Commissioners have lately been de-
voting their attention. Plans for a new hospital
upon Swnburne Island and a reception hotel on
Hoffman Island, for first and second class passen-
gers arriving upon suspected vessels have already
been prepared The Commissioners. DR.. Doty, the
Health Officer OF the Port, and various other In
terested authorities have been In Albany during
the last week urging the necessity Of the addi-
tional facilities. Populations from the Finance
and Ways and Means committees Of the Legislat-
two weeks ago visited the two stations and
thoroughly inspected the wards and other build
ngs they exist. 1t IL understood that the
members OF these committees recognized the short
comlngs Of the resources both Islands, and are
prepared in consequence 10 urge the granting OF
the money required TO better the prevailing state
OF affairs
Yesterday Tribune reporter accompanied Com
missioner Frederick II. Shredder OF the
latters periodical visits OF inspection TO the two
stations.
need of the erection Of more commodious buildings
with modern advantages. Especially upon Swim
burne Island, It would appear. Is 1t imperative.
looking TO the protection Of the city from con-
taglon that efficient accommo dations be put
up The wards the fumigating chambers and liv-
ing quarters upon this island consist OF low-ying.
dilapidated frame structures having the appear
ance OF so many huts Unfortunately, Ii was i'm
possible yesterday 20 examine into the real cond-
ton OF Swinburne Island. Dr. Doty positively for
babe the landing OF The Tribune reporter. The
presence Of two cases that possibly danger
Gus was the excuse Dr. Doty made for his prohibit
ton; but Commissioner Schroeder who Is an earn
advocate of the proposed improvements, did not
hesitate TO give it his opinion that the whole
state Of things on the island was too bad to be
made public. II should be stated. however that
DR.. Doty is In favor Of the appropriation.
In place OF the rickety wooden sheds that. by
courtesy are now termed wards, the scheme
provides for the building Swnburne Island Of
thoroughly equipped hospital designed 10 initiate
against any spread OF contagious diseases. and for
the introducon OF the latest approved methods for
the graphing with threatened epidemics. In addi-
ton to kitchens and laundries observation
ward and new superintendent's house IT IL pro-
posed to build six separate wards. making II posi-
BILE TO confne cases Of smallpox cholera and other
diseases under one ROOT:
The scheme for Hoffman Island Is one more Of
which are OF substantial construction, will remain.
ana VIII be devoted as heretofore 10 the reception
OF steerage Passengers. The extension planned for
Is the erection of hotel II may be called, for
the accommodation OF first and second class pas
sengers-peope who will pay for their board dur
Ing the days OF the isolation imposed upon them
by the Health Officer. AT present there is
the only advantage the better class OF travellers
have had in Quarantine the immigrants
the possibility or lodging at the superiniendents
house at times. Frequently, however 1t has hap
pened that the rooms available in the building
signed TO the superintendent have been insufficient
TO meet the demands.
IL Is asserted that the spending Of the amount
OF money referred TO would be economical for the
State Instead OF being able to quarantine only
a limited number Of people. at present. the
pacity OF the two islands could be sufficiently
larged 10 deal with even extraordinary require
ments. 1t would obvate. Commissioner Schroeder
pointed out yesterday. such hasty procedure
impelled by the cholera a few years ago.
when Fire Island was purchased for 900, which
the State would be only too glad now to get rid of
for a much smaller sum. At the time OF that
scare three-story frame house was put up on
Hoffman Island, a cost OF 5000 and vessel
for transport purposes was purchased at the same
time for 5000 A few weeks ago this $4,000 hos
pi;al sold much kindling wood for $50.
and the vessel which had rusted month after
month in the Hoffman Island slip. disposed OF
for $1,000
Because they will be IN a position to cope with
any possible epidemic. and because such useless
expenditures undertaken the time Of sudden
would be required the Quarantine
Commissioners are strongly advocating the adop
ton Of their proposals by the Legislature. II Is
estimated that TO complete the plans they have
been at present drawn will make necessary an out
lay Of 10000 upon Swinburne Island and $4,000
UpOn Hoffman Island.