The Lafayette gazette. [volume] (Lafayette, La.) 1893-1921, 1897-10-16
.FOR Il M ZZON4Z Quar-
4NZIIVE.

4
Times-Democrat.
On the very day (Oct. ~ O,
which there appeared in thes,
columns an article urging the ne
cessity of the establishment of -:
national quarantine if we would BIZ
free from invasions of yellow feve,
and the fearful business dislocatior
and loss consequent upon them, or
that very day resident of Nash.
Vile, Tenn, wrote letter of pre-.
cisely the same import as The
Times Democrats article to John
Clafin, the well-known merchant
of New York, and making the same
advocacy. Mr.. Claf1in apparently
handed the letter, without the sig
nature, to the New York Sun. The
Sun printed the letter, and, without
apology, in spite of its length, we
here reproduce it:
Mr.. John Claflin, New York:
Dear Sir-1n view of the yellow fever
plague now prevailing in some sections of
our country. Paralyzing its business interests
and entaiing loss of millions to the
country. the present seems fitting time to
call halt and to formulate plans that will
in future prevent this dread exotic disease
from landing on our shores. That single
case of yellow fever should exist to-day in
the United States is an outrage; a reflection
on the Intelligence of Americans and dis
grace to their government.
Aside from feelings of sentiment and
humanity, terror-stricken communities, de-
populated towns, and desolated hearth
stones, and solely as matter of dollars and
cents, this yellow fever crime should be
fhrottled, for it has cost the United States
more money in the past 100 years than have
all her wars. There is but one way to cope
successfully with this imported plague; that
is, keep it out. To do this, a strong
national quarantine is absolutely essential.
State organizations, no matter how well
conducted, frequently are hampered by dis
cordant elements at home and fail at critical
periods to receive the cooperation of SINH
are Powerless to prevent the destruction of
public property by wild, panc-stricken
mobs, shown recently at infected
points. Hence the necessity is apparent
Tor stronger national quarantine system
than now exists.
In this interest permit me to urge the
Importance of the New York Chamber of
Commerce giving consideration to the
utter want of method in the present national |
quarantine system, which lacks ability to |
keep out the yellow fever. 1t is time that |
a better system he found, and that practical
plans for an ironclad quarantine system, one
that will stop forever the importation of
yellow fever. When such plan is pre-
pared an,a let it IT'D be sent to the government for
Union is more deeply interested in the for
nation of strong national quarantine sys-
tenn than New York. The fever plaques in
the past have cost her many hundred
millions of dollars; the present epidemic
will prove a loss in trade to her of at least
fifty millions. Hence it is fitting that the
New York Chamber of Commerce move in
this matter and suggest remedy for the
evil now present. We feel assured that
whatever the above honorable association
may recommend to stay this deadly scource
will receive the attention, support and
throughout the United States.
The health condition of the Southern
States will compare fovorably with other
desirable sections of the globe. There is
md Mississippi points having epidemic
IF yellow fever now than New York, Bos.
on, Philadelphia and Hartford. These {
suffered from the most terrible yellow fever
:pidemics of which there is any record. |
NTH a more effective national quarantine
ystem than now exists, Southern cities will /
lemics New York. The time will come
vhen nations will be held responsible for
he spread of epidemic diseases, as was Eng
and for the depredations of the Alabama. | +
'Ao' . mas no more fsSnt 10 Senu us cholera, =
or SPAN to send us yellow fever from her
esspool Havana harbor, than to send e
and of pirates to devastate our coasts; and d
q this interest learn that an international /.
iealth Parliament is suggested to assem-
lie at Tampa in 1899. We cannot wait
NO years for this conference of wisdom.
he present demands the earnest attention 2
patriots. Why longer tolerate this crime q
inefficiency and ignorance when con-
.rence of earnest business men can formu-
tie = plan to protect our seaports from the z
reign scourge7 Now is the time TO act. !. c