New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-01-23
TO KEEP OUT THE PLAGUE.
A BILL TO BE INTRODUCED AT ALBANY
ON MONDAY NIGHT
CAPITAL CONFERRING WITH THE GOVERNOR
AND LEGIsLATORs--DTL DOrY Conf
DENT THAT HE CAN EXCLUDE
THE PLAGUE.
fBY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNE.I

fBY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNEl
Albany Jan. 22.-The great plague i'm India
which is causing such appalling loss of life at
Bombay. The subject Of official action here
to-day Dr. Alvah Fl. Doty Health Officer OF
the Port of NewYork came here, and In as
secret a manner possible saw Governor
Black and some leading members Of the Legis-
ature in relation to the passing Of an emsr-
gency bill containing an appropriation TO
strengthen his hands against the bubonic
plague. An appropriation Is needed for mod
ern apparatus to disnfect all articles which
might come from India from ports Of other
countries infected For instance, there Is a
suspicion that ship which recently arrived
at Hamburg infested with the dread India
disease. DR.. Doty visited the office Of the State
Board Of Health and also the Senate Chamber
and the Assembly Chamber. He especially
sought in the Senate the members Of the Senate
Finance Committee. and in the Assembly the
Committee on Ways and Means DR.. Doty con-
ferred with Senators Humphreys. Brown and
Martin. and Assemblyman Otto Kelsey, who, In
the absence of Mr.. Nixon. chairman of the
Ways and Means Committee. represented that
committee Mr. Kelsey and the Health Off 'er
were closeted for some time In the Ways and
Means Committee room drafting a bill which
will be submitted to the Legislature on Mon
day night through the respective financial COM
mittees Of the two houses.
The appropriation asked for is $1,000. which
the Health officer believes will be sufficient IN
case the plague does not extend It's ravages to
other countries. In response TO an inquiry as 10
the necessity for the appropriation. DR. Doty
said that he had already issued orders that all
mail matter arriving from British India, no
matter Ivy what route. shall be thoroughly dis
infected before being landed. He added that II
he secured this appropriation he would nave
all articles whatsoever coming from India thor
oughlv fumigated DR.. Doty further said that
the ordinary disinfcction by means OF sulphur
docs NOT kill the germs of the disease. ana that
r,odern apparatuses needed when VIII el-
fectuallv remove all danger of the buponlc
nlapue reaching these shores. The greatest
danger from contagion was to be founn III uhe
shinoads of rags which come from india. Inc
Iiaaith officer called upon Governor Black. who
assured him that he was favorable to any meas
ure which would afford greater protection u
the residents Of this country.
Secretary SmelZer of the State board OF
Health is working in harmony with Dr. Doty
in securing the appropriation: Or. Doty iei.
Albany tonight. but 1t Is UNDERSTOOD ,hat lie
viii return on Monday to secure immediate az
tion upon the bill. Mr. Kelsey VIII compete ne
draft of the bill. as outlined by the iied'tn
Oficer and have 1t ready for introductioh on
Nondav evening An attempt VIII ne nlaue I"
hurry the bill through both houses ana 10 Sc
nura tho anproval Of the Governor, whlcn mas
hean assured in order that the funds may DE
made available at once.