New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-07-14
THE YELLOW FEVER SCARE.
FOURTEEN SUSPECTED CASES.
PREVIOUS HEALTH REPORTS GOOD
AND NO CAUSE FOR IMMEDIATE
APPREHENSION.
rRr TELEGRAPH To rmr rn,prxr.l

Washington. July 13-The disqu!eting reports
omanating from Washington. which were wide
Is distributed throughout the country to-day
that yellow fever raging among the troops
in tho trenches NJ Santiago. and that an eN-
traordinary Cabinet meeting was In session
debating whether to abandon the Siege and
withdraw the American forces at once 10 the
northern part OF the United states. We're for
the most part simple fabrcatons.
II is true that a few cases Of low malaral
fever have appeared among General Skaters
mcn during the last few weeks but not single
death has occurred. The Characteristic symp-
toms in n few Of the cases that were treated
in the military hospitals yesterday appeared
similar 70 those Of dengue. which last year de-
vcloped in the Gulf States into yellow fever and
FOR a time threatened to become epidemic. These
cases near Santiago were promptly reported by
Dr John Gulteras to Surgeon-General Wyman.
OF the Marin. Hospital Corps. and at his in
stance by the Army surgeons to Surgeon-Cien-
eral Stcrnborg
IL is considered a remarkable coincidence that
tn. yellow fever near Santiago should develop
simultaneously with the arrival Of Dr Guteras
on the spot Just as ii did IN the South last year
in every locality he visited but that is the fact
The reports from the Army medical officers show
that In consequence OF fourteen suspected fever
cases among teamstcrs and other labor"rs OF
the Quartermasters Department. who were
quartered in the shantics and miserapie build
ings at Sboney. that village was burned TO the
ground last night TO prevent its becoming the
possible nucleus of an epidemic OF the con
tagion.
There is no surprise among the medical OIL
GERS Of the War Department that low fevers
should become prevalent among the American
troops at this time. on account Of the horrible
condition created by the severe tropical rains
alternating with the intense heat there. to-
gethcr with the reckless disregard Of sanitary
rules shown by the troops. The advent of 2UOUo
persons from Santiago, many Of them destitute
and filthy. is also considered full of danger but
prompt steps have been taken to keep refugees
away from the American troops and the base or
supplies. while the sick men have been quickly
isolated from the other hospital patents Where
they will have the best attention. ORDERS nave
gone forward to spare no expense or eflort 10
nrcvent the spread Of contagion. and the author
,,,os have demanded to be notified the moment
yellow fever Is diagnosed beyond question
Until the actual presence Of yellow fever Is re
norted beyond doubt. and until a single in
stance Of mortality occurs. no ground exists FOR
tho alarming statements that have been pub
uehsd There is no concealment however, that
the health Of tho troops Is the cause OF grave ap-
nrohnnsion not so much or account of their I'm
roodiate condition. as with reference 10 the
future
The health reports until to-day have been or
the most gratifying nature. demonstrating thdt
tho sanitary conditions in that part Of Cuba have
hcen much superior to those at several Of the
Volunteer camps T.. the United states