The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1898-10-28

ing ne was informed by yourself that
YOU did not wish the civil authorities
to investigate or interfere in any way
with the military camp: that you were
the COmmander-in-Ch!e out there and
able to attend TO the matter yourself.
The object of sending Mr.. Reynolds
to the Camp was not 10 interfere with
your authority in any manner. but
only 10 assist if possible. IN the mat
ter. The Board is we'll aware OF the
difficulty Of disposing of offensive
matter which collects N a camp
where a large number Of men are con-
grsgaJed and Of the menace 10 health
where there is no proper sewerage CT
drainage.
The action OF the Board on these
several occasions has not been intend
ed 10 be offensive or in the nature OF
unnecessary interference: on the con
trary. the purpose has been solely 10
render assistance.
/ have the honor 10 be. Respectful
~ yours,
(Sgd) WILLIAM o. SMITH,
President of the Board of Health.
Col. BARRIERS reply to Mr.. Smiths
letter was as follows:
Headquarters Camp Mckinley.
Honolulu. II. l., Oct p, 1898.
Mr.. William O. Smith. President of
Board of Health, Honolulu. II. l.
Sir:-I have the honor 10 acknowl-
edge your favor of the 20th inst. /
was not aware Of the conference of a
representative of the military authori-
ties with the Board OF Health. The
message that was brought TO me as TO
the object of the presence OF repre-
sentatives of the Board OF Health in
camp was unintentionally misrepre-
scented. The unpleasant situation was
the result of a misunderstanding
Respectfully,
CSgdO I. II. BARBER
Col. First Infy., y. Y. V. Commanding
Post
After reading Col. BARRIERS reply
Mr.. Smith next read a letter which
Gen. King had addressed 10 the Board
Gen. Kings letter was as follows:
Headquarters District of Hawaii.
Honolulu, II. l., Oct. %, 1898.
The Honorable The Board of Health
of Honolulu.
Camps Otis and Mckinley gives me
deep concern and l am profoundly
grateful for your offer of assistance. In
every possible way l desire to coop
crate with you and l beg leave to sug-
gest that the Chief Medical Officer of
the District, Brigade Surgeon Morris,
is ready to communicate with you at
any moment. He, and not the Sur
Oh, Of hn fn1
officer charged with the general direc-
ton Of all such matters and no mis-
understandings can arise if you Will
kindly confer with him.
Let me add that all the resources
we have as to ambulancss, transporta-
ton and supplies are at your service
and anything more that is needed
shall be purchased on the spot.
Very respectfully.
CSgdD CHARLES KING.
Brigadier General l. 5. V. Command
ing.
The sentiment seemed TO prevail
among the members OF the Board that
the time had arrived when it became
necessary to take such official action
as would tend to improve the sanitary
conditions at the Camps and prevent
the further spread of the dreaded ty-
phoid fever. While they as a Board
or as individuals, did not wish to an
tagonize the military authorities. unless
conditions at the Camps were improv-
ed Immediately radical action would
necessarily have to be resorted to by
the local Board of Health.
Just before the meeting was called
to order Major Morris came in and
notified Mr. Smith that an official or
der from Washington had been receiv-
ed at noon which abolished the Dis
trict of Hawaii. and in consequence
of such action neither General King
nor himself had anything further TO
do with military affairs here.