The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1899-04-01
OPPOSE QUARANTINE CHANGE.
PROTEST AGAINST TURNING 1T
OVER TO THE GOVERNMENT.

]
This City Would Gain by the
Trnnsfer-Mayor Myers Thinks II
Would re benefited, but His Po-
sitiOn VIII Depend on the People.
4 Public Meeting to BE Held Next
Tuesday-Petition Filed by Citi-
zens Protesting Against Proposed
Surrender.
Before the City Council acts on the
proposition to put the quarantine station
under control of the government, special
meeting will be held next Tuesday after
noon at o'clock to allow all citizens to
express their views
a petition with upwards of 100 sigma
lures of leading citizens was filed with
the clerk Of Council last night, protesting
against placing the quarantine under ma
tional control.
The Council intends to act accord
ms to the expressed desires of
the people, and will, therefore,
feel the public pulse before anything Is
done in the matter The city must first
approach the government on the subject
and the point 10 be decided will be wheth-
er this shall be done.
A general discussion of the advisabillty
of a change has been going on for several
days, so that the time is ripe for an in
terchange of ideas by those who are inter
ested in it,. There is considerable opposi-
ton to the change, Notwithstanding those
favoring it claim the advantages out
weigh the disadvantages, and that the
city will reap commercial benefits as
result.
Mayor Myers returned yesterday from
New York, having stopped over on his
return in Washington, where he met Sur
geon General Wyman of the marine hos
pitaI service and had quite an extended
interview with him in regard to govern
mental control of Savannah's quarantine.
1t is stated that the surgeon general ex-
pressed the opinion that Savannah has
much 20 gain from the change, but that
any move for the government to control
the station must come from the city. He
discussed the matter freely with Mayor
Myers giving his opinion on all matters
upon which information or suggestions
were asked.
Il feel sure the surgeon general is con-
make the change" said Mayor Myers.
zone of the things he said will be an ad-
vantage is that there win not be any fees
charged for disinfection or the discharg-
ing of ballast, the port being absolutely
free to an vessels. 1t seems this will give
the city a decided advantage over other
ports whose stations are not controlled
by the government for the reason they will
either be forced to take off the charges, or
compete with Savannah under these unfa-
vorable conditions While the advantage
of free port follows. do not mean to say
the city should make the change if there
is any risk to be taken in doing so.
Another matter with which 1 was ira
pressed during my talk with the surgeon
general" said the Mayor, was that the
entire responsibility of protecting ports I'M
der the governments control is upon him,
and for this reason, it seems great vigil
lance would be exercised. He is In posi-
ton to act quickly and intelligently on
quarantine matters, or all reports from
infected places go first to Washington,
and are then sent to the various stations.
The surgeon general has all facilities for
keeping himself thoroughly informed on
the health conditions in foreign countries,
and when vessels arrive, he can act with
oul delay upon the information constantly
a his finger tips.
II was further told by Gen. Wyman,"
the Mayor continued, that the city Will
not have to sell the station outright, but
may lease it to the government for years
trial. and if the change is not found I'M
satisfactory the city may resume its oper-
atoms. The impression l got was that such
proposition by the city may be consid-
cred. Gen. Wyman further intimated that
Quarantine officer Linley would be retain
ed if the transfer was made, as he is re-
garded as a most dutiful and efficient Of
hcer, and one whom the government would
gladly trust with the important duties to
be discharged at the station. From what l
learned, however / am satisfied all the sur
geons connected with the marine hospital
service are fully capable of properly dis
charging their duties, as they are put
through a rigid civil service examination.
and are then kept in the service some time
before they are given regular appoint
ments
at must be understood that while 1 re-
alize the city will save $1,000 a year by
the change" continued Mayor Myers, Il
do not advocate it against the viii of the
people. The bringing of troops to this port
| resurrected the question of national con-
troll of quarantine, and my only purpose is
to let The people speak for themselves.
Everybody interested will be given an op-
portunity to express their views, either for
or against the proposition, and until this
is done l am sure no action viii be taken
by Council There will be a free discus
sion, but what we want brought forward
are logical and not sentimental reasons.
| / consider the argument that the marine
hospital surgeons are incompetent to per-
| form the duties less than no argument at
| all. They may have made mistakes at
times, but / consider them a highly educat-
ed, fully competent corps of officers, and
| such as all citizens could feel assured
would properly perform their duties in
! protecting the port of savannah"
Alderman Haas seems inclined to the
| belief the station can be operated by the
government to the fun satisfaction of all
! citizens. He does not think the government
! would yield to any influences which might
seek to injure the city's commerce. While
| he has not fully made up his mind, Alder
man Haas says he feels confident the
government could acceptably control the
| staten.
Aldermen farrell and Graham are strong.
| ly in favor of the change, and will do all
in their power TO have il brought about
| Alderman Graham is thoroughly convinced
! the change will be for the better and said