The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1899-03-15
THE SMALLPOX SITUATION.
Judge Aldr1ch Asks Advice of
Board of Health.

Juoge Aldrich seeos much concerned about
smallpox, and yesterday wrote second let
ter asking advice of the City Board of Health
as to the danger to public health by con-
tinuance of the present term of court.
A meeting of the board was held at four
O'Clock 10 the afternoon, at which all the
membere were present. Drs. Haghsen and
A. Chioa also attended and participated in
the deliberasiops
The letter wa5 as follows
Sumter, S. c., March l3, 1899.
s: c. Baker, N D., Chairman of Board of
Health, Sumter, s. G
Dear Sir: Since your last communication
sent TO me ten days ago, am Informed that
two new cases Of smallpox have developed in
your city. One case is ia less than hundred
yards of the coart house. The situation, by
reason of these cases, has bees changed, and
request your opinion in the premises, espe-
cially az to the danger to the public health
which results or may result frcm continu-
ance of the team. In considering the public
health, regard should be had for Jurors, Wit
nesses and other persons attending court
from the various sections of the county, and
also for the citizens Of your city.
If there is a dangerous and general die.
ease" in SUMTER s c., should know it, be-
cause the responsibility is, by law, placed
npon me, as judge, to decide whether or not
this court should be adjourned. It is q grave
responsibility, involving the health, possibly
the lives, Of number of persons, and
desire to do my duty. an not q citizae Of
your county, and, therefore, know but little
as to the facts as they exist and, not being
physician cannot of my own knowledge.
decide whether there is dangerous and
general dieease" in Snnter, 8. C. respect
fully ask your opinion in this matter; be-.
cause upon your answer will act.
Very respectfully,
JAMES ALDRIcH,
Presiding Judge.
After a fall, free and fair discussion, the
secretary was directed to reply as indicated
IN the following:
SuMrsR, 8. O., March l3, 1899.
Hon. James Ald.icb, Presiding Judge, Sum-
ter, 8. c.:
DEAR S1R: Pursuant to your request q
meeting of the Board of health was called
this afternoon, to which your communication
Of this date was sunmitted. After due
deliberation was directed to say that since
oar former letter on this subject all smallpox
cases then existing are practically we'll, and
discharged With one or two exceptions. The
two cases you mention ae OF subsequent
development: are-one Hild case Of vario-
loid, never seriously sick and now about to
be dismissed-the ether. genuine case Of
smallpox was contracted elsewhere and
brought into this city. The case is carefully
quarantined.
With all the facts before us, aod we'll
understood, we see no grouod upon which to
base different opirion than that of 10 days
ago. II there is any change in the situation
it is for the better. While there ia now oBe
active case Of smallpox among us, and while
smallpox is regarded dan gerous disease, yet
We must say emphatically there is not dam
gerous general disease in Sumter.
Four physicians Of the city participated in
the deliberation Of this meeting and the
opinion here expressed was unanimous.
Very respectfully yours,
G n HURST, JR.,
Secretary Board of Health.