New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-07-08
YELLOW EETER ~ Port.

The arrival in New York Harbor Of trans
port from Santiago with two or more cases OF
yellow fever on board directs public attention
not merely 10 tho precautions which II is neces
sary to enforce in this country and In CUBA 10
prevent the dissemination of that dreaded dis
ease but to the extraordinary immunity which
Cuban cities have enjoyed during the first sea
son Of American occupation. There was not only
n general fear that this would be bad fever
year in Cuba. but seemingly well founded
belief that such would be the fact. and 1t is
probable that the expectation would nave Deeh
verified IL the administration Of the chief cities
had remained in Cuban or Spanish hands, for
the conditions of want and physical feebleness
produced by n protracted war were Favorable
To the propagation Of the disease. But the in
tellicence and energy with which inadequate
resources for the cleansing Of ancient pest
holes and the enforcement Of sanitary regnla-
tions have been employed. especially in Havana
and Santiago. have kept those places slngularly
healthy almost until midsummer. It would
have been marvellous If the hot season had
nassed without all outbreak of the fever in
Cuba. and even now, with the possibility that
q serious epidemic Is beginning there TO he con-
sidered. It is suitable TO recognize the skill and
fidelity which have been eminently successful
so long.
As for the presence Of the fever in our har-
Dor. it seems scarcely necessary to say that
there Is no occasion for alarm, inasmuch as no
signs Of alarm have appeared. 1t is gratify-
ing TO note the composure with which the
news. though certainly unwelcome. has been
received. and TO draw the inference that the
nublic mind is more ntelligently fortified
against unreasonable fears than it was only a
few wears ago. when the arrival from Hamburg
If q steamship infected with cholera threw the
CITY and the whole region roundabout into a
ponic. or at least into the first stage of panic
Tbere &c not the faintest indication now OF such
q disturbance. nor do we suppose there would
no - the known cases Of fever discovered
aboard the Mcclellan on Thursday should he
multiplied. 1t may be hoped that the present
Tranquility is not accidental. but based on a
rational consideration Of the facts The health
officer saws that the danger is extremely slight,
and we have no doubt that he fully believes
his own statement At the same time DR.. Doty
docs not need to be enjoined to employ all ap-
proved measures for the prevention vi uou"''
which he does not expect
The Incident though not alarming, should ne
instructive. The place to stamp out yellow
favor ie Cuha not New York, and ample means
70 that end ought to be provided at the earliest
nossible moment The island might be eX-
ceptionally healthy. 1t was made the reverse
by long years Of neglect 1t is exceedingly
creditable. as we have said, TO the American
authorities in Cuban cities that they have sue
ceeded in doing so much with so little but II
will not he creditable to the United States II
they are prevented by lack OF money from
Initiating a systematic work OF sanitation.