The times., 1899-12-17
kecninr Ont PestiIence

| Fortunately, the bubonic plague has not
yet passed the American barriers, but the
/ danger is far from ended since the fight
over the exclusion of coffee from Santos,
Brazil, where the pestilence has been vio-
/ lent still wages. At the port of New York
the original plague ship, the Taylor, has
not yet been permitted TO land her cargo.
/ but there is every prospect that other YES
J sells from Santos, whose crews have not yet
/ been decimated by the scourge, will soon
/ be turning their loads of coffee into the
channels Of trade. The President of the
New York Health Board has been placed
in most trying position in dealing with
the suspected coffee ships, and has in more
than one instance been roundly abused for
not yielding without hesitation TO the de-
mands Of persistent commercial indiYid-
uaIs. He has been numerically iayed for
not boldly taking the risk, and subjecting
not only the Empire City, but the entire
country 10 the menace Of a most odious
and demoralizing malady.
Not only New York but New Orleans is
perturbed over the clamor for the admission
Of Santos coffee. A ship from the Brazilian
plague spot is due at the Louisiana port
tomorrow, and the iercest sort OF a con-
troversy has broken out between the cot
ton exchange and the board of trade re-
garding the adyisability of receiving it into
the local market. The members of the
exchange are determined that the coffee
shall be shut out, on the ground that it is
8 possible source OF infection, and have
appealed to the local health authorities to
prohibit its landing. The board OF health,
il is said takes a position similar to that
Of Dr.. Doty. the health officer of the port
Of New York, and contends that, after the
ship from Santos has been detained for the
usual period al quarantine, il cannot be
legally prohibited from coming up to New
Orleans. As a last resort the dispatches
say, the cotton exchange viii appeal to the
Louisiana members OF Congress, impor-
tuning them to apply to the President for
the issue Of an embargo against vessels
coming from Santos.
Il is therefore barely possible that the
dispute over this matter may suddenly be-
ccme a national one if the President is
asked TO take action on the New Orleans
case.
Perhaps it VIII be an excellent thing If
this controversy is brought more prom
inently TO the attention Of the Federal au-
thorides, for The reason that there seems
to be an inclination at both New York and
New Orleans 10 disregard the terrifying
possibilities lurking in the reception and
distribution of suspected coffee throughout
81
ciate the fact that as soon as a single case
Of the pestilence develops in either Of the
cities mentioned, or al any American port,
there viii be spontaneous public interest
in the quarantine from the Atlantic to the
Pacific. There viii be no tendency, if such
an unfortunate outbreak occurs. 10 regard
the matter as an uninterestiBg and purely
local sanitary issue, for the habit of the
bubonic coutsgion is 10 spread like prairie
fire and TO spread death and disaster be
fore the communities attacked are prepared
10 cope with the situation.
IN dealing with such problem IT is bet
ter 70 be conservative and overcautious
than 10 be foolhardy There is so much at
stake that the question cannot be TOO care
fully considered. Notwithstanding the Off
hand opinions OF sanitary experts and 9th
ers that the chance Of the plague securing
a foothold in the United States is remote.
AS long as there IS even a remote possibil-
ity Of The pesulence seizing upon one OF
the thickly populated cities there is a con-
fessed danger in the situation. In spite OF
the reassuriHg tdiugs that the bubonic dis
ease is well under control in Santos, and
the sanguiue prediction that the Brazilian
port VIII soon be able TO report itself free
from coDtagion. there Is sufficient cause for
treating this matter with precaution and
concern. The plague cannot be fought
with theories after it has passed the marine
gateways. Il is easier TO keep it out when
It is out Than 10 destroy 1t after it gets in.