The morning news., 1899-04-05

reach to carry out the regulations the
same as the government.
Alderman Graham replied that it was
within the city's reach, but not within
the budget To this Mr.. Krouskoff re-
piled that he thought the situation was de-
plorable when the citys finances are such
it has to abandon self-government
Proba bly, the strongest argument In favor
of government control was the figures
presented by Alderman Graham, showing
what the city had paid out for quaran-
tine during the last six years He said
the station had cost $115, ,095 49, and of this
amount ship owners had paid $44, 7Os. 81.
While the city had paid $70,3s651. If the
government takes charge shipowners he
said, will not be put to this expense, but
viii enter their vessels absolutely free of
charge. In addition to this, Alderman
Graham said the service under the gov
ernment would be as good, and possibly
better, than the present, because of the
increased facilities.
DR.. Owens called attention to the fact
that only 16 2-3 per cent of the marine
hospital surgeons lave had yellow fever.
ana that only % per cent. have ever seen
H. He desired to know if II would not be
a risk TO put the station in charge of men
of no more experience.
Col Mercer spoke against government
control, calling attention to the political
lnfluence that might be brought to bear
against the port He said he favored gov
ernment control under certain conditions
lie is against the Canery bill. which nuts
quarantine directly under the control of
Ihe secretary of the Treasury but favors
Dill which places il under three commits
sions, one for the North, another for the
south and third for the West. Being a
member of the Park and Tree Commission,
he said he at first thought of faVoring a
change so that the citys saving of $15. 900
might go to the depleted appropriation of
his commission.
Col. Mercer referred to the fact that the
late Col. George e. Waring was permitted
TO enter New York, and a few days later
he died with yellow fever showing that
influence was worth something in getting
through the lines. 1t was later stated by
Alderman Graham that the marine hospi-
tai service was not in control of New
Hork's station except when there was trou-
bic, and there was need for the govern
ment's aid. Col Mercer further said that
Savannah had local experts on yellow fe-
Ver including Health Officer
LeHardy, who are fully able to
cope with the disease and would protect
the city at all times by suppresslng i'm
proper reports. He feared there might be
a political tincture 10 appointments, which
might destroy the usefulness of capable
physicians. He commended the work of
the local authorities for what they have
done in the past
Col. Mercer concluded by saying he
might be called pessimist, but giving up
quarantine reminded him of the story of
the Greeks capturing Troy by putting sew
eral of their number In wooden horse
which the Trojans unsuspectingly took
within their gates as a trophy, and at
afernf oil cd nA INF 4
unlock the gates and let in the whole
Greek army.
Alderman Dixon replied to Col. Mer-
GERS references to politics by saying that
DR.. Brunner was discharged on this ac-
count This was denied by DIR. Owens
who said DR.. Brunner resigned. but the
circumstances were brought out by AL