The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1899-09-17
FELLOW CITIZENS sTERILIEED.
How . Doctor on the Mexican Border Pre-
vented the Importation Of Smallpox.
Fyou TIA BaltfInors Sun

How o Doctor on the Mexican Border Pre-
vented the Importation of Smallpox.
From he Baltimore Sun.
CHIHUAHUA. Mex, Aug. h.-on my way
to Mexico had the pleasure Of meeting at Fl
Paso. Texas. Dr. Alexander, a veteren Of the
United States Marine Hospital Service who had
spent many years guarding our portals against
Mexican pestence DR.. Alexander Is by nativ-
ity Swiss, but his devotion to his adopted land
is mono the less ardent on that account He is
what is generally known as "a character
hale and hearty, with striking resemblance 10
our pictured images OF Kris Knnkle, especially
as regards his twinkling eye and ielylike abb
domen. He is man worth going miles to meet
for the funny tales he tells OF his experiences in
the service Of public health.
About three months ago smallpox was very
prevalent Just across the Rio Grando from FL
Paso. and II looked as II the epidemic would surely
cross the river But DR.. Alexander instituted
q rigorous quarantine and managed to keep of
all communication with the infected region until
a Mexican bull fight arrived on the other side
But on every Sunday celebration Of that enticing
Spanish entertainment large contingent OF the
sporting element OF the Texas town crossed the
river 10 view the fight Not only did the citizens
OF FL Paso attend, but tourists would stop over,
and on their return expose tho land Of Stars and
Stripes to the risk OF epidemic.
Having no power 10 prevent their going over
and not wishing to be hard on his fellow citizens
tho vgant health officer pleaded with them,
delivering small moral lecture on the wrong they
were doing, but all in vain. lie then wrote
more caustc article, in which he politely told them
that there would be trouble il the Sunday emigra-
ton into the infected province continued.
Sunday came, a beautiful spring day, and tho
hnn Grt anonn n md thn r,ti and
emigrated as Of yore, chuckling TO themselves
as to how the old doctor was at home pulling his
hair, for on their way over they saw him not
The fight was a good one, and the enjoyment
OF the Americans was great After the sport was
over. our fellow-citzcns started again for Dixie
land. but they met a sudden and unexpected check
in the Persons OF large number Of river guards
under the command OF tho old DOCTOR who pro-
ceeded TO corral the whole outfit"
Excitement ran high for while and some Of
the most pugnacious were violent and used bad
words. and in response 10 angry quesuonings
as to what Inc meant TO do, tho doctor blandly
replied: Il am going to sterilizc you"
Not being conversant with the germ theory or
with modern aseptc surgical technique, the cap
tives were much nonplussed, but their suspense
was soon relieved. After they had been placed
in line some OF the guards disappeared, but soon
returned bearing curious-looking apparatus
which seemed TO be a cross between a force pump
aud a giant atomizcr. and placed the machine in
front Of the line.
Tho doctor took hold Of a tube the assistants
began to pump laborioualy and while the ca ptives
were wondering what was going TO ha ppen their
line was suddenly struck by a vaporous blast
that almost took them off their feet To their ex-
clamations OF anger the doctor replied that he
was simply killing the germs with good strong
NJ ~
the apparatus was an invention Of his own Of which
he was very proud; that the mechanism was sim
plicity itself, and that he was thinking strongly
OF getting out patent on It, In tho meantime he
rclentlessly sprinEled their best Sunday suits
sparing not an occasional plug hat or gaudy tie,
and serving alike the laborer Jeans and the dudes
Prince Albert"
When the anterior surfaces seemed sufficiently |
saturated tho sturdy health officer calmly told |
them TO turn their backs, and proceeded to finish |
the ducking, relcntlessly working his medicated |
sprinkler until the last offender was soaked
A street car load Of sports" was held up and |
similarly served. Most Of them offered 10 get out
but the doctor explained that that was not neces-
sary, as his antiseptic spray would work well |
through tho windows, Several young gallants
had brought their fancccs in buggies, but their
feminine smiles had little effect the stony heart
ed medical man and after the usual douching tho
doctor says he emptied few pnts OF fluid on
the cushions lust to make an extra impression ON
the occupants"
sorry looking crew il was that passed back
over the Rio Grande that beautiful afternoon.
Tho quarantine officer little dreamed Of the far
reaching effects his operations would have for
they not only put sudden stop to the American
attendance to the bull fights but forced the eight"
10 close down. For without American cash there
was little profit in it, and the old doctor is very
happy in having put an end to what he considered
a detestable sport
But, on the other hand. he incurred the free,nnd
unlimited wrath Of the populace Of the Mexican
town to such an extent that they assembled on
the south bank of the Rio Grande and burnt tho
doctor in eflgy after bespcaking everlasting
punishment for his soul in the lower regionA