The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1899-02-24
NEWS FROM ALEXANDRIA.

Alexandria, Feb. 23-The differences OF
opinion between the mayor and health CT
ficer in regard to the management OF the
smallpox epidemic is the occasion OF much
unfavorable comment. 1t will be remem-
bered that communications from the two
officers were recently read before the city
council. with the result that 4 special
committee was appointed TO investigate
the matter and formulate some plan by
which smallpox might be eradicated from
the city. After sitting for two days the
committee submitted report at special
meeting CT the council on Thursday night
last. in which IL was recommended that
the health officer Immediately call together
the Board of Health. to take such action
as they may deem proper to eradicate
smallpox from this city" Acting on the
direction of the council. the Board OF
Health authorized the health officer 10 Sc
cure the services of eight physicians to
take charge of and daily visit all smallpox
patients, to make hOuse-to-h house inspec-
ton. and vaccinate all persons that they
might deem practicable. requesting the
mayor to withdraw members OF the police
force and other guards, and to permit the
Health Department to assume entire con-
troll of matters pertaining 10 the health OF
the city.
Mayor Simpson has acknowledged the re-
ceipt of the resolutions adopted by the
board and refuses to withdraw any mem
bers OF the police force or guards appointed
to do quarantine or other work. He was
unwilling to allow health officer. whose
position is so insignificant that the law
does not actually prescribe his duties TO
dictate the mayors conduct to the police
officers Of the city" The mayor calls at
tention to the fact that the action of the
city council OF February Is is null and
void not having received the approval or
the mayor. He ridicules the position as
sumed by the health officer. and says:
The health officer. having no positive au-
thority to do anything except under d.
reCtions of those superior in authority.
should be assisted with positive insiTuc-
tions from the board of health. and not al
lowed TO trample upon the laws of our
city and the rights of our taxpayers" As
previously stated, it was supposed that the
differences existing between the mayor
and health officer in the conduct OF the
smallpox affairs would have been adjusted
by the action of council and the subse-
quent action of the board of health. but
this does not seem to be the case. ana
while the usual daily statements are pub
lished of the rapid decrease of the num-
Der of cases. the actual number OF new
cases discovered is not given publicity.
The Board of Health has decided TO take
no formal acton on the TtplN o. .AtNus
Simpson until after the meeting Ct the
city council. on Tuesday night next
The funeral of Mrs. Ida Louise Watkins
took place this morning from her latl
home in West End. Rev. S. \. Wallis. OF
the Theological Seminary. conducted the
services.
Rev. DR.. Clampitt, of Baltimore. con-
Quoted the Lenten service in Christ Church
tonight.
The ferry steamer Columbia has re-
sumed her trips between this city AMI
Washington. and the steamer Harry Ran
dali left this morning on her trip to the
lower river. The Norfolk steamer eX-
perienced great difficulty in reaching this
port this morning on account Of an Ice
gorge which formed Just below Fort
Foote. Subsequently tugs were sent t.
the gorge and the channel was cleared.
A meeting of the newly elected direc-
tors of the Alexandria Insurance Company
pany were discussed. and committee was
appointed to examine the securities held
by the company. The secretary was Gi-
rected to furnish certain information con-
corning the business affairs OF the COM
pany. George Wise. the secretary. ten
dered his resignation, hut no action was
taken in the matter by the board.
James Nails. who was seriously injured
by an accident at the Alexandria Fertilizer
Works. has been removed from the In
Urinary to his home in Wolfe Street
Porter j. White. accompanied by Miss
Alga Verne. will present Faust at HIS
Opera House tomorrow night.