Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1900-03-29
OBSERVE LAWFUL RULES.

OBSERVE LAWFUL hOhEs'
Conflicting reports are frequently re-
oelyed from places In this state, af-
nlcted with the contagious disorder
which has been somewhat prevalent
Sometimes the number OF such cases is
greatly exaggerated, at others It Is
minimized. One statement viii be posi-
tive as to the nature OF the disease, an
other will cast doubt upon the first re-
port. The same disorder is called SMALL
pox by some physicians, chlckenpox by
others, and neither by dissentlents.
News viii come from an infected dis
trlot that strict quarantine has been
established. to be followed by later
statement that great carelessness is ex-
hlbited. and that exposed persons are
allowed to 20 at large without re-
stralut. II Is a pity that writer's viii
not confne their reports to facts,
The necessity OF sanitary and quaran-
tine regulations when any contagious
disorder makes its appearance, ought to
be clear TO every reasonable mind. Doc
tors may diner over symptoms and
what they indicate, as they do In re-
gard TO the remedies required, but
there should be no dispute as 10 the
necessity Of lsolating persons afflicted
with an Infectious disease. and Of quar-
antining individuals who have been ex-
posed TO II. This ls matter that prop
erly comes under the purvlew Of the
law. Regulations for the preservation
Of the public health, adopted by the
proper officers In conformity with the
law and within the powers legally
vested In them, should be compiled with
by every citizen.
Restrictions OF this kind may be car
f!ed into too great extremes. causing
unnecessary Inconvenience and expense,
but It 10 better 10 go too far IN this
direction than to endanger public safe
ty by negligence or laxity. Quarantine
Is always unpleasant TO persons who
are restrained OF their usual liberty but
this has to be endured as patiently as
possible, for the general welfare.
The removal OF patients afflicted
With mild attack OF the disease
which has appeared in a number Offset
Elements during the past few months,
is Of questionable policy. The very
thought OF being taken unwlllingly TO a
pest house" is naturally repulsive. To
be shut up In a place where Others have
been taken who are down" with II In
a malignant stage. seems TO be, in some
instances at least, unnecessary II not
dangerous. Isolation by quarantine In
the home OF the afflicted would prob
ably be all that IL really necessary In
that regard. This is the course pursued
on the appearance Of smallpox In the
great cities OF the old world as well az
the new, However. when such hos
pitfalls are appointed where due regard
Is had for the needs Of the patients. COM
biiahSt WIN tlt ltbuidtioh SHOuiu be
strictly observed.
The law requires report TO be made
by local boards Of health to the State
board. on the presence Of epidemic or
other dangerous diseases, and the local
authorities In every city and town and
county are required 10 establish reguia-
tion for the maintenance OF the public
health. These require physicians to re-
port all cases OF contagious or infectious
disorders. so that the necessary quaran-
tine may be established. No one should
attempt TO eyade these important rules,
nor mIngle with the general public af-
ter exposure 10 contagion. The careless
ness in this respect which is sometimes
exhibited. shows reckless disregard OF
the rights and safety Of other people
which cannot be too strongly con-
demned. and which renders the/offend-
ers liable TO legal punishment.
In this healthful climate there should
be little danger Of the spread Of con-
tagion II the law In relation 10 II was
obeyed according to It's spirit and in
tent. This includes. Of course. discre-
tion on the part Of the health authori-
ties and the impartial execution Of such
rules as may be necessary There are
contagious diseases which experience
has demonstrated 10 be much more dan
garous TO life and health than the dis
order about which there have been Sc
much excitement and such rigid eyclu.
sion, niphtheria ana scarlet fever have
been far more malignant and fatal
than that. but we do not hear OF pest
houses TO which persons afflicted there.
with have been compelled 10 retire
This has caused a great deal Of COM
ment and the wisdom OF the dlscrimina-
ton has been very strongly questioned
This matter. however, is in the hands
Of the health boards and subject tC
their Judgment. We believe there has
been much unnecessary excitement over
the outbreak OF the disorder. and q
great deal Of harm has been the conse.
eusnee 10 business and other material