Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-03-12
Genuine Case Reported to Have
Occurred in Chinatown.
PRECAUTIONS BY HEALTH BOARD
Chinese Consul Says the Disease
Does Not Exist There.
DECLA RES 1T A RUS E

SAN FRANCISCO. March 12.-At a special
meeting of the board of health held to con-
slider the plague situation. there were pres
ent. besides the members, Dr.. Kinyoun, fed
eraI quarantine officer; DR.. Cassaway of
the United States marine hospital service
and Prof Armstrong of the University of
California. DIR. Kinyoun reported that all
of the animals a the quarantine station on
Angel Island which were inoculated with
virus from the body of the Chinese who
expired few days q go under suspicious cir
substances had died. with the exception
OF the monkey. and il was in a dying con-
ditior. An autopsy of the rats and guinea
pigs showed that they had developed symp-
toms of the genuine bubonic plague. After
discussing the matter the board decided that
the ChiEaman who died at 1901 Dupont
street had been afflicted with the plague. A
request was made for 100 volunteers from
among members of the mcIiCaI profession
10 make 4 hOuse-to-hOuse examination and
aid the board in thoroughly fumigating and
disinfeCtinS the entire quarter. A quaran-
tine was not declared, but the board ad-
J0urncd at an early hour this morning to
meet at noon today. when it is predicted
that such action will be taken.
Will Inspect Chinatown.
The board of health has agreed that the
work of inspecting Chinatown w'sN :. view
10 improving its sanitary condition, shall
begin at once. The section will be dis
tricted. and every day until all danger is
past every house will be visited and every
occupant inspected. Reliable Chinese will be
detailed to accompany the physicians, and
the police will render what assistance they
can. These Chinese will be supplied for the
work by the Six Companies. Until another
case of plague develops Chinatown will re-
free from hrIr
required to have little communication
as possible with the suspected district
When the Chinese learned of the action
OF the board of health there was an exodus
from Chinatown Of those who are employed
outside of the district.
President Williamson of the board of
health says:
Regarding the case in question. there is
no cause for panic. 1t may be sporadic
and no others may develop. but if subse-
uu-nt Investigations show that new cases
follow the one mentioned. l have every
reason 10 believe the inspection Just inau-
Surated hy the department will minimize
the danger 10 such an extent that the dis
ease Will n't succeed in getting a foothold
in the city
No Alarm is Felt.
No alarm is felt 10y physicians who discuss
The matter, and some doubt is expressed
as To the nature of the disease from which
the Chinese died. Consul General Ho Vow
SAYS:
II believe this is nothing more nor less
than ruse on the Part of the board of
health TO prevent the liability Of damage
suits which have frequently been threaten
ed on account of the outrageous acts of
last week in qUarantining the Chinese
quarter. There never was any bubonic
plague in Chinatown, but if there was /
would be the first person to assist in pro-
;'cting the health Of San Francisco.
The case in question was made the sub
Ject Of thorough examination by myself,
and | will not hesitate to say that the pub
lie need not be alarmed. The man was sick
for some time and died CT an ailment
which is common, though not contagious.
If any more attempts are made 10 block
ad@ the Chinese quarter. We are prepared 10
procure injunctions from the courts and
VIII protect the rights of our people as far
possible.