The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-09-27

settled opinions as to the wiser policy. It has been supported by generous assist ance in money, and, more acceptably, in the skill, fidelity and labor of great phy- sicians employed in the service of the United States.
 The question can now be approached in spirit never before possible, and the demand for a clear definition of the linn it's of the Jurisdiction and the duties of the state and federal governments can now be met without friction.
 Who. Shall Make Definitions.
 But who is able to make these defini- tons and to prescribe these limitations? Unless this can be done by positive stat ute law. or by compact between certain states, ratified by Congress, l can see no way to escape protracted and ever-re- curing questioning and discussion of a subject that often will not admit of de- lay even for a single day. If the law to regulate such conflicts of Jurisdiction is not clear, positive and conclusive in It's operation 1t Is better to leave the whole question to the people who are most di- rectly concerned and to their instinctive sense of self-preservation. If this is done commerce, intercourse and governmental operations such as malls and the trans portation of troops and other agents, must be suspended by the interruption of local police authority. This Is an inad- IIlSSdDle ldulh III 6ONclihChts anu AiuSh in some way be rectifed.
 The states may enter into compacts with each other subject to ratification by Congress Such compacts when made have all the force and effect of constitu- tional ordinances, and are not repealable. unless 1t is so provided in the compact, except by the consent of all the powers concerned. I do not recall any exercise of this great latent power of constitu- tional government, but the possibilities in favor of the general welfare that 1t includes are among the most helpful of the blessings that are treasared up in the constitution of the United States.
 The visitation of the yellow fever along the gulf coast Is the proper occasion for considering what may be done by two or more states toward providing by com pact for the proper adjustment of the laws of quarantine. If acts of Congress are relied upon to settle these conflicts of Jurisdiction, every mile post in the progress of our history will be a head board at the grave of our hopes and ex- pectatons The treaty making power, by incorporating provisions as to quarantine in treaties with foreign powers, thereby making them the supreme law" may empower Congress to legislate for the quarantine of yellow fever, without in terference by the local police power. We have such a treaty with several powers with reference to cholera and bubonic and other plaques. But treaties cannot be legally perpetual and may be repealed or denounced.
 In view of this and other important reasons. compact between states rati- fled by Congress, is safer and more self-reliant way to accomplish good re- suits as to quarantine than treaties with foreign powers.
 Wants Extraordinary Session.
 I hope the legislature will be called 7sinto extraordinary session, at least to consider these important and extraordi- nary conditions.
 The disposal of water power developed by the improvement of our navigable water courses is a matter of immense importance to our people and to the rev. enue of the state, and needs early consid- eration by the legislature. The value of water power that Is thus being added to the wealth of the state, if 1t is wisely cared for, is an asset that may be justly classed along with our coal and iron. our cement rocks, our states, marbles and building stones. and our forests, among the rich blessings treasured up in the bosom of Alabama. With great respect.
 JOHN T. MORGAN.