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

who was arrested week ago on a charge of failing to report cases of yellow fever. Dr. Berge is of excellent repute in the medical fraternity and no feeling exists toward him, but Dr. White and his col leagues desired a prosecution of the case in order to set an example to doctors who were unwilling to cooperate with the authorities. Dr. White, some of the members of his staff, and number of physiciaps attended the trial which was a prolonged affair and developed nu- merous tilts between the opposing law yers.
 Dr. Berge's defense as to the Chartres street cases says that he reported them by telephone to the emergency hospital when his diagnosis was complete It was shown that all the physicians were given notice to report direct to Dr. Whites Headquarters. While on the stand Dr. Berge intimated that he was not required to report suspicious eases and that diagnosis of yellow fever was impossible before expiration of twenty-four hours. Before the trial was completed Dr. Berge decided that he would plead guilty to one of the three charges against him on the condition that the other two would be dismissed. He did so and paid a fine of $25.
 Sensational rumors were af1oat on the streets today to the effect that the steamship Excelsior from Havana had been held at quarantine and that four passengers had been taken off suffering with yellow fever. The state health board was in communication with Quarantine Officer Thomas, and learned that one of the crew of the vessel was i'll in his bunk, apparently suffering from ma larial fever, and was taken on as precaution. The vessel will proceed to New Orleans. In order to run no risks the Southern Pacific ten, days ago put phy- sican on each of its steamers to take the temperature of every one on board periodically. There Is no danger, there fore. that the steamers of the line will carry infection into either Havana or New Orleans.
 In spite of all that has been done to re- assure them, isolated instances continue to appear wherein Italians show their re- luctance to give the physicians knowl- edge of sickness among them. The latest case is that of Giacomo Lamaneosso, who was staying at the home of friend in an unfrequented neighborhood. He was taken i'll and no doctor was called. When he died his friend was compelled to mo- tify the coroner. who discovered that the case was one of actual yellow fever. The great danger in cases like this Is that with no precautions taken mosquitoes are almost certain to be infected, and the disease thereby spread to innocent per sons, and 1t is because of such evasions of the law that the authorities find it diff ficult to set date when every case will have been wiped out.
 Intelligent Italians Cooperate.
 The more intelligent Italians realize that the ignorant and superstitious members of the race are largely blamable for the conditions that have developed here, and they promise to cooperate with the mu- nicipai authorities in an effort to enforce better sanitation in the congested dis tricts.
 Chairman Paterno of the Italian relief committe has discussed the matter with the mayor and called attention to the fact that some cheap lodging houses are crowded to the extent of fifteen to twenty in one room at times. The mayor has promised to take the matter up and have the necessary legislation passed, not so much for present as for future protec- ton.
 Dr. Brady today reported a nest of in- lection in Plaquemine parish developed from New Orleans. It is at Woodland. When the fever began to rage here Tn July an Italian family left No 53l Du- maine street in the heart of the infect ed quarter and hurried to Woodland Ihe first child was taken sick on July 2S and the second three days later No precau- tions were taken. No more eases ap- peared until August 15. but the numbers repeated themselves. just sufficient time having elapsed for the mosquitoes which had bitten the children to infect fresh subjects There are 300 people at Wood land. There are three cases now and nine convalescent. One death has oc- cured there.
 Sensational Rumors Afloat.
 Dr. von Ezdorf returned today from visit to Bayou Boeuf, Lafayette, Patter- son and other points along the Southern Pacific road. Summarizing, he said that the situation was steadily improving in