Daily press. [volume] (Newport News, Va.) 1896-current, 1910-05-06
OUR RELIEF MUST COME FROM
RICHMOND.

RICHMOND.
II Is 70 be hoped that tonights
meeting of the Chamber of Commerce
will result in the adoption OF a strong
resolution appealing to Governor
Mann relief from the unnecessary
burden imposed upon the commerce
of this port by the State quarantine
service. The shipping interests OF
Norfolk are now seeking relief at the
hands of the Elizabeth River quaran-
tine commission. and they probably
will secure some desirable changes
In the regulations. But this will not
help Newport News. Our relief must
come from Richmond, and II is high
time we set about getting it, Even
should TIE Norfolk politicians sue
coed in retaining for the beneficiary
of the State service on that side OF
the Roads the right to collect fees
from the shipping. that ought not to
affect our attitude In the matter We
know that the State quarantine as at
present administered is ridiculously
inefficient. and that 1t is as unneces-
sary as II Is inadequate AZ song as
Hampton Roads is protected by the
United States station at Old Point.
Therefore the Chamber of Commerce
will fail IN its duty to the port II It
does not. at least, file with the COVER
nor a respectful request for change
in conditions. II We do not ask for
relief We are not liable to get it; un-
less Governor Mann hears something
from Newport News on the subject.
he will be justified In concluding that
We are satisfied with the situation
as il staads.
The Chamber of Commerce Is not
a political organization and takes no
part IN political contests or discus
sions. II is body Of business and
professional men. banded together
for the purpose of protecting and
promoting the best interests of New
port News as a city and as a port.
Therefore !; is right and proper that
the chamber tske a hand in this quar-
aBtine business. To petition the gov
ernor In this case would not be TO
dabble In politics: the object would
be to beg that the governor eliminate
the political feature end reduce To a
minimum the number of vessels held
up for no other purpose than TO give
fees to the political pensioner.
The Norfolk virginisn- Pilot. dis
cussing the situation on that side of
the Roads. says:
In such circumstances the way OF
judgment IS too plan 10 admit OF
doubt or hesitation. II is 10 abolish
the State quarantine In toto. unless
and until the Virginia legislature
shall Suthorize and provide for the
equ'pment Of a quarantine plant and
detention station and the maiutcn-
ance OF a q1ara3tine service whica
all adequately meet al the demands
of the public health and the general
welssre The service as nov operst.
I'd = altogether worthless and IN
necessary. imposing q useless burden
won the commerce 81 the Hampton
Roads ports and serving no other par
pose than 10 furnish fat sinccures
90 be bestowed a. polisicai rewards.
To contend that the Hampton Rods
ports or the state OF Virginia nave
anything 10 Ssn m any direction BY
supplementary q Federal qusrsntins
system which Is admittedly approx.
nafciy perfect with q slate service
sckaoElcdeed 20 be rid.cuiousiy I'M
perfect l. 40 argue an shSurdity too
nn-aifest 20 deserve serious treat
ncni
The resolution that vlll b. bcior,