The Washington times., 1912-08-07
WANTS
$4,000 FOR WAR
upon C|TYS RATS
Health Board Says Preven-
tion of Bubonic Plague Is
Better Than Cure,

In anticipation OF the possible intro
duction OF the bubonic plague in the
Diatrict. the commissioners, on recon-
medation OF Health officer woodward
nave asked Congress for special ap-
preparation OF $4,000 to enable them TO
adopt protective measures against ~.
disease, experimenting the activities az
the Public Health and Marine HospitaI
Service. The recommendatfo bears tia
approval Of the President ana has becn
sent to the Treasury Department for
Transmission to Congress-. 80
Z No trace of the plague has apne.re,,
In the District. but 1t Is the opinion Of
the Health Officer that means should
be provided at once to fight the disease
in the event Of its appearance.
The following letter on the subject
was addressed by the Health Officer
70 the Commissioners:
Il desire to call your attention to the
fact that there 10 no sufficient fund az
the command of the District wherewitb
70 cope with the plague, which is now
menacing our entire Atlantic and Gulf
coasts. and which apparently has gained
q Ioothoid among the rats in New Or
leans. -
Wages War on Rats.
I'm anticipation of the possible in
PRODUCTION Of the plague Il is important
to begin as soon as possible a cam
paign for the destruction OF rats. Even
IL single case of plague were to be
found, either in a human being or In
rat. the destruction of all rats within
the particular area where such case
occurred would be imperative. Should
case Of plague occur in a human
being 1t would be necessary to properly
care for the patient and to keep under
observation all persons exposed to the
infection.
For personal service in connection
with the control and supervision of all
contagious diseases, for the Twelve
months ending June 30, 1913 the appro-
priation act provides $4,000; for the ppr-
cnase OF supplies, $4,000; and for dis
infection. including personal service in
cident thereto. 5000. =
The general emergency fund of s. 900
would become available after such a
condition had arisen that the District
might be said to be afflicted with a pes
thence, but this fund, II previous
rulings are adhered to, would not be
| available before that time, even for the
very purpose Of preventing the pesti-
| lence. .....
Funds Inadequate.
1T Is quite appartnt. therefore, that
no substantial effort can be made with
| available funds toward averting the i'm
pending danger from plague without, at
the same time. neglecting other dan
gers that are closer at hand and which
the Health Oficer Is bound TO guard
against, such as those from tubercu-
losis,. typhoid, diphtheria, etc.
1t Is impossible, OF course, 70 make
correct "a q n N a Will hf.
| needed for the prevention of the plague
and for the treatment OF cases. should
any occur in the District, Everything
will depend upon the promptness with
which the disease Is recognized and the
headway which 1t has gained before 1t
is recognized.
Expenditures In the early stages of
an outbreak to prevent the spread of
the disease will accomplish much more
| than similar expenditures after the dis
ease has gained a foothold. The amount
suggested, $4,000, is believed to be rea-
sonable.
Reasons for Request.
las an initial reason for seeking ac-
| ton by Congress at the present time,
attention Is called to the fact that when
Congress has adjourned the District is
unable to raise any money for the pre-
vention Of the plague or for the care OF
patients until after Congress recon-
venes.
For the reasons stated, respectfully
urge that Congress be asked to appro-
pirate $4,000 for the prevention of the
plague in the District and for the care
of patients suffering from that disease.
should any be found
Congress last year appropriated $500
| for the destruction of rats In the Dis
trict The Health Officer, after COM
! municating with the health authorities
Of San Francisco, Seattle, and other
are spent annually in warfare against
| the rodents, decided that the amount
| was too small to permit of the accom-
| plishment of any practical results. and
\ the money was returned to the
Treasury.