The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1916-01-11
ASK TO Be SET RIGHT
Citizens of Grainfield Deny That
Smallpox Situation.

Citizens of Grainfield, Kan, are up
in arms over the recent report of an
epidemic of smallpox in their town
and the complaint to DIR. S. ]. Crum-
bine that the quarantine was not being
enforced. DR.. Stoner, county health
officer of Cove county, recently
ditions in his county, particularly
around Grainfield, were alarming and
that quarantine rules were not en-
forced. Threats of state quarantine
were made, arousing a storm of pro-
test. The following telegram was sent
to DIR. 5. J. Crumbine, secretary of the
state board of health:
Certainly you are being basely
imposed upon in regard TO smallpox
here. Am a resident of this city for
past thirty years; been mayor.
Quarantine laws have been obeyed.
except the health officer was lax in
the beginning. consequently spread of
the disease To quarantine this city
would be SO unjust and so contrary to
common sense and Justice, as one cit
izen 1 do humbply protest.
IS. S. REYNOLDS"
In a communication to the State
Journal citizens of Grainfield set forth
U
publication of the story regarding the
quarantine. Following is Mr.. Rey-
nolds's letter:
The Topeka State oJurnal:
The sensational headlines entitled
Riot Act Read to Grainfield." APP
pearing in your last evenings pubii-
with Amusement not unmixed with
| Indignation. smallpox has prevailed
| here in mild form-so mild that
physicians, even our esteemed coun-
ty health officer, ut first said it
| was not smallpox, vet we admit that
the health officer was doubtless mis-
taken.
We respectfully represent that the
| disease has run its course. What few
cases there are that have not had it
long enough to be safely released are
Kept isolated Or. stonerr had some
man said as the voice of our little
city. And the doctor acted on that
alarm or Tempest in a Teapot" All
of it we protest is unfair to us as a
community of law-abiding citizens
Holding our pubic officials in high
esteem. yet we do not coneede that they
! are infallible and cannot or make
above admitted is unjust and i'm
putes to u.s.; conduct, which is to say
the least libelous; and we hurl the
who are responsible for them. We
were tried, convicted and sentenced
without being heard That such
should be done by anyone is sur
prise. Since that way of dealing with
men and women Is n rank violation of
! the spirit of free government. Let Ell
/ who will need to eome-come with
! feeling of perfect security and safe
| ty from any danger of contracting
smallpox or any other disease by
| reason of any carelessness on our part
and they will be received with ali of
the courtesy due to our fellowmen.
s. s REYNOLDS.
We. the undersigned citizens en-
dorse all of the above:
J. W. Mcdowell, mayor and grain
dealer.
Bruce l. Peck, city clerk and metal
worker.
Martin Sutcliffe, school director.
member city council, vice president
! Citizens State bank.
l.. o. Hanson. member city council
grain and implement dealer
J. Berrell, member city council,
grain and implement dealer
| W. ]. HeiVey, member city council
and real estate.
Geo. 5. Dryer, postmaster
Levi \. Johnson, president of Citi-
zens' State bank.
Is. Il. Bacon, principal public schools.
j. L. Smith. real estate and insur-
ance
A. =. Engel. harness dealer.
{. l.. Cheney, general mdse.
Thomas L. Poole. general mdse.
Chas- +. Horne. retail hardware.
Lumber company.
J. II. IIaska, reg. pharmacist.
II. T. thurman, butcher.
S. !. Baker, real estate dealer
J. L. Justice, city marshal of Grain
field.