The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1920-06-16
City Starts War on Rats
Appropriates $4,000 to Become
Available Immediately for
Use In Plague Fight.
DIR. WILLIAMS is HERE
Public Health Service Expert
Addresses Commissioners on
Methods of determination.

The City Commissioners appropriated
$4,000 late yesterday afternoon as a
beginning towards the determination
of rats and elimination of bubonic
plague in this city, after hearing a
discussion by c. L. williams. of the
Federal Public Health Service. DIR.
Williams arrived in the city early
yesterday morning TO take charge OF
the work here temporarily. Further
Icity aid will be added to the state and
federal aid as the work progresses.
( Under the direction of DIR. williams
corps Of rat catchers viii be organ
ized here under a paid system. the
men TO be paid SIS per month plus a
bonus Of 10 cents for each dead rat
. turned in. 25 cents for each live rat
/ and $3.50 for each infected rat An
ambulatory laboratory car will he
sent here shortly with a corps con-
sisting OF a medical officer seven rat
catchers. three inspectors and an ex-
pert fumigator
Oscar Greene. negro, sOs \. Covle.
was reported as being the second man
In the city To have the plague. Late
last night he became delirious and left
MS residence. causing a number OF
wild rumors TO be circulated. He was
finally taken back TO his residence
for additional treatment.
The following bulletins were issued
last night:
Local Headquarters. State Board OF
Health
Pensacola, Florida, June IS. 1920.
NO additional cases OF plague or
suspected plague were reported dur
ing the day. The second case of hu
man plague, a negro. Oscar Greene.
was reported at sos N Coyle ST bv DR.
PIckens. The case has beea doine
fairly well, but is tonight IN a state 81
active delirium. which would seem 10
indicate the gravity OF the patients
condition.
DIR. Williams OF the United States
Public Health Service Plague Com
mission with other local physicians.
addressed the Rotary Club AZ their
meeting at the San Carlos Hotel. DIR.
Williams detailed the general history
of plague epidemics. the symptoms and
management Of human cases and told
of the needs for urgent action ON the
part Of all interested agencies.
At o'clock DIR. Williams and the
State Health Officer met with the
City Commissioners. The meeting was
attended by a group of the leading
business men of the city. Both ply
sicians informed the City Commits
sioners that the fight for eradication
of bubonic plague from Pensacola was
dependent upon the putting into ef-
feet of an active campaign for rat ex-
termination. IL was stated that the
expense of this work for the first
year would be 100000, for the second
year 100000. and for the third year
follow up work would be necessary
at an expense of $4,000. II was
stated that the United States Public
Health Service is limited in eXpendi-
lures of money, and that il was doubt
full about receiving any material as
sistance from the government until
after July 1. at which time new ap-
become available.
1t was stated by DIR. Williams that
a period Of not less than three years
would be absolutely necessary TO ac-
complish complete results in the rat
campaign. DIR. williams further stated
that local law enforcement measures
to insure proper observance OF sani-
tory laws and TO secure rat proofing
Of structures shown { be infected
with plague rats would be met by the
passage of local ordinances.
1t was explained that rat proofing
Of buildings wherever indicated would
be done at the expense of the prop
erty owners. DIR. Williams requested
that at least $1,000 be appropriated
by the city authorities and turned over
TO the state board of health for dis
bursement. Dr. Greene of the state
board of ealth informed the city com
missioners that the state board OF
health would exert Itself to the ex-
treme limit in furnishing workers and
money to assist in meeting the pres
ent emergency. Upon conclusion OF
the discussion which was INDUCED in
by citizens who assured the city com
nissioners that public sentiment was
clearly behind them, the individual
members Of the commission st-ated
hat they were in favor of making the
necessary appropriation.
1t is thought the money will become
Immediately available and will be used
1t once for launching the rat exter-
mination campaign under direction
IF the Public Health Service. II was
'urther explained that there was every
-eason to expect that the Public Health
Service would adopt its usual finan-
:ial policy after July ] of furnishing
half of all monies needed and that the
:ity of Pensacola and the state board
II health would be expected TO furnish
comparatively the other so percent.
1t is expected that the state board
II health will meet in Pensacola on
friday Of this week. A telegram was
-eceived from Hon Joe L. Earman,
president, 10 the effect that he has
elegraphed Senators Fletcher and
rrammell and Congressman Smith
wick. Drane. Sears and Clark urging
hem TO use every influence TO secure
aid. Hon j. Ed Graves