9210. YELLOW FEVER, Quarantine and.—
In the course of the several visitations
by this disease [yellow fever], it has appeared
that it is strictly local, incident to the cities and
on the tide waters only; incommunicable in the
country, either by persons under the disease
or by goods carried from diseased places; that
its access is with the autumn, and that it disappears
with the early frosts. These restrictions,
within narrow limits of time and space,
give security event to our maritime cities, during
three-fourths of the year, and to the country
always. Although from these facts it appears
unnecessary, yet to satisfy the fears of foreign
nations, and cautions on their part not to be
complained of in a danger whose limits are yet
unknown to them, I have strictly enjoined on
the officers at the head of the customs to certify
with exact truth for every vessel sailing for a
foreign port, the state of health respecting this
fever which, prevailed at the place from which
she sailed. Under every motive from character
and duty to certify the truth, I have no doubt
they have faithfully executed this injunction.
Much real injury has, however, been sustained
from a propensity to identify with this endemic,
and to call by the same name, fevers of very
different kinds, which have always been known
at all times and in almost all countries, and
never have been placed among those deemed
contagious. As we advance in our knowledge
of this disease, as facts develop the source from
which individuals receive it, the State authorities
charged with the care of the public health,
and Congress with that of the general commerce,
will become able to regulate with effect
their respective functions in these departments.
The burden of quarantines is at home as well
as abroad; their efficacy merits examination.
Although the health laws of the States should
be found to need no present revisal by Congress,
yet commerce claims that their attention
be ever awake to them.—
Fifth Annual Message. Washington ed. viii, 46.
Ford ed., viii, 387.
(Dec. 1805)
—YEOMANRY, Beggared.—See Embargo, 2589.
