Public Ledger

There is a very unfortunate and unnecessary muddle at Vicksburg. Dr. Riley or some authority back of him has discontinued the quarantine station at that place, and it has raised quite a breeze. The papers there charge that Dr. Riley's act is one of spite, because his appointee, the Local Inspector, was not approved or admired by the Vicksburg people. As to that matter they had good reason to complain. The young man appointed however worthy in social life, however clever and however influential personally, has barely obtained a diploma from some of the numerous medical colleges. He is, in fact, a beardless boy, without experience to fit him for such an important position. No wonder the Vicksburg people cut up, so to speak. This boy came along and took position as a representative of the National Board of Health to protect the life and the vast commercial interests of the Mississippi valley. Dr. Riley could have found experienced physicians of judgment, years and high standing to take the place, but perhaps it did not suit his purpose.

If quarantine is worth anything, give us the full benefit of it. Let the experiment be so fully tested that it can be either adopted or discarded in future. The agents appointed should be men who command the respect of the medical profession and of the business and thinking people of this great valley. Dr. Riley may be merely a vicarious figurehead, bearing the sins and responsibilities of others, who expect to reap all the honors and escape all the pains and punishments that attach to public blunders. The discontinuance of the station at Vicksburg brings Memphis next door to New Orleans; and if quarantine is not a sham, to keep a few pets in office on good pay, which they cannot earn elsewhere, then the people of Memphis, who have done their whole duty, have a right to protest. Possibly the station as managed at Vicksburg did not amount to much of itself, but it had a moral effect, and boats coming up the river were more likely to be in good sanitary condition than if no inspection was looked for. A sentinel on the outpost of a sleeping army may be a tower of strength, from the fact that his alarm on the approach of danger would bring that whole army to its feet. Even a raw recruit would be better than none at the post, because he carries an emblem of authority. He may be powerless of himself, and yet unawares convey a shadow of power. It is due to the entire public that this proceeding be explained. The removal of a quarantine station half way between Memphis and New Orleans is either an evidence of imbecility or a confession that the system is a sham and a fraud to gull the backwoods people into a sense of security and keep a few pets from work or beggary. It is too serious a matter to be trifled with or to be entrusted to one or two of the favorites of the National Board of Health. That body, established and backed by the national government, will be held responsible for the acts of its subordinates. We are satisfied that Dr. Frank Riley has caused the discontinuance of the station at Vicksburg, and that he has once more proved himself utterly incompetent to grapple with such a grave issue and unworthy of the place he holds. For further particulars, see proceedings of the Vicksburg Board of Mayor and Alderman in another place.

THE VICKSBURG QUARANTINE STATION.
Incompetence and Insolence of Dr. Frank Riley Denounced.
Vicksburg Commercial, 25th.

At a meeting of the Board of Mayor and Aldermen held on the 23d, the following preamble and resolutions were adopted, to-wit:

Whereas, Numerous complaints having been made to this Board as to the unsatisfactory manner in which the quarantine station below this city has been conducted; and

Whereas, The Mayor and Health Officer of this city lodged complaint with Dr. Frank Riley, Supervisor and Inspector, asking him to visit this city to investigate the same; and

Whereas, Dr. Frank Riley upon receiving said complaint proceeded to said quarantine station, passing without stopping at the city, and after a short delay there returned to Memphis again, passing by without stopping; and

Whereas, The said Dr. Riley, supervisor, etc., made no examination in this city of the facts alleged in said complaint; and

Whereas, The said Dr. Frank Riley has notified by telegram Dr. C. A. Rice, of this city, that the Executive Committee of the National Board of Health, has discontinued said quarantine station;

Whereas, This action of the Executive Committee must have been caused by the report of the said Dr. Frank Riley, who refused to inform himself as to the true situation; and

Whereas, A quarantine is absolutely necessary near this city to prevent the introduction and spread of contagious or infectious diseases; and

Whereas, By the action of the said Dr. Frank Riley, and the said Executive Committee, the health of the whole Mississippi Valley is endangered and the door thrown open for the introduction and spread of disease; and

Whereas, The National Board of Health is directed by law constituting it a Board to co-operate with and assist the local Board of Health; and

Whereas, The Inspecting Station below this city was established by request of this Board; therefore be it

Resolved, That the said Dr. Frank Riley has earned for himself and deserves the severest censure and condemnation, not only of the officers and citizens of this city, but of all the people along the Mississippi river and its tributaries.

Resolved, That his conduct and official insolence be reported to the Executive Committee of the National Board of Health.

Resolved, That the National Board of Health be earnestly requested to make careful inquiry into the official conduct of the said Dr. Frank Riley.

Resolved that the Executive Committee is hereby urged to restore the said quarantine station, entrusting the care and control of the same to some capable person, who will discharge with earnestness and zeal the delicate duties involved.

Resolved, That a copy of the above resolutions be sent to the Executive Committee of the National Board of Health at Washington.