Dallas Herald

Small Pox.

It is not to be denied that this malady, or something resembling it, is now upon us—yet it appears in the mildest form ever before known in the history of the disease. So mild, indeed, that some who have it would not be prevented from attending to their daily avocations, were it not for the danger of spreading it. We have always entertained a holy horror for this disease, yet when we see how readily it yields to medical treatment, and how lightly it affects those afflicted, we are induced to doubt its being small pox. But doctors pronounce it such, and we have no disposition to take issue with them. Admitting, then, that it is smallpox, (and a great many of our sensible citizens doubt it very much) we have it in a form no more dreadful than ordinary measles—in fact, we have no proof that it is as dangerous as the latter.

Whatever it may be, we can assure those who may have business at this place, that they need have no apprehensions in visiting the city, as every case is securely blockaded, and there is no possible chance for its spreading.—Our city authorities are entitled to public gratitude for their prompt and efficient action to guard against any intercourse on the part of the public with those afflicted. As yet, we have had only some eight or ten cases—all originating in the same house, which is now turned into a hospital, and securely guarded to prevent any communication whatever with the building. So careful, indeed, are the authorities, that a number of persons sound and well, are not permitted to come outside of the enclosure. These precautionary measures are taken as much for the benefit of visitors as for our own citizens—and we can assure the country people that they can come here and transact their business with the utmost safety. What we have stated may be relied on as correct—and it is to be hoped that the people of the interior will pay no attention to the exaggerated reports that may always be found in circulation on such occasions. We have not heard of a single new case within the last six days, and those who have it, we understand, are rapidly recovering. In less than a month every vestige of the disease will have vanished from our midst—at least we judge so from present indications,—Jefferson Gazette.