Public Ledger

YELLOW FEVER AT GRENADA.

For two days we have had floating rumors of yellow fever at Grenada. They could not be traced to any reliable source, and yesterday morning the papers contained reassuring dispatches from well known citizens there. To-day, however, the most unfavorable reports are confirmed. Dispatches were received here at an early hour announcing ten or twelve deaths, sixty cases, and calling for assistance, which has been sent forward as speedily as possible. The conditions at Grenada we apprehend are very favorable to the development and spread of the disease. It is a town of some 2500 or 3000 inhabitants, situated mostly in a low flat place, on the Yallabusha river. It has been a place of refuge for many persons from New Orleans and the disease has no doubt been introduced by them. We see in this fact a strong reason for the most rigid quarantine, and while it is our duty to send nurses, physicians and supplies to our distressed neighbors at Grenada, it becomes a more important duty than ever to keep up the work so auspiciously carried on here by the board of health. We have been duly warned and have made every preparation possible against the introduction and spread of yellow fever in our midst. The work has gone on steadily and must be kept up. We believe that Memphis is in a better sanitary condition than for many years and that it can still be improved. The bad news from below, which we publish in full without reserve or coloring, should stimulate every person to further efforts to render every house, yard, lot and alley proof against the disease. Some can go away, and perhaps will, until the apprehension has passed, but the most of us have to remain here. Our safety depends upon keeping cool, living temperately in all things, avoiding excitement, and observing the common rules of health and common sense. The sympathy we feel for our afflicted neighbors at Grenada and the anxiety felt in regard to the course the disease may take, preoccupy the public mind, but we are glad to observe that the people are calm and disposed to look at the facts without alarm or foolish fear. The mass of dispatches and other information from Grenada, which we publish, will be read with great interest, and we shall continue from day to day to give all the news that can be gathered.