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for vaccination proved ineffectual to prevent the spread of the
disease (it is not suggested that it could diminish its severity in
those attacked), it is impossible to contemplate the consequences
without dismay.
To avoid misunderstanding, it may be well to repeat that we
are very far from underrating the value of a system of isolation.
We have already dwelt upon its importance. But what it can
accomplish as an auxiliary to vaccination is one thing, whether it
can be relied on in its stead is quite another thing.
With regard to Common Lodging Houses and outbreaks of
Small-pox, the Commission say :—
Our attention has been drawn to the circumstance that outbreaks
of small-pox have not unfrequently had their origin in
the introduction of the disease to common lodging-houses by
tramps wandering from place to place. In view of this we make
the following recommendations:—
(i.) That common shelters which are not now subject to the
law relating to common lodging houses should be made
subject to such law.
(ii.) That there should be power to the local authority to require
medical examination of all persons entering common
lodging-houses and casual wards to see if they are suffering
from small-pox, and to offer a reward for prompt information
of the presence of the disease.
(iii.) That the local authority should have power to order tne
keeper of a common lodging-house in which there has
been small-pox to refuse fresh admissions for such time
as may be required by the authority.
(iv.) That the local authority should be empowered to require
the temporary closing of any common lodging-house in
which small-pox has occurred.
(v.) That the local authority should have power to offer free
lodgings to any inmate of a common lodging-house or
casual ward who may reasonably be suspected of being
liable to convey small-pox.
(vi.) That the sanitary authority should give notice to all adjoining
sanitary authorities of the occurrence of small-pox
in common lodging-houses or casual wards.
(vii.) That where the disease occurs the public vaccinator or
the medical officer of health should attend and vaccinate
the inmates of such lodging-houses or wards, except such
as should be unwilling to submit themselves to the operation.
(E.) As to whether any alterations should be made in the
arrangements and proceedings for securing the performance
of vaccinations, and, in particular, in those provisions of
the Vaccination Acts with respect to prosecutions for noncompliance
with the Law.
From the views which we have expressed on the subject of
vaccination, and on the absence of proof that any practical
alternative exists which could be relied on to accomplish the