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59
dwellings, is very different from those of even the last century. At
the same time it is well to be prepared, and it is in the last degree
important for those in authority to refrain from a spirit of scepticism
with regard to the liability of their own district being attacked,
and to avoid pooh-poohing any suspected case.
With respect to the preventive measures advisable in the case of
Plague, hospital isolation is of primary importance, and the Council
has already been enabled to rest assured that the provision made by
the Metropolitan Asylums Board will be open to the reception of the
cases occurring in this Borough.
My recommendation to utilize the row of cottages known as Ham
Terrace, in West Ham Lane, for the reception of "Contacts," however,
was allowed but a short shrift, and the question was referred back
to me to find a site removed from busy thoroughfares. This, I fear,
is impossible, unless the Council decides to acquire land and erect
special buddings, a course which is quite unnecessary, for the
following reasons: "Contacts" are not persons suffering from
Plague, but persons to be watched during a short period; they are,
therefore, entitled to have their liberty. What then is the
advantage of constructing an isolated residence if the inmates are to be
allowed to leave it during the day? If isolated premises be desired
and Ham Terrace is to be demolished, I know of none more isolated
than the four houses in Eastern Road which will remain. The situation,
however, is not of paramount importance, the essential point is that
the house or houses should be fixed upon and kept ready for immediate
use, bearing in mind that the further removed they be the less efficient
will be the supervision.
In conclusion it may be well to point out the value of inoculation,
which appears to have a highly-protective effect. The latest figures of
which I am aware are those connected with the Cape Town outbreak,
and are given by Professor Simpson as follows: "It appears that 14
persons out of 16,000 who were inoculated have been attacked with
Plague, and 637 persons out of 134,000 who have not been inoculated.