While quarantine regulations are committed to the several States, the
General Government has reposed certain powers in the President, to be
used at his discretion in preventing a threatened epidemic.
Feeling it my duty, I hereby call upon all persons who under existing
systems in the several States are intrusted with the execution of
quarantine regulations to be diligent and on the alert in order to
prevent the introduction of the pestilence which we all regret to learn
has made its appearance in some of the countries of Europe between which
and the ports of the United States intercourse is direct and frequent.
I further advise that the cities and towns of the United States, whether
on the coast or on the lines of interior communication, by sound
sanitary regulations and the promotion of cleanliness, be prepared to
resist the power of the disease and to mitigate its severity.
And I further direct the consuls of the United States in the ports where
the pestilence has made or may make its appearance to exercise vigilance
in carrying out the instructions heretofore given and in communicating
to the Government of the United States any information of value relating
to the progress or treatment of the disease.
[SEAL.]
Given under my hand and the seal of the United States, at the city of
Washington, this 19th day of July, A.D. 1884, and of the Independence
of the United States the one hundred and ninth.