Closing Argument Submitted to the Committee on Public Health of the House of Representatives, 48th Congress, 1st Session: In Support of House Bill 278, Health United States National Board of

The letters of the Quarantine Commissioners (on file) afford evidence that the barge was admirably suited for the work in tended, and that she was at her station ready for the appear ance of yellow fever from the time of her purchase till she was transferred, June 30, 1883. Her Wreck was an accident which occurred subsequent to her transfer to the Marine Hos pital Service, and of this the Board has no knowledge save that conveyed in Dr. Hamiltons own statement, and a refer ence to it in the filed letter of Dr. Nash, that she was finally wrecked by having a hole stove in her bottom by her own an chor through the culpable negligence or mismanagement of those in charge of her.

The letters which Dr. Hamilton submits (answer, p. 4) mainly refer to the unseaworthiness of the barge in rough water. When purchased she was not intended for such service. Her station and duties were defined, and she was found well fitted to last at the one and to discharge the others. As well might our river steamers be declared worthless because unfit to go on the Greeley Relief Expedition.

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