Hon. Harbour Master,
C. O.
31551
312
RECEIVED SEP 04
The following is a statement of facts relating to the inspection of vessels by Doctors attached to the U. S. Consulate.
It has been the practice, for many years, for the crew and passengers of every ship leaving Hongkong for any port in the United States to be inspected by a Doctor, independently of the Health Officer, on behalf of the U. S. Government. This inspection takes place just before sailing, sometimes before, sometimes after, that held by Emigration and Health Officers.
The examination was formerly made by Dr. Jordan, (and subsequently by Dr. Swan), and I am informed that they received fees for so doing from the owners or agents of the vessels concerned. Latterly the U. S. Government have appointed special Medical men, who are attached to the U. S. Consulate, to do the work.
Having satisfied himself that the crew and passengers (Asiatics) are healthy and, apparently, (in some cases) of fair physique, the doctor gives his certificate, which is a very voluminous document, and amounts to a glorified Bill of Health, and without which the vessel would be quarantined on arrival at a port in the U. S. It appears that the U. S. Government will not accept a Bill of Health issued by the Colonial Health Officer, which is issued, except in the case of a Chinese Passenger Ship, without inspection on board.
In addition to this Medical inspection of the Asiatic Passengers and Crew, these Doctors personally superintend the disinfection of the passengers' clothing and luggage before embarkation, inspect the cargo destined for U. S. ports, (for which purpose they call for the manifests, and, if...