CO129-363 - Public Offices & Others - 1909 — Page 128

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portation back to their port of departure. So long as the

present immigration policy of the United States is maintained

the medical examination before sailing is indispensable to

the interests both of passengers and transportation companies,

and the security is all the greater if it is performed by

medical officers officially detailed for the purpose.

The appointment of these medical officers is made under

paragraph 2 Section 2 of the Quarantine Act of 15 February

1893 (copy of which is herewith annexed).

Their duties are not only to execute the medical in-

spection of individuals required by the Immigration Act but

also to effect instead of the Consul the formalities in

ragard to the Bill of health of the vessel imposed by the

Quarantine Act.

These Acta

the rmmigration Act and the Quarantine Act

are essential elements in the present regime of the United

States in such matters and no representations from any

Foreign Power as to their modification would be seriously

considered.

In order however to ascertain whether any administrative

change in the arrangement at HongKong could be effected

the Surgeon General was personally approached on the, subject.

Dr. Wyman, who possesses the limitations often noticeable

in specialists when transferred to administrative positions

of responsibility, had some difficulty in realising what was

wanted, or that any exception could be taken to the present

system. He expressed for instance his willingness to make

any changes in personnel, but it was explained that this

would not meet the situation. He said he could not change

the system in any respect but it was pointed out to himthat

under the Statute he had considerable discretion. A sugges-

tion to make the doctors vice-consuls was more to the point

and