Called Meeting of the City Council Austin Texas May 23, 1885 Hon J. W. Robertson Mayor presiding Present Aldermen Waltz, Wells, Schutz, Warren Brooker, Caell, Holmans, Hailes & Brush, Absent - Aldermen Schneider, Pileus, Hancock Campbell, Underhill, Maas, Driskill, Carrington, Platz, Ervin and Brennen On motion of Alderman Brooker a call of the council was ordered and the marshal sent after the absentees, Aldermen Schneider & Campbell came in call of the Council suspended Mayors Office Austin Tex May 23d 1885 Call of council To the members of the City Council of the City of Austin Gentlemen:- A special meeting of the City Council is hereby called to meet at the city hall at 8:30 P.M. to consider the matter of the prevalence of small pox in the City Very Truly, J. W. Robertson Mayor. Mayor Office. Mayors message. Small pox Austin City May 23d 1885 Gentlemen of the City Council I have called you together for the purpose of considering the proper action to be taken in reference to the presence of smallpox in the city, only one isolated case exists, but that may furnish the poison to spread the disease through the whole country. It is necessary that prompt and decisive measures should be adopted to prevent the dissemination of the disease and to confine it to the person now infected, --- Page break --- 168 May 23rd 1885, as soon as its presence was known I caused a strict quarantine of the premises, and since 8 o'clock am. the case has been effectually isolated and cut off from all contact, A close guard is kept over the premises and no communication of any character is allowed except through the physician in charge. These steps were taken on the advice of Dr. W.J. Burt, city Physician, and Dr. R.M. Dorarington State health officer, and their instructions have been carried out to the letter. If it is found necessary to remove the present case from the city, and adopt quarantine necessary as to those who have been in contact with him then let this be done at once A very great alarm pervades the city and it devolves upon us to adopt and carry out such measures as will secure the health and safety of the people, If the necessity for extreme measures exists there is no middle ground to occupy. I have asked the City Physician and other Physicians to be present tonight to give us the benefit of their advice, Whatever course is deemed best and will most effectually tend to the security of the people from this disease should be adopted the matter of cost and of convenience are not to be considered. If the present measures of isolation are deemed sufficient they will be faithfully carried out If more stringent treatment is advised, that will be effectually enforced, I would ask that your action be based on the experienced advice of competent physicians, and in that event I have no doubt wise counsel will prevail. Very Duly J. W. Robertson Mayor Alderman Barrington came in --- Page break --- May 23. & June 1st 1885 Alderman Hill moved that Citizens and Physicians present be invited to discuss the matter motion adopted Drs. Burt, Ruwaring[illegible], Graves and Capt. S.E. Sneed addressed the Council motion Phy- Alderman Crooker moved that the health sician to remo- physician be authorized to remove Mr. Crow to some mr. Crow out convenient place outside of the city limits, and side of City in case he is unable to procure a house then he be authorized to build one temporary, and that the police force render Dr. Burt such assistance as may be necessary, and that he be authorized to imploy guards, & ct. Motion adopted. Council adjourned S. A. Purnell City Clerk. Regular Meeting of the City Council Austin Texas June 1st 1885 Hon. J. W. Robertson Mayor, presiding. Present: Aldermen Hancock, Wh[illegible]. Campbells Warrens, Crooker, Odrel, Carrington, Holman, Plath and Brennen. 10. Absent Aldermen Schneider, Metz, Pillow, Schuler, Underhill, Maas, Driskell, Hills, Ervin & Brush. 10. No quorum. On motion the council adjourned S. A. Purnell City Clerk.