Mr. Sanford to Mr. Seward.
Sir: I enclosed to you, in my despatch No. 337, a bill presented by this government to the house of representatives providing for measures against epizootique maladies. This bill excited considerable discussion in that body, naturally jealous of giving extended and arbitrary powers to the government, and some amendments were added, not of great importance, however, save one having for effect the limitation of the powers conferred by the bill to the cattle plague, (typhus contagieux.) It was very generally admitted in the debate that radical measures were necessary to prevent the spread of this dreaded malady, and that the heads of the government should be supported in the stringent regulations it had adopted, and extended powers given to meet the still threatening danger.
I have the honor to enclose herewith the amended bill as it passed the house, and also the reports made in that connection.
The wisdom of radical measures enforced by this government at the outset, for the prevention and eradication of the cattle plague, in causing the immediate slaughter of animals infected by the disease, isolating localities where it appeared, and forbidding the entry or transit of sheep, cattle, hides, &c., has been vindicated [Page 62] by the result. While the disease has extended to an alarming extent in England and Holland, it has been smothered here, and the occasional cases which have lately appeared are proved to have been from cattle introduced fraudulently from Holland.
I have requested the consul at Ghent to make up and forward to you a complete collection of all the laws, acts, regulations, &c., in connection with the cattle plague, for reference by the department in the event of further legislation on the subject being found to be necessary.
I have the honor to be, with great respect, your most obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of Slate, Washington, D. C.