Rensselaer Republican, Volume 26, Number 22, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 25 January 1894 — MALEVOLENT MICROBES. [ARTICLE]

MALEVOLENT MICROBES.

A new phase of the money question has come before the public for consideration. It is too late to influence the action of Congress on the repeal of the Sherman law, and any remarks made in this connection can therefore be regarded as strictly non-partisan. Money, 01 rather the love of money, is the root of ail evil we have been told by Holy Writ. But that an insignificant bank note of the lowest denomination, or a subsidiary coin of the lowest fractional value could become a messenger of destruction and death has been realized by few. Scientists, ever looking for new worlds to conquer, have of late years devoted considerable time and talent to a study of microbean origin of disease. Latterly they have located various forms of these microscopical enemies of animal life upon the obscure surfaces of the currency of trade and commerce. Bacteria had accumulated upon a bank note of the Bank of Havana in sufficient quantity to perceptibly increase its weight when subjected to a critical examination by experts. On two bank notes the scientists were able to count bacteria to the number of 19,147. Among the microscopical multitude of. germs of unknown species the learned men positively assert that they were able to detect the organisms peculiar to erysipelas, diphtheria and of consumption. One microbe of an unknown tribe was given an opportunity to display his powers by being introduced into the circulation of a dog. The dog speedily died. The further history of that microbe is not recorded, but it is gratifying to know that he is not traveling up and down the world on a bank note seeking whom he may devour. But it was awful rough on the dog! The less risks we run with money the better. It is a dangerous quantity and leadeth. .men astray. How we should congratulate ourselves and the country at large that in spite of frantic efforts many men cannot get

a dollar wherewith to inoculate their helpless offspring with diphtheria or smallpox. “Sweet are the uses of Adversity," and this last and great achievement of Science but adds a further charm and value to her helpful and reformatory influence. Death to the transitory, tramping, globetrotting microbe that essays a con-

tinental tour upon the smiling face of the Nation's current notes or chin! Great is Science!