For some time now, Moberly has been actively quarantining against cities where smallpox is known to exist. As the disease spread to other areas, the quarantine was expanded accordingly. To ensure the quarantine’s effectiveness, numerous special officers were sworn in. Thanks to the diligent efforts of our efficient health officer, Dr. Chapp, and the hard work of the police, Moberly has successfully kept smallpox at bay, despite the disease affecting towns all around us.

Last night, reports surfaced of two smallpox cases among the colored population in Huntsville. Consequently, a quarantine against the colored people of Huntsville was immediately implemented. Thus far, the disease in this part of the state has been confined to the colored population. As a result, Moberly is now quarantined against all Negro individuals as far north as Macon, including that city; east to Monroe City, including that place; south to Sedalia, including that city; and everything west up to and including Kansas City.

To enforce this quarantine, many more special officers will be sworn in. Roads will be guarded, and all colored persons will be turned back. The quarantine will be as strict as possible, and any of our colored population who leave the city from now on will not be permitted to return until the quarantine is lifted. The old adage, “a stitch in time saves nine,” is apt, and the strict quarantine regulations adopted by the health authorities are for the good of all our citizens, both black and white. If everyone acts in unity, the disease can be kept out of Moberly. If anyone knows of a person violating the quarantine, it should be reported to the police immediately.