The Bliss Quarantine Bill was passed by the Pennsylvania State Legislature and signed by the governor on 5 June 1893. The bill called for the creation of a State Quarantine Board, which would draft rules and regulations for the operation and administration of a new marine quarantine station on the banks of the Delaware Bay or River. The Board consisted of seven members, including the President of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia or a representative sent by him, the Secretary of the State Board of Health, the President of the Philadelphia Maritime Exchange, the Health Officer of Philadelphia, the Quarantine Physician, a member appointed by the Mayor of Philadelphia, and a member appointed by the Governor of Pennsylvania.
S. Weir Mitchell, President of the College of Physicians in 1893, selected Richard A. Cleemann to be his representative. Cleemann served on the State Quarantine Board until his death in 1912, when William M. L. Coplin was chosen as the new representative. The Bliss Quarantine Bill, in addition to creating a State Quarantine Board, required that the operations of the present quarantine station be discontinued. This "Lazaretto", located on Tinicum Island on the banks of the Delaware River, was in operation only during the summer months and lacked adequate facilities. The Board selected Marcus Hook, Pa., as the location for a new quarantine station. The State Quarantine Board continued to meet annually until its dissolution in 1920.
From the description of Reports, 1893-1911. (College of Physicians of Philadelphia). WorldCat record id: 122589703
