Subsequently it was turned over to Major Bourns, who, on account of his intimate knowledge of Spanish, and his wide acquaintance with the Filipinos, was able to carry out many much-needed reforms, and in doing so aroused a minimum of public antagonism.
Upon the establishment of civil government Governor Taft was very desirous of retaining Major Bourns's services, but this did not prove practicable, as he desired to give up government work and engage in private business.
There was promptly created an efficient board of health made up of men of recognized ability and large practical experience.

Its chairman was Major Louis M.Maus, commissioner of public health.

The other members were Mr.H.D.Osgood, sanitary engineer; Dr.Franklin H.Meacham, chief sanitary inspector; Dr.Paul C.Freer, superintendent of government laboratories; and Dr.Manuel Gomez, secretary.
This board was promptly put upon its mettle.

It had inherited from the army an incipient epidemic of bubonic plague in Manila, and the disease soon spread to Cavite and also to Cebu, then the second port of the Philippines in commercial importance.

It also appeared in several provincial towns near Cavite.