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abate the evil. And I believe that there is sufficient evidence already accumu-
lated to show that sanitation has diminished mortality from cholera, as from
many other diseases.
213. The evidence I shall offer on this subject will be brief, a few examples
only, in the way of contrasts.
Cholera at Thayet-
myo in Burmah.
(a.) The outbreaks of cholera on three successive occasions m 1863,1869,
and 1870, have been most virulent in the European Barracks
occupying the lowest site, in a low basin, on the banks of
the Irrawaddy river. The Native Regiment occupying ground on a higher level,
and the officers and their families, also on higher ground, have generally escaped
attack. In April 1870, there were 33 attacks and 27 deaths out of a strength of
423 Europeans, and only one native soldier out of a strength of 643 was attacked
in the same time. No Military or Civil Officer, or European lady, suffered, but
the women and children of the British troops were attacked equally with the
men.
Fort Saint George.
(b.) The intensity of outbreak on 2nd March 1870was confined to one barrack,
in which cholera has frequently been known to localize itself.
While cholera was prevailing in this circumscribed locality,
the half million of native population outside the Fort were absolutely free. The
insanitary conditions here were, doubtful water-supply (common to all the troops
in the Fort), emanations from the town drain (stirred up by recent rainfall), and
an open cut in the soil beneath the barrack flooring, the soil in which spot had
been moistened by recent rain.
(c.) Cuddalore Jail.—Strength 301 ; no cholera; water-supply "excellent;"
" dry earth conservancy" " a complete success."
Cuddalore Town.—Population 28,421 ; cholera deaths occurred in January,
February, May, June, July, August, September, October; total deaths 42.
(d.) Madura New Jail.—Built outside the town on clean soil ; wards airy and
clean ; water good, conservancy good ; strength of prisoners 180 ; no cholera.
Madura Old Jail.—Building part of an ancient palace within the Fort;
soil and water contaminated ; fifty Civil debtors located here ; space ample ;
five cholera cases, and four deaths amongst them.
Town of Madura.—Huts overcrowded ; population 39,872 ; conservancy bad ;
foul privies, foul soil, and contaminated wells everywhere abounding ; a year of
cholera invasion; deaths from cholera 376 ; cholera prevailed in the town from
February to May and from August to December. In the Madura district Captain
Guthrie has noted the very frequent connexion between filth and cholera
intensity.
(e.) Bajahnundry New Central Jail.—Building on an elevated site, outside
the town ; water of good quality from wells ; wards airy ; ample space ; building
quite new ; strength of prisoners 845 ; not a single case of cholera ; cholera
prevailing violently in all the country around.
District Jail within the town.—Buildings old, and badly ventilated ; strength
of prisoners 89 ; cholera broke out in May; 16 cases in three days. Medical
Officer writes, "during the month of May last when cholera prevailed in this jail,
the cells were so hot that I could only compare them to hot ovens or heated
air-baths, and I allowed the prisoners to sleep in the open air."
Rajahmundry Town.—Population 17,498; cholera deaths 147; epidemic
began in May.