73
a Government are not the only power. If we are thwarted, if we are not aided by the people
themselves, we are impeded in our efforts to suppress this d.sease, and this obstruction must be
overcome. Gentlemen, so much for the past. We must now, I think, look to the future—not
the immediate future only, but the future as regards the city of Bombay. Whatever is done in.
the way of demolition of bad dwellings and premises in the present emergency to arrest the
course of the plague, and whatever is done to open out lungs for the city, will be done with the
view to permanent usefulness and the future improvement of Bombay. I am convinced, both
from personal investigation—and I have seen some of the worst quarters in this city—and from
enquiries, that much must be done to improve the buildings and the sanitation. The drainage
question is mainly one for experts to settle, and their opinion must be obtained and a settlement
made, or existing proposals rapidly carried out. But we scarcely need expert opinion to tell us
that insanitary buildings and overcrowding must, if possible, be abolished. The most cursory
survey of the city will prove that they exist : a thorough survey of the city by officers of
practical experience in buildings and sanitation will indicate with fair accuracy where and to
what extent the remedy is to be applied. I am told that the great practical difficulty is the
expense, that the cost of compensating property-owners whose property will be destroyed is
prohibitive. For my own part I am not afraid of opinions of that kind. There is a very large
number of properties in this city, the value of which is little more than the value of the land.
It is true that the bu'ldings may have brought in large rents, but what are these buildings ?
Are they not insanitary in design, flimsy in structure and overcrowded ? Are they not fertile
spots for the growth and extension of disease, the most difficult places from which to eradicate
it ? The measure of their value for the purpose of compensation seems to me to be the actual
value of the structure, not the capitalized value of the rents. To use an alliterative phrase,
those who are to make valuations may, perhaps, "look not to rents but to rafters" To my
mind it appears that it is neither equitable nor right that large profits should be made out of
unwholesome and overcrowded dwellings to the detriment of a helpless population. This over-
crowding must be stopped not only now, but, if possible, in future, for, as in great cities in
Europe, it is a premium on crime, misery, squalor and disease. The right of owners to land
to which they have a just title, I acknowledge ; and when land is taken up for widening streets
and making open spaces,—and I hope that much land will be taken up for these purposes,—the
owners must receive full value for it. But the existing insanitary dwellings must come down
or be altered and new dwellings that are constructed to meet sanitary requirements must be
made. And I venture to think that new dwellings constructed on sensible, wholesome, sanitary
principles will not only be more sightly to the public and more healthy to the occupants, but
will also be more profitable to the owners. Legislation may be necessary to carry out this
properly, and to insure as fully as possible the end that should be kept in view. I shall not
be here to see the final results of our labours or the completion of a scheme which, I think, will
not hereafter be quoted as a dream, but which is capable of realization. Now is the time for a
commencement, and a commencement has been made. To use a well known term, I am now
engaged simultaneously with our efforts to get the better of the plague in laying the foundation
stone of what will, I hope, prove to be a healthier and still more prosperous, and beautiful city
than Bombay was before overtaken by this fell disease."
16. On the 26tli February Surgeon-Major Reade, A.M.S., and Dr. Lowson,
M.B., of the Colonial Service, who had had experience of the plague in Hongkong
and had arrived in Bombay a few days previously, submitted the following report
to Government :
"We have the honour to submit a report on matters of urgency connected with the
plague operations in Bombay.
"There is no doubt that, in addition to the plague in the city of Bombay, we have to face
a serious outbreak in the Presidency, if all history of the plague up to the present time is to be
taken as a guide. An increase of the present sanitary staff in certain branches is therefore im-
perative, as men trained in this special work will be required in the near future. The class of
Native Assistant Medical Officers should be augmented ; these men have an intimate knowledge
of the. prejudices, language and habits of the people amongst whom they will be called upon to
work, a knowledge which is essential for successful house-to-house visitation, proper direction of
disinfecting operations, diagnosing cases of the disease and, if required, removal of the sick. No
better opportunity of learning this duty could be had than under the men at present in charge of
districts in Bombay. This body of men should be augmented by calling for volunteers from the
senior medical students of the Bombay University. We think the Government might reason-
ably expect them to exercise some devotion to their calling and their country. These men should
be remunerated for loss of time and study, and a record kept of the services they have rendered ;
such men, other things being equal, having a claim for consideration from the Government when
future appointments are made. These students should be drafted to the different districts at
once so as to learn their duties and familiarize themselves with the surroundings incident on
plague work, frequently of a revolting character,
"Another branch requiring augmentation is that of the European inspectorial staff who
have to deal with the details of disinfection and cleansing, in addition to that nouse-to-house
visitation so necessary for the thorough isolation of sick and infected. This should be strength-
B 1135-19