The Sun.
London, England, 1847-12-06 00:00:00

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METROPOLITAN SANITARY
COMMISSION.

The first report of the Metropolitan Sanitary Com-
missioners has been printed. The following is a sum-
mary of the conclusions arrived at :
Having consulted in relation to the general rise and
spread of cholera, the experience obtained in the most
severely visited districts in the metropolis, and also the
n2ost authentic records of the experience in the principal
towns in Great Britain and in Europe, we find in rela-
tion to this disease :
That amidst the town populations the cholera visits
with most severity the same classes of persons and the
same places, and is governed nearly by the same cir-
cumstances as typhus.
That it has been proved by experience that those cir-
cumstances are generally removable by proper sanitary
arrangements, and that typhus is to a great extent pre-
ventible; and we have every reason to believe that the
spread of cholera is preventible by the like means—
namely, by general and combined sanitary arrange-
ments.
That these arrangements, instead of being incidental
end collateral to other measures, are paramount, and
principal, and effective, not only against cholera, but
also against other epidemics.
Than when the cholera first appeared in this country
the general belief was that the disease spreads princi-
pally, if not entirely, by communication of the infected
with the healthy, and that, therefore, the main security
of nations, cities, and individuals, consists in the isola-
tion of the infected from the uninfected, a doctrine
which naturally led to the enforcement of rigorous qua-
rantine regulations, the establishment of military and
police cordons, the excitement of panic, and the neg
lest, and often the abandonment of the sick, even by
relations and friends.
That since opportunities have been obtained of a closer
observation of the character of this disease, and of the
mode in which it spreads through continents, nations,
cities, towns, and families, facts have been ascertained
which are incompatible with the foregoing view of its
mode of dissemination, and of its prevention.
That the disease is not, as it was then generally sup-
posed to be, contagious, and that the practical application
of that doctrine did no good, but was fraught with much
evil.

That when it previouidy ♦isifed this country it was
believed that the most powerful predisposition to this
disease is induced by improper or deficient food,
and that, for this reason, its chief victims are to
be found among the poor ; but it is now universally
admitted that a far more powerful pre-disponent is
the habitual respiration of an impure atmosphere; that
the highest degree of susceptibility is produced where
both these conditions are combined, that is, where peo-
ple live irregularly, or on unsuitable diet, and at the same
time filthily; and that, in places in which a great degree
of cleanliness is maintained, the poor as well as the rich
enjoy exemption from this disease.
That on an examination of the actual state of the back
streets, lanes, courts, and alleys of the metropolis, it is
found that in general little or no improvement has
taken place in their sanitary condition since the preva-
lence of cholera in 1832; and that were this disease
again to break out in the present state of these localities,
there is no reasonable ground to suppose that the pesti-
lence would not spread as extensively and prove as fatal
as on its former visitation.
In regard to this disease we fear that complete mea-
sures of prevention must be eventual on the combination
of works, which must be the subject of further inves-
tigations; but in respect to the immediate and special
measures available for its prevention, we find
that such would be—measures of cleansing for whole
lines of sewers, from their commencement, through the
several districts to the outran' ; cleansing of cesspools
(wherever it may be effected into the sewers), and the
removal of whatsoever may be removed in suspension in
water in the various modes of flushing, by the use of ad-
ditional and abundant supplies of water, and we find—
That it is expedient that a commission for the entire
drainage of the whole of the metropolis should be ap-
pointed, with a special view to such measurers, and with
aid to carry them out.
With respect to measures of alleviation of cholera, we
find—

That it is one of the peculiar characteristics of this
disease that it sets at defiance, to a great degree, the
resources of medical art and science, as is too fully
proved by the fact that, under the most favourable cir-
cumstances, of those whom it attacks there perish near y
two out of seven, and under the most unfavourable
circumstances nine out of ten.
That still there can be no doubt that individuals are
saved, who would otherwise perish, that are early placed
under favourable circumstances and judicious medical
treatment.

That although the removal to cholera hospitals, unless
at a very early period of the attack, and unless the
situation of the hospital happened to be highly favour-
able, was proved by experience to be injurious rather
than beneficial; yet among the classes most subject to
this disease, there must be individuals in a state of such
utter destitution as to render some provision absolutely
necessary.

That -it is desirable that existing establishments for
the reception and treatment of the sick be immediately
inspected by officers especially conversant with warm-
ing, ventilation, and other structural arrangements, to
advise on the alterations and adaptations necessary to
afford effectual aid to the individuals who may require it.
That where there is at present adequate accommoda-
tion by proper hospitals for fever cases, such accommo-
dation will in general suffice for cholera, fever not being
prevalent when cholera is epidemic, and fever cases
being in genera! more numerous than those of cholera.
On the inquiries we have made as to the administra-
tion of the law of sewers in the several districts in the
metropolis since the year 1834, when the achninistraiors
of that law were examined by a Committee of the House
of Oornmons: since the year 1842, when they were
examined under the sanitary inquiry, and 1843, when
they were investigated by the commissioners of inquiry
into the means of improving the health of towns ; and
on the best consideration we have been enabled to give
to the descriptions of works which have subsequently
been carried out by direction of the courts of commis-
sioners of sewers, to the mode in which they have exer-
cised their existing powers, and to the measures fur
which they have obtained, or propose to obtain, the
sanction of Parliament, we find—
That unnecessary expense and inconvenience to the
public is consequent on the division of the natural drain-
age areas among several distinct authorities, and that it
is impossible that improved works of systematic drain-
age can be carried out under arrangements that geo-
graphically divide the lines of watershed and the outfalls
between separate and conflicting authorities.
That the works which the present district commis•
sioners execute, and propose to execute, are ut.certain,
erroneous, and defective in their general principles
of construction, injurious in their action, and unduly ex-
pensive.

That after the authentic expositions which have been
given of the principles of construction and management of
improved works, the extensions of sewers or drains, ac-
cumulative of decomposing refuse, are acts of injury to
the public health, and of waste of the public money.
That the execution by the district courts of commis
&loners of large works of drainage or sewerage, without
reference to any general plan or survey, involves great
risk of erroneous and imperfect works and waste of the
rates they are empowered to levy.
For the prevention of disease and saving of health and
life, by early cal rying out r flicient works of drainage,
and diminishing the mass of atmospheric impurities, by
hich the public health is depressed ; and for the pre-
Tention of expenditure upon inefficient works, we feel it
our duty to recommend an immediate exercise of the
powers of the Crown, and
That the several commissions appointed under its
authority in the metropolis be recalled with the least
possible delay.
That the law of sewers, now administered by nume-
rous persons in these separate districts, be confided to
one body of commissioners for the whole of the metro-
polis.

That to ensure executive dispatch, and obviate that
weakening responsibility which arises from its present
division amongst large bodies, the commissioners
should be limited in number; and competent, through
their known attention to sanitary improvement, to select
and sustain the labours of paid officers and the execu-
tion of works in the attainment of this their proper ob-
ject.
Though the practical consolidation which we submit
as necessary, and within the power of the Crown—its
rights not being, as we believe, barred by any of the local
Aets—would be a great advance upon the existing state
of things as a permanent arrangement, yet we now sub-
mit it as a measure of immediate urgency to abate
epidemic disease, and to stay waste; at the same time
regard it as essentially preparatory to further alte-
rations which we propose hereafter to submit for the
consideration of your Majesty.
Should the apprehension of the return of the pesti-
haneeeove unfounded, as we fervently hope it may, all
measures preventive of that epidemic cannot fail to be
successful against fever, and other large and fatal classes
of disease. If that which may be done within the time,
with every aid and exertion in carrying out such tnea-
ojuee:itbeealo eittlea,ras_compared with the magnitude of the
scarcely fail to repay the effort.
Concurrently
with the immediate works of flushing
and cleansing, lvehiela the paid officers may be enabled
to carry out,
w
consolidated
comeart that the first work which a
of directing to I:estorivrocmeuedsted
see
iththewonuelcd bessitye
the general survey b
officers of the Royal
Engineers, under the direyczntiotwinhet
the Board of Ordnance.
Whatever may be the
in, works for drainage
ties having charge of the
which may be
public°" osf the authori-
ableadaouurb
(.4
paramount
the execution
and cleansing, or the ulterior
at and moat
adopted, there can be no reason
effected, until
of the
made,
further
the
r
of the survey being the measure
pressing importance. Until the
districts which we recommend
work of the survey is proceeded with, anclinuil
inquiries and experiments based upon it are
not see that it will be practicable to make satisfactory
proximate estimates of the extent and expense ofthe
alterations and adaptations practicable in the old and
erroneously constructed works, obrethdeoneextfent of new
works which may IF,
estimatesrequiredt
would beordethsierablre.
poses in question. Such
in order to determine the nodifications of the exc:
the n newby
swucOirlkas b rdey-
cativo agency for conductins.
re-
quired. We apprehend that it iswoholye•
as the one we recommend for the metropolis, t
rat
hat
complete general results, deducible from a gene
survey, may be reasonably expected to be brought out
for the future guidance of this branch of the Ad-
ministration.
The report is signed, Robert Grosvenor, Edwin Chad-
ilici,k, ,T,,q9uthwood Smith, Ricliard Owen, Richard
./Ambsirt-46ies.

INDIA HOUSE.—Notice was issued on
East India House, that a quarterly ge-
the Proprietors will be held on Wednes-
taut.