The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1853-04-25

The defective organization Of the health de-
partment of our city has long been the cause of
Just complaint. Various efforts have been
made. at different times, to remedy the grie-
vances; but ell have successfully failed-whe-
ther from ineficiency Of means, or the neglect
and carelessness of the officials intrusted with
their execution, it is not necessary now to say
perhaps the failure is attributable to both these
causes A little more than year ago, it will
be remembered, the City Inspectors office I'M
derwent complete overhauling, and about
twenty of his assistants, whose chief duty con-
sisted in investigating the condition Of the city,
and reporting at regular intervals, were dis
charged. Since that time we believe nothing
effectual has been done towards recognizing
the health department on proper basis, if we
except the late act of the Common Council
creating two bureaus, at the instance of the new
City Inspector. DR.. Downing This movement
augurs favorably for the future; and if followed
out to its legitimate results, New York must
eventually become the healthiest city on the
continent. It's situation, between two rivers,
and the freshening breezes which sweep over it
from the expansive waters of our bay, purify
the atmosphere, and render it-or we should say
ought to render it-peculiarly healthy. So far
as it's natural advantages are concerned. there
is no reason why. instead of being among
the most unhealthy, it should not be more
exempt from epidemic diseases than any
other city in the United States. But the in
difference and carelessness of our authorities
have hitherto rendered these advantages OF little
avail, and New York as our bills of mortality
have too clearly proved may be classed as one
of the most unhealthy cities in the country.
Nor is this to be wondered at if we look at the
sanitary condition Of certain localities-Cherry
street for instance-where the thoroughfares
are strewed with putrid animal and vegetable
matter, the effluvia from which is sufficient to
create distempers Of the most fatal character.
The interior of the dwellings is on par with
the appearance Of the exterior. The floors are
in a half decayed condition-the walls threaten
every moment to topple down upon the heads
of the devoted inmates, while the roofs are in
such a dilapidated state as to afford but
miserable shelter from the rain. This is not an
exaggerated picture of many Of the wretched
abodes in the poorest localities and can we
wonder, while contemplating it. that our week.
ly mortality is often increased to fearful and
alarming extent
The present City Inspector has commenced
the work of reform by the organization of two
new bureaus-one for the registry Of births,
marriages and deaths, to be called the Bureau
of Records and Statistics and the other for
the inspection Of the sanitary condition of the
city, and abatement Of nuisances detrimental to
the public health. entitled the Bureau of SAM
tary Inspection. With the assistance Of these
he expects to be able to effect thorough pur-
cation of the most unhealthy localities Every
house will be inspected by his deputies, who are
required to report. at certain periods, to Super
of Sanitary Inspection. The most
minute particulars must be noted and presented
through him to the City Inspector-the size of
the house. the number of stories, rooms, inmates,
system Of ventilation, and the condition Of the
yards. There is one very important matter. for
which we believe no provision has been made.
and to which we direct the particular attention
of the City Inspector. We should like to know
what is to be done for that numerous class who
live in damp cellars, and who are exposed dur
ing the intense heat Of summer to the most
letting of such dens for human habitations?
Can he ndict landlord for culpable careless
ness in allowing his house to become unhealthy
for want Of proper repairs? In word, is that
which produces disease q punisha-
BILE offence? These are questions which we
should like to have answered. 1t is utterly inn
possible in some cases, we know, for the poor
to preserve their health, no matter how clearly
they may be in their habits and regular in their
manner Of living. The City Inspector will find
that he has entered upon Herculean task If
he intends to carry out to their fullest extent
the reforms he has commenced. In the new order
of arrangements in his department there is one
feature deserving Of particular notice. 1t is his
purpose, we are informed, to open correspon-
dence with the health departments Of the differ
ent cities of Europe and the United States. in
relation to their sanitary regulations. By this
means he expects to be put in possession Of
much valuable information, which may here
after be useful to him in the treatment of the
important interests intrusted to his care. If
this correspondence can be continued with that
which should characterize all mat
tiers connected with the City Inspectors Office,
we have no doubt whatever that it will be pro-
ductive OF the most beneficial effects on the
sanitary condition Of our city.
THE TREATY BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES
AND SAN SALvADoR.-We publish elsewhere in
our columns to-day an abstract of the general
treaty of amity, navigation and commerce, con-
cluded and signed in the city of Leon, on the
second of January, 1850, by Mr.. E. G. Squier
on behalf of the United States. and Don Angus
tin Morales Of the republic of San Salvador
This treaty was celebrated under the auspices
Of General Taylor's presidency; but the subse-
qucnt administration of President Fillmore re-
fused TO carry it out or ratify it, but held it