The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1871-09-07
The Health or Chnrleston md tho Re-
turn OF Common Scngc.


the character OF the pnnic which has
prevailed in: our neighhoripg cities in re-
ference to the few cases Of fever which
have occurred in Charleston, would be
ludicrous III tho extreme. This journal
has endeavored, from the commence
ment, to present q truthful condition OF
affairs. For the sanitary condition OF
the city tho present administration is
clearly responsible. The hygeine of tho
city has been neglected to n criminal ex-
tent. While the expenses have been.
enormous, there has not been the slight
est regard for the pnblic care and sccuri-
ty. The whole action Of tho authorities
has been nn invitation for the presence
Of disease, where, otherwise, there
would hive been the most complete
health. The only surprise is that thcro
has uot boon grentcr extent Of sick
ness. Tho fever thus far, in our ju.lg-
ment, has been the offspring Of local
cnuses, and cphemera in it's character.
We know that this is ut wide variance
with exaggerated reports, which ilnvn
swept like wild fire throughout tho coun-
try. But our object is to ascertain the
truth. aud state the fncts. Local causes
will always produce local diseaso Open
foul drain anywhere, whether in New
AoAni i'ootoHS " my VtncT beCllou oi LHe
country, and expose ts contents 10 the
summers sun, or uso these rs cement
tor tho covering Of II street, and fever
will be tue result.
This is tho direct und necessary effect
OF al asoertained cause. The few cases
OF fever which have, since tho 9th Of
July, occurred in Charleston, arc MI di-
rectly traceable to this cause There
never has been any sound reason for
either panic or excitement. For the
week ending tho 2Gth of August, there
were, IN our largo population, but seven
deaths from fever Of NIL kinds. This is
tue fact, as shown by the weekly bills of
mortality. And this may DO implicitly
relied upon. 1t may be said this is not
consistent with the reports prevalent in
Wilmington, Savannah, Augusta, and
| elsewhere. Nevertheless, it is so. Aud
this only tends to illustrate the utter fall
slty OF the reports in reference to the
health of this city, and how madness has
ruled where reascn should have Ind the
sway.
There arc few cases Of fever here,
which are attributable entirely to local
cnnses. And when we assert this, we
state the whole truth. TO this extent it
has thus far gono and no morc-if it
were otherwise, we would rs freely give
1T utterance. Our citizens have innugn-
rated measures to take the health of their
city in their own hand. These alrendy
have been productive of benefit, and,
with the removal Of tho local causes, we
have every confidence that all apprchcn-
sions will be allayed.
But even with the cases OF fever which
have thus far occurred, tho health Of
the city compares favorably, as to the
mortality, with tho previous years. As
to this, there is no room for doubt. Il
is matter of statistics. 1870 was a
henlthy season in Charleston. The NOR
tuary report for the week ending August
20, 1870, as furnished by the City Re
gistrnr, DR.. Robert Lebby, Sr., sohws:
Deaths whites, IL; blacks and colored,
81; total, 81.
Tho mortuary report for Tho week ond-
ing August 27. 1870, ny also furnished
by Dr. Robert Lebby. Sr., the City Re
gistrar, shows: Deaths whites, 1G;
blacks and colored, 81; totnl, ~. And
yet for the week ending August 26, 1871,
when our neighbors will have it that the
fever exists, as IN epidemic, in tho faco
Of the facts, shows: Deaths whites, z;
blacks and colored, 20; total, 81. This
| shows seven deaths less this year than
the corresponding week of 1870.
In tho light of this statement, rs to
which there can be no denial, how ridi-
culous, and more than this, how unjust,
appears tho false rumors, excitement
and panic upon which Wilmington, Au-
| gusta and Savannah have wrought them
solves into condition Of unnecessary
frenzy.
Our Savannah exchanges, who have
been foremost in this unnecessary AMI
uncalled for panic. seem restive under
| any comparison Of tho health Of Chm les
ton md Savannah. We need only refer
them to the Savannah Republican, Of
the Both ultino, which says:
1--WE crave The indulgence of our read.
crs. From sickness and other causes we
have been deprived of nearly half our
usual complement of compositors for
several days past. and, ns necessary
consequences, we have been compelled to
issue the RepnJicm without its nccus-
toned amount Of news. We hope to be
all right in the course Of day or two. :"
We can only say that there is no sick
ness is Charleston which requires the in
dnigenco of our readers. Our compost
tors are all we'll, attentive to their duties,
and in the enjoyment OF perfect health.
We will reciprocate good for evil aud
Il