The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1871-08-27
HEALTH OF JERSEY CITY.


The Health InsDector Immsvable-What n
Herald Reporter saw-Prsmpt Measures
Called For-Another Inemcicnt Appeintce Of
the Police Commissioners.
While the alarm at the approach Of pestllence has
stirred up the Inhabitants of New York and mpelIed
the Sanitary Commission to adopt strict precau-
lions the authorities OF Jersey City are slumberlng.
Only few days ago the HERALD directed attention
TO certain localities and to certain houses that
called for immediate inspection. Nothing whatever
has since been done in these cases.
HERALD reporter paid visit to the localities
complained OF ana then called on the Health In
spector,
AN ApporNrEE OF THE POLICE COMMISSIONERS,
named Cannon. But he could not oe found Sew
cra calls were made. and at last the oicial turned
up. The reporter pointed out the localities which
would become
THE HABfTATIONs OF DEATH
should pestence break out Certain houses In
South Eighth street were particularly adverted 10.
They have respectable exterior, but when
person enters the premises the obnoxious
odors are once detected. In one
OF these houses (No, 2l9 lady has been
suffering for months from complaints which the
highest medical authority In the city ascribes TO
noxious gases arising from neglected cellars and
filthy water closets. Descending into the cellar the
reporter found q hydrant without any channel for
the water to escape save through a wide cnink
caused by the tearing up OF a board IN the noor.
Into this opening one or inc occupants OF the house
was In the habit or depositing Nth, which should
AMENABLE TO THE GRAND JURY.
Sometimes the fostering matter would hnd its way
through the soft clay beneath the floor. while at
for days. And yet three families are continually
inhallng the elluvia arising from this improvised
cavity and small sink leading to the sewer would
remedy the evil. The occupants OF the house had
frequently appealed to the landlord and to the
agent, but TO no purpose. The former seems to
consider only his rights, and
IGNORES ALL DUTIES
the cold winter day ana night and tho snow was
frequently piled up az the doors OF the tenants.
stencil from the water closets is so oenslve mat the
residents have to shut down their windows during
me night even IN the season aS o. neat
needed. This Is only sample OF numerous cases
And If this be the case IN comparative respectable
! locality, what must be the
CONDITION OF THE sLUMs9
The case at once commended itself to the atten-
ton OF Mr.. Cannon, who sent the usual notice to
the landlord. Yesterday afternoon the agent OF the
property had an interview Win the Inspector. VINO
was satisfied there was nothing objectionable in the
| premises. This conclusion he arrived At on the
mere s GIL of me assn ana without MAKING
| no steps In the matter. Everything, 1t seems,
had been perfectly understood between MIN
reported to the street missioner, Benjamin Van
Keuren and the conduct OF the Health Inspector will
be. Doubtless laid before the Police Commissioners,
who are entrusted by the city charter with the
sanitary condition OF the city. II the Commission
ers act as promptly aud Justly as they did In the
case of Mahon, they VIII make some
PREPARATION PoR THE MULTITUDE OF INIQUITIEs
which lie at the doors of the Commission.
Something must be done. and done promptly, else
Jersey City will become
FERTILE PLAGUE SPOT.
All the vigilance and activity OF the Slumbering
authorities which will in q he aroused by
an indignant people Will then come too late Land
the dwelling houses stables and stores their pro-
perty, and 10 take such measures as the health OF
their tenants calls for. For this purpose sanitary
squad should be appointed, and INSPECTORS Ike Can
non should be promptly removed. The safety or the
people demands prompt and efficient measures.
THO following resolutions were offered by Mr..
Goethe at the late meeting OF the Police Crmmls-
siOners, and were adopted
Whereas that dread disease cholera. has appeared In
whereas ounce of prevention better than pound
s Sss and 20 % Ui disease
according TO the best medical .uihority especial!
and
the rtanee al out e.psc. Scs
populae oases ken. free OF filth or decaying mat
That proclamation be Issued BY the Commute.
the OF drawing their attention to the necessity of
the eo OF S to sss sSe
Works; street Commissioner Van Keuren. DR.:
Lochner Gy Physician, ana On, x memSer of Of
South Eighth street tomorrow. and report
Will be prepared as possible. Mr.. Benjamin
Welsh q member OF the Board Of Public Works,
stated to tue HERALD reporter yesterday
that the cleansing aud dtsinfecting OF the
premises complained OF would be performed under
the direction OF the Committee on Health, ana the
expense charged 10 the landlord. William McCar-
rem. An examination Will also be made OF the sew
erage connections and II the statements made by
the tenants-that there Is no proper sewerage con-
necton-be correct prompt measures Will he taken
TO remedy the evil. The Board Of Public Works and
the Board OF Health VIII take the subject into con
sideraIlon ut their next meeting.