Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1872-03-01

According to Mr.. j. B. Waring of London, an
architect and author of considerable celebrity,
who has given much careful study to the sub
iect, the system of sewerage in vogue in modern
cities is plan by which vast sums of money
are spent TO enable US TO waste great deal
more and TO poison ourselves into the bargain.
Mr.. Warin5 is not alone in this opinion
Many physicians and sanitary reformers have
long maintained it. Some diseases, typhoid
fever especially, admitted to be the results of a
vitiated atmosphere, arc more often due to the
inhalation observer gases than to all other causes
combined. IL is true, no doubt, tina: sewer
with proper connections is less dangerous than
unframed and neglected cesspools; but, with
every pipe, drain and trap made and put to-
gether in the most thorough manner, of the best
materials, by experienced and faithful work
men, the sewer gases will occasionally find their
way through some unguarded passage. That
these gases are always dangerously unwhole-
some and sometimes deadly, nobody now
doubts. The narrow escape of the prince of
Wales, whose illness was contracted by sleeping
IN a room from which an unprotected pipe led 10
the sewer, has given the subject unusual prom
inence just now.
report recently presented TO the New York
board of health by the city sanitary inspector,
reveals deplorabe condition of affairs in that
city. The system of building in use there. in
Volying competitive contracts and sub-contracts
tends to cheaper construction so far that very
detective materials and imperfect workmanship
are constantly employed. The plumbing is
mostly hidden out of sight, and thus, secure
from inspection, joints are left unpacked, traps
are omitted or are insufficient, earthen pipes are
porous and brittle, and abundant opportunities
are left for the poisonous exhalations of the
sewer to escape into the dwelling. Even if the
work is so done as to be possibly tight at first,
and the whole outside is elegant and apparently
complete, it does not take long for the hidden
defects to show themselves; the pipes gradually
yield 10 the strain of time and daily use; the
house is flooded, and noisome smells begin to
manifest themselves, or gases may be present in
dangerous quantities without being Immediately
apparent to the Senses
We suppose these cheap and dangerous
methods of construction are not practised in
New York alone. Unskiful workmen, sharp
contractors, unfaithful builders, and houses
made for show and sale, regardless of the con.
sequences TO the purchaser, are not unknown
even in Worcester 1t is probably true, how
ever, that, ia city like ours, situated on UNI
even ground, where the sewers have rapid fail
and their contents are consequently carried off
more speedily, there is less danger from the gases
generated by the mass of foul and decomposng
matter, than where the point of discharge is but
little below the level Of the Streets as in Chicago
and some parts of New York and Boston; but
the sewer atmosphere cannot be sweet or whole.
some, and that it occasionally finds its way into
some Of our houses is unquestonable.
lac opinion is gaining ground that the sys-
TEN oil sewerage as means Of getting rid of
the impurities of households is mistake, and a
very dangerous one. Sewers of course we mast
have to dispose oil the surface drainage and if
confined TO that use, they would be harmless.
Ihe London architect to whom we have referred
holds that the sewerage system is responsible
for the pollated atmosphere which breeds con-
tageous diseases and the various forms of fever
which are so prevalent, especially that obscure
aud malignant disease known as spotted fever,
or by the still more formidable name of cerebro
spinal meningitis. His plan is to abolish sewer
age, except for surface drainage, aud provide
for carrying away in carts the filth and refuse of
households. The removal Of some parts of this
is already arranged for in all large cities, and
the system could be easily extended. The differ
ent kinds Of refuse would need 10 be kept in
separate receptacles. Its removal need not be
expensive, for, IL it were made compulsory, and
riEdly enforced upon all householders by the
proper sanitary authorities, contractors would
gladly pay the whole costs for the privilege of
manufacturing its various constituents into
manure, glue, soap and other products Of com
mercial value, for which it is available For the
loulest and most Troublesome portion of il,
earth Is the natural and best disinfectant Easy
ana convenient means have been coutrived, and
are already 10 use in many places, for making it
inohensive while it remains in the house and
while IL is carried through the streets. and from
nuisance which must BE- got rid Of at great ex.
pense and no inconsderable sacrifice Of health
turning i into an important article Of trade and
a source Of pIoht 10 the farmer.
Tho aunrarua cotrf W ,chtut..,.