Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1872-12-13
Cur Freedom from Epidemics

We have read OF the bad boy who cried
"wOlT" when there was no wolf, and of the
man Who was never happy except when misera-
BILE; and the attempt to create unnecessary
alarm by circulating exaggerated reports rela-
tive to the extent OF the smallpox in the Dis
trict reminds one of those two semi historical
percentages. The Iset Is, Washington has been
free from diseases Of an epidemic or endemic
character for years, and can lay claim to being
one Of the healthiest cities in the Union. The
justice OF this claim has been established by in.
disputable statistics, and is generally admitted
In regard to the existence of the smallpox
within our limits, there is excellent authority
for the assertion that the deaths now occurring
from that disease are not One-qusrter as many
IN proportion to the number OF cases as those
which occurred last year at this time;
that the disease is much milder in
form than last season; and that, in proportion
to population, there are fewer deaths in Wash
ingtOn than in any of the northern cities where
the epidemic referred 10 is at present raging. A
great many Of the cases reported daily to the
board OF health are cases of varioloid, which
are seldom fatal. They are classed with small
PoX cases, however, and 20 to swell the a ggre-
gate number, and increase the fears of the
tlmid. Ii may be mentioned as an import ant
and suggestive tact that there have "a vet been
10 cases Of the disease reported in tirst-clsss
residences: that only ten per cent. OF the whole
number are found in somewhat less roomy
quarters; and that ninety per cent. OF those who
contract the disease are colOred persons who
occupy small, close rooms. This shows how
much the disease il incres seJ in viruIence Iy
want or proper ventilation.
Tie board Of health deserves great credit for
the vigorous measures they have lately taken
10 prevent the spread of this lOathsome disease.
Physicians 10 the poor, by a recent order, were
required to 60 from door 10 door for the purpose
OF EacciHaiag the people, (the same a. in Bal
nmOfe and other large cities,) and. on the
whole, tie plan has been a success. A few per.
sons, II J. true, have refused to be vaccnated
under such circumstances, but in the IN ain the
great majority OF the people have recognized
the importance Of the matter and Welded CON-
rhance with the desires OF the board. The
result Is that, from the LIST of September last 70
the 10th irst., the board, through its officials,
Vaccinsted about lj,ct0 persons, the to al num-
Der vacclnated since last January being up
wards Of C,Oa0.
Under the present law of the legislative a.
stmbiy The board OF health has no power TO re-
move smallpox patients, except from hotels
and boarding and tenement houses. They have
To authority TO remove case from a private
dwelling, even though it be howell OF the mean
est description. and their lack of jurisdiction in
the latter case imrairs their efficiency as a
health organization. IL would be well III the
present Law could be amended in this respect
90 as 10 give the board power TO emove patients
in all cases where they are not receiving proper
care and attention.