Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1873-05-13

that suitable provision may be made 10 REIN
hurse those who have suffered loss by the sur
appropriation of S5 900 will be required TO settle
these obligations for clothing and furniture.
quantity of disintectants, rendered neces-
saTy TO correct the pernicious eShalatlons from
upturned streets and alleys in midsummer, oc-
casioned by the operations of the Board OF Pub
llc works. was requested by that body 10 be
distributed under the immediate direction ami
by the agency of the Board of Health. To et-
feet this considerable Indebtedness was I'M
svoidably incurred in the hiring 81 carts aud
laborers, which has not been cancelled. amount
itary view, were performed by a class of per-
sons greatly in need of the money they have
honestly earned. As the Board of Public
Works decline to pay these accounts, we are
able appropriation for that purpose.
IMPURE ALLEYS AND VACANT Lots.
A large majority of the alleys of the city
abound in sources of disease requiring special
attention. Reference is not made so much to
collected filth on the surface, as to the fact that
these narrow lanes are inhabited by class OF
persons who disregard, in their manner of liv-
ing, the plainest principles OF health. For the
most part they occupy shanties, often in dilap-
dated condition, and overcrowded with living
inmates. 1nsufficiently clothed and fed, with
out proper ventilation, and exposed to other
causes of morbid arrangement, they become the
earliest victims of epidemic disease, and the
surest means of its spread to others. The, e
buildings constitute nuisances injurious to
health, which the board should be authoriz
to atate. 1t is estimated that more than
twenty five thousand persons are living
as described. The owners Of such prOpert,
should be compelled, under heavy penalty, to
keep the buildings in tenantable condition, and
especially TO provide (what is so much needed)
a proper water supply Power should also Ice
granted the board to TO BE filled drain ed
vacant lots where standing water and filth pools
exist. Whole sections of the city are infested by
fevers and other maades from this cause, the
correction OF which is imperatively dem lnd ii.
FINANCES.
The report of the Treasurer, herewith trans
mitted (appendiX ID will be found to present a
faIr exhibit of the financial operations of the
board since its first organization. 1t will be
seen by comparison with the expenses of similar
institutions elsewhere, that unusual prude nee
and economy have been practiced in the sa nj
tary management of the District; while the re-
suits accomplished will compare favorably with
the health labors of other cities. The preva-
lence OF epidemic small pOx has required for its
arrest an increase of force and appliances, call
ing for corresponding increase of expenditure
OF money, but it will be found that the actual
work accomplished.
The amount appropriated by the Legislature
at Its last session has been long since exhausted
and the board is now in need of funds for cur
rent expenses, and contingencies that may
arise before the expiration of the fiscal year.
In conclusion, the board. animated by a sin
cere desire to acqut itself faithfully of the i'm
Portant trust committed to its management
earnestly invOkes the cooperation of your excel
lency, the Legislative Assembly, and all good
citizens, in the honest effort being made to rem
der the District a model of salubrity as it soon
must become of all that is attractive in exter-
nal finish and adornment. Respectfully sub
mitted, CHRIS c. Cox NJ B.
President of the Board of Health OF the Dis
tTict OF Columbia.