Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1873-11-05
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toNfANN-ikPEHFECT hoRTCARf RECORDS
-SATIOSAL SANITARY COEvKNTIoN-ARK
TIE FEOPLE TO HAVE ISFoRNATIoSf-DR-
vTRDI's REPORT.
- a meeting Of the Board OF Health last
hight, a communication was read from the
teaith Officer stating that many complaints
were received from the inspectors and others of
the :srdiness Of the seayengers IN attending to
night work.
Mr. MarGury stated that 1T was matter be-
longing 70 The Ortsorless E1cava,iDg company
and ,bOuld be referred to them. If they are
not able 10 do the work il should be given over
20 the old scsvengers.
Dr. Bliss said that the company would re-
eeiye three new pumps to-day, which would be
SUFFICIENT TO do the work. He moved the refer
ence of the communication to the sanitary com
mittee. Agreed TO.
The chair laid before the board a letter from
Paul Dejardin, of New York, TO Governor
shepherd, and by the latter referred to the
Board OF Health, nquirlng rs to the time and
circumstances of the death Of one Jean Burton
some time since, at the Metropolitan hotel in
this city.
The secretary stated that the records of the
Board of Health had been searched through and
no record of such death found.
DR.. Bliss said IL was very mOrtifying that they
should be obliged TO answer such inquiries that
at the capital OF this great nation no attention
Is given TO recording births and deaths. IL was
disgraceful.
THE NATIONAL SANITARY CONVENTION.
Several letters were read in response to the
circular letter from the board relative 10 the
proposed national sanitary convention. most Of
Them approving the project and stating that
delegates had already been selected TO attend.
THE ODORLESs COMPANY AeAIN.
communication was received from F. r.
Sawyer contractor for the night-soil, complain
ing that the OdOrless Excayating Company
we're endangering the safety of the bulldog on
llth-stTeet wharf by pillng too many barrels OF
night-sOil therein, the foundations being insult
heient to sustain the weight: After discussion,
the matter was referr- 4 TO the health officer.
MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS.
Mr.. LangstOn, from the committee on ordi-
nances, reported adversely on the recommend
alton OF their attorney. A. X. Browne, in rela-
ton TO changing the ordinances OF the board so
as to make agents OF real estate responsible for
nuisances maintained on such premises. The
DIR. Bliss submitted resolution that the
board procure proper official seal for its use;
laid over.
ARE THE PEOPLE TO HAVE INFORMATION
ABOUT THE BOARD Oh NOT?
DR.. Cox called attention to the fact that the
opinion of their attorney relative to the power
OF the board to condemn as nuisance the pow
der magazine north of Georgetown, had been
published in the local press, contrary to the
orders of the board, and very much to his sur
prise. He submitted a resolution prohibiting
the publication of any essay, report or cOmmu-
nication belonging to the board, without the
unanimous consent of the members of the
board, and instructing the clerk to keep all such
ton of the board.
DIR. Verdi said this was rather unusual. What
have they TO do with the newspapers. They are
THE PEOPLE HAVE RIGHT TO KNOW
what they are doing. Like all other public
bodies they allow reporters to be present at
their meetings, and it is their business to get
all the information they can for the readers of
the papers they represent. He saw no impro-
priety in il.
Dr. Cox sail il was very unusual to have an
opinion of an attorney published, unless it was
upon matter of interest to the public. This
opinion was for use of the board alone, to govern
them in their action, and no one had any right
m Int ba r1 laxT "A iHalQ 70
and 10 one had a right to it. As for himself, he
dissented from the views OF Mr.. Browne.
After considerable discussion the resolution
vas Withdrawn.
DIR. vRRDI's REPORT.
Dr. Verdi then proceeded TO read the report
prepared by him on his sanitary visit to Europe.
He first submitteda large number of pamphlet
reports of boards Of health and sanitary 0rgani-
cations in various languages; also copies of
blank forms used by such bodies in their detail
workings, which he handed over to TIE board,
and asked that they be properly arranged for
reference.
DR.. Cox here moved a vote of thanks to DIR.
Verdi for the same, which was adopted.
DR.. Verdi then went on TO his first subject,
being the manner of removing night soil in va
riOus cities of Europe. and particularly the city
OF Rochdale, England, which has been pub
lisbed in The STAR.
The next subject was the Illuminating quail
tiles and impurities of gas, which was set forth
at considerable length, and in which the gas
company of this city were taken to task for the
alleged low standard of that article furnished
by them. The report says that the present sys-
TEN Of supplying gas by private corporation
leaves the citizens at the mercy of the gas COM
pany, both as to the quality of the gas (Which is
invariably poor and the charges made tor it:
that II is a notorious fact that the gas in WASH
iDgton varies inconvenently in Illuminating
power; that it often emits an unpleasant Odor,
which is due to the noxiOus compounds of which
il is composed; that the quantity charged to the
citizen by the company as burned is often mex
plicably large; and that the people are referred
TO the inspector of the company, who must neces-
sarily labor in its interests.
Next was the subject of mortuary and disip-
f6cting buildings. A full description OF the one
in use in London was given, and valuable sug-
geStions made as to the construction of a similar
building, which he thought is needed in this
city. The plan includes a dead-house, ma
ehinery for disinfecting clothing, ovens for con-
Stunning infectious matter, consultation rooms
for physicians, apparatus, SC.
The next subject treated on was a public
wash house, which he recommends for the use
of the poor, TO be supplied with hot and cold
water, ard where washwomen can do their
washing at very small cost.
The next subject was unhealthy habtations;
and many valuable suggestions given in relation
to space, Light, and ventilation.
Public lodging houses for the poor was the
next subject, and the present statiOn-house
demned.
on the subject of public baths, much attention
Is given to their Importance a a hygienic
measure, and such establishments recomme nded
for adoption in this city.
Cnwholesome meat and slaughter-houses ia
the next matter treated on. and q public abatoue
as cheaper to the butchers of this
District, and in all respects more desirable than
private slaughter-houses.
At the conclusion of its reading, Mr.. Langston
moved that vote of thanks be passed to DIR.
' erdi for the able report made, and that it be
placed on Tile Tor publication; adopted.