National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1875-02-08

they prevail in Western North Carolina, which
though known to large number of medical
men in these localities, have hitherto not been
estimated or noted by the public, and for that
reason stand forth as new developments, that
shadow forth not only relief but cure for the
victims of this prevalent and alarmingly fatal
disease.
There was time in the history of consump-
ton when impure air was held as the most
prominent, as well as the most potent cause
of the disease. In this day we have SUPER
added to this host of allies found In the vices,
fashions and customs of society, none of which
probably contribute more largely as a ceusa-
ton of this disease, than hereditary pre-disposi-
tion transmitted from generation to generation
by injudicious and ill-adyised marriages, and
not only keeping pace with the increase of pop
ulation, but multiplying in numbers, and aug
menting in viruleuce and fatality.
These alarming developments have, no
doubt, contributed to the Inauguration of the
scheme OF national sanitarium, proposed to
be located amid surroundings, and supplying
remedies, hitherto regarded as obnoxious, to
the whole class of pulmonary diseases, and
which, if successful in procuring relief and
cure, will not only inaugurate a new era in the
treatment Of consumption, inspire hope and
confidence in the breast of thousands now
weighed down with suffering and despair, but
will be an achievement in the cause of hui
mainly worthy of the profession which sug-
gested it, and the National Government, which
| is lending its aid to the great work.
In comparing tables and statistics, as gath
cred in the last census, the fact has been de-
veloped to the public that the ratio of deaths
| from consumption (Which is also true of some
other lung diseases) In the mountainous re-
gions of Western North Carolina are less than
in any other locality, which fact, 1t is admit
ted without controversy, is attributable more
than anything else to the high, dry and health
full atmosphere that prevails there.
In examinin the tables and statistics and
the data upon which they were founded, and
from which they were drawn, 1t is to be re-
GREETED that these were 50 imperfect, and for
that reason must fall so far short of the real
facts in the case; and it is further to be re-
GREETED that a distinction could not have been
secured between "bronchial" and "tubercu-
lar" consumption. Could this have been done
the fact would have been proven beyond con-
tradiction that Inherent constitutional tabsr-
eulGr consumption almost UHkR0ioB among
the native citizens Of much larger district in
Western North Carolina than is indicated by
the illustrative map accompanying the last
census report.
Had these statistics been gathered, as they
ought to have been, from intelligent an obsery-
ant physicians in active practice of their pro-
fession in this portion of our State, the fact we
have stated, and which is so signally verified
by these census statistics, would have been
developed long since, and to day thousands
might be reaping its benefits. g.
From time immemorial deteriorations of at
mospheric air Rave been cited as a causation
of consumption, and in these estimates the
temperature of the atmosphere was more
dreaded and more accused than either its vari-
alton or vicissitudes, and it was upon this n.y.
pothesis that patients were sent to tropical
countries to spend their winters, or In some cases
their lives. So little benefit was gained in
this way, so many lives were and are still
sacrificed to this mistaken policy that 1t is
matter of establishment, not to say regret, that
the medical world is so slow to yield their pre-
conceived notions in this regard. Since the
stethoscope has been Joined with the micro
scope the pathology of pulmonary diseases
of all kinds is well understood, and the inu-
tility, not to say the injury, inflicted upon pa
tients by sending them to the tropics for the
cure Of pulmonary diseases ought to be aban-
doned.
But while the professional and public mind
may be undergoing change in regard to the
thermometric conditions of atmospheric air,
acting under one set of circumstances as cause
of consumption, or under others as a curative
agent, let 1t be remembered that its hygro-
metric and barometric conditions are also to
be considered. It will not do to have too much
regard to either one of these conditions alone,
especially when we invoke them as remedial
agents. There must be harmony in these con-
ditions as well as their proportions, more or
less persistent and uniform.
l have been led to make this remark from
the fact that have been informed that 1t is
proposed to select a site for the Sanitarium
Institution at least 4, 900 feet.above tide water
If this be true, it will elevate the site to the
summit of many of the higher peaks of the
Blue Ridge or the plateaus very nearly ada
cent thereto. Now this elevation is sought for
to secure an atmosphere possessing certain
essential elements, prominent among which
are purity and dryness, or as far as possible an
atmosphere equablc and unvarying in its Their
mometric conditions.
Now, while these atmospheric prerequisites
are found to prevail remarkably in the entire
mountainous regions of Western North Caro-
lima, and when combined with its waters and
scenery, presents attractions and advantages
to those persons seeking health or recreation
nowhere excelled on this continent, the ques-
ton arises: "Wiu these higher attitudes DOS
sess and secure the sanitary condition sought
for in their greatest measure and harmonyp
It will be seen that too much Importance can
not well be given to this question. To err here
is not only to be fatal to the success of the ex-
pertinent, but is to disappoiut the rising hopes
of hundreds and thousands of the afflicted and
despairing Of our race.
In venturing an opinion on this subject or
offering suggestions let It be remembered that
have no local or personal interest or ambi-
ton to crafty. What propose to state is
founded upon the experience and observation
of many years, and is intended more as q sug-
gestion than otherwise; and may be allowed
to add, prompted by an earnest desire to con-
tribute something towards the comfort and
relief Of this large and anxious class of invaids
have said pure and highly oxygeniferous
atmosphere is found everywhere in the noun
famous regions of Western North Carolina,
but, if in addition to these, there is wanted an
equable dry atmosphere, it will be found in
greatest perfection and uniformity on a middle
ground, between the higher and lower strata
of air. An altitude of four thousand feet will
carry the elevation into regions that, perhaps,
for one third of the year, are hidden by clouds
and vapor; and, it must follow, that an at
mosphere at such an altitude, surcharged with
such elements, must carry an amount ofcold and
damp wholly incompatible with the state and
condition, or even the safety of consumptives.
1t is known physical fact here, that the
mountain peaks on the Blue Ridge range, as
well as its higher plateaus, are submerged in