New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1877-01-12
THE PCBLIC HEALTH.

PROGRESS OF CONTAGIOUS DISEASES IN THIS CITY
ADDRESS BY PROF. CHANDLER on SANITARY RE-
FORM.
The Public Health Association held its an
nua meeting last evening at No II West Tbiryfrstst
The old Board Of Officers reelected with the follow
Ing changes: Col. william F. Prentice, Vice President;
John c. Peters. NJ D. Corresponding Secretary Charles
E. Lockwood. ". d.. Recording Secretary Charles +.
Chandler Phi D. the President called the meeting TO or
der and the reports the secretary and treasurer were
received. Dr. W. DE F. Day Sanitary superintendent of
this city. presented and explained series
charts showing the progr6s of Contagious diseases
in the past year The nrst chart repre-
sented the place where smallpox prevalent
during the first three months of 1873, when 1000 cases
were reported This disease had begun at point nearly
opposite the smallpox hospital 1t thought by
many that contagon brought from that iDstitu-
ton subsequent investigation showed that this was
not true. The outbreak began here because In this
neighborhoOd all the favorable conditions for the
spread of the disease During April, May, and June,
1870 there l2i2 and the disease worked Its
way through the tbcky crowded tenemens until 1t set
tied in the Tenth and Seventeenth Wards In the sum
mer when persons were out in the open AIR and the win
dows and doors open in the enenrnts there was
marked abatement OF the disease, aud Dr. Day SAID
IL might now be regarded under complete control
Dr. Day said his charts showing the course OF dphheria
showed only fatal eases owing 10 the diverse judgment
there were 3,2sl deaths from diphthera IN the city
proper and in Westchester County As IN small
pox in the and west side districts where there were
the largest and crowded tenemcnts there were the
greatest number of deaths. TIE made land was shown
20 be- nearly free from deaths from diphiheria Inc
charts for 1876 exhibited marked Improvement bOth III
diphtheria aud smallpox ID Peters stid that the san
ary condition OF this city for the past year Was iii-
usually good DR. JaneGay in note % him. stated mat
he had known such scarcity OF acute Diseases III
Bellevue Hospital there had been during the last three
months of 1876 Reports from all quarters confirmed
these statements.
President Chandler stated that Sanitary reform was
begun over 100 years and had steadily progressed
since that time. II estimated that there were -
cases death. thus by diminishing thc
death rate saving made IN the amount
of suffering produced by sickness Were II not Tor over
crowded tepcmcnts this city would be OF the health
iest In he world The city situated between TWO
rivers on high land. and the drainage and water supply
l. oxrrllcut Fully Onc-ihird of those who now dei
should saved and could be- by proper sanitary REFORM
The Iarl OF Health not created for those VINO were
able 10 live private houses. but Tor the poorer Glasses
who were compelled TO 1--we in OyerctOwdrd tencinehls
When IL was estimated that S25O,OOOOOO was invested
In trlements In tins city 10 could be seen how mnch
property was az stake In opposition to any general re-
iord m the construction OF these buildings. III was
claimed by some that the water supply was bad ms
was not true On ho contrary. tho water came rom
region winch could not be contaminated Win
sewage and other refuse. Tho Croton ~atef Wa