Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1878-04-18

| into the MISSISSIPPI river, has given
place to certain degree of plausability that
such is the lamentable fact. His stkit'' of
tools remains where he left it, but where the
owner is remains solemn mystery. He
stated to one of his friends soon after his ar
rival in the city that he had worked in Peo-
ria, Illinois.
HEALTH OFFICERS REPORT.
Statistical Report of the Births nd
Deaths In minneapolis for the Year End
ing March 31st, 1878.
DR.. A. A. Ames, health officer for the past
year, has compiled a statistical report of the
births and deaths in Minneapolis during the
past year to be presented to the city council.
The report is prefaced with some sound re-
marks and suggestions that may be of bene-
fit to his successors.
The following epitome may prove inter-
esting to our readers:
There were 403 deaths in the city during
the year-208 males and 1875 females. Esti-
mating our population at 45,OOO-which is
placing it at modest fgure-and it would
give US but 8 $40 deaths per thousand. If
we deduct the "premature and preternatural
Births - and "deaths by violence" the per-
centage, would be reduced to $40 per
thousand inhabitants. During the year end
ing March 31st, 1877, there were 457 deaths
exclusive of still births), which is 81 more
this year, Notwithstanding the rapid increase
in population during the meantime. Of the
decrease this year, IS were carried away with
phthisis pulmonalis (consumption). Most
of them having sought our climate in an ad-
vanced stage of the disease. Next to con-
sumption, ':diarrheal diseases stands on
our list as a destroyer-52 deaths.
Pneumonia follows with a record of 81 vic
TINS. think am safe in asserting that
there is no other city of $4,000 inhabitants
in the country, and especially one that has
become a sanitarium for the afflicted gener-
ally. as Minneapolis has, that has clearer
record.
BIRTHS DURING THE YEAR.
There If, particularly one part of the
we may point with pride, and that is the
the scriptural injunction to "increase and
multiply'-914 births during the year is the
result. The old tenth ward carried off the
palm by contributing 1913.
SCARLET FEVER.
During eleven months of my service as
health officer have enforced as far az prac-
ticable the State law requiring all cases of
scarlet fever to be quarantined. I am in
formed by the secretary of the State board
of health that this city is the only locality
where there has been even an effort to COM
ply with the law. Since the first of May,
1877, Ill cases of scarlet fever have been
rcY foH To off L
placing conspicuous placards on houses
where the disease prevailed, warning people
of the contagious character of the malady
and forbidding entrance to all except physi-
clans. While believe the disease has been,
in measure, kept from spreading by the
generous display of red pasteboard
with its awe-inspiring command
from the board of health, still, am of the
opinion that the law cannot be imposed ex-
cept in cases where scarlet fever prevails in
a violent epidemic form. Many physicians
neglect to report their cases, and in numer-
Gus instances I have found families where
ali the children had had the disease, but in
such light form as not to create any appre-
hension in the minds of parents, and ply
slclans were not summoned. The fact that
there have been but five deaths from scarlet
fever, goes to show that it has been of
mild type generally.
SMALL POx.
Notwithstanding small pox has been
raging in several large cities to the
east of US, and with which we are in direct
communication by rail, we have had but
one case in our city. That was promptly
reported and quarantined, and in order to
prevent the spread of the disease, if pos
sible, assumed personal charge of the case,
and vaccinated all who had been exposed or
who resided in the immediate vicinity of the
patients house. would respectfully recon-
mend that provisions be made by the city
for the vaccination with non-humanized
virus of all children applying for it Gas the
law prohibits the admission of children to
the public schools without certificate of
successful vaccinnation) and the poor. This
is done in most of the large cities, and if
carried out here would do away with the
necessity of the pest house elephant.
NU1sANOEs.
During the year 1865 notices have been
served from this Office and the NUS
ance complained of abated.
OF the 2l5 horses that have died in the
city, we have been called upon to bury but
5 at public expense.
OTHER SUGGESTIONS.
The report continues by calling attention
to the Importance of pure milk and vegeta-
bles. It urges the establishment of q city
hospital, and treats at length upon the sub
ject of pure water. The doctor says he
has analysed great many wells where the
water was cold, clear and sparkling, and
disease. He concludes this branch as fol-
lows:
During the dry season that great open
sewer, known as Bessett's creek, furnishes
enough filth to keep the pumps going, and
the hydrant water drinkers from acquiring
perverted tastes for liquids of milder char
acter. What the people of this city need
and must have in the near future, is pure
water. If the present condition
of affairs in this respect is persistedIin
I predict sweeping epidemic at no distant
day that will be sorrowful reminder to
those in authority of their criminal neglect.
Improved sewerage is also strongly urged.
RECONCILIATION.
Total number of deaths, 4O3.
BY Wards-First, 8; Second, 20; Third,
Sc; Fourth, 10; Fifth, 81; Sixth, 81; Seventh,
81; Eighth, Sc; Ninth, 62; Tenth, "a; not
stated, 20.
Total number of births, 914.
Births by Wards-First, SO; Second, 81 !;
Third, 13 Fourth, IL; Fifth, 10; Sixth,
rs; Seventh, 46; Eighth, SO; Ninth, SO T;
Tenth, 1913; not stated, 48. There was one
more female than male birth.
The cases of scarlet fever reported and
quarantined, were as follows: May, IT,;
June, 8; July, 5; August, 2; September,
-; October, s.; November, 16; December,
8: January, s. February, 16; March, 16 !;
total number, Ill.