Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1879-09-03
THE STRICKEN FOURTH.
Melancholy Condition of Affairs
i'm the Diphtheria-Stourged
Fourth Ward.

Fourth Ward.
Few persons besides those whose bus
mess or interest has led them to inquire,
have any adequate idea of the irishtiul
ravages now being made in the Fourth
ward by the diphtheria. We mentioned
the fact yesterday morning, and deem
the case OF sufficient importance, in view
OF matters presented Council last even
ing, to give fuller particulars. Mr..
Kimberly made the statement
that he knew OF eighteen cases
of diphtheria in one square
and another gentleman made the as
sertion that the daily death rate out
there was larger, III proportion 10 our
population, than was that OF Memphis,
This is truly alarming. Last month
there were 60 deaths in the city against
only 81 in the corresponding month OF
last year, and the difference is the work
of this disease. Since the Health OH
GERS report, the number of cases has
increased, until, at the present rate,
there will be as many deaths in this
one ward this month as were in the en-.
tire city last month.
The physicians are fully alive to the
position, as well as the necessity of pre-
vention, and have addressed petition
to Council on the subject. We regret
that lack of space prevents us from
publishing the report in full, for it would
he of interest to all, and must content
our readers with a synopsis:
Nothing contributes more to the pro-
gress OF diphtheria, which is owing
largely to local causes, than accumula-
tons of decomposing animal and vege-
table matter, and badly drained and lily
ventilated houses. In East Wheeling
the surface consists oil a loamy sand,
over a bed OF stiff clay. The sand
becomes saturated with the draining
from houses, and the clay prevents it
from passing away, and there it re-
mains, breeding the germs OF disease.
The most OF this territory is permeated
with veins Of water, which formerly APP
peared as spring, but since being built
over the water appears in the cellars
until, in instances, the cellars of entire
rows of adjoining houses are saturated
with water. With damp cellars and
drain-saturated yards, it is not to be
wondered at that sickness abounds.
The physicians recommend the plac-
ing OF sewers in the streets and alleys,
deep enough to drain these cellars, and
compel property owners TO connect their
houses with these by enforcing the ordl-
nance in relation thereto. Some OF the
Jew sewers there are above the level
OF the Cellers, and instead of draining
from. drain into them. The petition
concludes as follows:
ave recognize the fact that this sys-
tenn OF sewerage will involve consider
able outlay of money, but this would he
but triile when compared to the loss
OF lie among the children OF East
Wheeling. In the past two months,
July and August, 23 deaths from diph-
liberia have occurred in East Wheeling,
and but 10 deaths in the entire re-
maindcr of the city. Less than ycar
ago similar condition of things existed
and an equal mortality resulted from
the same disease.
These two epidemics were both due
10 prcventable causes and upon you
will rest terrible responsibility il the
proper steps are not taken to remove
| them.
We do not make this appeal to you
i'm any pictorial or disrespeCtiul spirit,
but we feel deeply our responsibility as
medical men and wish to impress you
as guardians OF the public health, Will
the importance OF reaching forth
your hands to assist your neigh
bors and friends in the calamity that Is
now upon them.
What would be your reflections, gen
! tlemen, if called upon TO mourn the loss
! of one or more members of your families
! from disease you were convinced coul,
| have been prevented by moderate eX
penditurc OF money by the city author'
ties, and what do you think are the re
Elections of parents in East Wheeling
who are now mourning for their deao
and are waiting in dread OF a further
loss of their children, knowing, as they
do, that i'm a great measure their loss Is
owing to causes which you can remove
The petition is signed by fifteen o
the most prominent physicians i'll the
city.
In conjunction with the above, the
! following communication will be readily
! understood.
Editor OF the Register.
From the mOrtuary report Tor the
month of August, as presented by DIR
Edwards, Health Officer, see there
were seventeen deaths in the Fourtl
ward during that month. Is it any
wonder that such a heavy per cent. o
the deaths should be confined to thai
ward, when We take into consideration
the filthy and really offensive condition
OF the alleys running through that ward
especially that section OF the ward lyinl
between Wood and McColloch streets
which, in my judgment, has no parable
i'm any part OF the city, for stencil, which
is almost unbearable at nights to those
nnaccustomed To this kind OF deadly
eilluvia. Diphtheria prevails all through
! the upper or eastern part of the ware
under an epidemical form, there being
no less than seventeen cases in one day
! along Seventeenth street.
Can't the Health Officer do something
to ameliorate the unhappy condition o.
the plague-stricken ward2 Natural cir
cumstances are somewhat against the
Health Officer in that ward, know
/