Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1879-12-06
rHEuEALTH OF THE IN.

III r. r
II is quite generally understood that
he'deadly disease, diphtheria, is pre-
vailing as an epidemic in this city. The
mortality report Of the last month
showed an alarming fatality from tins
cause.
Within the last few days q kindred
disease, scarlet fever, has made its aI-
pearance, showing that the conditions
which favor these diseases are present
10 an unusual degree, and the easy IN
ference is that IL the winter continues
open and wet. as il probably will, these
diseases will make fearful ravases among
the children Of the city.
Iithere were no known cause for the
appearance oi this contagion there
would also be- no certain cure ami mo-
fixed responsibility for its existence.
But IL is one ot the things about which
the doctors agree, and one confirmed by
evervbody's observation, that filth, pub
Die filth and private fifth, is the prolific
source Of this pe,ti,euce.
As to the private filth, there Is not
much pity due those who tolerate Il d
they are simply paying the penalty,
But many are So situated that they can
not avoid the noxi0us influences OF the
public filth. They are compelled to
breathe the vapors emitted from PeStl-
lential sewers and other Ueeking sources
OF disease.
The latter are % be pitied, for there
does not seem 10 De that degree of care
Tor public health on the part Of our
city authorities that Is needed % cope
with the cause and remove the danger.
We are aware that some Of these local
Influences would De- difficult tO eradl-
cate. The bed Of Wheeling creek, which
isa great reservoir for all manner OF
9Th, and which through the long dry
spell last fall, sent up nauseous vapors
which were ditused through every
house and every pair OF lungs that
brrath,d I'm that neighborhood, has un-
douJtrjly been the chief source OF the
sickness now prevailing. 10 made bdd
hllod and generated disease which d,
Just now developing itself in that lo-
oaHty
We offer no remedy for this nuisance.
But there are numerous other sources
Of filth ON a smaller scale that the city
should give attention. They are not
harl "a find tl those whose OliaCtorivs
have not lost all srnsibility. They
are known ami complained about to the
Health officer, and ne should be- invest
eel with authority. and even made rr-
sponsiblc for riiding them ont.
No one can be- obliyious 20 the fact
that a. a community we are too lndlHrr-
ent 10 the conditions which war upon
the public health and breed disease. 10
Is not only ia the streets and alleys that
We meet evidences ui this, but m our
public buildings and halls, where large
numbers OF our people are accustomed
O. assemble.
There is scarcely public hall, iithrre
Is one, iu the city, where an audience
can remain an hour or two to witness
play or hear a lecture with any sense OF
comfort, ami without endsngerlug
health. There is NO more recognition OF
the ncrd OF pure air and the necessity
OF ventilation than ii the managers of
these places were ignorant that people
were accustomed tD breathe. They must
either suspend respiration ior the time
being, or submit tD iuhale an atmns-
phere that would disgust ground-hog.
Audiences are shut iu like 80 many cat
lie in car, or like negroes in the "bLa'k
hole Of Calcutta until they reek with
Precipitation and almost gasp for
breath, and are then compelled
20 20 out into a chilly winter atmosphere
at the risk Of health and life itself.
They have neither enjoyed the enter
tainment nor been profted by the
rest and recreation they hoped for.
They have gained simply bad colds,
sore threats and perhaps months
sickness.
What wonder that our public enter
tertainmenfs are poorly patronized2
Who would be surprised IL
the more intelligent part OF
the community should finally refuse, as
they will, b 20 into tle public halls.
unless their managers learn some sense;
or unless the city authorities compel, as
they should, the Observance Of some
civilized regulations. Let US have a
new deal in this, as well as in many
other directions. II there il no inn
prOvement we shall be inclined 20 be a
little more specific and talk little more
plainly than we have.
The New York San is hopeful that |
zone Of these days the people Of New
York will probably pry the office of
Alderman out of the mud by electing !
TO itmen 81 sense, honesty and public |
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