The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1880-04-15
The Public Health.

called at Brants Hall for Friday evening,
April 9th, to consider the means for best
preserving the public health, was very
largely attended. The meeting was called
to order at the appointed hour by w. Byron
Daniels, and upon motion Hon. w. H..
Smallwood was called upon to preside. j.
j. Beeson was chosen secretary of the meet
ing.
Mr.. Smallwood in short but pointed
speech stated the object of the meeting, and
introduced to the audience Col. E. |. Bailey,
U. S. A., Medical Director of the Depart
ment of the Columbia. Col. Bailey made
extended remarks upon the nature of vari-
GUS filth diseases, the circumstances by
which we are surrounded, the way we live,
and how to improve our sanitary condition.
He advised as of first importance to build
up off from the ground, keep the dampness
out, and keep your grounds well drained and
dry. Wells We're represented As a fruitful
source of disease, as all cess polls and privies
will drain into them by the natural laws OF
gravitation and the well water used is filed
with the seeds of disease. No well water
can be perfectly pure, and in cities it is ut
terly futile to expect to get good water from
any well. In Vancouver we have the finest
water from the water works to be found any
where, and DIR. Bailey very strongly advo-
Gated its use alone. The eAhalationS from
damp ground carries the seeds of disease
with them. The ground breathes, so to
speak, and turns into the air again the filth
that has been thrown into or upon the
ground, and human beings breathing that
air take into their systems the seeds Of dis
ease. Filthy premises fill the air with
sewer gas, and there IS no way to get rid Of
its terrible effects except by cleanliness and
removal of all garbage to distance. Col.
Bailey also made al eloquent appeal to let
the sunshine into all the house, as one OF
natures best gifts to man. The doctor pre-
scribed as follows for the public heath;
Soap scrubbing brush, water, sunshine and
free air, equal parts, and thoroughly APP
Piled" Nentilationmust be duly considered
crowding in sleeping rooms avoided, or the
consequences will be serious.
DIR. j. r. Smith upon being called upon
responded, confirming fully the remarks OF
DR.. Bailey, and further extending them
making some excellent observations upon
diet and the choice of healthful food for
children.
Gen. Morrow was called upon and made
some practical remarks upon the application
of remedies suggested by the former speak
ers, advocating filling up the wells and a
discontinuance OF the practice of throwing
dead dogs and cats in the pond. The Gen
eral was much in favor of cleaning IN eyerv-
body premises, and keeping them cleai'
the garrison desiring to cooperate with the
citizens in all respects.
Mr.. n. II. Bloomfield disclamed having
been an acquaintance of diptheria, and after
having heard so much of it from the re-
marks of former speakers he concluded
that he had better not become ac-
quainted with it. He urged our citizens to
heartily assist in this work, which will be
inaugurated in earnest.
At the conclusion of the remarks a vote
of thanks was unanimously extended to Dr.
Bailey for his very interesting address.
Mr.. w. Byron Daniels then urged that
this be not the last effort publicly, and
moved that committee of five citizens be
appointed from the audience to consider
this matter, to cooperate with the commit
tee of the city council, and to meet again
one week from this time to report. Messrs
w. Byron Daniels, j. T. Goss, DIR. J. r.
Smith, Rev. A. 5. Nicholson and John Jaggy
were appointed as such committee.
The meeting adjourned for one week, in
accordance with the motion passed.