National Republican., 1881-11-19
rHE pooroRs, INvRsrIoArIoN.
what Caused the Inquiry corrections
In the Replies.

The recent investigation into the health
Of Washington had its origin In series OF resolu-
tons presented by Dr. Harvey Lindsey to the
Medical Society Of the District Of Columbia DR.
Lindsey is one Of the oldest physicians Of Wash
ington. lie was professor in the old National
Medical College on street. between Fourth and
Fiflh streets, and for upward of forty years was
engaged in practice, until his retirement about
twelve years since. He has always been much re-
spected for his ability as physician. During Dr.
Lindsey's stay at Naruganseu Pier and other
Northern resorts during the past summer he was
struck with the erroneous views which prevailed
In regard to the health Of Washington. Persons
whom he met, fgom the West and South especially,
regarded life as unsafe in the Capital during the
autumn, and In fact In all seasons Washington
was looked upon as being
THE Hor.BED OF MALARIA.
The newspapers from every section Of the country
repeated this error with increasing exnggeration
from month to month. On Dr. Lndslcys return to
the city he determined to invite the medical pro-
fcssson to some concerted action looking to an
Official examination Of this question. The resou-
tions alluded to were the result, committee was
appointed, consisting Of DIR. Harvey Lindsley'
chairman; Drs. IN. Young, james II. Morgan, w.
w. Johnston, u. W. Prentss. and smith Towns.
proposed to be submitted 10 every physician of the
city, and upon the basis of these answers, as men-
toned in Yesterdays REPUBLICAN,, report was
drawn up and adopted by the Medical society
without dissenting voice. The report expresses
the belief that Washington Is
AS HEALTHY As MOST CITIES
In this country or In Europe that there has been
diminution in the extent and intensity OF malarinl
diseases owing to the improved Drainage, better
payed streets &c: that large portion of the So
called malRrial diseases is due to other causes
than mnlarinl influences, and that n comparison
OF the death rate OF Washington with that of other
cities shows that II docs not exceed the average
Statistics of the last fiscal year are given showing
the percentage of deaths. II Is hoped that this
action will succeed In putting some check upon
the distorted views which prevail MS to the extent
of malaria and other zymotlo diseases IN Wash
ington.
THAT MALARIA DOES EXIST
in certain sections of the city, notably those lying
along the line of the river and vicinity, Is true
but Ii Congress will take the matter OF the re-
clamation of the Kidwel bottoms, the most fruit
ful source of It's origin will be removed IL Is be-
| lieved that Congress will act promptly in this
respect this winter, aud make an appropriation
sufficient TO so improve the river front that the
First Ward vii be as healthy as any portion OF the
| city In the account yesterday one or two typo
| graphical errors made serious changes In the
meaning of two of the points, The correct reading
of the answers TO questions three and four Is as fol
| lows:
.. That simple intermittent fever, the mos
durable form of malarial disease, is the most com
| monty met with
4. That malarial disorders have no great In
| tensity in Washington and are rdrciy fatal.