Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1882-05-03
MINNEAPOLIS SANITARY CONDITION

As1 Important InterUtetc With the Secre-
tary of the Board of Health aud the
Heath Ofjcer-Thfee Health Inspectors
Recommended.
On last evening the GLOBE reporter was
the secretary of the state board of health, had
expressed himself as alarmed at the unhealthy
condition of Minneapolis. He had read with
much surprise, the com parative statement
published by the press three weeks ago, show
ing the mortality rate much greater in Min
ueapolis than in st. Paul, and knowing no
reasonable excuse for that difference,
has paid a visit to the twin cities
to make searching investigation of the mat
Ter. He found st Paul much the cleanlier as
regards the streets, alleys and vacant lots,
and TO this he attributed the difference in the
sanitary condition of the two cities. He also
came TO the conclusion that if Minneapolis
did not at once adopt measures towards rid
ding the city of all filth and garbage, the
state board of health must take the duty up
on itself.
The reporter was also informed that one
prominent business man had taken
his family to st. Paul to live,
not daring to permit them to breathe the ma:
lariou5 atmosphere, poisoned by the filth and
garbage of the winters accumulation,
when is allowed to lay and ferment and rot
under the very noses OF everybody. A cap
italist from New York came here with the
purpose Of investing a number of thousands
of dollars in Minneapolis property, but when
he noted the execrable condition Of the city he
returned home without investing cent.
Upon hearing these facts, the reporter
sought an interview with Dr.. Collins, the
chairman of the city board OF health, and go.
irnrr tn hat crorftia m, nff -,
earnest conversation with DR.. C1chburn, the
newly elected health officer. From this con-
yersation the reporter made the following
notes:
DR.. Cochburne-A typhoid fever epidemic
is prevailing IN this city. 1t is useless to DIS
guise the fact. l think am safe in saying
that an average of two to three new patients,
either in the city hospital or the homes, are
reported to me daily.
Dr.. Colins-Yes, doctor, am also of the
opinion that it is folly 10 try to cover up the
fact. The city must undergo thorough aud
complete cleaning up. TIE back yards, alleys,
vacant lots, and even the streets are il most
wretchedly filthy condition, and as a member
of the board of health, it is incumbent upon
NE to see that they are cleaned up.
Reporter-Bur, do you think the street
commissioners can attend 10 the work in re.
moving this filth and garbage, as purposed by
the city council?
Dr.. Colins-No, indeed; they have all they
can possibly attend to in placing the streets
of their respective wards in proper condition,
without paying the least attention TO the back
yards, which, in my opinion, are one of the
most direct causes of The prevailing sickness.
DR.. Cochburn-I believe, also, that the dust
which arises from the street is very fruitful
cause. The droppings OF the houses of many
months have become powdered, and are blown
into the faces and nostrils of the people by the
wind. Many families in certain localities
have practieed emptylng their kitchen garbage
into the streets.
Reporter-What do you think OF the water
in this connection?
DR.. Cochburne--I know no reason why the
water of this city should not be pure as thai
of St Paul, unless it be the we'll water, which
must necessarily be somewhat poisoned by
the filthy condition of the surface. l attach
little Importance to the water. | yesterday
examined three or lour cords OF filth snC
garbage in one back yard, in the Sixth ward
and gave orders to have it removed at once
The city charter provides that within twenty
four hours from the time when official motto,
isserved upon the property owner, to remov,