Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1883-03-30
DE-. HEwrrT's STATEMENT.


DR.. Hewitt.
DE-. HEwIrT'S STATEMENT.
DR.. G. n. Hewitt, of Red Wing, secretary
of the state board of health, was invited
to be present at the meeting, but he was
prevented FROM doing so and sent the fol-
lowing communication as embodying his
views, which was read
STATE BOARD OF HEALTH OF MINNESOTA.
SECRETARY's OFFICE,
RED WING, Mimi, March 30, 1888.
Mr.. T. A. Fogg, Secretary St.PaulChamber
of Commerce:
Dear Sir:-I find that my professional
duties will prevent my absence for twenty
four hours from the city. By present rail
road arrangements it will take that time
for me to attend your meeting tonight.
l therefore submit the enclosed paper,
which will, 1 think, be fully substitute
for what I might say, if al the meeting to-
night.
The danger in all such movements as
you have SO wisely begun, is the wasting of
enthusiasm and strength IN talk and dis
cussion with no corresponding result in
work. The plan which l offer yeufs the
result of many years study of the general
subject, public health, and of the history
of very many efforts, similar to your own.
for sanitary reform. This plan provides
for immediate practical effort, as well as
for the harder and longer work of sani-
tary survey. Yours,
CHARLES n. HEWITT.
Secretary State Board OF Health.
How best to secure for the citizens of
st. Paul the longest and healthiest life, and
the most freedom from disease and prema-
ture death by sanitary effort?
In this paper 1 shall only be able to out
line plan for the doing the proposed
work. To state tbs evidence upon which
the plan is based would occupy more time
than has been allotted to me.
The object of the present movement
should be twO-fold
First-To secure the prompt, thorough
and impartial execution of the existing laws
and regulations for the promotion of the
public health in the city.
Second-To begin and carry out such
thorough and independent sanitary survey
of the whole city as shall develop its actual
needs, and afford the only true foundation
upon which can be based plans for future
sanitary reform and work
The first object is of the greatest present
Importance 1t affords a wide field for
abundant and necessary work. The exist
ing laws, state and municipal, are the re-
suit of long experience here and elsewhere,
and If enforced will be found of the greatest
practical value.
To assist in securing their enforcement
is the first duty of the chamber and of all
good citizens if this movement ''meons
business"
There are various ways for such co-ope-
alton, the following, perhaps, as good as
any. If the chamber will undertake it,
let there be appointed for each ward of
the city an active and earnest committee
to consist of at least one physician, one
lawyer and another active and influential
citizen, whose duty shall be:
fIrst-To become familiar with existing
sanitary laws.
Second--To insist upon the execution of
such laws, and to cooperate with the health
officer and board of health to that end.
Third-To report monthly, if yon please,
land in spring, summer and fall this
should be the rule) to public meeting of
the chamber the sanitary condition of their
ward, its vital statistics, and such sugges-
lions as their work has prompted.
No more welcome or efficient help could
be afforded the health officer IN his always
difficult, and often delicate duty, and no
more effective stimulant to thorough work
on the part Of ali whose duty it is to exc
cute law.
But, and this seems to me most import
ant OF all, while you are enforcing law you
are by the publication of such reports. and
by the personal enthusiasm and activity of
your committees creating pub
lie opinion, by educating all
classes into better knowledge Of their own
and the city's needs in matters of health.
The chamber will learn other important
facts, e. G., that the efficiency of your local
board of health IS largely dependent upon
intelligent popular support, and that that
support can very often be most efficiently
used IN the city council.
That sanitary work of whatever sort
demands thorough conviction of its Nc
cessity to maintain the continuous and
sustained effort essential to success.
That causes of iIi-health, disease and pre-
mature death are not to be destroyed by
one battle, however brilliant and success
1si, but rather by the constant and often
wearlsome use of means commonplace
and ordinary in themselves, by hard work.
In the lowest commercial sense. such
work pays. The value in results of longer
life, better health and greater efficiency
for doing, is out of all proportion to the
cost.
The doing well, this first work to be nm
dertaken, is the best preparation for the
second which is:
Second-To begin and complete a
thorough and Independent sanitary survey
of the whole city as shall develop its
actual sanitary needs, and afford the only
true foundation upon which can be based
plans for future sanitary reform and
work.
This survey should consist:
First-In a house to house visitation al
every dwelling in the city. Classified q:
private boarding, hotel, etc.
Second-In en- inspection of every
mandatory and work shop. Classified by
trades, etc.
Thlrd-In an inspection of all places O,
amusement. theaters, halls, saloons, etc.
Fourth-A special survey of trade
and places of business danperon
to public health or liable to become mis-
canoes.
Fifth-An inspection of all sources O
water supply, drains, springs, wells, els