Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1884-09-19
DEAD HOGS IN THE RIVER.
Health Officer TOVnshend Starts for
the Upper Potomac.

| MEASURES ADOPTED TO PUT A STOP TO THE Evil.
Health Oflcer TOwnshend started up the Poto-
mac river at noon to-day to investigate the reports
Of pollution OF the water by dead hogs. He sue
ceeded in securing the steam packet-boat of the
paymaster Of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal COM
pany tor the trip. His purpose is TO proceed up as
lar as Point OF Rocks, and make examination Of
Doth the canal and river banks He takes men
enough along with him 10 bury all the hogs they
find, and when he arrives at Point Of Rocks, II not
satisfied with such Intelligence as he may ind
specting the condition OF things further up, he will
proceed TO Harper'S Ferry, and If necessary above
there. Mr.. McGinn accompanies him.
CIRCULARS TO THE SHERIFFS OF MARYLAND AND
VIRGINIA
The following is copy OF circular letter sent
this morning to the sherfs OF the several counties
in Maryland and Virginia bordering on the river
and canal
"HEALTH DEPARTMENT. D. OF c.,
WASHINGTON, september IL, 1884,
To the Sheriff -:
Sir: | am reliably informed that hogs in consider
able numbers. dying from cholera In the counties OF
Maryland and Virginia bordering upon the upper
Potomac river, are deposited in this stream thereby
rendering possible the contamination OF the water
from which the supply OF the city of Washington Is
drawn. II 1t be a TACT that the carcasses or dead
hOgS are thrown In numbers INTO the Potomac
above us, 1t becomes at onse matter OF serious
consequence 10 over two hundred thousand 1nhab-
ants ana IN the interest OF their health and lives
would ask your assistance to the extent OF warn
practice"
The following is also to be posted in all public
places and distributed among the Inhabitants
along the line travelled:
TO THE PEOPLE OF TUE UPPER POTOMAC:
Reports come to us to the effect that cholera
among hogs is prevailing extensively along the
Potomoc river, and that many OF the carcaSseS are
thrown, by some OF the Inhabitants, cit her into
the river or the adjacent canal A partial ex-
animation shows that there is some truth In
these stories, and further examination is to he
made.
river by the carcasses OF such diseased animals is
contrary to law and extremely injurious to the
health OF the inhabitants all along the river, and
especially to those OF Washington, who derive
their water supply from that source.
II is therefore considered but a ter OF pru-
dence to call upon officials and good citizens gen@
orally on either side of the Potomac to aid in the
investigation Of the facts, and ii the practice
aforesaid is found to prevail to lend their prompt
necessary, the laws OF the states or District
therefor.
VIII you not, in the interest OF the health of the
people, give this subject such attention you are
able, and report at such facts as come TO your
knowledge in connection Herewith, and oblige
SMITH TOwNsHEND, NJ. D.
Health Officer, District of Columbia.
DAILY ANALYSES OF THE WATER ORDERED
The health officer has requested the District
chemist to make daily analyses of the Potomac
water pending the alleged pollution OF the river
water.
AN UNFORTUNATE CAsE-Freddie Perkins is q
ROou-iOOhllS OOy or eleVen years, VINO Is neatly
dressed. and who bears an excellent reputation.
II Is stated that the boys mother left her husband
some time ago and returned to her home in New
York, since which time the father has done not hing
for his children. The boy was given in charge OF
Sanitary Officer Teeple yesterday. who cared for
him last night, and made arrangements TO have
MIN sent TO the orphan asylum. but the lad pro-
tested and begged to be sent to the reform school,
where his brother is now in custody. His request
was complied with and Judge Smell to-day sent
him to the reform school during minority.