Smyrna times., 1885-04-08
Is Cholera Coming.

Inc return OF anOJher season OF
special danger to the public health
suggests very naturally the necessity of
prompt attention to the evils which
such season almost inevitably brings.
The present season is perhaps one of
more than usual importance, viewed
with reference to the many and re-
peated predictions of forebodings, made
and possibly received as truthful warn
ings ofevils soon to come. Almost daily
we have been apprised of the immi-
nence OF Cholera, and have as frequent
ly been cautioned against the danger
OF negiecting to meet the dread cmer-
Sency by appropriate means. Cities
and towns and villages everywhere,
we are told, will be subject to the raw
ages ofthe fell destroyer, if it should in
wade our borders, and find us unpre-
pared.
An unusual responsibility, according
ly, attaches to the legally constituted
guardians of the public health and
solemn duties are imposed upon all,
who by example and influence, are ex-
pected to contribute to the general
sanitary result. The Commissioners of
the town, and the Board of Health.
am informed, are fully alive to the i'm
portance Of energetic action and eilici-
ent means to meet the dangers that may
arise. \ joint meeting of the respect
i've Boards IS about to be secured, so
that by consultation and cooperation.
adequate sanitary measures may be
devised and the community be duly
asked to labor with them to promote
the objects which they have in view.
The Board Of Health should not be
obliged to do more than suggest neces-
sary measures for the preservation Of
the public health. 4 moments refcc-
ton should be sufficient 10 protect the
people from the inattcntion of the
thOughtless. and the almost criminal
neglect Of a larger class. The Thought
ful, cOnsiderate citizen ought to he the
most energetic and efficient friend of
wholesome sanitary laws The causes
of disease are more numerous than thew
are generally supposed to be. Tncy
exist in dwellings and about premises
which are but too likely to be consider
ed exempt by reason OF fair exteriors
and various deceptive forms. Among
the many there is no single cause so
hurtful and insidious as the slow accu-
mutation and stagnation of the refuse
matters, in however small quantity.
which are produced daily in and about
an occupied habitation. Even stand
ing pools, or hollow basins without an
outlet, the result of depression in the
surface of the ground, should not be
allowed in the immediate ncighborhood
Of the house. Although it is only rain
water or that from fresh and health
tul wells, which at first collect in them.
yet there is always more or less accu-
mutation Of organic matter from vege-
table growth, and as pool of this kind
is alternately filled and dried up. the
etliuvia eXhaled during the process will
always become more or less injurious,
and even dangerous to life. A thorough
drainage is the first requisite about the
dwellings in which we live. The pro
ductiou of refuse materials, where y
large number of inhabitants are colIet-
ed, is exceedingly rapid, and a CORES
ponding provision should be made for
their immediate and complete removal.
Efliuvia and organic vapors of various
kinds from the daily culinary opera
tons, and the organic matters of the
food and their remains, are subject to
early decomposition, and at once be-
come noXiOus if allowed to accumulate
and stagnatc. Every house, according
ly, should be swept throughout each
day by a current Of fresh air, sufficient
to remove all vcstigea ofimpmity. How
comparatively few appreciate the un-
equalled value Of fresh air as a disin-
iectant, when so applied 10 the cham
bers in which they pass The night, and
which are filled with noxious yapors
from the skin and lungs.