Daily Honolulu press. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1886, 1885-09-29
TUESDAY. ~, SEPT. a9, 1873
SANITARY CONDITION or HOMO
LULU.
KT

Medical minds at the present day
are strongly occupied with the "germ
theory" That is-as many believe
that very many Of the diseases known
as zymotic--or diseases produced by a
ferment--are due to minute germs,
which, when introduced into fresh
field-where the conditions are favor
able to their development--rapidly re-
produce themselves and being intro
duced by some means into the bodies
Of poor humanity, at once begin their
work which in many cases ends in the
death of the unhappy victim.
Among the diseases which are SO be-
lieved to be propagated, are smallpox,
diptheria, typhoid fever measles,
scarlatina, cholera, and in fact most
of the class known to the
world as contagious diseases" Now,
while this is a most. seductive theory
and in some instances seems to be fully
proved, other causes, as well as the
introduction of the specific germ, are
necessary to produce an epidemic.
Physicians tell us that at times there
seems to be an epidemic influence or
tendency in the atmosphere and in the
general surroundings of any particular
place. And even in addition to both
of these factors, one of prevailing
potency with most of these diseases is
absolutely indispensable, and that one
cause in word is, FILTH. We are also
told that these germs once introduced
into the body which they are soon to
destroy, are so introduced, in variously
different ways some by inocculation,
some by the air we breath, and still
others through the medium of the
water we drink and these last are
among the most active and deadly OF
all. Surely if this be the case it be-
hooves any community as well as every
individual to be cautious in this regard.
We have already spoken Of our water
supply as being surface water obtained
mostly from Nuuanu Valley. Above
the point where the water is diverted
into the public mains, are consider
able number of families, and no incon
siderable number of natives What is
to hinder, then, any of these diseases
which are introduced through the
medium of water, from being
at any time permitted to find theil
way into our water supply SO as to be a
source Of peril to each and every one ol
us3 Such being the case, is it any
more than common prudence to seek
TO devise means to put this peril from
us1 And yet Mature offers us every
opportunity for Art to step in and pu,
this supply absolutely beyond the
chance of danger. There is already ar
artesian well belonging to the Govern
ment, with most ample supply--o
water pure as water can be-for the
entire community, and all that is want
ing to turn this supply to permanent
use, and all that is necessary if we un
derstand the matter, are pumps anc
power Of sufficient capacity to fill oul
already existing pipes, together with I
reservoir of sufficient size to keep few
hours retention of the overflow of tn,
pipes when they get pressure on then
above fixed point, which is kept at I
steady rate by the pumps. This Who'll,
question has been well and ably WORKED
out by Mr.. J. S. Emerson, civil en-
gineer in the employ at present, if we arr
correctly informed, of the Government
Why is this not done Why are w
left year after year to an inadequate
and dangerous supply Of this impera
tive necessity The reasons are no
far to seek or hard to find.