The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1889-08-15

about latitude 20 degs., we have a
semi-tropical climate, but the Leaf
of the summer is moderated by an al
most constant breeze from the gulf,
while nesting in the valley of the
Colorado, clear stream fed by innum-
cradle springs of pure water, it is pro-
tected in a large measure from the
north winds in winter by the ranges
of cedar clad mountains which nearly
surround it. Hence, the thermome-
trio range is not very great, and l may
say the temperature the year round
will average 70 or IA dogs, about the
same as Florida. OF course, some
winters are colder than others, but the
rigors of real winter are almost I'M
known here, ice being an exception.
During the past winter vegetation was
green the entire season, and even
roses were in bloom in January.
The atmosphere is dry, as in most
parts of west Texas, containing just
sufficient moisture to render it COM
patible with health and comfort, and
experience has shown it to be highly
beneficial in all stages of consumption,
especially inSits incipiency.
The water supply is inexhaustible.
The Colorado river, upon which the
city is situated, drains mountainous
country with sandy soil, which acts as
a filter, and the water, which is sup
piled to the city by Holley system of
works, is clear, cool and refreshing.
Analysis shows that it contains a
minimum of organic matter, and some
salts, iron, ETC., in small quantity.
Many persons, however, use rain
water, held in underground brick or
cement cisterns. Ice is not neces-
sity, but is abundantly supplied from
the factories at Austin.
The soil upon which Austin is sit
uated is sandy and porous, with a
surface of lime or limestone, hence
drainage is effected naturally. But,
in addition, the city is supplied with
underground sewers to relieve the
more densley populated districts. These
facts, together with the remarkable
freedom from malaria, render Austin
an unusually healthy city. This
statement is borne out by the official
mortuary record, to be referred to pres
emily. Epidemic diseases seldom
prevail here. Yellow fever has never
obtained foothold, even during 81
and rs, when other parts of the state
suffered from the invasion. Consump-
ton is rarely met with, except in per-
sons who have come from abroad, at
tracted by the climate and well known
salubriOus atmosphere.
Amongst our citizens and business
men are several who came to Austin
in an advanced stage of consumption,
who are now well, and are living testi-
monials to the health-giving air and
water of our capital city.
1nasmuch as no record is kept of
that class, either of those who, coming
here with consumption die or get well,
it is impossible to form even an esti-
mate of the per centage. 1t would be
remarkably small, however, of deaths,
unless they were in the last stages ON
arrival. Death rate amongst all classes,
on basis of $4,000 population, which
the latest returns give Austin, at the
rate per 900 per annum, has been in
round numbers,
For 1887, IA per 1000 population.
For 1888, II per l, 900 population.
For 1889, 10 per 1000 population.
In 1857 the ratio of deaths to
population was put down at 16, and
last year at IA, but the basis was
10000 population. The exact ratio
for the past twelve months, on a basis
OF $4,000, has been 10, the number of
deaths from all causes, as shown by
the official register, being 25O. This
is a most remarkable showing, and
corresponds with an average OF human
lie OF about 50 or 80 years. / do not
know of any city in the world with an
annual death rate of less than 10 per
l 900 of population, and this ratio may
even be reduced by deducting still
births (Which should never figure in
mortuary statistics) and deaths of
transient people and bodies brought
here for interment, such, for instance,
as are killed by railroad accident or
other casualties, who do not belong to
our population.
The society of Austin is refined and
the people are generous
and hospitable, and welcome invalids
and health-seekers as well as those
who come to Austin for business,
school or other purposes, with gen.
erous greeting, and make them feel at
home and welcomed.
TEXAS JOURNAL OF EDUCATION.