Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1890-11-14
PLUMBING AND HEALTH.
Improvements In Domestic Sanitattoa
Reported by Inspector Robtnsoa.

Improvements In Domestic Sanitatsea
Reported by Inspector Robinsoa.
TIE CHARACTER OF HOUSE ARRAxoyrrxrs n
PRovING-AUrHoRIrY WANTED Ron fxspEcr-
ING OLD HorsEs-oUkRprNa AGAINST ran
PLUMBING N CHEAP Housrs-LrenrArrox
REcoNMExprp.
Mr.. JssL A. Robinson, the inspector %
plumbing, has submitted his annual report 70
the health officer. The report says, There
nave been filed i.slo plans showing plumbing
ana Drainage upon which permits have beea
issued Tor the erection OF new houses within
tne city limits. This 10 q larger number than
ever before reported. the nearest approach 20
" peing my seventh annual report when l,7s7
were recorded This increase in numbers but
ialnty illustrates the increased value.
Ns gratifying TO every friend Of sanitary re-
az "a tha' there now much confidence among
.nose VINO ouiId their homes in this city in the
regulations and inspections of this ofbc,.
Architects now build houses for their eliHnu
upon the plans advanced by sanitary WRITER'S
anu chents appreciate their value. Plumbing
i INJURIES are not nov hid away in dark unventi-
lated closets nor finished in upholstery, 40 was
SO common a few years ago
DOMESTIC SANITATION.
10 those who have given intelligent thoucbt
70 domestic sanitation IL is gratifying 70 see
the many beautiful residences now being built
IN this city In which the laws of hygiene re-
ceie reasonable attention and IN which the
hight and sunshine have free admission and the
cheerful open hreplaces adorn every room and
In which Ample bath rooms are provided with
walls and floors laid with warm colored tiles
ana every hxture open 20 visible inspection;
IN which. while the beautiful work Of the in
Terror decorator Is evident. the impressive fes-
lures are convenient appointments and health
ful conditions There have been many cheap
houses built for speculative purposes and the
necessity OF having all modern convenience
has invited competition among plumbers Who
DO not always have the confidence Of
this Office. Such houses and such men
are the cause OF much solicitude ana re-
quire very careful scrutiny on the
part OF the inspectors. IL is 60 guard against
the evils arising from bad work done by the
scamp plumber in these cheap houses that new
that the poor and ignorant may have the same
protection from this Office as the more intelli-
gent and wealthy class Of our people.
INSPECTION OF OLD HOUSES.
In addition to the l,sl0 new houses which
have been inspected the work progressed
there have been $50 old houses inspected, upon
| the request Of the owners or occupants. sueh
inspections are frequently very anxious and
| laborlous, but i have never failed TO re-
spond to all reasonable requests and have
given my best personal attention 20 these in
spections, as L have thought by so doing the
welfare OF the community was promoted and the
Importance of this office made more apparent
In this connection 1 take the liberty Of quoting
from my last annual report: with my first re-
port OF 1882 and with each succeeding report
have directed attention 10 the fact that there
| Is no authority, In the absence Of consent OF
| the owner or occupant, for the inspection Of
oId houses nor the application Of our present
rules and regulations thereto, and have asked
| Tor congressional action upon this point"
New regulations have been drawn an
| ready for PRONUNCIATION, but there are
Clauses which require additional legislation,
and We hope the bill now before the House Of
| Representatives. which has already passed the
Senate, and which has the Endorsement of the
best plumbers and citizens OF the District, viii
become law when Congress again
convenes. This law will provide for
the examination and registration OF
Of plumbing in the district of Columbia, and
| empowers the Commissioners 10 make new
regulations and prescribe reasonable penalties
for the violation Of the law. We can then have
some standard Of intelligence and integ-
rity among those who are permitted 20
register In this Office master plumbers
and add much 10 the security Of the
public. Permits have been issued for
l52 houses having plumbing fixtures in the
yard only, and eighty houses have been per-
Al sho Couus Inc rapid GROWN OF tDe
suburbs and the evident fact that extensive
districts and subdivisions outside of our sewer
| and water services will soon be built upon
compels me again TO mention this important
| subject
1 EXTENSION OF SEWER AND WATER SERVICE.
No time should be lost in preparing proper
plans for the extension Of the sewer and water
service OF the city or the enforcement Of res-
sonable regulations for the immediate disposa-
ton OF sewage matter in suburban residences
| to avoid the evident penalty OF neglect-diph-
| theria, typhoid and kindred filth diseases.
The total number of inspections recorded
number 4, 5O7 and take pleasure in again CON-
mending my two assistants. who. by their dill
| gent attention end gentlemanly behavior, have
| made possible SO excellent record and ask
that you will urge upon the Commissioners the
| necessity for an increase In the salary Of these
officers that we may be able to retain skillful
ana intelligent men TO perform this important
| duty.
INCREASED WATER SUPPLY.
Since my last report the water supply has
been increased by the additional seventy-tvo-
inch main, and many districts where the houses
previously had only q faint supply on first floor
| have now an abundance all over the house IL
water users would exercise some little Of the
care which, in other cities they are compelled
to. our present water service would be much
more satisfactory. This. however. can only be
/ secured by rigid house-to-house inspection.
In conclusion i ask favorable consideration
OF my frequent request for q separate and suit
ably fitted Office, with safe and proper files for
plans and correspondence, which may be Of
great futura yalup