Wichita eagle., 1890-01-24
THE BOARD OF HEALTH.
Meet and Discuss the Sewerage Question-Bad
Water-In Kept Sidewalks and Contagious
Diseases-Several Definite Resolu-
eiOns Adouted.


The board of health met yesterday after
noon in called session at the Office of DR..
Van Mugs, the secretary, in the Getto
block, to consider several sanitary meas.
ures of the utmost Importance to the city.
Although there is perhaps no immediate
danger from bad sanitary regulations DR..
Minick, the president, has an idea that the
genial months of spring may develop some
thing that may be more easily nipped in
the bud. This opinion is enjoyed by quite
number of citizens, especially those who
occupy rear Offices.
The present condition of the sewer sys-
tenn was first discussed and by resolution
the attention of the council was called to
it. The resolution embodies a request
that the council will make some arrange
ment TO flush the sewer in its present
stage Of construction at least once a week.
Some temporary arrangement that will
answer the purpose until the sewers and
regular flush tanks are completed
is the spirit of the request.
1t is a we'll known fact
that great many connections have been
already made with the sewers, some made
properly while others are improvised con-
nections. and it is not necessary to discuss
the consequences. They will make them
selves felt before long and the subject is
well understood by a great many who
have had AN opportunity to know all about
it. The spirit of the original contract was
that no connections were to be made with
the sewers until they were completed, and
hence no provision was made against the
existing state of the case
The second topic of discussion was the
report that has been made to the effect
that the pupils of the second and fourth
ward schools are permitted to drink well
water although there is hydrant water in
the buildings.
A resolution was adopted under this
head requesting the council to take some
steps in this matter. 1t was generally
supposed that an intimatian of the danger
to the school board would cover the diff
Guilty. While ON the subject of
wells the general danger arising
from this source to the residents
near the central part of the city was dis
cussed. The majority of wells are sunk to
no greater depth than ten or fifteen feet
and in placts most convenient for use, re-
gardless of what might have formerly &C.
cupied that spot or what may flourish at
the moment in close proximity. The earth
is good filter, but may be overtaxed and
thus becomes worse than useless
The matter of rain water running under
the sidewalks and buildings without any
opportunity to reach the cutters was the
next subject of discussion. The number
of reports of this nature was overwhelm-
ing. 1t was hard to understand Row prop
erty owners could be so regardless of their
own comfort, say nothing of the damage
to their property. A resolution was
adopted urging upon the council the neces-
sity of taking Immediate steps in this mat
ter. Either compel the property owners
at once to put in the proper width side
walk of stone or cement where the stone
or cement curbs were or in some
way provide means for the water to
reach the gutter for the purpose of tenn
porary relief.
According to law all practiciDg physi-
clans should report to the board of health
all cases of contagion that come to their
notice, such as scarlet fever, diphtheria,
measles, small pox, etc. This regulation
has thus far been ignored and as there is a
good reason for it the board of health pro-
poses to have it enforced. Should some
disease once get a good start in |
this city the board of health would natur-
ally be blamed for it and there Is just |
where the blame should rest If the precau- |
tons and the power which the law gives |
that body has not been used and used |
A resolution was adopted re-
questing the profession to regard this reg |
ulation in future.
Before closing it was determined that |
set of sanitary rules and regulations |
should be promulgated that will reach by |
a direct route and summary abate some |
existing nuisances. These rules VIII be |
prepared as soon rs practicable in order to |
make them comprehensive and effective.
The board discovered that there was lots of |
work but some of it is of such nature
that it requires some reflection and was
until the next meeting. The |
meeting then adjourned subject to the call |
Of the president and secretary.