The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-04-12
RICHHOyD'S I'LL HEALTH.
Some Suggestions as to Its Causes and Posi-
bic Prevention.
Editor TTMEs:

Editor TIMES:
Observing the great anxiety regarding the
sanitary conditions and reports Of our city
might it not be we'll for the powers that be 10
look into the causes. as nothing exists with
out a cause. Richmond presents all Of the
natural conditions which should make it the
heathiest city near tho Atlantic ocean in the
United States. that is, natural drainage as TO
topography is all could be desired sufficient
distance from the marshes, and on the
isothermal and climatic line, which give the
greatest average life to man. Then why this
mortality
The cause should be sought. and the
answer truly could be made ,tmicrobio influ-
ences. Then why micrObc influences
The answer Of many will be possibly the
two chief causes, improper sewerage and,
plumbing. Cold logic should be brought 10
bear upon this subject, and thorough nycsti-
cations be made and no dctums Of Ignorance
be taken as that sewer Is all right II know
that plumbing IN Mr. IS house was done
by q good workman. therefore 1t l. all right"
| would ask what opportunity an ordinary
contractor or his hands have to master the
laws of flowing waters, gravity, volume pure
or water loaded with foreign matter, % say
nothing or the gaseous combinations;
The same might be asked as to the plumber,
an average young man who takes It mp for a
living. without the advantages of higher ed
ucati0n upon the subject Here would be
work for your chronological school.
Baltimore city. with not half the advan-
tages Of Richmond as 10 sewerage, has. by
tho appointment Of a special expert, who
understand. his business scientifically and
practically. reduced the mortality from
typhoid. diphtheria, scarlet fever and malaria
some - per cent IN two wears. Therefore
the following queries are asked.
'lAre your sewers OF sufficient dimensions,
grade. and ventiationy Are they mapped,
showing grade in protile and full dimensions
Were they constructed IN hydraulic cement
or ordinary lime mortar;
Every house should show by filed drawings
in proper department. its connection with
the sewers OF the city: likewise its roof con-
nection. II with the sewer. also all closet and
bath connections. and they should be subject
to inspection ms 10 the drawings by architect
and the actual work in tho building
And another source. the McAdaIns paving
Weld sufficient fine grlt, which flies IN the
slightest breezes. and will cut ont an average
pair of lungs in q few years. besides fruitful
source Of many throat troubles and pneu-
monia This serious trouble IS aggravated hy
the sweepinCs being taken up IN the
DAYTIME. when the streets are hlled
with people. and the doors and window
of houses are often open. instead OF IN the
night Immediately after the running of the
sweepers. as the filth. the grit and the mi
crobes are then moist from the sprinklings
and falling dew. and can be handled with
much greater safety as then most Of the ciii-
zens are housed and the windows and doors
are closed
These suggestions are made for what they
are worth. and should they be the means Of
DELAYING the trip of one who IS not desirious
of IT at present. ito that bourne from whence
no traveller returns" they Will have accom-
plished their object OBSERVER