The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1891-01-07
BOARD OF HEALTH.
Very Interesting Vital Stats
ties Presented.
TWO BIRTHS FOR EACH DEATH.
Population Increases Despite the Grim
monster-HeaIth omcer Recommends
Sanitary Eeforms-His Report.

At the monthly meeting of the board OF health
held yesterday afternoon, Health Officer Spar
ling presented his report for the month OF De-
cember, which was as follows:
A6eadegas7s have the honor 10 present the
following statement in detail showing opera
lions Of the health department during the
month ending December 81, Icy0, together with
the recommendation OF certain things which, in
Tny opinion. viii tend to increase the efficiency
Of the department The month has been one OF
unusual healthfulDess for our people. when
comparison comes 10 beraa6e with some OF our
sister cities in the Union We must feel truly
thankful.
'sFhe deaths for the month number thirty
seven against fifty for the preceding month.
This, estimating the population at 800, makes
one TO every Isl of population. This Is the
smallest death rate for the year ls90 The death
rate for the corresponding month last year was
one IN every 1900.
follows: First ward, 6: Second ward, 2; Third
ward, l. Fourth ward, 4; Fifth ward 10; sixth
ward, ); seventh ward, o; Eighth ward, / Inc
causes OF deaths were as follows: Accident, |;
aneurism, /: Brighfs disease, 3. carcinoma, l:
diabetes fneltitus, /; diphtheria, L. enterltis, 1;
entro c0Iitis, /; heart disease 5; hydrocephalus,
/; meningitis, 3; mal-Dutrition, 2 pernicious
anenia, /: pulmonary tuberculosis, B: poehy-
meningitis, l; pneumonia, /; suicide, 3; seniie
atFophy, 3; tOnsilitis, /.
"1he number OF births for the month number
60. Males, 81; females, %; stiilborn,
"There were ffty-three cases II typhoid fever
reported during the month. With the amount
OF Eelp given me nave f0uu0 IL fmpUb$lDle I'd
visit the locality OF each case, but in sli cases
visited have found them due 10 bad sewerage
and filth. When the present health and plumb
ing ordinances have been passed. more can be
done to abate the nuisauces than at present.
-Four cases of scarlet fever, three of diphtheria
and three OF chicAen-p ox were reported during
the mouth.
s.The total number of nuisances reported dur
ing the month was 70, classified as follows
Filthy alleys. Is; filthy priyy vaults, II; no
sewer connection, -; garbage, II; open sewers,
rfrs<rf
4; manure in alley. 4. deHd animals; broken
sewer, ?. Taking the nusances in regular order
We find alleys frst and ascertain that in fifteen
cases they have been reported in state OF nui-
sance. The clearing Of alleys being under the
control OF another department Of the city, our
province only extends to the reporting of such
as ere found by our Inspector in an unsaitary
condition, with request that special action be
taken In each case. The frequency Of reports is
evidence of the fact that they are not always in
good order.
"1he removal OF ashes is subject OF no small
importance, and one upon which action has, /
think, been too long delayed. This aecumula-
ton of ashes becomes also place for the de-
posit OF fifth and refuse OF all kinds In a ma
jority of premises you viii find IN the cellar or
alley such an accumulation. In some cases il is
kept in a box or barrel; III others 1t is dumped
on the ground or pavement. Toit is added daily
some portion OF refuse, such as potato parings,
egg shells or dishwater. Experience on the sub
Jet Of sewerage connection only increases my
knowledge OF the imperative necessity for proper
plumbing laws for an inspection OF plumbing
work I'm all homes at the time OF their construc-
ton. In the light of present knowledge it is
shown that certain things are essential in house
drainage, which are lacking In large majority
of our dwellings. How many of US who occupy
houses with what are termed modern improve
merIts, can say that our closets and bathrooms
are free from foul odors from the sewers. The
laws that your honorable body have recon-
mended are still in the hands Of the board Of
aldermen with, ] fear, little chance OF being
passed recommended by you.
'sThe total number OF cases admitted TO hos
pitfalls during the month were Isl remaining
over from last month. Isl total during the
month, 20. Total expense, s66525 While refer
attention 10 the necessity of supplying long
felt want by providing our city with general
hospital. There are very few cities of this size
in the country which have not city hospital
We have hospitals, Ii Is true-institutions which
are credit to the city. They. are not public
hospital with all facilities for rendering inn
mediate assistance in cases of accidents on our
streets, and organized under such system that
no person would be refused admittance, and no
dangerous delay could occur. trust the city
council will be brought to see the necessity and
economy OF such an institution
The question OF the establishment of city
hospital was discussed. aud the secretary in
structed 10 draw up paper, showing the adj
vantages OF leasing house and establishing q
hospital, and present il to the city council.
A bill OF $4f3 from Providence hospital and
one OF sis3.25 from Grace hospital for the care of
city patients were allowed. Other bills amount
ing to 500. 90 were ordered paid. A bill from
Cross & Co. of $50 for two funerals, and one OF
IS from Bonney & Stewart for one funeral,
were sent back to be settled on basis OF SIS per
funeral
The board took a recess until p. N. today,
when the question of establishing the Office of
market inspector viii be taken up.