The record-union., 1891-08-22
THE BEGINNING OF A NUISANCE.
Is the Law to be Enforced !-If Not,
Why NOt3


Is the Law to be Enforced !-If Not,
Why Not.
Three years ago the RECoRD-UNIoN,
and later all the press of the city, called
attention repeatedly to the intolerable
nuisance of burning rubbish in streets
and lots at nightfall. 1t was then shown
that it was not only a discomfort, but that
1t was detrimental to the public health.
Nothing was done about it, the city Off
Gals fatty ignoring the law and openly
cOnniVing at its violation. Two wears
ago the practice was resumed on a still
larger scale, and for weeks the summer
evenings were made intolerable by the
dense cloud of ill-smelling smoke that
settled over the city. Again the press of
the city entered its protest, and toward
the close Of autumn some feeble efforts
were made by the officers to put a stop to
the nuisance.
Last year the rubbish burning otfense
was entered upon again. At times from
b to O'Clock IN the evening the streets
were SO full Of smoke that the sight could
not penetrate it farther than half a block
lnVaIIds suffered greatly, some of the
very sick came near dying for want of
pure air; houses had to be closed tightly
at the very hour when they should be
open to receive the benefit Of cool even
ing air. The attention of the officials
was again called to the ordinance, and
the police, after time, managed to sup
press the nuisance and enforce the law.
This year, and thus early, thoughtless
people; cruel, selfish and vicious people,
have entered upon the old practice, and
here and there in the early evening fires
can be seen in the streets and suffocating
clouds of smoke settle about the homes
Of the people. Night before last the re-
4.
streets, was contaminated by the
stencil of burning rubbish piles, and the
smoke and fumes penetrated the houses
and the rooms of the sick, greatly to the
discomfort and, in some cases. reported at
this office, to the danger of those who are
afflicted by illness.
The necessity is therefore upon the
officers OF the city to begin at once to en-
force the law. Three or four arrests
with consequent punishment, will do the
business of reform effectually. The peo-
pie have to pay rent for land and houses
are compelled to buy water and must
purchase fuel, but they ought to be Sc
cured and protected in their inalienable
right to the one element that is supposed
to be free-air. Naturally one neighbor
dlsllkes to complain of another, and will
suffer on rather than cause an arrest, be-
cause such procedure renders neighbor-
hood relations anything but pleasant.
The officials of the city are chosen to en-
force the laws, and they can do so by the
manifestation of modicum of vigor.
All that is necessary is to give warning
that this rubbish-burning at nightfaii
must cease. If the warning is disregarded,
an arrest will emphasize it and put stop
to the filthy, health-offending and, to the
sick, dangerous misdemeanor.
The man, woman or child who in the
heat of summer will deliberately deluge
a neighborhood with the fumes Of burn
ing rubbish and the smoke of filth piles
fired at nightfall, ought to be jugged and
fined. People who have no more con-
sideration for others rights deserve pun
iShment