The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1892-12-27
II w EATHER.
CoNCERNTNa CITY AFFAIRS.

rs heieuus Leu 40. Aopas
CONCERNING CITY AFFAIRS.
At the last regular meeting Of the city
council Alderman Weber introduced a
resolution looking to n reduction OF mu-
nicipal expenses by depriving the city OF
the services Of certain officers during the
winter months. 1t is proposed to abol-
ish the offices of building inspector, food
and milk Inspector, sanitary policeman,
city detective and court officer during
this period, and also to reduce the day
police force. The reasons why a resolu-
ton OF this kind should not prevail are
so many and so excellent as to give it
the stamp of absurdity. just why 1T
was introduced is not altogether clear,
but the understanding of a few simple
facts makes it very plain that the pass
age Of this resolution at this time would
result in serious injury to the public
welfare.
To begin with, no proposition weaken
ing the guardianship OF the public
health should be c~ountenanced for q
moment, during the winter months or
at n other time. Such action when,
not only the United States government,
but the health authorities of all large
cities are preparing against a possible
cholera pestilence, would be wholly IN
excusable. A sanitary policeman, for
instance, is employed to inspect the
streets, alleys and byways and order the
removal of all garbage and decaying
matter which may carry the germs Of
disease. The duties of milk and food
inspector are 80 closely connected with
the health of every family as to call for
the personal interest Of every citizen in
the proper conduct Of the office. A
complaint on the part Of any person Of
impure milk or diseased meat causes an
inspection of these articles, and il the
complaint is we'll grounded the guilty
parties are punished. This has been
done in several instances. There have
been no requests from citizens for the
adjustment of these offices at any time,
and just'why the author of this move
ment thinks such action necessary dur
ing the winter months is quite beyond
understanding. Helena winters are
proverbially open and subject to all
sorts Of changes. Yesterday, for in
stance, was a mild, warm day. The
streets we're muddy, the snow was melt
ing and the conditions we're like those
of the early spring months in the east,
when special attention is given to the
removal of all germ laden garbage.
There will be many more such days In
Helena and perhaps in longer periods
before the winter is over. Indeed, it is
just the season when the sanitary po-
liceman should be prompt and active in
his duties to prevent the possibility of
contagion. 1t ls also a time when most
complaints are received OF bad milk and
bad food, for the reason that dealers in
both articles can carry on this very bad
business with greater ease and security.
If there ever vas a time in the history
Of this country when p%recaution should
be taken against pestilence, it is at this
time, when the spread of cholera in
Europe may meal the introduction of
that dreaded plague into this country.
1t is a matter of local concern in every
city of the United States, and Helena,
like the rest, must be we'll guarded
against it.
To abolish the Office of the building
inspector would likewise appear unwise,
In August Of 1891 this office was abol.
ished by a resolution of the city coun,
ell, but never went into effect as the
aldermen afterwards changed thei,
views. Since that time this officers
duties have been increased, and he is
now in addition compelled to inspect the
plumbing and all sewerage connections
the latter duty being of special impor
lance aa a part of the sanitary system o.
the city. This comes under the subject
Of the city health department referred
TO. The inspection of all elevators IL
also among his duties. This is q matter
of public interest, for there is no Other
way of assuring the people of the safety
of elevators. The inspection of build
ings seems necessary when we remem
Der that during the years of 1890 ant
1891 the cost OF new buildings and re,
pairs in this city amounted to more thai
two million dollars. The requirement
are varied and include all details of in,
spection to secure safe construction
This work is done in this city by on
man. In Butte three men are employee
TO a less area of square miles, an
O careful comparison with other cite
shows that the work is done here on tn
same lines as elsewhere. This office
should be retained, particularly Will
Helena is growing 30 rapidly and s
many new buildings are being erected.
Concerning the police department,
may be said that in comparison with tn
last five administrations up to date, thi
department has been administered wit
less expense than any. During the wiz
ter season criminals of the petty Sol