The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1892-02-26
TEE cIrY,s SANITARY CONDITIONS
Medlcsl Director LeHerdy Makes
Some Remarks TO the Mayor.

MeCicfl director LSderdy MakeS
Some Remarks TO the Mayor.
Editor Morning Nelcs: am thankful to
Nayo- McDonough for the opportunity
civen ma by the interview published this
Ssy in the MORNING News to put the Citi-
cans Sanitary Association in its proper
Lgbt before our people, because up 70 this
time public opinion has been shaped ad-
vsrsely to US by those who believe tbet we
ara attempting to usurp or interfere with
the functions Of the city authorities, while
In reality our only object is to protect the
interests OF our citizens against dangers to
their health, and to assist these authorities
nv pointing out defects IN sanitary work
undertaken by them, and to advise them as
10 what has been neglected or overlooked.
Our association works upon a systematic
nIsn. A public health committee composed
~ four physicians. meets every week to look
into the reports made by paid sanitary in
spector, whose duty is to inquire into every
sanitary N alter brought to bis attention by
the committee, or coming under his observ-
alton in any way. He writes to the proper
authorities concerning any complaints OF
nuisances coming within their jurisdiction.
Such parts of his reports as the committee
thinks it would be useful to make public are
published weekly. d.
Our association has also as one OF its off,
GERS a medical director, ex-officio chairman
of the health committee. His duties are to
inquire into all matters affecting the public
health to make critical examination of the
CITY and its surroundings and to report to
the association whenever the occasion de-
msnds it. He has also to make an annual
report upon all matters affecting the health
of the people of Savannah. The statements
10 which the mayor takes exception are a
mart Of his last annual report
This report, which the mayor says is ex-
sggerated, is based upon personal inspection
Of every foot of the ground spoken of,
upon the published abstracts Of the annual
reports of city officials and upon such other
information as could be obtained from
some OF them.
OF the true condition of the land and
wharves belonging to railroad corporations
our citizens have been mode cognizant by
the often repeated reports of Inspector Des-
vergers, published in the MORNING NEWS.
II is not after long dry spell like the
present that the true condition of these
lands can be ascertained. They must be
seen at all seasons; but even now, il the
mayor will take the trouble to carefully in
spect his domains, he will find that the
lands ad jacebt to the wharves of the Savan-
nah, Florida and, Western railway, which
were formerly beautifully drained when
cultivated in rice, are covered with rank
and decaying vegetation and six to eight
inches Of stsgnant water in places. If he
goes to the Central railroad wharves he will
find tracts of wet and foul land, and that
under large part of the wharves them
selves floating filth accumulates and putre-
fes
In regard to the mayors criticism of my
report on privy vaults, / have only to say
this: That my figures were obtained from
the person best qualified to furnish them,
namely, Supt. Cleary of the o. E. depart
ment. According to his detailed statement.
there are now 1928 double and single vaults
IN the territory bounded by East Broad and
West Broad, River and Anderson streets,
besides 2,12l outside Of these streets, where
they have been counted, and 700 more by
estimate. There was then work enough for
all the teams OF the o. E. department during
the whole of last year.
Furthermore the mayor says that during
the past ten years 25 per cent. of all the
vaults in the city have been abandoned
probably meaning the central part. pre-
sumo that he has facts and figures to sub
stantiate this statement, and hope that he
will publish them for public information.
They will prove that ten years ago there
we're in the central part of the city more
than 1900 vaults A bad showing truly, for
Savannah's sanitary condition at that time.
but what bearing has it on the present re-
port?
To paint the city black in. 1882 does not
paint it white in 1892, nor win it avert. COM
ing dangers.
The expressions of this afternoons Press
show such utter ignorance Of sanitary mat
ters on the part Of the persons interviewed
and are SO vague that l cannot waste the
time for q reply. J.. LEHARpY.
Medical Director Citizsns' Sanitary Asso-
citation.
Savannah, Feb 25, 1892.