New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1893-02-05
RIILU1Y DISINFEC lion.

4 correspondent Of TIE TRIBUNE, writing
from the University Club. su>tains the views
recently advanced in these columns respecting
the contagious and infections character OF as
cases like phthisis, and makes thcughtiul
suggestion. This relates to the indiScriminate
use of bcrths in sleeping cars without dlsln-
lection. Consumptives are constantly making
railway journeys in search OF more eqliaolc
climate either in Florida, Colorado. Minnesota
Southern California or the AdirondackS. Inc
bcrths which they occupy will be taken subSe-
ouently by travellers who may be III a condl-
ton to contract the disease. The correspond
cnt considers tho practice dangerous to public
health. While the linen OF the bcrths may be
changed the blankets and other bedding re-
main with the curtains and upholstered seats.
He makes a strong plea for the systematic dis
infection Of sleeping gears.
The fact that lung diseases produce larger
proportion Of the mortality than any other class
is an adequate warrant for safeguards and
precautions against their dissemination. But
these arc not the only diseases the spread OF
which can be prevented by di>nfccion. In
deed, az medical science advances the germ
theory Of causation is expanded until diSln-
lection may without cxaggcration be regarded
AZ a common and necessary prccautlon against
disease in general. The slcepng-car service
on nearly all American railways is - good that
il may seem supcrfuous to direct attention to
tho lack of sanitation in the management of
il: but its very excellence indicates willing
ness on the part Of the companies to remove
every source of danger precisely as they have
ministered in many ways to the comfort and
even luxury OF travelling. The distinction OF
sleeping cars aud drawing room coaches Is not
bv any means an easy problem but it is one
which can be solved if some of the leading com
panic> will take counsel with experts who have
had practical experience in dealing with queS-
tons of health in largo cities.
Tho correspondent suggests that upon the
arrival Of a car at It's destination the porter
could report that certain bcrthS and sections
needed disinfcction. and that then tho entire
equipment under suspicion could he taken TO a
room and properly diSinfected. the woodwork
being washed with fluids which would not in
lure it. If there were additional equipment
by which the sections temporarily removed
could be- replaced the car would not be de-
tanned but might be sent over tho road for
rho next trip. The practical objection to this
plan is obvious. The sleeping porter i not
a sanitary expert. and cannot be depended upon
to decide upon the necessity for distinction.
Whatever measures arc taken to secure travel
lcrS against disease must be based. not on cX-
copional cases which incur suspicion, but on
general principles. Tho ears should be fur
nishcd and equipped 50 as to be adapted to
frequent and systematic disinfcction. That is
Il H..
a hacking cough ought not 10 be invested with
the potcnfiality Of plaguc-spot; but the whole
car after every journey should be di>infcctcd
against disease germs in general besides being
scrubbed swept and dusted. The same prin
ciplc may he applied 10 hotels and especially
To invalid resorts.