Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1893-03-13

Important Recommendations Made Go the
Commissioners by the Health Onicer.
The following letter from the health depart
ment was laid before the Commissioners at the
afternoon session OF the board Of Commission
ers today:
The possible introduction OF cholera into the
United States during the present year is mat
ter Of such serious moment to the Washington
public that | deem il my. duty 10 submit for
your considerate attention some suggestions
looking toward the improvement Of the sani-
tary condition of the city and to the preserve
ton of the public health.
The public safety. in nv opinion, impera-
lively demands that active measures be taken
At once to remove or cause TO lie removed all
filth and disesse-breeding material, which is
the habitat of the cholera germs, from all
unimproved streets. alleys. lots. courts
and yards, and the District of Columbia be
put in the very best sanitary condition and
the maintenance of hygienic and sanitary
conditions be insisted upon in every part
thereof. / beg to assure your honorable body
that the health department will yigilantly
prosecute the work by the prompt application
Of such means rs il deems best and with all the
available force AZ its command. notwith-
standing the equipment is Inadequate to the
needs OF the District under ordinary circum-
stances; but let us hope that we will receive
the earnest and effective support of the citi-
zens who have a common interest in meeting
the urgent needs Of public necessity OF vital
importance to every citizen in the District Of
Columbia.
Contagious diseases may not be wholly pre-
vented by the wisest sanitary care, but cleanly,
well-drained cities much less exposed to
their rayages than those which are abandoned
to filth. The most essential factors, therefore,
In the prevention of spidemics in
the mitigation Of these evils is the faithful dis
charge Of sanitary duties, which to be most
effective requires the moral support OF
public sentiment and the cooperation Of
the people Bad drainage, accompanied by
poor ventilation. decaylng vegetable and animal
matter IN or around dwellings. neglected cell
lars, filthy alleys and yards do not per ne pro-
duce cholera, but they are the nurseries aud
chief allies of zymotic diseases, and they sup
ply the necessary conditions under which
disease germs rapidly develop. Foul AIR
emansting from putrefsctive decomposition OF
organic matter impairs the general health and
thereby reduces the resisting powers Of the
human system and renders il more susceptible
to attack and brings it within the influence Of
the epidemic causes.
Landlords and tenants should zee and know
that the drains in their houses are
proper condition. and that the stmos-
phere OF their dwellings is not contain
A failure il these particulars endan-
gers the health Of their own fsmilies well
the public safety. and they should understand
that they IRE amenabie 10 the health regula-
tions for maintaining serirus nuisance.
Permit me TO suggest that additional resa-
lations be prescribed and enforced. and that
public thought be directed to the sanitary needs
of the city through the health, medical and
business associations, and that every precsu-
tionary measure be made available to give
our people an environment which will secure
Immunity Is far a. human agency can accom-