Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1893-03-13
THE WORK OF THE SANITARY LEAGUE
DIR. Bfllin9s' Address Tomorrow Night-The
Purposes of the Organization.

DIR. Bfllings' Address Tomorrow Night-Ths
| Purposes of the Organization.
| The Sanitary League will be introduced to
the public tomorrow evening at the Columbian
University lecture hall. 18th and II streets, in
an address to be delivered by DR.. J. s. Bill
lings, U. s. A. DR.. Billings subject will be
''The Objects and Purposes of the Sanitary
League of the District of Columbia The
! le ure will give, it is stated, some interesting
data regarding the sanitary conditions Of WASH
ington. 1t will be illustrated by a number Of
lantern slides. The lecture is to begin at s:15
O'Clock and general invitation is extended to
the citizens of Washington to be present.
THE PLAN OF THE LEAGUE
The general plan and purposes of the league
are set forth in a circular recently prepared
by the committee on promotion of the league
as follows:
The belief that many deaths and much sick
ness are annually caused in Washington, as in
other cities, by conditions that might be RENEE
died by intelligent effort and that these condi-
to human life in the event of the appearance Of
cholera or other epidemic has led to the organ
ization of the Sanitary League of the District
| Of Columbia.
''The aims Of the league are to secure by the
voluntary cooperation of residents such a
sanitary surveillance of the CITY as is beyond
the power of the municipal authorities with the
means at present at their disposal; to make a
thorough house to house inspection; to procure
the removal of conditions that are dangerous or
threaten to become SO; to prevent if possible
contaminations Of the water supply; to effect
such improvements may be found desirable
in the system of sewage disposal; to disseminate
useful knowledge of sanitary matters and do
nestle hygiene among the residents of the city,
and to accomplish whatever other good it can
/ ~, fhA ,<xF l. 81
ever threatening them by reason of the existence
of unsanitary conditions.
''While the league proposes to begin work at
once to avert or diminish the dangers that may
come with the approaching summer. it's Organi-
cations and operations are not intended to be
temporary. 1t is planned as permanent in
stitution. and it is hoped ultimately that it's
work and influence will result in making the
capital city model among cities for cleanli-
ness and healthfulness.
''The aims of the league are briefly stated in
the constitution as follows: The objects of this
association shall be the improvement of the
health of the citizens of the District of Column
bia. by the collection of data with regard to eX-
listing or threatened dangers to the public health
of the city, the diffusion of information with
regard to the best means of removing pre-
venting such causes of danger, and by aiding,
"a far possible the proper authorities in their
efforts to improve the sanitary condition of the
District and to prevent the introduction or
spread of disease
The plan of the organization by which it is
hoped to- accomplish these objects provides for
council composed of officers and twenty-one
members of the league to manage the business
of the association. The District of Columbia
has been divided into sanitary districts. in each
of which active work is to be carried on by a
district sanitary committee under the general
direction of the council. Ali the sanitary work
done and instruction given is to be directed by
the sanitary committee of the council. Of which
Surgeon J. S. Billings. U. S. A., is chairman,
and the data collected to be compiled by a
committee appointed for the purpose. Pro-
vision is made for committees to cooperate
with the authorities and with the medical So
cieties. and to promote the work of the league
in other directions.
1T is hoped that, through the district sani-
tary committees and through those who may
become members of the organization without
being attached to such committees, the inhu-
ence of the league may be made to reach every
house in the District The importance of the
work to be accomplished cannot be overesti-
mated. The success of the undertaking will
depend entirely on the interest that citizens
manifest in the movement. The officers and
members OF the council pay annual fees. but at
present nOsuch requirement is made Of other
members of the league