Evening star., 1894-01-01
THE YEAR AT HOME.
What Has Happened in Washing
ton During 1893.
TEE RECORD OF TWELVE MONTHS.
Many Things to Be Thankful For
Despite the Dull Times.
THE STARS" ANNUAL REPORT
THE STARS" ANNUAL REPORT

In recalling the occurrences in Washing
ton during the years 1893, what comes first
to the mind is the business and industrial
depression from which Washington suffered
in common with other cities. Compared
with the experience Of some cities however.
Washington may almost be said to have
enjoyed a year of prosperity.
The summer was one of anxiety among
business men and financiers trade languish-
ed, there was a suspension of the work of
building, which usually engages a great many
men in the fall and summer, and the symp-
toms usual to times when money is hard to
get were manifested here. 1t Is matter of
qualification, however, that Washington es-
capped serious financial disasters. The finan-
cial institutions of the city were wisely
managed during the time of danger, the
people showed confidence in them which
was justified by the results. and SO WASH
lngton got through the summer with her
banks and business institutions in good con-
dition. Only two suspensions Of banking
firms occurred, and these were private
bankers. Among the principal local events
OF the year were the Inauguration of the
President, the establishment of the Court of
Appeals. the enactment and enforcement of
new liquor law. the terrible disaster at the
old Fords Theater. the celebration of the
Capitol centennial, the completion of the
revised" general assessment, the public
movement inaugurated this month to relieve
the destitute. Besides the passage of the
Court OF Appeals bill and the liquor license
DILL there was little legislation for the Dis
trict. The health the District showed a
remarkable Improvement No census of the
District was taken during the yea, but IL
Is believed the steady growth of the popu-
lation has continued and that now it is
very near the 30O0OO mark.
The City's Health.
Whatever there may have been Ia the
history of the year that Is not pleasant TO
remember is offset by one fact that should
be cause for general thankfulness The
health of the city, whole, was more
than ordinarily good. the reports of deaths
showing great improvement. This was
due in large measure to active work of the
health Office and to the unusual interest
inspired among citizens by the Sanitary
League in matters relating to the sanitary
condition of the city. The deaths from ali
diseases. with the exception of diphtheria,
showed a decrease as compared with the
previous year.
The records of our city show that the
mortality for the calendar year 1892 reach
ed the highest point in number compar-
ed with any previous year. The total deaths
in that time were 6,416 of which 2,2S5 were
children under years of age.
The total number of deaths for the year
1895 reported at the health department Is
5000. This result gives mortality of 347
less than that of the preceding year.
The complete tables giving in full detail
the sources Of this gain cannot be made
up until some time after the close OF the
year. Enough, however, is known to show
that great improvement in the health of
the District of Columbia occurred during
the last year. This gain in the general
health. being made in the face of constant
ly increasing population, may well be at
trfbuted to specific causes, rather than to a
casual coincidence
The health department was made living
and effective agent in promoting the hygi-
enic conditions of this city. The health
officer carried to successful completion a
plan of having made close house-to-house
inspection of the whole District. This re-
suited in the overhaulng and renovation
of houses, streets and alleys. Old plumb
ing, defective drains, surface collections
of filth and every lurking place of disease
breeding germs were attacked and abolish
ed to the farthest extent possible. Gar
the destructive agency of fire. and never,
perhaps, at any previous time, was any
large city placed in more desirable and
effective sanitary state. The results ac-
complished are shown by the reports, which
record the saving of 347 lives in one year.
This improvement, it is believed will ex-
tend to subsequent years. Besides this gain
in the right direction, an improvement is
otherwise shown. Infant mortality, fell
from 1.5S7 in 1892 to 1905 in 1893. while that
of children under one year old, decreased
to the number of ABS. The following state
ment will give a general view of the re-
suits as between the two years: