The Washington times., 1895-02-03

cate.typhoid fever and prevent the spread OF
other dangerous diseases we should do all in
our power 10 secure the passage OF a bill pro-
viding means for the construction OF proper
system.
DR.. Johnson was unable TO be present and
his paper was read by Rev. Alexan Ter Mack
aye Smith. Among other things, DR.. john
son said:
Typhoid fever is the most generally preya-
lent aud most fatal form OF continued fever
which prevails in this city.
1.-The disease is spread by the drinking of
water contaminated with the specific poison
of typhoid fever; ordinary impurities. such as
clay or decayed animal matter cannot pro-
duee it. The peculiar poison is contained in
the excreta Of persons suffering from that dis
ease.
'.In the case of the Potomac water the pol
luton of the water may take place al any point.
from its source 10 the inflow ofthe reservoirs.
One case Of typhoid fever has been known to
polllte a whole stream. as in the case of the
epidemic at Plymouth Pa, where 5000 cases
and 1000 deaths were traced to one patient
living miles away from the town.
EXTENT OF THE DANGER.
"Multiply one by the hundreds of eases
which occur every year along the banks OF
the Potomac. between Georgetown and Har-
pers Ferry. and some idea may be formed OF
the extent of the danger to which we are ex-
posed from this source.
las this pollution cannot be stopped by
legislation or otherwise there is but one
remedy, the early adoption of some such
system for the sedimentaton and nitrauon
OF the water in the reservoirs as has proved
10 be successful in almost eradicatinG typhoid
fever in many cities of Europe.
"The Lelief that typhoid fever is dissent
mated by the drinking of infected we'll water
is not a matter OF theory. but OF demonstra-
tion.
1.-The measures. therefore, which we should
unite in urging upon Congress and the mu-
nicipal government are:
Il. The early abandonment of all wells
within the city limits.
80 The removal of all box methods OF dis
posing of excreta and The correction o. the
law so that the making of sewer connections
can be made compulsory.
80. The introduction of new sewers in
advance OF other improvements in parts OF
the city not now supplied with drainage. and
I the extension OF the system outside the city
limits as rapidly as the growing population
demands.
II. The publication of our supply OF
river water by an adequate system OF iiltra-
ton
Mr.. Francis Cotton then offered a resolution.
which was adopted. stating il is 1.-The sense Of
this meeting OF citizens that the presiding OFF,
Ger of the meeting address letters the Com
/ mitiees of the Senate and House OF Represen-
] tatiyes on the District oi Columbia urging
/ their speedy and favorable consideration OF
| the inn peratiye needs of the District with
respect 10 the subject before set forth;
4 and, further, tnat the presiding officer ep-
/ point committee of seven members to pre-
sent such letters to the committees named
and to take such further action as will, in
/ their judgment tend best to secure the enac
/ meut into law of the sentiment Of this meet
/ ing"
Mr.. CoLToNs RESOLUTION ADOPTED.
Mr. Cotton said in presenting the reso
lutions that the residents of Northwest Wash
ington are people of business ideas, broad
enough to see the desirability Of good sewer
age, who, without exception, expect thei
representatives in Congress TO recognize th'
necessity of such improvements as shall in
sure the health OF all who reside in the Ma
I tional Capital, either permanently or tempo
rarity.
Mr.. NJ /. Weller suggested that the com
mittee he authorized to make the necessary
! arrangements for public meeting. at which
the. .pur pose of the bond bill will be explained
] and his suggestion was adopted as an amend
ment 10 Mr. rCoton's resolution.
Justice Harlan will probably appoint th'
commit ee tomorrow. so that the interests o
the citizens may be brought to the attention
/ of Congres at an early date