Evening star., 1895-12-18
The Grand Jury Reports or City's
Health Conditions.
FILTRATION OF POTOMAC WATER
Spread Of Typhoid Fever and Its
Causes.
THE RECOMMEND ATIONS

The grand jury this afternoon filed the
report upon the health and sanitary condi-
ton of the District, referred to in yester-
days Star. Foreman A. X. Paris handed
the report to Judge Cole. in Criminal Court
No. l. merely stating that he wished. on
behalf of the grand jury, to submit re-
port of an investigation made by that body.
In accepting the report Judge Cole inform
ed the foreman that it would he placed on
the files of the court. The report is as
follows:
Potomac Water.
'1n the discharge of duty as MEM
bers of the grand jury, our attention was
called early in October to a phase of the
health conditions of the community in
which every citizen s, or should be, Yitally
interested. Subsequently, the public prints
noticed the prevalence of typhoid fever in
the District. The authorities vested in the
legal carrying out of the law and health
regulations wisely took notice of the re-
ports. and the health department supple
nented by the medical fraternity, and by
medical experts, have recently made re-
port. Although our conclusions were prac-
tically reached two months ago, q pressure
CT public business and certain other cir
Gums; ances. which, in our Judgment, justi-
fed delay, has caused this report not to be
presented to the court until now, and in
submitting our conclusions We desire in
name of city, but to emphasize the
conditions, and to suggest the possible
means by which We have a right to expect
an Improvement of these conditions.
1t useless to obscure facts. Each sue
ccssive year in the past twelve has practi-
oally added to the per capita number Of
typhoid fever cases in this District. Sta
tsticS, which are facts show the proportion
of typhoid cases to be greater than the situ-
alton and climatic conditions seem to war
iant We have inquired diligently into the
causes with the best means we have at
hand, have eXamire ed medical authorities
and experts, and have individually given
the matter our attention. Our belief is
based on scientific examination, that Poto-
mac water for drinking purposes at the
present time is conducive to the germina-
tion Of typhoid fever Streams are every
moment undergoing change from natural
causes for instance, the increase of popula-
tion i'll towns already on the banks, and
new settlements Springing up, continually
alter its character.
"'rhe effects of pure water supply upon
the decrease of typhoid fever the authorities
have abundahtly proved. To our water sup
ply We are largely indebted for health or
disease.
The subject is large one for even our
medical men, but We, as a grand jury, have
come to the conclusion, after a careful con-
sidera ton of the subject, and our duty in
the premises that, with the conditions as
We believe they arc-with constantly in
oreasing Observation-Disclosures and the
District of Columbia are entitled to in
creased sewerage facilities.
The RecOmmenda tiOns.
THAT system of sedmentation and fill
tration in connection with the water sup
ply is primarily necessary.
THAT the water supply is entirely made
quate and should be increased.
That opportunity offers, all pumps and
wells used for drinking purposes should be
closed.
That the use of box privies be discon-
tinu,d by law.
That all improved premises abutting on
public sewers and water mains should be
connected with such sewers and water
mains. and their occupancy, unless so con-
nected. be prohibited by law.
THAT legislation relative to a more thor
ough inspection of milk is absolutely essen
there may be such immediate legislation as
Will improve the sanitary conditions along
the Potomac and the Eastern branch. look
Ing to the reclamation of the marshes ia
that section and The disposal of the polluted
matter forced upon them under the present
Sewerage system.
AT .the moment the river should be
dredged from the mouth of every large
sewer to the river channel.
I'VE further recommend that a law be
executed compelling all physicians to re-
yymotic disease coming under their knowl-
edge.
we make this report in the hope that it
will stimulate action on the part of the
authorities charged with such vital ques-
tion as the public health. as well as to re-
mind the general government of It's respon-
sbllity in the premises