The morning times., 1896-02-19
PLANNING FOR HEALTH
Refuse of the City to Be Col
IeCted and Cremated.
INVITED SEALED PROPOSALS
Plan OF the Commissioners to Secure
Data Upon Whichsto Base an Es-
Innate for an Appropriations
Dumping Grounds Declared to BE
a Mennce-Mortuary Statistics.

Formal announcement has been made
by the District Commissioners that bids
VIII pe received from prospective contrac-
tors for the lncineration of the general
refuse OF the city, the collection to be of
that class OF matter that is not rated as
garbage.
The commissioners distinctly state in the
notice that, In the absence OF an appropria-
uon they are not authorized TO enter into
contract, but the proposals, as heretofore
anticipated iii The Times, are invited with
the view of supplying the necessary data
upon which to base an estimate for such an
appropr iation.
There are four proposals specified. The
first is for incinerating, In accordance with
the specifications furnished for a period
of four years, beginning with July L, S96;
all general refuse collected, as may be, in
that portion of the District lying north of
the Mali and Potomac River and west OF
Seventh street west, and Br ightwood
avenue, and delivered at creInalory 10 be
erected by the bidder.
The successful bid, under this proposal
obligates the maker of it 10 erect a cretna-
tory, at a locationto behereafter designated
within such time after the award as may
be greed upon.
The second proposal is In effect the same
as the other, except that the territory to
he served is that lying north OF he Mall and
East Capitol street and north OF line
prolonged eastward in the direction of that
street 10 the eastern boundary of the Dis
trict, and lying east OF Seventh street
west, and of Brightwood avenue; the third
viii include that portion of the District
south of the Mall ana of East Capitol street
and of line eastward To The District
boundary. and the fourth viii include the
whole District and provide for as many
crenatories as may be necessary.
AT CoNTRACToR's- EXPENSE.
Crematores are 10 he constructed and
maintained at tie ccst oYathc contractor,
and to he governed by. The customary regu-
lationS. gss
The term "gcneralrCfuse" IS held 10 mean
refuse of all sorts, including leaves and
branches OF trees, but excludes garbage
and dead animals, night soil, street sweep
iDgs, ashes, plaster, and Garth.
1t viii consist principally of the litter
from stores, markets and smanufac turing
establishments, such as old rags, waste
paper, and the like, which is new being de
posted upon squares, in order 10 bring
lots which are below grade up TO a
level with Surroundings.
IL is stated that the stratum ofs filth
thrown uEon such lands is frequently as
much as twenty feet il thiokHcSs, aud IL
is believed that when the wan paper and
plaster from houses that have undergone
renovation from contagious diseases,
diphtbera, scarlet fever, eIsi consumption
are sent broadcast thcysars = menace 10 The
public health.
Statistics were furnished in 1898, as
recently noted in The Times, to show that
upon certain Squares and in their neigh
Borhood. where the grean had i,cen made
by these deposits OF refuge, l9S deaths
occurred within five years, the mortality
exceeding the average and normal number
by from eco 10 SEQ TeT cent. A similar
statement as 10 two 66uTgetown squares,
showing that the deaths should not have
exceeded seventy five, whereas the num-
Der was 2Sl.
FROM the foregoing state OF facts, 1t is
believed by the Commissioners 10 be imper-
atiyely necessary that provision should be
made for the destruction OF this class OF
refuse. Just as II is proposed TO destroy
garbage.
DISEASE BREEDING MATERIAL
The dumping of the offensive and disease
material upon the vacant spaces is thought
to be a violation Of all sanitary laws, and
when the ground thus filled in is after
wards used for building purposes, especially
for dwellings. the practice is regarded as
criminal negligence.
II is understood that the present garbage
contractor will be a bidder for the new
crematories under the system advertised
to be inaugurated.
Senator E. o. WGlcott was granted Il
permit today for the Improvement of prem
ises No. 1919 Connecticut avenue, by con-
struction of rear addition 10 residence
To cost $4,000. The first story of the adj
diiion will be used as carriage house the
upper story as library.
Other permits were issued as follows:
James p McGrann, for construction Of
dwelling, No. 2320 II street northwest,
1000; James H. Curran, for storage house,
rear of No. 1926 NJ street northwest, $500;
w. F. Knott. dwelling, on Conduit road,
near Frankfort street, 81 900; F. Perna
dwelling, Barry's subdivision OF Friend
Ship ST 200; John i. Meyer, privatestable,
rear of No. 610 Eighth street northeast,
$4oo; Mrs. Welsh to alter aud repair store,
at No. s17 Market Space, $3.50.
The District Commissioners have under
adyisement a bill, to be submitted to Con-
grcss within a day or two, requiring organ
grinders to take out an annual license for
the privilege OF canyassing the streets with
their pianos and similar instruments,
and also 10 leave 1t discretionary with
the assessor whether or not merry go
round may be given a license.
This places both these vocations under
| the control OF the authorities, aud where
q merry-go-rouDd is objectionable in its
associations the proprietor cannot continue
tie business aud escape liability by making
daily tender of the license fee.
FOR A FARMERS MARKET.