Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-05-26
Smith Furnace Proves to Be 0biec-
tionable to the Citizens.
INVESTIGATION OF HEALTH OFFICE
Claim That the Defects Can and
Will Be Remedied.
HOT WEATHER PROSPECT

The Smith crematory, located back OF the
grounds of the old observatory. has failed
to come up to the requirements to burn
100 tons of garbage a day In sanitary
manner. This Is the consensus of opinion
of several inspectors Of the health office
who have been detailed to watch the op-
GRAFTON Of the furnace during the past two
weeks. From these reports the health Of
ficer will draft his report to the Commits
sioners.
For some time complaints have reached
the health Office that noxious odors were
escaping from the furnace. to the discom-
fort of the neighborhood. These COM
plants were all Investigated and found sub
stantially correct. The crematory did emit
a smell. and when the wind was from the
south the odors were unbearable. The
crematory is at present undergoing trial.
upon which the contractor is to pass before
accepting the fu. mace. The contractor looks
to the Commissioners to inform him as to
Commissioners in turn hold the health Of
ficer responsible for the proper operation
of the plant.
Inspector IL Detailed.
About ten days ago the health officer de-
tailed Inspector Beaumont to watch the
crematory and make daily reports. He
has been stationed at the furnace day and
night during that time, and his reports, 1t
is said. confirm in every detail the COM
plants of the property holders and resi-
dents in the neighborhood.
The trouble Is alleged to be due to two
faults of construction. In the first place
the crematory Is not Of sufficient capacity
and is accordingly overcharged. The fur
mace was built with an estimated capacity
of 100 tons, and only burns about eighty
tons But this can be remedied. and it is
understood the owner of the system will
shortly apply for permit to build an ex-
tension. containing two Shells which, it is
ments as to capacity. The most serious
objection, however, is with respect to the
doors which escape and render life miser-
able in the neighborhood. 1t is not charged
that this is due to imperfect combustion
but to the fact that the shells are not
sufficiently covered. This also, 1t is stated
can be remedied by the building of a suit
able protector over the works. with draft
arrangements which will carry the odors
away.
Effect of South Wind.
A reporter of The Star visited the crema-'
tory this morning and found everything
moving smoothly. Inspector Beaumont was
on duty, but refused, when applied to for
information. to state either his opinion of
the plant, what changes he considered
necessary or what his reports were. He
said. however. that he was on duty there
to investigate the crematory and report to
the health officer each day.
At the time the reporter visited the
crematory the wind was blowing from the
north. and but little odor could be detected.
The wind veered at one time and then the
escaping odorS could be distinctly detected
Thls Is especially the case whenever a load
OF garbage IS dumped into the furnace. To
transfer the load it is necessary to lift one
OF the ponderous covers and lay it aside
while the cart is backed up to the opening
and the dumping done. There being no
other protection, it can be readily seen how
wind blowing from the right direction
will send the disagreeable oiors through
the populated netghborhood. 1t is believed
that the health officer, In his report will
urge not only that the capacity of the fur
mace be increased, but, further, that a.
frame structure be built over the plant
with proper provision made for drafts.
Future Prospects.
The failure Of this crematory to come IN
to Its promised capacity, and the compli-
Gated condition of affairs surrounding the
Brown crematory at the foot of South Cap
itol street. augurs i'll for the summer sea-
son, and unless something is done the old
garbage navy will once again be pressed
into service. and the favorite down-the-
RIVER excursions of the city's garbage Will
oes1n While the refuse of the city has
increased materially during the present
month. it is as nothing compared to the
increase that will come during the next
two months.
me authorities are anxiously awaiting
DEVELOPMENTS ''e