Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1897-11-03
THE BOARD OF HEALTH.

of health-or it is not to have one. That
is development of the past few weeks
which is at this time showing strong indi-
cations in the direction suggested.
A great many people think there has
been board of health here all the while.
That is a mistake. There never has been
such an institution in the town, except in
name. And for no other institution is
there a more pressing need. Many peo-
pie will be shocked at this statement.
They will say that even if it is so, it ought
not to be mentioned that it will "hurt
the reputation of the town." But it is a
fact.
There used to be here what was called
a "sanitary commission" 1t consisted of
Il mum ber of gentlemen, appointed by
the intendant, and who, besides getting
their names in the papers annually, or
maybe not quite so often, took half day
off, inspected such portions Of the town as
might be convenient, and made few rec
concentrations or suggestions which were
carried out or ignored as the owners of the
premises indicated thought proper, or
found convenient. But the members Ot
the commission never insisted. If they
thought about the matter at all, they ap-
preciated the fact that their appointment
was only mere matter Of form, and that
they were not expected to do anything
anyway.
About two years ago, the general as
sembly enacted law providing for the
organization of boards Of health in all the
incorporated towns of the state. This
law contemplated the completion of these
organizations within six months after Its
enactment. But Yorkville did not COM
ply with the law until after the time ex'
pired. Then u board Of health was elect
ed, So per requirements but that was the
last of it. The board organized by the
election of one of their number chairman,
which was right and proper, and another
one of their number as health officer and
secretary, which, even in the light OF
most casual reading of the law, was not
only improper but illegal. And then
followed the same old ridiculous "sani-
tary commission" farce with an OCCASION
al timid suggestion for which NOBODY
ever showed any respect.
Upon the appointment of the present
board of health, few months ago, several
of the members, realizing the necessities
of the situation, resolved to take hold OF
their duties with more seriousness. They
were fully aware that existing health con-
ditions lacked a great deal OF being a
joke, and as they became acquainted with
the powers conferred and the responsible
tiles imposed upon them by law, and con-
sidered these things in connection with
their solemn oaths Of Office, they found
themselves unable to treat the matter as a
light one. The law, however, provided
that they must have health officer and
secretary, and that these officers must
be paid. Also, that the salaries must be
approved by the town council. The health
officer matter was brought to the atten
ton of the town council; but it failed to
receive serious consideration, and power
less to proceed further, the board OF
health continued as such only in name.
Some weeks ago there were develop
ments which again brought the matter to
the front. The board of health had a
meeting to consider certain matters
which, in its opinion, were Of pressing
Importance. There existed in the town
certain nuisances constituting serious
menace to the public health. Aware that
il was without power to act because 1t
had never been able to complete its Or
ganization, it pointed out the nuisances to
the town council and asked for action.
The town council, in its wisdom, ignored
Now the board has decided to take
new start. A meeting was held in the
office of DR.. Miles Walker, the president,
last Friday night, for the purpose OF con-
sidering the situation. 1t was decided
that under the law it was absolutely nec-
essary to have health officer and secre-
tary, neither of which officials should be
members of the board. 1t was decided
also that both the health officer and the
secretary must be paid. Accordingly, 1t
WAS arranged that Mr.. T. w. Clawson,
who is a member of the board, should
resign as such and be elected health Off
Ger. The salary was fixed at 800 year,
subject to the approval of the town coun-
Gil. Mr.. Brooks Inman was elected Sec
retary, and is to discharge the duties OF
that office for compensation on basis oi
50 cents for each meeting he attends.
This arrangement is also subject to the
oonroyol of the town council.
Until the town council agrees to the ar
rangement just related, the situation re-
mains in statu quo. Of course If the
council does nothing, the board of health
can do nothing. But if the council acts
favorably, and there is pretty good reason
it will, because some of the members are
not supposed to be resting very easily un-
der the responsibility which the board re-
Gently placed upon them, an active cam
paign is contemplated. Among other
things, the board figures that from fees
and assessments, it will easily reimburse
the town treasury to the extent of all ap-
preparations asked for. For instance, IT
proposes to take entire supervision OF all
the dry privies in the town, cleaning
them at frequent intervals. 1t will also
provide for proper distribution of refuse
and garbage, and, at public expense, re-
move all manner of filth beyond the in
corporate limits. 1t will look more close.
ly after pig pens, the disposition OF
kitchen slops, and the condition Of drain
pipes. In short, it proposes to make a
clean town.
There has never been a really earnest
effort i'm Yorkville before in the direction
the board of health is bearing just now.
There never was more important move
ment-not even that which resulted IN
the towns present protection against fire.
There are in the town, no doubt, great
many people who are unable to appre-
ciate the necessity of all this, and the
board of health will no doubt meet with
q great deal of ignorant opposition but