The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1897-05-15
STATE BOARD OF HEALTH.
They Meet in Westminster. Report ON the
Quality of Water, Make Suggestions,
Discuss Beer and Adjourn.

The State Board of Health holds meetings
monthly These have heretofore been held
in Baltimore, but the Board decided to visit
various parts of the state and hold their ses-
sions. The first meeting outside of Baltimore
was held in the City Council Chamber, Fire
Department Building, on Thursday.
The members of the board present were Dir.
S. Chase De Kraft, president, of Cambridge;
DR.. John Morris, of Baltimore Dr. John S.
Fulton, secretary; DR.. James F. McShane,
health officer of Baltimore, and Dir. w. B. D..
Penniman, state chemist They arrived here
at noon, and spent several hours in visiting
and inspecting the courthouse, .almshouse and
city water works.
The almshouse was in good condition, the
Jail not so good and the County Commissioners
we're complimented on the improvement at the
Court House.
A report of Charles n Mitten, state in
spector Of food and drink, in relation to the
water used by the Carroll county public
schools, Of which an analysis was made by the
state chemist, was read. DR.. Penniman then
reported the results of the analysis of forty
samples, of which twenty-five were found i'm
pure.
The water was declared bad used by the
schools at Union Bridge, New Windsor,
Taneytown, Frizellsburg, Manchester, Shades,
ACddOW DfdUCu. OulOULOWiIs OGTTGlllOHs DlTu
Hill, Mt. Pleasant, I'm on Mills, Silver Run,
Cranberry and West End, Westminster, pump,
and Ueyy bad at Medford and Finksburg.
It was reported fair at Sandy Mount and
Spring Mills, and probably good at Hampstead
and Mountain View.
The patrons OF the following schools will be
glad to know that the water used is good
Pleasant Gap. Westminster, Smallwood, More
locks, Bark Hill, Double Pipe Creek. Spring
dale, Gambler, Stone Market, Warfeldsburg,
Western Chapel, Pleasant Grove, Humberts
and Stonesifers.
If these analyses are correct this is a bad
state of affairs, but as Carroll has as low a
death rate as any spot on earth, and is re-
markable for the longevity of her inhabitants,
it is probable that none of the water is partic-
ularly unhealthy.
The question of the character Of beer in use
in this state arose, and was discussed at some
length, DR.. Morris contending that the board
had no right to express an opinion concerning
its purity or impurity. DIR. McShane and
other members of the board endorsed this
view. DIR. Penniman reports that of thirteen
samples, including one Of porter and one of
ale, two were found to contain salicylic acid.
DR.. Fulton stated that the adulteration is con-
fined chiefly to bottled beer, which is used
prin ipally by invalids and delicate persons,
and he urged the necessity for its analysis.
DIR. j. III. Billingslea, health officer for this
county, called the attention of the board to
the fact that since the introduction of water
through hydrants into this city many wells
have been converted into cesspits, and re-
quested an expression of the opinion of the
board as to the power to prevent the practice
by legal means. The difficulties ia the way
of such proceedings were pointed out, and
resolution was unanimously adopted recon-
mending that the Mayor and City Council of
Westminster pass an ordinance fol- bidding the
use of living wells as cesspits. DR.. Fulton
stated that the danger from the use of dry
wells for similar purpose was very great, but
that it could be much diminished if such cess
pits were double bricked and cemented. In
reply to inquiries of the board, Er. Billingslea
and DR.. j. w. Herring STAGED that marked
diminution in the number of cases of typhoid
fever was observable since the introduction
and use of flowing water.