Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-01-01
YEAR IN THE DISTRICT
Continued from Tenth Page.)

CONTINUED from Tenth Page)
resulted in death rate of 2s6 per cent.
These figures give great encouragement
to hope that in comparatively short time
the dread disease, diphtheria, will be al
most unknown.
During the latter part of the year, In
Guiding the late summer and autumn
months, the health of the city was above
the average. Besides the noticeable ao-
sence of the dangerous contagious as
eases, there was no manifestation OF cpl
demic invasion nor development or ma
larial troubles in fatal form.
The healthfulness of Washington city as
a place of residence Is shown by the fact
that nearly fourteen hundred of those who
died during the year were over sixty years
of age. large proportion OF these Wers
over eighty years old. considerable num-
Der over ninety, and three over a hundred.
The most of these had resided here over
half a century, some all their lives, and
maLy were born here. Almost all OF them
died of no particular disease, but, as the
death certificates say. the cause OF death
was old age" The average age of all de-
cedents was thirty-twO years hve months
and thirteen days, being an increase In Ion
gevity of two years five months and SIX
DAYS as compared with the last year.
The official reports of the year show the
city of Washington to be healthy beyond
the generality of cities in this country. Inc
death rate for the white population Is only
small traction aDONe SSNeHtcSh Pc 49,
sand inhabitants. The sources of malarlal
troubles in former years have been 10
large percentage removed, ana reVie" OK
the range of diseases prevalent mere testi-
fies to the absence OF epluehlcs anu ~ -, - IN.
extreme extent to which contagious mala-
dies have been in allegiance.
Sporting Circles.
The past year developed the greatest I'M
rrcyement in base ball for the club repre-
senting Washington that had appeared
since 1880 The Washington club 1lnlsheo
with a tie for sixth place, the Brooklyn
club holding the same honors Ihe ciup
that finished near the top in 1850 was IN a
much weaker class than the Nationai
League sixth place being the highest
Washington club has ever attained In the
big league. The club started the season Oh
81 in very poor shape, and continued 10
lose games quite regularly until Manager
Schmelz rendered his resignation, June Q.
The resignation was accepted, ana capt.
Brown given charge of the CLUB FROM
that time until the close OF the season the
Washingtons played consistent bail, taxing
the reputation of the players into consid-
Grafton, forged upward from the eleventh
nosition in the race until the last three
games of the season at Baltimore had to
decide whether they would tie Brooklyn or
finish above or below that team. Inc
Brooklyns won three straight games from
the BostonS, while the Washingtons de-
feated the Baltmores two out OF three.
lie for sixth place resulting. BY winning
the two games from Baltimore the WASH,
irgtons robbed the Baltimores OF all
chances for the championship, something
the local club had not been able to do Tor
many years. The Washington club was
strong batting combination, but weak on
the bases ard poor fielders. To strengthen
these defects, Vice President and Treas
urer Earl Wagner purchased the re-
lease of six Toronto players at the END OF
the season, and. in addition, TRACED fIaytIs
McJames DaMontreville and McGapn Win
baltimore for Players Doyle, Reitz anu
Amole Exceptional attendance was forth-
coming at different parts OF tne
son. notably on the opening day, douDie-
header with New York. and LABOR cay
when It was estimated 10000 spectators
were present at the different games.
few months after the close OF the playing
season Third Baseman Reilly was sold TO
Minneapolis and Players Whlte anu casey
were returned to Toronto. :
In college base ball circles the George
town boys again demonstrated tnel, supe SUPP
riority over the local clubs, although tneir
playing on the season was lar Dehiia ,iie
excellence of 1895. when their playing
created a sensation in foreign college
circles The Catholic University boys were
coached during the spring months by Napt'
Brown of the Washington professionals,
and the club showed improvement over the
previous year. The Columbian ana Gallau
det clubs displayed marked advancement
in playing ability, and as result many
exciting and closely cortesteo gaines
played. , 6uad with
plea surable sensations throughout tne Seai.
In March the six days continuous rae was
snaugurated, Shock coming OUT aneau; , anu anu
This event can be said to have opened aiic
season. Road racing was not induigeo IN
to the extent OF past seasons, put Two OF
three contests of this sort oeing pul.eu oa
during the year. international fark was
tba scene of many holly contested matches.
the closing meeting bringing forward me
crack cyclists of the country. h"'aoie
bicycle performance curing the Sea. We
that given by William Shields on April l.
,yher that gentleman rode down the West
stnns ~ the CAPITOL on his machine without
Injury. .,
boon, nv the Washington Cricket Club.
many games being played during the sea-
son. and that organization has established
itself on such a successful ROOFING as 70
irclose their grounds at CneVy >aass anu
place the field in first-class playing cor
dition.
The lovers Of croquet were very active
during the playing season OF VI: sackett
Duryee Of Washington won the champion
ship of the United States during the ma
tional tournament at Norwich. Conn.
very successful tournament was ;eid On
the 9th street grounds OF the local club
during the week OF Ssp.emoer ~ p p, ,1,s
Country. Strong Of New London. came out
first and Duryee was tied with Bird OF
Baltimore for second place.
Chevy Chase Club during the past year.
that sport has been given additional prom
II ence in this locality. the matches be-
tween this club and the Washingtons Gre
nament just closed was participated In BY
experts from all over the country and re-