The age-herald., 1898-11-10
FROM A SANITARY
 POINT OF VIEW The Proposed Extension of the
 City Limits DISCUSSED BY DR. HENLEY Points Out the Great Mutual Benefits to be Derived from Greater Bir- mingham" Not an Annexa-
 tionist ''Nolens volens."
DISCUSSED BY DR. HENLEY

Dr. A. T. Henley one of the leading physicians of the city, has sent the fol- lowing card to The Age-Herald advocating Greater Birmingham from a sanitary point of view, in which he points out the mutual benefits which would result to the city and the suburbs. Dr. Henley's card Is as follows:
 To the Editor of The Age-Herald
 So far I have taken no part in the dis cussion of Greater Birmingham" which involves the annexation of the outlying territory surrounding the city, and in do- ing so now, want it distinctly understood that I am not an annexationist "nolens volens," and certainly not unless it Is by the consent of the people to be annexed. l have always believed in the doctrine of local self-government and I still think that the suburbanites have right which should be respected. However, there are some reasons that go to show that it would be to the interest of both sides to the question to have unity of action in matters of com mon concern, and especially when the sub ject is viewed from sanitary standpoint. Good health and good sanitary surround ings must be the desire of everyone, whether living in the city or in the suburbs, and these inestimabe blessings can only be obtained by a mutual understanding and concert of action between the two sections; and, whether we have annexa- tion or not it is certainly best for both sections that all steps taken towards at- taining these ends should be taken upon uniform plan and by mutual consent.
 The question of sewerage has always been one which has required skill and thought, and it is not always feasible even then. Owing to the peculiar surroundings and configuration of this valley, it is ap- parent that it must be done through one channel and in one direction, viz, that which Birmingham has already adopted. Wood1awn, East Lake and Avondale, for instance, cannot drain their sewers in any other direction than down the valley, and through the sewers of Birmingham; for if they should adopt the route by Village creek it would be such a menace to the health of the people of North Birmingham, Thomas, Pratt City and Ensley that it would not be tolerated by them upon any consideration.
 do not think it necessary to discuss for a moment the advantages of proper sewer- age over the system (almost prehistoric), existing in our neighboring towns, for suit able sanitary sewers are appreciated by everyone as being worth many times their cost, no matter what that may be, in the improved health of the people using them.
 During the past summer l went to east Lake one hot night on an open trolley car, and I was impressed most forcibly by the horrid odors l was compelled to smell, and of the great necessity for improvement along this line; and it was many weeks be- fore had heard the subject of annexation mentioned. have been told by prominent citizen of one of the neighboring towns that after rain in the summer the dis gusting odors frequently became so offen- siye that he was compelled to close his doors and windows to avoid them. Surely no one would contend that such condi- tion is healthful, and everyone ought to be willing to adopt any method which would abate such a nuisance.
 The writer well remembers the condition of things in Birmingham in 1SS1-S2-S3 when typhoid fever was in almost every block in the city, and when it taxed the best strength of the doctors to keep up with the many cases each had to treat. What a wonderful change took place after the late lamented Col Geo. E. Waring came here and showed us how 10 get rid of it by con- structing the magnificent system of sewer- age which our city can now boast of. In fact, MT. Editor, if 1 lived in any of the suburban towns surrounding us and l could get similar system where I lived would be willing to lay aside all other considera- tions and immediately take such steps as would sooner or later but in the end ob- tain it, and l think it will only be necessa- ry to discuss this question dispassionately with those most interested to get proper appreciation of its advantages.
 The city code of Birmingham requires that all contagious diseases shall be promptly reported to the health officer, and a plain notice posted conspicuously upon the front ot the house where such diseases prevail, so that even "he that runs may read.' This is a wise law and should be made universal all over the entire county; but it is often objected to by those who are so unfortunate as to be afflicted. How ever, it is not intended to benefit the poor unfortunate, but is certainly fair and just to their friends and neighbors that they be given prompt notice of the danger to the lives of themselves and little ones, so that they may not go unawares into such dan- ger.
 The writer recalls a case where a young lady went to a neighbours kruse without knowing her danger, and contracted small pox from patient there who had not been reported.
 In case of contagious diseases, or an epi- demic, in. adjoining suburban towns. not even shotgun quarantine would be effective or could force the people in the suburbs to separate themselves from their families or from their business. Nor would any other measure be effectual, or protect the people of the city It will be remembered that during the smallpox epidemic, when it ap- peared in Birmingham, Pratt City ouaran- tined against us, but so soon as the malady broke out in Pratt City, its patients were sent to the pest house here for treatment.
 A, the last regular meeting of the Jeffer- son County Medical society and the county board of health resolution was adopted requesting the people living in the smaller towns to have such ordinances enacted.
 IL goes without saying that 1t should be compulsory for the protection of al
 In the meeting of the committees of the various suburban towns, which I see is called for Thursday night, hope the ques- ton of sanitation and public health may be considered carefully, and that the greatest good for the greatest number may prevail
 A. T. HENLEY, M D.