Evening star., 1898-09-13
REMOVAL OF A PLACARD
Question Raised Under Local Regulations
Governing Minor Diseases.
Law Relating to Diphtheria Insum-
Appropriation for Its Purpose.

Complaint was recently made to the Dis
tricJ Commissioners by Mr.. Bernard Leon
ard. agent for premises % Railroad avenue
southwest, that the health office authorities
wera interfering with the rental of the
premises because of their refusal to
move therefrom a GipEtheria placard. Upon
an Investigation by the Commissioners, 1t
appeared that the house was vacated last
July by the occupants, case of diphtheria
having been previously reported to the
health office as existing in the house. Upon
the vacation Of the house. Mr.. Leorard, it
seems, was notified by the health Office to
cisinfect the premises. He declined to do
So. ii is said, and the case being brought
10 the attention of the attorney for the
District that official decided that while Mr..
Leonard could not be compelled to disn-
fsct the house, the health office authorities
could do so The health office people did
not act in the matter the diphtheria plac-
ard msanume remaining on the house.
Mr.. Leonard recently wrote the Commits
sioners, charging that because of the pres
exec Of the pIGcarl. the health officer re-
fUsing to order its removal while the house
remained uHfu1nisdted. prevented its
rental. and informing the Commissioners
that he would hold the District responsible
for the loss he claimed to have thereby in
CJrred
Attorneys Opinion.
The matter was again referred to their
attorney by the Commissioners. and their
legal adviser has reported as follows:
In my opinion, the District is not liable
to Mr.. Leonard Tor rent of his premises be-
cause of the diphtheria placard placed
there. In view of the fact that the Dis
trict is without means to disinfect the
pl Crnises in question, / think the health
ufIicer should cause the piaCard to be re-
moved
The Commissioners have not yet acted
in the matter, and it is understood that
Health Officer Woodward Will not order
the removal of the piaCard until SO directed
10y the Commissioners, DR., Woodward, in
speaking CT the case today TO q Star re-
porter, said that in his opinion the law and
regulations relating to diphtheTia and scar
let fever are not worth the paper they are
printed on, for the reason that 1t is prac-
ucaly Impossible to enforce them
DIR. WoodNnrd's Views.
''It is not quite true that the District is
without meals 20 disnfect these premises
said Or. Woodward. although the appro-
priation which We will have TO draw upon
is not only limited, but is also designed by
Congress to cover both minor and majo
contagious diseases Then. again. if We
uisiEleCJ these premises. people VIII take
Cpr acton III the case as q precedent in all
others OF a similar character. | believe the
District should Glsinfect ali infected prem
ises. ana chat the expenses should ne borne
by the District. but to do that we need not
only q greater sum OF money than has been
apl IUFTiated in the current District bill,
S1.uUr, Lut We also need greater authority.
The present law relating to scarlet fever
ANA Gtphthcr.sI is in my opinion, practically
an advisory instead Of mandatory law,
ana il Is hardly possible to enforce it. As
the aGent Of the premises declines to disin-
feet We viii probably have to do it cur
selves. but l intend suggesting At tie COM
ing session OF Congress the enactment of
law covering diphtherta and scarlet fever
AID perhaps other minor contagious dis
eases. similar to our smallpox law. Which
Is 4 good one and capable Of cnfOrceneul."