Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1899-08-04
EIGHT PAGES
FRIDAY. AUGUST 4, 1899.
A WORD OF WARNING.

We reproduce from the Virginian- Pr
lots local news columns of yesterday
the following article. written by n
Under the present circumstances 1t
is a great relief TO our citizens to feel
that the city of Norfolk Is taking every
means in it's power to put itself in the
best possible sanitary condition; and
we all have reason to reei proud of the
efforts OF our Board of Health. These
efforts, aside from the quarantine, APP
ply especially to the destruction of de-
caying vegetable and animal matter,
the drainage of all water, especially OF
stagnant water; and in Il word, to the
general cleansing of the city. These
precautions arc taken because the
growth of all bacteria Is helped by
warmth. moisture and decaying organic
matter. The yellow-fever germ seems
especially to need these conditions to
allow 1t to get good foot-hold though
isolated cases may occur in the midst
OF the most sanitary surroundings. In
deed the physicians of New Orleans
have long pointed to stagnant water in
the cutters as the place from which the
fever arose.
within our city limits ii seems that
we have little to fear from this source
But just outside OF these limits are two
suburbs, which In reality form II con-
t!nuous part of Norfolk, though they
are under the Jurisdiction of the coun.
ty. Huntersville and Barboursville are,
of course, the places referred to. The
sanitary condition of these two places,
more especially OF Barboursville Is, to
say the least. vile. The latter suburb is
situated in low, naturally swampy
place, and, in consequence. is entirely
without drainage. Some of these streets
have wooden ourbs, but their cutters
do not seem to be graded. and conse-
quently are always filled with stagnant
water, which. from long standing, has
become foul and green. The streets
themselves are often little better than
quagmireS, and are covered with n
green. Shiny mud. into which the wheels
sink half way UP to the hub even in
fairly dry weather. The Inhabitants.
almost entirely negroes throw their re-
fuse into the streets, where il STAYS TO
decay for weeks. Could one possibly
find better condition for yellow fever TO
develop?
Nov shall we allow our city and
ourselves TO be endangered by such n
pest hole? Is there not some way
through which the county can be forced
10 act! or, II the county authorities
VIII do nothing, would it rot be better
for the city to take the matter in hand
man 10 be endangered by n place like
this? The city authorities should Mt
once send an inspector 10 Barboursville
and have him REPORT to them in detail
Acting on his report they will see that
IL would be folly TO wait for the county
10 remedy the evil, but that something
must be done and done at once. 10 re-
lieve us from such menace and dis
grace"
The supreme Importance of the mat
ters referred to in the above is a suffl-
Gent excuse for again placing 1t before
the readers of the Virglnian-Pilot. The
condition Of Barboursvlle is beyond
Aoubt a great menace to our city. ana
a case of yellow fever from that suburb
would have the same evil effect upon
us as though it occurred lmmedia telv
within our city limits. The city of
Norfolk has too much to lose to risk
any chances. Some means should be
found 10 remedy the evil at once. The
expense of doing so is neither here nor
there when we take into consideration
the great interests of our city that are
involved; and. therefore. the proper
measures should be put in execution at
once, at the expense OF our city, If that
Should be found necessary.