The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1899-03-09

courts as much as possible when making
trips with placards, and In this way
great deal has been accomplished. Many
nuisances OF this sort having been abated
by verbal notice. 1t has been necessary
to make but one arrest for this class
of complaints in which case the party
was fined and then promptly complied
with the notice to clean UP. A little ra-
tional explanation as to the Importance
Of cleanliness with proper instruction In
these cases, accomplishes more than the
wholesale arrest of ignorant persons.
CAPABLE AND JUDICIoUS.
It is due TO Sar itary OFFICER Burke to
say that his experience In these matters
have rendered him capable and judicious
in managing them and 1t Is proper TO
state that while some individuals may
rail at the board Of health, the majority
of the people appreciate the efforts Of the
board and are willing and anxious to COM
ply with its rules and regulations. Tours
of inspection of the streets and courts of
the central city are made daily when pos
siblc.
The food Inspectors report shows COM
mendable diligence on his part. His work
during the week has caused very sat
isfactory condition Of the markets and I'll
places where food is offered for sale. The
tests of milk made by him have been
accurate and as thorough as can be had
without the aid of an analytical chemist.
The number of conta gious diseases re-
ported were $50; of these 475 were diph-
iberia with 50 deaths. The largest num-
Der and the lowest mortality in the his
tory of the board OF health.
The birth reports are undoubtedly very
far short of the actual number, but per
haps as exact as can be expected where
so many midwives of all sorts do busl-
ness This appears to be the experience
of all cities from which we receive re-
ports.
1t would be very desirable to have q
competent chemist and perhaps four bac-
terioloEists, but Il does not appear to be
among the possibilities at this time.
There is no other city as large as scran-
ton that does not furnish this assistance
to the board of he; III.
Our method Of dspusing of garbage 4,
unquestionably the very best nOwn. hu!
we are exceedingly lame as to its collec-
ton. I think the board should urge upon
councils the importance of making some
provision for this great necessity. AS the
secretary's report gives all statistics in
minute detail 1t win not be proper for
me to report them.
PURE AIR AND WATER.
During the year past the mortality Of
Scranton was 1851, about the same as that
of st. Paul and Minneapolis, hoth OF
which have so long and faVorably been
known as health resorts. Scranton GER
tainly is possessed Of two of the great
est promoters of hcaith-pure air and
pure water Situated between the noun
tainS malaria is an unknown quantity.
The usual inspection by the boaIG cr
health of the water supply proved the
water to be nearly as pure as water can
be found and the supply unl,rtdcd The
Burned 6ridge" reservoir, which is now
nearly filled will incIuase the amount
twenty-seven hundred million gallons.
and the water from 4 wooded shed will be
equal to the best. Philadelphia anil New
ark are now suffering from a terrible
scourGe of typhoid fever caused by the
poisonous condition of the city water.
Thanking you, gentlemen for your as
sistancc and consideration during the
year, / am. respectfully,
w. T.. Allen, Health officer.