The times., 1899-12-06

which has been entailed thereby upon
those engaged in the enforcement Of the
act to prevent the spread OF such diseases
has been considerably increased.
Treatment of Smallpox.
What threatened to be serious epi-
demic Of smallpox was confined to less
than 100 cases, with only one death. that
being in the case of a woman who did not
die from smallpox but from a disease with
which she was suffering when the smallpox
was contracted. Congress promptly res
ponded 20 the appeal of the Commissioners
with an appropriation OF $50 0O0 a part Of
which was used in caring for sucn per-
sons as were afflicted, guarding the prop
erty that had been infected providing a
camp Of detention where those who had
been in contact with the sick were held
until they had passed the period Of sus-
pcion. or had been removed to the small
poX hospital suffering with the disease,
and when the last case had been released
| it was found that through a careful ad-
| ministTatiOn Of the fund only about one
half of it had been used. leaving a most
valuable fund which at this time is being
used to meet the cases Of smallpox that
I during the autumn have made their ap-
| pearance in the District.
ond session Of the Fifty fifth Congress for
the accommodation OF patients suffering
| from scarlet fever diphtheria and other
minor contagious diseases, at Garfield Me-
mortal and Providence hospitals, have
been completed and are now in use. The
building at the Garfield Hospital Is on
the pavilion plan, being three separate
structures connected, and is most complete
in every respect. This large building was
-.,1vr 10
fund contributed by the Daisy Chain Guild
to the appropriation of Congress, making
a splendid provision thoroughly, sanitary
and modern, for the treatment of such dis
/ eases The building at Providence, al
though not so large, is equally perfect in
its appliances and appointments.
in order to get the very best service
from these two buildings 1t has been sug-
gested that the diseases should be treat
ed separately; that is, that scarlet fever
patients should be sent to one Of the hos
pitals and diphtheria patients to the other,
In this way, all of each building will be
entirely serviceable whereas. if it be at
tempted to treat both classes OF diseases
at both hospitals, much Of the space neces-
sarily will be vacant.
The advantage Of having institutions OF
this character for the treatment of contag-
i0us diseases has been abundantly demon
sIrated in the use of the smallpox hospital
in connection with the outbreaks of that
disease. Provision should be made, how
ever. for the construction of a. building or
buildings wherein persons who have been
exposed to infection can be detained dur
ing their quarantine period and for the ap-
pointment OF some competent person 10
have charge Of such buildings and of the
smallpox hospital at all times, so that
they may be ready for use in any emerg-
ency
The presence of epidemic cerebro- spinal
meningitis is unusual. OF this disease 10j
cases were reported through the voluntary
cooperation of physicians with the Health
Department. and of this number q were
fatal The danger resulting from the
presence Of such disease and the desira-
biHty Of taking such steps as might be
possible TO prevent ii. led to the appoint
meTt of an inspector Tor the purpose OF
making the investigation necessary TO that
end. report of this work is printed in
connection with the report Of the Health
officer.
fatal case Of yellow fever occurred
November IS, 1898, the only case Of this
disease Of which there is any record in this
district
Births and Marriages.
The humber Of births reported during the
past year was but 4,757, manifestly less
than the number that occurred. The i'm
practicability Of securing evidence of neg
lect on the part of those required by law
to make such report has rendered ii eX-
tremely difficult 10 secure full returns.
There were reported during the year l, 73S
marriages. 1164 less than the number OF
marriage licenses issued. IL may be ques-
toned whether there Is any good reason
why those officiating at the marriage cere-
! Ghp no
TO the Health Officer, and also, TO the
Supreme Court of the District OF Colum-
bia. In any case. however, more accurate
records could be secured if the licenses
issued were directed 10 some particular
minister or other person authorized ia
solemnize marriages, rather than to any
person so authorized as at present.
In connection with the work Of the
Health Department there has been a gen
eral supervision over animals suffering
with contagious diseases. The facilities al
the disposal of that department for the
diagnosis of many such maladies and foI
the proper quarantining of animals sc
affected are insufficient. In addition &c
tuberculosis among cattle, which IS present
at all times cases of rabies, glanders
Texas fever, actinOmycOsis, hog cholera
and swine plague have received attention
For some years past the Health De
partment has been authorized by the Com
missioners to issue permits for the OBJ
GtructiOn of travel on public streets TO Sc
cure quiet for persons seriously ILL., The
number of such permits issued during the
past year was 6l and increase of II OveI
the corresponding figure for the preceding
year. The matter is one which it seem.
desirable should be regulated by Congress
sional enactment,
The chemical laboratory has performed il.
proper work in the analyses of water, food
drugs, and beverages, and has also assisted
the Police Department by the various an
alyses made for the purpose of aiding il
the detection of crime. The Health De
partment is not however, provided witt
meteorological laboratory which at times
especially with reference TO the analysis o
water from public wells proves source
OF embarrassment.
The inspection of live stock. recently
rendered possible by the appointment of al
TO that purpose, has progressed as salts.
factorily as is possible, in view of the in.
sufficient force. The importance of thi.
work cannot be Overestimated, and proyi.
sion should be made for additional inspec.
tors. The same may be said of the inspec
t!on of dairies and dairy farms. There ha!
been no change in the manner OF cOllectinl
and disposing OF garbage and dead animals
The collecting service has been reasonabl,
satisfactory The method OF disposal b,
deposit along the shores of the Potoma,
! River outside of The limits OF the District
results in nuisance. and is by no means .
source of pride.
Prosecuting smoke ViOIators.
On February ? 1899, bill vas approved