The evening times., 1899-12-05

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-
denic OF smallpox was confined to less
| than 100 cases. with only one death, that
| being in the case of a woman who did not
which she was suffering when the smallpox
was contracted. Congress promptly res
| ponded to the appeal of the Commissioners
| with an appropriation of $4,000, a part Of
which was used in caring for such 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-
picion. or had been removed to the small
pox hospital suffering with the disease.
and when the last case had been released
1t was found that through a careful ad-
ministration Of the fund only about one
half OF 1t had been used, leaving a most
valuable fund. which at this time is being
| used to meet the cases of smallpox that
during the autumn have made their ap-
pearance In the District
The isolating wards provided at the Sec
ond session of the Fffty-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
only made possible by the addition Of the
fund contributed by the Daisy Chain Guild
to the appropriation Of Congress, making
splendid provision thoroughly, sanitary
and modern. for the treatment of such dis
cases. 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 il 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
pitfalls and diphtheria patients to the other.
In this way, all Of each building will be
entirely serviceable, Whereas II 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-
ious diseases has been abundantly demon
strated 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 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 to
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 los
cases were reported through the voluntary
cooperation Of physicians with the Health
Department. and of this number 80 were
fatal. The danger resulting from the
presence of such disease and the desira-
biiity OF taking such steps as might be
possible to prevent it, led to the appoint
ment OF an inspector for the purpose of
making the investigation necessary to that
end. A report of this work is printed in
connection with the report of the Health
Oficer
A 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 number of births reported during the
past year was but i,157, manifestly less
than the number that occurred. The i'm !
of securing evidence of neg |
lect on the part of those required by law !
to make such report has rendered 1t ex- |
tremely difficult to secure full returns. !
There were reported during the year /, 733 I
marriages, 1,164 less than the number Of 4
licenses issued. II may be ques- |
toned whether there is any good reason |
why those officiating at the marriage cere |
monies should be required to make reports |
TO the Health Officer. and also. to the |
Supreme Court OF the District of Column I
bia. In any case, however, more accurate I
records could be secured IL the licenses !
issued were directed TO some particular (
minister or other person authorized to I
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 at :
the disposal of that department for the
diagnosis of many such maladies and for
the proper quarantining of animals SO
affected. are insufficient In addition TO
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
of travel on public streets 10 Sc
cure quiet for persons seriously i'll. The
number of such permits issued during the
past year was 6l and increase of II over
he corresponding figure for the preceding
year. The matter is one which 1t seems
desirable should be regulated by Congress
,ional enactment.
The chemical laboratory has performed its
proper work in the analyses of water, food.
lrugs and beverages, and has also assisted
he Police Department by the various an
he detection of crime. The Health De-
Is not, however, provided with
meteorological laboratory, which at times.
specially with reference to the analysis OF
water from public wells proves a source
II embarrassment.
The inspection Of live stock, recently
endered possible by the appointment of an
Inspector who can devote part Of his time
O that purpose. has progressed as salts
actorily as is possible, in view Of the in
uficient force. The importance of this
york cannot be overestimated, and provi-
ion should be made for additional inspec-
ors. The same may be said Of the inspec-
ion of dairies and dairy farms. There has
een no change in the manner OF collecting
nd disposing of garbage and dead animals
he collecting service has been reasonably
satisfactory. The method of disposal, by
eposit along the shores of the Potomac
liver outside of the limits of the District.
esults In nuisance, and is by no means a
ource of pride