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

The general healthfulneSs of our people
during the year 1898 has been exceptional
ly good, contagious and infectious dis
eases have as rule been kept under con-
troll and prGVcntibc diseases restricted.
FREE FROM EPIDEMICS.
During my short service as an officer
of the board | have noted how free the
city has been from any cpidemics Of any
serious character: we have been threat
cned however, and it has often occurred
to me tina: this city would find itself in
terrible straits in such an emergency.
The Importance Of establishing an isola-
tion hospital should he discussed and de-
manded by the board and the people; it
is true we have no particular use for
such a place but an epidemic comes like
a thief in the night, leaving death and
desolation in its tracks. Such hospital
should be and can be erected for few
thousand dollars, and should be ready to
perform Its functions in times of need,
thus becoming means OF protection &c
the community at large.
Isolation Is the essential means of pre-
venting the growth of contagious dis
eases. In most cases quarantining proves
failure; however vigilant we might be.
we cannot entirely prevent intercourse Of
persons living in infected houses with
others. In private houses 1t Is impossible
to prevent the obtaining of supplies and
the intcrchanging of portable substances
which carries the Contagion. Quarantine
therefore, will not alone stamp out the
disease, it must be isolation, and that
cannot be secured at the patients home,
but must come through hospital erected
for that purpose.
1t would be a grand thing for Scranton,
If some benevolent citizen or organization,
would build a bathing house for the
working population. The board Of health
would be glad to erect such an institution,
| but the undertaking would cost more
money than the board would feel justified
| in asking In the form of an appropriation.
1t is rather curious phase of our won
| derful development that today there
| should be no public baths in this city.
| From experience in the larger cities
and even in cities where the population
| is no greater than our own, with the bath
| provided cheaply for the people, it rapid
| ly becomes popular. BY promoting clean.
| liness we promote health, wealth and hap
piness.
| OF GREAT IMPORTANCE.
The board of health believes that this
| question is one of great importance, and
recommend that councils put their timC
| and research toward a plan by which the
| working people could be provided with Q
cold or warm bath. either free, or for q
sum not exceeding five OF ten cents; soaI
| and towels to be charged for, if you
please, or to be brought by the batners
This year we only suggest the idea, and il
| sufficient announcement be given in th'
| matter, the present board or its success
ors should more thoroughly study tht
scheme. and put it into shape.
In the new regulations of the board will
be found recommendations Compellins
those in charge of schools, theaters, hos
pitfalls and other buildings used for in
struction and amusement, to take tn
necessary steps that will insure prope
light, good ventilation and sufficient FOO
space. | believe that 1t is the intention
of the present board TO regularly AM
thoroughly inspect all such institution
as above mentioned.
Strictly sanitary regulations will ais
be enacted for the outside surroundIn
schools.
One matter that should receive the I'M
portant attention of the board is that Q
the abatement of smoke. 1t is the ten
dency of this evil to grow, and is fas
becoming a source of repeated com