The Washington times., 1903-03-23


official
AS defined by the statutes. the duties
OF the Health Officer are very plain and
explicit. perhaps all the more so be-
cause the lawyers in Congress had the
aid Of competent physician in their
drafting. The Health officer. through
his corps of assistants. is required to
keep record OF all communicable dis
cases and take immediate steps TO con-
troll and prevent the spread of the same.
by investigation, isolation, and disinfec
tion. and have general supervision over
the sanitary conditions of the District.
To the casual observer these laws rela-
tive 10 the duties of the Health officer
may not seem very arduous, but 20 tie
conscientious official these innocent
looking regulations are burdened with
hard work
The law requires the Health officer to
Dlacard the houses of those sick with a
contagious disease. 1t is a simple act
TO nail up placard. 1t is quite another
matter If the householder considers IL
an objectionable offense, for which the
officer should be boycotted. Isolation is
often considered an outrage, only to be
submitted to under protest. after bitter
ly denouncing the law and officers. and
then only 20 be observed in such a way
as seems agreeable and convenient.
Disinfection is often considered
great bother and nuisance. and, last but
not least. damage to property. But
these duties-isOlation, disinfectlon,
etc,-are the very least of his labors. 1t
is in the general supervision OF the san
itary condition OF the District that the
most difficult problem is presented to
the Health officer In the first place. he
must understand architecture, plumbing.
and sewerage. foods and their adultera-
tions
He must understand architecture that
he may see any defect in the ventila-
tion AID other sanitary conditions of
our public and private dwellings, espe-
eially our public schools, where the
coming generation are supposed 70 spend
the greater part OF their early life.
He must. understand plumbing. that
he may know IL sinks, water closets,
etc. are well calked, trapped and venti-
lated
He must understand sewerage 20 en-
able him to detect a perfect system
from a badly constructed elongated cess
/ pool.
! Having such a health officer, one
/ thoroughly competent to grasp all the
details. II is our duty as sanitarians to
use all means and influence to have
Congress pay him a salary commen-
surate with his duties and his capabili-
ties. 1t is pitiable and contemplate TO
see the most beautiful city in the world
trying to secure such value for such
| small equivalent
To attain anything like perfect sani-
tary conditions each individual must be
| a "sanitarian." in an active and intellI-
/ gent sense. The health officer can see
] that no spoiled meats. vegetables or
fruits are sold. but he cannot follow
them TO your homes and o osUperintend
their preparation for your tables. nor
hsh their remains from your cupboards
II left there a moldy mass TO generate
disease
He can protect the people from the
adulteratlon OF an INSCRIPTIONS milk
man. but IL the milk stands in the sur
or is fed from half-w washed bottle. he
cannot protect the babe from cholera in,
fantum. He may labor for the sale o
only pure butter fresh from the creamery
but II the housekeeper places II neal
Goldfish and pail Of rancid lard hi
labor Will count for naught
He can oblige you under the law tc
[ keep a clean yard, but he cannot clear
your wood box. scrub your floors, TAX,
up your carpets and air them. or rails,
your heavy. musty curtains and let fl
r the life renewing. health giving sun
light Of God,
know by long. practical expert
3 ence. there is class who consider tina
81 any interference with their habits G
occupation is a trespRss upon thei
= personal liberty. Goaded 10 madness b.
! oppression and the pinching hand o
never ending poverty. smarting unde
the injustice of wrong inflicted by un
wise legislation and the greed OF trust
and syndicates, they complain in th
D words of the ancient Romans. that 20
repeal daily any wholesome act estat
j. lished against the rich and provid
n more stringent statutes daily to chai
j. up ash restrain the poor"
Is The laborer is worthy Of his hir
,e True Il is that hundreds OF medical aC
T. visers would gladly take his place I
/ present salary. But are their quaiii
N cations equal TO the position?
L We have a just official: we have a C.
D. pable physician in charge. and IT is II
e. duty Of the Commissioners to endeav'
by all lawful means 10 secure from Cor
" gress such salary as is commensura
ld with his duties and qualifications.
Is trust The Times and the public vi
< view this matter IN its true light Al
le advocate not only a proper increa
= in salary but a thorough acquiescen
- in all laws that conduce TO health Al
ID happiness. TIM TICKLE.
es Washington, d. c.. March 2l. 1903.