New-York tribune., 1903-04-27
SANITATION IN MANILA.

A snecial correspondent of 'The Medical Rec
ord presents heart sickening picture of the
difficulties in the way of sanitary regeneration
in Manila The chief obstacle to be overcome
is the utter lack Of sewers, or even the crudest
system Of drainage Kitchen refuse is con-
sumed by chickens, dogs and pigs before it has
a chance to become offensive or dangerous.
Many houses have their own cesspools for hu-
man excretions. but these are usually inside the
foundation walls, and have been carelessly
constructed and so inadequately cared for that
the soil of the city has been impregnated TO an
appalling degree. Where an attempt has been
made In a few high class dwellings to employ
water 10 remove this filth the plumbing is so
badly designed that it does not serve its pur-
pose; and no general application of water is
possible. first, because there is not a sufficient
supply. and, second. because there are no sew
eTs. The expedieDcy Of constructing the latter
is made doubtful, moreover, by the fact that the
Philippines are subject to earthquakes, which
might disrupt and ruin elaborate pipe sys-
tenn In a single day.
The American authorities have not been
daunted by this situation, however. Already
they have established a number of public
iatrines IN the districts occupied exclusively by
the natives, and the people are compelled TO use
them. To keep the Iatrines IN proper condition
an elaborate bucket and scow service has been
organized Some day. after means have been
found for giving the city more water, it is likely
that system of open drains viii be developed.
BY keeping the rivulets and other natural hol-
lows which lead to the Pasig free from vege-
fation that stream can be utilized to carry off
all filth into the bay. 1t would then be an easy
matter, The Medical Records correspondent
believes. 10 get rid Of the mosquitoes.
The Development Of other sanitary safeguards
for the capital Of the Philippines has gone on in
a fashion which this authority declares will re-
dound to the credit of the new rulers In that
archipelago. A magnificent quarantine station
has been established at Mariveles, thirty miles
from the city proper. The practice there is
modelled on Japan's, which in turn is only an
admirable imitation of that of the United States
Marine Hospital Service. Provision for rigid
inspection, detention Of suspects and fumigatiOn
has also been made at six other ports of entry.
The thoroughness OF these precautions justifies
the hope that marked decrease in mortality
from cholera and the bubonic plague will soon
be observed
a moments reflection viii convince one that
the task so bravely assumed at Manila is far
more formidable than the one so effectively
performed by the United States in Havana.
The population of the former city. including its
suburbs. is 80 per cent larger, and the average
civilization OF its inhabitants vastly inferior.
So far as latitude goes, the two cities are about
IN g mar. Havana enjoys slight advantage in
this respect, but not enough TO count Tor much-
s,iu another point of difference is the character
of fhe countries with which the Cuban capital
conducts trade II the vigilance of local author