The Washington times., 1904-01-08
BOARD OF TRADE FAVORS
WAR ON LOCAL SLUAS
Public Sanitation Discussed
at New Willard.
HOSPITAL FOR INCURABLES
Consensus of Opinion That Separate
Institution Is Needed for Con-
sumptives and Inebriates.

Public sanitation was the subject dis
cussed at the meeting Of the Board of
Trade at the New Willard last night
Endorsement was given to the war on
the slums, the plan to erect comfortable
homes for the poor, at a nominal cost,
and the immediate erection Of hospital
for the treatment of cOnsumptives, inc
briates. and incurable diseases.
The meeting was called to hear the re-
ports Of the committees on public
health. water supply. charities, and cor
rections, and parks and reservations
William V. Cox, president OF the Board.
presided.
Discussion OF the abnormal mortality
rate in the slums and the spread of evil
among the poverty-stricken because Of
their mode Of living. followed the read
ing OF the report of the committee on
charities and corrections. An insight
into the conditions as they really exist
was given in an address by Charles f.
Weller secretary of the Associated
Charities. The address was illustrated
with stereopticon views of portions
of the slums, showing how disease and
immortality are disseminated among the
inhabitants
Necessity for Hospital
Special attention was given in the re-
certain diseases. The committee consid-
ers it inexpedient that a municipal hos
pital for general purposes should be urg-
ed, when there is such great need of a
suitable place to treat inCurables. con-
sumptives, and inebriates.
The report Of the committee on public
health, submitted by DIR. d. Percy
Hickling. sets forth that 5.7SS deaths
occurred in Washington during the past
year, Of which 3.192 were white. and
z,SS6 negroes. Consumption was the
cause of the largest number OF deaths.
and recommendation is made that all
cases OF the disease be reported at
once to the Health officer
To Confer More Power.
The committee also recommends that
law be enacted bestowing more power
on the District Commissioners to en-
force the regulation in regard to sani-
tary conditions of dwellings and other
property. 1t Is purposed that the Com
missfoners he given power TO abate
nuisances whenever necessary, at the
expense Of the city, and to assess the
cost Of abatement against the property
on which the expenditure is made
The organization of a new sanitary
housing company was recommended by
former Surgeon General George NJ
Sternberg. A minimum capital OF $50 900
ne said. would be sufficient TO start the
company, and It could be conducted on
per cent basis. The object OF the
enterprise would be similar to the aims
OF the Sanitary Improvement Company.
and that is to acquire property in minor
streets and erect comfortable and sani-
tary dwellings for the poor
Oppose Hospital Site.
In submitting its report, the commit
tee on parks and reservations offered
a supplementary resolution in opposition
10 the establishment Of a naval hospital
on the old naval observatory site. at
the foot OF Twerty-third Street north
west. The committee favors the erec-
ton on the site of a building or group
OF buildings, which would conform to
the parking commission plans for a more
beautiful city.
The development Of Rock Creek Park
was urged. and a resolution was ADOPT
ed commencing the Commissioners for
favoring the establishment of a park at
Sixteenth Street. extended. and Kenesaw
Avenue.
DR.. Joseph Taber johnson presented
the report of the committee on wa
ter supply, which shows the aver
age daily consumption of water in
OF maximum supply OF 100000. The
construction Of new conduit at Great
Falls is urged.
Committees Are Named.
The following committees were named
by President Cox:
To the meeting of the National Board
of Trade to be held in Washington. on
January ia. p. Pardon, Archibald
Greenlees. w. p. Van Wickle, and s. W
Woodward.
Committee on civil service,-John
Joy Edison, chairman; A. r. SerY-
en-, George w. Evans, George w.
McLanahan. DR.. Charles ". Needham,
Thomas w. Sidwell, and Rufus H.
Thayer
Delegates to the international Arbitra-
ton convention. TO be held in Washing
ton on January l2-Charles J. Bell, chair
man. William J. Boardman, jackson H.
Ralston, and Thomas F. Walsh.
buffet luncheon was served after
the meeting.
LOCAL MENTION.
"Muenchener" Is a Good Thing