Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-01-28
SCOUnCE Of DISEASE
Development of Consumption
in the Distr. ct.
ITS CURE POSSIBLE
METHODS ADOPTED BY ASSoCIAT-
ED CHARITIES.
The open-Air Treatment Given Prac-
teal Test-Views of Officials
Free DispenEery.
ITS CURE POSSIBLE

1t is alleged that consumption has be-
come a veritable scourge in the District of
Columbia and that this startling condition
is evidenced by facts and figures which
have been collated by those who are en-
gagged in the humanitarian work of COM
batting the spread of this disease, of bet
tering the condition Of patients suffering
from it and promoting their recovery.
Statistics compiled by the general gov
eminent show that of forty of the largest
cities in the United States in 1892. Wash
ington, d. c., had the highest death rate
according to population, namely 21.S3 per
LOCO, with New Orleans second and Balti-
more third. These suggestive figures were
furnished by Mr.. G. a. Weber. of the De-
partment of Commerce and Labor, and it
is said the conditions here have not i'm
proved since the compilation.
In still another report it is stated that
1.-The number of deaths per 1000 due to
pulmonary tuberculosis in the city of
Washington was only exceeded by the
deaths in Denver, Col, and in Los An
geles, Cal, two cities where tuberculosis
patients from all over the country go to
die"
THE death rate OF Washington, D. c.,
from grippe" states another report, was
higher than in any other city in the coun-
try"
Other statistics collated by the govern
ment further show that in 1902 more than
one-quarter of all the deaths in Washing
ton were due to preventable diseases which
were largely traceable to bad housing con-
di.ions
Combating the Disease.
1t is such facts as these and multiplying
evidences of the same tenor which have
brought about the organized effort that
is now being put forth in the District to
cope with the dread destroyer, tuberculosis,
which has been termed 1.-The white peril or
scourge.
One of the most potent and practical
agencies in the District engaged in the
work of combating the spread of the dis
ease and the betterment of the condition
of those suffering from ii is the Associated
Charities. The efforts of this organization
have been systematized as far possible,
''but" said Mr.. Charles F. Weller, its gem
eral secretary, with a tuberculosis death
rate in Washington greater than that of
any city in this country except Los Angeles
and Denver, the great resorts for dying
consumptives, it is evident that much more
extensive efforts ought to be inaugurated
Immediately for the cure and eradication of
the great white plague.
1.-THE national capital" continued Mr.
Weller, should not continue to lag behind
New York and other cities where the com
are expanding thousands of dollars annual
Iy in a successful fight against the dread
disease. While the work in Washington
has been earnestly energetic, developed
along sound lines and attended by success
full results generously out of proportion TO
the funds expended, the local committee
appreciates keenly that only modest be-
ginning has been made toward the great
preventive and curative work which
should be carried on in this capital city"
Method Adopted.
The committee of the Associated Chari-
ties on the prevention of consumption has
methodized its efforts so far as the limited
means at it's command will permit and is
in a small way carrying on the good work.
This committee is composed of DR.. William
c. Woodward, chairman Gen. Geo NJ
Sternberg, vice chairman; Mr. Rudolph
Kaufman, treasurer; Mr.. Charles F.Weller
secretary, and Mr.. Wallace Hatch, assist
ant secretary. Mr.. Thomas w. Smith is
chairman of the subcommittee on finance;
Surgeon General Walter Wyman is chair
man of the subcommittee on laws and adj
ministration; DR.. D. Percy Hieklng heads
the subcommittee on lectures; Gen. George
M. Sternberg, on care and treatment, and
DR.. Richard Kingsman on printing and dis
tribution.
One of the most important steps taken by
the committee was the establishment re-
Gently of free dispensary for consump-
tives at Cos AZ street southwest. Another
was the installation of four open-air pa
vilions for consumptives in connection with
| the Washington Asylum Hospital, in ex-
| IRENE southeast Washington. The urgent
| need for pavilion or tent treatment was
| set forth by DIR. Hickling at a meeting of
| the general committee. and the Introduction
| of the pavillions was made possible by a
donation of $1.000 by Mr.. Henry Phipps of
New York and contributions by other phi-
lantropists.
| Still another important feature of the
campaign in the District against the white
plague" is the educational work directed by
| DR.. d. Percy Hickling, assisted by Score
/ tary Charles i. Weller and Assistant Sec
rotary Wallace Hatch. There have been
| a number of lectures or talks by lead
| Ing physicians and others on the prevalence
| and ravages of tuberculosis and the means
of cure and prevention some of them
/ with special stereopticon views and expIa-
nations It Is stated that as the preven-
! ton of tuberculosis depends chiefly upon
instructing people to destroy all the sputum
from consumQtiye patieutss the work OF