New-York tribune., 1907-02-15
HITCH APPEALS ON ICE.
Asks Governor to PreUent Domestic
Use of Polluted Product.
[By Telegraph to The Tribune. J

Albany, Feb. 14.-Edward Hatch, jr. chairman
of committee Of the Merchants Association
Of New York City, sent Governor Hughes a let
ter to-day the subject Of polluted ice Mr
Hatch said in 1t that he had written State
Health Commissioner Porter of the presence of
typhoid and other germs in portions of the crop
harvested in this state but neither his letters
nor personal visits were productive OF set:J'ec-
tory results. He appealed TO the Governor to
see that the polluted portions of the crop should
be used for cold storage purposes only.
Governor Hughes said might that he had
received DIr. Hatchs letter, and would give II
consideration
Mr.. Hatch states that after he had written TO
DR.. Porter he had been advised 20 cali on the
Commissioner Of Health. and adds:
Repeated efforts to see the Commissioner at
his Office in Albany and likewise At his New
York office. have been fruitless and dscoureg-
ing therefore appeal TO you.
The population OF the drainage OF the
Hudson Valley is 100000, and the sewage from
this number of persons Is discharged into the
Hudson River II is estimated that 100000
tons of ice harvested for consumption in or
about greater New York and for use IN the
various towns and villages along the Hudson
The seriousness of this situation Is evident.
Our unsuccessful appeal 10 the State Commits
sioner OF Health and his apparent disregard Of
the public health have prompted the association
TO send out chemists on its own responsibility.
They have inspected numerous sources OF fee
supply on DOth sides OF the river and examined
many samples In every case the ice was being
cut when the samples were taken. and our chem
lists especially instructed not 10 pick out
the good or bad, but to obtain their samples on
the slide as the ice was being put in the storage
houses.
Most of the ice either al the top or bottom Of
the cake showed intestinal germs as the result
Of chemical and meteorological examination.
Especially bad Is the fee cut on the fields be-
tween Albany and Troy and for five miles south
OF Albany. In both instances 1t Is practically
solidified sewage. Near Albany and elsewhere
on the river ice is cut close TO the large sewer
outlets
the Hudson Valley drainage area, and millions
OF germs from the typhoid patients are carried
directly by means Of sewers into the river.
The greater portion OF the sewage floats on the
surface OF the water and IS not eliminated
during the process Of freezing
Much OF the ice now being stored for domestic
consumption is practically unfit for such pur-
poses, and If cut at all should be used for cold
storage or cooling in chemical works where
there is no possibility for contact with food and
viola tions OF these limitations should be pun
ished in an exemplary manner.
We contend that the most casual intervention
of authority by the State Department Of Health
which time it was requested to act in the matter
would not only have resulted in an intcIligent
differentiation in character, quality and use Of
ice which for long stretches in the river was
found 10 be fairly good and even in quality hut
would also have emphasized a salient point OF
which this committee is operating and which
efforts feel confident will meet with your
hearty approval and cooperation
]. Pierpont Morgan and Dr. Albert Wander
Veer are among the members Of the committee.