Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-08-04
FLATS HOME OF GERMS
Plea for Reclamation of East
ern Branch LoWlandS.
MENACE TO PUBLIC HEALTH
Citizens Views for Removing
Plague Spot.
FEVER GERFc WIND-BORNE
Commissioner -trland Recounts
Boards Efforts to Secure Action
by Congress.
o00OOCCOn

Sanitation and other things for the
health and happiness of humanity, like
charity, it is declared, should begin at
home.
The United States government, in its
praiseworthy effort TO become the great
est sanitary agent in the world, has ex-
pended much money and effort to bring
about more healthful conditions in erst-
while fever-ridden Cuba. 1t has swept
away considerable of the cobwebs of dis
ease from the Canal Zone of Panama.
The little island of Guam has become
a neaT-health resort under the sanitary
work Of Uncle Sans medical officers,
while extraordinary sanitary steps are
being taken to rid the faraway Philip
pine Islands of much of their unheaithfnl-
ness.
Yet while these sanitary movements
are being made beyond the seas by the
national authorities, right here in Wash
ington and almost in the shadow of the
great dome of the United States Capitol
it is pointed out, veritable plague spot
is permitted to exist. The AnacOStia
flats, Il breeding place for malaria. mos
uuitoes and other evils. exists with its
rank growth of submarine weeds and
grass and its muddy bottom always the
home of germs of a variety of diseases.
Years ago before the reclamation of the
Potomac flats proper. north and south of
the then Long bridge malarial fever
agpe and chills and other ills to which
the human family is heir We're prevalent
in South Washington to aconsderaDle
extent. Since the flats have been re-
claimed and converted into pretty river
side park the southwest section of the city
has been comparatively heaithful.
Retarded Growth of City.
IL is claimed that one reason the growth
and improvement of the extreme south
east section of the District has been re-
tarded is because the Anacostia flats
have not been also reclaimed. Looking
at tie Eastern branch OF the Potomac
between the Anacostia bridge and Ben
ming from the dome of the Capitol or
from the higher windows or the omoe
building of the House of Representative,
the malarial Anacostia Hats can be plainly
seen. They present a hideous picture
with the Shiny submarine srowths ana the
mudhoieS that are uncovered at low tlde.
All Washington has been aroused to
the necessity for the reclamation of these
unhealthy flats. whose poisonous vapors
penetrate TO all parts OF the District IN
whatever direction the wind may blow.
The Board o. Trade, the Chamber OF
Commerce and the more than thirty citi-
zens' aSsocia tons, with the people In gen
era!, desire that the Anacoaua mats De
improved FOR the public veal II not Tor
the ueauttfivatIou Of the east end oil the
city.
NOW that Attorney Tageart has been
employed by .he District Commissioners
Ia investigate the riparian rights along
the stream III which the .tnacostia flais
rear their rank growth, il, is the hope o.
ne citizens generally that the good woth
OF reclamation will nc commenced AT an
early day.
Park and Driveway Possible.
O. c. Brothers, president Of the East
Washington Heights Electric railway,
whose cars cross the Pennsylvania ave-
nue. bridge southeast. Immediately over
the Anacostia flats. said today
The recent articles IN The Star on
the reclamation al the flats along the
Eastern branch is very gratifying to the
citizens of Washington. particularly so IL
rhe residents and property owners of the
eastern section of the District.
1T has only been few years since the
eats south Of Washington, including The
vicinity Of the Monument grounds, was
looked upon Il fever district and breeding
place for mosquitoes. bu, now il has been
reclaimed and is one of the most beauti.
f,tl parks and driveways in the world
rhe opportunity to make a driveway and
park alcns the Eastern branch are