The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-05-02
DUST EVIL AGAIN
CAUSES COMPLAINT
Cars to Suburbs Followed BY
Dense Clouds
THE CITY STREETS DUSTY
Firemen Protest Against Plan to Have
Them Use Their HOsc-BOth Nose
and Throat Trouble Is on
the Increase

Yesterday found the dust problem of
| Greater Birmingham more serious pro-
position than 1t has ever been. Breathing
was a painful matter, especially on cleo
trio cars traversng the suburban lines.
Out towards East Lake, to Powderly,
to Owenton, to Ensley, to North Birm-
ingham and to Gate City the dust play
ed in merry fashion after each passing
car. The rear platforms were hidden
from view by the heavy clouds of dust
which the suction of the car threw be-
hind, while each stop sent the dust in
great quantities through the car.
There was much complaint and criti-
cism passed upon the persons response
BILE for this condition THE health of
the city is too important to allow of the
continuance of the dust evil. no matter
what the expense of removing it may
be-" was the sentiment expressed. A
man boarded a car in West End and
his arrival in town found nose. ears and
eyes filled with dust while little ridges
hat caked upon the seams and wrinkles
of his face. His clothes had changed
their color completely, presenting a
brownish, gray effect. He was choking
from the dust in his throat while his
eyes were flowing tears.
Recently the Board of Aldermen au-
thorzed the purchase of four sprinkler
carts. They have arrived. but so far
there have been no apparent results f-oin
their use.
Suggestions have been made by prom
inent citizens that the streets should be
cleaned by means of fire hose attached
to fire plugs. Most of the suggestions
have been to the effect that the city
employ men to do this, while some have
suggested that the members of the fire
department might do 1t in their spare
moments.
This latter suggestion brought forth
quite protest from the firemen. I'VE
were employed to fight fire, not clean
streets, and we're pretty well worked
now" is what they say. I'VE certainly
agree that the idea of cleaning the
streets with large hose is good idea
and that men should be employed by the
city to do It,"
According to Fire Chief Bennett II
would he impracticable for the firemen
to clean the streets.
IT certainly agree that the method
suggested would be good one. 1t WOULD
not, however, be practicable for the fire
men to do it, and / would not even con-
slider the proposition of putting my men
to this work. In the first place the
streets would have to be cleaned in this
manner after midnight, 1t not being prsc-
ticable to do 1t during ,the hours when
there is traffic upon the streets. |
do this work. A fireman has to work
exceptionally hard. despite the fact that
he may look at times as IL his life is
easy. Men couldn't be spared to do this
work. as they are needed at their head
quarters at all times. If 1t Is decided to
cltan the streets with large hose the
city should employ special men to 10
It and not expect this task of the city
| fiicmen.'
| The streets in the business portion of
| town yesterday presented dirty APP
| DC arance, and clouds OF dust were PLAY
| ing about from the filth. This filth cakes
when wet by the sprinkler carts and the
sweepers fail to remove 1t to any appre-
ciable extent. 1t quickly dries out and
again the dust flies. 1t Is pointed out
that the only feasible way of remov-
| in. it is to use a heavy stream of water
| from the fire hydrants and wash 1t away
In the meantime Greater Birmingham
is undeniably dusty and the people are
suffering as a consequence. Specialists
have warned that throat and nose it,
| fections have increased greatly on ac-
count of the thick dust and say that
dreadful results are certain to follow.
Tho city fathers say they can't improve
the order of things and present indlca-
lions are that not another comfortable
breathing spell will be had by the resi-
dents of the Magic City until heavy
shower of rain comes, and then perhaps
fo- only few hours.