The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-11-03
ROSSER REFUTES RECENT REPORT
 OF GRAND JURY County Health Officer Will Submit His Report
 Monday
DEALS WITH JAIL
 AND ALMSHOUSE
States Jail Is Sanitary and Prisoners Are Well Fed-Is Not Dependent on Board of Revenue
 for Position

pr. H. N, Rosser, county health officer for Jefferson county. has prepared his report on the county jail and almshouse. which he will submit to the board of revenue Monday. Dr. Rosser, in his re- port, refutes the statements of the re- cent grand jury in regard to the jail and almshouse and states that the jail is not over-crowded and that the patients at the almshouse are properly cared for.
 pr. Rosser does not owe his appoint- ment 10 the board of revenue. The of- fee he holds is statutory requirement. He was selected by the Jefferson County Medical association. who can order his removal at any time without even the formality of preferring charges against him. He stands high in the medical pro- fession and ranks among the leading cit izens of the county. His report is said 10 be made without prejudice or partiality and will doubtless be read with interest by the citizens of the city and county.
 Jail We'll Kept
 In the report pr. Rosser states that the county jail is well kept and not over crowded, there being between 400 and 800 cubic feet of breathing space to every prisoner. The sanitary equipments are all in good order and the cells free from vermin. He calls attention to the fact that there are no diseases caused through jail conditions and that the ventilation is perfect He states, however, that more light Is needed, as from the scientific standpoint, light and sunshine are neces- sary for perfect condition.
 He states the feeding of the prisoners to be abundant and of good quality. and that it is well cooked and cleanly. In regard to the tubercular prisoners, Dr. Rosser states that they are removed as soon as the tubercular symptoms develop. as well as all other patients who might be suffering from contagious diseases. He recommends the building of new tail to meet the requirements of the county.
 Patients Well Cared For
 In regard to the almshouse pr. Rosser stated that new buildings are badly need ed, but that the patients are well cared for under the present conditions. He alludes to the fact that the almshouse has been examined monthly by him and that the conditions are much better than the average. The plumbing is in good conditions. hot and cold baths are pro vided and all the plumbing arrangements are modern and up to date.
 pr. Rosser points out that the county has grown SO rapidly that the almshouse has become refuge for those suffering from incurable diseases and that hos pital for these cases should be built Nat onre. He recommends the separatISh, of the sick and the well. He states that this is now done in the case of tuber- cular patients and he comments the ward in which they arc confined as being well adapted, by reason Of light and sunshine. for this purpose. The diet. he says is excellent and the feeding Of the sick is done under the direction of the physician and no expense Is spared in or der that sick patients may have the proper food. AJ,
 The report contains several recommen- dations. one of which Is the establish ment of a hospital at the county jail.