The log cabin Democrat. [volume] (Conway, Ark.) 1901-1982, 1913-04-17

Florence Drug Co.. Conway, Ark.
seven thousand, seven hundred and
ninety eight insane; one hundred and
fifty thousand seven hundred and six
ty-three blind. In 1908, there were
one hundred and forty-eight thousand
five hundec and fifty persons confined
in penal institutions-a total in the
-four classes of five hundred and fifty
one thousand. These are net only
non-producers, but an economic bur-
den. Study of the inmates Of institu-
lions of the character show the condi
ton of third at least to Ee due in
part, if not wholly, to physical de-
fects. To take care of these unfortu-
mates clearly, is the obligation of So
ciety, but to prevent these forms of
human misery is more intelligent
ideal of civic duty.
l suppose it will not be questioned
that every one desires physical COM
fort and pleasure which are the non
committants of health. Equally, |
think, the truth of the statements as
to its economy and value to the indi-
vidual and society will be admitted.
Why then, do We collectively, not in
augurate measures for the promotion
and establishment of conditions which
will insure the greatest of all bless
'ings? The reasons are plain.
The preventive sanitary phases of
hygiene are of recent development
They depend largely on the truths re-
vealed by the microscope. With the
majority seeing is believing" The
tiny heterogeneous which can not
be seen by the naked eye, have no
place in the consciousness of the igno-
rant, or those who are not familiar
with the truths Of bacteriology. 1t is
difficult to believe that the lear linn
bid water from a mountain stream
may be teeming with malignant ty
phoid germs; yet, it is in these rural
regions where the disease often pre-
walls.
The value of forests and mines and
lands is apparent to all, but health be-
comes appreciated only when endan-
gered It's possession seems mere
matter of course.
The curative agents of diseases
not being comprehended, naturally,
propagating agencies are not under
stood. That dirt and disease are CO.
existent is obvious to the sanitarian
who knows the relation of cause and
effect, but to many people dirt is SIM
ply undesirable, not menace to
health.
Indifference to new principles and
prejudice have their roots in a mis-
understanding of values. Opposed to
hygienic reform, also, are the force OF
habit and conviction-with some al
most a religious belief-it is a part of
the divine economy that we "eat a
peck of dirt" and that man will die
whe~ is time comes.
The points of attack in almost ev-
cry community are water supply, su-
pervision of foods, waste disposal,
control of infectious diseases, medical
supervision of school children, accu-
rate vital statistics and efficient health
administration.
Forty per cent of all typhoid in the
United States is believed to be water
borne. While the neglected well, with
it's perm-laden bucket continues a
means or supply in semi-rural and ru-
raj districts and communities tolerate
faulty sewerage, this rate will obtain.
The science of food is still in its in
fancy. Many experiments must be
made before the relative economic val
ues can be politively asserted. But
lclean. pure food needs no argument
1 Among the thirteen "child enemies
given by DR.. l.. M. Powers, health
commissioner of Los Angeles, four re-
late to food-dirty milkmen, tubercu'
lar cows, manufacturers of adulterat-
ed candies, hokey-pokey men, anc
manufacturers of adulterated foods.
1t is agreed by modern sanitarlans
that waste disposal is the greatest
health problem Bodily discharges OF
infected persons are carrying agents
The infection from this source has
been apprehended for years, but Its
extent as an agent is of recent dis
Icovery
The obstacle to elimination of these
conditions is the unbelief of the peo-
ple There may be "clean dirt" but
dirt polluted with bodily secretions If