The Madison daily leader. [volume] (Madison, S.D.) 1890-current, 1913-08-02

Where GIarine Sanitary Msnaces
Exist; Also Methods and Costs Of
Abatement-Leetures on Importance
of Cleanliness.
The United States bureau of mines
is about to investigate the conditions
under which a miner works, believing
that insanitary conditions which exist
In some of the mines as well as In
some of the mining towns are factor
In the death rate among the men. 1t
is intimated that these conditions not
only unnecessarily cause the death Of
miners through disease, but they are
often responsible for accidents which
might not have happened IL the miners
were In perfect health.
The bureau has organized what Is
known as the mine sanitation section
In charge of ]. III. White, engineer.
The bureau hopes to bring about
progress by appealing to the miner, the
manager and the owner, showing that
can be benefited by good sanitary con-
ditions
Pictures to Be Used.
1t will reach the miner by means of
illustrated lectures, moving picture ex.
hibits and pictorial circulars. These
will show how sickness and suffering
are spread by careless habits and will
drive home the Importance OF personal
and household cleanliness. The bureau
Will assist the managers by pointing
out glaring sanitary menaces and by
showing methods and costs Of abate-
ment 1t will describe in bulletins COM
mon insanitary practices and show the
evils which follow in their wake. II
will submit sanitary rules and regula-
tions and show the best methods for
their enforcement.
Engineer White I'm talking about the
conditions which exist in mining towns
said:
"One Of the first investigations which
the bureau intends to take up is the
house problem, with a view Of putting
before the miners the best practices
and the ones which have stood the
tests Of time.
The company ownership is the most
important factor entering into hous-
ing conditions. Every house reflects
the standard which the operator wish
es to maintain. 1t is difficult TO stimu-
late personal pride among the inhab-
itants, and friendly rivalry is absent.
However, II improvements are intro
duced they are farreaching, and the
tone of the entire town is raised. so
that one house does not point the ln-
ger of scorn at its neighbor.
Water Supply important.
The necessity and importance of a
satisfactory water supply for the peo-
pie who were to get out the coal were
probably not given much consideration
In the past. In studying conditions
with view Of introducing a public
water supply into town the cost of
improvements and the age OF the town
must be carefully balanced.
''The Inconvenience due to the diff
Guilty OF getting water from the wells
may be eliminated by establishing
lighthouses at mine shafts, so that the
men may wash upon coming out Of
the mine. These bath and change
houses are being widely introduced.
In few states they are required by
law. A public laundry is a great con-
venience for the women. Lugging In
several tubs of water preliminary to
doing a weeks washing is a severe
burden. Bathhouses In or near the
schools for the women and children
are almost necessary accessories to the
perfect well system. Wholesome and
safe drinking water is essential to ex-
lstence. Its supply is one of the grav-
est responsibilities accompanying com.