The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1932-08-08
FILTH AND DISEASE HAVE LIT
TIE IN COMMON

The traditional association of cor
ruption or filth with disease is so VEN
cradle that he who ventures to DEFY
it becomes hereto.
The health board or health officer
in any backward community still re-
ceives a large number of complaints
about "nuisances" from amiable crea-
lures who spend their lives waiting
for some such opportunity to vent
grudge or a mean emotion OF envy on
their neighbors.
On the other hand, the health
boards richly deserve the annoyance
they are put to by this quaint method
of mutual persecution, for they are
wholly responsible for keeping upon
the statute books the trick laws and
ordinances which enable neighborS to
scratch and claw each other in this
way.
In extenuation of the old health
board custom some modern benefi-
Charles of the racket plead that these
regulations regarding nuisances are
essential in the control OF flies, rats
and other real nenaces. But If we
LOOK about the premises of the town
or city offices we generally find the
most fragrant disregard of the health
ordinances. The officers themselves
are immune, just as are traffic cops
privileged to ignore traffic laws when
they please.
Petty graft is a factor in the per-
petuation of these ancient health
board regulations regarding the sup
preston of 'nuisances." Haven't
time, space, or intestines to detail the
part played by graft. Try to sell a
second hand mattress, as you might
a second hand automobile, and you'll
soon find out.
If YOU wake up some fine morning
and discover a couple of dromedaries
in a moderate state of dissolution on
the curb in front of your mansion
what's the odds which way the wind
blows, you will Immediately set up a
loud cry of anguish and indignation
and demand immediate action from
the health department. Why. If those
unoffending dromedaries are permit
ted to remain there undisturbed ever
a week in this weather there'll prob.
ably be a terrible epidemic OF drome'
Diary fever raging throughout tht
country this side of the Rockies. Well
anyway, that is the trend OF though
on the subject, whether you happen tt
be the one on whom the dromedarie
die or not.
A defunct, decomposing carcass i
not exactly an attractive feature IL
the rock garden nor even in the boule
: ward, but as long as you and you
kids keep your hands off the exhibl
and do not needlessly frequent tn
scene of the murder, you are reason
! ably safe.
! These comical yarns concocted TO
, the effect on the public purse, abou
{ the corps of agents the great CHART
= organization is sending to the seen
Of catastrophe to dispose OF tn
} bodies of the victims before some ter
). rible epidemic develops, are on a pa
l with the yarn the fake cripple begga
, will hand you if he hopes to wangle
E gift or donation out of you. An cpl
S demic from such a cause Is like pneu
: monia from lifting ones hat on col
c day at a funeral-makes the dee
). more heroic, for story purposes.
S At that one would not mind tn
( health authorities nuisance" graf
J. so much, were it not for the aid an
= encouragement the filth obsessio
= gives to all kinds of charlatans In tn
: healing business. Shake up all the
y bids for your patronage and you wi
: find that they are all strong for cleal
: ing the alleged "putrescence" frol
t your system, if you happen to ha,
; fifty bucks and a claim for wea
II nerves