THE TYPHOID FLY 149 



since. We believe, therefore, that the dysentery in Hibbing in July and 

 August of the present year was caused by germs of the same character, 

 brought by the flies from garbage, manure and other filth to food or 

 drinking water. 



This closes our account of conditions existing in this district. 

 Suffice it to say that we left that locality impressed with the existence 

 of the following significant factors: Exposed foulness of all kinds, 

 including pathological excreta, in close proximity to human food; an 

 enormous number of flies congregating in towns and settlements, where 

 an abundance of moisture and filth was found ; absence of screens on 

 windows and doors, and dense ignorance and indifference on the part 

 of the miners. 



In view of these conditions and the danger present every summer, 

 the question as to what is going to be done about it is an important one. 

 The difficulties Avhich the state board of health and various city boards 

 of health have to contend with have been set forth in the above. To 

 what has been said we should also add that the foreigners, for the most 

 part, have not been used to having medicine donated them in the old 

 country, and refuse frequently to use the remedies offered by medical 

 representatives. It is evidently a fact also that they are not used there 

 to the civic freedom which they find in their new homes ; that in the old 

 country they were under closer and stricter surveillance, in other 

 words, they were " kept in line with a club," metaphorically speaking. 

 These factors, coupled with ignorance, indifference and a false attitude of 

 resignation to every ill, are what the physicians of that section have to 

 fight. Some of the miners will obtain and use the chloride of lime they 

 are directed to apply to typhoid excreta emptied into open vaults ; some 

 will use it if it is brought to them, but many not only will not purchase 

 it, but even if it is furnished them, have to be visited constantly and 

 made to use it. This points to one crying need in this matter, namely, 

 constant watchfulness over cases on the part of the city or state 

 authorities. In addition, enforcement of municipal laws, increased 

 hospital facilities on the part of the mining companies, additional 

 sewers, pictorial warnings, or, in other words, illustrated circulars in 

 the different languages, which they will read and heed. Preventive 

 measures may have to be made compulsory. Each locality may have to 

 furnish chloride of lime either at the expense of the city or mining 

 companies, and daily official visits made by properly authorized officials 

 to affected houses. The women of the higher classes, in defense of 

 their own families, if for no more altruistic reason, may have to enter 

 the crusade. They could do much among people who either can not or 

 will not understand the dangers with which they are beset. 



The cloud is not, however, without the traditional silver lining, and 

 there is promise of better things. 



