I 894- J LATTIMORE EPIDEMIC OF TYPHOID FEVER. 277 



waste material, of whatsoever kind, may be legally enforced without 

 serious expense or inconvenience, Again, are we quite rational and 

 sensible in the relative estimate we place upon our most cherished 

 possessions? Do we not strangely, insanely under-rate health and life 

 and over-rate greatly the mere things which possess absolutely no 

 value at all apart from life and health ? For example, look at our 

 splendid and costly equipment for the protection of our property. 

 See these big fellows who look so handsome in blue and gold. We 

 keep an army of them, [62 in number. We take great comfort in 

 them. With what a sense of sweet security we fall asleep as we hear 

 the familiar though unmusical signal of our guardian angels prowling 

 around ! With what municipal pride do we review them on the 

 Fourth of July and other gala days ! And we pay for them, more or 

 less cheerfully, $161,664 a year. Then again take a glance at our 

 magnificent fire department, — its luxurious houses, its prancing 

 horses, its glittering engines, trucks, and hose-carts. Then, too, look 

 at the intricate electric net-work which spreads over the city like a 

 metallic veil, and brings us all in touch with the great bell in the city 

 hall tower, which startles us with its harsh clang whenever fire touches 

 the humblest hovel. All this costs us $187,826 a year. Do we say, 

 what is the use of all this, we have had no serious conflagrations for 

 years? No, we do not reason that way. We talk about protection 

 and prevention in these matters. But the menace of infectious 

 diseases is as imminent as that of fire. And surely a man's life is of 

 more value than the house he lives in, be it hovel or palace. Yet 

 when the fire of fever breaks out there is no startling alarm from the 

 great bell, no smoke and thunder of flashing engines, or sudden gath- 

 ering of crowds in the street. No, the poor victim is left to fight his 

 battle as best he can, with friends, nurse and doctor, as silent and 

 well nigh helpless witnesses of the struggle. 



We should be ready to meet and exterminate any epidemic which 

 may suddenly make its appearance, as we fight fire. \A'here is our 

 trained sanitary police ? Where our equipment of hospitals and 

 disinfecting appliances and supplies kept in readiness for instant use, 

 before the pestilence has time to smite down a thousand unprotected 

 victims ? It is wise in time of peace to place ourselves on a war- 

 footing against the attacks of epidemics, whose tactics are now, 

 thanks to brave and laborious scientists, not wholly mysterious to us, 

 and thus promote and preserve our peace of mind, and safety of life 

 and health. Such an investment of money would be a profitable one. 

 No stronger element of prosperity can a city possess, or greater 



