306 THE WONDEEFUL HOUSE THAT JACK HAS 



one hundred thousand of population. In 1890 the 

 same region reported two hundred forty-five and four- 

 tenths per one hundred thousand. In Prussia, for some 

 years before 1887, the death-rate from consumption 

 had averaged about three hundred ten to every one 

 hundred thousand of population. Through changes 

 in the care and treatment of patients, the rate has 

 gradually decreased, until, in 1900, it was two hundred 

 ten to every one hundred thousand. These figures 

 furnish arguments altogether too strong to be allowed 

 to go unheeded. Although the precautions advised 

 may seem unreasonable, yet, if occasion demands, 

 we shall be wise to use them as far as possible. In 

 dealing with consumption, at least, we are safe in 

 assuming that facts are facts and that figures don't lie. 

 Why does the law often impose a fine for spitting in 

 street cars and other public places? There probably 

 are in every large city many consumptives who do not 

 know that they have this disease and who mingle 

 freely with others. Many other persons with colds, 

 influenza, and similar ills having bacilli in the expec- 

 toration are also often in public places. Know- 

 ing these facts, concern for public health as well 

 as public cleanliness should prompt all to obey this 

 law, and to insist that others do the same. Healthy 

 people should observe such regulations just as cheer- 

 fully as those who know that they are sick. Then 

 those affected with disease, but not aware of it, will 

 have no excuse for being heedless. 



