Selected Short Works About Cholera
9781465668066
213 pages
Library of Alexandria
Overview
In 1831 the Asiatic Cholera first made its appearance in this country. It spread consternation wherever it went. This pestilence, however, had its mission. It had previously swept over the fairest portions of the earth, and had destroyed no less than fifty millions of human beings. Its birth-place was among the swamps and jungles of India. True to its origin, it principally revelled in the crowded and neglected districts of our large towns, and gathered its victims from the homes of the poor and indigent. It sought out the abodes of filth and fever—it flew from one reeking nest of disease to another. The public authorities were startled into exertion; whitewash and soap were in requisition—a visitation of the alleys and lanes commenced—and, in many instances, the accumulated filth and rubbish of years were removed. A great many temporary expedients, all excellent in their way, were adopted. One unquestionable good was the result of these extraordinary measures—the higher classes obtained a glimpse of the condition of their poorer brethren. The cholera at length passed away, and our exertions died with it. The stern teacher went to other lands, and we relapsed into our wonted carelessness, our usual indifference—we became easy and comfortable again. It is true we have had several official inquiries, and through their means much information has been elicited and diffused. Some improvements have been effected, and others are in progress, but nothing has been done commensurate to the requirements of the case. Our towns exhibit the same grievous defects. There is, as yet, no complete system of drainage and sewerage—our dwellings are in the same condition as to air and light, and other conveniences—and a supply of water is still a desideratum. The old fever-nests remain. We have a vast number of abominations in every direction inviting pestilence, and scattering abroad the seeds of disease, misery, and demoralisation. It is true we have obtained a Health Bill, but it is quite clear that the establishment of a central authority can do little, without the sympathy and co-operation of the public at large. In this state of things, we have another visitation of the Asiatic cholera. We are again admonished as to our duties as men and Christians. Once more we are awakened to a full knowledge of the fact, that thousands of our fellow creatures are perishing annually, victims to public neglect. The great bulk of our working classes are placed in a condition unfavourable to health—a condition that forbids the preservation of the ordinary decencies and moralities of life. There is a responsibility rests upon all who have influence or power—a responsibility which cannot be shaken off. The work of reform is not accomplished because we have got a legislative enactment and a Board of Health. Every town-council and all parish authorities must see to it that the present warning is not neglected, and that it is not permitted to pass away unimproved. It is a question involving many others of great moment; and experience has shown that they cannot be neglected without serious loss, nor without entailing upon us great physical and moral evils.
