History of Dakota Territory, volume III, Part 51

Author: Kingsbury, George Washington, 1837-; Smith, George Martin, 1847-1920
Publication date: 1915
Publisher: Chicago, Ill. : S.J. Clarke Publishing Company
Number of Pages: 1146

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RAP

VIEW OF PIERRE FROM WEST SIDE OF THE RIVER

ST. MARY'S HOSPITAL, PIERRE

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At this time the State Board of Health was not in possession of reports of its own department from 1895-1900, inclusive, due to the lack of appropriations to publish a sufficient number to meet the demands. They asked that meteorology and climatology be further considered from the standpoint of health. While it was generally thought that the climate here was severe, yet it was a fact that South Dakota climate was one of the most healthful in the whole country. They asked particularly that methods of preventing the spread of flies should be taken because of the fact that flies undoubtedly spread typhoid and numerous other diseases.

During these two years there were licensed in this state 313 regular physicians and osteopaths. Each was required to pay a fee of $10. These fees were a part of the salary of the superintendents of health. The number of osteopath licenses was eighteen. Of the total number of physicians' licenses 128 were residents of the state and 185 were non-residents.

The reports to the state board from county superintendents of health were somewhat irregular and a few were lost, so that definite statistics covering the whole state could not be given. Superintendents were required to send in monthly reports, but rarely ever did so. The law required physicians to report contagious diseases to the superintendents and boards of health with severe penalties for non-compliance. However, physicians in the hurry and rush of their business were lax in this regard, and although they usually reported to the city boards of health, they failed to report higher. Nearly all the reports that came to the state board, were sent by city boards of health. Not infrequently reports of contagious diseases that had been epidemic in cities and had not been reported to the county superintendents of health, did not reach the office of the state board at all. A law was sadly needed to avoid all of this confusion. In a few cases the information of the presence of epidemic had been suppressed by the officers of cities to prevent the inconvenience of quarantine measures, etc. The total number of smallpox cases in 1901 was 279, and in 1902, 720, among white peo- ple. However the Board of Health stated that this did not cover all the cases. They approximated 2,000 and stated that the number might approach nearly 3,000. They called attention to the fact that it could be prevented by proper vaccination and quarantine.

During the two years, 146 cases of scarlet fever were reported. Diphtheria caused the death of about 18 per cent of those who were afflicted. During the two years 198 cases of this disease were reported to the Board of Health. The ravages of diphtheria were so well known that people generally had used extra precautions with the result that its inroads had been checked quite promptly through quarantine and fumigation. With diphtheria and scarlet fever the peo- ple had a practical demonstration of the importance of proper health rules. Many people could not believe that artesian wells had any marked effect upon the atmos- phere of the state, but when it was known that a little over 27,000 gallons of water would cover an acre of ground an inch deep, and that there were enough artesian wells in the state to cover over four townships of land every day in the year an inch deep, they began to see that the evaporation of this amount of water might have some modifying effect on the condition of the atmosphere. Winds carried this moisture over large portions of the area called semi-arid. Even Professor Todd of the State University admitted that this amount of mois-

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ture might to some extent temper the atmosphere. In addition the water from many of these wells, particularly in the western part of the state, had a high temperature and was greatly relished by the live stock on the ranges and the farms.

The Board of Health called attention to the value of artesian water as a con- servative of health. They noted the great improvement that had been made in securing artesian water. The Board of Health took the position that the value of artesian water to the health of the people was noteworthy and important. Generally the water of cities and towns was more or less impure. That was the case on farms where sometimes wells were impregnated with more or less filth. Even spring water was more or less contaminated because composed largely of surface water. All surface water was known to be more or less impure, though river water running all the time was generally wholesome. All well water was suspicious, and physicians looked to wells in all cases of typhoid fever. All of this danger was wholly avoided by the artesian water of South Dakota. The supply seemed inexhaustible, the water was entirely free from disease germs, often contained valuable mineral constituents, often contributed to the improve- ment of bodily functions and as a whole was an extreme health asset to almost- the entire state.

Another important medium of health to which the state board called atten- tion was the large amount of sunshine throughout the year. Few states had more sunny days than South Dakota. "The climate of South Dakota is to be con- sidered one of the most healthful of the whole United States. It has few un- healthful factors. It may not be adapted to weak constitutions in some diseases, but generally the diurnal and annual variation of temperature can be nothing but conducive to health. Dry sunshiny climates with large variations of tempera- ture may be generally considered the most healthful. Sunlight is one of the most potent factors for the destruction of disease germs."

The report of the State Board of Health in 1902 showed that the department was making satisfactory progress. Smallpox gave the board considerable trou- ble. There had been in the state about 2,000 cases in two years and the board had been unable to control it. The disease seemed to smoulder for a while and sud- denly to break out again with renewed violence where least expected. The county superintendents of health had done their utmost, but were unable to control it in short time. In many respects the meaning of the law concerning the duties of health officers and the management of epidemics was in doubt. This left the authorities in a quandary what to do in emergency cases. Besides, the officials were not sufficiently and adequately paid for their services. The health board suggested that the county superintendent be paid not less than $75 per year, and in addition be paid fees where the work exceeded a certain amount. In addition the laws concerning the authority of the superintendent in cases of quar- antine and vaccination. In more than one case where the people refused quar- antine, the city officials failed to do anything except at the expense of the city health authorities.

The Legislature of 1903 abolished the old State Board of Health, created a new one and provided that meetings of the new board should be held at the call of the superintendent. Governor Herreid called this board together on May Ist for the purpose of organization. Present were Doctors Robinson, Moffatt, Pea- body, Ellis and Peterman.

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At a meeting of the State Medical Society in May, 1903, there was passed a resolution recommending that all pupils in the public schools should have their eyes and ears examined regularly to ascertain if they were incapacitated from study by reason of defective sight or defective hearing. This action of the society met the prompt approval of the school authorities throughout the entire state. One of the members was delegated to attend the teacher's institutes to explain fully the merits of this action.

In 1903 the officers of the State Board of Medical Examiners were S. L. Olney, president ; H. S. Groves, vice president ; H. E. McNutt, secretary-treas- urer. They held regular sessions in January and June at the state capital and special meetings at other cities throughout the state during other months of the year. The Fourth District Medical Association met at Pierre in 1903. There were present physicians from the counties of Kingsbury, Beadle, Hand, Hyde, Hughes and Stanley. Doctors Robinson and Lavery made a special report on the work that had been done in the hospital at Pierre. :

In the fall of 1904 the State Medical Association prepared to demand of the Legislature which was to meet in January, 1905, a much better and more efficient law concerning vital statistics. They prepared a bill at this time to be presented at that legislative session.

At the session of the Legislature in 1905 President W. E. Daniels of Madi- son, head of the State Eclectic Medical Society, presented a resolution to the Senate through Senator Larkin declaring "that whereas with the Eclectics of South Dakota now in session, we believe that vice and criminality and various forms of degeneracy are on the increase, and whereas we believe that a large per cent of these criminals and degenerates are direct progeny of those who them- selves are physical or mental perverts, and whereas believing that it is the duty of the state and nation to protect the health and morals of its citizens, there- fore be it resolved that we, the Eclectics of South Dakota, do petition our Legis- lature to pass such a law or laws as will prevent the marriage of physical or mental degenerates and that habitual inebriates and criminals be unsexed to pre- vent the perpetuity of their kind and that we, as Eclectics, pledge ourselves and our support to any such law or laws and that a copy of these resolutions be pre- sented to our Legislature for their consideration and action."

In 1906 the death rate in South Dakota per thousand was 8.8 and in 1907 it was 9.4.

In June, 1908, the homeopaths and eclectics of the state met in joint conven- tion at Sioux Falls. The object was to form a joint association for the benefit of the profession generally. The convention lasted for two days and was one of the most notable health meetings of the state up to that time. H. S. Groves was elected president of the organization.

During 1907-8 forty candidates were examined for licenses to practice den- tistry. Nineteen were granted licenses and twenty-one were rejected. During the year several persons were prosecuted for practicing without a license. The rules of the state board were rigid and were enforced whenever their infractions could be discovered.

In June, 1908, the State Board of Health stated that South Dakota had been singularly free from any serious or widespread epidemic of disease during the previous two years and this was mainly due to the efficient quarantine methods

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adopted by county and city health officers. Better than ever before, local con- ditions were improved and local health officers were better qualified to discharge their duties. The diseases which were apparently on the increase were pneu- monia and tuberculosis, particularly the latter which prevailed to an alarming extent among the Indians and mixed bloods and was a constant menace to the whites who lived near the reservations. The Board of Health warned the people of the state who sent their children to public schools where Indian children from the reservation attended. Cerebro spinal meningitis prevailed to a considerable extent, and was recognized as one of the most fatal diseases of an infectious nature. The health officer at this time called for a well equipped laboratory at a central point in the state to which health officers could have access and from which they could receive up-to-date instruction concerning all diseases and how to prevent or control the same. Particularly early diagnosis was regarded as highly important. Although the people of South Dakota enjoyed great immunity from disease, which fact was one of the state assets, yet it was important, in order to maintain this condition, that proper regulation and rules should be adopted. Up to this time there had been a lack of co-operation between the county and city health officers on the one hand and the State Board of Health on the other, and there was a notable lack of uniformity between the methods and views of city and county health officers. To meet this condition of things, the superin- tendent of the state board, Dr. W. E. Moore, sent out a letter to all the health boards of the state asking for reports and for closer relationship and calling for meetings whereby all could unite in the work of establishing permanently the health of the state. He called a meeting at Yankton for the first week in Sep- tember, 1908, and announced that the following topics would be discussed: Or- ganization of a state sanitary association; uniformity of work of county health officers; what diseases should be quarantined and any others of general interest and value which might at the time be brought before the meeting. On this occa- sion there were present forty-five sanitary officers from all parts of the state and all showed genuine interest in the work. An organization was effected, offi- cers chosen, and steps to put in operation the best methods of conserving and preserving health were taken. From this time forward there was much better uniformity in the handling of health problems in South Dakota than ever before. Much of this excellent result came from the efforts of Dr. W. E. Moore. The State Board of Health at this time was composed of five members appointed by the governor, all resident physicians in good standing who held their offices for a term of five years. The State Board of Health had power to make rules and regulations for their own government; to make and enforce any and all needful rules for the prevention and cure and spread of any contagious, infectious or malarial diseases both among persons and domestic animals ; to establish quaran- tine and isolate any persons affected with contagious or infectious diseases; to isolate, kill or remove any animals infected with such diseases; to remove or cause to be removed any decaying animal body that might endanger the health of persons or animals ; to condemn and destroy any impure or diseased article of food offered for sale; to superintend boards of health in cities, villages, towns and counties ; to empower and direct the superintendent of public health to per- form any of these duties. At this time, also, the law concerning county boards of health was strict and was well enforced. The State Board of Health had

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in operation twenty rules and regulations which were aimed to fully cover all questions of health in the state.

Previous to 1909 the State Legislature for several years appropriated $500 annually for the expense of the State Board of Health. This was so small that it did not afford the help needed. At all times the board of health were being hampered and checked in their operations and were forced to place many of their duties on county and city boards in different parts of the state. As a mat- ter of fact, the Legislature and the citizens generally, owing to the splendid climate of South Dakota, were slow to realize that epidemics and even other dis- orders could cause havoc here within a few weeks unless proper precautions were exercised. None had yet realized the importance of an organized campaign to prevent or check disease. However, by 1909 a change had come over the state. Generally people were better informed on health subjects and it was realized that even South Dakota needed organization to prevent the spread of disease and to advance the conservation of health.

At the legislative session of 1909 the State Medical Association and the State Board of Health supported a health bill that was introduced in the House. This bill prescribed and enlarged the powers and duties of the State Board of Health. It further provided for a much larger appropriation than ever before. The idea was to prevent all diseases by examinations so prompt, thorough and far-reach- ing that no disease could escape. It involved examinations of water, milk, food, ventilation, sanitation, and every other subject that involved the health of the community.

The defeat of this appropriation in 1909 caused the State Board of Health to declare in a public meeting that the Legislature alone would be responsible for the deaths that might result from epidemics of disease that were liable to sweep the state. They spoke particularly of the stupidity and carelessness of the legis- lative body. Apparently the Legislature did not act because epidemics were not then prevalent. The board of health insisted that the object of legislation and of the efforts of the health board was to prevent disease and not wait until it had secured a foothold in the state.

In 1909 the Black Hills district united and endeavored to secure the passage of a bill for a tuberculosis sanitarium to be located in that region. In the end they succeeded.

Dr. J. G. Parsons of Sioux Falls, a member of a special committee of the State Medical Association, was sent to Pierre to secure the passage of a health law, but after three or four weeks of effort found it could not be accomplished as the Legislature defeated the measure. In this connection he said: "If the Legislature will act in no other way, the medical association will begin an ag- gressive campaign. If a fight is necessary we will fight in the name of humanity. They say they must take care of the state institutions, but human life is nothing. They are willing to appropriate fancy sums to care for the living who are unfor- tunate enough to become dependents or criminals, but they have not one penny for those who are unfortunate enough to die needlessly. I am here to say that if every member of the Legislature would lose a child or a brother or a wife, from one of these preventable diseases, nothing could stop them from rushing through such a bill as this and attaching an emergency clause, but as long as it is the other fellow's baby who is sacrificed they do not care. Here is what I

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propose that the medical association do, and I am willing to predict that it will be carried out : We will find out who is responsible for the failure of this bill to pass, whether it is killed in committee or voted down on the floor, then we will take the vital statistics and whenever a child dies of diphtheria or typhoid, we will send out a bulletin into the homes of these men and publish the fact that they are responsible for these deaths. It ought not to be necessary for the physi- cians of the state to engage in a bitter strife with the Legislature to put through such a bill as this because it takes money out of their pockets. This was intended to prevent disease and it is the disease that is not prevented that brings business to the doctors."

There was pending in the Legislature in February a bill containing the fol- lowing provision : "Every parent of any child under the age of fifteen years and the husband of any woman who wilfully omits without lawful excuse to perform any duty imposed upon him or them by law to furnish necessary food, clothing, shelter, or medical attendance for such child or wife, shall on convic- tion thereof, be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor." This measure at once incurred the hostility and pronounced opposition of the Christian Scientists throughout the state, particularly those at Sioux Falls who promptly met and sent out a letter to every known scientist in the state to do his best to defeat the bill. They also sent out an appeal to the scientists of the state to secure as many signatures as possible to a paper with the object of defeating the proposed measure. The words they particularly objected to in the bill were "medical attendance" which they believed, and justly so no doubt, were directed at them. In this paper the scientists made the following points clear. (1) A large and constantly growing number of the people were opposed to medicine in any form; (2) such people objected to being compelled to employ medical attend- ance against their own best judgment; (3) they objected to being charged with a misdemeanor simply because they stood on their constitutional right to refuse to employ medical attendance when in their experience they did not need it; (4) they objected to the dictation by anyone as to the method they employed as much as the originators of the bill would as to what they should eat and drink; (5) they objected because it gave a monopoly to the medical fraternity to the exclusion of other methods of healing; (6) they therefore asked for the elimination from the bill of the objectionable clause and for a substitute that would do away with "this unjust and objectionable feature of the bill."

By the summer of 1909 the state health laboratories at the State University were well under the management of Dr. Mortimer Herzberg, who had recently been elected professor of bacteriology and pathology in the College of Medicine. He received his medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania and was a member of the staff of the City Health Laboratory of Philadelphia and pathol- ogist in one of the hospitals of that city for some time. The state health labora- tories were established by the Legislature in 1909, and as soon as convenient after the passage of the law, the department was set in operation. At first it lacked equipment and almost everything else except the skill, experience and ability of the professor in charge. It was regarded by the Legislature of that date and had been so regarded ever since, as the most valuable adjunct of the College of Medicine of the University. From the start it planned extensive and elaborate work in the investigation and study of bacteriology, pathology,

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sanitary science, etc. Everything conducive to health or destructive of health was placed in the course of study and investigation. The laboratories were organized and maintained at public expense to examine the various forms of communicable diseases which might threaten public health, such as diphtheria, tuberculosis, typhoid fever, rabies, etc. Ere long this department was one of the fixed and indispensable departments of the College of Medicine.

. The health of the state in 1909 and 1910 was exceptionally good. There was only one thing lacking. The Legislature had not appropriated enough to warrant the health measures that were demanded by the state health department. The Legislature thus far had never given this department what it really merited and deserved. Generally, the health of the state was so good that they apparently thought it unnecessary to make any specific appropriation for health purposes. Up to this time not over $600 had been appropriated annually for all health purposes, and when now the board asked for $5,000 the Legislature after con- sideration disallowed the request. In 1906 the board of health had emphasized the fact that the small amount appropriated for the department had seriously hampered operations and limited the range of usefulness of the state board. In 1908 the board had again asked for an increased appropriation for the main- tenance of the department, but again the request was disallowed. It was becom- ing more and more apparent each year that a change would have to be made or the department through no fault of its own would lack in efficiency. No salary was paid the executive health officer. He was compelled to take his pay per diem.

The board of health was concerned principally wtih contagious diseases which had nothing to do with ordinary ill health of any part of the state. It was ex- pected to control sudden epidemics that would ravage localities within a few weeks, but the superintendent was unable to do this with the amount appropri- ated, though he did the best he could with what he received. The reports from county superintendents of health concerning contagious diseases and deaths therefrom had not been made regularly, and reports for 1907-8 and 1908-9 were all missing. Previous to these years reports were made somewhat regularly. It was therefore impossible for the health board to prepare a work on health statistics. They could not secure information concerning contagious diseases from all parts of the state. The lack of satisfactory results was due wholly to want of funds to carry on the work. It took time to do all this, and the officials were not paid sufficiently to warrant them to spend much time on the work.

In May, 1910, the state board passed a resolution that all county superintend- ents of health should report each month as to contagious diseases and deaths therefrom, or give up their positions to some superintendent who would. Owing to lack of satisfactory pay several county health officers resigned in response to this demand rather than to do the work for nothing.

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History of Dakota Territory, volume III, Part 51

Author: Kingsbury, George Washington, 1837-; Smith, George Martin, 1847-1920 Publication date: 1915 Publisher: Chicago, Ill. : S.J. Clarke Publishing Company Number of Pages: 1146

Author: Kingsbury, George Washington, 1837-; Smith, George Martin, 1847-1920
Publication date: 1915
Publisher: Chicago, Ill. : S.J. Clarke Publishing Company
Number of Pages: 1146