An Alarming Rise in Typhoid Cases

The number of typhoid fever cases in Tacoma is increasing. The records of the board of health show that while during the year 1903 only 41 cases of typhoid fever were reported, in the month of January 1904, the number of cases reported was 70, nearly twice the total number for the entire year of 1903. Tacoma has always been considered a healthy city, and for that reason, perhaps, the increase in typhoid fever cases is all the more noticeable. People are becoming alarmed and want to know the cause. For the purpose of getting at the bottom of the matter, The Times this morning interviewed the Health Commissioner and a number of prominent physicians. Dr. Selnig, health commissioner, says: 'As far as I can see, everything about the city water is all right. The apparent increase in the number of typhoid cases is due to the fact the doctors are more careful in reporting the cases than formerly.' Dr. Hamilton, surgeon of the Northern Pacific railway, says: 'A typhoid case never arises without a germ, and that usually comes in through the mouth, and it would be a wise plan to boil all the drinking water.' It is a noticeable fact that the physicians interviewed mostly ignore the fact that 70 cases of typhoid were reported in Tacoma during January. There seems to be a reluctance to say anything which might be construed into a condemnation of Tacoma's water supply.