Report of John F. Wheaton, Mayor of the city of Savannah for the year ending December 31, 1879 to which is added the treasurer's report and reports of the different departments

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REPORT
JOHN F. WHEATON,
MAYOR OF THE CITY OF SAVANNAH,
FOR THE
YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31.1879.
TO WHICH IS ADDED THE
TREASURER'S REPORT,
AND
REPORTS OF THE DIFFERENT DEPARTMENTS.
SAVANNAH:
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JOHN F. WHEATON,
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REPORT
OF
JOHN F. WHEATON,
MAYOR OF THE CITY OF SAVANNAH,
FOR THE
YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1879.
TO WHICH IS ADDED THE
I TREASURER'S REPORT,
AND
REPORTS OF THE DIFFERENT DEPARTMENTS.
SAVANNAH:
MOPNING NEWS STEAM PRINTING HOUSE.
1880.

MAYOR'S REPORT.
MAYOR'S OFFICE,
SAVANNAH, GA., January 1, 1880.
Fellow- Citizens: As required by ordinance, I respectfully
submit herewifh an account of receipts and expenditures for
the municipal year ending 31st December, 1879, to which is
appended reports of the several departments of the city gov
ernment, containing detailed exhibits of their operations
during the year, together with general information touching
the condition of the city's finances, its health, commerce and
government :
Cash in Treasury January 1, 1879.. $ 56,055 84
EECEIPTS.
From real estate, 1875 $ 5,314 17
From stock in trade, 1875 22 50 5,336 67
From real estate, 1876 9,727 92
From stock in trade, 1876 202 50
From personal taxes, 1876, 18 00 9,948 42
From real estate, 1877 9,633 75
From stock in trade, 1877 231 50
From personal taxes, 1877 171 37 10,036 62
From real estate, 1878 70,687 08
From specific and stock in trade '78 5,930 96
From personal taxes 6,830 41 83,448 45
From real estate, 1879 145,727 86
From specific and stock in trade,'79. 49,296 72
From personal and receipts, 1879... 15,01i 97 210,036 55
From licenses 23,856 10
From badges 84 00
From market ." 15,403 36
From jail * 5,458 20
From Laurel Grove Cemetery 1,259 50
4 MAYOR'S ANNXTAL REPORT.
From water works $42,392 5?
From harbor and other fees 9,933 30
From Savannah river improvements 466 66
From City Court 252 00
From rent of public buildings 2,602 59
From city lots 4,594 80
From ground rent ' 26,792 39
From fines and penalties 924 25
From sale of one share S. W. E. R.
stock 102 50
From suspense account resulting bal
ance in exchanging coupons.. . 339 10
From miscellaneous, to-ivit :
Board of Health $1,359 40
Dividends, S. W. R. R. stock 7 00
Fire Department, rent of hose 10 00
Police, balance for uniforms 973 50
Quarantine 2,440 00
Streets and lanes 470 68 5,260 58
Total $514,584 47
EXPENDITURES.
Badges purchased 253 50
Board of Health 15,724 96
Bonds 4,200 00
City clocks 170 68
City Court 4,438 07
City lamps 15,528 78
City pumps 2,907 09
Docks and wharves 1,381 05
Dry culture 3,815 69
Fees 1,432 89
Fire Department 13,595 40
Interest
Paid on past due bonds 21,173 61
Paid for coupons from past due
bonds 85,952 46
Paid for coupons from bonds, issue
1879 98,657 50 205,783 57
MAYORS ANNUAL REPORT. O
Incidentals
Paid for feeding prisoners at Police
Barracks $ 227 55
Paid for carriages for assessors, fu
nerals, etc 294 17
Paid for elections 514 65
- Paid E. C. Hollis for land 800 00
Paid postage, telegrams, etc 484 08
Paid for sundries, costs in suits, etc. 1,154 70
Paid for charity 227 50
Paid for A. R. Lawton and W. S.
Chisholm, retaining fees 2,000 00
Paid F. E. Rebarer for Digest 325 00
Paid Centennial celebration expenses 467 96
Paid Reid for business census 75 00
Paid for telephone for one year to
December, 1880 92 00 6,662 61
Jail 10,139 96
Laurel Grove Cemetery 6,039 95
Liquidation account 12,480 50
Market 3,093 15
Parks and squares 3,085 32
Police 42,005 93
Printing and stationery 3,522 16
Public buildings 2,792 74
Public schools 15,000 00
Quarantine 4,834 97
Salaries 14,411 82
Savannah river improvements 254 50
Scavenger department 11,409 65
Streets and lanes 25,658 52
Water Works 14,405 70
Discount on taxes for prompt pay
ment 21,222 30
Sinking fund 9,995 60
Taxes 1876Judgment favor J. M.
Cooper 854 3S
Floating debt of 1878paid on past
due Mayor's notes 29,609 63
MAYORS ANNUAL REPORT.
Balance in Treasury December 31,
1879 $ 7,873 45
Total $514,584 47
Balance in Treasury December 31, 1879 $7,873 45
At the commencement of the last fiscal year the outstand
ing debt of the city, exclusive of matured and maturing
bonds, consisted of
Balance on Mayor's notes past due and in judg
ment as compromised, amounting, with in
terest, to $33,774 89
Judgment favor Eugene Kelly & Co., with ac
crued interest 57,669 80
Accrued interest on bonded debt to December
31,1878 136,319 00
Coupons maturing January 1, 1879 55,233 00
Outstanding bills for 1878, unpaid, estimated... 10,000 00
Total $292,996 69
Within the year there have been paid
Mayor's notes compromised after
judgment $29,609 63
In settlement of old coupons, face
value ,$143,097.25 85,952 46
In settlement of interest on old and
past due bonds to Feb. 1, 1879. 21,173 61
Bills and accounts of 1878 paid 10,000 00 146,735 70
The total amount of outstanding
bonds of the city February 1,
1879, was 3,419,000 00
There have been taken in payment
of balances due on city lots and
canceled, bonds amounting to...$ 5,800 00
Purchased by Sinking Fund Com
missioners and canceled 13,900 00 19,700 00
Leaving outstanding January 1, 1880 $3,399,300 00
Of the outstanding bonds February 1,1879... 3,419,000 00
MAYOR'S ANNUAL REPORT. 7
There have been exchanged for 5 per cent.
bonds and purchased $3,015,100 00
Leaving not yet exchanged $403,900 00
Of which it is estimated have been stamped
with acceptance of compromise agreement 55,000 00
Leaving outstanding and not compromised old
bonds $348,900 00
At this date, January 1, 1880, the outstanding indebted
ness of the city, exclusive of its funded debt, is comprised in
the following items, to-wit:
Judgment on Mayor's notes in favor of Eugene
Kelly, including interest to date $ 61,706 68
Accrued interest on matured and maturing
bonds, and matured coupons of old bonds
not compromised, estimated.. 75,000 00
Appropriation for public schools, unpaid 10,000 00
Outstanding accounts for year 1879, estimated. 21,000 00
Total $ 167,706 68
Cash in Treasury January 1, 1880 7,873 45
There is due the city from past due taxes esti
mated to be good, for vears 1875, 1876 and
1877 " 15,000 00
From taxes 1878 18,000 00
From taxes fourth quarter 1879, uncollected
and due January 1, 1880 100,000 00
From jail 17,718 60
From all other sources 15,000 00
Total $173,592 05
Pursuant to the requirements of the compromise ordi
nance, the Council at its regular meeting, held December
25th, 1878, elected the following citizens Sinking Fund Com
missioners, to-wit: Messrs. John Flannery, S. Guckenheimer,
C. C. Casey, Jos. D. Weed, and D. R. Thomas. The Com
mission organized by the election of Capt. John Flannery as
8 MAYOR'S ANNUAL REPORT.
Chairman and Mr. D. R. Thomas as Secretary. The pay
ments provided for in the ordinance have been regularly and
promptly paid to the Commissioners. For particulars of
their transactions for the year, I refer you to the oificial re
port of the Commission, which is appended.
In the year 1859, the Mayor of the city, by order of Coun
cil, endorsed $300,000 of the bonds of the Savannah and
Albany Railroad, having twenty years to run. The interest
coupons on these bonds were regularly paid by the railroad
company, and its successors, until January, 1877. Since that
date the interest has continued in default. These bonds
matured January 1, 1879, and demand was made on the city
for payment, with interest.
In deference to the wishes of a number of property holders
and under the advice of eminent legal counsel, payment
was refused, whereupon the holders of the bonds brought
suit in the Circuit Court of the United States to compel pay
ment by the city, and on the 26th of November, 1879,
obtained judgment for the full amount sued for. The city
has appealed from the judgment of the Circuit Court to the
Supreme Court of the United States.
Judgments against the city have been entered up in the
Circuit Court in twelve suits for the face value with interest
of matured city bonds and past due coupons amounting in
the aggregate to $40,180, including costs.
In all of these cases the city authorities persistently sought
to induce the claimants to accept the offer of compromise,
which they refused to do. As we have above stated, judgments
were obtained and writs of mandamus have been issued
ordering payment of the judgments in three equal payments
during the year 1880, to-wit: on the 20th of January, July
and November. As the annual budget prerequisite to levy
ing the tax for the year 1880 had been made up as required
by ordinance prior to the issuing of mandamus, and no pro
vision having been made for the payment of these claims, it
is difficult to see how the mandamus can be obeyed, notwith
standing the desire of the authorities to conform fully to the
Court's order. They cannot pay without funds, and to raise
funds additional taxation may be necessary.
MAYORS ANNUAL REPORT. 9
In the State Courts there are pending suits on past due bonds
and coupons amounting, with interest, to $10,771.22, all of
which the city is resisting; and it may not be amiss to express
the hope that in the end uncompromising, relentless creditors
will not have gained any actual advantage over those who,
after carefully considering the city's disposition to do the
utmost for its creditors, have accepted the compromise, and
by so doing have conceded what was claimed, that the city
had offered all it could under the circumstances.
In the year 1870 Council authorized the construction of
the open drain known as the Kirlin sewer, connecting the
swampy lands southeast of the city, bordering on the Teynac
swamp with the Bilbo canal, to drain the swamp as well as
the land through which the drain passed. After the ditch
had been sunk and the drainage established, one of the
owners of the land through which it runs brought suit against
the city for trespass, and recovered damages in the sum of
$169.48. Subsequently the city laid a cement drain pipe
the bottom of the ditch at a cost of $866.14, and replaced
the earth that had been thrown up in its excavation. The
owner then claimed for the value of the land through which
the sewer passes, a narrow strip containing about one-fourth
of an acre, and was awarded $1,000 by arbitrators to whom
the claim had been submitted, which award was confirmed
by the courts, and finally settled by the payment of $800.
The owner of a lot of land adjoining that above mentioned
having preferred a claim for damages and for value of land
occupied by part of the same drain, the city has in terms of
the law appointed appraisers for its adjustment. Atten
tion is called to these transactions with the hope that future
Councils will be deterred from using private land for the public
benefit without the process of law in such cases provided.
POLICE.
The management and direction of the police force was
transferred by Council from the Mayor to a " Committee on
Police," under an ordinance passed October 29th, 1879. This
radical change in this department of the city government
was made against the expressed wishes of a large number of
10 MAYOR'S ANNUAL REPORT.
the taxpayers of the city in a memorial presented to the City
Council.
I do not hesitate to express my disapproval of the action
taken by a majority of the members of Council, which
action, in my judgment, is calculated greatly to impair
the efficiency of the department. Time and experience, how
ever, will determine the propriety of the new system, which,
though not in accordance with my own views, shall be main
tained to the best of my ability.
The evil results, if any, that may follow shall be charged to
the system and not to the want of observance of the law.
The aggregate strength of the force in officers and men is
the same as last reported; two turnkeys have been employed
for station house duty, and two men who were emploj'ed by
the banks have been relieved from that service, which adds
four additional men for general duty in the streets. In my
judgment the force is too small for a proper surviellance of
the floating population during the winter months. I can
only repeat the recommendations made in my last report.
Experience has confirmed the views then expressed, and the
adoption of the suggestions therein made would, in my
opinion, meet the requirements of the community with more
benefit and less expense than any other, and, in view of the
importance of the matter, I again urge'it upon the attention
of Council. The efficiency of the police force would be
greatly improved by extending the term of service of the
officers. Their election annually is not only detrimental to
the interest of the city, but has a tendency to make the force
subject to political influences and the selection of officers to
depend upon the political strength of the applicant rather
than personal fitness and capacity.
STREETS AND LANES.
In the Department of Streets and Lanes the committee
have been much embarrassed by their inability to procure
material to keep the streets in perfect order. The ballast
that has heretofore been brought here by vessels in such
large quantities, has almost entirely failed during the past
MAYOR'S ANNUAL REPORT. 11
year or has been discharged at points so remote as not to be
available for city work.
The improvements made during the year consist of a sub
stantial brick culvert and bridge on the Augusta road, cross
ing Musgrove canal, and new wooden bridges crossing the
Ogeechee canal near the brick yards and the Bilbo canal on
Gwinnett street. Extensive repairs have been made to the
bridge crossing the Ogeechee canal on the road leading to
the Central Railroad wharves. The stone pavement on West
Broad street, com'menced December 23, 1878, was completed
March 20, 1879. The pavement on Drayton street has been
extended from Hall street to Waldburg street, and seven
thousand five hundred square yards of pavement have been
taken up and relaid in various parts of the city, and the cob
ble stone pavements generally resurfaced.
The plan of laying plank street crossings, so long in vogue,
has been abandoned. One hundred and twenty of the old
crossings have been removed and replaced with stone. The
streets and lanes, street crossings, parks and squares, have
been graded, cleaned and kept in good condition. The ex
penditure amounted to $28,273.16, which includes and em
braces expenses of every kind for this department.
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
The organization and strength of the Fire Department
remains the same as last reported. The equipment has been
improved by the purchase of two thousand feet of rubber
hose, and of three superior horses. The apparatus and ap
purtenances are in good order. The force has performed the
service required promptly and creditably. The total expenses
of the department amounts to $13,585.40. This includes
salaries, repairs and purchases of every kind. The reports
of the Chief Engineer and Secretary give detailed informa
tion of the practical working of the department, the number
of fires and alarms during the year and the loss sustained.
GAS.
Under authority of Council a contract was concluded with
the Savannah Gas Light Company in January last for lightI
12 MAYOR'S ANNUAL REPORT.
ing the street lamps and supplying the public buildings with
gas for the term of three years. The conditions of the con
tract require the gas company to supply gas, light, entinguish,
clean and keep the lamps in repair for the sum of $26.40 per
lamp per annum, and furnish gas for the public buildings at
$3.00 per thousand feet. There are five hundred and sixtyseven lamps lighted in the city. The total expense for this
service amounts to $15,528.78 per annum.
PUBLIC BUILDINGS.
In this department new fences have been built at the city
pound lot, the dwelling repaired and painted, extensive re
pairs made to the stables and storehouses, and the whole
property placed in thorough good order.
The exterior of the City Dispensary has been painted, the
interior replastered, and a new floor laid in the first story.
This, with minor repairs to all the other public buildings, fire
insurance, premiums, etc., etc., amounts in the aggregate to
$2,792.74 for the year.
PUMPS.
Eighteen pumps have been condemned and replaced by
new ones, and twentn new cess-pools to carry off they-seve
waste water have been built during the year, and the pumps
generally kept in good order. The expenditure for this pur
pose amounted to $2,907.09.
JAIL.
The receipts from the jail have amounted to $5,458.20 for
the year, and the expenses to-$l0,139.96. There is due the
city from Chatham county and other sources for the care and
maintenance of prisoners $17,718.60. Attention is again
directed to the unfitness of the present structure for the con
finement of prisoners. The cells are small, damp, badly
ventilated, and many of them without light. The walls are
dilapidated, the wood work decayed, the building generally
insecure, and inadequate in size and accommodations for the
large number of persons confined in it.
The Jailer is commended for the maintenance of discipline,
MAYOR'S ANNUAL REPORT. 13
careful attention to cleanliness, and a strict observance of
the rules of hygiene.
DOCKS AND WHARVES.
The Market dock has been entirely rebuilt, the wharf at
the foot of Abercorn street has had extensive repairs, and
the stone wall at the Exchange dock, which had become im
paired by the water from the streets flowing through it, has
been taken down and rebuilt. New steps have been added
to all the public docks.
The expenditure in this department amounts to $1,381.05.
DRY CULTURE.
The dry culture and other low lands in vicinity of the city
are in a more perfect and satisfactory condition than ever
before known. The committee have given careful attention
to the ditches and banks and to the cleaning of the Bilbo
and Musgrove canals.
Nineteen and -J&JL. acres of rice land have been placed under
permanent dry culture contract at an expense of $772.
The total expense of this department amounts to $3,815.69.
MARKET.
The receipts from this source have amounted to $15,403.36
and the expenses, including salaries of Clerk and Assistant
Clerk, repairs, improvements and labor, to $3,093.15.
PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
At the commencement of the past fiscal year Council pro
vided an appropriation of $15,000 towards the maintenance
of the public schools for the year 1879, which sum was
thought to be as much as the city could pay for that purpose,
in view of its obligations in other directions.
The Board of Education finding that their means from all
sources would be insufficient to defray the cost of the schools
through the full scholastic year, petitioned Council, under
date of March 19, 1879, for the further appropriation of
$10,000. To this petition Council responded by the adop
tion, April 16, 1879, of the following report:
14 MAYOR'S ANNUAL REPORT.
The undersigned, representing the majority of the mem
bers of the joint committee composed of the Committees of
Finance and Education, to whom was referred the accompa
nying petition of John Stoddard, Esq., President of the
Board of Education of Chatham county, asking an addi
tional appropriation of $10,000 for maintaining the public
schools for the scholastic year ending July 15 prox., after a
careful consideration of the same in committee, recommend
that the Mayor be authorized to pay to the Board of Educa
tion, from any unappropriated money in the City Treasury,
a sum of money not to exceed ten thousand dollars.
D. G. PURSE,
Chairman Finance Committee.
W. DUNCAN,
Chairman Committee on Education.
There has been at no time since this action was taken by
Council any funds in the Treasury that could be made avail
able for payment of this additional appropriation ; therefore
it has not yet been paid, but is classed among obligations to
be provided for out of this year's revenues, and will be paid
at the earliest moment practicable. The county authorities
have provided for an appropriation of $30,000 for educational
purposes this year ; and if, as it would seem just and equit
able should be done, the taxes for the support of public
schools in the city and county be hereafter assessed and
controlled by them, the burden of taxation for that particular
purpose will be borne by the entire county, and not, as here
tofore, to an unequal extent by the city.
WATER WORKS.
Under the thorough and systematic business management
of the Commissioners of Water Works the revenue from that
source has been largely increased. The total receipts for the
year have amounted to $42,392.59. The expenses for sala
ries, repairs, fuel, laying pipes, etc., amount to $14,405.70.
The project of obtaining the water supply from a point in
the Savannah river sufficiently removed from the city to
avoid the impurities that are supposed to contaminate the
MAYOR'S ANNUAL REPORT. 15
water at the present source of supply, has received the care
ful and earnest attention of Council and the Water Commis
sioners, but no definite conclusion has as yet been reached.
There appears to be reason to doubt if a supply obtained
one mile above the city would, in any appreciable degree, be
purer than that taken from the present source of supply, and
it may be questioned if, taken from a point higher up the
river, it would not be more objectionable in consequence of
the contamination of the river by the water used to flow the
rice fields. From the most careful consideration of this sub
ject, and the best information at command, I am inclined to
the opinion that a system of artesian wells, sunk at a suffi
cient depth to escape the surface impurities, would furnish
the purest water obtainable, and when established could be
operated at a less ratio of cost than the present plan of lift
ing and pumping the water.
SAVANNAH RIVER IMPROVEMENT.
The improvement of the Savannah river has been continued
by the General Government, under the direction of General
Q. A. Gillmore, U. S. A. I am again indebted to the cour
tesy of Colonel S. L. Fremont, United States Engineer, in
immediate charge of the improvement, for the comprehensive
detailed report of work done during the year, which is ap
pended, and to which I refer you for information.
HEALTH AND CEMETERY.
The recommendation of the Sanitary Commission, referred
to in the last report of the Mayor, looking to an improve
ment in the construction of the privy vaults and the remova];
of their contents, was adopted by Council January 8, 1879,
and the Mayor authorized to purchase the necessary appara
tus for the new system. Under this authority an Eagle
Odorless Excavating Machine, with appurtenances complete,
pitting tents, furnaces, implements, and thirty pitting barrels,
were purchased at the end of March last. A force was im
mediately organized and the work commenced and pursued
without intermission to this time. Five hundred and seventyone vaults have been thoroughly cleansed and ninety-two
16 MAYOR S ANNUAL REPORT.
thousand eight hundred and thirty-seven cubic feet of fecal
matter removed to a distance of not less than three miles
from the city. The results of this system have been so satis
factory and it is so great an improvement on the former plan
of performing this work that additional pitting barrels with
implements have been procured, and the force increased to
an extent that is estimated will enable the city authorities to
have every vault in the city cleaned once in three years.
The expense for this service will be materially decreased after
the vaults have once been placed in good order.
It is to be regretted that some citizens object to and de
cline to pay the tax assessed to enable the city to pursue this
work. It can be demonstrated beyond question that the
expense of the present system will not exceed that of the
imperfect, unsatisfactory, offensive and unhealthy one that
has been in use in the past, and there is scarcely a doubt of
its favorable influence on the health of the city. It is well
for the citizens to consider the difference between the value
of property in a healthy and prosperous city and that in an
unhealthy one. I think it will be generally conceded that
judicious expenditure for health measures are among the best
investments any community can make.
The system of disinfecting the privy vaults inaugurated in
1878 has been continued, and every vault in the city disin
fected monthly from April 1st to December 1st. In addition
to these measures a systematic and thorough inspection of
the city has been made weekly for eight months of the year,
and monthly for four months. It has been determined that
for the ensuing year a more strict cleanliness of the streets
and lanes will be enforced, and it is hoped the people will
assist the health authorities by keeping their premises in
order, and reporting any violation of the health ordinances
that may come to their notice.
LAUREL GROVE CEMETERY.
The improvements in grading, draining a,nd laying out into
lots and avenues the tract of land adjoining Laurel Grove
Cemetery, which was enclosed in 1878, have been continued
during the year, and many desirable lots for burial purposes
MAYOR'S ANNUAL REPORT. 17
have thus been added to the cemetery, a number of which
have already been purchased by the citizens.
The entire fence enclosing the cemetery for colored per
sons, and a large portion of that enclosing the cemetery for
whites, have been rebuilt. These improvements have added
materially to the expenses charged to cemetery account.
CITY DISPENSARY.
The City Dispensary has been managed carefully and
economically. A larger number of prescriptions has been
dispensed than ever before in its history.
QUARANTINE.
The quarantine service has been much improved during
the past year, and it is believed that our present system, if
rigidly maintained, will be sufficient to protect our city against
infection through the merchant marine. Great inconvenience
is experienced in the want of quick and regular communica
tion between the health authorities and the Quarantine
Station, and the Sanitary Commissioners are now investiga
ting the advisability of establishing a telephone connection
with the island, and recommending the same to the City
Council.
The breakwater for the protection of the quarantine build
ings in stormy weather has been completed. Two hundred
and five vessels have been boarded and inspected by the
Quarantine < officer during the year, forty-three of which have
been fumigated, cleansed and disinfected.
CITY PHYSICIANS.
Under the provisions of a resolution passed in Council
May 14th, 1879, two City Physicians were elected and
charged with the duty of attending all sick persons residing
in the city, who are unable to pay for medical attendance.
Arrangements were also made to provide hospital accommo
dation for such indigent sick as were deserving and unable
to provide for themselves.
The total expense of the Health Department has been as
follows :
2
18 MAYOR'S ANNUAL REPORT.
Salary of Health Officer $ 916 63
Salaries of City Physicians 360 00
Hospital accommodations and ice for
indigent sick 650 75
Coffins for paupers 549 25
Wages of Keeper Small-pox Hospital.. 457 50
City Dispensary
Salaries of Keeper and Assistant 1,375 00
Wages of Porter 96 00
Purchase of medicines 2,603 43
Light, fuel, etc., etc 75 00
Laurel Grove Cemetery
Salary of Keeper 916 63
Pay roll of laborers 4,224 70
New fences, repairs, etc., etc 898 62
Disinfecting Corps
Hire of wagons 540 00
Wages of men 783 50
Disinfectants purchased 2,480 52
Cleaning Privy Vaults
Purchase of odorless excavating appa
ratus and appurtenances, including
pitting barrels and tents 1,235 47
One mule, cart and harness and forage. 290 76
Bricks, cement and other materials. .. 666 02
Salary of Superintendent 574 00
Wages of mechanics and laborers.. .. 2,550 60
Hire of teams 728 00
Quarantine
Expended on breakwater and wharf. . 1,961 89
Medicines and disinfectants. 245 29
Boats, provisions, fuel, lights, utensils,
etc., etc 868 32
Salaries of Quarantine Officers and
assistants (boatmen) 552 00$26,599
MAYOR'S ANNUAL REPORT. 19
RECEIPTS.
From City Dispensary $ 559 40
From Laurel Grove Cemetery, includ
ing sale of lots 1,259 50
From collections for repairs to privy
vaults 800 00
From quarantine $2,440 00 5,058 00
Net cost of Health Department $21,540 98
The health authorities have been materially aided in the
performance of the duties imposed on them by the co-ope
ration of the efficient Chairman of the Street and Lane
Committee. The cleaning of the streets and lanes, white
washing trees, etc., etc., has been done under his direction
and at the expense of the Street and Lane Department.
I am again indebted to Dr. William Duncan for the valu
able mortuary tables hereto appended.
Very respectfully,
JOHN F. WHEATON,
Mayor.
20 MAYORS ANNUAL REPORT.
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REPORT OF SINKING FUND COMMISSIONERS.
SAVANNAH, January 12,1880.
Hon. John F. Wheaton, 3Iayor :
DEAR SIR : The Sinking Fund Commissioners, elected by
Council on 'Z8th December, 1878, to serve for the term of ten
years, beg respectfully to report that they were duly qualified
and formally organized on 2d of March last. On the 22d of
April your Honor and the City Treasurer submitted satisfac
tory evidences to our body that the holders of over $2,500,000
bonds had agreed to accept the compromise offered by the
city, and that Council had made due provision for the pay
ment of interest on the new bonds, the creation of a
sinking fund, etc., upon which we gave due notice that we
were prepared to sign the certificate on bonds, and on follow
ing day commenced that work. Up to the present we have
signed certificates on bonds as follows :
Two thousand bonds, Nos. 1 to 2,000 inclusive, of the de
nomination of $1,000 each, say $2,000,000; two thousand and
fifty bonds, Nos. 1 to 2,050, of the denomination of $500 each,
say $1,025,000; four hundred bonds, Nos. 1 to 400, of the de
nomination of $300 each, say $120,000; three hundred bonds,
Nos. 1 to 300, of the denomination of $100 each, say $30,000 ;
total, four thousand seven hundred and fifty bonds, amount
ing to three million one hundred and seventy-five thousand
dollars, all of which have been turned over to City Treasurer
for exchange.
With the ten thousand dollars placed at our disposal during
the fiscal year, we have purchased and cancelled new bonds,
with all unmatured coupons attached, amounting to thirteen
thousand nine hundred dollars, as follows :
May 18-86,800 bonds at 73 per cent., say #4,964 00
Aug. 5 3,700 bonds at 69 per cent., say 2,553 00
Nov. 3 3,400 bonds at 72.90 per cent., say 2,478 60
Total . $13,900 bonds, costing $9,995 60
MAYOR'S ANNUAL REPORT. 35
Leaving a balance subject to order of Commissioners of
$4.40. The bonds purchased, etc., have all been turned over
to the City Treasurer for such final destruction as Council
may direct.
All of which is respectfully submitted.
JOHN FLANNERY,
S. GUCKENHEIMER,
JOSEPH D. WEED,
D. E. THOMAS,
C. C. CASEY,
Sinking Fund Commissioners.
REPORT OF CLERK OF COUNCIL.
OFFICE CLERK OF COUNCIL,
SAVANNAH, GA., January 1, 18^0.
Hon. John F. Wheaton, Mayor, Savannah, Ga.:
DEAR SIR : In puisuance to your order, I have the honor
to submit the following report of the transactions of this
office from January 1st to December 31st, 1879 :
RECEIPTS.
Badges (dog) $ 84 oo
Board of Health (repairs to sinks) 800 00
Fees 145 00
Fines 2,54550
Licenses 2,500 50
Sewet permits 426 00
Total $6,501 00
Of the above amount returned as fines, $1,621.25, was
carried to the police uniform account.
During the year the weekly reports of the Board of Health
have been carefully examined, and nuisances therein reported,
as well as those reported by citizens and entered in ihe
complaint book in this office, have received prompt attention,
and remedied without delay.
The disinfecting corps, as well as the cleansing and repair
ing of sinks by the Odorless Excavating Machine Department,
have been conducted in accordance with the orders of your
Honor, through this office, and the weekly reports made by
the superintendents have had careful notice and prompt
attention. The bills for the repairs of sinks, taken from the
report of Mr. W. J. Cleary, Superintendent O. E. M., have
been made out, recorded, and the same served and collected
under my direction.
The records of the city are written up to date and syste
matically arranged.
The mortuary reports have been compiled weekly, and pub
lished for information.
MAYOR'S ANNUAL REPORT. 37
I am under obligations to Mr. E. F. Bryan, Superintendent
Savannah Cotton Exchange, for cotton statistics ; to Colonel
Atkins, Collector of Customs, for important tables of imports,
exports and tonnage port of Savannah, 1879, which were
compiled by the courteous clerks in his office ; and likewise
to Captain TenBroeck, the efficient Harbor Master, for infor
mation which greatly assisted in the compilation of the table s
of coastwise exports not entered at the Custom House, which
will be found among the statistics appended to the Mayor's
report.
In conclusion, permit me to return thanks to your Honor
for the kindness and courtesy which you have always ex
tended to me in the performance of my duties.
Very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
FRANK E. REBARER,
Clerk of Council,
REPORT OF CHIEF OF POLICE.
OFFICE CHIEF OF POLICE,
SAVANNAH, GA., January 1, 1880.
Hon. John F. Wheaton, Mayor :
SIR : I have the honor, very respectfully, to submit my
annual report of the Police Department for the year ending
December 31, 1879.
The aggregate strength of the department is (57) fiftyseven, as follows :
Chief I
Lieutenant I
Sergeants 5
Privates 48
Turnkeys 2
57
During the year 1,674 arrests have been made, being 263
less than the year previous. Of this number 659 were white
and 1,015 colored, who were arrested for the following crimes
and misdemeanors:
OFFENCES.
Assault and battery
Assault with intent to kill
Burglary
Contempt of court
Drunkenness
Disorderly conduct
Disturbing public worship
Fighting
Disorderly driving
Interference with officers
Larceny
Licentious conduct
Resisting officers
Vagrant T and suspicious characters
Safe keeping
Violating quarantine regulations .
Violating city ordinances ....
Beastiality
34
6
9
268
56
2
5
4
3
44
49
3
59
Total
66
14
5
281
7
104
6
8
90
10
14
97
129
9'
7
15
354
396
7
160
8
13
94
10
17
141
17S
3
15c
659 1,015 1,674
MAYOR'S ANNUAL REPORT. 39
Number of animals impounded during year, 229.
Number of stores and dwellings found open, 65.
Number of fires which occuned and to which suitable
details were sent to protect property and preserve order, 32.
Number of lodgers, 400 white, 37 colored; total, 437.
During the past year (21) twenty-one privates were detailed
as sanitary inspectors, who, from the 1st of April to the 1st
of December, made weekly inspections of the entire city,
within its corporate limits, of all yards and premises, and
submitted their reports of same to me, which were duly
forwarded to your office for information and action. In ad
dition to these inspections, I divided the city into five dis
tricts, to each of which was assigned a Sergeant, whose duty
it was made to inspect weekly all the streets and lanes of his
district, and to report everything out of order and in the
slightest degree prejudicial to the public health.
CASUALTIES AND CHANGES IN THE DEPARTMENT.
DroppedPrivate James Walsh, August 7,1879, for physi
cal inability.
DismissedPrivate Robert E. Carr, November 21, 1879.
ResignedPrivate William M. Moran, October 7, 1879,
after fourteen years faithful and meritorious service.
AppointedPrivate J. G. Bennett, August 9,1879 ; private
T. C. Farr, December 1, 1879; private W. H. Smith, Decem
ber 1, 1879.
TurnkeysLawrence Connell, appointed December 1,1879;
John Ray, appointed December 1, 1879.
RECAPITULATION.
Dropped
Dismissed
Resigned '
Appointed (policemen) 3
Appointed (turnkeys) 2
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
R. H. ANDERSON,
Chief of Police.
REPORT OF CITY MARSHAL.
CITY MARSHAL'S OFFICE,
SAVANNAH, December 31, 1879.
Hon. John F. Wheaton, Mayor of Savannah :
SIR : I herewith respectfully submit to you the following
report for the year ending December 31, 1879.
STREETS AND LANES.
The condition of the streets and lanes generally is in better
order than for several years past, but many of the sidewalks
are in bad order and require repairs. Notices have been
promptly served to property holders to put them in proper
condition.
MARKET.
I have collected during the year for rent of stalls, $3,899.15,
and for rent of stores, $2,096.01, making a total of $5,995.16,
as will appear in my statement of receipts.
SALE OF CITY LOTS.
The following city lots have been sold under resolution of
City Council, to-wit: On the first Tuesday in May, lot No.
48, Lloyd ward, for cash, $375 ; lot No. 59, Lloyd ward, for
$351, one-fourth cash, balance in one, two and three years ;
also lots Nos. 86 and 87, Springfield Plantation, for $1,501,
one-third cash, balance in one and two years.
GROUND RENTS.
All lots in arrears for ground rent were re-entered in De
cember, in compliance with the ordinance.
TAXES.
I have collected under executions placed in my hands by
the City Treasurer, $66,127.81, to-wit:
MAYOR'S ANNUAL REPORT. 41
Real estate, stock in trade, etc., 1875 $ 5.336 67
Real estate, stock in trade, etc., 1876 9,948 42
Real estate, stock in trade, etc., 1877 10,013 89
Real estate, stock in trade, etc., 1878 23,425 84
Specific, 1878 1,423 00
Specific, 1879 8,515 00
Marketrent of stalls $3,899 15
Marketrent of stores 2,096 01$5,995 16
Streets and lanessale of horse 20 50
City lots 963 08
For rent of Oglethorpe Engine House 87 00
Feesexecutions 378 00
Feespound 21 25 399 25
I have in handtax executions uncollected
Real estate, etc.,1875 $3,181 00
Real estate, etc., 1876 11,341 00
Real estate, etc., 1877 10,69400
Real estate and specific, 1878 32,00000
Specific, 1879 11,44500
I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,
L. L. GOODWIN,
City Marshal.
REPORT OF CITY SURVEYOR.
CITY SURVEYOR'S OFFICE,
SAVANNAH, GA., January 1, 1880.
Hon. John F. Wheaton, Mayor :
DEAR SIR : I respectfully submit my annual report of the
operations of the following departments of public work, towit : Streets and Lanes and Parks and SquaresAlderman
J. R. Hamlet, Chairman. Dry CultureAlderman E. A. Weil,
Chairman. Docks and Wharves and QuarantineAlderman
H. F. Willink, Chairman ; and Public Buildings, Alderman D.
O'Connor, Chairman.
STREETS AND LANES.
It will be noticed in the operations of this department that
but little contract work has been done during the year, the
long experience and expertness of some of the regular em
ployes obviating the necessity of obtaining the services of
skilled mechanics, we have thus been enabled promptly to
execute certain work in cases of emergency without the delay
incident to obtaining outside assistance. The character of
the work done will, I believe, bear favorable comparison with
similar work elsewhere.
The number of men employed has been about the same as
last year, averaging twenty-three, and distributed as follows :
Foreman, John Fitzgerald I
Pavers .,
Bridge builder for street crossings . I
Cesspool cleaners 2
Stableman !
Crossing cleaners j
Laborers l
.
Total 2-1
The number of teams and teamsters employed at the com
mencement of the year was eleven. Owing to the loss of
one of the mules the number is now ten.
MAYOR'S ANNUAL REPORT. 43
PAVING.
The work of repaying with stone blocks, known as Belgian
blocks, that portion of West Broad street between South
Broad and Railroad streets, which had been laid with the
Nicholson wooden block pavement, but had become so
decayed as to require removal, had been commenced as stated
in last year's report. This work was completed on the 20th
of March. The total number of square yards paved amounted
to 5,836. The former pavement, as stated, ended at Railroad
street; the new work has been extended to Stone street.
There remained after completion 27,560 blocks. A portion
of these have been used for crossings on Bay street, and over
the central portion of the new brick bridge crossing the
Springfield canal on the Louisville road. The cost of the
labor in laying this pavement was less than 20 cents per
square yard. No more economical or durable pavement, or
one better adapted to the wants of the traveling public can
be laid down in our streets.
The pavement on Drayton street has been extended to
Waldburg street, a distance of nine hundred feet, with a
width of 28 feet 8 inches, equal to 2,866! square yards. In
connection with the paving of this street and necessary to
the proper drainage thereof, two new catch basins were built
at the corners of Hall street, with the usual pipe and water
connections.
Under the head of repairs, the following work has been
done :
Pavement at Market Dock 5 square yards
Pavement at Exchange Dock 45 square yards
Pavement at West Broad Dock 4 square yards
Pavement at Abercorn Dock 25 square yards
Pavement on River street east of Randolph 200 square yards
Pavement on River street and slips generally 7 square yards
Pavement on Canal street 540 square yards
Pavement on Drayton street 120 square yards
Pavement on East Broad street 4o square yards
Pavement on Thunderbolt Road 120 square yards
Pavement on Bay street 5 scl
uare
y
ards
Pavement on West Broad street 520 square yards
Owing to the rapid decay and consequent expense attend-
44 MAYOR S ANNUAL REPORT.
ing the use of plank in the street crossings, it has been
deemed advisable to substitute flag-stones. The cost is, of
course, greater at the outset, but when it is remembered that
each time the decayed wood is removed and new plank put
in, a width of about six feet of stone must be taken up and
relaid, the economy of using a durable material by which
this labor is saved, is manifest Crossings laid down with
stone twenty years ago, remain in as good condition as when
first laid. It is proposed to begin with the principal thorough
fares and continue the work as the financial condition of the
city will permit. In accordance with this plan eight hundred
feet of flag have been purchased and laid down in the cross
ings on Bull street.
One hundred and twenty crossings, located principally on
South, East and West Broad streets, Houston, Lincoln and
Price have had the decayed plank removed, and been filled
in with small cobble-stone. The number of square yards of
paving taken up and relaid in this work amounts to 3,080.
Other items of paving have been done during the year,
such as repairs around valve boxes, a few crossings laid with
Belgian blocks, etc., not requiring special notice, but in the
aggregate amounting to 486 yards.
BECAPITULATION OF PAVING.
New stone pavement, West Broad street 5,836 square yards
New stone pavement, Drayton street 2,866 square yards
Repairs to cobble-stone pavements 3,260 square yards
Repairs to crossing 3,080 square yards
Repairs to work generally 486 square yards
-Total 15,528 square yards
SEWERS.
No new sewers have been built during the year. A num
ber of short pipe drains have, however, been laid in the
southeastern portion of the city, connecting low places with
the Bolton sewer in the vicinity of Price, Gwinnett and
Habersham streets. These connections were previously
wood, and had gone to decay.
MAYOR'S ANNUAL REPORT. 45
BRIDGES.
The expenditures under this head have been greater than
usual. Two new wooden bridges and one of brick have
replaced the old structures, and extensive repairs made to
another. The following are the structures referred to :
First. The wooden bridge leading to the Central Railroad
wharves, across the Savannah and Ogeechee canals ; repaired
with new joist to considerable extent, and new flooring.
Second. The bridge across said canal, leading to the brick
yard of the Savannah Brick Company ; entirely rebuilt.
Third. The brick culvert across the Springfield canal, on
the line of the Louisville road, which, since the breaking of
the embankment of the timber basins in 1871, has remained
in a dilapidated condition, has been replaced by a substantial
brick bridge of the following dimensions : Width, twenty-one
feet; span of arch, twenty feet two inches; the thickness of
the abutment walls is three feet nine inches; the structure is
built with wing walls and parapet, furnished with granite
coping five inches in thickness and twenty-one inches wide ;
the whole rests upon a foundation of two thicknesses of threeinch plank, crossed, and sheet piled with grooved and tongued
plank of the same thickness. As soon as material can be
obtained it is proposed to pave the roadway and approaches,
a length of one hundred feet on each side the center. Esti
mates had been obtained for building this bridge, but owing
to the nature and amount of the incidental work of changing
the water course and providing temporary facilities for cross
ing during the progress of the work, it was deemed best to
employ skilled labor for only such work as could not be per
formed by the street hands. Valuable aid was rendered
through the kindness of the County Commissioners in furn
ishing the labor of the chain gang for the necessary excava
tion. The cost of the bridge proper has not exceeded the
lowest estimate obtained, namely, $1,300.
Fourth. The wooden bridge across the Bilbo canal, on the
line of Gwinnett street, has been entirely rebuilt.
Though not included in the expenditures of this depart
ment, I may mention in this connection that the bridge across
46 MAYOR'S ANNUAL REPORT.
the Bilbo canal on the line of Perry lane, known as Lawton's
bridge, has been rebuilt, Dr. Lawton paying half the expense.
SMALL BRIDGES.
Two hundred small wooden bridges in the street crossings
have been put down, and ten iron crossing plates.
BAY STREET RAILING AND STEPS.
To provide against any possible future danger to pedes
trians, the entire line of railing on the north side of Bay
street, overlooking the bluff, has been rebuilt in the most
substantial manner. An intermediate rail has also been
added. The height in no place is now less than three feet.
The total length is 3,514 feet. The various flights of stone
steps leading from the wharves to the top of the bluff, have
all been repaired and are now in good order.
WHITEWASHING.
Special attention has been given to this portion of the
public work. A force of six men was employed continuously
durin" the summer months, and all the trees of the city, both
in the public squares and avenues, and opposite private
dwellings as far south as Gwinnett street, were thoroughly
whitewashed.
PARKS AND SQUARES.
The force employed in this department consists of three
men besides the Keeper of Forsyth Park. The labor of the
men is principally confined to the raking up and removal of
leaves and rubbish, mowing the grass, etc. The railings of
the squares along the line o Bull street have been repainted.
The decayed wooden curb to the walks in Pulaski square
have been removed and replaced with brick. The grade has
been raised and the walks reshelled, and the depressed por
tions of the square filled up and graded. A considerable
amount of labor is expended yearly in trimming trees, and
cutting down and removing dead ones.
MAYOR'S ANNUAL REPORT. 47
DRY CULTURE.
In the month of February work was begun on the Bilbo
canal with a force of twelve men, for the purpose of removing
the accumulation of sand and fecal matter, weeds, etc. The
river branch of the Savannah, Florida and Western Railway,
occupying the eastern embankment, all the excavated mate
rial was removed by successive pitchings to the western side
and levelled. The Perry lane canal was also cleaned out, as
well as the face ditches on both sides the Bilbo canal, and
the drain at the foot of the eastern slope to its outlet, near
the floodgate. The whole was completed early in April, and
the force reduced to six men, including the foreman. Wr
ith
this force the entire work in this department east, west and
south of the city has been maintained to date. Special care
has been taken to keep the weeds cut from the embankments
as well as to keep the ditches free from obstructions of every
character. The river embankments have been kept up to
their proper grade, and I take pleasure in reporting the excel
lent condition of the lands under dry culture.
PUBLIC BUILDINGS.
The operations in this department have all been in the
nature of repairs. No new buildings have been erected. The
City Dispensary building has been thoroughly repaired. The
floor on the first story was so much decayed as to require
removal. New joist have been put in and the floor relaid at
a lower level than the old one, giving more height to the
ceiling and greater convenience of access. The walls and
ceilings have been whitewashed and kalsomined, after repair
ing the plastering, new shutters and fastenings added, and
the exterior neatly painted.
The Market building has been enclosed with blinds on the
north side, the other sides having been done the previous year.
The Pest House has had the rear shed of the building
covered with tin, the pitch being so slight as to be unsuited
to shingles, causing leaks.
QUARANTINE.
The breakwater for the protection of the quarantine build-
48 MAYOR'S ANNUAL REPORT.
ings, which was in process of construction at the date of my
last report, has been completed. The plan has been some
what modified in the following particulars : Instead of two
rows of piles with a backing of plank on the seaward side,
the backing has been omitted, and a third row of piles driven.
Each row of piles has been thoroughly braced and capped,
and a footway laid for conveying stone ballast from the wharf
to and along the breakwater for its protection.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN B. HOWARD,
City Surveyor.
REPORT OF CHIEF ENGINEER
SAVANNAH FIRE DEPARTMENT.
OFFICE OF CHIEF ENGINEER,
SAVANNAH, GA., December 31, 1879.
To the Honorable Mayor and Aldermen of the city of Savannah:
GENTLEMEN : In compliance with the ordinances of the
city, I respectfully submit this my fifth annual report of the
Savannah Fire Department.
The organization of the force is the same as at mv last
annual report, viz. : Chief Engineer, Assistant Engineer,
Second Assistant Engineer, Superintendent Fire Alarm Tele
graph, Secretary, and one hundred and forty men.
The apparatus and appurtenances remain about the same,
viz.: Four steam engines, one hook and ladder truck, three
(horse) hose reels, two (hand) hose reels, five thousand feet
of hose (of which two thousand feet is new rubber and will
stand any pressure we can put upon it, and three thousand
feet will only stand hydrant pressure), eleven horses, distribu
ted as follows :
Engine No. 1, on Broughton, near Houston street; attached
to same seven hundred and fifty feet new rubber hose.
Engine No. 2, Congress, near Montgomery street; attached
to same six hundred feet new rubber hose.
Engine No. 3, South Broad, near Abercorn street; attached
to same six hundred and fifty feet new rubber hose.
Engine No. 4, held in reserve at headquarters, with six
hundred'feet leather hose.
Hook and ladder truck, South Broad, corner Abercorn
treet; hand reel, No. 1, Joachim, near Fahm street; hand
reel, No. 2, Henry, near Whitaker street.
During the year we have transferred one horse to the Street
and Lane Department, and replaced by the purchase of a fine
gray, now attached to Bartow engine, No. 3.
50 MAYOR'S ANNUAL REPORT.
The entire property of the Department is now in good
order.
For a more specific schedule of the property of the
Department, number of fires, etc., I respectfully refer you to
the report of the Secretary, herewith accompanying.
I am gratified to say that the loss by fire during the year
has been less than either of the five preceding. The heaviest
losses were the destruction of the saw mill of Messrs. J. JDale & Co., and the bakery of J. H. Ruwe.
I again respectfully call your attention to the inadequate
supply of water in the western and southeastern portions of
the city, and hope that the increasing prosperity of our city
will justify the expense of laying, at an parly day, all the
needed pipes, and of proper size. Less than an eight-inch
pipe should not be put down in any street.
The openings to our hydrants are too small (two inches),
and should be enlarged to correspond with our couplings (two
and a half inches), no matter what the size of the mains may
be. As it is now, the supply is reduced, and I earnestly
request that you will, at the earliest time possible, order this
important change.
I respectfully refer you to the accompanying report of the
Superintendent of the Fire Alarm Telegraph, as to its condi
tion, etc. I respectfully recommend the early passage of
ordinance appointing an Inspector of Buildings. Too many,
in the haste to complete a structure and to reduce its cost,
show culpable disregard of the lives and property of others,
and in cases of fire the lives of the force are greatly endan
gered in entering such buildings.
An important improvement in the apparatus of the Depart
ment, and which I earnestly recommend, would be the adop
tion (immediately) of a swinging harness, such as is used in
other cities. By its use the wear to harness is ihaterially
reduced, and the horse is relieved from chafing and irritation
caused by keeping the harness on while in the stable. (See
diagram enclosed.)
I again express my high appreciation for valuable assist
ance from the Police Department, and grateful thanks to my
MAYOR'S ANNUAL REPORT. 51
officers and men for the unflagging zeal and faithfulness with
which they have stood by me.
To his Honor the Mayor and Committee on Fire I am
under many obligations for courtesies extended.
Your obedient servant,
F. BLAIR,
Chief Engineer S. F. D.
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF FIRE ALARM
TELEGRAPH.
SAVANNAH, GA., January 1, 1880.
Frank Blair, Esq., Chief Engineer Savannah Fire Department:
DEAR SIR : During the year just ended I have rebuilt about
one-half of the telegraph lines, and erected a number of new
poles, which have materially improved the system.
In my last report I recommended the substitution of the
" Calland Battery," for the one now in use, but nothing has
been done. I again urge that this change in the battery be
made. The saving in a few years alone will pay for the new
battery and greatly benefit the system.
I have the honor to be, yours respectfully,
J. W. JONES,
Superintendent Fire Alarm.
REPORT OF SECRETARY OF FIRE DEPARTMENT.
OFFICE SECRETARY SAVANNAH FIRE DEPARTMENT,
SAVANNAH, GA., December 31, 1879.
F. Blair, Esq., Chief Engineer Savannah Fire Department:
DEAR SIR : In accordance with your instructions, I here
with respectfully submit my report as Secretary of the
Savannah Fire Department for the year ending December
31, 1879:
STATEMENT OF EXPENSES.
The following accounts have been passed and forwarded to
City Council for payment during the past twelve months :
Pay-rolls to December 31, 1879 $10,220 00
Expenses of horses and forage 1,273 5
Ordinary expenses for repairs to apparatus 314 51
Supplies for companies 223 39
Appropriation for gas 50 00
Ordinary expenses for fire alarm telegraph 258 48
Repairs to department wagon 12 25
Purchase of supplies and incidentals 156 59
Repairs to engine houses 7 74$12,516 46
PROPERTY ACCOUNT.
New wagon $100 00less sale of old wagon $15 00 . 85 00
Three horses purchased 825 00
Rubber hose purchased 998 00$ 1,908 00
#14.424 46
MAYOR S ANNUAL REPORT.
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56 MAYOR'S ANNUAL REPORT.
RECAPITULATION.
MONTH.
January
February
March .
April . .
May . .
June . .
July . .
August .
September
October
November
December
Total
Fires.
37
False
Alarms. Losses.
$500 00
1,600 00
300 00
165 00
300 00
1,000 00
21,125 00
18,263 69
13.797 00
Insurance.
$900 00
2,700 00
1,200 00
2,100 00
16,800 00
24,375 0o
$57,050 69 $48,075 00
SERVICES OF THE VARIOUS ENGINES, HOSE REELS, AND WERNER HOOK AND
LADDER COMPANY.
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Times off duty when alarms
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INVENTORY OF PROPERTY.
Engine No. 1, Washington.-One two-story engine house,
one steam fire engine, one horse hose reel, twenty-two feet
suction hose, eight feet hydrant suction, seven hundred and
fifty feet rubber hose in good order, six hundred and fifty feet
of leather hose fit for hydrant use, three horses and harness,
four extra wheels for steamer, one alarm gong, three pipes
and nozzles, one single lamp, two side lamps, one washstand,
one stove and pipe, lot tools for engine, blankets, and articles
necessary for stable, half lot No. 37 Washington Ward, bed
steads and bedding for sleeping quarters.
MAYOR'S ANNUAL REPORT. 57
Engine No. 2, Waver.One steam fire engine, fourteen feet
suction hose, eight feet hydrant suction, ten feet street sprink
ling hose, six hundred feet rubber hose in good order, six
hundred feet leather hose fit for hydrant use, three horses and
harness, one horse hose reel, blankets and articles necessary
for stable, one alarm bell, one alarm gong, one stove and pipe,
lot tools necessary for engine, bedsteads and bedding for
sleeping quarters.
Engine No. 3, BartowOne steam fire engine, twenty feet
suction hose, eight feet hydrant suction, six hundred and fifty
feet rubber hose in good order, three horses and harness,
horse blankets and articles necessary for stable, one stove
and pipe, one alarm gong, one horse hose reel, tools for
engine, bedsteads and bedding for sleeping quarters.
Werner Hook and, Ladder Company.One truck, one exten
sion ladder sixty-five feet, one ladder thirty-five feet, one lad
der thirty feet, one ladder twenty-four feet, one ladder eighteen
feet, two ladders twenty feet, one ladder twelve feet, one large
fire-hook with pole chain and ninety feet of rope, two extra
ladders, eight small hand hooks, two reflector lamps, one
extension coupling pole, four axes, two mauls, two large hooks
with chains, one jackscrew, two coils rope, one pair horses
and harness, blankets and articles necessary for stables, one
alarm gong, bedsteads ard bedding for sleeping quarters.
Auxiliary Hose No. 1, Cleburne.Two hundred and fifty
feet of hose (rubber) fit for hydrant use, one stove and pipe.
Auxiliary Hose No. 2, Mutual Protection.Four hundred
and fifty feet of rubber hose fit for hydrant use, one hose
carriage.
Property under control of the Department.One steam fire
engine (J. W. Anderson), sixteen feet of suction hose, eight
feet of hydrant suction, lot tools necessary for engine, three
alarm gongs, one two-horse wagon, Fireman's Hall, corner
South Broad and Abercorn streets, lot No. 13 Calhoun Ward,
lot No. 23 Forsyth Ward, large alarm bell, one old hand
engine, one thousand and fifty feet hose (eight hundred and
fifty feet leather and two hundred and fifty feet rubber), fit for
hydrant use in reserve, house and lot No. 33 Charlton Ward,
alarm bell tower, fire alarm telegraph.
58 MAYOR'S ANNUAL REPORT,
HOSE STATEMENT.
Amount on hand last report: Feet.
Leather in good order 2,200
Rubber hydrant pressure 2,0004,200
Purchased in 1879 (rubber) 2,000
Total 6,200
Worthless or destroyed 1,200
On hand this date 5,000
As follows:
Rubber in good order 2,0:10
Rubber hydrant pressure 900
Leather hydrant pressure ; , 2,100-5,000
Bespectfully submitted.
GEORGE MOURO,
Secretary Fire Department.
>
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF WATER WORKS.
OFFICE OF WATER WORKS,
SAVANNAH, January 1, 1880.
Hon. John F. Wheaton, Mayor, Savannah :
SIR : I beg leave to make the following report upon the
condition of the works under my charge :
The general condition of the works is good. The pumping
ing machinery of the works having been thoroughly over
hauled during the past year, it is now in good order.
During the past year the Chief Fireman complaining of a
want of pressure at fires, and appearing to be impressed with
the idea that the mains and fire hydrant connections were
decreased in diameter from accretions of mud, a fire hydrant
was cut out at the main for the purpose of testing the matter.
The idea proved to be erroneous, no reduction in the sec
tional area being found. There is no doubt that the falling
off from the original pressure is due to increased consumption
of water. This is but the history of every city, the original
pipes having in many cities been replaced by larger ones.
Three thousand and sixty feet of six-inch mains have been
laid during the past year; one hundred and forty-four feet
four inch pipes, five fire hydrants and two stop-gates placed.
At the request of the Chairman of the Pump Committee,
one dozen service hydrants were ordered to be placed where
pumps were condemned, from being worn out, or the water
being bad. Three of these have been put in at points desig
nated by him. The remaining nine are on hand subject to
his orders. I have in obedience to orders of Commissioners
ordered one hundred two-and-a-half-inch nozzles, to com
mence replacing the two-inch nozzles in use now in fire
hydrants, it being hoped that a better supply will be given to
fire engines. This will also dispense with the use of a reducer.
The total hours run by all pumps during the past year is
8,231. Of this the old pumps run 1,119 hours. Seven hun
dred and twenty-nine million nine hundred and thirty-four
60 MAYOR'S ANNUAL REPORT.
thousand five hundred and thirty-two gallons have been
pumped. This is an increase over last year of 31,279,606
gallons. The increased consumption is due to large quan
tity used in flushing sewers and cess-pools. During the
past year there has been, in obedience to your orders, six
additional stop-gates placed in connection with the different
sewers for the purpose of flushing them. The work of flush
ing the cess-pools and sewers has been constantly kept up, as
is evinced by the large consumption of water during the past
year. Some of the cess-pools are not properly trapped, and
do not hold water.
Respectfully, vour obedient servant,
R. D. GUERARD,
Superintendent Savannah Water Works.
REPORT OF JAILOR.
JAILOR'S OFFICE,
SAVANNAH, GA., January 1, 1880.
Hon. John F. Wheaton, Mayor of the City of Savannah :
SIR : I have the honor very respectfully to submit herewith
the following report of the jail for the year ending December
31, 1879:
Of the total number of prisoners received during the year
There were from Chatham county 1,022
There were from United States 18
There were from other counties 33
There were from other States 2
There were lunatics '7
Making a total of 1,092
An increase over the previous year of 155
The amount of money due the city of Savannah
By Chatham county $ 9>881 6o
By other counties l
,S
10
5
By United States 107 40
Making a total amount of $11,499 5
I have so frequently called the attention of the proper
authorities to the dilapidated condition of the jail, and the
grand inquest of the county having done likewise, I think it
unnecessary for me to allude to the matter again. In con
clusion, allow me to return my sincere thanks for your ever
ready aid and kind assistance rendered me in the discharge
of my duties, and also to the Chairman of the Jail Commit
tee, Alderman John Schwarz.
Yours with respect,
WARING RUSSELL,
Jailor.
REPORT OF THE CLERK OF THE MARKET.
OFFICE OF CLERK OF THE MARKET.
SAVANNAH, GA., January 1, 1880.
Hon. John F. Wheaton, Mayor of the City of Savannah :
SIR : I have the honor to present herewith a statement of
the market fees collected through this office from January 1
to December 31, 1879, and turned into the City Treasury :
Total amount of fees collected $8,993 20
Average monthly collections $749 44
Average weekly collections 172 95
Decrease as compared with 1878 482 27
Your obedient servant,
HENRY L. DAVIS,
Clerk of the Market.
HEALTH OFFICER'S REPORT.
OFFICE HEALTH OFFICER,
SAVANNAH, GA., January 1, 1880.
To the Hon. John F. Wheaton, Mayor, and Chairman Board
of Sanitary Coimnissioners:
SIR : I have the honor to submit the Health Office report
for the official year ending December 31, 1879.
The Board of Sanitary Commissioners held its first meeting
January 6, 1879, and subsequent meetings on each Monday
preceding the regular meetings of Council, and special meet
ings when necessary.
The following is a statement of the matters of most prac
tical interest transacted during the year :
- In January a communication was received and read pro
testing against certain quarantine regulations, whereupon the
following resolution was adopted :
" All vessels from infected ports must stop at Quarantine
for inspection ; if with no sickness on board, and with stone
ballast, no further detention will be required ; if with sand
ballast, it must be discharged at Quarantine Station."
A communication was also received from the Georgia Medi
cal Society, recommending the appointment of a sanitary
inspector for the city by the City Council.
The Secretary was instructed to inform the Georgia Medi
cal Society that the board did not consider it necessary for an
inspector to be appointed, as by ordinance of City Council,
passed February 21, 1877, the Health Officer had been ap
pointed executive officer of the Board of Sanitary Commis
sioners, with full powers as an inspector of the city.
February 4, 1879, the Mayor announced the following
" Board of Sanitary Commissioners " for the ensuing year :
Aldermen Wm. Duncan, G. C. Freeman, J. R. Hamlet;
Mr. J. R. Saussy, Dr. J. T. McFarland, Hon. J. F. Wheaton,
Mayor, and J. C. Habersham, M. D., Health Officer, ex-officio
members of the board.
64 MAYOR'S ANNUAL REPORT.
Bids for furnishing coffins and transportation for the dead
paupers of the city were made by several undertakers. The
contract was awarded Mr. Wm. D. Dixon, his being the
lowest bid.
The following resolution was offered by Alderman Duncan
and passed :
" Resolved, That authority be granted his Honor the Mayor,
and to the Board of Sanitary Commissioners to employ a
competent person to superintend the working of the Odorless
Excavating Machine; also to employ such other assistance
as may be necessary for the proper working of the same, the
term of employment and compensation to be fixed by the
Board of Sanitary Commissioners."
Dr. McFarland offered the following :
" Resolved, That Dr. Huger, Quarantine Officer, be con
tinued on duty until the Sanitary Board takes further action."
Adopted.
The following schedule of quarantine charges was deter
mined ontwo hundred and fifty copies be printed for distri
bution :
RATES OF CHARGES FOR BOARDING, INSPECTING AND FUMIGATING
VESSELS AT QUARANTINE STATION, PORT OF SAVANNAH.
For every vessel boarded and inspected $ 500
For every vessel of 100 tons or less, fumigating and disinfecting, each
process 1500
For every vessel over 100 tons and less than 250 tons, fumigating and
disinfecting, each process 20 00
For every vessel over 250 tons and less than 500 tons, fumigating and
disinfecting, each process 30 00
For every vessel over 500 tons and less than 750 tons, fumigating and
disinfecting, each process 40 00
For every vessel over 750 tons and less than 1,000 tons, fumigating and
disinfecting, each process 50 00
For every vessel over 1,000 tons and less than 1,250 tons, fumigating
and disinfecting, each process 60 00
Fqr every vessel over 1,250 tons fumigating and disinfecting, each pro
cess, according to tonnage of vessel $70 to 100 00
Additional fees will be charged for medical attendance.
In all cases the Quarantine Officer will collect charges
made against vessels before giving permission to proceed to
MAYOR'S ANNUAL REPORT. 65
the city, either by Captain's draft on consignees or in cur
rency, as may be most convenient. The Quarantine Officer
shall report all vessels arriving at Quarantine Station as soon
as possible after their arrival, their tonnage, condition, where
from, number of days at sea, and if any sickness or death
during the voyage, and any and all other information neces
sary to protect the public health.
He shall also report as often as practicable, the condition
of all vessels and crews during their detention at the Quar
antine Station, and the number of times each vessel has been
fumigated ; and he shall give such other information as is
necessary to enable the Mayor, or acting Mayor, and Board of
Sanitary Commissioners, to give permission for vessels to be
released from quarantine.
[Signed] J. F. WHEATON,
Mayor and Chairman Sanitary Commissioners.
J. C. HABERSHAM, M. D.,
Health Officer.
A form of questions for the use of the Quarantine Officer,
at the Quarantine Station, was ordered to be printed by the
board.
At a special meeting of the board, held February 11,1879,
it was moved by Dr. Duncan " that his Honor the Mayor
be authorized to appoint a Superintendent of the Odorless
Excavating Machine, at a salary of from $60.00 to $75.00 per
month ; also three laborers, a bricklayer and assistant, was
adopted. Mr. W. J. Cleary was appointed March 3d. It
was determined, that the quarantine of the port should begin
on April 1st, and the Health Officer was instructed to prepare
quarantine notices to be published in the daily papers.
Five hundred copies of " instructionsto citizens on hygienic
measures necessary to be carried out during the summer
months," were ordered to be printed for distribution. Action
was taken in providing medical attendance upon the poor of
the city and county, the privies of the city to be disinfected
monthly from April 1st to November 1st.
The Mayor reported favorably in regard to the working
of the Oderless Excavating Machine, and also informed the
board that he had proceeded on the 10th inst., with several
5
66 MAYOR'S ANNUAL REPORT.
of the Aldermen and members of the board, to Timber LandHospital, and found the city property, hospital buildings,
bedding, etc., in good condition.
April 14, it was determined that all vessels arriving at this
port from infected places should remain at the Quarantine
Station at least twelve days after arrival.
Also, " That all steamers arriving from Florida should not,
at present, be subjected to quarantine examination unless
arriving with sickness on board, in which case they shall be
visited by the Quarantine Officer at quarantine, and by theHealth Officer in the city."
May 12. a communication was received from J. C. Haber
sham, Health Officera committee appointed by the Georgia
Medical Societyrecommending to the City Council the
drawing up of an ordinance limiting the number of cows kept
in the city limits, and enforcing the cleansing of the stables
in which they are kept."
Alderman Duncan offered the following resolution, which
was adopted:
" That his Honor the Mayor be requested to direct a daily
inspection of all stables where more than two cows are placed,
with a view to their being kept in a cleanly and sanitary con
dition, and that the Health Officer inspect the same once a
week."
May 26, the rules and regulations prescribed for the two
city physicians, elected at the last meeting of Council, were
adopted.
The Health Officer reported that fifty-nine cow-stables had
been inspected by Policeman Read, detailed for that purpose,
and found to be in good condition.
July 14, the following communication was received officially
by the Mayor :
" SAVANNAH, July 12, 1879.
" Hon. J. F. Wheaton, Chairman B. S. Commissioners :
" DEAR SIR : I have called twice this morning to see you
regarding the sewer connection which is now being dug from
Drayton street to connect with houses of Mr. D. G. Purse
on Charlton street, west of Bull. I do not think it pru
dent at this season of the year to take up so much soil, more
MAYOR'S ANNUAL REPORT. 67
especially in a lane. I drove to this point mentioned this
morning and the work was still going on. As a member of
the Sanitary Board, I would suggest that a stop be put to
said digging until the summer is past.
" Very respectfully,
[Signed] "J. T" MCFARLAND."
This communication had been referred to the Health Officer,
who had requested that a special meeting should be called
to consider the subject. The board passed the following reso
lution :
"Resolved, That, in the opinion of this board, the excavations
for the laying of the sewer pipe in Charlton street lane, during
the hot weather, is injurious to the public health; and the
Secretary of this board is hereby directed to notify the par
ties engaged in such work to discontinue the same until
further orders of this board."
It was also subsequently resolved:
" That the upheaving of the soil within the city limits, dur
ing the summer months, is injurious to the health of the city,
and that no excavations for the purpose of making sewer or
other connection shall be made during the summer months,
without the approval of this board, and under the supervision
of the Health Officer, and under such restrictions and regu
lations as may be prescribed in each case by the board."
This last resolution was, by order of the board, published
in the Morning News and Recorder.
This sewer connection, and all others made during the
summer months, were made under the immediate supervision
of the Health Officer, with instructions as to disinfection, etc.,
from the board.
July 21, the following resolution was passed :
" Resolved, That in the opinion of this Commission, as a
sanitary measure, the wharf lots on Hutchinson's Island,
within the corporate limits of the city, shall be placed in
condition to correspond to the dry culture contracts, and it
is hereby recommended to City Council to put the owners on
notice that such lots must be put under work and kept dry,
in accordance with dry culture contracts, previous to the
68 MAYOR'S ANNUAL REPORT.
first of March, 1880, or Council will proceed to do the work
at the owner's expense, as provided by law."
The cleaning of privy vaults was deemed prudental, and
it was ordered to be continued.
At a special meeting of the board, held July 23, 1879, the
chairman informed the board that he had called a special
meeting to consider the question of recommending to the
City Council the adoption of the rules and regulations of the
National Board of Health as regards quarantine, etc., at this
port.
Alderman Duncan offered the following preamble and reso
lution, which was adopted :
"WHEREAS, AS it is eminently advisable that all efforts
towards the prevention of the origin and spread of conta
gious and infectious diseases should be well directed and
uniform ; therefore be it
" Resolved, That the rules and regulations of the National
Board of Health be adopted by this Council, and that the
same be referred to the Board of Sanitary Commissioners for
their guidance, as far as practicable."
It was determined that all sailing vessels arriving at this
port from all ports should be stopped at quarantine for in
spection of the Quarantine Officer. This notice was to be
appended to the quarantine notices already published, for the
information of pilots and masters of vessels.
August 4th, Dr. Duncan offered this resolution :
" Resolved, That the Board of Sanitary Commissioners
recommend to the City Council to authorize the Board of
Water Commissioners to have analyses of the river water
made, taken from different points; also an analysis of the
water from driven wells in the vicinity of the present water
works, with the view of obtaining the purest quality for drink
ing and other purposes." Adopted.
A special meeting of the board was held August 11th
Hon. E. A. Weil, chairman pro tern. The chairman stated
he had called a special meeting to consider various applica
tions and communications. A communication was read from
MAYOR'S ANNUAL REPORT. 69
Mr. J. Z. Johnston, relative to a violation of the city ordinance
by Mr. Swoll, City Scavenger, depositing garbage within the
city limits.
Alderman Duncan offered the following resolution :
" That the Health Officer be requested to enforce the ordi
nance of the city referring to the disposition to be made of
all offal and garbage collected by the Scavenger, and he be
directed to notify the Scavenger that garbage already de
posited within the city limits be removed without delay to a
point one mile beyond the city limits."
Alderman Duncan also offered this resolution :
" That the Board of Sanitary Commissioners be requested
to examine into and to report fully to this meeting, as early
as practicable, the statements published in the New York
Herald, of the 29th July, relating to the sanitary condition
of the city of Savannah, which statements were made by Dr.
Bell, Sanitary Inspector National Board of Health." This
was adopted.
Messrs. Duncan, McFarland and Habersham were ap
pointed committee on this resolution.
A communication was received from Dr. Huger, Quaran
tine Officer, calling attention to runners boarding vessels pre
vious to their arriving at the Quarantine Station. Mr. Saussy
moved " that all persons are prohibited from communication
with vessels arriving at this port before such vessels have
reported to the Quarantine Officer, unless written permission
from the Quarantine Officer is first given ; provided such pro
hibition does not apply to licensed pilots in the discharge of
duty."
Dr. Habersham, Health Officer, made a report of having
boarded and inspected the Norwegian bark Navedis, on the
5th of August at the Atlantic and Gulf Railroad wharf, by
order of the Mayor, and finding her with foul ballast, part of
which ballast having been discharged and spread out on'the
wharf. This ballast consisting of wet sand, with which rotten
wheat was mixed, was reported by the Health Officer to be
unsanitary, and it was advised by him that the bark be re
manded to the Quarantine Station for discharge of ballast,
and disinfection at that point. The Health Officer also
70 MAYOR'S ANNUAL REPORT.
recommended that disinfectants should be freely used on the
ballast on the wharf. The bark was, by order of the Mayor,
sent back to quarantine,vand carbolic acid, sulphate iron, and
lime freely applied to the foul ballast on the wharf.
It was moved " that this action of the Health Officer is
approved by the board, and his report received and spread
on the minutes." This was carried.
August 12th, a special meeting of the board was called by
Alderman E. A. Weil, to reconsider the case of Mr. Swoll,
City Scavenger.
Dr. Duncan offered this resolution :
" That the Health Officer be directed to enforce the city
ordinance relating to the scavenger department, and in the
case of any refusal or neglect on the part of any contractor
or contractors to comply with his instructions, that he be
directed to place such party or parties upon the information
docket." Passed.
A communication was received from Dr. Huger, Quaran
tine Officer, stating that the ballast of the Navedis had been
discharged, and asking permit for her to come to the city.
This was granted, provided that the vessel be disinfected be
fore coming to the city.
August 18th, Dr. Duncan offered this resolution :
" Resolved., In consequence of the opinion of the Health
Officer, and of the members of this board, that it would be
more deliterious to the public health to remove the manure
heap made by the scavenger department than to allow the
same to remain undisturbed;
" Therefore, be it resolved. That the action at the last meet
ing be rescinded, and that the scavenger contractor be re
quired to thoroughly disinfect the same at such times and in
such manner as may be directed by the Health Officer, and
that he be notified that for any violation of his contract in
future, that he shall be put upon the information docket by
the Health Officer." This was carried.
Dr. McFarland offered this :
" Resolved, That all persons having manure heaps upon
their farming lands, within the corporate limits of the city, be
required to have board shades (or shelters) erected over said
MAYOR'S ANNUAL REPORT. 71
heaps, sufficiently large and tight to protect them from the
action of the sun and rain, and that an ordinance be passed
for the purpose of carrying out this recommendation." Car
ried.
Dr. Duncan, Chairman of the committee to report upon
Dr. A. N. Bell, Sanitary Inspector of the National Board of
Health, made the following report:
SAVANNAH, August 13, 18'7
9.
The Board of Sanitary Commissioners, to whom has been
referred the resolution of the City Council, requesting them
to examine into and report upon the statement published in
the New Yoi-k Herald of the 29th ult., in reference to the
sanitary condition of the city of Savannah, beg to report that
they have instituted the examination desired, and that the
statements alluded to were published in the New York Herald
from the representations made by Dr. A. N. Bell, Sanitary In
spector of the National Board of Health, for this district.
The assumption of Dr. Bell that the people do not realize
their danger, and do not believe that they can have yellow
fever unless it be brought to them from somewhere else, and
in the seaport towns they insist that the disease never reaches
them except by ship, is without foundation, and is a misrep
resentation of the views and opinions entertained by this
board, as well as the opinions of a large number of practicing
physicians in this city. It is furthermore a reflection upon
the efforts of this board, as well as the City Council, who
have not confined themselves to any theories in their legisla
tion upon sanitary measures, but have always exercised a
rigid system of quarantine combined with as vigorous local
sanitation as the financial condition of the city would permit,
and their judgment indicated as the most advisable for the
protection of the public health.
The statement in reference to the filthy condition of Bilbo
canal, an open canal a quarter of a mile distant from the
eastern side of the city, and the principal outlet of the sew
erage of .the town, in which canal the tide ebbs and flows
twice in twenty-four hours, is also without foundation, and
we challenge Dr. Bell or any one else to prove the origin of
a single case of yellow fever occurring on board a ship which
72 MAYOR'S ANNUAL REPORT.
has left this port which was due to the impurity of the river
water taken from a point adjacent thereto. On the contrary
our merchant marine will bear testimony to a preference for
the river water over any that can be supplied to them from
other ports generally.
The Board of Sanitary Commissioners report that Dr.
Bell, Sanitary Inspector for the National Board of Health,
for this district, during his recent visit to this city, expressed
himself very favorably concerning the quarantine system of
the port, and was perfectly satisfied with its efficiency. The
sanitary suggestions made by him were verbal, and were
limited to an improvement of the privy arrangements, and the
procuring of a purer water supplymatters which have en
gaged the attention of the municipal authorities for some
years past, are well known to our entire community, and are
still under consideration.
In conclusion, your committee are of opinion that any
sanitary defects which may fall under the observation of the
Inspector of the National Board of Health, should be re
ported directly to the authorities under whom such inspectors
are serving, and this board can but condemn the publication
of such articles as the one now under consideration, which can
only effect the public mind injuriously without being produc
tive of the least sanitary benefit.
Your committee respectfully recommend that this report
be respectfully forwarded to the National Board of Health
at Washington, with the request that they adopt such meas
ures as will hereafter prevent the publication by their official
representatives of hastily formed opinions, which are preju
dicial to the public welfare, and which have not been sub
stantiated by sufficient evidence.
Respectfully submitted,
J. C. HABERSHAM, M. D.,
Secretary Board of Sanitary Commissioners.
The following is a letter received from the President of the
National Board of Health:
MAYOR'S ANNUAL REPORT. 73
NATIONAL BOARD OF HEALTH,
WASHINGTON, D. C, August 16, 1879.
F. E. Rebarer, Clerk of Council and Secretary Board of Health,
Savannah. Ga.:
DEAR SIR : Your communication of the 14th inst., contain
ing certain enclosures, has just been received. I have to
inform you that having seen an abstract of this report in the
Baltimore Sun of yesterday, I laid it before the Executive
Committee at its regular meeting, on that morning, and was
directed to communicate to Dr. Bell, and to the health au
thorities of Savannah, the disapprobation by this board of
the publication to which these reports allude, etc.
Very respectfully yours,
[Signed] J. L. CABALL,
President National Board of Health.
AUGUST 15, 1879.
Dr. A. N. Bell, Sanitary Inspector :
DEAR DOCTOR : The attention of the Executive Committee
having been called to an abstract published in the Baltimore
Sun of this morning, of a report of the Board of Sanitary
Commissioners to the City Council of Savannah, in which
complaint is made of your having published in a New York
paper on the 27th ult., certain statements which they pro
nounce to be unfounded and unjust, touching the sanitary
condition of that city, I am directed by the Executive Com
mittee to inform you that any publication by sanitary in
spectors in the service of this board of facts and opinions in
relation to matters brought to their notice in the discharge
of their official duties, as agents of this board, is disap
proved and will be disavowed. These reports should be
communicated to the board only, and should be regarded as
strictly confidential on their part.
Very respectfully,
[Signed] J- L- CABALL,
President National Board of Health.
A communication was addressed to the National Board of
Health upon the apparent discrepancy between the reports
74 MAYOR'S ANNUAL REPORT.
of deaths from preventable diseases at Rio de Janeiro, made
by the United States Consul General from April 12 to June
28, 1879, and a bill of health, dated Rio de Janeiro, July 7,
1879, under the sign and signature of Consul General Adamson, presented at this port, by the Danish brig Johana Brodessen, Captain Boesen.
August 25, the Health Officer was notified to publish a
quarantine notice that all vessels " waiting orders " or " seek
ing," were to report to the Quarantine Officer at the Quaran
tine Station, immediately on arrival.
It was also resolved
" That the foreign bills of health of any vessel touching at
any American port other than Savannah, and then arriving
at this port, be required as well as the bill of health from
the port last touched at." This was passed.
May 30th, The petition of Captain Johnson, of the Norwe
gian bark Navedis, was read before the board and members
of the Finance Committee.
Alderman Blun moved
" That from the evidence brought before the board and
the Finance Committee, that the action of the Mayor as ad
vised by the Health Officer, in regard to the brig Navedis,
was a sanitary necessity, and that the petition of Captain
Johnson is disapproved."
September 1, it was resolved
" That the chairman of the Sanitary Board appoint a
committee of two members, who shall investigate and report
upon as to the practicability and cost of establishing a tele
phonic communication with the Quarantine Station."
Drs. McFarland and Duncan were appointed the committee.
I have now given a brief summary of some of the most
important transactions of the board during the year. As
Executive Officer of the board, and as Health Officer, I have
made weekly inspections of the city and made weekly re
ports ; given surgical and medical attendance to members of
the Police and Fire Departments; given certificates of death
for city and county ; received from the physicians of the city
reports of diseases, and reported them to the Chairman of
the Sanitary Board ; supervised the disinfection and cleans-
MAYORS ANNUAL REPORT. 75
ing of infected places ; visited and inspected steamers coming
by the inland route from Florida, and in sanitary measures
attempted to carry out the rules and regulations enforced by
the orders of the Sanitary Board.
During the year there has not been a case of yellow fever,
nor small-pox within the limits of the city.
Diphtheria has prevailed to some extent in various parts
of the city. Our city has been singularly exempt from mala
rial diseases, and we have cause to be grateful for continued
health and prosperity.
I am, dear sir, very respectfully yours,
J. C. HABERSHAM, M. D,
Health Officer.
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT ODORLESS EXCA
VATING MACHINE.
SAVANNAH, GA., January 1, 1880.
Hon. John F. Wlieaton, Mayor, Savannah, Ga.:
DEAR SIR : I have the honor to forward herewith report of
the work done by the Odorless Excavating Machine during
the year 1879.
The work was commenced March 24th and continued to
December 31, 1879, with the following result:
Number of privies cleaned 571
Matter removed (cubic feet) , 92,837
EXPENSES OF DEPARTMENT
Including apparatus, appurtenances, hire of teams, wages, etc ... . $6,044 85
Amount collected for repairs 800 00
Net cost $5,244 85
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
W. J. CLEAREY,
Superintendent,
REPORTS OF CITY PHYSICIANS.
SAVANNAH, January 1, 1879.
Hon. John F. Wheaton, Mayor:
DEAR SIR : I have the honor to submit the following report
of the office of City Physician of the Eastern district:
June . . .
July . . .
August . .
September
October
November
December
104
2
322
33
235
252
205
36
76
no
121
96
104
77
68
142
212
210
139
148
128
289
954
929
747
506
Total ,667 620 ,047 4.871 21
The number of deaths has been twenty-one, all of which
were colored. Respectfully,
FRANK T. LINCOLN, M. D.,
City Physician, Eastern Distiict.
*i
SAVANNAH, January 1, 1880.
Hon. John F. Wheaton, Mayor:
DEAR SIR : I have the honor to submit the following report
of City Physician, Western Division, from June to Decem
ber, 1879, inclusive:
June . . .
July . . .
August . .
-September
October
November
December
390
595
484
423
45i
329
99
122
174
'85
158
202
118
199
268
421
299
264
249
211
641
698
927
780
735
702
507
Total 1,058 1,911 4,990 52
Of the fifty-two deaths twenty-two were white and thirty
colored.
Respectfully submitted,
T. B. CHISHOLM, M. D.,
City Physician, Western Division.
REPORT OF KEEPER LAUREL GROVE CEMETERY.
OFFICE KEEPER LAUREL GROVE CEMETERY,
SAVANNAH, January 1, 1880.
Hon. J. F. Wheaton, Mayor of the City of Savannah.:
SIR : I have the honor to report Laurel Grove Cemetery
in good order and condition. The storm in April last blew
down nearly the whole of the fencing around the colored
cemetery which was in very bad order, as stated in my last
annual report, and a new fence has been erected which will
require no repairs for several years. All of the fencing is
now in good condition. During the past year a brick pave
ment has been laid at the front entrance, and the paths across
the ravine have been raised and a bridge built across one for
a carriage drive.
During the past year there has been received
For sale of burial lots $685 00
For burial fees 574 50
Total $1,259 5
Amount paid for labor, tools, materials, etc 6,039 95
Number of interments at the expense of the city :
Whites, from the city 16
Whites, from the Savannah Hospital 21 37
Colored, from the city , 104
Colored, from the Colored Infirmary 41145
Total 182
The number of interments during the past year are as
follows:
NUMBER OF INTERMENTS
IN LAUREL GROVE CEMETERY AND CEMETERY FOR COLORED PERSONS, FROM
JANUARY I TO DECEMBER 31, 1879.
MONTHS.
January .
February
March .
April
May . .
June . .
July . .
August .
September
October .
November
December
Total
3
I
3
'5
10
15
19
20
7
17
25
22
21
7
2
5
6
4
3
6
2
10
6
2
6
37
'5
20
16
'9
22
26
9
27
3i
24
27
23
19
6
H
'9
'3
22
23
20
H
10
3
99
64
5
56
67
81
95
82
70
79
55
65
214 59 273 667 196 '863
.2 u
136
79
70
72
86
103
121
91
9V
no
79
92
,136
I have the honor to be, respectfully yours,
A. F. TORLAY,
Keeper Laurel Grove Cemetery.
REPORT OF KEEPER CITY DISPENSARY.
SAVANNAH, January 1, 1880.
Hon. J. F. Wheaton, Mayor of Savannah:
SIR : I have the honor to submit herewith the following
report of the City Dispensary for the year ending December
31,1879:
MONTHS.
January .
February
March . .
April . .
May . .
June . .
July . . .
August
September
October .
November
December
Total
1,521
902
907
1,011
1,178
.356
i>577
1,684
1,837
1,762
1,608
1,296
16,639
709
522
422
438
509
722
814
720
i,053
920
843
722
>,394
_3 "o
812
380
485
573
669
634
763
964
784
842
765
574
'.245
cu
2,023
1,167
1,387
1,469
1,524
2,155
2,547
2,769
3,0
9i
2,903
2,556
2,284
25,875
o
J3
S,
296
I07
86
169
140
182
120
170
150
216
233
156
2,025
Respectfully,
LEWIS CASS,
Keeper City Dispensary.
COMPARATIVE STATEMENT
OF PRESCRIPTIONS FILLED BY THE CITY DISPENSARY AND THE COST OF MEDI
CINES FOR THE FIVE YEARS ENDING DECEMBER I, 1879.
1875. 1876. 1877. 1878. 1879.
IB CO m
M'nths
'S
O
S
fi
ft S
Pi
0
Ck O O fit O CM O CK O
Jan ... 1,269 $231 80 1,498 $281 85 2,050 $316 77 1,707 $238 15 2,023 $192 25
Feb... 1,257 195 45 1,554 295 00 2,213 286 50 1,728 189 10 1,167 164 47
March. 1,429 223 03 1,872 337 20 2,216 260 84 2,111 218 65 1,387 153 85
April. 1,428 268 35 1,807 548 55 1,980 295 80 1,879 211 85 1,464 182 80
May... 1,376 240 30 1,669 517 05 1,703 285 75 1,761 215 70 1,529 167 00
June.. 1,462 253 85 1,538 222 15 1,622 154 45 1,601 165 30 2,155 240 63
July .. 1,420 247 65 1,751 234 40 2,020 235 90 1,808 143 20 2,547 260 75
Aug'st. 1,659 282 58 2,555 434 45 2,625 330 95 2,192 165 90 2,769 259 85
Sept.. 1,947 327 30 3,670 604 05 2,600 303 20 1,697 180 65 3,091 260 00
Oct... 1,922 356 65 2,779 430 55 2 687 349 65 2,054 202 00 2,903 313 65
Nov... 1,564 290 60 3,233 575 54 1866 262 70 1,632 179 10 2 556 253 88
Deo .. 1,471 264 85 1,970 3:4 65 1,664 237 50 1,243 130 65 2,284 255 60
From the business reported above we must deduct
For the year 1877, paid by county for 905 prescriptions $271 50
For the year 1878, paid by county for 1,932 prescriptions 579 60
For the year 1879, paid by county for 2,035 prescriptions 60750
Which makes the net business and expenses of this office
to be
For the year 1877, 24,321 prescriptions, costing $3,038 51
For the year 1878, 21,413 prescriptions, costing 1,660 65
For the year 1879, 25,875 prescriptions, costing 2,103 27
Respectfully,
LEWIS CASS,
Keeper City Dispensary.
HARBOR MASTER'S REPORT.
HARBOR MASTER'S OFFICE,
SAVANNAH, January 1, 1880.
Hon. John F. Wheaton, Mayor City of Savannah:
DEAR SIR : I have the honor to report that I have deposited
with the City Treasurer the sum of nine thousand three hun
dred and seventy-five dollars and five cents ($9,375.05),
amount of harbor fees collected for the past year, two hun
dred and fifty-seven dollars ($257) in excess of 1878. There
has been ample wharf room for all classes of vessels arriving
at this port. The amount of tonnage is seventeen thousand
one hundred and twenty-eight tons less than 1878. The total
amount of tonnage includes seven thousand and forty tons of
vessels engaged in inland navigation.
Annexed please find a tabulated monthly statement of
tonnage and fees.
84 MAYORS ANNUAL REPORT.
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REPORT OF QUARANTINE OFFICER.
QUARANTINE STATION,
December 29, 1879.
Hon. John F. Wheaton, Mayor :
DEAR SIR : I have the honor of presenting you below my
report for the past year :
The only case of serious disease that I have to report is
that of the Master of the May Morn, who came in February
21st, from the Island of Ruatan. After several days' detention
aboard his vessel, he was well enough to be removed to my
quarters (the hospital not being lined and without a stove),
where he soon so far recovered that I allowed him to go up
to the cityhis vessel, in the meantime, having been twice
fumigated for a space of twenty-four hours each, with an
interval of twenty-four hours between the fumigations, was
then allowed to go up.
No casualties are to be reported ; no deaths, and but few
cases of disease.
The work that your officer has been called upon to perform
has been multiplied manifold by the order to board all ves
sels coming in from all quarters. During four months this
required me to be constantly afloat, and the employment of
another boatman was found necessary.
Up to this writing I have boarded two hundred and five
vessels, of which forty-three have been fumigated and disin
fected.
The past year has been marked by no unusual meteorologi
cal disturbances, save a few days of severe cold in February,
and a northwester of twelve hours' duration of exceeding
violence (seventy-two miles an hour being reported to me as
the average speed of the wind by the weather officer at
Tybee.)
All of which is respectfully submitted.
J. A. HUGER, M. D.,
Quarantine Officer.
REPORT OF UNITED STATES ENGINEER.
UNITED STATES ENGINEER'S OFFICE,
SAVANNAH, GA., January 14, 1880.
Hon. J. F. Wheaton, Mayor of Savannah:
SIR : In reply to your letter of the December last, I
submit the following report, giving a general resume of the
works of improvement upon the Savannah river from January,
1879, to the first of the current month.
The following extract from my annual report to MajorGeneral Q. A. Gillmore, of the engineers in charge of this
work, for the fiscal year terminating June 30, 1879, is sub
mitted :
REPORT
Of the Operations of, and Progress made in, Improving >he
Navigation of the Savannah river, both Above and Below the
City of Savannah, during the last Eight Months of the Fiscal
Year.
* * * * * * ' #
" The principal work to which my attention was directed,
was the contract for the construction of a submerged dam at
the ' Cross Tides.'
" The contractor for this work did not arrive here until the
9th of November, and then only to remain a few days. He
did not again appear until the middle of December, and then
without appliances or mechanics for the execution of his
contract. * * * * His progress
from the first has been slow and feeble, and with the excep
tion of a slight exhibition of more activity, in March and
April, the work has dragged instead of being pushed by active
and efficient management.
" There has been laid down in the execution of this con
tract (553) five hundred and fifty-three feet of apron-mat
tresses and stone covering, leaving about one hundred and
eighty feet more to be laid to complete the submerged por-
MAYOR'S ANNUAL REPORT. 87
tion of the dam. No work has been done on the shore ends,
or that portion above mean low water. When the remaining
portion of the work will be completed by the contractor, I
am unable to conjecture. There has yet been no visible
effect produced by this incomplete work on the volume of
water discharged by front river. There can, however, be no
doubt as of the ultimate effect, and the increased volume of
water that will be discharged through front river when the
dam shall have been completed and that elevation given to
it that future experience shall fix as the proper one.
" Dredging, as a work auxiliary to this dam, in diverting
the water from back to front river, was commenced on the
first day of May by deepening a channel beginning near the
lower end of King's Island and continuing in nearly a straight
line along the Georgia (south) shore, to within about four
hundred yards (at this date) of the Central Railroad wharves,
where there is at present about twenty feet of water at low
tide. This channel, as stated above, deflects but a little from
a right line for the entire distance from King's Island to the
Central Railroad wharves, continuing along and within about
(100) one hundred yards of the Georgia shore.
" The old channel on the north side of Marsh Island, in
which considerable dredging has been done during the past
two or three years (I am informed), has decreased in depth
from ten to less than five feet.
" At King's Island this new channel connects with the deep
water channel on the north side of the island. With this
favorable location receiving the united waters from both sides
of King's Island, which includes that of the Cross Tides
river, and discharging into the deep water channel at the
Central Railroad wharves, we have every reason for believing
it will enable the new channel not only to maintain itself, but
to materially increase the water-way and the volume of water
that will be discharged by it, both at ebb and flood tides,
thereby largely increasing the volume of water in front of
the city of Savannah, and along the new ship channel to
Fort Jackson and at the ' wrecks.'
" The work of examining the channels and measuring the
distance between the islands, from Elba to Cockspur, forming
88 MAYOR'S ANNUAL REPORT.
together the broken shore line between the north and south
channels, was done in December, and a report, with the
estimated cost for closing the openings between them, was
submitted in that month.
" The river was gauged at four places during the month of
December, viz.: At two places near Dr. Reed's, between
Marsh and King's Islands, one hundred yards apart, and at
the Cross Tides above and below the new dam.
" Under your instructions of the 17th of March and 16th
of April, a very important work has been done already in
obtaining the volume of water discharged at both ebb and
flood tides, at the following places : Front River, between W.
H. Gibbon's house and Argyle Island (above Cross Tides);
at the Cross Tides river (below the dam); at Dr. Reed's
house, between Marsh and King's Islands ; Front and Back
rivers, across the lower end of Hutchinson's Island ; North
and South channels across Elba, and the middle of Spirit
Islands ; St. Augustine creek, and North and South channels,
across the upper end of Long Island.
" The leveling, which was suspended in May, will soon be
completed to Fort Pulaski, and across Cockspur to the Light
house wharf, where the work of observing the rate at which
the tidal wave is propagated, will be commenced, and, when
the desired information is obtained, it will be transmitted to
you."
In continuation of this report I may add that since the
first of July the work of improiing the navigation by perma
nently deepening the water way between the city and the sea,
has made fair progress ; not as much, however, as could
have been desired, and would have been realized, had the
Cross Tides dam been promptly completed as originally
designed. The dredging above and below the city hasin
connection with this dam at the Cross Tides, though late in
coming to its aidmanifestly increased the velocities of both
the flood and ebb tide currents in front of the city wharves,
as well as in the newly dredged channelsand this is espe
cially the case with the ebb tidal flow. Of course there has
been a corresponding increase in the volume of water voided
daily in front river. The amount of that increase will be
MAYOR'S ANNUAL REPORT. 89
ascertained definitely in a short time by a comparative
gauging of the river above the city.
The dredging done this year, commencing the first of
May, amounts to ninety-five thousand nine hundred and
eighty-five cubic yards. It was done by the American
Dredging Company, at the rate of fourteen and five-eighth
cents per cubic yard, the lowest rate ever paid here. The
effect of this, with other works of improvement referred to
above, has been to increase the available depth of water
about one foot in the shoalest places in the ship channel, at
the " wrecks," and at the "obstructions," besides adding con
siderably to the width of the " wrecks " channel. Vessels now
pass each other in this channel drawing nineteen (19) feet at
mean high water. This work of improvement will, no doubt,
now go on, until vessels laden with your valuable products,
or returning with their exchange cargoes, pass out from and
home again to your wharves, carrying a. draught of more
than (22) twenty-two feet.
Savannah seems destined, in the near future, to be the
great port and city of the South Atlantic seaboard. As
Georgia is the acknowledged Empire State of the South, why
should not her principal seaport be the commercial metropo
lis of the same ? Her facilities for doing a large commercial
business are ample, I may say, unsurpassed in the South.
Her interior connection with the West and Northwest are
already secured, and are of the most extensive character.
With the full depth of water from the sea to her wharves,
that it is now certain will be obtained in a short period of
time, there seems to be scarcely a limit to her future pros
perity and commercial greatness.
I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,
S. L. FREMONT,
United States Assistant Engineer.
90 MAYOR'S ANNUAL REPORT.
MORTUARY STATISTICS CITY OF SAVANNAHJANUARY 1 to DECEMBER 31, 1879.
WHITES. COLORED. TOTAL. TOT'L
Adults. Ch'd'n.l Adults. Ch'd'n-I
a
a;
"o
O
T3
DISEASES.
Sirt
s
Sirt

"rt
6
<u
-rts
Si
6L< S
"rt
S
tu
C T3
rt cj
QJ Si
.- o
Abscess i
i
3
i
i
8
i
i
17
3
i
3
i
I
6
2
3
2
16
I
2
2
I
I
2
I
14
4
2
I
I
I
3
i
i
2
I
I
2
I
12
2
I
2
4
4
I
I
5
4
I
I
2
I
4
2
3
7
4
I
2
2
I
8
'5
3
i
i
i
i
i
4
3
33
i
9
i
8
4
2
Abscess of brain
Abscess of spleen
Abscess of tonsil
I
.
I
2
3
2
3
4
2
I
I
4
I
I
I
I
I
6
Alcoholism 2
i 4
Apoplexy
Asthma
Asthma and heart disease . .
Ascites
IO 4
3
21
8
i
2
Asphyxia 2
Ataxia
Atelectasis pulnaonum .... i 1
4
I
I
1
2
I
Bilious fever and debility . .
Blood disordersyphilitic inf en
1
I
I
Bright's disease of kidneys . .
i
I I
2
9
18
Bronchitis and child birth . .
Bronchorrhoea
i
i
5
Cancer of liver i
Cancer of stomach
Cancer of womb
Carcinoma uteri i
i
i
i
Cardiac syncope
2 3
4
i
4
45
3
I
2
13
4
2
2
1
Catarrh
Catarrh fever
Cerebro spinal meningitis . . 1
7
i
5
I
I
5
I
I
I
Cholera morbus I
I
Chronic enteritis
Chronic gastritis
Chronic diarrhoea
Chronic dysentery . ; . . .
Chronic hepatitis
Chronic pneumonia
Colic
i
2
3
2
I
I
Congestion of brain
Congestion of lungs
3
I
i
i
3
i
i
2 13
8
MAYOR S ANNUAL REPORT. 91
MORTUARY STATISTICSJANUARY 1 TO DECEM
BER 31, 1879CONTINUED.
Congestion of spinal cord . .
Congestive chills
Congestive fever
Continued fever
Consumption
Convulsions
Contused wounds
Croup
Constitutional syphilis . . . .
Cyanosis
Cystitis
Death from hanging
Defective vitality
Dentition
Diarrhoea
Dysentery
Diphtheria
Dropsy
Dropsy of the heart . . . . , Drowned (accidental) . . . . Effect of a burn
Elephantiasis
Emphysema of lungs . . . . Endocarditis
Enteritis
Entero colitis ,
Epilepsy
Exposure and want . . . . , Fatty condition of heart . . .
Fever ,
Feeble vitality
Fracture of brain
Fracture of spinal column . . Gangrene of lungs
Gastric fever
Gastritis ,
Gastro-enteritis
General debility
General debility and jaundice
General dropsy
General prostration
Gunshot wound ,
Haematuria ,
Heart disease
Hemiplegia
Hemorrhage
Adults. Ch'd'n.
15
Adults. Ch'd'n.
L>
rt tu
I
I
20
2
72
86
6
I
i
i
i
2
2
16
3
43
5
2
13
I
I
I
3
13
6
2
1
2
4
5
1
1
1
2
4
2
3
1
1
t
3
1
10
1
2
92 MAYOR'S ANNUAL REPORT.
MORTUARY STATISTICSJANUARY 1 TO DECEM
BER 31, 1879CONTINUED.
WHITES. COLORED. TOTAL. TOT'L
Adults. Ch'd'n.! Adults. Ch'd'n.|
DISEASES. a S
c 0
rn in
rt-
u
s
rt
a
s
s
in
13
5
rt
e
1
Si 13
rt
S
,
v
Uk
'
S
O
"o
V
I
$
Hemorrhage after labor . . . I
Hemorrhage from cord . . . 1 I 2 2
Hemorrhage from stomach . . I I
Hemorrhage from lungs . . . 3 3
I 7 7
Hemorrhage from rectum . . I 1
Hydrocephalus 1 I
T 1 3
Hypertrophy of heart .... I 1
Idiopathic tetanus I
2
I
2
T
1
Inanition I 3
Infanticide 1
Inflammation of brain .... 1 I I 2
Inflammation of liver (acute) . 1 I 1
Incised wound of arm .... i I 1
Injuries (railroad) 2 2 2
Intermittent fever I I 5 7 7
Internal injuries I I 1
Intus-susception of bowels . . 1
1 1
Ileus 1
, 1
Jaundice 2 2 2
Lacerated wound of leg . . . I 1
Laryngitis I I 2 2
Laryngeal phthisis I - 1
Lencocythemia I . . 1 I 2
Leg ulcer and general debility . 1 I 1
Lockjaw J
3 3
,-4
4
Malarial fever - 4 2 3 '"" 2
- j
9
Marasmus X 6
'5
g
14
3
2
"fi 40
Measles i
3 3
j
1 1
Meningitis 12 15
Mitral insufficiency heart . . . 2 2
Murdered 2
1
2
Nervous shock in child birth . 1 2
Old age 5
i
4 7
1
5 1
Ovarian 12 tumor
Paralysis 3
fi 5
1
7
1
1
Paralysis of heart 1 ^ Paralysis from diphtheria . . 1
Perforating ulcer of bowels . . i 1 1
Peritoneal dropsy 1 , 1
Pertussis and malarial fever . i T 1
Pertussis and convulsions . . i 1
Phthisis 15 27
1
5 4 29 57
1
86
Phrenitis 1
MAYORS ANNUAL REPORT. 93
MORTUARY STATISTICSJANUARY 1 TO DECEM
BER 31, 1879CONTINUED.
WHITES. COLORED. TOTAL.
-i<
s
DISEASES.
Adul
13
3
ts.
Si 13
S
I
Ch'd
(A
oj
13s
3
n.
QJ
rt
s
2
Adul
13
s.
13
S
OJ
2
I
2
8
I
2
I
Ch'd
in
OJ
13s
I
5
2
2
I
n
Sirts
i
3
i
2
I
I
3
3
2
I
3
3
3
i
4
5
i
8
i
i
i
OJ
O
"o
CJ
4
I
2
I
2
8
8
2
<L>
^3 O
1)
Providential causes
Pleuro pneumonia
2
1
I
I
I
8
i
7
i
I
I
I 3
4 6
1
3
Puerperal convulsions
Puerperal Peritonitis ....
Remittent fever
Rheumatic endocardtiis . . .
Rheumatic inflammt'n of heart..
Rupture of intestines ....
4
i
i
i
8
i
16
i
3
i
i
IO I II
i
3
i
i
i
i
i
i
4
1
1
2
I
2
2
1
I
II
2
I
2
4
3
3
4
3
8
i
n
IO
IO
2
5
Senile bronchitis
Senile decay
2
1 I
3
4
2
I
I
i
i
1
1
Sequela; whooping cough . . .
Septicaemia
Shock after amputation of thigh
Softening of brain
1
3
I
I
4
3
Spasmodic asthma I
2
Starvation and general neglect..
Stricture of rectum
Sudeten death i
2
I
I
I
2
I
3
i
2
1
1 2
3
Syphilis of brain i
4
Tertiary syphilis
I
I
4
3
2
4
2
3
I
2
8
7
2
8
Traumatic erysipelas ....
Trismus
6
i
I
5
I
12
21
94 MAYOR'S ANNUAL REPORT.
MORTUARY STATISTICS-JANUARY 1 TO DECEM
BER 31, 1879CONTINUED.
WHITES. COLORED. TOTAL.
O
DISEASES.
Adu ts.
y?
QJ
s
OJ
Ch'd
IA
"rt
s
'n.
in
OJ
13
S
&
2
2
1
Ad
IA
OJ
"rt
s
2
1
1
137
5
142
ilts.
13
S
I
I
'
2
I
163
6
169
Ch'
Si 13
S
2
2
4
2
d'n
I
I
2
2
yi
a;
7
3
2
1
1
6
1
1
416
34
11
461
V
O
"O
u
4
2
3
9
1
4
1
686
44
75
805
T3
OJ
-0 S
So
Tubercular pneumonia . . .
Typhoid fever
Typhoid malarial fever . . .
Typhoid pneumonia ....
Ulceration of bowels ....
Ulceration of stomach . . .
4
2
I
I
I
I
I
1
1
n
3
4
4
1
Unknown 4
I
15
Uraemia
Varicose veins with hem'age. .
"Whooping cough
1
1
5
1
Total deaths in the city . . . 142 89 83 102 203 183
16 17
33 42
1,102
Brought dead to the city . . .
Still born infants
16 8 6
6
4
5
78
86
MAYORS ANNUAL REPORT. 95
AGES.
2 and
3 and
4 and
5
and
Under I year
Between I and
Between
Between
Between
Between
Between IO and
Between 20 and
Between 30 and
Between 40 and
Between 50 and
Between 60 and
Between 70 and
Between 80 and
Between 90 and
Over 100 years .
Unknown ages .
2 years .
3 years .
4 years .
5 years .
10 years .
20 years .
30 years .
40 years .
50 years ,
60 years
70 years
80 years
90 years
100 years
Total
Whites.
28
20
H
12
10
20
53
44
41
Colored.
416
54
26
26
14
22
43
75
64
43
23
25
19
13
3
686
Total.
1,102
PopulationWhites
PopulationColored
Total
Annual ratio per 1,000 whites .
Annual ratio per 1,000 colored
17,493
32,656
.23.8
45.2
WILLIAM DUNCAN, M. D.,
Chairman Health and Cemetery Committee.
96 MAYOR'S ANNUAL REPORT.
FOREIGN EXPORTS, PORT OF SAVANNAH1879.
ARTICLES. Quantity. Value.
Cotton, upland, bales 449,241 lbs.
Cotton, sea island, 580 bales lbs.
Naval stores
215,198,065
172,689
$21,929,951 00
44,451 00
307,694 00
Lumber, million feet
Timber, cubic feet
13,515,000
213,213
190,865 00
25,045 00
58,749 00
22,556,755 00
COASTWISE EXPORTS, PORT OF SAVANNAH1879.
Compiled by FRANK E. REBARER, Clerk of Council.
ARTICLES.
Cotton, upland, bales
Cotton, sea islands, bales
Cotton seed, tons
Cotton seed oil, barrels
Cotton seed cake, bags
Cotton seed meal, bags
Clay, casks
Domestics, bales
Empty barrels and kegs, number . . .
Fruit, packages
Furniture, packages
Fish, casks
Gold ore, bags
Hides, bundles
Lumber, superficial feet
Leather, undressed, bundles ....
Merchandise, miscellaneous, packages
Moss, bales
Melons, number
Old iron, tons
Paper stock, bales
Rice, casks
Rice, rough, bags
Rice chaff, bags
Rice flour, bags
Rosin, barrels
Spirits turpentine, barrels
Syrup, hogsheads
Sugar, barrels
Shingles, number
Turtles, number
Timber, superficial feet
Vegetables, packages
Warps, bales
Wool, bales
Quantity.
33
291,904
9,794
10
i,53i
3,269
18,570
2,476
23,538
10,896
49,576
300
63'
27
7,127
.897,576
238
41,680
214
io7,373
4,594
2,207
16,745
8,758
4,59!
3,000
96,706
5,427
171
26
650,157
566
=,247,749
82,030
1,324
3,368
Value.
Total
#'4,595>2oo 00
783,520 00
220 00
35,641 10
141 00
324 00
37,140 00
2,118,420 00
5,448 00
148,728 00
900 00
12,620 00
685 00
249,445 00
440,668 48
5,950 00
833,600 00
3,210 00
io,737 3
114,650 00
33,IO
5 00
66,202 65
25,398 20
459 10
3,000 00
29,978 86
99,856 80
8,208 00
403 00
i,95o,47i 00
1,698 00
202,297 40
246,090 00
66,200 00
292,600 00
#22,423,315 89
MAYOR'S ANNUAL REPORT. 97
IMPORTS, PORT OF SAVANNAH1879.
ARTICLES. Quantity. Value.
Salt, pounds
Coffee, pounds
Malt liquors, gallons
15,775,052
2,932,751
180
3,349
$24,575 00
308,013 00
129 00
6,199 00
Earthenware . .... 3,0^0 00
Merchandise of American production returned
All manufactures of iron and steel
3,652 00
2,854 00
3,3" oo
14,647 00
1,563 00
' 6,825 0
3,964 00
Wine, gallons
Guano, and other fertilizing substances, tons .
1,098
1,109
Fruits of all kinds ... ...
Total value $378,782 00
Duties on imports . $27,778 73.
TONNAGE OF THE PORT OF SAVANNAH1879.
VESSELS ENTERED AND CLEARED AT CUSTOM HOUSE.
VESSELS. Tonnage. Men.
American vessels entered
American vessels cleared
Foreign vessels entered
Foreign vessels cleared
21,994
24,891
198,040
156,470
439
497
3,96o
3,129
Total foreign . 401,395 8,025
Coastwise arrivals 411,794
442,734
8,235
8,834
854,528
401,395
17,069
8,025
Total
Add tonnage of coastwise vessels not cleared
1,255,923
513,229
25,094
10,264
1,769,142 35,358
98 MAYOR'S ANNUAL REPORT.
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METEOROLOGICAL SUMMARY.
1879.
January
February
March
April
May
June .
July August
September
October .
November
December
BAROMETER.
30.206
30-151
30.150
30.036
30.052
30.056
30.046
30.009
30.100
S
0
-
1
39
30.222
30.203
TELEGRAPHIC OBSERVATIONS.
Corrected for temper
ature, instrumental
error, and elevation.
30.232
30-165
30.180
30.067
30-075
30.084
30.067
30.032
30.116
30.164
30.246
30.227
30.176
30.119
30.106
29.982
30.014
30.021
30.010
29-975
30.070
30.110
30.1
30.166
Mid
night.
30.216
30.166
30.I47
30.038
30-051
30.057
30.048
30.008
30.104
30-I33
30.222
30.204
Sums . . 361.370 361.655 360.935 361.394 360.537 359.845 360.2
Annual means 30.114 30.138 30.078' 30.116 30.045 29.987 30.024
Corrected for temper
ature and instrumen
tal error only.
30-I35
30.068
30.086
29-973
29.983
29.994
29.977
29.942
30.025
30.072
30.151
30-131
Mid
night.
30.081
30.024
30.014
29.892
29.928
29.932
29.922
29.886
29.980
30.019
30.094
30-073
30.120
30.070
30-053
29.945
29.960
29.967
29.959
29.918
30.013
30.041
30.128
30.109
0
G
CJ OJ u
fc/D *z !e
B X Q
30.558 29.809 749
30.555 29.794 .761
30.587 29.408 .1-179
30.473 29.568 905
30.374 29.804 .570
30.271 29.787 .484
30.285 29.746 539
30.237 29.760 477
30.321 29.854 .467
30.577 29-853 724
30.482 29.886 596
30.418 29.732 .686
365-138 357.001 8-137
THERMOMETER.
5i-7
51-5
61.8
65.1
73-7
79.2
83.6
79.8
74.2
70-5
59-8
58.6
TELEGRAPHIC
OBSERVATIONS.
45-9
46-3
56.0
61.4
71.7
78.7
82.3
78.2
7i-3
67.6
54-3
51.6
809.51765.3 872.3
67.5! 63.8 72.7
Mid
night.
57-2
57-o
68.2
7i-5
78.7
83-5
87.1
83-9
78.5
73-7
66.8
66.2
50.7
50-7
60.4
62.9
7i-5
76.6
81.0
77-5
72.4
69.4
58.1
57-6
65-7
s S
e
B s
X 3 *
g Q
80 24 56
74 31 43
85 38 47
84 39 45
89 57 32
96 61 35
105 69 36
97 63 34
90 55 35
86 43 43
81 33 48
76 33 43
1043 546 497
SJ^.
68.3
63-9
67.0
61.6
67.7
67-5
69.5
74.6
76.6
79.8
69.0
74-7
840.2
70.0
WIND.
0
N W
N
SW
s
s
s
s
s
N EN E
N
S
NUMBER OF MILES.
1,407
1,319
1,886
2,070
1,883
i,479
1,592
1,452
1,626
1,820
1,407
i,i35
19,076
1589.7
<
NO
1,223
1,272
1,508
1,441
I,404
1,094
I,l67
1,220
',339
i,497
1,211
849
15,225
1268.7
4,648
4,632
5,85i
5,905
5,578
4,161
4,437
4,3! 9
4,690
5,525
4,373
3,5oo
57,6i9 323
4801.6 26.9
26
26
39
29
30
23
26
27
27
26
24
20
fi a
S a t
gC/3T!
<
1.00
3.22
i-55
8.69
3-o5
5.86
4.29
5.10
5-54
3-87
2.46
45-:
3.8
a is"
r O
_ C/3
a
135
11.2
GENERAL REMARKS.
January Great range in temperature. Frost on 10th. Lunar halo on 10th. High barometer. Small rainfall.
February High barometer. Frost on 10th. Lunar halo, 2d. Highest wind on 1st. Heavy rain, thunder and lightning, 18th. Large rainfall.
March , . . Great range in barometer. No frost. Lunar halo on 5th. Small rainfall. Great quantity of haze and smoke.
April No halo. Frost reported in country on the 4th. 6.11 inches of rain fell in 19^ hours, commencing 3.31 p. M. 16th.
May Solar halo, 31st. Small range'in barometer. The maximum temperature for May is the lowest on record. Rainfall exceeds any May since 1875.
June Solar halo on 22d and 23rd. Small range in barometer on 8th. 3.18 inches rain fell in 5^ hours. Slight deficiency in rainfall.
July Solar halo on 16th. Lunar halo, 30th. The 12th was the hottest day on record in Savannah. A deficiency in rainfall.
August Lunar halo, 3rd. Small range in barometer. Highest wind 27 miles on the 8th. Deficiency in rainfall.
September High barometer. Rainfall 1.66 inches less than September, 1878. 3.75 inches fell on 19th to 22d, inclu.ively.
October Lunar halo on 3rd and 25th. The highest mean barometer for October on the records of the office.
November Lunar halo, 27th and 28th. Solar halo, 5th, 6th and 29th. Frost on 20th, 21st, 22d and 23rd. Ice on 21st. Frost reported in country, 4th.
December Lunar halo, 19th. Solar halo, nth. Frost, 17th and 27th. Small rainfall. Least movement of the atmosphere for Decembei on record, .03 inches fog-fall on A. M. of December 8th.
STATIONSAVANNAH, GA.
PETER C. GUTHRIE,
Sergeant Signal Corps, U. S. A.

NAMES OF MAYOR AND ALDERMEN
FOR 1879-'80.
MAYOR,
JOHN F. WHEATON.
CHAIRMAN OF COUNCIL,
ELIAS A. WEIL.
VICE-CHAIRMAN OF COUNCIL,
HENEY F. WILLINK.
ALDERMEN:
1. ELIAS A. WEIL. 7. DANIEL O'CONNOE.
2. HENEY F. WILLINK. 8. EDWAED LOVELL.
3. JOHN E. HAMLET. 9. THOS. BALLANTYNE.
4. JOHN SCHWAEZ. 10. GEOEGE C. FEEEMAN.
5. WM. DUNCAN, M. D. 11. HENEY BLUN.
6. DANIEL G. PUESE. 12. L. H. DEMONTMOLLIN.
STANDING COMMITTERS OF COUNCIL.
AccountsAldermen Freemau, Weil, DeMontmollin.
Docks and WharvesAldermen Willink, O'Connor, Blun.
Dry CultureAldermen Weil, Freeman, Purse.
EducationAldermen Duncan, DeMontmollin, O'Connor.
FinanceAldermen Purse, Freeman, Blun, Weil, Duncan.
FireAldermen Willink, Lovell, Hamlet.
GasAldermen Blun, Ballantyne, Purse.
Health and (Jemetei yAldermen Duncan, Schwarz, Lovell.
JailAldermen Schwarz, Weil, O'Connor.
MarketAldermen Lovell, Schwarz, Willink. *
PoliceAldermen Willink, DeMontmollin, Blun.
Public BuildingsAldermen O'Connor, Hamlet, Ballantyne.
Public Sales and City LotsAldermen DeMontmollin, Wil
link, Hamlet.
PumpsAldermen Ballantyne, DeMontmollin, Schwarz.
Streets and LanesAldermen Hamlet, Ballantyne, Lovell,
Freeman.
Water WorksAldermen Blun, Duncan, Weil.
COMMISSIONEES OF WATEE WOEKS.
AldermenGeorge C. Freeman and Henry Blun.
CitizensF. M. Hull, D. C. Bacon and E. J. Acosta, Jr.
COMMISSIONEES OF EDUCATION.
William Duncan, M. D. H. S. Haines.

Locations