It will be seen from the foregoing tables that Montgomery stands first in the list, the annual death rate being only 9.50 per 1,000 of the white population, 18 per 1,000 of the colored population, and 13 per 1,000 of both races. It is from these facts, representing as they do, the vital changes of a people, that values of health are obtained. Hence they are not only priceless to us as citizens, but to representatives of our own and of foreign countries, who, with their families, design making this city their home. These ask and expect what we hope to give them, namely, immunity and protection from all influences prejudicial to health.
It would be well, just here, perhaps, to answer the many questions put to us about the location, general appearance and sanitary advantages claimed for Montgomery. This may be done by the following simple illustration. Take an ordinary soup dish. Cut out one third of the rim, and place the cut surface due north, and you have the city in miniature. Explanation: The bottom of the dish represents the business or commercial center; the rim the hills. From this flat, containing about eighty acres, the ascent is gradual to the crest or water shed. Back of this is a sweep of green, undulating country, which Nature seems wisely to have placed there for the free and unobstructed outlet of storm waste and surface accumulations. Extending from this water shed to the river, is a net-work of large underground water mains and conduits, of sufficient capacity and strength to resist the pressure of the tons of water that flow through them at every heavy rain fall, thus carrying off the debris, closet refuse and other matters to be wasted in the Alabama river. The Waring system of sewerage is now being added to that already in operation. When completed, the drainage of our city will be as perfect as human ingenuity can make it. These natural advantages, aided and controlled by a liberal government and a wise, energetic Health Board, will ever render Montgomery a charming and safe resort for the tourist, and a home for the invalid. How can this be otherwise when Nature has bestowed upon us this gift of position, and invested our city with broad avenues, shaded by endless lines of the water oak, elm and maple. These give charm to our parks and add beauty and attractiveness to the many handsome public buildings and private residences to be seen on every hand.
Apart from these attractive features, and above price, is our exhaustless supply of pure artesian water. Its constitution, source and chemically pure composition bear directly and remotely upon the sickness and death rate of our people. That many disorders, some of grave character, are justly due to contagion contained in the water we drink, is an established fact; and we should know this when the question of choosing a home is under consideration.
Again, Montgomery is wholly exempt from those wasting blizzards, cyclones and storms so destructive to life and property in other sections of the country. Such are unknown here, whilst around us, yearly visitations of wind storms are common. No disease, especially of epidemic kind, as small-pox, cholera, diphtheria, etc., takes hold here, and we do not dread them. As a
WINTER RESORT,
Montgomery has superior advantages. Our mild winter, our clean bills of health, hotel accommodations, churches, schools, and domestic help—the least annoying of any in the world—are some of the many advantages offered to those in quest of health and homes.
