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14
the absolute and proportional number of deaths during the successive
years which have been passed under the administration of the Metropolis

The steady and marked progression towards a high health-standard displayedinthis
table, cannot fail to be exceedingly gratifying. That this improvement
of the health of the community has been achieved in the face of
the accumulating difficulties arising from a rapidly enlarging population, is
the most convincing proof of the energy and efficiency with which the
sanitary administration of the district has been carried on by the Vestry.
Had the mortality continued during the last three years at the rate which
it had previously maintained, namely, of 1 death out of every 35 persons
living, not 9072 persons but 10901 would have perished. To have saved
1829 lives, in three years, in all human probability by the steady application
of hygienic measures, is a striking and encouraging fact. To have
effected this saving of human life might well justify an extraordinary
expenditure of money. But if it be shown, as I believe it may, that it
has not involved any extraordinary expenditure, and that in various
directions, to say nothing of increased comfort, and greater enjoyment of
life, a greater productiveness of wealth has been created or fostered, the
most sceptical must admit that a vigorous sanitary administration is not
only a high moral duty, but also one that recommends itself on political
and economical principles.
The Mortality of 1860.—I will now make a summary analysis of the
causes of death in 1800. Small-Pox, which raged so severely in 1859,