The midnight hold-up attacks were growing in frequency and in boldness.

Along with all the rest, the sickness in the tenement district had assumed the nature of an epidemic of fever, clearly caused by the lack of sanitary regulations, imperfect drainage, and crowding of families.

Clearly the condition of matters was growing serious.
At this time the minsters[sic] of different churches in Milton held a meeting to determine on a course of action that would relieve some of the distress.

Various plans were submitted.

Some proposed districting the town to ascertain the number of needly[sic] families.