Evening Republican, Volume 22, Number 259, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 27 October 1919 — Page 2

“FLU” EPIDEMIC WILL BE MILDER

If There Is Recurrence It Will Not Be as Severe as Last Winter. If revious Attack Brings Immunity in Percentage of Cases—Enforcement and Avoid- - ---- - ‘ of Personal Contact Necessary Precautions. Public 'ReaftW Service.)

■ Probably, but 1h uo'ineans ret- ; ’ tainly, there will be a recurrence 1 i of lhe influenza epidemic Ibis ; ; year. - . j ; Indication* are. that should ; ! It occur, It will not be as severe i ’ as the pandemic of the previous ; ; winter.* i 1 City officials, state and city i ! boards of health, should be pre- ; pared in the event of a recur- ; ’ rerice. ! The fact that n previous at- ■ > tack brings immunity in a cer- ] tain percentage of cases should 1 : allay fear on the part of those ■ ; afflicted In the previous ephlem-T : ic. ■ Influenza is spread by direct ■ > and Indirect contact. 1 —ls ftTIMM has been isolated. or discovered. - 1 and as a consequence there is ; yW. no positixe preventive, ex ‘ eept the enforcement of rigid i rules of sanitation and the avoid- ; ance of personal contact. ! A close relation between the I ' influenza pandemic and the con- ■ stantly increasing pneumonia ; ; mortality rate prior to the fall ! of 1918 is recognized. ■ It is now believed that the di* ; ; ease was pretty widely dissent- 1 ‘ Inated throughout the country i ■ before’ it was recognized in its ; ; epidemic state. This failure to ; - recognize the early eases appears i ■ to-haxe been largely due to the ; ; fact that every interest was then J [ centered on The - war

Above are the important facts developed by the United States health service after a careful survey and investigation of the influenza pandemic of 1918-1919, carried on In every state and Important city, and even in foreign countries. No one of the many experts of the service would make a more positive . Will there be a recurrence? All agreed, however, that a recurrence was not unlikely, and in the face of the known facts, that it would be wlse_to be prepared. more with a view of being on the safe side than actually anticipating danger. The following excerpts from the government report are published for the benefit of the public and health officers in the hope that this will serve to set at rest the daily publication in the tiewspapers of statements, which ; *>h one hand ,are catcuhiieiTTWlirilTho I alarm. Contrary to the opinion expressed <req nonily dnrinc the ear!v weeks of last year's pandemic by a number of observers, the studies of the United States public health service indicate that the epidemic was not if fresh importation from abroad. Careful study I of the mortality statistics of the Uni- 1 ted States shows that there were a number of extensive Though mild fore- : runners of the pandemic during the j previous three or four years. The epidemic was generally of a mild type and has since been almost forgotten. It occasioned, hpwever. a noticeable Rise ,in Mortality. In the spring of 1918 there was another sharp rise in the mortality rate from pneumonia. In the larger cities of the Atlantic seaboard these increases occurred during January. February tand March. In the rest of the country, especially the central and western states, the increases occurred in April, a month during which pneumonift mortality is generally on the decline. jTbis increase was sufficient to indicate a strong departure from the normal. The increased mortality rate expended into May and in some areas longer.

This occurrence has, it is believed, a definite significance in relation to :the influenza epidemic. In the United iStates in the spring of 1918. a ni'm- * her of definite local outbreaks of influenza were observed: The rise in mortality from pneumonia. this very similar type of disease. In<he spring of 1918 is so sudden, so Smarted and so general throughout the United States as to point very clearly >0 a definite relation. Everything inidicatas that the increased mortality .from pneumonia In March and April iof 1918 was the consequence of d beginning and largely unnoticed epidemic of influenza, the beginning in this jcountry of the pandemic which develjoped in the autumn of that sear. ’ In the British cities the epidemic (manifested three distinct waves—the

1 first and slightest in point of mortality occurring In June hud July, the ’ second and most severe in November, i the third Tn February and March, [ Data. which Deed not be cited here in : detail, indicate that the course of the ;■ epidemic in west tpfi • Europt*~genern By -was s ImiTier. TiFtfrw IDTTeiT Sti» I esthe ■ epliieiqjc devtdiipi'.d luorelargcly-to a single wave during September, Ocj tuber find November. *i*he - pFovati?fiiib-ofmscrnuisf epiffenu ic ofDillueuza was first recognized in and arpund—Boston—Ln—September of mis. \\ iihOTUTw s k wii ypn»iral in the AtlAntin developing a lit tle la ter among cities fur-tti-m ally attacked DlmewDat later "than large interest * in the same siMlonx. Tn 'the cities east of the line of the Appalachians the excess mortality from pneiimonifi and influenza during the weeks ended September 14. 1918, to March 1, 1919, was approximately ■I.C per 1.099; In cities between the Itoiky mountains and the Appalachians 4.35; and In those of the Pacific Coast 5.5 u per 1.000. Concerning the important question of immunity conferred by an attack of influenza, the evidence is not conclusive. but there is reason to believe that an attack during the eftrlier stages of the epidemic confers a considerable, but not absolute immunity in the later outbreaks. Transmitted by Contact. In gcnvrsrt the pandemic <»f influenza was largely similar to that of 1889-90 In Its development, first a mild form, dfftwr-vm a severe world wide ppidemic,'.Ln of and Its high case Incidence. It has however beentietab.ly-different In a much hlgher mortality, especially among young adults. Such evidence aS\DXffS“been gathered confirms the conclusion previously reached that it is transmitted directly and indirectly by contact. It appears, prbbable, however, that the infection was already widely disseminated In this country sometime before a serious epidemic was recognized. Despite the fact that there is still some uncertainty as to the nature of the micro-organism causing pandemic influenza, one thing is certain, that the dis-ease is eotnmuntcable from per■akfltr** t(T"’person. Moreover, ’judging’ • from experience In other diseases, it is prolTabre'TTtaf the germ, whateverits nature, is carried about not only by those'who are 411 with influenza, but by persons who may be entirely -well. Everything whleh iricreases-per-sonal contact, therefore, should be regarded as a factor in spreading influenza. Much nas heard hist winter of the use of face masks. Though the use of suitnhly c<>nstrueted tim sks will r educe, the interchange of respiratory germs

MUSIC COURSES FOR AMERICANS

France Establishes Summer Conservatory in Palace of Fontainebleau; sasses^— .Hi : SUGGESTED BY BANDMASTER School Will Be Conducted for Benefit of Students of Both -Sexes Who Have Been Studying at American Conservatories. Paris. —An American conservatory of music soon will be established at Fontainebleau as the result of the action of the Fontainebleau municipal council, which voted a subvention of 190.000 francs for the creation of the TVurduy Mr. Francis Casadesus, prescient and -conductor of the Paris orchestra,Dand the French minister of public instruction has set aside for the school' the Louis XV wing of the national palace of Fontainebleau. It will be a summer school and the first session will begin July 1, 1920. Mr. Casadesus spent seven months at Chaumont, the American headquar- ; ters of the A. E. F., teaching, instrumentation at the American army bandmasters' and musicians’ school created by Walter Dainrosch at the request of-General Pershing.

Suggested by Casadesus. Mr. Casadesus first conceived the Idea of the school after the American school at Chaumont completed its work. He planned to place the courses of the National Conservatory of Music in Paris at the disposal of the Americans. His friends discouraged the ideg on the theory that Paris, with all its attractions, was not the proper place to study music, as the temptations to waste time were too many for students. Following a recent meeting .between Mr. Casadesus and Mr. Fragnaud, subprefect of Fontainebleau and a great lover of music, the historic place, was selected. The municipal council unanimously voted the 100,000 francs, which will be added to by French donations to be expended for proper lodging and board facilities.

THE EVENING REPUBLICAN, RENSSEIM.ER, IND.

' through Inhalation, It must be remem- | bered that there ure jnany other path* |_W <eemti are fransniltteS I from person to pension. Soiled hands, ' common drinking cups, improperly I ( leaned eating and drinking utenslla .In restaurants, soda fountains, etc M | roller towels, infected food —these are I only a-few of the common vehicles ' of germ transmission. The use of face \ masks appears to make people neglect ! these other paths of infection, and so ■ tlic use of face masks has no’ beerr I attended with the success predicted ’ for them. If we would be more suc- . eessful in cr»mbnting inflnehza greats [-er atieiitimi must be patrFtTj the TffcThe (piestion of most practical and 1 Jtnmedfate IntoresF is probability to-TEtunTEuce nx“ i curreaees are characteristic oT lnlhi-. ■ last pfimU'l'nic aml privlous (iiies [would scorn t(. taint, XQ t.he_coߣ4uslon ■ 11 mt this one ha* not yet run Jja fall ! this ‘*i»ldemlc has already shown three more or less dimmer ptm<es and has been more severe, at least in mortality, than the three-year epidemic of 1889-92. facts which justify’ the hope, though not the condusion, that it has run its course already. Recurrence Is Likely. jt seems probable, however, that we may expect at least local recurrences in the near future, with an increase over the nonnal mortality from pneumonia for perhaps several years; and certainly we should be, as far ?s possible, prepared to meet them by previous organization of forces and measures for attempted prevention, treatment. and scientific investigation. There should be no repetition of the extensive suffering and distress which accompanied last' year's pandemic. Communities should make plans now for dealing with any recurrence of the -epideniic; —The prompt recognition ofthe early cases and tiieir effective isolatlon should be auued at. In this connection. attention is called to fae fact that the cases may appear to be just orillna ry colds. A’ * recent exteneive outbreak of what were regarded as "s u mmer colfls” In I’eoria, Illlnols, proved on investigation to be an epidemic of a mild type of influenza. Experience indicates that these mild epidemics are often the starting points of more severe visitations. Hence every effort should be made to discover as early as possible any unusual prevalence of “colds.” For municipalities operating on a budget basis. It is important that all delay In providing the necessary finan?ial sxipfiort to The health authorities in dealing with a recurrence of the epidemic WavtThTeTTyDgftlng-aslde an. emergency epidemic fund. This may prove of the greatest value in carrying out important preventive measures in tiie early days of the epidemic, nt a time when their beneficial effect is greatest. The most promising way to deal with a possible recurrence of the influenza epidemic is. to sum it up in a single word, “Preparedness.” And now it is the time to prepare.

The school will be conducted for the benefit of students of both sexes who have been stpdying at American i l .'.nod who sire to perfect their studies in France sors will be those of the staff of the National Conservatory of Music in Paris, and students will be able. through conipetitioik to get high French awards equivalent to those given at the Taris conservatory. The courses will last three months —July. August and September—and will include musical composition, harmony, orchestra leading, counterpoint and fugue, organ, piano, violin, violincello. voice and harp. Students it? those courses may also enter competition for the Paris grand prize for musical composition. Competition Every Year. those pupils who have followed the course in a musical composition and have passed rigid tests will be eligible. The trials will last six days. The rilles of the Paris conservatory, which are most severe, will be rigorously enforced. The' definite admission to the competition will be given October 2, and the selection of competitors will begin on October 5 During that time the contestants will not be allowed to see or communicate with any one. They will be rigorously Isolated and their correspondence will be -opened. The' work demanded will be one of the following: An allegro for symphony. a symphonic poem, a cantata for three voices and orchestra, a sonata for violin and piano or for violincellp and piano. The hearing .of jtbe compositions will be held In the concert hall of the Paris conservatory in December. At the end of the hearing, which will be open to the public. the awards will be made. Tuition for the summer school will be $64 a month. The school will be able to furnish room and board for 200 students at from S7O to $75 a fijonth. An additional 100 students c&n be accommodated ,-on condition that they find their own living arrangements. A course in musical history will be obligatory, but all other courses may be followed according tc choice, c ‘

CARRANZA PRESIDES AT OPENING OF MEXICAN CONGRESS

Opening of regular session of Mexican congress at night, showing President Carranza presiding.

Inventor of “Big Bertha” Is Insane

Ghosts of Victims of Huge Gun Have Unseated His Reason. SUCCESS BRINGS REMORSE Men Whose Minds Failed to Bt£nd Up Under Strain and Horrors of War His Only Companions. Berlin.—The inventor of the “Big Bertha,” which first shelled Paris on March 23, 1918, from a distance of nearly 80 miles, now is an inmate of the German state asylum In Andernach. Men whose minds failed to stand up under the strain and horrors of war are his only companions. The inventor does not associate with the other Inmates. At rare intervals he speaks with the doctors or nurses jn the hospital, but then only a few words. But once when an American soldier entered, the German’s face lighted up like that of a child with a new toy. To the astonishment of the hospital attendants he at once approached the visitor and began to converse with him in English. As he talked his interest In the young American seemed almost pathetic. He asked of America, America’s part in the war, what America expected to do with Germany, and particularly was anxious to learn what America (bought of the German air raids during the war and the bombardment Paris by the “Big Bertha.” Tells Story of Life. Then, as if afraid that the young soldier from overseas was about to sentence him to some horrible punishment, he suddenly began to tell the story of his own life. As a young man he had studied at the greatest universities in Germany. Chemistry and mechanics had been

Sight Large Sea Serpent; Immune to Bullets.

Reno, Nev. —Doubt not the an- 1 thenticity of this.-for-the went dry long since. ■> ' ’"'l Four hunters report a sea ser- < pent 25 feet long in Yuramid < Lake, largest fresh water body ; west of the- Great Lakes. It has ! huge fins and a serpent’s tail, < comes to the surface of the wa- ; ter and its hide is impregnable 1 to bullets. " ; The hunters who shot the an- ; imwl hut who report it dived pf- 1 Neff, Mike Nagy, W. J. Neff and : M. Gent. They were camping on ; ’he shore of the lake when the ! monster was first sighted, they ! said.

Take Yanks About

Y. M. C. A. Conducts Sightseeing Tours Through France. lBattlefields and Castles of Leading Interest After Paris Haa Been Seen. Chantilly. France.—The progress of the sightseeing doughboy through France, after he gets through with battle fronts, is from one beautiful spot to another. Of course, the battle fronts come first, and the Y. M. C. A. trips to Cbateau-Thierry, Belleau Wood. Rhelms, Soissons and the Che-mln-des-Dames are so popular that the boys have to draw tots every day for the coveted free tickets, as only 100 persons can be taken on each trip. But all the other trips the Y. M. C. A. has arranged for American soldiers and sailors axe studies in beauty and

his favorite subjects, and in* these he showed great aptitude. As was natural in Germany at that time, his researches soon took him into the field of perfecting weapons of war. His work in this llne attracted the attention of his government. They gave him every opportunity for study. He was sent to England,—America—and. France. In those places he studied atcTose range the guns tised by the armies, flie chemical composition of explosives and the methods of manufacturing great shells. When he returned to Germany he was given stock in the Krupp works, at Essen. ing by his studies and what he had learned in other lands, this man set about to develop what would eventually be the mightiest cannon in the world. Then came August, 1914, and the war. According to the inventor, his efforts were redoubled. The big guns, which destroyed the forts of Belgium, were not sufficient. For years, the inventor said, he hah dreamed and planned a weapon that would reach and wffen-’the war eame he, together with the greatest scientist of Germany, began working upon the cannon. Success Brought Only Remorse. In the spring of 1918, the inventor said, they believed their plan had been accomplished. The great gun was finished and moved to a spot in the lines from which its shells could reach Taris. Finally came the day

Rat Health Menace

Costs the United States SIBO,000,000 a Year for Support. Public Health Service Urges That Measures Be Taken to Destroy Them. Wnsbingfr*"*—You P a y onfehalf. of_ one cent every day for the support cording~to Hgures 'compiled' by the United States public health service. There is one rat, at least, for- every person in the United States. This estimate is considered conservative, but coincides with-that for Great Britain and Ireland, and also with authoritative figures for Denmark, France and Germany. The annual upkeep per rodent was computed by the same authorities as SI.BO in Great Britain, $1.20 in Denmark and $1 in France. The depredations in this country will very probably exceed the estimate for Great Britain. One-half a cent a day is considered conservative, tiut even -on this com put a tlon, it costs th e Un 1 port its rat population. It is because of this terrific economic loss, and the additional fact are a constant menace to the public health that the public health service has issued a warning to the country to

art and history amid pleasures and palaces, and the eagerness and Intelligence with which the boys go on these expeditions is plain evidence of their essential soundness of heart arid mind. The first day, as a rule, the boys get aboard the big!“Y” sightseeing automobiles and see' Paris. Then they go by special train to the palaces of Versailles, Fontainebleau, Malmaison and St. Germain. Next they come bhck to Paris and spend a day in the Louvre. And then those still keen for palaces are invited to take another trip to tlie jewel of them all. the famous chateau of the Condes and Montmorencys at Chantilly. Thousands of American soldiers have visited Chantilly this year and have learned something of a place which many wealthy tourists overlooked. Indeed, though many Americans visited "Chantilly in years before the v.’kr, a

Burn Home When Trying to Exterminate Squirrel.

Chico, Cal. —Fully prepared to write a testimonial to the destroying qualities of a squirrel : exterminator, Mr. and Mrs. D. ' Hurspeth here mourn the loss ; of their home today. Here’s how it happened: A squirrel had tunneled under ; their home and the exterminator ; was purchased. It was poured : into the hole, but it was an in- '■ flammable liquid. An oil tank : and smudge pots... caught fire : and the house burned to the ; ground. , It is not known what happened ’ to the squirrel.

when it was fired on Paris for the first time? Apparently it was a success. For a few days all Germany celebrated, the inventor said. For him, however, this joy was shortlived. Hardly had the celebration ended when the allies seemed to take on a new lease on life. Instead of discouraging them the great gun apjfeared to have driven them to greater - efforts. “Then came the stories of the safe: ferings caused by the gun,” the inventor‘said. “Instead of killing soldiers we had murdered women and children. My nights became sleepless. When I did drop into a doze my dreams were terrible. I became sick with the thoughts of my work. I lost weight. .1 could not face my family, and the sight of women and children on the street made me faint. Then something snapped.”

I take the necessary measures to destroy them. There are three kinds of rats inclufled in the survey in this Country—the Norway or broWn rat, the black rat, and Alexandrian rat. The Norway rat. larger and more ferocious than the others, has pretty generally killed them off, and today the black rat and, the Alexandrian rat foupd except in seaports. ~ discovered America, has literally blazed a trail across the continent. Today it Is conservatively estimated that there are at leasts one rat for every dweller in the cities, and on the farm there least three rats for every person. Of many measures suggested for de-' stroying the rat, the public health service advocates one as most effective. It is rat-proofing the buildings so that rats cannot get in for food, thereby starring them to death. ’ A. - __

Snake Kills Cow.

Waynesborough, Pa. —George Woodrlng, tenant on the Stone farm south W.v-v-r telVWgh r s -test-<ww ■ as the result of the creature being bitten by a large copperhead snake. Notwithstanding that a veterinary surgeon from Waynesborough was summoned, he could not remove the effects of the poison.

large percentage of them saw only the race course and never visited the chateau. Yet many experts hold that though a number of other museums outrank it in size, nowhere in the world —not excepting the Louvre—is there a more exquisite* collection of objects of art.

Wants to Change Absurd Name.

- New York. —Justice Callahan, tn the supreme court, has reserved decision in the application of Leon Abouta Beekh to change his name to Leon Atallah. Abouta Beekh said he was born in Damascus, Syria, February 10, 1877, arid has three children. *The name Abouta Beekh, he said, means “father of cooking," and is so absurd that It has all his life subjected him to ridicule, . De said he did not want his children to suffer ridicule. «

Bathes in Well; Regains Sight

London.—Almost blind since September, 1015, Joseph Culshaw, ex-sol-, j dler, bathed several times In St. Winifred’s well, North Wales, and has re, covered his sight, he says.