New-York tribune., 1903-01-25

sfoner Reynolds in a recent statement asserted
that since 1900 pneumonia has been the cause
Of more than one-eighth Of all the deaths IN
Chicago. 1t has killed one-third more persons
than consurptiop has and IS per cent more
than all other contagious and infectious dis
eases combined. including diphtheria, typnolo
fever and smallpox The total deaths from m
fectious diseases were 4.4o9. while the deaths
from pneumonia numbered 6,562- During the
first seventeen days Of this year, out Of total
Of 1876 deaths. 800 were from pneumonia.
which was an increase Of nearly one-th1rd over
the deaths from pneumonia for the same peElOO
last wear BY mortality statistics computed DS
commissioner REYNOLDS for the entire country
it is shown that the cases of pulmonary con
sumption decreased from Isl IN lOOtO popuId-
ton in 1880 10 II in 1900, while pneufloLid-
increased from L. SO in 1880 TO Is 10 in 1900
In Chicago during that period there mas been
an increase Of 5I5f per cent IN 4eatAs III IIonI
pneumonia As a conseq uence OF the alarm
caused by the figures showing the eXcesSiVe
mortality due 10 pneumonia. physicians are u
gently cautioning their patients to take great
Of those suffering from the disease, and against
cold. privation and exposure
All classes Of citizens are still marvelling at
the result Of the special grand jury investiga-
ton or the so-caHed conspiracy OF the coal op-
orators and dealers. True. the grand inquisi-
tors have indicted nearly fifty OF the alleged con-
spirators. and have done their work jealousy
and fearIessly; yet the community wonders at
the forty-fotIr theoretical indictments as the
upshOt OF the inquiry. The explanation is found
in the report Of the grand jury TO the court-a
remarkable dOcument-detailing the efforts To
get at the bottom Of the great conspiracy OF
the coal ring" The Investigators found, after
examining more than a hundred witnesses. that
the present shortage of coal and the prevailing
high prices are not owing TO or appreciably in
huenced by any conspiracy or combination IN
restraint OF trade. or any attempt 70 forestau
the market" Further. il found that individual
instances Of greed. uufairness. extortion and
breach of contract have not been more nUmer-
Gus OF more exasperating than might be expect
ed in the circumstances" To the grand jury the
accumulation Of coal laden cars in the railroad
yards does not exist 20 an extent unusual az
this season or beyond the natural requirements
of the coal business and of transportation
Summing up the conditions which have exasper-
ated the entire community. il not nearly the
entire Middle West for months. the document
declares that the natural law OF supply ana de-
rnand accounts sufficiently for the high prices
prevailing
From the statement OF the causes and con-
ditions as set forth in the body OF the report
rha logical conclusion 20 be looked for from the
grand iurors would be No true bills against any
body" But instead the nOn-eonsplracy premises
are made 10 yield big batch OF indictments
ers based on the charge of conspiracy 70 hx
prices and restrain trade and competition. The
explanation Of the paradox IS found IN Jness
words OF the report. The jury does ind that
there exist in the city OF Chicago, ard IN the
State OF Illinois outside OF Chicago, and In the
neigh boring States. certain combinations IN re-
srraint OF trade within the meaning OF the stat
utes" The court, on receiving the report or rhe
jurors. told them that their inquiry would be-
come historic. and the community adds Yes.
as a paradox in criminal Jurisprudence
There Is one feature usually conspicuous AZ
former pet stock shows which was missing az
the exhibition just closed II was the or
chestraI music The management. after the
second day decided to stop H. The public was
sorely puzzled until the announcements was
made that the elimination OF melody oy pro-
fessional musicians was not in the interest Of
art, but 10 spare the feelings OF the EXHIBITS,
more particularly the chickens and doves
While music hath charms 10 sooIhe the savage
breast. II seems TO exercise S@-~ Aaf'@r>-' -
fuence pet pou.rS.