New-York tribune., 1909-07-03
READY FOR CARNAGE
Big Distribution of Antitorin Pre-
cedes the Festive Fourth.

With a tlree-day Fourth of July celebration i'm
pending and with careless pistol "toters. fire
cracker shooters and fireworks enthusiasts armed
for the fray the Health Department is prepared
to meet strenuous situation with a big supply
Of tetanus antitoxin. Twelve distributors have
been assigned TO help the needy, and all the hos
ptas have the precious antitoxin to cope with the
emergencies of over-patriotism.
Last years record seven dead and 253 hurt.
with hundreds of minor wounds among the young
and old OF these ten lost their eyesght, while
stray bullets and gunshots were accountable for
fftyseven painful wounds.
Fully one thousand five hundred Walls Of tetanus
anttoxin were out previous to last Fourth OF
July. A like amount will be distributed this year
and much more is needed will be on hand
at the Board of Health, where some OF the twelve
attendants assigned TO "tetanus duty will be at
all hours of the night and day. Each of the hf-
teen hundred tubes contains 90 cubic centmetres,
in which 1900 units CT diluted strength
When asked about the probable effect of three
days of Fourth II July celebration Dr. Darlington
said he supposed T. would be the usual story. Ihe
Health Commissioner said old newspaper clippings
IN regard to previous Fourths presaged about what
would happen.
Two tetanus cases were reported TO the Beard
of Health YESTERDAY one Of which was caused by
a g7Inshot wound and the other by rusty nall
the latter incurred through a fireworks medium
All over the city the ammunition stores did
good business yesterday, especially downtown IN
the wholesale district. where out-of-towners IN
sted OF q 'CopeCkS in roman candies ana
pinwheels. On the outgoing local trains Of all the
roads that have a heavy suburban traffic the con-
tents Of most Of the bundles carried by the men
folk were enough 10 make them solid" with the
juvenile part nf the family.
In order to prevent Infection, the Health Depart
ment's bulletin advises immediate and thorough
washing Of a wound. then antiseptic bandage
placed on it, all Of clothing having been previ-
ously removed. Then the wounded person should
be taken TO the nearest hospital for an injection OF
tetanus antitoxin thereby preventing blood poison
ing loCkiaw.
Two Of the most dangerous mediums were the
toy Canuons and blank cartridge pistols, 1t was
said the wadding from the latter causing poison
Gus wound in almost every case. The habit OF
youngsters holding 1recrackers IN their fingers
until they are discharged IS another danger the
Board Of Health officials decry. They not only
put eyes bat cause serious wounds 70
the hands when overcharEed. they sometimes
are
Another matter the officials wanted 70 give adj
vice about was the habit Of shooting pistols from
windows regardless Of how many flights up the
shooter was II the pistol Is Of large calihre and
"a small calbred person IS behind II, at least four
flights UP the safest distance. far as the wad-
ding of the cartridge Is concerned. for the pedes
trian below.
Don't shoot unless YOU know whore you arc
shooting" is the sum total Of Health Department
wisdom.