The bystander. [volume] (Des Moines, Iowa) 1916-1922, 1916-02-18

to another point along the front
published census returns are made
available by tabulation
Data for Study.
This tabuiation is especially impor-
tant to the studies Of the children S
bureau Among the subjects OF stud,
which the law directs the bureau to
undertake are infant mortality. the
birth rate. orphanage. and desertion.
all requiring information as to fami
structure, For 1890. 1900 and 1910
this information was secured. but the
material has not been tabulated be
cause there has been thus far NO pub
lie demand for II such as secures. for
example. the comprehensive informa-
ton regarding manufacturers fur
rished by the bureau of the census
every i've years. But neither the cen
sus bureau nor the children's bureau
has funds to make the tabulation that
would render this body of human facts
available for use.
Meanwhile the children's bureau is
pursuing its inquiry Into the relation
of babies deaths to wages and social
conditions, believing that the inquiry
will prove increasingly valuable as a
stimulus to more active protection OF
the youngest and tenderest lives
throughout the nation"
Such practical results have already
followed the inquiry in two communi-
ties as the securing OF infant-welfare
nurses, improving the milk supply.
and rousing community interest il
kindred activities.
The bureau also approaches the
problem OF infant mortality In con-
structiye fashion through two PAM
phlets entitled Parental Care and In
FAINT Care" which are sent upon re-
quest to mothers
Program for Baby Week.
The feature of Baby week that al.
feds the best opportunity for enlist
ing large numbers OF volunteer work.
ers is a series of special events for
each day in the week. Some Of those
mentioned in the following list may
be suggestive.
Baby Sunday may we'll begin the
Baby week.
The committee in charge Of this
part of the campaign should secure
a list of the leaders Of the religious
bodies OF the community. The mem.
bers of this committee should call
upon or write to each, explaining the
purpose of Baby week, and asking
each to preach on that subject. In
order to aid in the preparation of
such sermons, copy of An outline OF
information on the subject Of Baby
week should be furnished
=. A letter from the. mayor of the city
iEdorsing the Baby day movement may
be read from the pulpit.
II the governor or state health de-
partment has issued a proclamation
or a letter indorsing the setting aside
of certain week for Baby week, this
may also be read from the pulpit on
this day.
Sunday schools may arrange spe-
cial programs for their meetings on
that day The committee may send
a request to the superintendent OF
each Sunday school that such pro-
gram be arranged.
Church societies of men may ar
range that their meetings held dur
ing the week shall include a short dis
cussion OF the subject. The discussion
should have as a leader someone with
special knowledge Of baby welfare.
Church societies Of women meeting
during the week may plan similar pro-
grams
Mass Meeting or Rally.
A mass meeting may we'll form !
very useful feature of Baby week. An
interesting speaker from another city
may be secured for this meeting:
many state departments, Of health are
able. or. application, to send out speak.
ers for meetings II the expenses OF
such a speaker are paid. Short talks
by representative people of the COM
munity should be included. The talks
at this meeting should be on sub
jects Of general interest. Such sub
jects as THE Purpose OF Baby
Week." What "a City Owes to Its
Babies;" AFTER Baby Week. What"
This Community's Baby Death
Rate" What Other Cities Have Done
for Their Babies" might be included.
On Flag day. which may come either
on the Saturday before Baby week
opens or on Monday. banners with
the Baby-week emblem are distrib-
uted to the homes of all the babies
under one year Of age that have been