The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1918-09-20

They call it Spanish grippe, this pestence that is
ing upon from foreign lands and already numbering its
victims here by the hundreds.
But is it Spanish? Spain insists not. Her medical
Faculty declare had origin under the blue Andalusan
Sdes but brought thither by the maign German o.
boats which, not content with sinking Spanish shipping
scattered the microbes Of noxious disease in Spanish
harbors.
For the sinking of her ships Spain has retorted by
seng the German vessels ntened in her harbors but
there ready way of retaliation for the unsough
gift of pestilence.
As Spain is at least neutral and rapidly tending TO-
ward actual participation in the war on our side the least
do is to accept her protesaons and credit this
new and magn variety of grippe to the foe Of all humanity
Germany
But after all it is not what we call it, but how we
shall avoid it, that counts.
Health officers declare that it be stopped at
Quarantine The microbes to little for pass
ports do other German propagandists They slip past
the guardians Of the ports mngle with people and
defy internment
Doctors tell that there is sovereign preventive Of
the grippe. They lay down for guidance if we wish
to do our best to avoid it. certain rules which might Just
as well be observed at all tmes-whether in face of
pestilence or not.
We must eat cautiously and drink not at all of aco-
holc beverages latter rule the National Government
seems about to enforce upon u.s. grippe no grippe.
We must avoid crowds-take lots of outdoor exercise
and get plenty Of sleep.
Thus say the medical men, the powers of resistance of
the human system may be perfected that it will throw
OF almost any Infection insdious as that of
the spanish-Hee German grippe.
One very essential precaution the doctors failed to-
recommend. They should have added FORGET TT"
Don't be afraid Of this shadowy menace of exotic
Don't think grippe and talk grippe all the time
Follow the regimen the doctors have suggested if you
WILL but do because it is sensible code of daily life
not merely as safeguard against infection which may
never approach you.
More and the world coming to understand that
persistent haunting cowardy fear of disease is the sure
way of inviting that disease.
Even scientific and professional circles it is admitted
today that the epidemic of nfante PARALYSIS of two
stimulated and advanced by the panic bred of
slant hapng the existence of the disease the eabo
rate accounts of its ravages
year LATER with commendable wisdom the medical
profession on the temperance of symptoms of that
scourge took concerted steps to avoid public discussion and
advertisement and it is matter Of record that although
conditions of its spread favorable year earlier
1t was confined within very narrow limits. /
The subconscious workings of the human mind are
curious and will repay study.
Their effect upon what would be forces wholly
outside of human control events which apparently are
wholly disconnected with any mental effort at times
inexpicable
Every boy knows that when learning to ride bicycle
it is the obstacle he most breads, and which he most
strenuousy tries to avoid that he is to hit.
The golfer will discuss gravey the moral hazard" of
certain arfuly devised mpedmens in the links wet
dtcn or waterway lntersectng the course often fatal
to golfers who could drive the ball confidently across any
other form of obstacle Dread Of the hazard results
In dropping the missile inevitably into the ditch.
Breeding upon any threatened evil financial physi-
cal, is the surest way to invite it.
Fear OF an adversary, whether it be German army
or German grippe is the most certain way inviting defeat
at its hands.
One cannot imagine Foch Pershng nerving his
armies for the attack by exaggerang the powers Of the
boche dang upon the pers which each soldier is to
encounter confidence in victory is Of the most ef
fcient aids to victory.
The Times therefore urges upon its readers that they
do not yield to panic undue apprehension in the
face of our latest foreign peril
The watchword Of the sturdy Purtans was "Put your
trust in Providence and KEEP YOUR POWDER DRY"
If we keep systems in good condition by observing
the regimen recommended at the beginning of this article