The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1918-02-02
PORTER ADVISES

Continued from Page One.l
that he preferred to wait and see the
letter and have talk with Porter.
Whats the matter ~ asked Danner.
Hasn't Porter the authority to close
the schools Is he -trying to shoulder
it onto Ine?''
The fuel commissioner was Modified
somewhat by the Information that
Porter was simply seeking to act joint
ly in the matter with Banner and the
school authorities. However, he re-
fused to give his idea of the plan.
Previous to writing the letters to-
day, Porter spent some time confer
ring with George Hayden. city at
torney, and deciding whether or not
he would act in an advisory way in
the matter or order the schools closed
point blank. He finally decided that
the cooperation of all interested
would be the smoothest way.
Don't Want to Fight.
81 don't want to fight" he said in
meditating upon possible opposition
to his plan. Il want to get the schools
closed as quickly as possible. If l
have to, | suppose I can fight, but /
haven't the time if it can be avoided"
Porter. stated that he would like
very much to have his closing plan go
into effect Monday. Today Mrs.
Evans and Danner stated that con-
ference between the school board and
the fuel director had been arranged
for Monday night. "Of course" said
Mrs. Evans, I'VE could have confer
ence sometime before that, say Mon
day, if need be-"
Porter, in his 1etters-to the school
authorities. also suggests a plan for
the reopening of the schools. He sug-
gests that the city be divided into four
districts and one district be opened
each day. Nurses and physicians
would be at each school when it is
opened and will send home any child
showing signs of illness.
Most of the leading physicians have
informed Porter that they are behind
him in his move. Several officials of
the county medical society endorsed
the plan today.
Porter's Letter.
The following is a copy of Porters
letter to Superintendent Wilson-the
ones to Danner and Mrs. Evans were
practically duplicates:
MI: H. B. Wilson, supt- City Schools
MY Dear Mr.~Wilson II am writing Won
to strongly advise the closing of the To-
peka grade schools for at least two weeks
During the month of January 1918. there
were seven hundred ninety-six (796) cases
of contagious diseases reported to this
office. This is about three times the usual
we have an unusual epidemic.
In dealing with epidemics 1 do not as
rule. think it wise to close the schools but
inasmuch as we have a very great fuel
shortage now. and by a plan that 1 have
mapped out for opening the schools, by
which hope TO curb the epidemic I think
it would be a good plan to close them for
the stated period.
In opening the schools the town should
be divided into four districts and the
schools opened successfully, one day fol-
lowing the other, according to these four
districts. That will give the board of
health an opportunity TO see that each
child is examined. and if any are found
showing symptoms of any conta gious dis
ease they will be Immediately excluded
from school. and we will then keep up a
daily inspection in the schools until the
epidemic is curbed.
have conferred with the supervisor of
nurses: she is willing to furnish some of
her nurses. we will furnish ours. and if
necessary the board of health will furnish
more to see that the work is carried on in
this way.
Yours with kind regards
w. L. PORTER.