The sun., 1918-10-20

DR.. Royal 8. Copeland. Health Gem
missioner. ventured the prediction yes
terday that by Thursday New York
city wfll be "out OF danger" from the
influenza epidemic.
He made the optimistic prophecy
despite the fact that 7se deaths from
influenza and pneumonia were re-
corded yesterday. the highest record
for twenty-four hours.
DR.. Copeland explained that deaths
occur. on the average. nine days after
the disease develops. Deaths may con-
tinue to increase for several days to
come, he said, but within the week will
reflect the present dwindling number
OF new cases.
At nightfall last night there were
1900 caskets containing the bodies Of
victims Of influenza and pneumonia piled
In one section Of Calvary Cemetery,
Queens, awaiting burial. All the grave
diggers the corporation was able to hire
have been working ten hours q day at
$40 day In an effort to bury the bodies,
but they are falling far behind. Ada
cent to the cemetery are Mount Zion and
Mount Oiivet cemeteries at Maspeth.
Lutheran Cemetery at Middle Village,
St Michaers and st. Marys at Stein
way. St. Johns at Middle Village and
Cedar Grove at Flushing. At all Of
them are many bodies awaiting burial
Motor Cars Used for Hearses.
So great IN the lack Of aocommoda-
tions for funerals that touring automo-
biles are being used for hearses. There
are no coaches or automobiles to accom-
the families 80 to the cemetery in the
trolley car. while the body Ia taken In
an automobile or wagon.
There have been an average of 500 fu-
nerals a day in Calvary. The largest
number was on last Tuesday, when there
were 765.
The fght is not relaxing despite the
Health Commissioners belief that he is
winning. For instance. he telephoned
yesterday to Joseph p. Tumulty and
through him made q successful appeal
TO President Wilson to stay an order d.
recting fifteen army surgeons now help
ing at the Municipal Lodging House to
return to duty at Fort Slocum-
Hospitals. the Health Department
says. are working moro smoothly than
heretofore and there 10 yet room for n
number OF patients The social centres
and other. citizen organizations have
found and provided as best they could
for home cases" They report q de-
crsasa Investigation has nroyed that
nearly so per cent. Of cases reported to
them are not influenza, but Just q tired
feeling.
The advisory COMMITTEES. which met in
conference with DR.. Copeland yesterday
afternoon, presented an optimistic re-
port. It's members are from all walks
Of life. and they have done the work as
signed them with thoroughness.
More sanitary Orders Issued.
investigation has shown that many
restaurants and places dispensing bev-
erages are not as sanitary as they
should be, 90 the Department of Health
has promulgated an order that such
places shall be cleaned or closed. the Ac-
ton to be optional with the board.
Another addition to the sanitary code
makes It a law that all persons cough
ing or sneezing must cover the respira-
tory organs. These precautions were
taken to prevent the spread and possi-
BILE recurrence of the epidemic now wan
ing. DR.. Copeland has not only his own
opinion that the worst II over. but that
OF Surgeon-Genersl Blue OF the United
States Health Bureau. who says:
1T 10 believed tho present report will
show that the crest has been reached %
-E -,