The Washington times., 1919-07-14
1919 BABY CROP
TO MAKE RECORD
Promises to Be Largest His
tory of United States De-
spite Adverse Conditions.

Americas baby crop for 1918 prom
Uses to be the largest in the history
of the country. according to the an
nual survey of the New York MIX
Committee, just completed.
This prediction is made in the face
of reduction of nearly 100 per cent
in the excess of births over deaths
during 1918. as compared with 1917.
This was caused by an unprecedented
number of deaths approximating
2,1S0.000. in part due to the influenza
| epidemic and war conditions.
Computations by the COMMITTEES.
based upon figures obtained from
health officials in 1877 of the largest
American cities reveal these facts:
That deaths in the United States
last year increased $4,000 over 1917.
soldiers who gave their lives on for
eign soil.
That 100000 births occurred in
1918. an increase Of $1,000 over the
previous year.
That the natural national increase
| in population is estimated at $50, 600,
compared with 1000, 600 In 1917.
That the general infant mortality
rate, founded upon reports received
from cities comprising Is per cent Of
the population jumped from SIS per
thousand births to 1o4.1
Rate Remarkably Lew.
Although estimates show that the
baby death rate for the country In
creased seven points. the New York
Milk Committee believes this figure
to be remarkably low when all the
elements conspiring against him
war unrest, high cost Of food. and
the influenza epidemic-are carefully
weighed. The figures for 1913 reflect
increased activity on behalf Of the
newborn and shows that the cam
paign Of the Federal Government to
conserve the lives OF 100000 infants
during Americas second year Of par
ticipation in the war was not with
out its reward. This movement COM
bined with prenatal care work car
ried on with increased zeal by sun
dry organizations, particularly in the
larger cities, shows conclustvely that
the public's interest in the welfare Of
the baby is growing steadily.
The baby death rate in the city Of
New York, the most cosmopolitan
community perhaps in the world, was
kept low despite the high cost of
foodstuffs, general war conditions. and
the influenza epidemic which was
chiefly responsible for an increase Of
nearly 10000 deaths Of all ages. the
city's dead for the year numbering 9S,-
11S. The city's baby death rate was
90 per thousand, which Is only three
points higher than that Of the pre-
vious twelve months when q record
was established. Infant deaths In the
metropolis last year totaled 1857
= A.
crease Of only eighty-ntne
Another Splendld Record.
''This is another splendid record
fors the country's greatest city" said
J.. n. Larson, secretary Of the com
mittee, "and Is but still further proof
that the chances OF the newborn to
live In spite OF congestion and COM
pick problems Of life can be improved
immeasurably by the adoption Of q
program of scientific prenatal care,
proper safeguarding Of the milk sup
ply and the maintenance Of milk sta
tions for the babies. New York, city
is fast assuming its rightful place as
the center Of infant welfare work.
Through the efforts OF its health au-
thorities, and private infant welfare
organizations associated In the work
il is setting an example that other
communities cannot help but follow.
The public conscience is fast
awakening to q full realization OF the
value of infant life, and Americas
baby crop for this year promises to
be the largest in its history. In New
York city the reports for the first six
months show = decrease OF 500 baby
deaths compared with the same period
in 1918. Similar reductions are be-
ing reported in many other cities"