Evening journal., 1919-07-23
NATIONWIDE DRUG
CRUSADE COMING
jcaIth Bureaus Endorse
N. Y. Method of Dealing
With Evil
COOPERATION
SYSTEM URGED

NEW YORK, July 23.--Before Ions
the drug evil viii be dealt with ma
tonally as a result OF the work done
in New York within the LAST few
months IN bringing the addict out into
the open and seeking to cure him Fur
n-shins Institutional accommodation FOR
the cure OF the addict and ruthless
prosecution of physicians and phar-
macists Illegally trafficking in drugs
viii form the basis OF the national
cleanup.
1t was learned yesterday that at a
conference OF national scope. held last
Geek In New York, and attended by
twenty representatives Of the depart
ments of health OF Eastern States, ten
tative plans were formed for cooper
ative efforts in the direction OF CON
trolling drug addiction throughout the
country II was indicated that this
movo was the result OF the recent rev.
relations In New York OF the extent OF
the menace and the measures which
nave been taken 10 cope with lt
The registration system inaugurated
here was indorsed at the meeting and
the following resolution was passed
Resolved. That this conference.
called to consider ways and means Of
effording hospital or institutional care
for drug addicts, soon TO be a great
charge upon the resources OF the cOun-
try for their proper curative treat
ment. recognizes the value OF the ad-
ministrstive service OF Health Com
missioner Copeland IN cooperating
with the United States Public Health
Bervice and In his desire TO synchron-
ize the public health work OF New
York with that OF the Federal Govern
ment in meeting the needs Of the mar
ootic drug addiots;
And be il further resolved, that the
care and treatment OF narcotic drug
eddicts should remain under the con-
troll and direction OF the Federal, State
and city health authorities
A meeting for consideration OF the
administrative features OF local drug
addiction was held yesterday afternoon
In the ofllce OF Miss Sara Graham
Mulhell, in the Hall OF Records. Ma
.jor d. L. Porter represented the Fed
ersl authorities. Commissioners Walter !
H. Herrick the state, and Commissioners
Copeland the city.
IL was learned last night that this
meeting marked the starting point OF
big fight against the unlawful prac-
tice OF medicine, particularly as II
relates 20 the drug addict, and that
Major Porter, chief internal revenue
inspector Of the district, intends that
there shall be no let-up until drastic
reforms have been effected.
Speaking for the Board OF Health,
Commissioner Copeland said:
f'The fight Is going forward. Regis
tration VIII continue steadily. ! do not
anticipate a great rush. but as Zach
Individual gradually loses his connec-
ticn with the underworld or his source
OF supply Is otherwise cut on, he will
turn up at f2s Prince street Alto
gether 5000 have registered We treat
ed 1900 at the Worth street Clinic yes
terday, making 5000 10 date, from
which Il is evident that not even all |
OF those we can account for have re-
gistered yet. l am Informed by Fed
eral authority that my estimate OF
rom 100000 to 100000 addicts in the
,ity is conservative and that there are
nearer 10000.
1T Is noticeable that a number of
soldiers in uniform are attending the
'linic; some have taken TO drugs since
hey went overseas. The majority Of
he addicts are American-born with
he Irish second in the running.
II appears unlikely that nr. Cope
and will resign at present. He Is still
on the subject and Is
waiting for definite advice from Cor
,oratlon Counsel Burr as to whether
IT not ne has the power TO administer
IN the drug question. Commenting on
he situation yesterday he said:
II expect a decision from Mr. Burr
omorr0w have formulated certain
Iuestlons which will be categorlcally /,
by Corporation Counsel
they bear on the right Of the Board Of
Health to carry on its work for the
iddict. What have already said
bout the whole subject being open
% review II Mr.. Burr decides against }
ne. still holds good"
A. meeting held at No. 203 West :
street, last night. the ;
University Forum OF America placed
Itself on record as being wholly and 4,
absolutely behind Commissioner Cope 4
land in his stand In the matter Of the a
treatment OF drug addicts by the De-
partment Of Health 10 further re- !
solved 70 make whatever appropria- !
lions Dr. Copeland deemed necessary !
Tor the hospital care Of addicts :
ih~otro-l o,,fa N-o,,- VI. q