New-York tribune., 1919-07-23
Twenty Representatives of
Health Bureaus of Eastern
States Indorse Method of
Dealing With Evil Here
Map Cooperation System
Local Campaign Will Be
Pressed; DR.. CopelandNot
Likely to Resign Now

Before long the drug evil will be
dealt with nationally 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. Furnishing institutional accom-
modatior for the cure of the addict
and ruthless prosecution of physicians
and pharmacists illegally trafficking
in drugs will form the basis of the
national cleanup.
1t was learned yesterday that at a
conference Of national scope, held last
week in New York and attended by
twenty representatives of the depart
ments of health of Eastern states,
tentative plans were formed for CO.
controlling drug addiction throughout
the country. 1t was indicated that
this move was the result of the e
cent revelations in New York of the
extent OF the menace and the measures
which have been taken to cope with it.
Registration Indorsed
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
affording hospital or institutional care
for drug addicts, soon to be a great
charge upon the resources of the coun-
try for their proper curative treatment,
recognizes the value of the administra-
tive service of Health Commissioner
Copeland in cooperating with the
United States Public Health Service
and in his desire to synchronize the
public health work Of New York with
that Of the Federal government in
meeting the needs of the narcotic drug
addicts:
And be it further resolved that the
care and treatment Of narcotic drug
addcts 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 after
noon in the office Of Miss Sara Gra-
ham, Mulhall, in the Hall of Records
Major D. L. Porter represented the
Federal authorities, Commissioner Wal
ter II. Herrick the state and Commits
sioner Copeland the city.
Porter After Drastic Reform
1t was learned last night that this
meeting marked the starting point OF
big fight against the unlawful prac-
tlce OF medicine, particularly as i,
relates to the drug addict, and that
Major Porter, chief internal revenue
inspector OF the district. intends that
there shall be mo let-up until drastic
reforms have been effected
Speaking for the Board of Health,
Commissioner Copeland said:
"The fight is going forward Regis
tration will continue steadily. do not
anticipate a great rush, but as each
individual gradually loses his connec-
ton with the underworld or his source
o. supply is otherwise cut off, he will
turn up at 128 Prince Street. Alto
gether $500 have registered. We treat
ed 1900 at the Worth Street Clinic
yesterday, making 5000 to date, from
which it is evident that not even all of
those We can account for have regis
tered yet. l am informed by Fed
eral authority that my estimate OF
from 100000 to 20O,O 900 addicts in the
city is conservative and that there are
nearer 100000.
at is noticeable that a number OF
soldiers in uniform are attending the
clinic; some have taken to drugs since
they went overseas. The majority Of
the addicts are American born with
the Irish second in the running.
Copeland Not to Resign
1t appears unlikely that DR.. Cope
land will resign at present. He is still
non-committal on the subject and is
waiting for definite advice from Cor
poration Counsel Burr as TO whether
or not he has the power to administer
OF the drug question. Commenting or
the situation yesterday he said:
Il expect decision from Mr.. Bur,
tomorrow. l have formulated certain
questions which will be categorically
answered by Corporation Counsel. They
bear on the right of the Board OF
Health to carry on its work for the
addict. What / have already said about
the whole subject being open to re-
view if Mr.. Burr decides against me
stili holds good"
At a meeting held at 2o3 West
Ninety-third Street, last night, the
University Forum of America placed
itself On record as being wholly anc
absolutely behind Commissioner Cope
land in his stand in the matter Of the
treatment OF drug addicts by the De
parment of Health" 1t further re
solved to make whatever appropriations
Dr.. Copeland deemed necessary fol
the hospital care Of addcts through