New-York tribune., 1920-02-01

Less Fatal Than 1913 Epidemic
Figures for the month of January,
compared with the figures of the 1918
epidemic, indicates that the disease is
more widespread at present, but not so
fatal, thus bearing out the prediction
present visitation assumed large pro-
portions.
The total number OF deaths for the
month just ended is 2,501, as against
2.S7O for a like period in 1918, with
the figures for the first week of that
epidemic missing. According 10 the
data the deaths due to pneumonia show
little variance, but the cases recorded
this year are about twice the number
reported in 1918. Influenza figures
1,lG7 deaths from that disease in the
1918 epidemic out of 2969S cases.
against 66S deaths out of 1896 cases
at present.
The rate Of increase of influenza cases
for the last week is very great, but,
with falling off in the new cases re-
ported yesterday and q similar de-
crease looked for day, the Health De
partmcnt is not alarmed. A total of
1882 new cases We're reported for the
week ended yesterday S5 per cent of
the total number Of cases existing, and
showing more rapid spread of the
epidemic than in the corresponding
period in 1918
Strike Threat in Heating Plants
The possibility OF strike by engi-
ncers, oilers and trcmen who operate
the heating plants of hotels and apart
mcnt houses has alarmed Health Com
missioner Copeland, and he has de-
manded that the three groups in the
dispute come to an agreement within
the next forty ght hours and avert the
strike, scheduled Tor 8 o'clock to-mor-
row morning.
"ln this time of epidemic" said DR..
Copeland yesterday, mo greater dis
aster could befall the community than
millions OF our population to intense
suffering from the cold, and to the
ravages Of influenza that would ccr-
tainly follow. This disaster must not
be permitted. In the name of human
ity, it must be averted.'
Dr.. Copeland believes the request of
the men for more wages and better
working conditions is reasonable, but
he wants them to postpone their de-
mand to have their union recognized
until all danger of the epidemic is past
He viii address meeting of the
unions invorved at the Central Labor
Temple, Third Avenue and Sixty
seventh Street, this afternoon and urge
upon them the necessity Of remaining
at their posts until the crisis is over.
Representatives of both factions
conferred with the Health Commits
sioner yesterday. but no agreement
was reached Most of the employers
are in favor of granting the wage and
hour demands, it is understood, but
there is stlf opposition to the recogni-
tlon of the union. Timothy Healy
president Of the international Brother
mood OF Stationary Firemen and Oilers
$. Eaucher, Thomas BagIey and John
j. Mcdonald. representing thc three
local unions involved, and William 7
Ropes, spokesman for real estate in
terests, were among those who met the
Commissioner. DR.. Copeland is hope
full that the men will respond to his
appeal to defer their strike. He adj
mitted the situation is acute.
DR.. Copelan announced that the
Health Department had completed a
survey Of the 400 motion picture the
aters in the city and that the inspec-
ton showed that some proprietors are
not obeying the instructions recently
issued In l16 theaters the ventilating
fans were not operating, defective
COn}31ueG ON maze to1fr