The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1920-02-09


A closing order affecting all the
aters, dance halls. pool halls. schools
and churches in Topeka was issued to-
day by the city board of health, ef-
fective at midnight tonight. In addi-
tion to closing these institutions. the
drastic measures passed by the board
prohibits lodge meetings, parties, all
social and public gatherings of any
nature" and orders children under 16
years of age to stay at home, unless
they are required to leave on impor-
tant business.
Dr. Earle G. Brown. city health
officer, said that the health depart
ment would ask the police to arrest
any persons or organizations found
violating this order.
The city health authorities said the
ban would be lifted as soon as possible.
They gave it as their belief that a
weeks o. ten days quarantine would
be sufficient.
I'VE took this step only as a last
resort" declared Doctor Brown, after
the meeting of the board of health at
the Elks club this noon. I'VE had
asked the people repeatedly to stay at
home. but. despite these requests and
warnings, they persisted in taking
chances; the theaters were packed and
dances were we'll attended.
IN duulllOn 10 the CLOSING OTQer,
We ask all people who do not have
legitimate business to stay at home.
The board issued the closing order
after consultation with the city's lead
ing business men and doctors. One
business man assured US today that
he was willing to close up his business
entirely, II it was necessary to the
health of the community.
I'VE thank the people who have
co-operated with this department thus
far by voluntarily postponing unneces-
sary meetings and assure them that
their efforts have been appreciated"
Situation Is Serious.
Robt. D. McGiffert. city health COM
missioner. said; I'VE are down to brass
tacks now. The appeal to call off
meetings is no longer a request. but
an order. The seriousness of the flu
situation demanded that such action
be taken"
Today's list of new cases reported
to the health department was the larg-
est on record during the present cpl
demic. At 1880 o'clock this afternoon
123 had been reported. One new
death was also recorded. The victim
was a member of the McClaine family
1884 North Madison.
The health department announced
that washburn college would close
with the city schools
No Sign of Relief.
Eighty cases were reported from
3:35 o'clock Saturday afternoon un-
til last night. The death of Mrs
Jose Perez. 227 North Chandler
from influenza was reported Saturday
and that of Chester Cunningham, 80
Of 2O9 Monroe street, Sunday night
Cunningham's death marked the sec.
ond flu fatality in the same family
within a week. William Cunningham
15-year- son. was the first victim
Mrs. Cunningham and a daughter are
still seriously i'll at a local hospital. A
double funeral will be held Tuesday
afternoon at o'clock from Conwelr:
funeral home. 201 East Eighth ave
nue. Burial in Topeka cemetery.
Figures at the city health depart
ment today showed that 705 cases o
influenza had been reported in thu
city since the epidemic struck'the cit,
until today. The disease has shown ;
great increase since January 2S, jump
ing from 20 cases on that date to ovel
so cases on two days in February.
Red Cross In Appeal.
The Shawnee county chapter of thu
American Red Cross today issued al
appeal for rags, white and colored, t