Disease Peril Rouses Whole City To Fight

• Comm’r Ruhland has backing of the common (city?) council and promises of cooperation from businesses and manufacturers. He has received authorization to close places and establishments that are likely to contribute to spread of flu. • 300 new cases on Wednesday.• The Nunnemacher home converted into a hospital and is open for flu victims. It is the first of three or four hospitals planned by health officials.• Electric company is cooperating, ensuring its street cars are not overly crowded and that they are being used to educate public about epidemic.• “Four minute health talkers” have started distributing educational literature about epidemic throughout the city. The literature exists in almost a dozen languages.• Ruhland receives appropriation of $15,000 for hospitals. Vote was unanimous.• Health authorities given power to close movie houses and theaters. The Milwaukee Theatrical Managers’ association will meet in mayor’s office to discuss matter. Authorities also receive power to close saloons that are not part of restaurants and to cancel operatic or musical performances. Paper reports the community singing will probably be cancelled. • Ruhland confirms that he may have to close churches, if he closes other places of public gathering.• First Assistant City Attorney Max Schoetz noted that Comm’r Ruhland’s powers were constructed and must be exercised in a way that avoids legal troubles. Ruhland cannot discriminate in his actions and, if he closes one movie house, he must close them all.• Comm’r Ruhland spoke to the city council about epidemic and highlighted the potential for large numbers of sick unless he received cooperation in efforts to stop its spread.• An ambulance corps has been organized to take flu patients to the new hospital that is now staffed with nurses. • A telegram sent to the Pfister & Vogel Leather Company was received from C.C. Williams, major general, ordinance department, Washington, DC. It reads: “Influenza is interfering with our munitions plants throughout the country. It is up to the men and women who still are on the job to make good the loss of their comrades. Speed up, your country needs every bit of your energy today for the men in France.”• The Oct. 12 Liberty day celebrations have been cancelled.• Comm’r Ruhland notes that it is unlikely that schools will be closed. However, kindergarten classes along with classes at the Milwaukee University have been canceled. The parochial and public schools at Shorewood have also been closed.Newspaper article1,