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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

100 years ago in Spokane: Flu returns with 112 cases in day

The Spanish flu reminded the public of its deadly power as it returned with a vengeance: 112 cases of illness were reported in one day since limits had been lifted on public gatherings. One death was also reported, and over the last two weeks, 11 people died.

The Spanish flu epidemic suddenly took a turn for the worse.

In one day, 112 new cases were reported. One death was also reported, and over the last two weeks, 11 deaths had occurred.

City health officer Dr. J.B. Anderson made no statement, but he was undoubtedly keeping a close eye on the situation. This was the first sign of a serious recurrence since the partial ban on public gatherings had been lifted after New Year’s.

From the snow beat: The heaviest snowstorm of the year was threatening to disrupt transportation through the Inland Northwest. Seven inches of snow fell in Spokane in the morning, with up to a foot east of Spokane.

The Spokane Daily Chronicle reminded residents that property owners were obliged to keep their sidewalks clear of snow.

Many complaints had been made to City Hall over impassable sidewalks.

From the League of Nations beat: The Spokane Daily Chronicle editorial page came out in favor of the League of Nations, as proposed by President Woodrow Wilson.

“Complete withdrawal of America now from an interest in world affairs would be a complete repudiation of her aims in the world war,” said an editorial.

A world league was necessary “to stay the sword and administer justice.”

The Spokesman-Review editors did not agree. They wrote that the League of Nations constitution “seems vague on such vital questions as our right to control our own tariff policy and our exclusive authority to maintain American standards of wages and living.” The editors also worried that the league would restrict our ability to “enact our immigration laws without asking permission from any other country.”