The Hawaiian gazette. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1865-1918, 1878-07-10
Remarks OF w. d. smith

On his motion, on July sth, TO increase the ap-
preparation for maintenance Of the Leper Establish
meut on Molokai.
Mr.. CHAIRMAN,-I feel very earnestly the import.
Ance of the consideration of this item of provision
for the care of lepers. We must forget the i'm
portanee of this subject. 1t may come home with
terrible force TO any one Of us None of us can say
that absolutely safe from the disease We
are wont think that only Hawaiians liable 10
have the leprosy-or only those foreigners who
lead low lives aud expose themselves TO its conta-
gion. But Mr.. Chairman, who knows how imm-
nent the danger isi How soon any one Of US may
discover that he has contracted the disease without
knowing how II came. Whatever the future may
reveal OF the danger Of cOntagiou, AID whoever 1t
may affect, urge on this Assembly, in all earnest
ness aud soemuiIy, the Importance of seeing to il
that the existing law, providing for the separation
of lepers be faithfully diligently and strictly
ried out Let it be enforced in kindness and with
all the consideration that properly be exercised
but let il be done with the utmost impartality.
Aud here / would endorse the opinion expressed
by the Sanitary Committee, that no one should be
condemned 10 Mulokai except on tie inAl decision
Of not less than three physicians.
! do not wish TO reflect uujustly on the Board OF
Health, and the manner in which 1t has executed
this law 10 the past, for think that they hSTe
tried TO do all which they thought they could &C
with the funds at their disposal. But do wist
that this Assembly would iusist that the law should
be carried out Ia the iutnre. We owe il to the
nation, We owe il to strangers who come here, and
We owe IL to ourselves. ra -+. a.s o.
/ am informed, aud know, that the disease Il
continually appearing in many parts of the Islands
II is appearing on members OF families where other
have had il 10 the past. Aud we must be alive Il
the danger which is pressing upon US.
/ urge the increase Of the appropriation for the
support of leprrs. / moved tdAi it be increased
from SIS. 900 70 $4,000. l now accept the amend
ment OF the hon. uiembrr for Lzlisiua that it b,
placed al Sos, 900; aud $1,000 be appropriated Il
secure the services OF knd-hrarted faithful ply
stefan to reside part of the lime at MolukEi / 81
not think that il is essential that physician OF Ih
greatest repute should be employed; but that
competent man of judgment aud kindness of hear
nhould be secured. He would soon be recognize,
as an authority at the settlement, aud would solv
many of the difficult questions which now arise il
tue management oil the Institution, End would bel
10 reduce system the preseut Irregular plan pur
sued by the Board Of Health, Ia finding ont an
removing those who have The disease
Mr. Chairman, ia every civilized country, wher
ieprGsy has prevailed, il has become sbsolu:el
necessary that The diseased should be removed iroI
among ihs whole, and In many countries the raw
sges Of the malady have been arrested. aud il
not dreaded AS il gas; aud We musI follow in thei
Footsteps Although the prayers OF THIS
whose friends have been taken from them, una
ring in our cara. wr must do that which experieEC
and our reason teach Ne must BE- dnue. The per
sistent and strict endorsement OF The present la
on the subject is the least we can do; and We mnl
place sufficient means Al The disposal of The Boar
70 carry ont theae gise provisions.