Centre Democrat. [volume] (Bellefonte, Pa.) 1848-1989, 1879-08-07
A Home for Ienere

Honolulu correspondent writes.
hfter tie scOurge of SMALLPOX had
swept over the Hawaiian islands some
years ago, nt which time comutllsory
vaccination was Tcsorted TO, ieprogy in
creased To such an alarming extent that
the government WIS compelled to take
measures TO arrest it, progress. When
less extreme measures failed IL finally
decided upon segregation, and the island
OF MolokOi was selected for the settle
mcnt ecause Of its peculiar natural nd-
yantages. Thctradc winds sweep across
IL in such "A direction that all the infcc-
tious gases are carried out 70 sea instead
oi toward the other islands. The valley
j. fertile ana abundantly supplied with
fresh water, while at its back pcrpcn-
dicular wall Of rock-callcd pali-riscs
several hundred feet, and like n grim,
uhyleihihg sentry seems to say, THUS
Iif hhhlt thou 60 and no farther" OF
course, the law met with violent opp0gi-
tlon' Tor th tnatiyes themselves have no
dread OF the disease, and freely use the
garments or occupy the same bed with "A
icper oi the worst type; and the enforce
ment oi the law would sunder families.
Tor though husbands and wives might
lInnolate themselves for each other they
Were not allowed To take healthy chill
drcn with them. However, time has
done much toward convincing them ~
the wisdom Of the policy, and now on.
position is rarely met with farther tbau
IN cOncealing the existence Of the disease
n. long as possible. When person i,
discovered who bA. indications Of the
disease he II taken 10 the island. but in
order that no one may be held there
without reason each person committed
hrst receives treatment for the diseases
bearing some resemblance To il. and in
occasional instances persons have been
cured and returned 10 their families but
usually the march Of the disease l. 30
rapid that two or three months make il
unmistakablc, and they are committed 10
the island for life
The provisions for their comfort are
most generous, and those who have the
means to DO 20 are allowed 10 build cot
ingcs Tor their own occupation, and there
they hyc with as much scclusion a.
they had the world "a choose from.
The government has perhaps erred on
the side Of mercy in allowing husbands
and wives 20 follow each other. for the
only obvious blot upon the system Of
Isolation j. the addition 10 the rctt lo-
mcnt by births. numbering some year. "A
many as iiiiy-a mistaken kindness IL
would seem when the child's heritage j.
loaih-omc disease and Its care entails
still greater financial burden upon the
government. but 30 far as is consistent
with the hygicnic regime established FOR
their good they are allowed their own
habits Of life. The settlement now
numbers eight hundred persons. at least
two Of whom ARE Americans II would
be a mistake 10 attribute to this afflicted
class the intense mental or physical
suffering which we are wont to imagine
characterizc- the disease. for \ mercifi!
provision of nature brings with the dis
ease an apathy of mind and numhncsz Of
body which prevents acute suffering
Indeed. II j. asserted that pin may be
thrust into any part 81 the diseased flesh
without causing the slightest sensation
Of pain.