The Osceola times., 1884-02-02

the canoes and we were offor the shore.
There was no luggage to speak OLA few
changes of cotton gowns for the women,
nothing for the men and almost less for
the children, Of whom there were half a
dozen. Naturally enough, | was anxious
TO see the recreation Of this new lot OF
exiles by the residents, and Father
Damien took me into his long canoe,
wherein | rode vita great trepidation,
for the surf was very high, and Landed
before the first batch rea he'd the shore.
You will find but few people said
the reverend Father, down to see those
who land. They will be for the most
part the last arrivals previously Later
in the day the other residents will stroll
out 10 see the last additions. You see,
the time elapsing between the voyages is
such as 10 allow Il e earliest living resi-
dents 10 become apathetic."
"Do you mean ! asked, "that they do
not care whether among the arrivals
there may not be some relative, wife or
child 2"'
Yes. But the apathy sometimes hss
with i; physical conditian which pre-
vents them moving much in a day. and
they reserve the time when they can
move with punctilious care till evening,
when they will NEE, all new comers.
We have social obscryan, es here of the
strictcst nature. They are the outgrowth
of a peculiar condition Yes, and all the
difficulties and troubles to contend
against that an established form of So
ciety brings intrigue, ambitions, SLAM
der, envy and the rest of it, You see,
ieprosy-this is my experience, and ]
know more of the practical working of
the disease than any living man perhaps
takes such uncOntrollaOle power OF
the sexes that society ohservances are
swept into the vortex
LIFE on THE LEpER ISLAND,
BY this time we are at the little cottage
occupied by the priest 1t has few
books, a chair or table, no beds, SO me
blankets rolled up in one corner of the
principal apartment, which, with the
one forming the Kitchen, makes up the
establishment Presently a Kanaka,
dressed in q pair of Nankeen trousers
and a coarse shirt, fetche5 c fee in
mugs. He is lcper that can readily
see and feel inclined not to have G. fee
80, ar sir, do not be afraid. They have
attended me for years The disease is
not contagious, except in few ways"
remarks the father as he swallows hil
own portion.
"Now come alonc,' he adds, eve must
meet these people" And thus we chattei
Us we moved along t eether, the qucs-
tions being asked by me the answers
given by him.
isn't there a superintent here ?"
Yes but he lives over at Kllae
They can't get a good man to stay here"
"Afraid?'
"No, uot that. Most people who come
here are soon overpowercl by the de-
pressing conditions OF life. The @ er =
mcnt has not given rs a residen' ph
sician yet. They will sooner or latei ..nd
pay enough inr a man TO have nim stay
As il il, the superintendent comes over
at occasional intervals only. We are
practically atone here"
"No mails"
Have no need for any"
"The government sends you food ?"
Some poi, which is not very good
always, beng sometimes sour; then
there is u ration Of seven pounds per
week for each lcper, which with twenty
one of poi is he ration for each person.
II they will 20 to work and raise the
vegetable for poi the government pays
for it. To encourage the lepels to work,
We have established little store where
they may spend their earnings for lux
uries, such as coffee, tea, or sugar and
cl bthihg ?"
Does not the government give them
clothing ?"
"Yes, in small quantities. They do
not need much