Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-04-11

Our course after leaving Oahu was to the
south of Molokai. known as ''the Leper Island
from the settlement of lepers on it. From the
abrupt character of its walls on all sides this
island is called in the native dialect ''the land
of precipices-" A piece of beautiful and fertile
plain land on the eastern shore of the island,
bounded by the ocean on one side and hemmed
in on the landward sides by immense precipices,
has been set apart by the Hawaiian govern
ment for the use of those afflicted with this
frightful disease. The population at this set
Element in 1889 was reported at 1,19l, of which
741 were males and $50 females. But of this
number only about 700 are lepers. The hus-
bands, wives, and children of lepers are al
lowed to accompany them and live with them
there. The pathetic fate of the Belgian priest,
Father Damien, who devoted his life to the
service of the lepers and died here Of the
disease; and the recent mission of Sister Ger
trude to the islands in the same direction has
given rise to the impression that the lepers
are uncared for.
This idea does great injustice to the two
priests and the ten Sisters Of Charity who have
devoted their lives in a spirit OF unostentatious
self-sacrifce to the service Of the victims of
this most repulsive disease. 1t does injustice
also to the thoughtful and energetic efforts of
the Hawaiian government TO stamp out the ter
rible disease by isolating the doomed ones and
giving them the most kindly care while they
ally. or about one-twelfth CT the whole inco me
of the islands, to tine care of the lepers. 1t NAV
be added that the lepers are so well attended to
that there was no room for Sister Gertrude
when she arrived at Molokai and she returned
to Honolulu, where place was found for her
in connection with the leper receiving hospital
Passing grim-looking Molokai the island of
Maui, with its picturesque mountains, verdure-
clad valleys. pea-green cane plantations and
dark-green cocoanut groves presented an at
tractiye appearance in contrast with the SOM
Der leper island. Late heavy rains had washed
so much disintegrated or rotten lava down
from the mountains as to dscolor the water
considerably beyond our steamer track, from
the shore.
ALONG THE COAST.
The next island reached was Hawaii. and
skirting along its leeward side we came to a
picturesque landing at little coast village.
The surf was beating high here with a steady
roar. Along the beach was a cluster Of build
ings, some Of them the native grass houses,
and conspicuous in the line New Eng
land-looking little church. white, with green
blinds. These white churches, seen every
where through the islands, look as il dropped
from New England village. group of the
natives occupied the shore at the landing.
Some were seated on the rocks and numbers
were on horseback. A bright bit of color was
given to the picturesque gathering by the
vivid red dresses of some of the women.
Parties Of the natives were seen coming down
the mountain sides. mostly on horseback, the
women riding astride. Some OF the natives
were guiding droves of cattle down the cliff
roads to the landing, to be sent by steamer to
the Honolulu market