Evening journal., 1897-02-03
THE PLAGUE IN INDIA.

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II is not exactly creditable to civil
ization that the famine in India did
not lead to greater efforts, for its sup
preston from England and other
countries intimately connected with
the Oriental part Of the world, until it
had superinduced that fearful malady
the worst and most terrible Of all dis
eases, known to humanity as the black
plague, the very name of which pro-
duces a shiyer and horror in London.
Over two centuries ago London was
decimated by this terrible scourge, and
to-day its temperance in India has
wakened the fears Of the British peo-
pie. Sympathy and donations are now
being given, but shame to say, they are
not so much moved by generosity as
from fear.
There is no doubt that the famine in
India, and the bad sanitary condition
Of that country were the main causes
Of the plague, a disease which has here
tofore run its course in defiance of all
that medical science has been able TO
do to prevent IT, This being so, the
only hope in this era of the world lies
in improved sanitary conditions, for It
is assumed, II not positively known
that filth superinduces plaques as it
does most infectious diseases. Indeed,
It is believed that the disappearance OF
the plague from Europe, where history
records its former ravages has been
caused by the increased cleanliness
that now prevails in that part of the
world.
Overcrowded dwellings, with def
cient ventilation, greatly favor the
spread Of the disease, and such is the
rule in Bombay, India, and in the re-
gions beyond there where the trouble
first began. Poverty in these
localities; the people are insufficiently
fed and most entirely untaught in the
elements Of what we consider Chris
tian civilization. These are believed to
be the causes of the plague in India
and though they do not exist to any
and other civilized communities. it is
impossible to forget that the plague
when once introduced, is an infectious
disease and likely to spread its germs
broadcast in every direction.
If the plague spreads to Europe
where there is now so much apprehen-
sion regarding it, it is by no means un-
reasonable to suppose it will find its
way to the United States. Our inter
course is so intimate with the countries
there, which are likely to receive this
inniction. that it would seem almost
impossible to prevent the disease from
entering our seaport cities. Fortunately
New York, where the greatest danger
lies, is now believed to be the cleanest
city in the country Other large cities
notably Philadelphia and Boston. arc
rapidly following her example and fear
OF the plague is likely to cause a great
effort at cleanliness throughout tn,
country
This will be q blessing to us in man,
ways. and while we are cleaning nj
our cities we should do all in our powe
by generously helping forward tn
movement to put down the plagu
where it exists. 1t is proposed to burr
the native quarter of Bombay to purif,
1t, and as it is next to impossible &
disinfect it by the ordinary means,
looks plausible that this extreme meas
ure should properly be resorted to. Blu
suppose this is done, what is to becom
of the thousands. both living and dyin,
in this infected district? Some Pre-
vision must be made for them. for the
cannot be swept out from existence a
easily as their filthy habitations. The,
too, must be disinfected and supple
with new abodes. Then let the peopl
of the civilized world see that this
done effectively by the contributions {
those who are amply able to give.