The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-12-20
STUDYING THE TROPICS.
The First Step Is to Consider the
Prevalence OF Malaria.
Philadelphia Press.


Few countries are in such position with
regard to getting at facts about the tropics
rs the United States. Just as soon as the
war settles down into armed peace the
United States, through its various scientific
departments, will begin the real conquest
of the tropics through the exploitation Of
their natural resources from the very bot
tom up. Porto Rico Will soon come In for a
campaign in typographical, geological and
botanical work, Cuba will not remain I'M
known and the Philippines, 50 long neg
iected, viii begin to reveal themselves in
departmental reports before Spain has fully
realized that it has lost them forever
One important detail of this complete sur
vey of the tropics which the United States
has in contemplation will unquestionably be
n clearer view of the origin, character and
treatment of tropical diseases, one of which,
yellow fever, has been the subject of ex-
pert observation in the United States for
many years. But with greater responsible
ties in the tropics not only Will there be
greater Necessity for the understanding of
yellow fever, but also of those other mala-
dies-above all, maaria-which play such
havoc wtth the unacclimated and are the
dread of the white man the tropics over.
1t is interesting to note that London is TO
have, in connection with its Seamens Hos
ptal, a school for the study of tropical dis
cases. Its value no one can question, and
as one of those interested says:
The man who can conquer malaria by
some preventive treatment as smallpox has
been conquered by vaccination, Will be the
greatest coloniZer the world has ever seen.
Malaria, dysentery and absceSs OF the liver
are among the most prevalent ulSedSeS III
the tropics They are the main dangers
which lie in wait for the white man,
and malaria is by far the chief 1t predis-
poses one, through the fact that it weakens
his system to any other trouble that may
be lurking about. Be victor of malaria
and it will be a greater achievement than
the most victorious campaign could accom-
plish-greater in spreading civilization and
building up empire. We have all followed
the smashing of the mahdi by Lord Kitch-
cner. Think IL he could next proceed to
smash up malaria.
Whether or not the London school VIII
smash malaria is question. SO far as tech
meal expertness and equipment 60 the
United States, through the superb service OF
the Marine Hospital. is in position to do on
a great scale what is being done in London
in Il very tentative manner, and without
English government puts up the buildings,
the Seamen's Hospital must depend on pri-
waite aid for it's success. If. therefore, those
interested in the London venture feel nope
full. we have much more reason TO beileVe
in results with the Marine Hospital service
surgeons setting up laboratories and nos
pitfalls in Porto Rico and the philippines ana
studying on the spot the diseases so much
feared. but which all know are preVentable
The Presidents reference in his message
to the need of a yellow fever commission
also indicates another avenue or research.
and il our control of such of the tropics as
the war has given over TO us results IN the
general enrichment of human knowledge
through the researches of the scientific bu-
reaus of the government and through spe-
cial commissions, we shall perform duty
not only of incalculable benefit to our new
wa rds bur to mankind in general.