El Paso daily herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1881-1901, 1899-06-06
PASO, TEXAS, TUESDAY JUNE 6, 1899

Wales, who presided over the meeting.
Great encouragement was given the
movement by royalty and all others.
The medical profession all over the
world is deeply interested in the sub
ject, the aid by governments solicited,
and every effort is being made to sup
press this formidable disease. Since
the germ which causes it is known,
and its habitant, the condition under
which it thrives, and that the disease
is contagious, it does appear but ra-
tional to assume that it can not only be
prevented by precautionary measures,
but that it can be cured by proper en-
viron ment and treatment. 1t is equal
ly true, that even in the best OF homes,
the treatment usually accorded the
patient is nil in effect and accom-
plishes nothing.
''Something more than this must be
done If we expect to materially de-
crease the death rate. WHAT is that
something? Detweiler believes that
over "a per cent of cases Of tuberculosis
are durable; Nielsen, 27 per cent; Bray
mer, 81 per cent. And this under or
binary climatic and hygienic treat
meut A much higher percentage OF
recoveries could be recorded If real
systematic and scientific treatment
cou d be afforded these patients. Such
a course can be instituted only in we'll
ordered and equipped hospitals design
ed especially for such inmates.
SIN regard to the extent of the dis
ease, can do no better than to use the
words of Prof. Hirsch. He says, sit
is emphstically disease of all times,
all countries and all races. No climate,
no Latitude, no occupation. no combi'
nation of favoring circumstances forms
an infsllible safeguard against the on
set of tuberculosis, however such con-
ditions may mitigate its ravages or re-
tard its progress. Like typhoid fever,
phthisis dogs the steps of man wher-
ever he may be found, and claims its
victims among every Gage, class and
race"
I'm answer.to the question, what is to
be done to prevent its progress? L
would suggest a remedy in using the
words of resolution adopted at the
Con gress of Hygiene in
Brussels, in 1897: THE disqualification
of tuberculosis is urgent sand will not
long be witbheld.' In several large
cities in the United States an earnest
effort has already been made to carry
this thought into practical utilization
especially so in Chicago and New
York. 1t can readily be seen, however
that but comparative few out of this
number of afflicted can be accommodated
in this manDer.-A country or state
that is ever on the alert to prevent the
landing of a foreign foe, or a hostile
aid in the suppression of foe to the
human race ten times more destructive
to human life that the invasion of the
country by an army of great size arm
ed with the most improved rifles. Let
US, then. in the name of humanity, in
woke aid from the government of this
very humane people, in order to help
put down and thoroughly conquer this
foe.
"During the last session OF the New
York legislature report of the senate
appointed to investigate the
of establishing q state hos
pital for the cure of consumptives was
made. Many reasons for the same
were presented in the report. Is 1t too
much, then, to suggest that this asso-
citation representing the most advanced
thought of the medical profession OF
take action in this important
matter?
''I would most respectfully urge you
to appoint q committee to prepare
careful report on this subject and
present it to the next congress sitting
beseeching that this government erect,
prepare. or donate hospitals or reser-
vations in and at which the poor or
others shall receive treatment for the
cure of consumption. Also that it be
impressed upon state boards Of health
in the various states the adVisability OF
the respective states erecting similar
institutions. The blind, the deaf, the
insane, the feeble-minded and other
classes-are SO provided for. why not
these? They are not able to care for
themselves, and they are a menace to
the public health, 1t must be con-
fessed that in so far as the prevention
of the disease is concerned that must
come from the education of the people