The Hawaiian star. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu]) 1893-1912, 1900-04-13
A PHYSICAL Comparison
BRTTONS AND BOERs PLACED IN
CONTRAST.
The London Lancet, the Leading Brit
ish Medical Paper, Makes Some Very
Harsh Comments on Physique.

1.-THE physical and psychological fit
ness of the Beers" says the London
Lancet, confirms everything that has
been said by the most eminent authori-
ties regarding the preservation of ma
tional health. What is needed is above
all pure air, exercise in the open, warm
clothing freedom from worry for one s.
daily bread, and temperance in the use
of alcoholic stimulants. Now compare
the Boer and the Briton. With few e1-
ceptions, the Beers live in the open,
the Beers ambition being to have Sc
much land that he can not see the roof
of his neighbor. His work is all in the
open air. and he has to go enormous
distances to reach a doctor or get to
church. The food he obtains at least
in part by hunting, which again
strengthens his body and gives him the
necessary practice with the rifle. Above
ALL he is free from the temptations
which ruin the health of rich and poor
alike in other countries. The sight of
luxurious life does not tempt him;
but neither is he pinched by want. His
life is truly one of moderation. His
mind is neither filled with the chase
after riches, nor does he fear bank
ruptcy. He need not fear that syndi-
cate or trust will ruin his business He
knows nothing of the dissipation of our
rich, nor Of the squalOr of the crowded
tenements inhabited by the poor. Hence
he is not subject to nervous ailments.
THE Beers of today are taller and
stronger people than the English. All
who know them well are unanimous
in acknowledging the physical superior
ity of the Boer. Were he to be subject
ed to the temptations of city life, he
might be reduced by vice as quickly as
other people; but that rarely happens,
and President Kruger is himself proof
of the fact that even in cities the Beers
often preserve their simple habits. The
President still goes to bed at eight ana
rises at five.
Besides this fine physical develop
ment, the Boer has the advantage of
freedom from disease caused by drunk
enness and other vices. The Beers are
not prohibitonists, but Drunkenness is
rare among them. What is of the
| greatest Importance is the fact that the
! Beers are as a whole a very moral
people; but, even if they were not, their
! life on the farm would prevent them
| from acquiring diseases caused by vice.
| "How frequently, on the other hand,
are British soldiers incapacftated by
| sexual disease, and punished for drunk
| enness. No wonder that nearly every
Boer is not only able to serve in war,
! but is healthier and stronger than the
men picked for the army by our doc
tors. If all our male population be-
| tween the ages of ID and go were called
out, what a sorry spectacle it would be
compared with a similar Boer force!
! The British army is an infinitesimal
| minority of selected men especially fit
ted to be soldiers. 1t is easy to imagine
what would happen if all our men were
called to arms. Victory in modern war
is with the people who have the best
sharpshooters. Psychologically, that
means the people with the strongest
nerves. To remain cool, quiet, capable
| in battle is the main requirement. To
this must be added the ability to stand
exhausting marches, for which doubt
less the cOuntryman is better endowed
| than the townsman."