Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1901-11-26
TIE indian SITUATION
DR.. Linn Makes Report After a
Thorough Investigation on
the Reservation.
Finds Matters in a Deplorable
Condition and Takes Action
For Relief.
Temporary Hospital to Be Pro-
vided and Sick Indians Civ
en- Medical Attention.
tn Observation-Disclosures


Tama, Nov. 26.-Dr. Linn, who was
sent here by the state board of health
under authority from the government,
at Washington, to take charge of the
smallpox patients among the Indians
has made a thorough investigation. He
has just made his report to the secre.
tary of the board of health. A con-
ference of the health authorities OF
Tama and Toledo, Agent Malin and DR.
Linn was held and radical steps taker
that it is believed will result in check
ing the disease. A temporary hospital
will be provided among other things
and 1t is believed the sick Indians will
avail themselves of the opportunity tc
go there. DR.. Linn's report in sub
stance says:
i visited the Indians Saturday.
II found that all had submitted to
vaccination.
afflicted with the disease; some of them
in quite light form, especially the chill
dren from 8 to ~.
The largest mortality was among
adults and infants.
"Thirty-one deaths are directly
traceable to smallpox.
-Four or five other Indians have
died, but not of smallpox.
.Thirty-one are seriously sick with
smallpox, the crisis not having been
reached. OF these probably several
will die. If the weather should become
Indictment. certainly If heavy storm
should occur, there would be many
deaths.
I'VE found number who are recov-
ering.
The situation is unfortunate. Be
yond vaccination nothing has been
done for them. Agent Malin has been
in obtaining from the gov
eminent funds for a hospital, medical
attendance and provisions and care.
vessel to carry aid to the stricken in
foreign lands is unable to provide for
its own stricken wards.
1.-The Indians have observed quaran-
tine retraints without complaint. They
accept their hard lot with stoical in
difference.
by instruction of your board have
initiated a movement which may save
many lives. What was needed was
someone to take the initiative. At a
conference of the health authorities of
Tama and Toledo I appointed the may
ors of Tama, Toledo ond Aontour, with
Agent Malin as chairman, a committee
to take the matter of relief in charge.
They will endeavor to make the lot of
the sick more tolerable. The state can
not furnish funds, but 1t is hoped the
people of the surrounding cities will see
to it that proper medical attendance is
given.
by order of the governor the adult
ant general has shipped two large tents
to the reservation to be used as a hos
pital. Hitherto the Indians have refused
to use hospital, probably because of
the influence and advice of outside par
ties. 1t is believed now that most OF the
sick will accept the offer of the hospital.
Their condition is now pitiable. Sick
and well are herded together. The sick
roll themselves in their blankets and are
poisoned with the disease.
The sick and well are not separated.
Il beg especially to call your attention
to the fact that the epidemic now rag
ing among the Indians is an illustration
of how severe epidemic may develop
under favorable conditions from small
pox as it now obtains in this state. In
many parts of Iowa smallpox obtains in
q mild form, and an occasional severe
case is seen, but the great majority of
cases is so slight as almost to breed
contempt for it in the minds, of the peo-
pie No doubt it's mildness Of form is
largely due to the fact that it has been
limited from spreading and made miider
by vaccination. There is, however, no.
guarantee for continued mildness. 1t is
possible this disease so widespread at
present may become much more severe,
and many deaths may result before 1t is
stamped out. Many health
officers are found, and even occasional
who raise the question as to
this is genuine smallpox. A
death roll Of more than thirty in this
Indian camp gives sad and indisputable
evidence Of the genuineness of the dis
ease. The pitted faces and marked
forms of more than 100 others adds I'M
questioned evidence.
1.-THE people should be profoundly
grateful that this visitation has been so
mild. They should lend every effort to
strict obedience to quarantine and COM
pliance with regulations of the health
officers to prevent spread. The reserva-
ton epidemic will soon be over.
zone very serious problem confronts
the board, the renovation of the camp
Nearly all the Indians are possessors of
4 blanket and other clothing OF little
value, all of which are thoroughly in
'ected with smallpox germs. Their wick
ups contain mats, bundles of clothing
and sundry effects which are capable of
those not immune for years to
come. The houses themselves. being
of mats woven together are
little better than the clothing The camp
S a center of interest and Is largely WIS.,
ted at all times of the year. Unless 1t
s renovated it may spread the disease
or years to come.
II shall Immediately take up the mat
err with the secretary of the interior
md ascertain if the government will not
supply the Indians with such new ma
erial as may be necessary, and burn as
much of their present effects as would
most likely spread the disease"
Simmer GIVES MORE.
Another Big Donation for the Benefit
If nuhInte Hospitais