The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1903-01-13

IaVerSe to being thrown into commune
cation with strangers, owing to theil
unfortunate condition due to the nature
of the disease from which they art
lsuffering. They are not like white men
Their habits, food and mode of living
are different, and these would first have
to be studied by Federal officials COM
ing in contact with them before any
good could possibly result from the
change suggested.
1t is extremely doubtful, moreover
whether any benefits could be accom-
plished by placing the lepers of Hawaii
under Federal control, as reference
would then be made to Washington in
any cases of complaint aud the long dis
lance would preclude the possibility of
prompt attention to their needs and
wants. Control from a distance would
work a hardship upon them.
! The admission of lepers from all parts
of the United States, many Of whom are
Chinese, Porto Ricans and Norwegians,
would be one of the most objectionable
features contemplated. Averse to the
presence of strangers, the lepers would
shrink from sudden contact with hum
dreds of other unfortunates whom they
had nevr seen or known, and who
could not even speak their own Ian
guage.
Heretofore it has been a source of
pride to the government of these ISL
ands to furnish proper care, comforts
and medical attention for their unfor-
tunate fellow citizens. They have al
ways been regarded as subject for
local control, and the pride and re-
sponsibility of the people in perform
ing this duty Compels a. desire to
improve their health and eradicate the
disease.
While Hawaiians will always be glad
to secure assistance in the study and
care of this disease (and it is our hope
to eventually clear these beautiful ISL
ands of all traces of the disease) we
are strongly opposed to the permanent
establishment of a lazaretto on Molo-
kai, which would make this Territory
America" Such course would be
detrimental to every social and business
interest. 1t would injure the sale; OF our
products and prevent visits 5sfrom
strangers, who would hesitate to in
clude a Leper Colony in their holiday
itinerary.
This entire question was fought out
in the recent political campaign in this
Territory. 1t was the main issue. The
present Delegate to Congress, Robert
had introduced bill in the House. of
Representatives embodying the same
ideas as the United States Senate Com 8
mission. Prince Kuhio, the Republi-
can candidate for Delegate, was elected
because he opposed the Wilcox idea and
because he promised to use his efforts
to maintain local control of our local
trouble. In this he was supported by
the Hawaiian voters and secured the
remarkable majority, over Wilcox, of
nearly 1000 votes out of a total of II 1926
votes cast at the polls |
1t was unfortunate that the Senate
Commission was unable to personally
visit Molokai, to see what is done there
by our local Board of Health, and to
learn the wishes of the patients direct
ly from themselves at their own sani-
tarium.
Trusting that you will give the fore
vO11r
and aid us in preventing any injustice
or unkindness being done to our I'M
fortunate fellow citizens in Hawaii,
We have the honor to be, Sir
Your obedient servants,
c. L. CRABBE,
Chairman.
A. L c. ATKINSON,
Secretary.
AT the meeting of the executive COM
nittee yesterday afternoon the question
Of a coffee bounty was brought up and
the committee decided to assist In every :
way possible to secure legislation to
this end.
There were a number of recommends !
tons made for appointments to road
boards and Territorial offices.
The committee at work on the county
bill met last evening and completed
the final reading of more than half of
the bill. The final reading will be held
this evening and the bill will then be
rewritten and the report submitted to
the Territorial Central committee by ,
next Saturday evening. A special