The Hawaiian gazette., 1904-11-22

low fever Al of the Iils which at
teul upon and ave fYairral by tie ir-
taWn,e. poverty lnl superstition OF
the orient are constantly freh en-
trance to our fair isles We oNc 10
to ourselves by the nrat law OF nature
THAI these threatened invtslHns shan
be- upcncd It doyolves upon' MS to
prevent this Territory from be.ominL
"a menace 20 the state In general. We
must remember that We have at our
backs the vast territory of the United
states canada and the other countrics
Of America. To accomplish this IL IL
necessary that the doctor should tax,
constant. keen and important place
In the affairs OF the country,
think 1t has been shown that the
medical profession OF these Islands as
body cannot be excelled, either In
skill or attachments, and you have on
~ to work in accord to exercise an
irresistible force In accomplishing
measures. 1t is true that you have
worked increasingly in rain and shine,
by daylight and in darkness and often
there has been no reward except the
satisfaction of knowing that you have
done your duty and that you have ac-
complished for the community results
IL sometimes knows not OF.
Science has demonstrated that tuber-
cuosis is infectious and that it may
be cured; that the dried sputum is the
prime factor in it's dissemination; that
outdoor life free air and sunlight are
patent factors for cure. Yet even In
our sunny cline we have not far to go
to find veritable hotbeds for this dis
ease.
We know that rats and vermin are
the common carriers of the plague
bacillus and that its existence in a
community constitutes a terrible men,
ace, yet witness the apparent apathy
with which the efforts of the Board
of Health are met, in its attempt to
eradicate the evil of boundless hordes
of rats.
We know that the mosquito is the
rapid transit" for malaria and yellow
fever and that intelligent care and at
tention will go far to eliminate these
diseases by destroying and rendering
impossible the pests that distribute
them, and yet il is hardly doubtful
that within "A stones throw of our
gathering place We could find album
dant breeding places for the mosquito.
Venereal diseases are increasing in
our midst, with consequent destruction
to our young men and women increas-
ing sterility, shortened life and num-
berless attendant evils. We also know
that segregation and kindred means
will go far to initiate against this
evil.
We now have traChoma putting in its
deadly work with a large and impor-
tant portion of our population, and yet
it has been seen fit to abolish the posi-
ton of government physician, thereby
taking away one of the most effectual
means of asCertaining the presence of
and checking the disease.
1t lies with the physicians largely, to
create and foster knowledge, informa-
ton and sentiment that will educate
the laymen ard not only induce them to
trust but to assist the physician, who is
to show that he has knowledge and is
worthy of trust; thereby these diseases
and the dangers therefrom may be re-
duced to a minimum and these Islands
become indeed a very Paradise of the
Pacific.
Medical science and the rules of
health in connection Herewith are not
alone sufficient, 1t is necessary in ev-
cry community, but more especially
situated as we are, that the strong arm
Of the law should constantly lend its
assistance and we have much need of
further remedial legislation. Now Is
he time to act. The Legislature of the
Territory is about to meet for it's bien
NAL session and this society should
bring such influence to bear that ade-
luate means may be provided, not only
TO meet but to cope with the emergen-
2ies which are continually before us.
With the conditions in the midst of
which we live, it would seem that the
present is an i'll time for the abolition
IF the post of government physician.
If they were necessary in the past
lays of comparative freedom from dan
ger, when communication with the
great Orient was almost nonresident;
how much more so today with this
frequent, rapid, and
greatly to increase in the near future.
At the present time Hawaii has the un-
,nviable distinction of being the only
civilized commonwealth when makes
no provision for its INDECENT
lick The historic saying is Millions
or defense but not a cent for tribute
)ut 1t would seem at present as though
n Hawaii it is Nothing for defense
cut anything for revenue"
An important subject for legislation
IS suggested by present conditions con-
corning and controlling the right of
physician to practice. In England, In
Germany and others of the great states
of the world, "A physician is licensed
because he has become learned In medi-
cine .ad is ready to practice his art;
after receiving the license he can prac-
tiCe throughout the entire country
without regard 20 imaginary lines
separating states. There are reciprocal
relations between some countries 80
that qualified physician or surgeon OF
one Is authorized 10 practice In the
other, but In America, so FAR as
know. 30 matter how Well prepared
from whatever university the physician
may have received his letters the fact
mat hc ls able and ls authorized Ca
IF am. af.Ifr aFH FrTrIlUFk NUt#H