Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-05-17
The War Against Tuberculosis.

Highly encouraging progress has. seen
made during the past half-dozen years In
the direction OF public education In the
fight against consumption. Whereas a
couple of decades ago it was difficult to
find without scientific knowledge
who did not believe that tuberculosis was
incuvabie and hereditary 1t is now ex-
ceptionsi to find a person of Intelligence
who is not fully aware that 1t is a COM
munlcable, preventable and durable disease.
Furthermore, thanks to the work that has
been done In all the large cities by the
committees of both laymen and scientists
the educational process has gone so far as
TO persuade a steadily increasing number
o. the absolute necessity. for the sake
OF public health, that the sufferers from
tuberculosis be subjected to certain re-
strictive regulations. affecting their per-
sonal habits and their manner of treat
nent
The first great object has been attained,
to degree which Is heartening to those
now engaged in lighting the great white
plague" in that the disease Is regarded as
communicable. Once established, that prin-
ciple win bring In It's train certain methods
OF prevention. Whereas a few years ago
the sufferer from tubercuar disease was
considered as durable. provided the treat
ment is begun early enough But whether
his case is taken In hand In season or not.
he is considered a possible source of in
fection. and so far as sanitary regulations
can go. the tendency OF the day Is to pre-
vent him from communicating the seeds of
the disease TO others.
The men who are assembled in confer
ence in this city at present. enlisted In the
war against consumption. are both
physicians and taymen. They see the case
from all points OF view. They are report
Ing progress In a degree which must en-
courage all who follow the proceedings to
hope for the ultimate reduction of this
disease from its terribly high rank as a
destroyer OF life. In the schools, In fac
tories. in stores and In Offices the dangers
OF communication are great but thanks to
the intelligent work Of the local committees
and the medical societies, all represented
at the Washington meeting ways and
means of minimizing the danger are being
found and applied. Medical examinations
tend to lessen the risk of the close associa-
ton of the we'll with the tubercular Con-
slant iteration of the warning against the
promiscuous ejectment OF the sputum upon
floors and pavements and sidewalks Is
gradually teaching vitality important les
son in cleanliness and sanitation. The best
methods of ventilating rooms in which
numbers of people in all stages Of health
are assembled are discussed The broad
question of segregation. always difficult, is
being studied In spirit of community pro-
lection and yet with due consideration for
the rights and needs of the individual
Every year brings its results In this fight,
now In the enlistment of new workers. now
in the overcoming of local prejudice
against educational efforts. now In the erec-
ton of hospitals, and again in the adop-
ton here and there OF restrictive and cor
receive sanitary regulations. The field is
vast one. and It can only be covered in
consequence OF national endeavor The
first great object Is to arouse the people
to a sense OF danger. and to an under
standing of the way to avert It, AS soon
as the old hopeless attitude is shaken of
and men begin to look upon the disease as
something that can be prevented the work
Of the reformers is made comparatively
easy.