The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1907-11-08
THE LEHERJ or h,ANNN: THE BALDWIN HONE FOR
MEN AND Boys IN THE VILLAGE or kALAWAO "a


The United States is not slack con-
corning the fulfillment of it's obliga-
tons, and wherever the Stars and
Stripes have gone, there has gone
with it beneficent hand which has
encouraged commercial and industrial
advancement, has smoothed the rough
road for the weak, and has lifted up
and cared for the sick and afflicted.
Since the Hawaiian group of islands
came under the control of this coun-
try there has been new interest in
and effort for the leper colony estab-
lished on the Island of Molokai, 60
miles from Honolulu, until now it is
safe to say that it is the most wonder
full leper settlement of the world. Mol
okai ranks fifth in size of the Hawaiian
group. Its northern coast consists
chiefly of high precipices, where it is
extremely difficult to effect landings.
There are several valleys lined with
dense vegetation and rare Towering
plants. Tourists may visit any part
of the island except that set apart for
the leper, for which special permission
must be obtained from the board OF
health.
Leprosy was first brought to Hawaii
from China in the year 1858, and was
called by the natives Chinese sick
ness" From that time to 1864 its in
crease was so rapid that it became i'm
portant to isolate the victims, and
laws were passed setting aside tract
of land $4,000 acres) for that purpose.
From the time that the lepers became
the wards of the Hawaiian nation,
most generously have they been
cared for. In her treatment of the
leper Hawaii has set an example to
the world.
The settlement consists of two viii
lages-Kalaupapa and Kalawao-sit-
uated on grassy plain, on PENN
sula, ten miles in length and two in
breadth, bounded by the ocean on
three sides, and by high precipices on
the other. The cliffs rise from $500
to 1000 feet. The air is balmy and
the soil fertile, with pasture land
for cattle and horses. One steamer
week gives communication with Molo-
kai. The government physicians in
every district are very vigilant, and
as soon as any evidence of the dis
ease is discovered the person is
termed a suspect" and is conveyed
70 the Kalihi receiving station in Hon
olulu. The greatest kindness is shown
to the afflicted ones, and none is con-
demned without the most careful ex-
animation. The examining physicians
five in number) are appointed by the
board of health, and two are bacteri-
alogists. The opinion of four of the
examiners must agree to declare per-
son leper. If the suspect desires
medical counsel outside of the board
It is allowed and furnished free of
charge. Every comfort is supplied at
.he receiving station for those held
Cor examination, and all rights of the
patient are guarded carefully.
At last report there were confined
at Molokai $40 lepers, nearly all of
Hawaiian birth, or partly so; OF
orientals and Portuguese only seven,
and there were but nine Americans.
The Hawaiians, because of their man.
ner of living, are especially suscepti-
BILE to the disease. Few foreigners
contract leprosy. At the settlement
everything possible is done to make
the lepers contented in homes of their
own. The disease is usually slow in
it's progress, and many are physically
vigorous and able to labor. Employ
ment at fair wages is furnished, but
none is forced to accept it. Many cul-
tivate trees, flowers and vegetables
for themselves. Fresh and salt beef,
fresh and salt fish, poi, rice, bread,
milk, tea, oil and soap, and all bed
ding and clothing required are pre-
vided. The cottages are comfortable,
and many outside modern improve
ments have been supplied lately,
among them a steam poi factory, q
steam laundry and an ice plant.
The settlement has a gymnasium
and a library and reading-room for
which magazines ana books are free
~ given. There are musical instru-
ments of all kinds. The Hawaiians
are a music loving race, and Molokai
has two fine bands and several glee
clubs. Chess is favorite game
Some years ago blind leper was re-
puted to be one of the most remark
able chess players in the world. Out
door sports are popular. There are
baseball, races and shooting matches.
An enthusiastic athletic club has been
formed.
The lepers have the franchise and
many take interest In politics. Po-