Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-12-08
FIGHT AGAINST TUBERCULOSIS.
Incident Illustrated of the Effort in
This Citv,

In a large pleasant yard in the rear of
he office of the committee on prevention
If consumption is a commodious tent
constructed after the most modern and
most approved model and erected after
the most sanitary and most approved
fashion, with southern exposure, elevated
plank floor, double canvas roof, thorough
iy dry and thoroughly comfortable in
every kind of weather at all times of the
year. The tent, which as it stands cost
the committee about $40 has been idle
Tor months past, its only function being
to serve as a part of the committees ex-
hibit and to demonstrate practical means
Of sanitary outdoor living for consump-
tives.
In another part of the city. occupying
one room il. a miserable alley shanty, was
a young man about twenty years of
age victim of tuberculosis. An exam
nation at the Free Dispensary for Con-
sumptives had shown that while the pa
tent was in a fairly advanced stage of the
disease he had an excellent chance Of
recovery, providing he could have good
food, warm clothing and more wholesome
surroundings. He had no home connec-
tons. no friends and no one to help him.
and was unable longer to do the heavy
laboring work by which he had supported
'iAiiiSC-A, pay HIS rent IpE Ills IllSeTdDlt
room and buying the cheap food which
his meager income afforded.
The question in the minds of the physi-
clan and visiting nurse was how to pro-
vide the necessary change of environ
ment and procure the food, rest and fresh
air which are the essential features of the
course of treatment. Why not use the
tent was suggested, and demonstrate in
the dispensary yard. where all other pa
tents could see and learn the practical
value of tent life for a consumptive. 1t
was decided TO try it and give the pa
tent this chance for his life
The further question remained of furn-
ture for the tent. since a patient under
taking outdoor life at the beginning OF
winter must be made thoroughly comfort
able
An appeal to friends produced the equip
ment for the experiment in light house
keeping. business firm of the city
gave cot and mattress a church pro-
vided blankets and sleeping hood, the
Instructive Visiting Nurse Society fur
nished bed linen and towels, different
friends gave an oil stove, toilet necessi-
ties, clothes rack and chair. The equip
ment, though simple and consisting only
of bare necessities, is complete and the
patient Is installed A generous diet OF
milk and eggs is provided from the Citi-
Zens' Relief Association, through the AS
ISOLATED Charities, and through the eff
forts of the visiting nurse light work. as
janitor was found for the patient, so
that he is earning enough TO provide
other necessities for himself
This is said to be only an individual in
stance of the efforts being made to COM
bat the great white plague" in Wash
ington. but it demonstrates the methods
of work. The education of the public to
a realization of the danger of neglect OF
the disease and to the necessity of CIV
ing moral and financial support to the
campaign against it is one purpose OF
the movement. The other purpose is that
of reaching Individuals suffering with
tuberculosis, instructng them in the ma
ture of the disease and the proper meth
DDS of treatment. and, when it can be
done, providing ways and means of max
in their lives.