The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1908-10-28
PeIagra.

The doctors are soon TO meet for the pur-
pose Of studying the new disease called Fela-
e ra, pronouced Pel-ah- gIa. The disease has
Just made its debut into this country, yet 1t
claims Its victims by the score.
Dr.. Babcock OF the State Hospital for the
insane Travelled last summer In Italy and
made a thorough study OF the diseas. II
seems that the disease, while not contagious
is just as deadly as the genuine leprosy and
kills quicker than ordinary leprosy.
Authorities have about come 10 the con-
cluslon that the cause Of the disease Is direct.
ly attributable to the eating OF food slufs
made from impure corn meal, this conclusion
Ia borne out by the fact that the desease limits
Its activitie 10 the countries where much corn
meal Is consumed. Northern Italy Is such q
country and the disease has made greater "a
wages there than In any other country.
The South consumes great quantities ofcorn
meal. It is the staple diet of the poor class.
and q food used and much liked by all IN
this country, though since The recent devel
opement anent this disease. many have lost
the taste for the time honored Corn Dodger'
If the conclusion OF The Mtdicos as TO the
cause OF this disease Is correct. and undoubt-
eddy It is, the way 10 fort stall lis further re-
wages Is plain. The corn that comes 10 the
south in the spring and summer is frequently
unfit for horses 10 eat, much less IL 1t asuitable
food for man. such corn Is We sometimes
get gives horses blind staggers and many a
bone 10 bleaching today under the rain and
sun where the animal fell lis victam. On
this account 1t no other, steps ought 10 be
taken 10 guarantee a better staple food. Pity
for animals alone would suggest some.remedy
for the ever Increasing evil. Yet the consurm
ton OF such corn has gone on even IN the face
OF the fact that we have such strict pure food
laws. The officers Of the law have limited
their attentions 10 meats, drugs, etc. and have
allowed this importation OF rotten corn and
corn meal 10 60 on unnoticed.
The merchant is not 10 blame. He buys
good corn or tries 10 TO do SO. There is no
place 10 buy corn except the West and the
West is the source Of almost all damaged
corn. This country produces very little dam
aged corn. The summers are 30 long here
and the falls 30 late that there is ample time
for the proper curing of corn. III the West
the season for ripening corn Is SO short that
1t Ia necessary to cut the corn IN green slate,
shock 1t in the field and let 1t dry out the
best 1t can. In this way corn is cut before the
grain hardens, leaving an immature product.
The forces OF pature.bave not had lime TO
make all Its wonderful changes In the grain
lint are necessary belorethe corn Is a proper
food.
Cars OF corn come 10 this state and own
smoking hot in the process OF f! mentation,
such corn ia no more q lit food for man 1t may
do for hogs.
This IL a serious question:, we can raise all
the corn We need IN this country bnt we wont
do IL. Our corn Is as pure as food stuff can be
made. Upland corn, from which the fodder
has been pulled If necessary, when allowed to
ripen IT, hardness on q stalk Is as good q food
AZ ere fed man Of beast, but we wont make
1t. Now come the doctors and tell us that If
We eat rotten meal, lot necessary rotten meal,
Just slightly damaged meal will do the work,
That we may look out for Pelagra, a disease
hat Ia as loathsome as II is fatal,
The state board of health will no doubt take
I he matter In hand, and at no distant day we
e1 pect to see cars OF corn opened under the
eyes Of a government Inspector
Individually, though, II you are a farmer,
the question need bring no worry, the way
for you is uumistable. Make your own corn
and let your neighbor eat western meal II he
wishs and incidently run The r.Sk oftaking Pc
lagra. No better still plant your own corn
and endeavor TO get our neighbor to do the
same thing.