The morning journal-courier., 1908-06-01
KOCH SEES LEPERS
German Doctor Goes to Ha. waiian Colony to Study
 Treatment.
SILENT ON RESULT OF TRIP
Will Not Say Whether n Permanent Cure for Disease Might Be
 Discovered.

Honolulu, May 3l.-Prof Robert Koch, German bacteriologist, who for some time has been staying in Homo lulu on his trip around the world, re- turned from a visit 10 the famous leper settlement on the island of Molo- kai. whither he went to investigate the method Of treating loprosy. which has long been a pcrpcxing problem in these islands and in the Orient
 Dr. Koch was take to Molokai as the guest of the German consu, William Pfotenhauer, on tho Chilean steamer Ike Au Hou, especially chartered for the trip and he was accompanied by Dr. Walter Beyokerhoff, in charge of the federal leprosarium; Dr. l.. E. Golf CT, president of the L s. Marine Hos pital service at Honolulu. and Y, Focke. chilean consul Dr. Koch made a careful examination of the settle ment taking many notes on what he saw and interrogating many of the lepers, but he was reticent as 10 his experience, except on the general con duet and condition of the camp. As to the scientific treatment of leprosy and as to whether a permanent cure might be discovered as a result of experi- ments now being made by scientists he declined to be quoted
 "1 visited the settlement" said pr. Koch, principally to learn three things, namely The method of ad- minstratlon, the contentment and surroundings of the lepers and wheth- CT climatic, racial or other conditions resulted in special forms of develop ment of the disease. 1 found the type of disease the same as that existing In leper stations of other countries that have visited
 The buildings. general arrangements and equipment compare favorably with those existing in the great ieper sta tions in other parts of the world. found the patients well provided for in every respect, especially in treat ment and nourishment The lepers have every reason to be ae well satis- fled and contented as could be ex- pected."
 The lepers had no notice of the coming of Dr. Koch They take de- light in welcoming distinguished vis- itors with a public gathering and speeches and felt chagrined that they were not prepared to show those at tentions to Dr. Koch's party. They soon learned Dr. Koch's identity however, and regard his visit as the most Important event in the history of their isolated and almost hopeless home.
 pr. Koch visited first the buildings for the federal leprosarium and was then taken to the Baldwin Home for boys. Here he examined many of the patients asking them about their age and length of confinement in the set tlement. From the boys home be went to the Bishop home for girls, which is in charge of the Franciscan sisters, and thence to the Bayvicw Home, where patients in advanced stages are cared for He conferred at length with Dr. W. J. Goodhue sertlc- ment physician. regarding the .reat- ment and progress of the disease, dis playing much interest in Dr. Good hue's experience.
 pr Koch talked with Dr Goodhue about the administration of the settle ment at the contentment of the lepers and how they liked the treatment. He asked why an exact census of lepers in the island, as shown by nasal se- cretons, or by other efficient means, had not been made. It was explained that public sentiment among Ha- Waiian would not permit of this.
 Dr. Koch declared that such an ex. animation, which is now made in Ger many would be valuable as giving data from which to judge of the effective ness of segregation.
 pr Koch visited the grave of Father Damien, who gave up his life in the service of the lepers and talked with Brother Dutton, Father Damiens com panion.