Tensas gazette. [volume] (St. Joseph, La.) 1886-current, 1911-04-14

that wanted to be in touch with hui
man sufferings, to be active In the re-
lief of those of my fellow-beings who
were afflicted. yet so as not to bring
me In direct contact with the outside
world"
From the monastery Brother Joseph
went to the convent OF the Redemptor-
list Fathers in New Orleans. where he
passed many days In prayer. One day,
in the recreation room, he came across
a magazine describing the life of Faith
er Damien. He went to the library
and got an authentic record of that
priests work, read and reread It, then
the mind of the man was at rest. He
had found his place in the world. He
decided to get to the stricken islands
speedily as he could. He announced
his intention to the Superior of the
Redemptorists and he applauded the
courage of the convert. He settled his
accounts with the world, entered into
communication with Father Damien,
and in the summer of 1886 sailed from
San Francisco. On July 29 he arrived
at Molokai and turned his back forever
on the higher civilization. behind him.
Assistant Of Father Damien.
In the beginning Brother Joseph
lived in a cabin and assisted Father
Damien in the numerous improve
ments that were undertaken, In his
spare hours making a thorough study
Of leprosy, its origin and development
Brother Joseph in those days was
hopeful. He leaned to the opinion
that the disease was durable. He
made experiments that attracted the
attention of celebrated bacterioio-
gists, though none will admit that lep-
rosy can be cured. Dr. P. A. Morrow
Of New York was one Of the experts
that investigated the brothers expert
ments, and he has now In his posses
sion the plates Of two blind lepers
upon whom the brother made his
first experiment. Since the American
occupation there have been numerous
changes introduced In the manner of
treatment of the disease. The gov
eminent has built a leprosarium, and
some Of the ablest minds have been
engaged in seemingly fruitless war
fare. There has been no visible ar
resting of the progress Of leprosy.
The afflicted come and go. Death does
not diminish the ranks, and It never
can. the experts will tell you, until
perfect isolation is enforced. The
government added to Brother Jo-
seph's labors by placing him in
charge of the Baldwin Home for leper
men and boys. He Is assisted by four
brothers Of the Sacred Heart, also,
like himself, consecrated to the work
OF nursing the afflicted. He rises
early, attends prayers and hears mass,
then gives an hour or so to the ad.
ministrative part Of his duties. The
rest Of the day Is given to nursing his
patients, studying the cases of new.
corners, teaching the boys the ele-
mentary sciences. encouraging them
in healthy exercise.
His "ouIet Hour"
Night brings his "quiet hour" He
finds time to continue his studies OF
leprosy, read the papers, write to his
friends and contribute an occasional
article to papers. Those who knew
the dashing young lieutenant of the
Civil war or the dapper man Of thirty
years ago would scarcely recognize
him in the tall, full-bearded, indif
ferently dressed old man that goes
here and there among his incurable
friends Some have seen in him q
likeness of William Morris, the poet
There is this distinction: Brother 10
seph lacks the sad. melancholy ex
preston Of the eye. Brother JOSEPH
is soldier who long ago tramplet
fear under foot. He is as Cheerful
as the native youths that gather
about him to hear a story, all uncon
scious. some of them, of the terrible
scourge in their system. II is evident
that It is not human courage alone
that sustains this man.
Modern Methods at MoIokai.
NENl1lof -. I1--