Honolulu star-bulletin. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1912-2010, 1913-01-16

Just what the conditions prevail.
ing at the Jail in Hiio, really are,
Japanese Consul General Hisakichi
Eitaki is determined to learn. Yes
.terday he sent a wireless to his
agent in the Hawaii town, demanding
full investigation of the charge
that a Japanese, awaiting trial, has
fallen victim to beriberi, and that
other Japanese have been worked on
the roads Of the Big Island, minus
proper clothing.
The consul general this morning
said that this was the first report
which he had heard concerning the
conditions in the Hilo Jail. He re-
ceived the information yesterday aft
ernoon and Immediately sent the
telegram in order to find out the
truth AS yet. no details have arriv-
ed at the consulate in answer to the
message, and Consul Eitake was I'M
able to talk further on the matter.
During my trip to the Island of
Hawaii about a month ago" he said
this morning, Il heard nothing what
ever that any such conditions existed
in the Hilo Jail, and, as | made no in
vestigation of the Jail myself, | can
make no definite statement yet.
have been told that the prisoners
were treated inhumanely that one Of
the Japanese prisoners had died from
beribari, and that the prisoners We're
working absolutely naked. The only
reason that l can think of for this
last, if it be true, is that as there are
so many prisoners in the Jail there
is not enough clothing to 90 around.
AS we have no representative in Hilo
to report these alleged conditions, if
they exist. at once sent a telegram
to the officials of that city. in behalf
of the Japanese prisoners in the Jail,
requesting an investigation of the
matter. AS yet, l have received no
answer"
In speaking of the alleged death Of
one Of the japanese prisoners from
herbert, the Consul said that. bad
there been any death from This dis
east it was probably due to the eating
Of mouldy rice. Many deaths from this
cause. he said. occur in Japan at fire.
uuent intervals. AS to referring the
matter to Washington in case these
conditions were found 10 exist in the
Hilo Jail. Mr.. Eitake said that he was
not ready to talk on that matter.
The board Of health of Honolulu is
planning an investigation of the mat
ter. DR. Pratt says that he was sure
that DR.. Bowman. who is the chief san
itarv inspector at IIiiO. is now making
a thorough nvPsjigatiGn Of the matter,
and also that until the local board
hears from him theT will be unable TO
take any action. The jaiier in charge
of the IIiIO jail has been openly cAarG-
cd With being responsible for the in
sanitary condition of the Jail. and that
ordinary precautions in the clearing
of the pla~" ana preparation Of II"
food for the prisoners would prevent
beriheri breaking out. ami it Is fur
ther believed that this exposure will
result in IT," dismissal e the j4iieT and
rhc cicamiES ~ Of he jail.
officials Unconcerned.
Territorial and federal officials in
Honolulu are not tearing tN>ir mai
0 err the conditions alleged [" exist
in the jail at hilo. wi,"ro a case Of
lc ri-beri is sad to L..}" i... n H'-' oN'
cd recently. Neither ere thrv n"iln-
p,i. at tn pr, sent tjm", - i"h' HH'
,,1,stic action or lndulEo in il - ,h,r
CAMPAIGN OF off, jll head cutting.