The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1915-06-20

" completed. The tuberculosis pop
ulation of Western Texas and New
Mexico is estimated to exceed $4,000,
and from twenty to sixty per cent OF
the families have some member who
is or was infected. The consumptive
population who have migrated from
other States Is more than 1000 at
Albuquerque. above 5000 at Ell Paso,
and 3,500'at San Antonio. The effects
of the transportation of thousands OF
consumptives to and from the resort
cities upon the health of fellow trav-
eIers. the dangers arising TO the COM
munities themselves from the influx
of invalids. and the social and eco
nomic results, are the subject of this
broad and interesting study.
tuberculosis Travel Increases.
Contrary to general opinion. the mi
grafton of the travel of the tubercn-
lous is increasing. Practically every
resort city in the land is today re-
ceiving more consumptives than ever.
although in most instances this in
crease has not kept pace with that OF
the population. Tables OF death
rates OF the principal resort cities
clearly demonstrate this feet. In
other words. more people seek eli
matte cure for tuberculosis at present
imam NJ any PTcFiUuS NAiI"'
Hopeless Cases Decreasing.
The percentage of deaths from tu-
berculosis occurring within a short
period of arrival is lessening. This is
encouraging, and indicates that the
propaganda to keep far
advanced cases at home has been Of
benefit. Nevertheless, as high as
fifteen per cent of all deaths occur
within thirty days after arrival. This
shows that many were in dying con-
dition when they were transferred.
Forty-six per cent OF all deaths occur
within six months OF arrival, indicat-
ing that many consumptives go TO the
West too late to be benefited. In
stances are cited of deaths overtaking
sufferers on trains and in stations.
Protection of Travelling Public.
The sanitation of railway coaches
and the precautions observed while
in transit receive particular attention.
The average consumptive exercises no
precautionary measures. The care
given cars at terminals has an i'm
portant bearing upon the situation.
and the necessity for the greatest
In the sanitation OF cars
at resort terminals Is emphasized
Means for regulating the evil of trav-
cling consumptives are considered.
Hospital cars. segregation. quaran-
tine, and other schemes. are shown
to be impra cticahle. The public must,
therefore. look to reasonable sanitary
for protection.
of Travel Upon Consumptiyes
Bad.
Dust confinement, altitude, and
parting from friends. are declared TO-
be often detrimental TO patients. es-
fhnSn tr the iafAr ~ the
disease. Cases of this nature should
invariably be guided by professional
advice Accompaniment by friends
wherever possible Is urged.
Reception Not Always Cordial.
Marked antagonism has developed
In many western cities toward tuber-
culosis sufferers Great difficulty is
at time encountered In securing hotel
and boarding places.
Even hospital care is occasionally de-
MED to those amply supplied with
funds Part of this feeling is due TO
Objectionable conduct on the part OF
themselves. and also to
fear of the disease Much of II is
and unjust, Even in
towns largely composed Of the In
valid class this feeling is sometimes
In come cities, at lest,
Il Is due to a determined eff IT 10 rid
the community of the presence of IN
valids. So strong Ia this resentment
mat the health service warns all those
who present an appearance OF inva-
ltdism to be governed accordingly.
Poorly Provided With Funds.
The cha rity organizations Of the re-
sort cities have claimed that hundreds
Of consumptives have. become A bur
den upon their communities. SO great
was the cutlery that a conference, of
representatives from western States
was called by the Governor OF Texas,
and the Federal Government appealed
to for aid Up until the present time
few figures have been advanced show
ing tsne extent OF the problem.
. Many invalids are forwarded by
churches, lodges, and unions, from
other States, These people are soon
obliged to seek charita BILE relief. Work
Is often unobtainable, and competi-
ton IS so keen that consumptives have
little opportunity OF obtaining lucra-
tive employment.
Number of Paupers Overesttmated.
Private charity for the relief of
sufferers Is excessive, and too great
praise cannot be accorded the peo-I
pie of the southwest for the assistance
rendered. but the public charity dis
DtnSSu mas DSen .tlttIe enough, anu
not commensurate with the ben
efits derived from the coming of
health seekers. In one instance the
exact annual per capita cost to the
taxpayers was found to be three cents,
the city derived untold bene-
fits from the thousands Of invalids
who were able to care for themselves.
A large percentage of cases are shown
by their origin and length of resi-
dence not to belong to other States.
In estimating the extent of poverty,
the investigator even went so far as
10 determine the proportion OF bodies |
to relatives. This varied
from thirty per cent at San Antonio to |
sixty per cent at albuquerque.
Health Seekers Warned.
The Public Health Service warns
Ill prospective health seekers OF the |
difficulties they are bound to en-
counter and advises all who are not |
sufficiently provided with funds to re-
man at home. No invalid should
efAre >fortsh unless he has sufficient
MONEY to last at least six months. The
chances of recovery are greatly JEST
;ened when poverty exists.
Economic Effects of Migration.
Whether the coming of thousands
IF consumptives into the arid region
has been of benefit to that section
$ hardly considered a debatable ques-