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Ifou Era m
WLESIME
'V HILiANTHROPIC work of a new
|| sort which has been instituted in
J 1 Palestine through the generosity
•—of Natuan Straus has reached such
j P r °P orl i° ns that Mr. Straus is now
f) 11 in that country on a special rals
t TBfii / J B * on to see how he can further
and enlarge the humanitarian pro
A/Jj*. Jecta to which he began to devote
4HH9I. attention last year. He will spend
-3 some time In a comprehensive
study of the needs and possibilities
of the two charitable enterprises he has already
established and in directing the formation of
Htill a third, of which he has the highest hope.
The institutions which are already In existence
through Mr. Straus’s activities are known as the
.Nathan Straus Relief Fund and the Health Bu
reau. The first operates exclusively among the
I>oor of Jerusalem, while the second extends
over all of Palestine and concerns some 600,000
persons. Now he proposes to introduce the sys
tem which has been so successfully employed
hero of providing trained nurses to
disseminate hygienic knowledge In
districts where modern methods have
hitherto been unknown and to teach
medical principles so that the Igno
rance of the people In regard to such
subjects may be dissipated.
In this way he hopes to supplement
the equipment with which for the
past year he has been fighting dis
ease and to secure the employment
of modern Ideas In a campaign for
health and the rout of disease-breed
ing habits. Under his direction the
first steps have been taken that the
-dwellers in tho city of Jerusalem and
the surrounding country have ever
Known for tho relief of the condi
tions that have so long Impeded the
■commercial and social progress of
that portion of the Turkish empire.
Palestine had until Mr. Straus and
flome American colleagues became
cognizant of the situation been over
looked by tho many medical mission
ary movements that have been start
l'd by various countries In most oth
-or quarters of the globe. Now It is
proposed to do everything that money
and energy can accomplish to push a
.program of enlightenment and relief
there and so good a beginning has
■been made In the work of the exist
ing movement that Mr. Straus has
been inspired to take for tho time
being personal charge of affairs.
Oetails of the work that Is being
done in Palestine at the present time
and of plans for the future are told
-by Ur. Aaron Aaronsohn, head of the
Jewish agricultural experiment sta
tion, whicli Is located near Jerusalem
and which is conducted in conjunc
tion with the health bureau started
by Mr. Straus. Dr. Aaronsohn came
to this country to report to tho department of
agriculture on the results of experiments in the
development for industrial purposes of the grow
ing of "wild wheat." which is found In profusion
In the farming sections of his native country.
Since he has been here he has made an extended
trip through California, Arizona and Texas at the
.request of the agricultural department to intro
duce and direct experiments with the wheat In
those states.
It was directly through the discovery by I)r.
Aaronsohn of wild wheat that the Jewish agri
cultural experiment station in Palestine was
founded. He was born and brought up in that
country, the son of a native farmer, and after
receiving a medical education he came to this
country to see what reception he would have for
bis theories that the cultivation and adoption of
the wheat for commercial purposes would tend
to cheapen foodstuffs aud render usable many
arid districts in the west where nothing could
grow before. He was favorably received by the
federal agricultural authorities and on his trip
met the men who ultimately united to form the
station of which he is now the head. Julius
ißosenwald of Chicago is president of the board
■of directors of the station and members of it are
Oscar Straus, Paul M. Warburg, Isaac N. Selig
man and Jacob H. SchifT. The late Isidor Straus
swas also affiliated with the organization, and so
is Nathan Straus.
With a plan for the industrial betterment of
Palestine and Its inhabitants under way, natural
ly it became necessary to do something for the
(physical alleviation of the people themselves,
■since it had been found that healthy >men to do
■the work were an indispensable requirement.
The rate of mortality in the country was very
high and the genoral health of so low a standard
that it soon became evident that something must
be done to Improve conditions If the agricultural
movement was to be a success.
At the time this need became most evident,
■something more than a year ago, Nathan Straus
was in Palestine on a pleasure trip. He was ap
pealed to, but at first declined to do anything in
that country, as he thought his first duty, from
a humanitarian standpoint, was to the poor and
the suffering of the United States. He consent
ed. however, to investigate the situation person
ally and soon became so Impressed with the con
ditions that he assured those who had made the
appeal that he would do all in his power to re
lieve them aud would also solicit the aid of his
numerous friends Since then his efforts have
been unremitting and such improvements have
been introduced that Palestine in general and
Jerusalem in particular have become modernized
from a hygienic point of view to an extent that
\was not dreamed of a few years ago.
■lt was not only because of his personal expe
rience that Mr. Straus determined to lend his aid
In Palestine. He believes that all members of
tthe Jewish race owe a peculiar duty and obliga
tion to that country and that wherever feasible
tio effort should be spared to civilize and bring
It to a position where it will bear comparison
with any other community in the civilized world.
No sooner had Mr. Straus seen with his own
«>yeß the pitiful and squalid conditions in Pales
tine that so sadly needed relief than he, with
the decision and generosity characteristic of him,
/took immediate steps to correct them. With the
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expenditure of both time and a great deal of
money he devoted himself to the object, with a
result that has now far exceeded even the most
sanguine expectations.
The first thing he did was to start the Nathan
Straus Relief Fund, of which he is the sole sup
porter. Discovering that great of the
aged and infirm of Jerusalem were without means
of support and were frequently in the throes of
starvation because there was no organized means
of relief in the city, he started two soup kitchens.
This was a year ago. and since that time the in
stitutions have been working night and day with
great results.
Each day from 600 to 800 men and women and
children are fed qd these kitchens and the food
they receive there is about tho only subsistence
they secure. No lines are drawn and persons
of all religions are entitled to the aid.
But Mr. Straus was not satisfied with the soup
kitchens. They were a remedy for a disease,
but he sought a preventive for the ailment that
was producing vagrants and beggars in the Holy
City. His investigation disclosed the fact that
many of the young men and young women were
never trained to support themselves in any way
and were virtually dependents from childhood on.
So he decided to educate them in some useful
occupation which would prevent them from be
coming useless in old age and would make them
creditable citizens.
One of the principal ’businesses of Jerusalem
is the selling of small objects of art and other
souvenirs to the throng of tourists that flock to
the city every year. Seeing something to be
gained in this. Mr. Straus hired skilled artisans,
secured buildings which were fitted with proper
machinery and started an industrial school fof
the manufacture of the salable souvenirs of Jeru
salem. This venture proved an immediate suc
cess and the institution is crowded with the pre
viously neglected youths, who have shown not
only a willingness but a distinct desire to learn
some such useful and lucrative occupation. The
souvenirs, that used to come from the larger
cities of that part of the country, and some even
from the continent and America, are now pro
duced right on the ground. The workers get the
proceeds of their labor and the undertaking bids
fair to be in time one of the biggest and most
successful of the ktud in the world.
At about the time of the establishment of the
relief fund Mr. Straus’s sympathies were so
strongly aroused by the unfortunate situation in
which he found a great majority of the inhab
itants in regard to hygienic precautions that he
determined to do something in that direction.
Dr. Aaronsohn and other officials of the agricul
tural station were delighted with the decision
and labored with him to effect his purpose. Such
things a 3 sanitation, the scientific battling with
disease, proper drainage and even the use of
such simple health expedients as soap and water
were almost unknown to people in Palestine.
Year in and year out hundreds of them had been
dying solely because of this ignorance of the
very essentials of hygiene. Mr. Straus set about
a campaign of education.
The result of this situation was the health bu
reau, perhaps the most unusual institution of its
kind in the world. With funds furnished by Mr.
Straus some empty buildings were secured and
an experienced physician found to take charge
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of what is the only medical lab
oratory In all Palestine. With this
as a basis the work has been ex
tended from Jerusalem, where it
was started, to every part of the
country. Now it is firmly estab
lished and growing every day.
Money for its continuance is fur
nished by Mr. Straus and great In
terest is taken in the work by the
Americans who were responsible
for the establishment of the agri
cultural station.
The physician In charge of the
bureau is Dr. Brunn, a twepty
eight-year-old graduate of the Uni
versity of Berlin, who had done
work in the German colonies in
central Africa and had settled in
Jerusalem. He was recommended
to Mr. Straus by Dr. Aaronsohn,
and in his’hands was placed the
organization of the enterprise. Tho
equipment for the laboratory was
imported from Germany at consid
erable cost and is of the most mod
ern kind, suitable for chemical
analyses and examinations neces
sary in the determination of the
nature of disease.
Dr. Brunn became acquainted
with Mr. Straus tfhen the latter
was taken ill as he was about to
return to this country last spring.
The doctor accompanied the
philanthropist from Jaffa in Pales
tine to Naples, reaching there just
about the time of the Titanic dis
aster. in which Isidor Straus lost
his life. Nathan Straus's condi-
tlon was made more serious by tins loss and the
young physician stayed with him until he was
able to sail for America. That cemented a
friendship and gave Mr. Straus the utmost con
fidence in the success of the bureau.
Returning from Naples to Jerusalem, Dr. Brunn
set about the still further extension of the plans.
The bureau is modeled as closely as possible
upon the board of health of New York, the re
ports of which are sent to Palestine and informa
tion in regard to which has been liberally fur
nished by the officials here. Dr. Brunn has never
been in this country, but is planning a trip here
in the near future to study local health regula
tion at close range. Dr. Aaronsohn says that
the work of the bureau’s chief has been most
remarkable and up-to-date in every way.
At the present time Dr. Brunn has two young
doctors assisting him and also two nurses. ,Jt is
not possible to do any actual hospital work, but
methods of checking and preventing disease are
taught all through the country.
Whenever an epidemic a temporary
camp is established at the spot, with one of the
bureau physicians in charge, and the people
affected are directed in their fight against the
trouble. In one settlement of sixty persons it
was found that 150 days of illness had been the
average each month. In one year this average
had been cut down to thirty-six days, an accom
plishment which has been characteristic of the
work in every place where it has been put into
operation.
Not only does the bureau educate in preven
tion methods, but the physicians, so far as they
are able, treat afflicted persons, and, best of all,
distribute medicines free of charge. Malarial
fever has long been the scourge of Palestine and
the fight against this has been carried on in two
ways, first by sanitation and second by quinine.
The bureau experts have shown the natives
how to get rid of the disease breeding and bac
tria laden pools and the marshy grounds, some
times by the simple application of a few shovel
fuls of dirt They have used modern methods
in fighting the plague of mosquitoes, the germ
carriers, and then where the disease has still
existed they have introduced quinine.
Dr. Aaronsohn says it is no uncommon sight
to see a line in front of the dispensary in whicli
could be found not only natives of the country
but groups of Arabs from far away who have
been attracted by reports of the marvelpus work
of the white doctors.
The fight against the mosquito, which abounds
in Palestine, is one of the most interesting
features of the work of the bureau. Dr. Brunn
a'nd his assistants have studied the methods used
in this country, particularly in the state of New
Jersey, and have adapted them to the situation
in the Holy lumd. Kerosene is poured in th*
pools where the insects breed and every other
scientific weapon is employed against them.
With all this charity and benevolence among
them, after so many years of neglect, the people
of Palestine are taking new heart. They who
have been a downtrodden and discouraged race
are now hopeful and cheerful. Hand in hand
with their moral and physical welfare goes their
industrial welfare. Betterment of one means im
provement of the other, and both are on the for
ward march. There is a new era in the Holy
Land.
(jatlx^^aSrrtlles
TANGLED UP.
"It is too bad that I have such large
feet,” observed the deceitful Miss
Peacher, as she contemplated a dainty
pair of twos.
‘‘Ah,’’ exclaimed Mr. Perkiy, en
deavoring to be witty, “You know,
‘there’s a divinity that shapes our
ends, rough-hew them how we will ’ ”
“Sir,” answered Miss Peacher, with
extreme hauteur, “I hope you don't
mean to Insinuate that my feet are
rough-hewed?”
"Not at all! Not at all? I me-ant
that you can't help how your feet look
—I meant —oh, shucks! Every time I
open my mouth 1 put my foot in It."
A Break.
A young undergraduate a week or
two back was hauled before his tutor.
He had exceeded his leave fay no less
than two days.
“Well,” said the professor, “what
have you to say for yourself?"
“I'm awfully sorry,” replied the un
dergrad. “I really couldn't get back
before. I was detained by most im
portant business.”
The professor looked at him sternly.
"So you wanted two more days of
grace, did you?” he asked.
“No, sir." answered the young man,
off his guard for a moment —“of Mar
jorie."
Little Surprises.
"Next time. Jack, I want you to
come earlier and stay longer.”
“There’s nothing the matter wtth
you, sir. No charge for consultation.
Good morning, sir.”
"Norah, you can have the afternoon
tut if you want it; you don’t have to
spend all your time in the kitchen ”
“Young man, there has been some
.'omplaint that you are trying to do
women's work. Take things easier,
ind we’ll raise your salary.”
"Mrs. Guernsey, here’s the cup of
:offee we borrowed of you yesterday
noming.”
CATERING TO THE PUBLIC.
Manager—See here, you'll have to
cut out these old jokes.
Actor —But what am I to use in j
their place?
Manager—Substitute some older j
The public likes a change once |
in a while.
Marvel of Mechanism.
”1 want to congratulate you." said
the man with whiskers, “on that mu-!
sic machine you sold me.”
“Thanks,” answered the music deal- j
er. "It plays remarkably well.”
“Why, it plays with human intelli- i
gence. Its selections are so appropri
ate! We had a cyclone out our way |
and the first thing I knew your ma
chine was tearing along through the
tree tops. But it never lost its pres- 1
ence of mind. It started right in play- j
lng 'There’s Music in the Air.’ ”
White Natives.
Friend (admiring the prodigy!—Sev
enth standard, is she? Plays the plan
ner an' talks French like a native, I’ll
bet.
Fond but “Touchy" Parent—l’ve no
doubt that’s meant to be very funny.
Bill Smith; but as it 'appens you’re
only exposin’ yer ignorance; they
ain’t natives in France—they're as
white' as wot we are." —Sketch.
Preposterous Demand.
“And I shall expect you," said the
manager, “to rehearse three hours ev
ery day.”
"For goodness' sake,” exclaimed
the beautiful actress. “How do you
expect me to pose for ail the photo
graphs I shall want if I have to de
vote as much time as that to the
show.”
Trying to Explain.
"Father.” said the smalt boy. “what
is a patriot?”
“There are many kinds, my son.
Very frequently a patriot is a man
who knows the office is seeking him
and fears that it may not be able to
find him unless he keeps shouting.”
Procrastination.
A gentleman who had been in Chi
cago only three days, but who had
been paying attention to a prominent
Chicago belle, wanted to propose, but
was afraid he would be thought too
hasty. He delicately broached the
subject as follows:
“If I were to speak to you of mar
riage, after having only made your ac
quaintance three days ago, what would
you say to it?”
“Well, I should say never put off till
tomorrow that which you should have
done the day before yesterday."—Life.
WE CONSTANTLY PROGRESS.
r~i~l j
“Our ideals alter as we grow older."
“How truel Now I used to think
I was happy before I learned to play
bridge.”
Have You Noticed?
There’s more of sweetness
In Hfe’s cup:
The baseball stare
Are signing up!
Favorite Fiction.
"Smokeless Coal.”
“Police Protection.”
“I Wasn’t Going More Than Six
Miles an Hour, Your Honor.”
“I Beg Your Pardon; I Didn't Mean
to Interrupt You.”
“If You Can Do Anything for Mr.
Jones 1 shall' Regard It as a Personal
Favor.”
“Why, Do You Owe Me $5, Old
Chap? I Had Forgotten All About It."
“I'll Be Down in a Minute, John."
Discord in Vegetable Kingdom.
“In all the course of evolution quar
rels occur only in the animat king
dom.”
“I beg to differ."
“Do you mean to say that vegetables
quarrel and fight?”
“I do ”
"Adduce your facts.”
“Did not the first apple destroy the
happiness of the first pair?"
Breakers Ahead.
They had Just become engaged.
“What joy it will be,” she exclaimed,
"for me to share all your griefs and
sorrows!"
"But, darling!” he protested; “I
have none.”
“No,” she answered; “but when we
are married you will have.” —Ladies’
Home Journal.
Going Business.
Jimson bought a business through
an agent as a going concern in first
class condition. After six months he
failed. Meeting the agent, he said:
“Do you remember selling me a
business as a going concern?"
“Yes, of course, I do,” replied the
agent.
“Well,” said Jimson, “it’s gone.”
Which Was Lucky?
“Fell In love with a telephone girl,
eh?”
“Yes. He got her number.”
“Did she say ‘Yes’ when he pro
posed?"
“She said ‘No.’ ”
“Why was that?”
“She got his number.”
Ringside Humor.
First Sport—Slugger has absolute
confidence that he will beat his man.
I think he’s got something up hla
sleeve
Second Sport—You bet he has —an
arm with a punch to it like the kick,
of a mule.
PRETTY SHORT.
“Grue is a little fellow.”
“Yes, he is so small that a head
ache powder affects his feet.”
Slngulai.
’Tls strange a man will do a thing.
Nor do it very well.
And yet, as sure as fate, by Jing!
His head begins to swell.
Conversation.
She —There’s always a crowd
round the dear old professor. He's
such a wonderful conversationalist.
He —Lor’! You really think so? I
tried him just now on every possible
topic—hounds, bridge, golf, muAju
halls, everything—and he was
useless. —Punch.
Don’t Guarantee It.
California has achieved
The seedless grapefruit feat.
A few more things done to it and
It might be good to eat.