It was singular to
hear the burst of spontaneous admiration which his act elicited. No
unworthy motives were suggested, all envious speech was hushed; it
was almost forgotten by the most rigid Protestants that Father
Damiens, who has literally followed the example of Christ by "laying
down his life for the brethren," is a Romish priest, and an
intuition, higher than all reasoning, hastened to number him with
"the noble army of martyrs."
In Kalawao are placed not only the greater number of the lepers, but
the hospital buildings. Most of the victims are of the poorer
classes and live in brown huts; but two of rank, Mrs. Napela and the
Hon. P. Y. Kaeo, Queen Emma's cousin, have neat wooden cottages on
the way from the landing, with every comfort which their means can
provide for them. The hospital buildings are about twelve in
number, well and airily situated on a height; they are built of wood
thoroughly whitewashed, and are enclosed by a fence. Although it is
hoped that a leper hospital is not to be a permanent institution of
the kingdom, the soft green grass of the enclosure has been
liberally planted with algaroba trees, which in a year or two will
form a goodly shade, and water has been brought in from a distance
at considerable expense, so that an abundant supply is always at
hand.
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