"It is better to be first in Britain than second in Rome;"
and probably this unfortunate man, superintendent of the leper
settlement, and popularly known as "Governor Ragsdale," has found a
nobler scope for his ambition among his doomed brethren than in any
previous position. His remarkable power of influencing his
countrymen is at present used for their well being; and though his
authority is practically almost absolute, owing to the isolation of
the community, and its position almost outside the operation of law,
he has hitherto used it with good faith and moderation. He is
nominally assisted in his duties by a committee of twenty chosen
from among the lepers themselves; but from his superior education
and native mental ascendancy, all immediate matters in the
settlement are decided by his judgment alone.
The rations of food are ample and of good quality, and
notwithstanding the increase in the number of lepers, and the
difficulty of communication, there has not been any authenticated
case of want. Each leper receives weekly 21 lbs. of paiai, and from
5 to 6 of beef, and when these fail to be landed, 9 lbs. of rice, 1
lb. of sugar, and 4 lbs. of salmon. Soap and clothing are also
supplied; but, for all beyond these necessaries, the lepers are
dependent on their own industry, if they are able to exercise it,
and the kindness of their friends.
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