6o 



own personal exertions made in the manner I have indi- 

 cated in the first part of this book.* 



Fortunately there is now strong evidence of a great 

 improvement in the attitude of government towards tropical 

 sanitation ; while the dedication of this book will convince 

 the reader that influential people at home have began to 

 take a lively interest in this important matter. With this 

 combination much will be done in the future. 



* I fear that these remarks will offend some ; but no one who has seen 

 the shocking condition, eren of some capitals of British Colonies, or who has 

 as much experience of tropical sanitary organisation as I have, will deny their 

 truth. If one feels called upon to write at all on sanitary matters, he must not 

 fear to write exactly what he thinks is the truth. Sanitary matters are not 

 only matters of life and death to whole communities, but they are often con- 

 nected with the entire welfare of whole countries. Here then, if anywhere, 

 a man has the right to speak out, regardless of the susceptibilities of persons 

 who may consider themselves injured by his remarks. 



The usual excuse given for bad sanitation is, of course, want of funds. 

 But this rarely prevents money being poured out in other channels less useful 

 to the taxpayers, but more congenial to those who regulate the budget. It is 

 high time that there should be fewer officials and lawyers, and more doctors 

 and business men, in the councils of our colonies. Doctors, also, should be 

 more frequently made mayors and chairmen of municipalities. 



