Leprosy in Norway >From the Milwaukee (Wis) Sentinel In consequence of a letter from a traveler in Norway, which has been published in most of the American newspapers, relating to a certain disease in a small part of Norway, to which is given the alarming name of Leprosy, several of the Norwegians of the city of Milwaukee assembled together for the purpose of discussing the matter. They unamimously declared that said disease is found only in the city of Bergen and vicinity, the only place where hospitals for this sickness are erected, and not in the greater portion of the western coast, as set forth by the reporter. Most of the Norwegians, on inquiry, at this metting stated that they never had seen any lepers in their life, and only a few, who had visited Bergen, happened to see some of the scrofulous individuals. It was also asserted by those informed on the subject, that there are no families afflicted with this disease, but those living on the sea, earning their bread by fishing, which many hundreds of poor families in that part of the country are obliged to do, generation after generation, and whose principal food is fish, with little or no variety, which is well known to be the sole cause of the disease. As the affliction is by no means contagious, but like other diseases of the blood, becomes hereditary, but is curable by change of food and mode of living, it may be ascribed to the simplicity of those of ancient time, that this sickness in Norway has received the name of leprosy. It was further concluded that the publishing of the letter referred to is not quite free from the appearance of an intention on the part of the Norwegian Government to throw another obstruction, or impediment in the way of the poor emigrant. Extracting money from the pockets of men--many of whom find it difficult to raise sufficient for their traveling expenses--for certificates and passports from the priests, policemen, and all branches of the Norwegian Government--documents that they are surprised to find useless when they land on the free shores of America--make it quite natural that the physicians of Norway also should wish to fill their coffers by the emigrant being compelled to apply to them for certificates of health. Although it is a well known fact that the great men of Norway are opposed to the emigration of the peasantry, we shall mention one instance of opposition which occurred not long since: One of the priests, sent out by the Church of the State to take charge of the flock in America, remained here about five years, just long enough to fill his pockets with money, and then returned to take charge of a larger parish that was ready for him in Norway. When on his landing in Bergen, he found two vessels filled with emigrants ready to sail for this happy land, how did he act? What did he tell the people? We do not know' however, the poor creatures went back to their old native mountains, their poverty and ignorance. Thus do they, priests, office-holders and Government of Norway, promote the welfare of their subjects at home, and doubtless it would be highly gratifying to these gentlemen if they could persuade Americans to unite with them in placing obstacles in the way of emigration. A NORWEGIAN Quite intersting viewpoints for over 150 years ago! Margit