HBH 1890 June 7 Father DAMIEN of MOLOKAI Some time after the death of Father DAMIEN, of MOLOKAI, the Rev Dr HYDE addressed a letter to the Rev H B GAGE, which was published by a section of the Press, asserting that Father Damien was totally unworthy of any laudation, and describing him as a man coarse, dirty, head-strong, and bigoted. The letter then went to insinuate that Father Damien had contracted the leprosy from which he died through immoral conduct. Mr Robert Louis STEVENSON, the celebrated novelist, has published a letter in defence of Father Damien, which is perhaps one of the most artistic and brilliant literary efforts of Mr STEVENSON. His defence of the man he esteemed is most powerful. He first promises that after having read Dr. HYDE'S letter he felt himself inspired to reply. He contrasts Father Damien and Dr Hyde much to the disadvantage of the latter. He then gives an insight to the home of lepers which he visited, and next, at some length pourtrays the character of Father Damien. ......more.