ESSAY-REVIEWS 85 



In coming to this decision he was without doubt influenced 

 to a certain extent by the opinions of those who were opposed 

 to any inquiry whatever being instituted. The reasons which 

 were given for this opposition were : the belief (1) that this 

 disease was diminishing, not increasing ; (2) that the Commis- 

 sion would be composed of men in favour of the old Contagious 

 Diseases Acts, and that the evidence brought forward would 

 produce a scare, with the result of the reintroduction of these 

 Acts applied to the whole country. They also held that as 

 this disease has its root in sin, it must only be fought on moral 

 and religious grounds, and that, sad as it was to see the innocent 

 suffer, and possibly our race deteriorate, better so than to do 

 anything which might tend to make vice safer and consequently 

 easier. They said, therefore, a Royal Commission would do 

 harm, and any legislation which might be the result of an 

 inquiry would do greater harm. 



In carrying on this work it became very evident that those 

 workers who were in favour of an investigation were those who, 

 by reason of the character of their work, were more closely 

 brought into personal touch with the sufferers, while those who 

 opposed it were, while engaged in philanthropic or public work, 

 less closely in contact with the afflicted. Much energy was 

 expended and great efforts made to convert these " conscien- 

 tious objectors," and it was repeatedly pointed out, by 

 letters, speeches, and personal interviews, that the only object 

 aimed at was " Inquiry," and that most, if not all, of those 

 wishing for a Royal Commission were as much opposed to the 

 reintroduction of the Contagious Diseases Acts as any of those 

 who preferred to remain in darkness, and that it was wise to 

 combat the threatened degeneration of the race by practical 

 measures, if found necessary and possible, as well as by moral 

 precepts. The process of enlightenment, however, was slow 

 and unsatisfactory, and though doubtless a certain number 

 of conversions were made, still many remained " of the same 

 opinion still," and were a stumbling-block and obstruction to 

 the end. 



The aspirations of those promoting the request for full 

 inquiry were as follows : ( 1 ) Inclusion of men as well as women 

 and children in the scheme, thus making it just, and giving 

 hopes of its being efficacious ; (2) There was no suggestion of 

 registration or anything like the licensing of vice ; (3) The aim 



