88 SCIENCE PROGRESS 



to reason, evidence, and argument. These tactics succeeded to 

 perfection. A plain unvarnished statement of facts with regard 

 to these diseases was drawn up and signed by practically every 

 man in the medical profession who at that time held any official 

 position, as well as by many of those whose names were well 

 known to the public. The Morning Post took its courage in 

 both hands, and published this manifesto, with its signatures, 

 in the latter half of July. 



The effect was magical. " The Hidden Plague " blossomed 

 forth in every headline. The whole press was full of alarm 

 and indignation. Many of those who had strenuously opposed 

 any idea of inquiry were now foremost in demanding one. 

 The covering plaster being dragged from the sore, it lay open 

 in the full light of day, and the same evidence in public did 

 that which, when tendered in private, it had been impotent 

 to achieve. 



The International Congress meeting a few days later passed 

 very strong resolutions as to the necessity for action, and before 

 Parliament rose the Prime Minister intimated that a Royal 

 Commission would be set up, and announced the names of 

 those who were appointed to serve on it. 



This Commission has just reported, and it is a matter for 

 congratulation that even in the din of the war of nations the 

 suggestions and recommendations which it makes as to the 

 conduct of this war against a disease which has slain its thou- 

 sands in comparison with the hundreds who perish on the field 

 of battle are making themselves so clearly heard. 



The report of the Royal Commission is good, of great value, 

 excellent in parts, though perhaps it does not go quite so far 

 in some respects as many of those whose life is spent in com- 

 bating the disastrous results and effects of neglected syphilis 

 and gonorrhoea would like or approve ; it is a great step, 

 the greatest ever taken, in the right direction. It is but the 

 first act in the play. The rest must follow in due course, and 

 the greater the success which may be expected to crown the 

 adoption of many of the recommendations in this report, so. 

 much greater will be the enlightenment of the people with 

 regard to these matters, and so much the more will it become 

 possible to take further measures in the near future, which will 

 even more effectually curb and remedy the ravages of this 

 dread scourge. 



