__
488
XX
which we are opposed, have been fulfilled. The Henese of Commons has decisively teclared its conversion; and, if the public has not been converted, it is because it has always declarat iks condemnection and abhorrence of the Contagious Diseases Actsunt Ordinances. The people of the United Kingdom have used every constitutional means at their disposal by very numerous public meetings, petitions to parliament, and memorials to Her Majesty's Ministers - to make. Known their determination that this system shall not be permitted to exist. The support of the system, on the other hand, is not only quite insignificant in volume, but proceeds almost entirely from those whose official interests are bound up with the Continuance of this most objectionable mode of dealing with one class of diseases.
Her Majesty's Severnntent may jourly plead that, to abolish in this country; the system embodied in the linkageves Desires Acts, they require the legislative aid of Parliament. With the Crown Colonies this is not so. If in those blences this ectious system is still being up held, this is being done voluntarily by Her Majesty's Ministers, notwithstanding the vote of the great majority of those Ministers in the House of Commons on the 90th of April last against that system) and -notwithstanding also the Resolution of that House to the same effect. We earnestly pray that the earliest attention of your Sevelship may be given to this subject, and that 4 your Contship may earn
the grote tude of women all over the world and of men who hold women in respect, by defenitively potting an end, in the Colonies over which h your Lordship has control, le a system altogether unworthy of and disgraceful to a cambry which has done much jer human liberty and homom dignity
We have the honour to be, My Lord,
Your Lordship's Obedient Servants Hm Shgen
Chairman
Fresh & Baute Secretary.
To the Night Honourable the Earl of Derby
Her Majesty's Secretary of State for Colonial Affairs.
!