therefore, incomplete, but they show a marked increase for the last year (1889) for which statistics are given.)
In view of the above sad state of affairs having developed in the garrison during a period when some of the women still submitted themselves voluntarily for examination, there seems great reason to apprehend that, now that every species of habitual examination has been abolished, the disease will not only assume alarming proportions but will also appear in a more aggravated form.
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In connection with this subject, I would beg leave to draw your Excellency's special attention to paragraph 4 of the enclosed printed copy of the Report of the Army Sanitary Commission in India upon the subject of Contagious Diseases, in which paragraph the members of that Commission frankly admit that the opinion, which was formerly expressed by them, as to the inefficacy of restriction and supervision, was a mistaken opinion.
The enclosed copy Report of the Departmental Committee appointed by the India Office in November last discloses a truly shocking state of affairs in India, and the enclosed leading Article from the Times of the 20th of March, and letter from the Chaplain of the Household Brigade at Windsor, are remarkable for the common-sense opinions and courage with which a very disagreeable subject is dealt with.
My Committee would venture to hope that your Excellency will consent to give your valuable assistance in this matter, which vitally affects the welfare of the Services, and, the Principal Medical Officer concurs in the general conclusions expressed by Dr. Atkinson, that you will impress upon the Home Authorities the desirability of reverting to the former system for the compulsory examination of women.
My Committee would also esteem it a very great favour if they could be supplied with complete returns, so far as the garrison