51
rescue work done since registration was abolished
as in the preceding years.
I admit that the fact that certain laws are
or are not in force in the United Kingdom is not in
itself a sufficient reason for applying or abolishing
similar laws in tropical Colonies, differing from the
Mother Country in climate, race, social, moral, and
religious conditions. Further, I am not prepared to deny that one way of meeting the evils to which my
attention has been called would be the renewal of the
repealed Ordinances, if their renewal met with general acquiescence; but here, again, I must repeat that
respect must be had to existing facts. It is certain
that to such renewal there would be in this country a
It is in the highest degree
very strong opposition.
probable that on the first opportunity the Ordinances would be again repealed.
It is therefore my
conviction that the object aimed at would be not
furthered, but retarded, by simply for the moment
retracing a step.
Accordingly, I adhere to the decision, given
in my despatch of the 18th February, 1898, that I
cannot sanction the reintroduction of any system
involving either the compulsory and periodical
examination of women, or the registration of brothels
or of prostitutes, but I consider that other means may
be adopted which there is reason to hope ill prove
in some measure effectual."
14.