Page:The character and extent of air pollution in Leeds - (A lecture delivered before the Leeds Philosophical Society, on March 3rd, 1896.) By Julius B. Cohen (IA b21534160).pdf/22

22 slums, which, it cannot be too often repeated, are a disgrace to our modern civilization. Our insanitary areas might be districts under the Sultan's sway, or at least under the protection of a European Concert, so tardy are we in introducing much needed reforms. But it would be unfair to say more on this subject at the present time, for I understand that very shortly the Local Government Board Commissioner will be here to take evidence on a great scheme of sanitary reform, now before the Sanitary Committee of the Corporation. I am sure that every one, who has the interest of the poorer class of our community and the credit of the City of Leeds at heart, must wish the Sanitary Committee success in carrying it through. Ladies and gentlemen, I have little more to add. One is sometimes led to contemplate the causes which render the removal of some abuses so very difficult. I used to think that the turtle, the presiding genius of the aldermanic feast, had an allegorical significance—an animal active within the sphere of its own body; but generally incapable of very rapid progress. We must not forget that if changes come about very slowly, it is because, in the words of Mr. A. E. Fletcher, "Pressure is needed from outside; a determination on the part of the public that the evil shall cease."