Page:Wrong and Right Methods of Dealing with Social Evil - Elizabeth Blackwell (1883).djvu/32

22 themselves to the first comer, no matter what maybe their repugnance; to incur heavy expenses; to submit to the yoke of the proprietors. They can not show themselves at the doors or windows of the houses; they go out rarely and always under escort; they are entirely subject to the will of the proprietor, and they seize the first opportunity of quitting an existence that affords them so little enjoyment. The result is that brothel-keepers find increasing difficulty in obtaining women. To preserve their popularity with their customers they increase the luxury of their houses, and to procure women they must expend much money."

The theory is that the girls are free to leave, but Mr. Snagge, who visited many houses in company with the officials who have absolute power over them, thus describes the regulations which make the theory entirely false in practice: 1st. The door is always fastened on the inside, the key being kept by the matron. 2d. The girl's own clothes are locked up by the keeper, who furnishes her with clothes which prevent her appearing in the street. 3d. They can only go out with permission of the master or mistress of the house. All these are municipal regulations. 4th. A heavy debt is run up against them—the price paid the procurer being placed on this account—and they are told that the law will not allow them to leave till this is paid.