Page:Wrong and Right Methods of Dealing with Social Evil - Elizabeth Blackwell (1883).djvu/40

30 trade in girls, were quite deceived. False statistics were presented, damaging facts suppressed or denied, and the English newspaper press was induced to give emphatic denial (based on official statements) of terrible and degrading facts, since proved to be completely true! This is certainly one of the strongest proofs that can be given of the official demoralization produced by regulating instead of suppressing promiscuous intercourse. If it had not been that some upright and patriotic men were privately obtaining proof of these infamous facts, at the very time when the Brussels officials were denying them, and misleading Inspector Greenham (who was first sent over to make inquiries), the English people might never have discovered the extent and dismal character of the infamous slavery to which young girls are condemned abroad. The details of this slavery will not here be dwelt on. It is a slavery in which the municipality clutches the young female body, and uses it henceforth as a machine to be kept in order for the vilest purposes. The horrible facts—which are inevitable results of vice organized by the State—are too revolting to dwell upon. But a debt of gratitude is due to Mr. Snagge from every person and particularly from