Page:Wrong and Right Methods of Dealing with Social Evil - Elizabeth Blackwell (1883).djvu/55

Rh Glasgow, a force now numbering 1,069 men. The results of the vigorous administration of existing law during the past eleven years, which he was instructed by the Common Council to carry out, are given in this evidence.

The first and essential step in reform was the growing intelligence of Glasgow public opinion. This opinion demanded more vigorous action. The law was amended by the persistent efforts of the "Repressive Committee" of citizens (to be noted later); and to enforce the law, the police were required to occupy their legitimate position in serving and aiding the citizens.

The necessity of public opinion in directing and supporting the execution of law is constantly referred to in the evidence. Thus, it is said: "Previously to the Act of 1862 the people of Glasgow just thought it (manifestation of vice) was a nuisance that they had to submit to. But, after the provisions of the 1862 Act were more or less exercised, public opinion began to grow, so that it was not regarded as a nuisance that was to be submitted to without something being done to repress it."

Again, it is said, "By 1870, public opinion had matured to such an extent that it was expected that the authorities would do their utmost to repress every brothel, and every manifestation of prostitution that was possible under the Act." (7408 to 10.)