Page:Wrong and Right Methods of Dealing with Social Evil - Elizabeth Blackwell (1883).djvu/60

50 of rescue, includes the important function of seeing that the authorities are doing their duty in suppressing street solicitation and brothels. (7472.)

The other old institution of Glasgow is the hospital provision, which never refuses free medical aid to any applicant. If any woman, applying for admission to the Homes, requires special medical treatment, she is advised to go to the Hospital, and then return to the Home when cured.

These two large institutions are well supported by voluntary contributions. They are quite independent of the police, but working in harmony with them.

The Glasgow administration—which, as we have seen, includes repressive law, municipal vigilance, and organized beneficence—has been carried on since 1870. Its results may be noted under the seven following heads:

First.—The streets have been cleared of the disreputable business of solicitation and assignation, and left free for their legitimate use as safe and decent thoroughfares.

Second.—The number of brothels has been steadily and largely decreased, notwithstanding the growing population.

Third.—Clandestine prostitution, judging from the most careful observation possible, has decreased generally in the same ratio as the brothels.