(
2 )
being reduced to a proportionate extent. In all three cases the transfer
of financial control was accompanied by increased vigilance and efficiency
of local administration. In Ránikhet and Roorkee this result was parti-
cularly marked.
5. The average number of registered prostitutes has fallen from
1,087 to 979 but as the average daily strength of the European garrison
at the same time fell from 13,291 to 11,471, the proportional strength of
women remains greater than it was before. In fact, the figures for the
past three years show an actual increase in the ratio of registered women
to the number of European soldiers. The percentages are
1881
•••
•••
•••
••• 7·2 per cent.
1882
...
•••
•••
•••
8·1
,,
1883
•••
•••
•••
•••
8·5
,,
This is still considerably below the proportion which prevailed in
1879, when there were 12 . 5 women registered for every 100 soldiers in
garrison. Nevertheless, it is somewhat misleading to speak of a continu-
ance of decline in the protected women force, or to seek in this direction
for an explanation of the comparative result of Lock-Hospital management
in the year under review. But it still remains true, as Dr. Planck points
out, that the existing force of registered women must be considered
inadequate; and until the authorities are prepared to offer some further
inducement to women to register themselves, they cannot hope to see
really successful Lock-Hospital administration. The question of free
quarters has been frequently noticed in preceding annual reports, and
nothing further can be usefully added on the present occasion.
6. Statement No. 1 shows that, excluding cases remaining in hos-
pital at the opening of the year, 1,187 women were treated for venereal
disease against 1,924 in 1882. This represents not merely an actual
decrease corresponding with the diminished numbers of women on the
registers, but a very marked improvement in the proportion of cases to
total strength. The ratio of women diseased in 1883 to the women
diseased in 1882 is 121·2 to 177.
7. Judged by their ultimate result, that is to say, the amount of pro-
tection from venereal disease secured to the European garrison, the opera-
tions of the year must be characterised as satisfactory. The number of
cases among the soldiers fell from 263·7 to 235 . 7 per thousand of average
strength. The improvement was most conspicuous at Benares, Chakráta,
Ránikhet, and Lucknow. At Agra and Fyzabad, on the other hand, the
returns are less favourable than they were in the preceding year, a result
which seems due, in part, to the movements of troops affording opportuni-
ties for intercourse with unregistered women, and, in part, to the want of a
sufficient supply of registered prostitutes. The various local reports
explain, so far as any explanation is possible, the different causes of success
or failure. Much allowance must undoubtedly be made for the character of
particular regiments. But, in the main, success will be found to depend
on the efficiency of regimental control over the men and on the measures
adopted to secure and retain a proper supply of protected women.
8. It is . satisfactory to mark that the venereal disease prevailing
in this country is of a much milder type than that contracted by soldiers