( 23 )
93. Further, I should mention that the reports contain evidence, favouring the
opinion, that in some instances this gradually decreasing force of women are becoming
the residue, of unpresentable persons, remaining after the departure of the better-
looking class. In para. 3 they are described as a "most unattractive lot."—In paras.
13, 20, and 37 as "old and ugly." In para. 39 as "repulsive wretches." In para.
45 as " ugly hags." As the result of observation, during inspections which have
included many of the hospitals and their attached women, I think the great majority
of the registered women are better looking than these words of description would
signify. At the same time it is necessary to say that, as a potent element of success,
strenuous endeavour should everywhere be made to retain good-looking women and
to encourage the departure of old or ugly persons. All authorities probably recog-
nize the importance of this element of success. And in some instances of report
measures are proposed, having for object, the encouragement to registration of women
more attractive—as regards cleanliness, clothing, and habit of life—than those now
registered.
Chief of these proposals, and most worthy of encouragement, is the grant of rent-
free quarters to every registered woman. This has been effected in some stations,
and with good results. It might be well, if its necessity could be urged upon all
cantonment authorities.
9 4 . T h e r e s u l t s o f t h e y e a r ' s m a n a g e m e n t h a v e b e e n r a t h e r s u c c e s s f u l .
F o r t h e
three years, 1879-81, the provincial ratios of admission to hospital for venereal
disease amongst the European garrison have been, 257.3, 262.8, and 232.3 per 1,000
of daily average strength. This encouraging result of the last year's management
is the more welcome, seeing that it has influenced a very much larger garrison
than usual. Indeed, the year 1881 came very near to distinction, as the first year of
success, as regards results of lock hospital management. But for the unexpected
prevalence of disease, at Moradabad and Sitapur, so much would have been attained to.
95. At these two stations, the ratios of disease were as follows :—
Ratio per 1,000 of strength.
Moradabad
... ... ...
4 5 0 . 7
Sitapur
... ... ...
407.9
In previous years, the ratios at these stations had been much more favourable,
their means of the last five years being 280.2 and 275.2 respectively. It therefore
becomes desirable to enquire, with great care, as to the reasons for this sudden onset
of disease.
96. The records provide ample reasons for it. From M oradabad, (para. 42)
it is reported—that the lock hospital is situated in the midst of Moradabad city, and
has no resident Native Doctor to control the actions of the diseased women. That
disease was very prevalent amongst the registered women, owing to their customary
intercourse with native men of the general population. That the registered women
live scattered in the city, where the soldiers also are allowed to wander, and where they
consort with a registered or unregistered woman alike, not knowing one from the other.
That at times during the year, the city being placed out of bounds owing to small-pox
or cholera prevalence, the soldiers were necessarily cut off from access to the registered
women.
These are facts of management against which it is hopeless to contend.
From Sitapur (para. 56), it is reported—that the men of a regiment returned
from Kandahar, having plenty of money, indulged freely in liquor and women, and
(para. 57) that the soldiers became a cause of disease to the registered women, 30
of the men being found diseased when the detachment was medically examined.
It is scarcely necessary to say, that whenever it is possible for soldiers to indulge
as described, or to become a cause of disease to the registered women, it is not likely
success will characterize the lock hospital management.