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From Major G. A. STROVER, M.S.C., Deputy Commissioner, Toungoo, to the Commissioner of the
Tenas-serim Division,—No. 1-782, dated the 13th January 1882.
I HAVE the honour to forward the annual report of the Toungoo Lock-hospi
-tal for the year 1881.
2. There has been a considerable increase in the number of venereal diseases
treated during the year. The increase amongst the European troops is over 50
per cent., and there has been an increase amongst the Native troops, as also a
large increase in cases treated in the civil dispensary. The lock-hospital is
worked under the cantonment rules, and in the year 1880 the officers command-
- i n g t h e R o y a l A r t i l l e r y a n d t h e E u r o p e a n I n f a n t r y w e r e a p p o i n t e d a d d i t i o n a l
members of the Cantonment Committee for the purpose of facilitating the work--
ing of the rules. Monthly returns of venereal diseases treated in the military
hospitals are forwarded through the station staff office to the Assistant Canton--
ment Magistrate, who, I understand, forwards the same on to the Civil Surgeon.
These returns will be forwarded to me for the future, as also returns appertaining
to cases treated in the civil hospital. The Superintendent of Police has been
requested to place two special detective constables on duty under a supervising
headconstable in order to check clandestine prostitution by bringing up offenders
to be tried under the Act. There have been no such cases instituted during the
year. A police officer was told off for the duty of detecting illicit prostitution,
but the result shows that he has either neglected his duty or not given the matter
the attention that it deserves. The increase in venereal diseases in the month
of December is noticeable, and the mischief that two badly diseased women can
effect if the Civil Surgeon's surmise is correct (and it seems probable that the large
increase in December is due in a great measure to the escaped prostitutes) is fully
demonstrated. The escape of the women appears to have been promptly reported,
and it appears discreditable that they should have been allowed to evade arrest
for a period of 20 days.
3.
The condition of the present lock-hospital I have brought to notice on more
than one occasion. The building is old and unsuited for the purpose of strict
supervision, the palisading is rotten, and the building itself worn out. A suitable
lock-hospital should be constructed as soon as possible on another site, and matters
be placed on a more satisfactory footing as regards the safe custody of diseased
women under treatment. A large building is not required : what is wanted is a
compact, comfortable, and secure building.
4. In view of the rapid strides venereal diseases have made during the past
year, the subject of clandestine prostitution might be noticed by the Inspector-
General of Police with the view to effective detective measures being carried out.
The police should undoubtedly be able to cope with the matter to a great extent ;
but assistance is also very desirable on the part of the Military authorities. The
officers commanding European troops, in concert with the officers who have the
practical working of the rules, and also the Deputy Commissioner of the district,
should be able to obtain information through the regimental police and men
under treatment for venereal diseases regarding the sources or some of the sources
from whence the evil springs. It is said though that diseased men consider it a
point of honour not to give information unless the women are registered prosti-
-tutes. I have communicated with the Officer Commanding at Toungoo on the
subject, and have brought to notice that every possible assistance is desirable in
order to detect illicit prostitution.
5.
The number of prostitutes remaining on the register at the close of the
year is considerably less than at the close of the previous year. Twenty prosti-
-tutes appear to have absconded during the year. This is a considerable number,
and their whereabouts should be ascertained. Enquiries will be instituted on the
subject. The number of prostitutes (17) on the register is small for the town of
Toungoo, and there can be little doubt that clandestine prostitution is being carried
on to some extent, although not in open brothels. It is remarkable that there
are no women, Natives of India, on the register, and yet it may be assumed that
there are such women about the regimental lines who practice clandestine prosti-
-tution. Detection in these cases is somewhat difficult no doubt, but more might