The Hawaiian gazette., 1873-05-14
From the n. Y. Independent
APrOnliEate Ordinance.
BY WILLIAM LLOYD GARRISON.

Perhaps the most dangerous and seduc-
tive of all assumptions is this-the end
sanctifes the means. Though there are
comparatively few who dare to maintain
it in plain language, it is nevertheless al
lowed insidiously to shape legislation, en-
act laws, poison the fountains of justice,
paralvze the sense of answering recti-
tude, and control the actions of communi-
ties and individuals to an unlimited ex-
tent. Indeed, it is seldom that wrong is
inflicted, or crime perpetrated, or I'M
righteousness enforced, except under the
specious pretext that q most desirable
end is thereby to be secured, and can be
secured in no other way-or, at least, not
without needless procrastination, costly
sacri6 ce, or the liability of all indefinite
failure. 1t is thus that short-sighted ex-
pedientists and compromises in all ages,
as the Apostle Paul sets forth, protesting
to be wise, become fools wherefore, among
other divine visitations, they are given
over to uncleanness through the lusts of
their own hearts, and to a reprobate mind
to do those things which are not con-
venient.
A striking confirmation of this truth is
seen in the adoption, some time ago, of an
ordinance by the city council of St. Louis
relating to the social evil" so called.
Its object is to prevent the spread of
certain contagious disease arising from
profigate sexual intercourse; but, instead
of dealing with the cause, it takes cogni-
zance only of the effect, and for no other
reason than to secure to male ibertines,
as far as practicable, exemption from per-
sonal risk in the unbridled indulgence of
their lusts. 1t is a regulation of lewd-
ness in the guise of wholesome sanitary
provision, but really in the interest of
lewd customers and patrons. Nor is it
merely a regulation; but it is an official
legalizing "houses of ill-fame and of as
signation," and also of call bawds, cour-
tesans, and prostitutes within the city of
st. Louis" provided they comply with
the rules laid down for their observance.
Thus full and complete record of these
houses must be kept by the board of po-
lice commissioners, showing the names Of
all persons keeping the same, the owner
ship of the houses, the locality, the names
and aliases, ages, and former occupations
of the prostitutes, together with such
other particulars as may be of statistical
or sanitary interest" Every courtesan
occupying any private room or rooms in
any tenement house or building is regard
ed as brothel-keeper She may not leave
her place of abode and move to another
place or house of ill-fame within the city
unless she shall have first obtained a per-
NIT to do SO from the chief of police; nor
even to depart from the city without his
permit, which he is required to grant ex-
cept the party is suspected of being guilty
of some criminal offense or misdemeanor.
She may not, by word, sign, or action, ply
her avocation on the street, or in any pub
lie place, or at the door or open window
of the house or room she occupies; but in
her own assigned quarters she may in pri-
vate entertain all corners, without modest
alton, provided she submits her person as
often as once week to the "physical ex-
plorations" of medical examiner (who |
may be as licentious as HERSELF, to deter
mine whether she is deceased or without
faint, and by paying the sum of ten dol
lars per month as hospital dues, and one
dollar each week examination fee; and, if
pronounced infected, she must pay one
dollar and fifty cents additional for medi-
cal treatment. She may not inhabit or
rent any house or rooms, to be used as
place of prostitution or designation, with
out first obtaining legal permission to do
SO; but this condition is equivalent to
full sanction of such detestable calling
by those in authority. 1t is provided, in
deed, that the board of police comission-
ers, upon the request of the board of
health, "shall have the power to suppress
any house of ill-fame within any locality
they may from time to time designate;"
but this is obviously for the protection of
the respectable portions of the city, and
not for the promotion of the cause of
purity-else the power given to the COM
missioners aforesaid would be protective
of the whole city, by suppressing every
such house within its limits. But the com.
mon council of St. Louis, in enacting such
a detestable ordinance, had no intention
or wish to disallow any of these dens of
pollution, as such; but only to make them
more safe, by seeking an exemption from
The penalty affixed by Divine Justice to
such revolving immortality. Manifestly, it {
nay be truthfully said of such officials:
The spirit of whoredom is in the midst
If them, and they have not known the
Lord" As pure-minded men they could
,avar have crivan thair eoueant m nv e,,cb | |