Norwich bulletin., 1914-11-17

cannot be made virtuous by statute and ordinance. Honesty and virtue are traits of character, and character IS formed by education and growth, not by law. Nevertheless, while admitting the futility of attempting to make peo- pie virtuous by legislation, we can and we should make the opportunity for vice as difficult and dangerous as pos sible. We pursue this course in regaI to theft. burglary and arson, why not against prostitution?
 Laws Are Not Enforced.
 AS a matter of fact, there is legisla- ton enough, but the laws are not en- forced. The practical questions are, Can the laws against prostitution be enforced and is 1t worth while to en- force them? The answer Is Yes: The laws can be enforced and their en- forcement is the first and most inn portant step in the abatement of pros titution. The houses of i'll fame in any community can be closed and kept closed, provided public sentiment s sufficiently aroused to demand it. Note that I do not assert that prostitution can be thus abolished. but only that houses of i'll fame can be put and kept out of business. This has now been done in many cities, large and small, and the number that is changing from the old policy of toleration and segrs- gation is constantly increasing.
 It may be fairly asked, and should be asked, said the doctor. What will any community gain by this course? Are there fewer prostitutes? Is there less protitution2 Is there less Venereal disease? Is there less temptation to immortality Before answering these questions the distinction already made between private immortality and prosti- tuition should be borne in mind and also the distinction between pubic and clandestine prostitution.
 That segregation never aggregates, but makes a center from which the social evil spreads, and that by the closing of houses of i'll fame the most effective bio wis delivered, because the commercial side of the business is hit. were pr. Rockers answer to these questions
 Reformatory for Women Needed.
 A reformatory for women Is greatly needed in this state, not only for the inmates of the houses of i'll fame, but for the clandestine prostitutes and other female delinquents. aJil is no place for them. A considerable per cent. of these women can be reformed, taught occupations and restored as constructive and not destructive mem bers of society.
 Not only should the house of ill fame be closed, but the disorderIy saloon should be suppressed. The part which the disorderly saloons and restaurants play in the furtherance of clandestlne prostitution is very important
 Every community can do valuable preventive work. Wholesome amuse- ment should be provided, especially outdoor recreation, Places of evening amusement should, be supervised an l watched. as in and about these resorts opportunity and temptation occur. Women policemen should be appointed lty can often influence and protect young girls better than men,
 The Man Factor.
 The man factor in the problem, said the doctor, is his lack of control, but the doctor said that he believed that mans self control in this line was greater than it had been in times past. Tell Children the Truth.
 In this self control of passion lies the hope of the slow. gradual decrease of the social evil What therefore can be done to help men exercise greater self restraint? Begin early with the children and tell them the truth about themselves. Answer truthfully and wisely their questions and the Ques- tions they do not dare ask. The first nine years of life are in some respects the most important in the formation of character of the whole life. The senses are wonderfully alert, receptive of i'm pressions and the memory is remark ably retentive. It is of the highest inn portance that impressions indelibly planted during these years should oe of the right kind. Therefore do not be afraid to inform them according 70 | their capability to understand. With ! the statement of facts hold before them l high ideals of manhood and woman | hood Do not refrain from telling them ! what they ought to know because you l wish to keep them pure and innocent While you-their parents-are refrain l ing someone else is imparting wrong | ideas instead of right ones.
 An Erroneous Doctrine. One reason why men have been | licentious in the past and why we may 1 hope they will be less so in the future | "a somewhat remote future, admit = l is the doctrine of physiological neces- sity. Physicians have taught, and un- l fortunately some still teach, the er- ! roneous doctrine that confluence and health are incompatible. For the great majority of men it may be emphatic ally asserted that the highest degree 1 of health is entirely compatible with absolute confluence. There are excep- tions to be sure. but those exceptions are pathological and not normal. I dc not say this restraint is easy or agree ! able, but is entirely possible.
 Another reason why we may hope | that men will be more self controlled as time goes on is that we know now how dangerous, how terrible are the
 
 1 tutes are practically never free. Wher a young man fully realizes that house i of i'll fame or the rooming house of the 1 prostitute is more dangerous than the 1 pesthouse of smallpox he will be less l liable to enter therein.
 ] We must not ask or expect too much ! from the suppression of the houses ot l ill fame, though their suppression Is l the first and imperative procedure iT ! the warfare against commercialized vice. But however inadequate this t may be 1t Is nevertheless we'll worc1 | doing and doing thoroughly. No com munity that takes this position will ever regret it. Real progress in the l abatement of prostitution will come only through the slow growth of the race to clearer understanding and 8 1 greater self control
 1 Higher Ideals.
 l Is it too much to hope that not sim \ ply in Gods own time. but in man $