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REMEDIES 245
these matters. So long as we can do nothing
but plead, just so long the sorrows and pains
of womanhood will meet with scant respect
from law-makers and politicians. It is
only by the great publicity which we hope
for this book, and the enormous weight of
public opinion which we are hoping and
praying may be behind it, that we believe we
shall be able to help the victims of the white
slave traffic in the East especially. To write
these things, to read them, and to know that
such cruelties are being perpetrated every
day makes one heart-sick and terribly sad.
It is easy enough to rid our minds of our
neighbours' burdens ; but, after all, conscience
is a pretty good guide as to which way our
duty
lies in matters like this. It is not a
question of inclination, nor even is it a matter
of opinion. How can there be any opinion
but one on a question like this ? If you know
that a girl is being ill treated ; that some one
young and innocent is betrayed, enslaved, and
tormented ; that some one who prays to the
God that you worship, who has loved the
things that you have loved the happy
country, the splendid cities, music, art, the
many things which are precious to us all ;
who cares for what is beautiful, pure, and
lovely : that such an one is dragged into some
pit of infamy and degradation how shall any
of us have two opinions as to whether or not
it is our duty to go straight to her assistance
?
Although it is necessary to do individual