by Elizabeth Blackwell

“ This fact is the large and increasing number of foreign prostitutes, trained under the foreign regulation system, who resort to London as a free hunting-ground, where men and women can carry on this vile trade unmolested. ”

“ The men associate very much with young girls." "At the East End there is a large amount of prostitution of girls, mainly between fifteen and eighteen. They come principally from the large factories. Nearly all the industries of London are represented at the East End. A great many females do factory work, and are prostitutes at the same time, with the tacit understanding and knowledge of their parents. The younger ones take men to low brothels, the elder ones to almost any coffee-house or brothel in the neighborhood. ”

“ The most serious danger involved in this state of unchecked evil is the increasingly youthful age of those who are corrupted. A vast and growing number of girls (and boys also) lead a life of youthful corruption. The evidence on this alarming tendency is full and positive. Only a few representative facts given in evidence can here be quoted.
It is stated: "There are houses in many parts of London where people procure children for purposes of prostitution at fourteen, fifteen, and sixteen years of age, without number ”

“ The above are some of the chief points brought out by indubitable evidence. They prove the evils and dangers which grow up in all large towns where an energetic public opinion has not begun to restrain the growth of vice. ”

“ There are certain districts in London where there are colonies of French prostitutes perfectly well known to the police. The girls brought from foreign countries into this country are generally girls who understand their business perfectly well. ”

“ He has never known what peace or happiness has been since. He is annoyed in every shape and way by the women and the men living with them; these people (men and women) are strong enough to exert pressure upon tradesmen interfering with their vocation. ”