[To the Editor of the SPECTAToR.] SIR,—There is doubtless much
to be said for the argument so ably set -forth in your columns by the Dean of St. Paul's. But with all respect to so learned a divine, there is something revolting in the way he handles what we of the old-fashioned school have been taught to regard as sacred. If, however, legislative measures can be enforced, why is it not possible to detain the feeble-minded of both sexes in industrial Homes, where such capacities as they possess could be usefully exercised, and their lives made happy, without danger to the community ? It is common knowledge that in many Unions there are as many as three generations of feeble- minded women and girls.
With no legal power to detain, these miserable creatures are allowed to be at large, to the ruin of themselves and others, to return each year •with yet another feeble child. Surely this is a comparatively simple matter, and one which has long been so obvious that it is amazing to think no steps
have been taken to carry it out.—I am, Sir, &c., B.
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