22 JULY 1871, Page 3

The Government has declined to bring in a Bill repealing

the 'Contagious Diseases' Act this year, the Commission appointed to inquire into them having reported in their favour on physical grounds, but doubtfully on moral grounds. We regret the decision, not on moral grounds only, though we incline to be- lieve the Acts injurious, but for party reasons also. We cannot enforce sanitary laws by the bayonet, and one of two things seems certain. Either the Acts must be suspended, a- point on which Mr. Bruce is apparently undecided, or Mr. Gladstone must under- take their defence before the country. The Acts cannot be de- fended on the hustings.