We cannot leave this painful subject without pointing out that
Mr. and Mrs. Scoresby Routledge, to whose public spirit the raising of the whole question is due, deserve the gratitude of all who care for the good government of the Empire. The task they set themselves was peculiarly difficult and dis- agreeable. They carried it through, however, not only with pluck and perseverance, but also without rancour. Had they not taken up the matter, we venture to say that nothing would have been done by the authorities to put matters right. That conduct so heinous as that of Mr. Silberrad has been held up to the condemnation of the Empire is, solely due to them. That it should be left to private individuals to produce this result is, in one sense a humiliation. And yet good work of this kind has generally been accomplished after this ` fashion. It was an ordinary citizen who obtained 'the
declaration of the Court of King's Bench which made slavery impossible in England. A healthy public opinion still remains the best antiseptic of Empire.
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