On Monday a meeting was held in the City to
support the Government's action in adopting the Criminal Law Amend- ment (White Slave Traffic) Bill. The Guildhall was packed with men and the feeling of earnestness and determination was most remarkable. It was, indeed, a com- mon remark among those present that a "better meeting" had never assembled in London for a non-political purpose. The Bishop of Hereford was in the chair, and said that letters sympathizing with the objects of the meeting had been received from many distinguished men, including the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Lord Mayor. The resolution was moved by Dr. Greville MacDonald, who empha- sized the discreditable fact that for five years, in spite of strenuous effort, nothing had been accomplished in Parliament until recently. Lord Balfour of Burleigh supported the motion, which was carried with enthusiasm, and a deputation was appointed to lay the resolution before the Prime Minister. On the same day the Second Reading of the Bill was proposed by Mr. Arthur Lee in the House of Commons, and, in spite of some opposition, received the support of Mr. McKenna, and was carried without a division. It must not be supposed, how- ever, that the Bill is now sure to become law. It has powerful enemies, and unless its supporters show vigilance, prudence, and also persistence it may still be smothered. What is wanted is a determination by a large body of the outside public that Parliament shall not be allowed to adjourn till the Bill has become law. We are glad to note that a suggestion that the men who met at the Guildhall should consider themselves pledged to make such a demand on the Government was received with enthusiasm.
Previous page
