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altogether from the principle of compulsion. Any neglec
upon the part of the parent in securing for his children the
protection afforded by vaccination is viewed by them as:
failure in parental duty and as a misfortune. But the inter
ference with the liberty of the subject involved in the
administration and operation of the Acts is regarded as an
evil of a greater magnitude. With a system of popular
government the representative adopting this attitude does no
lack support from a considerable section of the community
moved by feelings of a sentimental character against vacci
nation. Those who have witnessed the course of recen
elections are aware of the pressure brought to bear upon
parliamentary candidates by a section of the constituencie
dominated by anti-vaccinationist proclivities, and must have
observed an increasing tendency on the part of would-b
members to conciliate that faction with pledges in favour
repeal. But whatever methods are employed by the anti
vaccinationists, either in gaining the sympathy of the people
or the pledges of their representatives, they have signall
failed as yet in making good their case by argument. Neithe
have they shown that compulsion in the administration
the Vaccination Acts, either in principle or in practice, i
inconsistent with the enjoyment of the fullest measure
freedom.
Before the introduction of the Factory Acts, stranger
visiting the manufacturing towns in the north of England
were struck with the aspect of the inhabitants. The working
classes were dwarfed in stature and were sickly in appea
ance. The children lacked childish ways. Their faces boad
traces of toil and suffering. With those who were acquainte
with the life and habits of these children their prematurel
aged expression of countenance was not a matter of surprise
Except at infrequent intervals, their lives were spent in the