30
SEX IN INDUSTRY.
crowding together numbers of the young of both sexes in factories is a prolific source of moral delinquency. The stimulus of a heated atmosphere, the contact of opposite sexes, the example of lasciviousness upon the animal passions, — all have conspired to produce a very early development of sexual appetencies. Indeed, in this respect, the female population engaged in manufactures approximates very closely to that found in tropical climates; puberty, or at least sexual propensities, being attained almost coeval with girlhood. The early age at which sexual development calls into play a crowd of irrepressible sensations, — which, when properly tempered and directed, form the basis of future character, — and the unfavorable circumstances under which this forced development occurs, are in a great measure destructive to the well-being, physical and moral, of those who may well be called its victims.” The disregard paid the decencies of life in the location and condition of water-closets, etc.; the laxity with which