onvicted of their crime, is that of the patient herself. Their
knowledge of human nature teaches them that she is the last person in the
world to ruin her own reputation by exposing them; and their knowledge of
their devilish business teaches them that, if the case does terminate
fatally, death will occur in all probability before an _ante-mortem_
statement implicating them can be made by their victim. A recent writer
thus describes these wretches and their mode of operations:

"Under the head of abortionists, it must be understood there are
different classes. First, there is the one whose advertisements, under
the head of 'Dr.,' are conspicuous in almost every paper which will print
them. Next comes the female abortionists, the richer classes of whom
also advertise largely; and lastly, the midwives, who, when it pays them
to do so, will in some cases consent to earn money by the commission of
this fearful crime.

"First in order, then, the doctor, who styles himself the 'ladies'
friend,' which appellation would be more truthful if the second letter
were omitted from that word of endearment. He is, as a rule, either a
man who has studied for a diploma and failed to pass his examination, or
one who, though he is really an M.D., because it pays better, devotes his
time to this particular branch of his profession, and advertises largely
to that effect; while, in nine cases out of ten, if he attended to a
legitimate branch of his vocation, he would prove worthless and
inefficient. There are many abortionists in New York to-day who live in
first-class style, attend to nothing but 'first-class' cases, receive
nothing but first-class fees.

"These men, some of them at least, are received into fashionable society,
not because of their gentlemanly or engaging manners, nor even yet on
account of their money, but from the fact that they exercise a certain
amount of influence and are possessed of a vast deal of audacity. They
are cognizant of many a family secret that comes under the jurisdiction
of their peculiar vocation; and this fact enables them successfully, if
they like, to dare these parties to treat them any other than
respectfully. There is a skeleton in every house, a secret in every
family; and too often the doctor, midwife, and accoucheur have to be
treated publicly, socially, and pecuniarily in accordance with this fact.
It is such men as these who, by their nefarious practices, have been
enabled to accumula