The Home Secretary was about to reform (!) the prison system by appointing more inspectors.

Oscar Wilde pointed out that inspectors could do nothing but see that the regulations were carried out.

He took up the position that it was the regulations which needed reform.

His plea was irrefutable in its moderation and simplicity: but it was beyond the comprehension of an English Home Secretary apparently, for all the abuses pointed out by Oscar Wilde still flourish.

I can't help giving some extracts from this memorable indictment: memorable for its reserve and sanity and complete absence of any bitterness: "...