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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of A Treatise on the Police of the Metropolis, by 
+Patrick Colquhoun
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: A Treatise on the Police of the Metropolis
+       Containing a Detail of the Various Crimes and Misdemeanors
+       by which Public and Private Property and Security are, at
+       Present, Injured and Endangered: and Suggesting Remedies
+       for their Prevention
+
+Author: Patrick Colquhoun
+
+Release Date: March 21, 2011 [EBook #35650]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A TREATISE ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Robert Connal, Linda Cantoni, and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This
+file was produced from images generously made available
+by the Bibliothèque nationale de France (BnF/Gallica)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+[Transcriber's Note: This book was published in 1800 and contains some
+inconsistent spelling, capitalization, hyphenation, and punctuation
+typical of that era. These have been retained as they appear in the
+original, including the inconsistent use of a period after the pound
+symbol (e.g., £.100 and £100). Inconsistent italicizing of _l._, _s._,
+and _d._ has been normalized to italics. Long-s has been normalized to
+s. The pointing hand symbol has been rendered as [-->]. Printer errors
+have been resolved with reference to a later and apparently corrected
+printing of the same edition, available at the Internet Archive,
+http://www.archive.org/details/atreatiseonpoli03colqgoog. Unresolved
+printer errors have been noted with a [Transcriber's Note].]
+
+
+
+
+A
+
+TREATISE
+
+ON THE
+
+POLICE OF THE METROPOLIS;
+
+
+CONTAINING A DETAIL OF THE
+
+VARIOUS CRIMES AND MISDEMEANORS
+
+_By which Public and Private Property and Security are, at present,
+injured and endangered:_
+
+AND
+
+SUGGESTING REMEDIES
+
+FOR THEIR
+
+PREVENTION.
+
+
+THE SIXTH EDITION, CORRECTED AND CONSIDERABLY ENLARGED.
+
+
+BY P. COLQUHOUN, LL.D.
+
+_Acting as a Magistrate for the Counties of Middlesex, Surry, Kent,
+and Essex.--For the City and Liberty of Westminster, and for the
+Liberty of the Tower of London._
+
+
+     Meminerint legum conditores, illas ad proximum hunc finem
+     accommodare; Scelera videlicet arcenda, refrænandaque vitia
+     ac morum pravitatem.
+
+     Judices pariter leges illas cum vigore, æquitate,
+     integritate, publicæque utilitatis amore curent exequi; ut
+     justitia etvirtus omnes societatis ordines pervadant.
+     Industriaque simul et Temperantia inertiæ locum assumant et
+     prodigalitatis.
+
+
+_LONDON:_
+
+PRINTED BY H. BALDWIN AND SON, NEW BRIDGE-STREET, BLACKFRIARS;
+
+FOR JOSEPH MAWMAN, IN THE POULTRY,
+
+SUCCESSOR TO MR. DILLY.
+
+
+M.DCCC.
+
+
+
+
+TO THE SOVEREIGN,
+
+     _Who has graciously condescended to approve of the Author's
+     Efforts "To establish a System of Morality and good Order in
+     The Metropolis:"_
+
+AND TO HIS PEOPLE;
+
+     _In every Part of the British Dominions; whose favourable
+     Reception of these Labours, for the Good of their Country,
+     has contributed, in a considerable degree, to the Progress
+     which has been already made, towards the Adoption of the
+     Remedies proposed for the Prevention of Crimes, the Comfort
+     of Society, and the Security of the Peaceful Subject:_
+
+This Improved and Enlarged Edition of
+
+THE TREATISE ON THE POLICE OF THE METROPOLIS,
+
+_is humbly_
+
+_and respectfully_
+
+DEDICATED.
+
+  LONDON,
+    Jan. 1, 1800.
+
+
+
+
+ADVERTISEMENT.
+
+
+Occupied in a variety of laborious pursuits, which afford little time
+either for study or recreation, the Author once more presents this
+Work to the Public with an unfeigned Diffidence, arising from his
+consciousness, that under such circumstances it must require their
+indulgence. This, he trusts, will be granted when it is considered,
+that his employments are of a nature unfriendly to that critical
+accuracy and precision, the necessity of which is impressed on his
+mind, not less by a sense of his own personal character, than of his
+obligations to the long-experienced candour and liberality of his
+readers.
+
+In the present Edition much new matter has been brought forward, and
+considerable improvements have been attempted by the introduction of
+official facts, and authentic details calculated to elucidate and
+explain the general system first placed by the Author under the review
+of the Public. Their extensive approbation (although his only reward)
+is of a nature which can never be too highly estimated. That
+approbation has not only been confirmed by many of the first and most
+respectable characters in these kingdoms, not less conspicuous for
+talents and abilities than for that genuine patriotism which
+distinguishes the good subject, and the valuable member of Society;
+but also by several Foreigners eminent for learning and virtue.
+
+While we deplore the miserable condition of those numerous delinquents
+who have unfortunately multiplied with the same rapidity that the
+great wealth of the Metropolis has increased: while their errors and
+their crimes are exposed only for the purpose of amendment: while the
+tear of pity is due to their forlorn state, a prospect happily opens
+through the medium of _the Report of the_ SELECT COMMITTEE _of the_
+HOUSE _of_ COMMONS, for the adoption of those remedies which will
+unquestionably give a seasonable check to immorality and delinquency;
+so as by their prevention not only to protect the rights of innocence,
+but also increase the number of the useful members of the community,
+and render punishments less frequent and necessary.
+
+To witness the ultimate completion of legislative arrangements,
+operating so favourably to the immediate advantage and security of the
+Metropolis, and extending also similar benefits to the country at
+large, will prove to the Author of this Work a very great and genuine
+source of happiness.
+
+To the Public, therefore, in general, and to the Legislature in
+particular, does he look forward with confidence for that singular
+gratification which, by giving effect to his well-meant endeavours for
+the prevention of Crimes, will ultimately crown with success the
+exertions he has used in the course of a very intricate and laborious
+investigation, in which his only object has been the good of his
+country.
+
+  LONDON,
+    _1st January_, 1800.
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE.
+
+
+Police in this Country may be considered as a _new Science_; the
+properties of which consist not in the Judicial Powers which lead to
+_Punishment_, and which belong to Magistrates alone; but in the
+PREVENTION and DETECTION OF CRIMES, and in those other Functions which
+relate to INTERNAL REGULATIONS for the well ordering and comfort of
+Civil Society.
+
+THE POLICE OF THE METROPOLIS, in every point of view, is a subject of
+great importance to be known and understood; since every innocent and
+useful Member of the Community has a particular interest in the
+correct administration of whatever relates to the Morals of the
+People, and to the protection of the Public against Fraud and
+Depredation.
+
+Under the present circumstances of insecurity, with respect to
+property and even life itself, this is a subject which cannot fail to
+force itself upon the attention of all:--All are equally concerned in
+the Information which this Work conveys; the chief part of the
+details in which are entirely novel, not to be found in books, and
+never laid before the Public through the medium of the Press, previous
+to the first Publication of this Treatise.
+
+It may naturally be imagined, that such an accumulation of delinquency
+systematically detailed, and placed in so prominent a point of view,
+must excite a considerable degree of astonishment in the minds of
+those Readers who have not been familiar with subjects of this nature;
+and hence a desire may be excited to investigate how far the amazing
+extent of the Depredations upon the Public here related, can be
+reconciled to reason and possibility.
+
+Four years have, however, elapsed, since these details have been
+before the Public, and they still stand on their original ground,
+without any attempt which has come to the Author's knowledge, to
+question the magnitude or the extent of the evil.--On the contrary,
+new sources of Fraud and Depredation have been brought forward,
+tending greatly to increase the general mass of Delinquency.[1]
+
+[Footnote 1: See Mr. Middleton's interesting Report on the County of
+Middlesex, and the extracts from thence in Chapter III. of this
+Work.]
+
+In revising the present Edition, the Author felt a strong impulse to
+reduce his estimates; but after an attentive review of the whole,
+excepting in the instances of the Depredations on Commercial Property,
+(which have been greatly diminished by the establishment of a _Marine
+Police_, applicable to that particular object,) he was unable to
+perceive any ground for materially altering his original
+calculations.--If some classes of Theft, Robbery, and Depredation,
+have been reduced, others have been augmented; still leaving the
+aggregate nearly as before.
+
+The causes of these extensive and accumulated wrongs being fully
+explained, and accounted for, in various parts of the Work; a very
+short recapitulation of them is, therefore, all that is necessary in
+this Preface.
+
+The enlarged state of Society, the vast extent of moving property, and
+the unexampled wealth of the Metropolis, joined to the depraved habits
+and loose conduct of a great proportion of the lower classes of the
+people; and above all, the want of an appropriate Police applicable to
+the object of prevention, will, after a careful perusal of this work,
+reconcile the attentive mind to a belief of the actual existence of
+evils which could not otherwise have been credited.--Let it be
+remembered also, that this Metropolis is unquestionably not only the
+greatest Manufacturing and Commercial City in the world, but also the
+general receptacle for the idle and depraved of almost every country;
+particularly from every quarter of the dominions of the Crown--Where
+the temptations and resources for criminal pleasures--Gambling, Fraud
+and Depredation almost exceed imagination; since besides being the
+seat of Government it is the centre of _fashion, amusements,
+dissipation and folly_.
+
+Under such peculiar circumstances, while immorality, licentiousness
+and crimes are known to advance in proportion to the excessive
+accumulation of wealth, it cannot fail to be a matter of deep regret,
+that in the progressive increase of the latter the means of checking
+the rapid strides of the former have not been sooner discovered and
+effectually applied.
+
+It is, however, earnestly to be hoped that it is not yet too
+late.--Patriots and Philanthropists who love their country, and glory
+in its prosperity, will rejoice with the Author in the prospect, that
+the great leading features of improvement suggested and matured in the
+present Edition of this Work will ultimately receive the sanction of
+the Legislature.
+
+May the Author be allowed to express his conviction that the former
+Editions of this book tended in no small degree, to remove various
+misconceptions on the subject of Police: and at the same time
+evidently excited in the public mind a desire to see such remedies
+applied as should contribute to the improvement of the Morals of the
+People, and to the removal of the danger and insecurity which were
+universally felt to exist?
+
+An impression it is to be hoped is generally felt from the example of
+the Roman Government, when enveloped in riches and luxury, that
+National prosperity must be of short duration when public Morals are
+too long neglected, and no effectual measures adopted for the purpose
+either of checking the alarming growth of depravity, or of guarding
+the rising generation against evil examples.
+
+It is by the general influence of good Laws, aided by the regulations
+of an energetic Police, that the blessings of true Liberty, and the
+undisturbed enjoyment of Property are secured.
+
+The sole object of the Author in pointing out the accumulated wrongs
+which have tended in so great a degree to abridge this Liberty, is to
+pave the way for the adoption of those practical remedies which he
+has suggested, in conformity with the spirit of the Laws, and the
+Constitution of the Country, for the purpose of bettering the state of
+Society, and improving the condition of human life.
+
+If in the accomplishment of this object the Morals of the People shall
+undergo a favourable change, and that species of comfort and security
+be extended to the inhabitants of this great Metropolis, which has not
+heretofore been experienced, while many evils are prevented, which in
+their consequences threaten to be productive of the most serious
+mischief, the Author of this Work will feel himself amply rewarded in
+the benefits which the System he has proposed shall be found to confer
+upon the Capital of the British Dominions, and on the Nation at
+large.
+
+
+
+
+_Preparing for the Press, by the Author of this Work._
+
+A TREATISE
+
+ON
+
+_THE COMMERCE AND POLICE_
+
+OF
+
+THE RIVER THAMES:
+
+CONTAINING
+
+AN HISTORICAL VIEW OF
+
+_THE TRADE OF THE PORT OF LONDON;_
+
+THE DEPREDATIONS COMMITTED ON ALL PROPERTY IMPORTED AND EXPORTED
+THERE; THE REMEDIES HITHERTO APPLIED; AND THE MEANS OF FUTURE
+PREVENTION, BY A COMPLETE SYSTEM OF
+
+_RIVER-POLICE;_
+
+WITH AN ACCOUNT OF
+
+_THE FUNCTIONS OF THE VARIOUS MAGISTRATES AND OTHERS_
+
+EXERCISING OR CLAIMING JURISDICTION ON THE RIVER;
+
+AND OF THE
+
+_PENAL STATUTES AGAINST MARITIME OFFENCES_
+
+OF EVERY DESCRIPTION.
+
+[_The above will be published in the course of the Spring, by_ JOS.
+MAWMAN, _in the Poultry._]
+
+
+
+
+_CONTENTS._
+
+
+CHAP. I.
+
+GENERAL VIEW OF EXISTING EVILS.
+
+                                                                  PAGE
+
+  _Ineffective System of Criminal Jurisprudence.--Facility
+  of eluding Justice.--Severity and inequality of
+  Punishments.--Necessity of revising our Penal
+  Code.--Certain dangerous Offences not punishable.--Receivers
+  of Stolen Property.--Extent of Plunder in the Metropolis,
+  &c.--Proposed Restrictions on Receivers.--Coiners and
+  Utterers of Base Money; the extent of their crimes.--Defects
+  in the mode of prosecuting Offenders.--Pardons.--Periodical
+  Discharges of Prisoners.--Summary of the causes of the
+  present inefficacy of the Police, under nine different heads._     1
+
+
+CHAP. II.
+
+ON THE SYSTEM OF PUNISHMENTS: THEORETICALLY CONSIDERED.
+
+  _The mode of ascertaining the Degrees of Punishment.--The
+  object to be considered in inflicting Punishments--Amendment,
+  Example, and Retribution.--In order to render Criminal
+  Laws perfect, prevention ought to be the great object of
+  the Legislature.--General Rules suggested for attaining this
+  object.--Reflections on the Punishments authorised by the
+  English Laws, and their disproportion.--The necessity of
+  enforcing the observance of religious and moral Virtue.--The
+  leading Offences made Capital by the Laws of England
+  considered, with the Punishments allotted to each; compared
+  with, and illustrated by, the Custom of other Countries;
+  with Reflections.--The Code of the Emperor_ JOSEPH _the
+  Second, shortly detailed.--Reflections thereon._                  29
+  [Transcriber's Note: should be p. 28]
+
+
+CHAP. III.
+
+THE CAUSE AND PROGRESS OF SMALL THEFTS.
+
+  _The numerous Receivers of Stolen Goods, under the
+  denomination of Dealers in Rags, Old Iron, and other
+  Metals.--The great Increase of these Dealers of late
+  years.--Their evil tendency, and the absolute necessity
+  of restraining them by Law.--Petty Thefts in the Country
+  round the Metropolis.--Workhouses the causes of
+  Idleness.--Commons.--Cottagers.--Gypsies.--Labourers
+  and Servants.--Thefts in Fields and Gardens.--Frauds in
+  the Sale and Adulteration of Milk._                               74
+
+
+CHAP. IV.
+
+ON BURGLARIES AND HIGHWAY ROBBERIES.
+
+  _These Crimes more peculiar to England than to
+  Holland and Flanders, &c.--A General View
+  of the various classes of Criminals engaged in
+  these pursuits, and with those discharged from
+  Prisons and the Hulks, without the means of
+  support.--The necessity of some antidote previous
+  to the return of Peace.--Observations on
+  the stealing Cattle, Sheep, Corn, &c.--Receivers
+  of Stolen Goods, the nourishers of every
+  description of Thieves.--Remedies suggested, by
+  means of detection and prevention._                               93
+
+
+CHAP. V.
+
+ON CHEATS AND SWINDLERS.
+
+  _A considerable check already given to the higher
+  class of Forgeries, by shutting out all hopes of
+  Royal Mercy.--Petty Forgeries have, however,
+  encreased.--The qualifications of a Cheat,
+  Swindler and Gambler.--The Common and
+  Statute Law applicable to Offences of this
+  nature, explained.--Eighteen different classes
+  of Cheats and Swindlers, and the various tricks
+  and devices they pursue.--Remedies proposed._                    110
+
+
+CHAP. VI.
+
+ON GAMING AND THE LOTTERY.
+
+  _The great anxiety of the Legislature to suppress
+  these Evils, which are however encouraged by
+  high sounding names, whose houses are opened
+  for purposes odious and unlawful.--The civil
+  Magistrate called upon to suppress such mischiefs.--The
+  danger arising from such Seminaries.--The
+  evil tendency of such examples to
+  Servants and others.--A particular statement
+  of the proceedings of a confederacy of Persons
+  who have set up Gaming-Houses as regular
+  Partnership-Concerns, and of the Evils resulting
+  therefrom.--Of Lottery Insurers of the
+  higher class.--Of Lottery Offices opened for
+  Insurance.--Proposed Remedies.--Three Plans
+  for drawing the Lottery so as to prevent all
+  Insurance._                                                      133
+
+
+CHAP. VII.
+
+ON THE COINAGE OF COUNTERFEIT MONEY.
+
+  _The Causes of the enormous increase of this Evil
+  of late years.--The different kinds of false coin
+  detailed.--The process in fabricating each
+  Species.--The immense profits arising therefrom.--The
+  extensive Trade in sending base Coin to
+  the Country.--Its universal circulation in the
+  Metropolis.--The great grievance arising from
+  it to Brewers, Distillers, Grocers, and all Retail
+  Dealers, as well as to the Labouring Poor.--Counterfeit
+  Foreign Money extremely productive
+  to the Dealers.--A summary View of the Causes
+  of the Mischief.--The Defects in the present
+  Laws explained:--And a Detail of the Remedies
+  proposed to be provided by the Legislature._                     171
+
+
+CHAP. VIII.
+
+ON RIVER PLUNDER.
+
+  _The magnitude of the Plunder of Merchandize
+  and Naval Stores on the River Thames.--The
+  wonderful extent and value of the Floating Property,
+  laden and unladen, in the Port of London
+  in the course of a year.--The modes heretofore
+  pursued in committing depredations through
+  the medium of various classes of Criminals, denominated
+  River Pirates:--Night Plunderers:--Light
+  Horsemen:--Heavy Horsemen:--Game Watermen:--Game
+  Lightermen:--Mudlarks:--Game Officers of the
+  Revenue:--And Copemen, or Receivers of Stolen
+  Property.--The effects of the Marine Police
+  Institution in checking these Depredations.--The
+  advantages which have already resulted to Trade and
+  the Revenue from this system partially tried.--The
+  further benefits to be expected from Legislative
+  Regulations, extending the System to the whole
+  Trade of the River._                                             213
+
+
+CHAP. IX.
+
+ON PLUNDER IN THE DOCK-YARDS, &C.
+
+  _Reflections on the causes of this Evil.--Summary
+  view of the means employed in its perpetration.--Estimate
+  of the Public Property exposed to Hazard.--A Statement of
+  the Laws at present in force for its protection:--Proofs
+  adduced of their deficiency.--Remedies proposed and
+  detailed, viz:--1st. A Central Board of Police.--2d.
+  A Local Police for the Dock-yards.--3d. Legislative
+  Regulations in aid thereof.--4th. Regulations respecting
+  the sale of Old Stores.--5th. The Abolition of the
+  Perquisite of Chips.--6th. The Abolition of Fees and
+  Perquisites, and liberal Salaries in lieu thereof.--7th.
+  An improved Mode of keeping Accounts.--8th. An annual
+  Inventory of Stores in hand.--Concluding Observations._          249
+
+
+CHAP. X.
+
+ON THE RECEIVERS OF STOLEN GOODS.
+
+  _Receivers more mischievous than Thieves.--The
+  increase of their number to be attributed to the
+  imperfection of the Laws, and to the disjointed
+  state of the Police of the Metropolis.--Thieves
+  in many instances, settle with Receivers before
+  they commit Robberies--Receivers always benefit
+  more than Thieves:--Their profit immense:--They
+  are divided into two Classes:--The immediate
+  Receivers connected with Thieves, and those who
+  keep shops and purchase from Pilferers in the way
+  of Trade:--The latter are extremely numerous.--The
+  Laws are insufficient effectually to reach either
+  class.--The existing statutes against Receivers
+  examined and briefly detailed, with Observations
+  thereon.--Amendments and Improvements suggested
+  with means to ensure their due execution._                       288
+
+
+CHAP. XI.
+
+ON THE ORIGIN OF CRIMINAL OFFENCES.
+
+  _The increase of Crimes imputed to deficient
+  Laws and an ill-regulated Police:--To the
+  habits of the Lower Orders in feeding their
+  families in Alehouses:--To the bad Education
+  of Apprentices:--To the want of Industry:--To
+  idle and profligate menial Servants out of
+  Place:--To the Lower Orders of the Jews, of the
+  Dutch and German Synagogues; To the depraved
+  Morals of aquatic Labourers:--To the Dealers in
+  Old Metals, Furniture, Clothes, &c.--To
+  disreputable Pawnbrokers:--And finally, to
+  ill-regulated Public Houses.--Concluding
+  Reflections._                                                    310
+
+
+CHAP. XII.
+
+THE ORIGIN OF CRIMES CONTINUED: FEMALE PROSTITUTION.
+
+  _The pitiable condition of the unhappy Females, who
+  support themselves by Prostitution:--The progress
+  from Innocence to Profligacy.--The morals of Youth
+  corrupted by the multitude of Prostitutes in the
+  streets.--The impossibility of preventing the existence
+  of Prostitution in a great Metropolis.--The Propriety
+  of lessening the Evil, by stripping it of its Indecency
+  and much of its immoral tendency.--The advantages of
+  the measure in reducing the mass of Turpitude.--Reasons
+  offered why the interests of Morality and Religion
+  will thus be promoted.--The example of Holland, Italy,
+  and the East-Indies quoted.--Strictures on the offensive
+  manners of the Company who frequent Public Tea
+  Gardens:--These places under a proper Police might be
+  rendered beneficial to the State.--Ballad-Singers--Immoral
+  Books and Songs--Necessity of Responsibility for the
+  execution of the Laws attaching somewhere._                      334
+  [Transcriber's Note: should be p. 333]
+
+
+CHAP. XIII.
+
+THE ORIGIN OF CRIMES CONTINUED: STATE OF THE POOR.
+
+  _The System with respect to the Casual Poor
+  erroneous.--The effect of Indigence on the
+  Offspring of the Sufferers.--Estimate of the
+  private and public Benevolence amounting to
+  850,000l. a year.--The deplorable state of
+  the Lower Ranks, attributed to the present
+  System of the Poor Laws.--An Institution to
+  inquire into the cause of Mendicity in the
+  Metropolis explained.--A new System of Relief
+  proposed with respect to Casual Poor, and
+  Vagrants in the Metropolis.--The distinction
+  between Poverty and Indigence.--The Poor
+  divided into five classes, with suggestions applicable
+  to each.--The evil Examples in Work-Houses.--The
+  stat. of 43 Eliz. considered.--The defective system
+  of Execution exposed.--A Public Institution
+  recommended in the nature of a Pauper Police,
+  under the direction of three Commissioners:--Their
+  Functions.--A proposition for raising a fund of
+  5230l. from the Parishes for the support of the
+  Institution, and to relieve them from the Casual
+  Poor.--Reasons why the experiment should be
+  tried.--Assistance which might be obtained from
+  Gentlemen who have considered this subject fully._               351
+
+
+CHAP. XIV.
+
+ON THE DETECTION OF OFFENDERS.
+
+  _The present state of the Police on this subject
+  explained.--The necessity of having recourse to
+  known Receivers.--The great utility of Officers
+  of Justice.--The advantages of rendering them
+  respectable in the opinion of the Public.--Their
+  powers by the common and statute Law.--Rewards
+  granted to Officers in certain cases of
+  Conviction.--The Statutes quoted, applicable to
+  such rewards.--The utility of parochial Constables,
+  under a well-organized Police.--A Fund for this
+  purpose might arise from the reduction of the
+  expences of the Police, by the diminution of
+  Crimes.--The necessity of a competent Fund.--A new
+  System for prevention and detection of Crimes
+  proposed.--The functions of the different classes
+  of Officers.--Salaries necessary to all.--Improvements
+  in the system of Rewards suggested.--1040 Peace-Officers
+  in the Metropolis and its vicinity, of whom only
+  90 are stipendiary Constables.--Defects and abuses
+  in the  system of the Watch explained.--A general
+  Plan of Superintendance suggested.--A view of the
+  Magistracy of the Metropolis.--The inconvenience
+  of the present System._                                          381
+
+
+CHAP. XV.
+
+ON THE PROSECUTION OF OFFENDERS.
+
+  _The prevailing Practice when Offenders are brought
+  before Magistrates.--The duty of Magistrates in such
+  cases.--Professed Thieves seldom intimidated when put
+  upon their Trial, from the many chances they have of
+  escaping.--These Chances shortly detailed.--Reflections
+  on false Humanity towards Prisoners.--The delays and
+  expences of Prosecutions a great discouragement to
+  Prosecutors.--An account of the different Courts of
+  Justice, for the trial of Offences committed in the
+  Metropolis.--Five inferior and two superior Courts.--A
+  statement of Prisoners convicted and discharged in one
+  year.--Reflections thereon.--The advantage which would
+  arise from the appointment of a Public Prosecutor, in
+  remedying Abuses in the Trial of Offenders.--From 2500
+  to 3000 Persons committed for trial, by Magistrates,
+  in the course of a year.--The chief part afterwards
+  returned upon Society._                                          422
+  [Transcriber's Note: should be p. 421]
+
+
+CHAP. XVI.
+
+ON THE SYSTEM OF PUNISHMENTS: CONSIDERED PRACTICALLY.
+
+  _The mode authorised by the Ancient Laws.--The period
+  when Transportation commenced.--The principal Crimes
+  enumerated which are punishable with Death.--Those
+  punishable by Transportation and Imprisonment.--Number
+  of Persons tried compared with those discharged.--The
+  system of Pardons examined; and Regulations suggested.--An
+  historical Account of the rise and progress of
+  Transportation.--The system of the Hulks; and the Laws
+  as to provincial and national Penitentiary Houses.--Number
+  of the Convicts confined in the Hulks for twenty-two
+  years.--The enormous expence of maintenance and inadequate
+  produce of their Labour.--The impolicy of the System.--The
+  system of Transportation to New South Wales examined, and
+  Improvements suggested.--Erection of National Penitentiary
+  Houses recommended.--The National Penitentiary House
+  (according to the Proposal of_ Jeremy Bentham, _Esq.)
+  considered:--Its peculiar advantages with respect to
+  Health, productive Labour, and Reformation of
+  Convicts.--General Reflections on the means of rendering
+  Imprisonment useful._                                            435
+  [Transcriber's Note: should be p. 434]
+
+
+CHAP. XVII.
+
+CRIMINAL POLICE OF THE METROPOLIS.
+
+  _The Police of the Metropolis examined, and its
+  Organization explained.--The utility of the
+  system, established in 1792 examined and explained.--Its
+  great deficiency from the want of Funds to reward
+  Officers for the detection and punishment of
+  Offenders.--Suggestions relative to stipendiary
+  Justices, and the benefits likely to result from
+  their exertions in assisting the City Magistrates.--The
+  vast labour and weight of duty attached to the chief
+  Magistrate and Aldermen in London.--The benefits to
+  result from Established Police Magistrates exemplified
+  by the System already adopted under the Act of 1792.--The
+  advantages which would arise from the various remedies
+  proposed in the course of this Work, only of a partial
+  nature, for want of a centre-point and superintending
+  Establishment.--The ideas of Foreigners on the Police
+  of the Metropolis.--Observations on the Old Police of
+  Paris, elucidated by Anecdotes of the Emperor_ JOSEPH II.
+  _and Mons. de_ Sartine.--_A Central Board of Commissioners
+  for managing the Police, peculiarly necessary on the
+  return of Peace.--This measure recommended by the
+  Finance Committee._                                              501
+
+
+CHAP. XVIII.
+
+PROPOSED SYSTEM OF CRIMINAL POLICE.
+
+  _A Proposition to consolidate the two Boards of
+  Hawkers and Pedlars, and Hackney Coaches,
+  into a Board of Police Revenue.--The whole
+  Revenue of Police from Fees, Penalties, and
+  Licence Duties, to make a common Fund.--Accounts
+  to be audited.--Magistrates to distribute
+  small Rewards.--A power to the Board
+  to make Bye Laws.--A concurrent Jurisdiction
+  recommended.--The Penitentiary House for
+  reforming Convicts.--Measures proposed after
+  the Board is established--namely, A Public
+  Prosecutor for the Crown:--A Register of
+  Lodging Houses--The Establishment of a
+  Police Gazette--Two leading Objects: the
+  prevention of Crimes; and raising a Revenue
+  for Police purposes.--The enumeration of the
+  Dealers, who are proposed to be licenced.--A
+  general View of the annual Expence of the
+  present and proposed Police System.--Suggestions
+  respecting a chain of connections with
+  Magistrates in the Country.--The Functions of
+  the proposed Central Board of Police.--Specification
+  of the Trades to be regulated and
+  licenced.--The advantages likely to result from
+  the adoption of the Plan._                                       536
+  [Transcriber's Note: should be p. 535]
+
+
+CHAP. XIX.
+
+MUNICIPAL POLICE OF THE METROPOLIS.
+
+  _Extent and Opulence of the City of London, its
+  Streets, Lanes, Allies, Courts and Squares
+  estimated at 8000.--Churches, &c. 400.--Seminaries
+  for Education 4000.--The various Institutions and
+  Societies for Learning, for the fine Arts, and for
+  charitable and humane Purposes.--The Courts of
+  Law.--The Prisons--Suggestions as to improving the
+  System of Imprisonment for Debt, particularly as
+  relates to Small Debts: and as to dividing the
+  judicial and ministerial Labours among more
+  Officers.--The internal or municipal Regulations
+  established in the Metropolis by several Statutes;
+  respecting Paving--Watching--Sewers--Hackney
+  Coaches--Carts--Watermen--and Buildings.--Necessity
+  of rendering these Laws uniform and coextensive, so as
+  to consolidate the System of Municipal Police.--Expence
+  calculated at 1,000,000l. a year.--Suggestions for
+  reducing it.--The present Epoch calls for Improvements._         567
+  [Transcriber's Note: should be p. 565]
+
+
+CHAP. XX.
+
+CONCLUSION.
+
+  _A summary View of the Evils detailed in the
+  preceding Chapters.--Arguments in favour of
+  a more energetic Police as the only means of
+  remedying these Evils.--A general View of the
+  estimated Depredations annually in the Metropolis
+  and its Vicinity; amounting in all to Two
+  Millions sterling.--A View of the Remedies
+  proposed--1st. With respect to the Corruption
+  of Morals.--2d. The means of preventing
+  Crimes in general.--3d. Offences committed on
+  the River Thames.--4th. Offences in the Public
+  Arsenals and Ships of War.--5th. Counterfeiting
+  Money and fabricating Bank Notes.--6th.
+  Punishments.--7th. Further advantages
+  of an improved System of Police.--Concluding
+  Reflections._                                                    602
+
+
+
+
+A
+
+TREATISE, &c.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+     _A general view of the Evils existing in the Metropolis, and
+     the causes from which they arise.--Necessity of a
+     well-regulated Police.--Ineffective system of Criminal
+     Jurisprudence.--Facility of eluding Justice. Severity and
+     inequality of Punishments.--Necessity of revising our Penal
+     Code.--Certain dangerous Offences not punishable.--Receivers
+     of stolen property.--Extent of plunder in the Metropolis,
+     &c.--Proposed restrictions on Receivers.--Coiners and
+     Utterers of Counterfeit Money; the extent of their
+     crimes.--Defects in the mode of prosecuting
+     Offenders.--Pardons.--Periodical discharges of
+     Prisoners.--Summary of the causes of the present inefficacy
+     of the Police, under nine different heads._
+
+
+Next to the blessings which a Nation derives from an excellent
+Constitution and System of general Laws, are those advantages which
+result from a well-regulated and energetic plan of Police, conducted
+and enforced with purity, activity, vigilance, and discretion.
+
+Upon this depends, in so great a degree, the comfort, the happiness,
+and the true liberty and security of the People, that too much labour
+and attention cannot possibly be bestowed in rendering complete the
+domestic administration of Justice in all cases of criminal
+delinquency.
+
+That much remains to be done in this respect no person will deny; all
+ranks must bear testimony to the dangers which both life and property
+are at present subjected to by the number of criminal people, who,
+from various causes (which it is the object of the Writer of these
+pages to explain), are suffered with impunity to repeat acts of
+licentiousness and mischief, and to commit depredations upon
+individuals and the Public.
+
+In vain do we boast of those liberties which are our birthright, if
+the vilest and most depraved part of the Community are suffered to
+deprive us of the privilege of travelling upon the highways, or of
+approaching the Capital in any direction after dark, without risk of
+being assaulted, and robbed; and perhaps wounded or murdered.
+
+In vain may we boast of the security which our Laws afford us, if we
+cannot lie down to rest in our habitations, without the dread of a
+burglary being committed, our property invaded, and our lives exposed
+to imminent danger before the approach of morning.
+
+Imperfect must be either the plan or the execution, or both, of our
+Criminal Code, if crimes are found to increase; if the moral
+principle ceases to be a check upon a vast proportion of the lower
+ranks of the People; and if small thefts are known to prevail in such
+a degree, as to affect almost all ranks of the Community who have any
+property to lose, as often as opportunities occur, whereby pilfering
+in a little way can be effected without detection.
+
+If, in addition to this, the peace of Society can, on every specious
+pretence, be disturbed by the licentious clamours or turbulent
+effusions arising from the ill-regulated passions of vulgar life,
+surely it becomes an interesting inquiry, worthy the attention of
+every intelligent member of the Community, _from what source spring
+these numerous inconveniences; and where is a remedy to be found for
+so many accumulated evils_?
+
+In developing the causes which have produced that want of security,
+which it is believed prevails in no other civilised country in so
+great a degree as in England, it will be necessary to examine how far
+the System of Criminal Jurisprudence has been, hitherto, applicable to
+the prevention of crimes.
+
+If we look back to the measures pursued by our ancestors two centuries
+ago, and before that period, we shall find that many wholesome laws
+were made with a view to prevention, and to secure the good behaviour
+of persons likely to commit offences. Since that æra in our history, a
+different plan has been pursued. Few regulations have been established
+to restrain vice, or to render difficult the commission of crimes;
+while the Statute Books have been filled with numerous Laws, in many
+instances doubtfully expressed, and whose leading feature has
+generally been severe punishment. These circumstances, aided by the
+false mercy of Juries in cases of slight offences, have tended to let
+loose upon Society a body of criminal individuals, who under a better
+Police--an improved system of Legislation, and milder punishments,--might,
+after a correction in Penitentiary Houses, or employment in out-door
+labour, under proper restraints, have been restored to Society as
+useful members.
+
+As the Laws are at present administered, it is a melancholy truth not
+to be contradicted, that the major part of the criminals who infest
+this Metropolis, although committed by magistrates for trial on very
+satisfactory proof, are returned upon the Public in vast numbers year
+after year; encouraged to renew their former practices, by the
+facility they experience in evading justice.
+
+But this is not all:--The adroit Thief and Receiver, availing
+themselves of their pecuniary resources, often escape, from their
+knowledge of the tricks and devices which are practised, through the
+medium of disreputable practitioners of the Law; while the novices in
+delinquency generally suffer the punishment attached to conviction.
+If, as is the case in some other countries, evidence were allowed to
+be received of the general character of persons, put upon their trial
+for offences, and the means by which they obtain their subsistence,
+so as to distinguish the old reputed Thief and Receiver from the
+novice in crimes, the minds of Jurymen would be often enlightened, to
+the furtherance of substantial justice; and a humane and proper
+distinction might be made between the young pupil of depravity, and
+the finished villain; as well in the measure of punishment, as in the
+distribution of mercy.
+
+The severity of the punishment, which at present attaches to crimes
+regarded by mankind as of an inferior nature, and which affect
+property in a trivial manner, is also deserving the most serious
+attention. It is only necessary to be acquainted with the modern
+history of the _criminal prosecutions, trials, acquittals, and pardons
+in this country_, in order to be completely convinced that the
+progressive increase of delinquents, and the evils experienced by
+Society from the multitude of petty crimes, result in a great measure
+from this single circumstance.
+
+It will scarcely be credited by those, whose habits of life do not
+permit them to enter into discussions of this sort, that by the Laws
+of England, there are above _one hundred and sixty_ different offences
+which subject the parties who are found guilty, to death without
+benefit of Clergy. This multiplicity of capital punishments must, in
+the nature of things, defeat those ends, the attainment of which ought
+to be the object of all Law, namely, _The Prevention of Crimes_.
+
+In consequence of this severity, (to use the words of an admired
+Writer,) "The injured, through compassion, will often forbear to
+prosecute: Juries, through compassion, will sometimes forget their
+oaths, and either acquit the guilty or mitigate the nature of the
+offence: and Judges, through compassion, will respite one half the
+convicts, and recommend them to Royal Mercy."[2]
+
+[Footnote 2: Blackstone's Commentaries.]
+
+The Roman Empire never flourished so much as during the æra of the
+Portian Law, which abrogated the punishment of death for all offences
+whatsoever. When severe punishments and an incorrect Police were
+afterwards revived, the Empire fell.
+
+It is not meant, however, to be insinuated that this would be,
+altogether, a proper system of Criminal Jurisprudence to be adopted in
+modern times.
+
+In the present state of society it becomes indispensably necessary,
+that offences, which in their nature are highly injurious to the
+Public, and where no mode of prevention can be established, should be
+punished by the forfeiture of life; but these dreadful examples should
+be exhibited as seldom as possible: for while on the one hand, such
+punishments often defeat the ends of Justice, by their not being
+carried into execution; so on the other, by being often repeated, they
+lose their effect upon the minds of the People.[3]
+
+[Footnote 3: Can that be thought a correct System of Jurisprudence,
+which inflicts the penalty of Death, for breaking down the mound of a
+fish-pond, whereby the fish may escape; or cutting down a fruit-tree
+in a garden or orchard; or stealing a handkerchief, or any trifle,
+privately from a person's pocket, above the value of 12d;--while a
+number of other crimes of much greater enormity, are only punished
+with Transportation and Imprisonment; and while the punishment of
+murder itself is, and can be, only Death; with a few circumstances of
+additional ignominy?]
+
+However much we glory (and we ought to glory) in the general
+excellence of our Criminal Law, yet there is no truth more clear and
+obvious than this:--"That this code exhibits too much the appearance
+of a heterogeneous mass, concocted too often on the spur of the
+occasion (as Lord Bacon expresses it):--and frequently without that
+degree of accuracy which is the result of able and minute discussion,
+or a due attention to the revision of the existing laws; or how far
+their provisions bear upon new and accumulated statutes introduced
+into Parliament; often without either consideration or knowledge, and
+without those precautions which are always necessary, when laws are to
+be made which may affect the property, the liberty, and perhaps even
+the lives of thousands."
+
+Some steps have indeed, been taken in Parliament, since this work
+first appeared, towards a general revision of our Statute Law;[4] and
+which, it is hoped, will ere long be adopted. Whenever the time shall
+arrive that the existing laws, which form the present Criminal Code,
+shall be referred to able and intelligent men effectually to revise,
+consolidate, and adjust the whole, in a manner best suited to the
+present state of Society and Manners, the investigation will
+unquestionably excite no little wonder and astonishment.
+
+[Footnote 4: See the "Report from the Committee of the House of
+Commons on Temporary Laws;" May 13, 1796--and also the "Report from
+the Committee for promulgation of the Statutes," December 5, 1796; and
+the "Resolutions of a Committee of the whole House," March 20, 1797.]
+
+Penal laws, which are either obsolete or absurd, or which have arisen
+from an adherence to rules of Common Law when the reasons have ceased
+upon which these rules are founded; and in short, all Laws which
+appear not to be consonant to the dictates of truth and justice, the
+feelings of Humanity, and the indelible rights of Mankind should be
+abrogated and repealed.[5]
+
+[Footnote 5: Blackstone.]
+
+But the deficiency of the Criminal Code does not arise solely from an
+erroneous and undigested scale of penalties and punishments. While on
+the one hand, we have to lament the number of these applicable to
+certain offences of a slight nature; we have equally to regret, that
+there exist crimes of considerable enormity, for the punishment of
+which the Law has made no provision.
+
+Among the most prominent of these crimes, may be ranked the receiving
+_Cash or Specie, Bank-Notes_ or _Bills, knowing them to be stolen_.
+
+To this very high offence, in its nature so productive of mischief in
+a Commercial Country, no punishment at all attaches; inasmuch as
+_Specie, Notes and Bills_, are not considered for this purpose to be
+_Goods and Chattels_; and the law only makes it a crime to receive
+property so described.
+
+If therefore a notorious Receiver of stolen goods shall be convicted
+of purchasing a glass bottle or a pewter pot, he is liable to be
+punished severely; but if he receives ten or twenty thousand pounds in
+_Cash_, _Bank Notes_, or _Bills_, he escapes with impunity![6]
+
+[Footnote 6: It is said the same construction of the Law has been made
+with respect to the Offence of buying or receiving Horses, knowing
+them to be stolen.]
+
+Innumerable almost are the other instances which could be collected
+from Reporters of Criminal Cases, shewing the deficiency of the
+Criminal Code; and in how many instances substantial justice is
+defeated, and public wrongs are suffered to go unpunished, through the
+objections and quibbles constantly raised in Courts of Justice; and
+which are allowed to prevail, principally, for want of that revision
+of our laws and those amendments which the present state of Society
+and Commerce requires.
+
+One of the chief nurseries of Crimes is to be traced to the Receivers
+of Stolen Property.
+
+Without that easy encouragement which these Receivers hold out, by
+administering immediately to the wants of criminals, and concealing
+what they purloin, a Thief, a Robber, or a Burglar, could not in fact,
+carry on his trade.
+
+And yet, conclusive and obvious, as this remark must be, it is a
+sorrowful truth, that in the Metropolis alone there are at present
+supposed to be upwards of Three Thousand Receivers of various kinds
+of stolen Goods; and an equal proportion all over the Country, who
+keep open shop for the purpose of purchasing at an under-price--often
+for a mere trifle,--every kind of property brought to them; from a
+nail, or a glass bottle, up to the most valuable article either new or
+old; and this without asking a single question.
+
+It is supposed that the property, purloined and pilfered in a little
+way, from almost every family, and from every _house, stable, shop,
+warehouse, workshop, foundery, and other repository_, in and about the
+Metropolis, may amount to about £.700,000 in one year, exclusive of
+depredations on ships in the River Thames, which, before the
+establishment of the Marine Police System in June 1798, were estimated
+at half a million more, including the stores and materials!--When to
+this is also added the Pillage of his Majesty's stores, in ships of
+war, Dock-yards, and other public repositories, the aggregate will be
+found in point of extent, almost to exceed credibility!
+
+It is a melancholy reflection to consider how many individuals, young
+and old, who are not of the class or description of common or even
+repeated thieves, are implicated in this system of depredation; who
+would probably have remained honest and industrious, had it not been
+for the easy mode of raising money, which these numerous Receivers of
+stolen goods hold out in every bye-street and lane in the Metropolis:
+In their houses, although a beggarly appearance of old iron, old rags,
+or second-hand clothes, is only exhibited, the back apartments are
+often filled with the most valuable articles of ship-stores,
+copper-bolts and nails, brass and other valuable metals, West-India
+produce, household goods and wearing apparel; purchased from
+artificers, labourers in the docks, lumpers, and others employed on
+the River Thames, menial servants, apprentices, journeymen, porters,
+chimney-sweepers, itinerant Jews, and others; who, thus encouraged and
+protected, go on with impunity, and without the least dread of
+detection, from the easiness of access, which their various
+employments give them, plundering every article not likely to be
+missed, in the houses or stables of men of property; or in the shops,
+ware-houses, founderies, or work-shops of manufacturers; or from new
+buildings; from ships in the river; nay even from his Majesty's
+stores, and other repositories, so that in some instances, the same
+articles are said to be sold to the Public Boards three or four times
+over.
+
+Thus the moral principle is totally destroyed among a vast body of the
+lower ranks of the People; for wherever prodigality, dissipation, or
+gaming, whether in the Lottery or otherwise, occasions a want of
+money, every opportunity is sought to purloin public or private
+property; recourse is then had to all those tricks and devices, by
+which even children are enticed to steal before they know that it is a
+crime; and to raise money at the pawnbrokers, or the old iron or rag
+shops, to supply the unlawful desires of profligate parents.
+
+Hence also, Servants, Apprentices, Journeymen, and in short all
+classes of labourers and domestics, are led astray by the temptations
+to spend money, which occur in this Metropolis; and by the facility
+afforded through the numerous Receivers of stolen Goods, who
+administer to their pecuniary wants, on every occasion, when they can
+furnish them with any article of their ill-gotten plunder.
+
+The necessity of adopting some effectual regulations respecting the
+numerous class of Dealers in old metal, stores, and wearing apparel,
+is too obvious to require illustration; and the progressive
+accumulation of these pests of Society is proved, by their having
+increased, from about 300 to 3000, in the course of the last twenty
+years, in the Metropolis alone!
+
+Similar regulations should also be extended to all the more latent
+Receivers, who do not keep open shop; but secretly support the
+professed Robbers and Burglars, by purchasing their plunder the moment
+it is acquired: of which latter class there are some who are said to
+be extremely opulent.
+
+It would by no means be difficult to form such a plan of Police as
+should establish many useful restrictions, for the purpose of checking
+and embarrassing these criminal people; so as to render it extremely
+difficult, if not impracticable for them, in many instances, to carry
+on their business without the greatest hazard of detection.
+
+But laws for this purpose must not be placed upon the Statute-Book as
+a kind of dead letter, only to be brought into action when accident
+may lead to the detection, perhaps of one in a thousand. If the evil
+is to be cured at all, it must be by the promotion and encouragement
+of an active principle, under proper superintendance, calculated to
+prevent every class of dealers, who are known to live partly or wholly
+by fraud, from pursuing those illegal practices; which nothing but a
+watchful Police, aided by a correct system of restraints, can possibly
+effect.
+
+Nor ought it to be argued, that the restraints, which may hereafter be
+proposed, will affect the liberty of the Subject. They will assist and
+protect the honest and fair dealer; and it is perfectly consistent
+with the spirit of our ancient laws, to restrain persons from doing
+evil, who are likely to commit offences; the restrictions can affect
+only a very few, comparatively speaking; and those too whose criminal
+conduct has been the principal, if not the sole cause, of abridging
+the general liberty; while it subjected the great mass of the people
+to the risk of their life and property.
+
+Whenever Dealers, of any description, are known to encourage or to
+support crimes, or criminal or fraudulent persons, it becomes the
+indispensable interest of the State, and the duty of the Legislators
+to prevent them from pursuing, at least, the mischievous part of their
+trade; and that provisions should be made for carrying the laws
+strictly and regularly into execution.
+
+While restraints of a much severer nature than those which are
+hereafter proposed, attach to all trades upon which a revenue is
+collected; can it be considered as any infringement of freedom, to
+extend a milder system to those who not only destroy liberty but
+invade property?
+
+The present state of Society and Manners calls aloud for the adoption
+of this principle of regulation, as the only practicable means of
+preserving the morals of a vast body of the Community; and of
+preventing those numerous and increasing crimes and misdemeanors,
+which are ultimately attended with as much evil to the perpetrators as
+to the sufferers.
+
+If such a principle were once established, under circumstances which
+would insure a correct and regular execution; and if, added to this,
+certain other practicable arrangements should take place, (which will
+be discussed in their regular order in these pages,) we might soon
+congratulate ourselves on the immediate and obvious reduction of the
+number of Thieves, Robbers, Burglars, and other criminals in this
+Metropolis, being no longer able to exist, or to escape detection.
+Without the aid, the concealment, and the opportunities, afforded at
+present by the multitude of Receivers spread all over the Capital,
+they would be compelled to abandon their evil pursuits, as no less
+unprofitable and hazardous, than they are destructive to the best
+interests of Society.
+
+This indeed is very different from what is said to have once prevailed
+in the Capital, when criminals were permitted to proceed from the
+first stage of depravity until they were worth forty pounds.--This is
+not the System which subjected the Public to the intermediate
+depredations of every villain from his first starting, till he could
+be clearly convicted of a capital offence.--Neither is it the System
+which encouraged public houses of rendezvous for Thieves, for the
+purpose of knowing where to apprehend them, when they became ripe for
+the punishment of death.
+
+The System now suggested, is calculated to prevent, if possible, the
+seeds of villainy from being sown; or, if sown, to check their growth
+in the bud, and never permit them to ripen at all.
+
+It is proposed to extend this system of prevention to the Coiners,
+Dealers, and Utterers of base Money; and to every species of theft,
+robbery, fraud, and depredation.
+
+The vast increase, and the extensive circulation of counterfeit Money,
+particularly of late years, is too obvious not to have attracted the
+notice of all ranks. It has become an enormous evil in the melancholy
+catalogue of Crimes which the Laws of the Country are called upon to
+assist the Police in suppressing.--Its extent almost exceeds
+credibility; and the dexterity and ingenuity of these counterfeiters
+have, (after considerable practice,) enabled them to finish the
+different kinds of base Money in so masterly a manner, that it has
+become extremely difficult for the common observer to distinguish
+their spurious manufacture from the worn-out Silver of the Mint.--So
+systematic, indeed, has this nefarious traffic become of late, that
+the great dealers, who, in most instances are the employers of the
+Coiners, execute orders for the Town and Country, with the same
+regularity as manufacturers in fair branches of trade.
+
+Scarcely a waggon or coach departs from the Metropolis, which does not
+carry boxes and parcels of base Coin to the camps, sea-ports, and
+manufacturing towns. In London, regular markets, in various public and
+private houses, are held by the principal Dealers; where _Hawkers,
+Pedlars, fraudulent Horse-Dealers, Unlicensed Lottery-Office-Keepers,
+Gamblers at Fairs, Itinerant Jews, Irish Labourers, Servants of
+Toll-Gatherers, and Hackney-Coach Owners, fraudulent Publicans,
+Market-Women, Rabbit-Sellers, Fish-Cryers, Barrow-Women_, and many who
+would not be suspected, are regularly supplied with counterfeit Copper
+and Silver, with the advantage of nearly £.100 _per cent._ in their
+favour; and thus it happens, that through these various channels, the
+country is deluged with immense quantities of base Money, which get
+into circulation; while an evident diminution of the Mint Coinage is
+apparent to every common observer.
+
+It is impossible to reflect on the necessity to which all persons are
+thus reduced, of receiving and again uttering, Money which is known to
+be false and counterfeit, without lamenting, that by thus
+familiarizing the mind to fraud and deception, the same laxity of
+conduct may be introduced into other transactions of life:--The
+barrier being broken down in one part, the principle of common honesty
+is infringed upon, and infinite mischief to the very best interests of
+Society, is the result, in cases at first unthought of.
+
+To permit, therefore, the existence of an adulterated, and
+ill-regulated Silver and Copper Coinage, is in fact to tolerate
+general fraud and deception, to the ultimate loss of many individuals;
+for the evil must terminate at some period, and then thousands must
+suffer; with this aggravation, that the longer it continues the
+greater will be the loss of property.
+
+Nor has the mischief been confined to the counterfeiting the Coin of
+the Realm. The avarice and ingenuity of man is constantly finding out
+new sources of fraud; insomuch, that in London, and in Birmingham, and
+its neighbourhood, Louis d'Ors, Half Johannas, French Half Crowns and
+Shillings, as well as several coins of Flanders and Germany, and
+Dollars of excellent workmanship, in exact imitation of the Spanish
+Dollars issued from the Bank, in 1797, have been from time to time
+counterfeited apparently without suspicion, that under the act of the
+14th of Elizabeth, (cap. 3,) the offenders were guilty of misprision
+of High Treason.
+
+These ingenious miscreants have also extended their iniquitous
+manufacture to the coins of India; and a Coinage of the Star Pagoda of
+Arcot was established in London for years by one person.--These
+counterfeits, being made wholly of blanched copper, tempered in such a
+manner as to exhibit, when stamped, the cracks in the edges, which are
+always to be found on the real Pagoda, cost the maker only Three
+Half-pence each, after being double gilt.--When finished, they are
+generally sold to Jews at Five Shillings a dozen, who disposed of them
+afterwards at 2_s._ 3_s._ or even 5_s._ each; and through this medium,
+they have been introduced by a variety of channels into India, where
+they were mixed with the real Pagodas of the country, and passed at
+their full denominated value of Eight Shillings sterling.
+
+The Sequins of Turkey, another Gold Coin, worth about five or six
+shillings, have in like manner been counterfeited in London;--Thus the
+national character is wounded, and the disgrace of the British name
+proclaimed in Asia, and even in the most distant regions of India. Nor
+can it be sufficiently lamented that persons who consider themselves
+as ranking in superior stations of life, with some pretensions to
+honour and integrity, have suffered their avarice so far to get the
+better of their honesty, as to be concerned in this iniquitous
+traffic.
+
+It has been recently discovered that there are at least 120 persons in
+the Metropolis and the Country, employed principally in coining and
+selling base Money; and this, independent of the numerous horde of
+Utterers, who chiefly support themselves by passing it at its full
+value.
+
+It will scarcely be credited, that of Criminals of this latter class
+who have either been detected, prosecuted, or convicted, within the
+last seven years, there stand upon the Register of the Solicitor to
+the Mint, more than 650 names!--And yet the mischief is not
+diminished. When the Reader is informed, that two persons can finish
+from £.200 to £.300 (nominal value,) in base silver in _six days_; and
+that three people, within the same period, will stamp the like amount
+in Copper, and takes into the calculation the number of known Coiners,
+the aggregate amount in the course of a year will be found to be
+immense.
+
+The causes of this enormous evil are, however, easily developed.--The
+principal laws relative to Counterfeit Coin having been made a Century
+ago, the tricks and devices of modern times are not sufficiently
+provided against;[7] when it is considered also, that the offence of
+dealing in base Money, (which is the main spring of the evil,) is only
+punishable by a slight imprisonment; that several offences of a
+similar nature are not punishable at all, by any existing statute; and
+that the detection of actual Coiners, so as to obtain the proof
+necessary for conviction, required by Law, is, in many instances,
+impracticable; it is not to be wondered at, where the profit is so
+immense, with so many chances of escaping punishment, that the coinage
+of, and traffic in, counterfeit Money has attracted the attention of
+so many unprincipled and avaricious persons.
+
+[Footnote 7: The partial remedy applied to some of these evils by
+Statutes passed since the former Edition of this Work, shall be
+noticed in a subsequent Chapter dedicated to the subject of Coinage.]
+
+Having thus stated many prominent abuses which appear to arise from
+the imperfections in our Criminal Code, as well as the benefits which
+an improved system would extend to the country; it now remains to
+elucidate the further evils arising to Society, from the abuses
+practised in carrying the existing statutes into execution.--As the
+laws now stand, little or no energy enters into the system of
+detection, so as to give vigor and effect to that branch of Police
+which relates to the apprehension of persons charged with offences;
+and no sooner does a Magistrate commit a hacknied Thief or Receiver of
+stolen Goods, a Coiner, or Dealer in base Money, or a Criminal charged
+with any other fraud or offence punishable by law, than recourse is
+immediately had to some disreputable Attorney, whose mind is made up
+and prepared to practise every trick and device which can defeat the
+ends of substantial justice. Depraved persons, frequently accomplices,
+are hired to swear an _alibi_; witnesses are cajoled, threatened, or
+bribed either to mutilate their evidence, or to speak doubtfully on
+the trial, although they swore positively before the committing
+Magistrate.
+
+If bribes and persuasions will not do, the prosecutors are either
+intimidated by the expence,[8] or softened down by appeals to their
+humanity; and under such circumstances, they neither employ counsel
+nor take the necessary steps to bring forward evidence: the result is,
+that the Bill is either returned _ignoramus_ by the Grand Jury; or, if
+a trial takes place, under all the disadvantages of a deficient
+evidence, without a counsel for the prosecution, an advocate is heard
+for the prisoner, availing himself of every trifling inaccuracy which
+may screen his client from the punishment of the Law, the hardened
+villain is acquitted and escapes justice: while, as we before noticed,
+the novice in crimes, unskilled in the deficiencies of the Law, and
+unable, from the want of criminal connections, or that support which
+the professed thief receives from the Buyers of stolen goods, to
+procure the aid of counsel to defend him, _is often convicted_!
+
+[Footnote 8: No hardship can be so great as that of subjecting an
+individual, under any circumstance whatsoever, to the expence of a
+public prosecution, carried on in behalf of the King: Besides adding,
+almost on every occasion, to the loss of the parties, it is productive
+of infinite mischief, in defeating the ends of Justice.]
+
+The Registers of the Old Bailey afford a lamentable proof of the evils
+arising from the present mode of trying criminals without a public
+Prosecutor for the Crown.--In the course of seven years, previous to
+the Police Establishment, no less than 4262 prisoners, who had been
+actually put upon their trial by the Grand Jury, were let loose upon
+the Public by acquittals.
+
+Since that period no material diminution has taken place, except what
+may be easily accounted for by the war; and when to this dreadful
+Catalogue of Human Depravity, is to be added, the vast number of
+criminals who are periodically discharged from the different gaols by
+proclamation, and of cheats, swindlers, gamblers, and others, who have
+never yet been discovered or known, we may state with certainty that
+there are at this time _many thousand_ individuals, male and female,
+prowling about in this Metropolis, who principally support themselves
+by various depredations on the Public.
+
+Nor does the evil rest here; for even convicted felons, in too many
+instances, find means to escape without punishment; and to join that
+phalanx of villains, who are constantly engaged in objects of
+depredation and mischief.
+
+No sooner does the punishment of the law attach on a criminal, than
+false humanity becomes his friend. Pardons are applied for; and it is
+known that his Majesty's great goodness and love of mercy has been
+frequently abused by the tricks, devices, and frauds, too commonly
+resorted to, by convicts and agents equally depraved as themselves;
+who while they have recourse to every species of falsehood and
+forgery, for the purpose of attaining the object in view, at the same
+time plunder the friends and relatives of the prisoner, of their last
+guinea, as the wages of villainy and misrepresentation.
+
+By such nefarious practices, it is much to be feared, that many a
+hardened villain has eluded the punishment of the Law, without any
+previous reference to the committing Magistrates, who may be supposed
+to have accurately examined into his character and connections; and
+what is still worse, without extending to the Community those benefits
+which might arise from important discoveries useful to Public Justice;
+such as convicted felons are always capable of making, and which, in
+conjunction with transportation, it should seem, ought to be one
+indispensable condition, upon which pardons should be granted to
+capital convicts.
+
+Instead of these precautions which appear to be absolutely requisite,
+it is to be lamented, that without reflecting that a common thief can
+seldom be restrained by military discipline, many of the worst class
+of convicts have received his Majesty's gracious pardon, on the simple
+condition of going into the Army or Navy: This has been no sooner
+granted, than the Royal Mercy has been abused, either by desertion, or
+by obtaining a discharge, in consequence of some real or pretended
+incapacity, which was previously concealed. Relieved in so easy a
+manner, from the heavy load of a capital punishment, the culprits
+return again to their old practices; and by this means, punishment not
+only ceases to operate as a prevention of crimes, by example, but
+becomes even an encouragement; while the labour of detection, and the
+expence of trial and conviction, are fruitlessly thrown on an injured
+individual, and their effect is wholly lost to the Public.
+
+In addition to the enormous evil arising from the periodical discharge
+of so many criminals by proclamations, acquittals, and pardons; _the_
+HULKS also send forth, at stated times, a certain number of convicts;
+who having _no asylum_, _no home_, _no character_, and _no means of
+subsistence_, seem to have only the alternative of starving, or
+joining their companions in iniquity; thus adding strength to the body
+of criminals, by the accession of men, who, polluted and depraved by
+every human vice, rendered familiar to their minds in those seminaries
+of profligacy and wickedness from whence they have come, employ
+themselves constantly in planning and executing acts of violence, and
+depredation upon the Public; and some of them, rendered desperate from
+an additional degree of depravity, feel no compunction in adding the
+crimes of murder to that of robbery, as has been too clearly
+manifested by many late instances.
+
+From what has been thus stated, is it not fair to conclude, that the
+want of security which the Public experiences with regard to life and
+property, and the inefficacy of the Police in preventing crimes, are
+to be attributed principally to the following causes?
+
+     1. _The imperfections in the Criminal Code; and in many
+     instances, its deficiency, with respect to the mode of
+     punishment; as well as to the want of many other
+     regulations, provisions, and restraints, applicable to the
+     present of Society, for the purpose of preventing crimes._
+
+     2. _The want of an active principle, calculated to
+     concentrate and connect the whole Police of the Metropolis
+     and the Nation; and to reduce the general management to
+     system and method, by the interposition of a superintending
+     agency, composed of able, intelligent, and indefatigable men,
+     acting under the direction and controul of his Majesty's
+     Principal Secretary of State for the Home Department.--On
+     these persons, it is proposed, should devolve the subordinate
+     care and direction of the general Police of the Metropolis;
+     so as to obtain, by the introduction of order and
+     arrangement, and by efforts of labour and exertion, a
+     complete History of the connections, and pursuits of all or
+     most of the criminal and fraudulent persons who resort to the
+     Metropolis; (either natives or foreigners;) forming, from
+     such materials, a Register of all known offenders, and
+     thereby establishing a clue for their detection, as often as
+     they are charged with committing depredations on the
+     Public--with power to reward Officers of Justice, and all
+     other persons whose services are found to be useful in the
+     discovery or detection of delinquents of every
+     description.--To keep an Account of property stolen, or
+     procured by swindling or fraudulent transactions in the
+     Metropolis, as well as in other parts of Great-Britain:--To
+     establish a Correspondence with the Magistrates in Town and
+     Country, so as to be able more effectually to watch the
+     motions of all suspected persons; with a view to quick and
+     immediate detection; and to interpose such embarrassments in
+     the way of every class of offenders, as may diminish crimes
+     by increasing the risk of detection: All this, under
+     circumstances where a_ centre-point would be formed, _and the
+     general affairs of the Police conducted with method and
+     regularity:--where Magistrates would find assistance and
+     information; where the greater offences, such as the_ Coinage
+     of base Money, _and_ Lottery Insurances, _would be traced to
+     their source; the care and disposal of convicts, according to
+     their different sentences, be minutely attended to; and the
+     whole System conducted with that intelligence and benefit to
+     the Country, which must arise from the attention of men of
+     business being directed solely to these objects, distinct
+     from all other affairs of State; and their exertions being
+     confined principally to the preservation of the morals of the
+     People, and the prevention of crimes._
+
+     3. _The want of an Institution of Police Magistrates in the
+     Dock Yards, and in all great Commercial and Manufacturing
+     Towns, where there are no Corporations or Funds for the
+     administration of Public Justice._
+
+     4. _The want of a Public Prosecutor for the Crown, in all
+     criminal cases, for the purpose of preventing fraud, delay
+     and expence in the administration of Justice._
+
+     5. _The want of a more correct and regular System, for the
+     purpose of obtaining the fullest and most authentic
+     information, to avoid deceptions in the obtaining of
+     pardons._
+
+     6. _The deficiency of the System of the_ Hulks.
+
+     7. _The want of an improved System with regard to the
+     arrangements and disposal of Convicts--destined for hard
+     labour or for transportation._
+
+     8. _The want of national_ Penitentiary Houses, _for the
+     punishment and reformation of certain classes of Convicts._
+
+     9. _The want of a more solemn mode of conducting Executions;
+     whenever such dreadful examples are necessary for the
+     furtherance of Public Justice._
+
+Having thus explained the general features of the actually existing
+_Crimes_, and their probable causes, we shall in the next place
+proceed to some considerations on the present principles of
+_Punishment_ in this Country, as compared with those in other Nations
+and ages. It will then be requisite to enter into particular and
+minute details on both these subjects; and to offer some suggestions
+for the introduction of new and applicable laws to be administered
+with purity under a correct and energetic System of Police; which may
+be, in some degree, effectual in guarding the Public against those
+increasing and multifarious injuries and dangers, which are
+universally felt and lamented.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. II.
+
+     _Of Punishments in general.--The mode of ascertaining the
+     degrees of Punishment.--The objects to be considered in
+     inflicting Punishments--namely, Amendment--Example--and
+     Retribution.--The Punishment of Death has little effect on
+     hardened Offenders.--Examples of convicts exhibited in
+     servile employments would make a greater
+     impression.--Towards the rendering criminal laws perfect,
+     Prevention ought to be the great object of the
+     Legislature.--General Rules suggested for attaining this
+     object, with illustrations.--The severity of our laws with
+     respect to Punishments--not reconcileable to the principles
+     of morality, and a free government--calculated in their
+     operation to debase the human character.--General
+     Reflections on the Punishments authorised by the English
+     Law.--The disproportion of Punishments, exemplified in the
+     case of an assault, opposed to a larceny.--In seduction and
+     adultery, which are not punishable as criminal
+     offences.--The laws severe in the extreme in political
+     offences, while they are lax and defective with regard to
+     moral Crimes.--The necessity of enforcing the observance of
+     religious and moral Virtue by lesser Punishments.--General
+     Reflections applicable to public and private Crimes.--The
+     dangers arising from the progress of immorality to the
+     safety of the State.--The leading offences made capital by
+     the laws of England considered, with the Punishment
+     allotted to each; compared with, and illustrated by, the
+     custom of other countries, in similar cases, both ancient
+     and modern: namely, High Treason--Petit Treason:--Felonies
+     against Life, viz. Murder, Manslaughter, Misadventure, and
+     Self-defence:--against the Body, comprehending Sodomy, Rape,
+     Forcible Marriage, Polygamy, and Mayhem.--Against Goods or
+     Property, comprehending Simple Larceny, Mixt Larceny, and
+     Piracy,--and against the Habitation, comprehending Arson and
+     Burglary.--Concluding Reflections relative to the severity
+     of the Laws, and their imperfections with regard to
+     Punishment--The new Code of the_ Emperor JOSEPH the Second,
+     _shortly detailed.--Reflections thereon._
+
+
+Punishment, (says a learned and respectable author) _is an evil which
+a delinquent suffers, unwillingly, by the order of a Judge or
+Magistrate; on account of some act done which the Law prohibits, or
+something omitted which the Law enjoins._
+
+All Punishment should be proportioned to the nature of the offence
+committed; and the Legislature, in adjusting Punishment with a view to
+the public good, ought, according to the dictates of sound reason, to
+act on a comparison of the Crime under consideration, with other
+offences injurious to Society: and thus by comparing one offence with
+another, to form a scale, or gradation, of Punishments, as nearly as
+possible consistent with the strict rules of distributive justice.[9]
+
+[Footnote 9: Beccaria, or Crimes and Punishments, Cap. 6.]
+
+It is the triumph of Liberty, says the great Montesquieu, when the
+criminal laws proportion punishments to the particular nature of each
+offence.--It may be further added, that when this is the case, it is
+also the triumph of Reason.
+
+In order to ascertain in what degree the Public is injured or
+endangered by any crime, it is necessary to weigh well and
+dispassionately the nature of the offence, as it affects the
+Community.--It is through this medium, that Treason and Rebellion are
+discovered to be higher and more dangerous offences than breaches of
+the peace by riotous assemblies; as such riotous meetings are in like
+manner considered as more criminal than a private assault.
+
+In punishing delinquents, two objects ought to be invariably kept in
+view.--
+
+     1. The Amendment of the Delinquent.
+
+     2. The Example afforded to others.
+
+_To which may be added, in certain cases_,
+
+     3. Retribution to the party injured.
+
+If we attend to Reason, the _Mistress of all Law_, she will convince
+us that it is both unjust and injurious to Society to inflict Death,
+except for the highest offences, and in cases where the offender
+appears to be incorrigible.
+
+Wherever the amendment of a delinquent is in view, it is clear that
+his punishment cannot extend to death: If expiating an offence by the
+loss of life is to be (as it certainly is at present) justified by the
+necessity of making examples for the purpose of preventing crimes, it
+is evident that the present System has not had that effect, since they
+are by no means diminished; and since even the dread of this
+Punishment, has, under present circumstances, so little effect upon
+guilty associates, that it is no uncommon thing for these hardened
+offenders to be engaged in new acts of theft, at the very moment their
+companions in iniquity are launching in their very presence into
+eternity.
+
+The minds of offenders, long inured to the practice of criminal
+pursuits, are by no means beneficially affected by the punishment of
+Death, which they are taught to consider as nothing but a momentary
+paroxysm which ends all their distress at once; nay even as a relief,
+which many of them, grown desperate, look upon with a species of
+indifference, bordering on a desire to meet that fate, which puts an
+end to the various distresses and anxieties attendant on a life of
+criminality.
+
+The effect of capital punishments, in the manner they are now
+conducted, therefore, as relates to example, appears to be much less
+than has been generally imagined.
+
+Examples would probably have much greater force, even on those who at
+present appear dead to shame and the stigma of infamy, were convicts
+exhibited day after day, to their companions, occupied in mean and
+servile employments in Penitentiary Houses, or on the highways,
+canals, mines, or public works.--It is in this way only that there is
+the least chance of making retribution to the parties whom they have
+injured; or of reimbursing the State, for the unavoidable expence
+which their evil pursuits have occasioned.
+
+Towards accomplishing the desirable object of perfection in a criminal
+code, every wise Legislature will have it in contemplation rather to
+prevent than to punish crimes; that in the chastisement given, the
+delinquent may be restored to Society as an useful member.
+
+This purpose may possibly be best effected by the adoption of the
+following general rules.
+
+     1. That the Statute-Laws should accurately explain the
+     enormity of the offence forbidden: and that its provisions
+     should be clear and explicit, resulting from a perfect
+     knowledge of the subject; so that, justice may not be
+     defeated in the execution.
+
+     2. That the Punishments should be proportioned and adapted,
+     as nearly as possible, to the different degrees of offences;
+     with a proper attention also to the various shades of
+     enormity which may attach to certain crimes.
+
+     3. That persons prosecuting, or compelled so to do, should
+     not only be indemnified from expence; but also that
+     reparation should be made, for losses sustained by the
+     injured party, in all cases where it can be obtained from
+     the labour, or property of the delinquent.
+
+     4. That satisfaction should be made to the State for the
+     injury done to the Community; by disturbing the peace, and
+     violating the purity of Society.
+
+Political laws, which are repugnant to the Law of nature and reason,
+ought not to be adopted. The objects above-mentioned seem to include
+all that can be necessary for the attention of Law-givers.
+
+If on examination of the frame and tendency of our criminal Laws, both
+with respect to the principles of reason and State Policy, the Author
+might be allowed to indulge a hope, that what he brings under the
+Public Eye on this important subject, would be of use in promoting the
+good of Mankind, he should consider his labours as very amply
+rewarded.
+
+The severity of the criminal Laws is not only an object of horror, but
+the disproportion of the punishments, as will be shewn in the course
+of this Work, breathes too much the spirit of DRACO,[10] who boasted
+_that he punished all crimes with death; because small crimes deserved
+it, and he could find no higher punishment for the greatest_.
+
+[Footnote 10: He lived 624 years before the Christian æra.]
+
+Though the ruling principle of our Government is unquestionably,
+_Liberty_, it is much to be feared that the rigour which the Laws
+indiscriminately inflict on slight as well as more atrocious offences,
+can be ill reconciled to the true distinctions of Morality, and strict
+notions of Justice, which form the peculiar excellence of those
+States which are to be characterised as free.
+
+By punishing smaller offences with extraordinary severity, is there
+not a risque of inuring men to baseness; and of plunging them into the
+sink of infamy and despair, from whence they seldom fail to rise
+capital criminals; often to the destruction of their fellow-creatures,
+and always to their own inevitable perdition?
+
+To suffer the lower orders of the people to be ill educated--to be
+totally inattentive to those wise regulations of State Policy which
+might serve to guard and improve their morals; and then to punish them
+for crimes which have originated in bad habits, has the appearance of
+a cruelty not less severe than any which is exercised under the most
+despotic Governments.
+
+There are two Circumstances which ought also to be minutely considered
+in apportioning the measure of Punishment--_the immorality of the
+action; and its evil tendency_.
+
+Nothing contributes in a greater degree to deprave the minds of the
+people, than the little regard which Laws pay to Morality; by
+inflicting more severe punishments on offenders who commit, what may
+be termed, _Political Crimes_, and crimes against property, than on
+those who violate religion and virtue.
+
+When we are taught, for instance, by the measure of punishment that
+it is considered by the Law as a greater crime to coin a sixpence than
+to kill our father or mother, nature and reason revolt against the
+proposition.
+
+In offences which are considered by the Legislature as merely
+personal, and not in the class of public wrongs, the disproportionate
+punishment is extremely shocking.
+
+If, for example, a personal assault is committed of the most cruel,
+aggravated, and violent nature, the offender is seldom punished in any
+other manner than by fine and imprisonment: but if a delinquent steals
+from his neighbour secretly more than the value of twelve-pence, the
+Law dooms him to death. And he can suffer no greater punishment
+(except the ignominy exercised on his dead body,) if he robs and
+murders a whole family. Some private wrongs of a flagrant nature are
+even passed over with impunity: the seduction of a married woman--the
+destruction of the peace and happiness of families, resulting from
+alienating a wife's affections, and defiling her person, is not an
+offence punishable by the Criminal Law; while it is death to rob the
+person, who has suffered this extensive injury, of a trifle exceeding
+a shilling.
+
+The Crime of Adultery was punished with great severity both by the
+Grecian and the Roman Laws.--In England this offence is not to be
+found in the Criminal Code.--It may indeed be punished with fine and
+penance by the Spiritual Law; or indirectly in the Courts of Common
+Law, by an action for damages, at the suit of the party injured. The
+former may now (perhaps fortunately) be considered as a dead letter;
+while the other remedy, being merely of a pecuniary nature, has little
+effect in restraining this species of delinquency.
+
+Like unskilful artists, we seem to have begun at the wrong end; since
+it is clear that the distinction, which has been made in the
+punishments between public and private crimes, is subversive of the
+very foundation it would establish.
+
+Private Offences being the source of public crimes, the best method of
+guarding Society against the latter is, to make proper provisions for
+checking the former.--A man of pure morals always makes the best
+Subject of every State; and few have suffered punishment as public
+delinquents, who have not long remained unpunished as private
+offenders. The only means, therefore, of securing the peace of
+Society, and of preventing more atrocious crimes, is, to enforce by
+lesser punishments, the observance of religious and moral duties:
+Without this, Laws are but weak Guardians either of the State, or the
+persons or property of the Subject.
+
+The People are to the Legislature what a child is to a parent:--As the
+first care of the latter is to teach the love of virtue, and a dread
+of punishment; so ought it to be the duty of the former, to frame Laws
+with an immediate view to the general improvement of morals.
+
+"That Kingdom is happiest where there is most virtue," says an elegant
+writer.--It follows, of course, that those Laws are the best which are
+most calculated to promote Religion and Morality; the operation of
+which in every State, is to produce a conduct intentionally directed
+towards the Public Good.
+
+It seems that by punishing what are called public Crimes, with
+peculiar severity, we only provide against present and temporary
+mischiefs. That we direct the vengeance of the Law against effects,
+which might have been prevented by obviating their causes:--And this
+may be assigned in part as the cause of Civil Wars and Revolutions.--The
+Laws are armed against the _powers_ of Rebellion, but are not
+calculated to oppose its _principle_.
+
+Few civil wars have been waged from considerations of Public Virtue,
+or even for the security of Public Liberty. These desperate
+undertakings are generally promoted and carried on by abandoned
+characters, who seek to better their fortunes in the general havoc and
+devastation of their country.--Those men are easily seduced from their
+Loyalty who are apostates from private virtue.
+
+To be secure therefore against those public calamities which, almost
+inevitably, lead to anarchy and confusion, it is far better to improve
+and confirm a nation in the true principles of natural justice, than
+to perplex them by political refinements.
+
+Having thus taken a general view of the principles applicable to
+Punishments in general, it may be necessary, for the purpose of more
+fully illustrating these reflections, briefly to consider the various
+leading Offences, and their corresponding Punishments according to the
+present state of our Criminal Law; and to examine how far they are
+proportioned to each other.
+
+High Treason is the highest civil Crime which can be committed by any
+member of the Community.--After various alterations and amendments
+made and repealed in subsequent reigns, the definition of this offence
+was settled as it originally stood, by the Act of the 25th of Edward
+III. stat. 5, cap. 2. and may be divided into seven different heads:
+
+     1. Compassing or imagining the Death of the King, Queen, or
+     Heir Apparent.
+
+     2. Levying War against the King, in his realm.
+
+     3. Adhering to the King's enemies, and giving them aid, in
+     the realm or elsewhere.[11]
+
+     [Footnote 11: It has been thought necessary, by the
+     Legislature, to explain and enlarge these clauses of the Act
+     25 _Ed._ III. as not extending, with sufficient
+     explicitness, to modern treasonable attempts. It is
+     therefore provided by the Act 36 _Geo._ III. _cap._ 7, "That
+     if any person (during the life of his present Majesty, and
+     until the end of the Session of Parliament next after a
+     demise of the Crown) shall within the realm, or without,
+     compass, imagine, invent, devise, or intend death or
+     destruction, _or any bodily harm, tending to death or
+     destruction, maim, or wounding, imprisonment, or restraint_
+     of the person of the King, his heirs, and successors, or to
+     deprive or depose him or them from his stile, honour, or
+     Kingly name; or to levy war against the King within this
+     Realm, in order by force to compel him to change his
+     measures; _or in order to put any force or constraint upon,
+     or to intimidate or overawe_, BOTH HOUSES, OR EITHER HOUSE,
+     OF PARLIAMENT; or to incite any foreigner to invade the
+     dominions of the Crown: and such compassings, &c., shall
+     express, utter, or declare, _by publishing any printing, or
+     writing_, or by _any other_ overt act or deed"--the offender
+     shall be deemed _a Traitor_, and punished accordingly.]
+
+     4. Slaying the King's Chancellor or Judge in the execution
+     of their offices.
+
+     5. Violating the Queen, the eldest daughter of the King, or
+     the wife of the Heir Apparent, or eldest Son.
+
+     6. Counterfeiting the King's Great Seal, or Privy Seal.
+
+     7. Counterfeiting the King's Money, or bringing false Money
+     into the kingdom.
+
+This detail shews how much the dignity and security of the King's
+person is confounded with that of his officers, and even with his
+effigies imprest on his Coin.--To assassinate the servant, or to
+counterfeit the type, is held as criminal as to destroy the Sovereign.
+
+This indiscriminate blending of crimes, so different and
+disproportionate in their nature, under one common head, is certainly
+liable to great objections; seeing that the judgment in this offence
+is so extremely severe and terrible, _viz. That the offender be drawn
+to the gallows on the ground or pavement: That he be hanged by the
+neck, and then cut down alive: That his entrails be taken out and
+burned while he is yet alive: That his head be cut off: That his body
+be divided into four parts: And that his head and quarters be at the
+King's disposal_.--Women, however, are only to be drawn and
+hanged:--though in all cases of treason, they were heretofore
+sentenced to be burned: a cruel punishment, which, after being
+alleviated by the custom of previous strangulation, was at length
+repealed, by the Act 30 Geo. III. _c._ 48.
+
+There are indeed some shades of difference with regard to coining
+money; where the offender is only drawn and hanged; and that part of
+the punishment which relates to being _drawn_ and _quartered_ is, to
+the honour of humanity, never practised. But even in cases of the most
+atrocious criminality, the execution of so horrid a sentence seems to
+answer no good political purpose.--Nature shudders at the thought of
+imbruing our hands in blood, and mangling the smoaking entrails of our
+fellow-creatures.
+
+In most Countries and in all ages, however, Treason has been punished
+capitally.--Under the Roman Laws, by the _Cornelia Lex_, of which
+Sylla, the Dictator, was the author, this Offence was created.--It was
+also made a capital Crime when the Persian Monarchy became despotic.
+
+By the Laws of China, Treason and Rebellion are punished with a rigour
+even beyond the severity of our judgment, for the criminals are
+ordained to be cut in _ten thousand_ pieces.
+
+There is another species of Treason, called _Petty Treason_,
+described by the Statute of the 25th of Edward the III. to be the
+offence of _a Servant killing his Master, a Wife killing her Husband_,
+or a _Secular or Religious slaying his Prelate_.--The Punishment is
+somewhat more ignominious than in other capital offences, inasmuch as
+a _hurdle_ is used instead of a _cart_.--Here again occurs a very
+strong instance of the inequality of Punishments; for although the
+principle and essence of this Crime is breach of duty and obedience
+due to a superior slain, yet if a child murder his parents (unless he
+serve them for wages) he is not within the Statute; although it must
+seem evident to the meanest understanding that Parricide is certainly
+a more atrocious and aggravated offence, than either of those
+specified in the Statute.
+
+By the _Lex Pompeia_ of the Romans, Parricides were ordained to be
+sown [Transcriber's Note: sewn] in a sack with a _dog_, a _cock_, a
+_viper_, and an _ape_, and thrown into the sea, thus to perish by the
+most cruel of all tortures.
+
+The ancient Laws of all civilized nations punished the crime of
+Parricide by examples of the utmost severity.--The Egyptians put the
+delinquents to death by the most cruel of all tortures--mangling the
+body and limbs, and afterwards laying it upon thorns to be burnt
+alive.
+
+By the Jewish Law it was death for children to curse, or strike their
+parents; and in China, this crime was considered as next in atrocity
+to Treason and Rebellion, and in like manner punished by cutting the
+delinquent in _one thousand_ pieces.
+
+The Laws of England however make no distinction between this crime and
+common Murder; while it is to be lamented that offences far less
+heinous, either morally or politically considered, are punished with
+the same degree of severity; and it is much to be feared, that this
+singular inequality is ill calculated to inspire that filial awe and
+reverence, to parents, which all human Laws ought to inculcate.
+
+The offences next in enormity to Treason, are by the Laws of England,
+denominated Felonies, and these may be considered as of two kinds,
+_public_ and _private_.
+
+Under the head of _Public Felonies_ we shall class the following:
+having peculiar relation to the State.
+
+  1. Felonies relative to the Coin of the Realm.
+  2. ----------------- to the King and his Counsellors, &c.
+  3. ----------------- to Soldiers and Marines.
+  4. ----------------- to embezzling Public Property.
+  5. ----------------- to Riot and Sedition.
+  6. ----------------- to Escape from Prison.
+  7. ----------------- to Revenue and Trade, &c.
+
+We consider as comprehended under _Private Felonies_ the following
+crimes committed, 1. _Against the Life_, 2. _the Body_, 3. _The
+Goods_, 4. _The Habitation of the Subject_.
+
+  Against      1. By Murder.
+  Life.        2. By Man-slaughter.
+               3. By Misadventure.
+               4. By Necessity.
+
+  Against the  1. Sodomy.
+  Body.        2. Rape.
+               3. Forcible Marriage.
+               4. Polygamy.
+               5. Mayhem.
+
+  Against      1. Simple Larceny.
+  Goods.       2. Mixt Larceny.
+               3. Piracy.
+
+  Against the  1. Arson.
+  Dwelling or  2. Burglary.
+  Habitation.
+
+Those Crimes which we have denominated _Public Felonies_ being merely
+of a political nature, it would seem that the ends of justice would be
+far better answered, than at present, and convictions oftener
+obtained, by different degrees of Punishment short of Death.
+
+With regard to _Private Felonies_, it may be necessary to make some
+specific observations----
+
+The first, in point of enormity, is _Murder_, which may be committed
+in two Ways:--first, upon _one's self_, in which case the offender is
+denominated _Felo de se_ or a _Self-murderer_;--secondly, by killing
+another person.
+
+The Athenian Law ordained, that persons guilty of Self-murder should
+have the hand cut off which did the murder, and buried in a place
+separate from the body; but this seems of little consequence.--When
+such a calamity happens, it is a deplorable misfortune; and there
+seems to be a great cruelty in adding to the distress of the wife,
+children, or nearest kin of the deceased, by the forfeiture of his
+whole property; which is at present confiscated by Law.
+
+By the Law of England, the judgment in case of Murder is, that the
+person convicted shall suffer death and that his body shall be
+dissected.
+
+The Laws of most civilized nations, both ancient and modern, have
+justly punished this atrocious offence with death. It was so by the
+Laws of Athens, and also by the Jewish and Roman Laws.--By the Persian
+Law Murderers were pressed to death between two stones; and in China,
+persons guilty of this offence are beheaded, except where a
+person kills his adversary in a duel, in which case he is
+strangled.--Decapitation, by the Laws of China, is considered the most
+dishonourable mode of execution.
+
+In the ruder ages of the world, and before the manners of mankind were
+softened by the arts of peace and civilization, Murder was not a
+capital crime: Hence it is that the barbarous nations which over-ran
+the Western Empire, either expiated this crime by private revenge, or
+by a pecuniary composition.--Our Saxon ancestors punished this high
+offence with a fine; and they too countenanced the exercise of that
+horrid principle of revenge, by which they added blood to blood.--But
+in the progress of civilization and Society, the nature of this crime
+became better understood; private revenge was submitted to the power
+of the Law; and the good King Alfred first made Murder a capital
+offence in England.
+
+In this case, as in that of Self-murder, the property of the murderer
+goes to the State; without any regard to the unhappy circumstances of
+the families either of the murdered or the guilty person, who may be
+completely ruined by this fatal accident.--A provision which seems not
+well to accord with either the justice or mildness of our Laws.
+
+Man-slaughter is defined to be _The killing another without malice,
+either express or implied: which may be either, voluntarily, upon a
+sudden heat; or involuntarily, but in the commission of some unlawful
+Act_. And the Punishment is, _that the person convicted shall be burnt
+in the hand, and his goods forfeited_.--And offenders are usually
+detained in prison for a time not exceeding one year, under the
+Statutes regulating the Benefit of Clergy.
+
+Homicide by _Misadventure_ is, when _one is doing a lawful act,
+without intent to hurt another_, and _death ensues_.--For this offence
+a pardon is allowed of course; but in strictness of Law the property
+of the person convicted is forfeited; the rigour of which, however, is
+obviated by a Writ of Restitution of his goods, to which the party is
+now, by long usage, entitled of right; only paying for suing out the
+same.
+
+Homicide _by necessity_ or in _Self-defence_, is another shade of
+Murder, upon which no punishment is inflicted: and in this is included
+what the Law expresses by the word _Chance-medley_: which is properly
+applied to such killing as happens in self-defence upon a sudden
+rencounter. Yet, still by strictness of Law, the goods and chattels of
+the person charged and convicted are forfeited to the Crown; contrary,
+as it seems to many, to the principles of Reason and Justice.
+
+It should be recollected that in all cases where the Homicide does not
+amount to Murder or Man-slaughter, the Judges permit, nay even direct,
+a verdict of acquittal.--But it appears more consonant with the sound
+principles of Justice, that the Law itself should be precise, than
+that the property of a man should, in cases of _Misadventure_,
+_Chance-medley_, and _Self-defence_ depend upon the construction of a
+Judge, or the lenity of a Jury: Some alteration therefore, in the
+existing Laws, seems called for in this particular.
+
+Having thus briefly discussed what has occurred relative to the
+punishment of offences against life, we come next to make some
+observations on what we have denominated _Private Felonies against the
+Body of the Subject_.
+
+By the Grecian, Roman, and Jewish Laws, the abominable crime of
+_Sodomy_ was punished with death.--In France, under the Monarchy, the
+offenders suffered death by burning.
+
+The Lombards were said to have brought this detestable vice into
+England, in the reign of Edward the Third.--In ancient times the men
+were hanged, and the women drowned: At length by the Act 25th of Henry
+the Eighth, cap. 6, it was made Felony without Benefit of Clergy.--
+
+It has been doubted, however, whether the severity of the punishment
+of a crime so unnatural, as even to appear incredible, does not defeat
+the object of destroying it, by rendering it difficult to convict an
+offender.
+
+The same objection has been made with respect to the crime of
+committing _a Rape_. A proper tenderness for life makes the Law
+require a strong evidence, and of course the proof is nice and
+difficult; whereas, were the punishment more mild, it might be more
+efficacious in preventing the violation of chastity.
+
+By the Law of Egypt, Rapes were punished by cutting off the offending
+parts;--The Athenian Laws compelled the ravisher of a virgin to marry
+her. It was long before this offence was punished capitally by the
+Roman Law: but at length the _Lex Julia_ inflicted the pains of death
+on the Ravisher.--The Jewish Law also punished this crime with death;
+but if a virgin was deflowered without force, the offender was obliged
+to pay a fine, and marry the woman.
+
+By the 18th of Elizabeth, cap. 7, this offence was made Felony without
+Benefit of Clergy.
+
+It is certainly of a very heinous nature, and, if tolerated, would be
+subversive of all order and morality; yet it may still be questioned,
+how far it is either useful or politic to punish it with death; and is
+worth considering, whether, well knowing that it originates in the
+irregular and inordinate gratification of unruly appetite, the injury
+to Society may not be repaired without destroying the offender.
+
+In most cases, this injury might be repaired by compelling (where it
+could be done with propriety,) the criminal to marry the injured
+party; and it would be well for Society, if the same rule extended not
+only to all forcible violations of chastity, but even to instances of
+premeditated and systematic Seduction.
+
+In cases, however, where marriage could not take place, on account of
+legal disability, or refusal on the part of the woman, the criminal
+ought to be severely punished, by pecuniary damages to the party
+injured, and by hard labour and confinement, or transportation for
+life.
+
+The offence considered as next in point of enormity to Rape, is
+_Forcible Marriage_, or _Defilement of Women_: but it is somewhat
+remarkable, that by confining the punishment to offences against women
+of estate only, the moral principles are made to yield to political
+considerations; and the security of property in this instance, is
+deemed more essential, than the preservation of female chastity.
+
+In short, the property of the woman is the measure of the crime; the
+statutes of the 3d of Henry the Seventh, cap. 2. and the 39th of
+Elizabeth, cap. 9, making it Felony without Benefit of Clergy, to take
+away, _for lucre_, any woman having lands or goods, or being an heir
+apparent to an estate, by force, or against her will, and to marry or
+to defile her. The forcible marriage and defilement of a woman without
+an estate is not punished at all; although, according to every
+principle of morality and reason, it is as criminal as the other. It
+is indeed an offence not so likely to be committed.
+
+However, it seems in every point of view, impolitic to punish such
+offences with death; it might be enough, to expiate the crime by
+alienating the estate from the husband--vesting it in the wife alone,
+and confining him to hard labour; or by punishing the delinquent, in
+very atrocious cases, by transportation.
+
+Polygamy stands next as an offence against the person:--It was first
+declared Felony by the statute of James the first, cap. 11, but not
+excluded from the Benefit of Clergy, and therefore not subject to the
+punishment of death.
+
+Though, in one view, the having a plurality of wives or husbands,
+appears only a political offence, yet it is undeniably a breach of
+religious and moral virtue, in a very high degree.--It is true,
+indeed, that in the early ages of the world, Polygamy was tolerated
+both in Greece and Rome, even after the People had arrived at a high
+pitch of refinement.--But since the institution of Matrimony under the
+present form, Polygamy must be considered as highly criminal, since
+marriage is an engagement which cannot be violated without the
+greatest injury to Society. The Public Interest, therefore, requires
+that it should be punished; and the Act 35th George III. cap. 67,
+which punishes this offence with transportation, is certainly not too
+severe.
+
+Mayhem, or Maiming, is the last in the Catalogue of _Offences against
+the Person_. It was first made Single Felony by the 5th of Henry the
+Fourth, cap. 5.--It is defined to be _maiming, cutting the tongue, or
+putting out the eyes of any of the King's liege people_. The statute
+of the 22d and 23d of Charles the Second, cap. 1. extends the
+description of this offence to slitting the nose, cutting off a nose
+or lip, or cutting off or disabling any limb or member, by malice
+forethought, and by lying in wait with an intention to maim and
+disfigure:--And this statute made the offence Felony, without Benefit
+of Clergy.
+
+To prove malice in this crime, it is sufficient that the act was
+voluntary, and of set purpose, though done on a sudden.
+
+Mayhem, as explained in the above statutes, is certainly a very
+atrocious offence; and as the punishment is not followed by corruption
+of blood, or the forfeiture of the property of the offender, it is,
+according to the present system, perhaps not too severe.
+
+One particular sort of Mayhem by cutting off the _ear_, is punishable
+by an Act 37 Hen. VIII. cap. 6. which directs that the offender shall
+forfeit treble damages to the party grieved, to be recovered by action
+of trespass; and £.10 by way of fine to the King.
+
+We next come to examine _Private Felonies_ against the _Goods or
+Property of the Individual_, viz. _Simple Larceny_, _Mixt Larceny_,
+and _Piracy_.
+
+Simple Larceny is divided into two sorts;--1st, Grand Larceny, and 2d,
+Petit Larceny.--The first is defined to be _the felonious taking and
+carrying away the mere personal property or goods of another, above
+the value of twelve pence_.--This offence is capital, and punished
+with death, and the forfeiture of property.
+
+Petit Larceny is where the goods, taken in the above manner, are
+under the value of twelve pence; in which case, the punishment
+(according to the circumstances of atrocity attending the offence,) is
+imprisonment, whipping, or transportation, with forfeiture of goods
+and chattels.
+
+Thus it appears, that by the rigour of the Law, stealing the least
+trifle above 12_d._ subjects the offender to the loss of life; a
+punishment apparently repugnant to reason, policy, or justice: more
+especially when it is considered, that at the time this _Anglo Saxon
+Law_ was made, in the reign of _Athelstan_, 860 years ago, _one
+shilling_ was of more value, according to the price of labour, than
+_seventy-five shillings_ are at the present period: the life of man
+therefore may be justly said to be seventy-five times cheaper than it
+was when this mode of punishment was first established.
+
+By the Athenian Laws, the crime of Theft was punished, by paying
+double the value of what was stolen, to the party robbed; and as much
+more to the public.--Solon introduced a law, enjoining every person to
+state in writing, by what means he gained his livelihood; and if false
+information was given, or he gained his living in an unlawful way, he
+was punished with death.--A similar law prevailed among the Egyptians.
+
+The _Lex Julia_ of the Romans made Theft punishable at discretion; and
+it was forbidden, that any person should suffer death, or even the
+loss of a member, for this crime.--The greatest punishment which
+appears to have been inflicted for this offence, in its most
+aggravated circumstances, was four-fold restitution.
+
+By the Jewish Law, Theft was punished in the same manner: with the
+addition of a fine according to the nature of the offence; excepting
+in cases where _men_ were stolen, which was punished with death.
+
+In China, Theft is punished by the bastinadoe, excepting in cases of a
+very atrocious nature, and then the culprit is condemned to the
+knoutage--a contrivance not unlike the pillory in this country.
+
+The ancient Laws of this kingdom punished the crime of Theft
+differently.--Our Saxon ancestors did not at first punish it
+capitally.--The Laws of King Ina[12] inflicted the punishment of
+death, but allowed the thief to redeem his life, _Capitis
+estimatione_, which was sixty shillings; but in case of an old
+offender, who had been often accused, the hand or foot was to be cut
+off.
+
+[Footnote 12: King of the West Saxons, anno 688.]
+
+After various changes which took place under different Princes, in the
+rude and early periods of our history, it was at length settled in the
+9th of Henry the First, (A.D. 1108,) _that for theft and robbery,
+offenders should be hanged_; this has continued to be the law of the
+land ever since, excepting in the county palatine of Chester; where
+the ancient custom of beheading felons was practised some time after
+the Law of Henry the First; and the Justices of the Peace of that
+county, received one shilling from the King, for every head that was
+cut off.
+
+Montesquieu seems to be of opinion that as thieves are generally
+unable to make restitution, it may be just to make theft a capital
+crime.--But would not the offence be atoned for in a more rational
+manner, by compelling the delinquent to labour, first for the benefit
+of the party aggrieved, till recompence is made, and then for the
+State?[13]
+
+[Footnote 13: That acute Reasoner, the Marquis BECCARIA, who wrote
+after MONTESQUIEU, holds this last opinion.--"A punishment, (says this
+able writer) to be just should have only that degree of severity which
+is sufficient to deter others: perpetual labour will have this effect
+more than the punishment of death."
+
+BECC. chap. 28.]
+
+According to the present system the offender loses his life, and they
+whom he has injured lose their property; while the State also suffers
+in being deprived of a member, whose labour, under proper controul,
+might have been made useful and productive.
+
+Observations have already been made on one consequence of the severity
+of the punishment for this offence; that persons of tender feelings
+conscientiously scruple to prosecute delinquents for inconsiderable
+Thefts. From this circumstance it is believed, that not one
+depredation in a hundred, of those actually committed, comes to the
+knowledge of Magistrates.
+
+Mixed or _compound Larceny_ has a greater degree of guilt in it than
+simple Larceny; and may be committed either by taking from a man, or
+from his house. If a person is previously put in fear or assaulted,
+the crime is denominated _Robbery_.
+
+When a Larceny is committed which does not put the party robbed in
+fear; it is done privately and without his knowledge, by picking his
+pocket, or cutting the purse, and stealing from thence above the value
+of twelve pence; or publicly, with the knowledge of the party, by
+stealing a hat or wig, and running away.
+
+With respect to _Dwelling Houses_ the Common Law has been altered by
+various acts of Parliament; the multiplicity of which is apt to create
+confusion; but upon comparing them diligently, we may collect that the
+following domestic aggravations of Larceny are punishable with death,
+without Benefit of Clergy.
+
+First, _Larcenies above the value of twelve pence_; committed--1st. In
+a church or chapel, with or without violence or breaking the same; 23
+Henry VIII. cap. 1: 1 Edward VI. cap. 12.--2d. In a booth or tent, in
+a market or fair, in the day time or in the night, by violence or
+breaking the same; the owner or some of his family, being therein; 5
+and 6 Edward VI. cap. 9.--3d. By robbing a dwelling house in the day
+time, (which _robbing_ implies a _breaking_,) any person being
+therein: 3 and 4 William and Mary, cap. 9.--4th. By the same Act, (and
+see the Act 23 Henry VIII. cap. 1.) in a dwelling house, by day or by
+night; without breaking the same, any person being therein, and put in
+fear: which amounts in law to a Robbery; and in both these last cases
+the _Accessary before the fact_ is also excluded from the benefit of
+Clergy.
+
+Secondly; _Larcenies to the value of five shillings_; committed--1st.
+By breaking any dwelling house, or any outhouse, shop, or warehouse
+thereunto belonging, in the day time; although no person be therein,
+which also now extends to aiders, abettors, and accessaries before the
+fact: 39 Elizabeth, cap. 15; see also 3 and 4 William and Mary, cap.
+9.--2d. By privately stealing goods, wares, or merchandise in any
+shop, warehouse, coach-houses, or stable, by day or night: though the
+same be not broken open, and though no person be therein: which
+likewise extends to such as assist, hire, or command the offence to be
+committed: 10 and 11 William III. cap. 23.
+
+Lastly; _Larcenies to the value of forty shillings_ from a dwelling
+house, or its outhouses, although the same be not broken, and whether
+any person be therein or not; unless committed against their masters,
+by apprentices, under age of fifteen; 12 Anne, stat. 1. cap. 7.
+
+Piracy is felony against the goods of the Subject by a robbery
+committed at sea.--It is a capital offence by the civil law, although
+by Act of Parliament, it may be heard and determined, according to the
+rules of the common law, as if the offence had been committed on land.
+The mode of trial is regulated by the 28th of Henry VIII. cap. 15; and
+further by the Acts 11 and 12 William III. cap. 7. and 39 George III.
+cap. 37; which also extend to other offences committed on the High
+Seas.
+
+Felonies _against the Dwelling or Habitation of a man are of two
+kinds; and are denounced_ Arson _and_ Burglary.
+
+_Arson_ or _Arsonry_ is a very atrocious offence--it is defined to be
+_the malicious burning of the House of another either by night or by
+day_. It is in this case a capital offence; but if a man burns his own
+house, without injuring any other, it is only a misdemeanor,
+punishable by fine, imprisonment, or the pillory.
+
+By the 23d of Henry the Eighth, cap. 1. the capital part of the
+offence is extended to persons, (whether principals or accessaries,)
+burning dwelling houses; or barns wherein corn is deposited; and by
+the 43d of Elizabeth, cap. 13, burning barns or stacks of corn in the
+four northern counties, is also made Felony without Benefit of Clergy.
+
+By the 22d and 23d of Car. II. cap. 7, it is made felony to set fire
+to any stack of corn, hay, or grain; or other outbuildings, or kilns,
+maliciously in the night time; punished with transportation for seven
+years.
+
+By the 1st George I. cap. 48, it is also made single felony to set
+fire to any wood, underwood, or coppice.
+
+Other burnings are made punishable with death, without Benefit of
+Clergy; _viz._ Setting fire to any house, barn, or outhouse, or to any
+hovel, cock, mow, or stack of corn, straw, hay, or wood: or the
+rescuing any such offender: 9 George I. cap. 22.--Setting fire to a
+coal-mine: 10 George II. cap. 32.--Burning, or setting fire to any
+wind-mill, water-mill, or other mill: (as also pulling down the same:)
+9 George III. cap. 29; but the offender must be prosecuted within
+eighteen months.--Burning any ship; to the prejudice of the owners,
+freighters, or underwriters: 22 and 23 Charles II. cap. 11; 1 Anne,
+stat. 2. cap. 9; 4 George I. cap. 12.--Burning the King's ships of war
+afloat, or building: or the Dock-yards, or any of the buildings,
+arsenals, or stores therein: 12 George III. cap. 24.--And finally,
+_Threatening_ by anonymous or fictitious letters to burn houses,
+barns, &c. is by the Act 27 George II. cap. 15, also made felony
+without Benefit of Clergy.
+
+Burglary is a felony at common law; it is described to be _when a
+person, by night, breaketh into the mansion of another, with an intent
+to commit a felony; whether the felonious intent be executed or not_.
+
+By the 18th of Elizabeth, cap. 7, the Benefit of Clergy is taken away
+from _The Offence_; and by the 3d and 4th William and Mary, cap. 9,
+from _Accessaries before the fact_.--By the 12th of Anne, stat. 1,
+cap. 7, if any person shall enter into a mansion or dwelling house, by
+day or by night, without breaking into the same, with an intent to
+commit any felony; or being in such houses, shall commit any felony;
+and shall, in the night time, _break_ the said house _to get out_ of
+the same, he is declared guilty of the offence of burglary, and
+punished accordingly.
+
+It is, without doubt, highly expedient that this Offence should be
+punished more severely than any other species of theft; since, besides
+the loss of property, there is something very terrific in the mode of
+perpetration, which is often productive of dreadful effects.
+
+The ancient laws made a marked distinction in the punishment, between
+this Offence, which was called Hamsokne, (and which name it retains at
+present in the Northern parts of this kingdom) and robbing a house in
+the day time.
+
+There are many other felonies which have been made capital
+(particularly within the present century) which do not properly fall
+within the class above discussed;--for an account of these the reader
+is referred to the general Catalogue of offences specified in a
+subsequent Chapter.
+
+The number of these various capital Offences upon which the judgment
+of death must be pronounced, if the party is found guilty, has been
+already stated to amount to above one _hundred and sixty_.--And yet if
+a full consideration shall be given to the subject, it is believed
+that (excepting in cases of _Treason_, _Murder_, _Mayhem_, and some
+aggravated instances of Arsonry) it would be found that the punishment
+of death is neither politic nor expedient.
+
+At any rate, it must be obvious to every reasoning mind, that such
+_indiscriminate rigour_, by punishing the petty pilferer with the same
+severity as the atrocious murderer, cannot easily be reconciled to the
+rights of nature or to the principles of morality.
+
+It is indeed true, in point of practice, that in most cases of a
+slight nature, the mercy of Judges, of Juries, or of the Sovereign,
+saves the delinquent; but is not the exercise of this mercy rendered
+so necessary on every occasion, "_a tacit disapprobation of the
+laws_?"[14]
+
+[Footnote 14: Beccaria. _See ante page_ 45.]
+
+Cruelty, in punishment for slight Offences, often induces Offenders to
+pass on from the trifling to the most atrocious crime.--Thus are these
+our miserable fellow-mortals rendered desperate; whilst the laws,
+which ought to soften the ferocity of obdurate minds, tend to corrupt
+and harden them.
+
+What education is to an individual, the Laws are to Society. Wherever
+they are sanguinary, delinquents will be hard-hearted, desperate, and
+even barbarous.
+
+However much our ancestors were considered as behind us in
+civilization, yet their laws were infinitely milder, in many
+instances, than in the present age of refinement.
+
+The real good of the State, however, unquestionably requires that not
+only adequate punishments should be impartially inflicted, but that
+the injured should obtain a reparation for their wrongs.
+
+Instead of such reparation, it has been already stated, and indeed it
+is much to be lamented, that many are induced to desist from
+prosecutions, and even to conceal injuries, because nothing but
+expence and trouble is to be their lot: as all the fruits of the
+conviction, where the criminal has any property, go to the
+State.--That the State should be the only immediate gainer by the
+fines and forfeitures of criminals, while the injured party suffers,
+seems not wholly consonant to the principles either of _justice_,
+_equity_, or _sound policy_.
+
+Having said thus much on the subject of severe and sanguinary
+Punishments, it may not be improper to mention a very recent and
+modern authority, for the total abolition of the Punishment of death.
+This occurred in the Imperial Dominion, where a new code of criminal
+law was promulgated by the late Emperor, JOSEPH II. and legalised by
+his edict in 1787.
+
+This Code, formed in an enlightened age, by Princes, Civilians, and
+Men of Learning, who sat down to the deliberation assisted by the
+wisdom and experience of former ages, and by all the information
+possible with regard to the practice of civilized modern nations; with
+an impression also upon their minds, that sanguinary punishments, by
+death, torture, or dismemberment are not necessary, and ought to be
+abolished; becomes an interesting circumstance in the annals of the
+world.
+
+     "THE EMPEROR _in his edict signed at Vienna the 13th of
+     January, 1787, declares his intention to have been to give a
+     precise and invariable form to Criminal Judicature; to
+     prevent arbitrary interpretations; to draw a due line
+     between criminal and civil offences, and those against the
+     state; to observe a just proportion between offences and
+     punishments, and to determine the latter in such a manner as
+     that they may make more than merely a transient
+     impression.--Having promulgated this new code, he abrogates,
+     annuls, and declares void all the ancient laws which
+     formerly existed in his dominions_.--Forbidding at the same
+     time every criminal Judge to exercise the functions of his
+     office, on any but those who shall be brought before him,
+     accused of a criminal offence expressed in the new code."
+
+This system of criminal law is so concise as to be comprehended in
+less than one hundred octavo pages. It commences with laying down
+certain general principles, favourable in their nature both to
+humanity and public liberty.--In determining the Punishments (which
+will hereafter be very shortly detailed) the following rules are laid
+down for the Judges.
+
+     "_The criminal Judge should be intent on observing the just
+     proportion between a criminal Offence and the punishment
+     assigned it, and carefully to compare every
+     circumstance.--With respect to the_ Offence, _his principal
+     attention should be directed to the degree of malignity
+     accompanying the bad action,--to the importance of the
+     circumstance connected with the Offence,--to the degree of
+     damage which may result from it,--to the possibility or
+     impossibility of the precautions which might have been made
+     use of to prevent it.--With respect to the_ Criminal, _the
+     attention of the Judge should be directed to his youth,--to
+     the temptation or imprudence attending it,--to the
+     punishment which has been inflicted for the same Offence,
+     and to the danger of a relapse_."
+
+  Those denominated    1. Offences against the Sovereign and the
+  Criminal Offences,        State; including High Treason.
+  _viz._               2. Offences against human life and bodily
+                            safety.
+                       3. Offences against honour and liberty.
+                       4. Offences against possessions and rights.
+
+  Those denominated    5. Offences that endanger the life or health
+  Civil Offences,           of the Citizens.
+  _viz._               6. Offences that affect the fortunes or rights
+                            of the Citizens.
+                       7. Offences that tend to the corruption of
+                            morals.
+
+The offences are divided into seven different classes.
+
+It is impossible, within the narrow compass of this Work, to enter
+into a particular detail of the various subdivisions of the Crimes and
+Punishments explained in this Code; which must be perused, in order to
+form a clear and comprehensive view of the subject. The following
+Specification therefore contains merely the _heads_ or outlines of the
+System; which it is hoped may be found, from the mode of its
+arrangement, to convey to the reader both amusement and instruction.
+
+
+ABSTRACT
+
+OF
+
+_THE CRIMINAL CODE_
+
+OF THE
+
+EMPEROR JOSEPH II.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+  CRIMES.                            PUNISHMENTS.
+
+  _High Treason._
+
+  1. Laying violent hands on         Confiscation of property;
+  the Sovereign, whether injury      imprisonment for not less than 30
+  results from it or not.            years; and branding on each
+                                     cheek with the mark of a
+                                     gallows[15] if the prisoner is
+                                     remarkably depraved.
+
+  2. Attacking the Sovereign         Imprisonment 8 years, and not
+  by speeches or writings.           less than 5.
+
+  3. Persons conspiring and          Confiscation of Property and
+  taking up arms, or entering        30 years' imprisonment, with
+  into alliance with an enemy,       branding as above.
+  &c. are guilty of _sedition
+  and tumult_.
+
+         *       *       *       *       *
+
+  _Criminal Offences relative to the Sovereign and the State._
+
+  4. He who enters the house         Imprisonment, not less than
+  or abode of another, and uses      1 month, nor more than 5 years,
+  violence against his person,       and condemnation to the public
+  goods, or possession, is           works.
+  guilty of _open force_.
+
+  5. He who violently resists        Imprisonment not less than
+  the authority of a Judge, or       1 month, nor more than 5 years;
+  Officer of Justice, although       but where there is an injury and
+  no wound result, is guilty of      wounds, not exceeding 8 nor
+  _open violence_.                   less than 5.
+
+  6. Breach of trust, in a           Imprisonment not less than 8,
+  Governor, or Chargé des            nor more than 12 years, and
+  Affaires; neglecting the           condemnation to the public works,
+  interest of the State, or          and in aggravated cases, the
+  betraying his Country, &c.         pillory.[16]
+
+  7. A Judge, who from               Imprisonment not less than 8, nor
+  corruption or passion is           more than 12 years, and
+  guilty of an _abuse of             condemnation to the public works,
+  judicial authority_.               and in aggravated cases, the
+                                     pillory.
+
+  8. Accomplices attempting          Imprisonment not less than 1
+  to corrupt a Judge.                month, nor more than 5 years; and
+                                     condemnation to the public works.
+
+  9. Forgery, by attempting to       Imprisonment not less than
+  counterfeit public bills of        30 years, and branding with a
+  the State which circulate as       hot iron.
+  money.
+
+  10. Falsifying a public bill,      Imprisonment not less than 12,
+  by changing or altering it,        nor more than 15 years, and
+  or imitating the signatures.       condemnation to the public works.
+
+  11. Coining false money,           Imprisonment not less than 1
+  resembling the Coin of the         month, nor more than 5 years,
+  Hereditary Dominions, or           with condemnation to the public
+  foreign Coin current by law;       works.
+  even though of equal weight
+  and quality, or superior to
+  the current Coin.
+
+  12. Coining false money, by        Imprisonment not less than 12,
+  using a bad alloy; and by          nor more than 15 years, and
+  fraud giving false money the       condemnation to the public works.
+  quality of good.
+
+  13. Accomplices in                 Imprisonment not less than 8,
+  fabricating tools for              nor more than 12 years, and
+  Coining.                           condemnation to the public works.
+
+  14. Assisting in the escape        Imprisonment not less than 1
+  of a prisoner.                     month, nor more than 5 years; and
+                                     condemnation to the public works.
+
+  15. Magistrates granting           Imprisonment not less than 12,
+  indulgencies contrary to           nor more than 15 years; and
+  law, &c.                           deprivation of authority.
+
+         *       *       *       *       *
+
+  _Criminal Offences against Human Life and Bodily Safety._
+
+  16. _Murder_,--by                  Imprisonment not less than 15,
+  wounding a man so that death       nor more than 30 years; the latter
+  ensues, including all              in cases of consanguinity.[17]
+  accomplices.
+
+  17. Killing a man in               Imprisonment not less than 1
+  self-defence, if the slayer        month, nor more than 5 years, and
+  exceed the bounds of               condemnation to the public works.
+  necessity.
+
+  18. _Murder_,--with an             Imprisonment not less than 30
+  intention to rob or steal the      years, with the hot iron; in
+  property of the person, or         cruel cases, to be closely
+  other property intrusted to        chained, with corporal
+  his care.                          punishment[18] every year.
+
+  19. Assassination by               Condemnation to the Chain,[19]
+  stratagem, arms, or poison.        not less than 30 years.
+
+  20. Inducing another to commit     Imprisonment not less than 5,
+  Murder; by caresses, promises,     nor more than 8 years, and
+  presents, or threats; whether      condemnation to the public
+  death is the result or not.        works.--If murder is committed,
+                                     the criminal shall suffer as a
+                                     murderer.
+
+  21. _Duelling_,--or                If death ensues; condemnation to
+  challenging another to combat      the chain for 30 years, where the
+  with murderous weapons on          survivor is the challenger. If
+  whatever pretence the challenge    the survivor be the party
+  be grounded.--The person           challenged, imprisonment, not
+  accepting the challenge is         more than 12, nor less than 8
+  equally guilty, after agreeing     years, and condemnation to the
+  to combat with murderous weapons.  public works. If neither fall,
+                                     imprisonment to the challenger,
+                                     not less than 1 month, nor more
+                                     than 5 years; and hard labour in
+                                     the public works.
+
+  22. Accomplices acting as          Imprisonment not less than 1,
+  assistants and seconds.            nor more than 5 years.
+
+  23. A woman with child using       Imprisonment not less than 15,
+  means to procure abortion.         nor more than 30 years; and
+                                     condemnation to the public works:
+                                     augmented when married women.
+
+  24. Accomplices advising and       Imprisonment not less than 1
+  recommending abortion.             month, nor more than 5 years,
+                                     and condemnation to the public
+                                     works.--Punishment increased
+                                     when the accomplice is the father
+                                     of the infant.
+
+  25. Exposing a living infant,      Imprisonment not less than 8,
+  in order to abandon it to danger   nor more than 12 years; to be
+  and death; or to leave its         increased under circumstances of
+  deliverance to chance; whether     aggravation.
+  the infant, so exposed, suffers
+  death or not.
+
+  26. Maiming by malignant           Imprisonment not less than 1
+  assault.                           month, nor more than 5 years.
+
+  27. Suicide or self-murder,        The body to be thrown into
+  without any sign of insanity.      the earth by the executioner, and
+                                     the name of the person and crime
+                                     to be publicly notified and fixed
+                                     on a gallows.
+
+         *       *       *       *       *
+
+  _Criminal Offences against Honour and Liberty._
+
+  28. _Calumny_--false               Imprisonment not less than 1
+  accusation--injuring a man of      month, nor more than 5 years,
+  his right, or robbing him of his   and condemnation to the public
+  good name unjustly and without     works; with corporal punishment
+  proof (See post. No. 56.)          if the party receive injury.
+
+  29. _Rape_,--or forcibly,          Imprisonment not less than 3
+  by associates, threatnings, or     years, nor more than 12, and
+  shewing weapons, overpowering      condemnation to the public works.
+  and forcing a woman to submit,
+  and shamefully abusing her by
+  rendering her incapable of
+  opposition.
+
+  30. Accomplices aiding in the      Imprisonment not less than 5,
+  commission of a rape.              nor more than 8 years; and
+                                     condemnation to the public works.
+
+  31. _Forcibly carrying a           Imprisonment not less than 15
+  person out of the State_           years, nor more than 30 years;
+  without his will, or the           augmented if the criminal is a
+  consent of the Magistrate,         natural-born subject.
+  enlisting men into foreign
+  service, &c.
+
+  32. _Forcibly, or by               Imprisonment not less than 1
+  address, secretly carrying         month, nor more than 5 years; if
+  away a Minor_ past the years       no injury result--otherwise
+  of infancy, under the care of      imprisonment, not less than 8, nor
+  parents or guardians, &c.          more than 12 years, and
+                                     condemnation to the public works.
+
+  33. _Forcibly, and by              Imprisonment not less than 5
+  address, getting possession of     years, and not more than 8; and
+  any woman_ contrary to her         condemnation to the public
+  will, obtaining her consent to     works.
+  marriage, or shameful
+  debauchery, and carrying her
+  from her abode; whether
+  the design is accomplished or
+  not.
+
+  34. _Forcibly carrying away        Imprisonment not less than 1
+  a woman known to be bound by       month, nor more than 5 years,
+  lawful marriage_, or under         and condemnation to the public
+  protection of parents, and         works.
+  without her consent.
+
+  35. Accomplices aiding and         The same.
+  assisting.
+
+  36. _Unlawful Imprisonment_,       Imprisonment not less than 1
+  or keeping a person in             month, nor more than 5 years;
+  confinement against his will       augmented in cases of damages.
+  and of his own private
+  authority.
+
+         *       *       *       *       *
+
+  _Criminal Offences against Possessions and Rights._
+
+  37. _Fraud._--Obtaining the        Various, according to the degree
+  property of another by             of malignity--in general by
+  stratagem, with an evil design     imprisonment not less than 8,
+  on his possessions, honour,        nor more than 12 years; and in
+  or liberty; forging title          smaller offences, not less than 5
+  deeds or contracts, or             nor more than 8; and condemnation
+  _altering_ the same.               to the public works.
+
+  _Perjury_ in a Court of            The same.
+  Justice, assuming a false name,
+  &c. &c. bearing false witness.
+
+  38. _Theft_, or taking a           Imprisonment not less than 1
+  moveable from the possession of    month, nor more than 5 years, if
+  another by fraud, and without      unaccompanied by aggravating
+  his consent. (See post. No.        circumstances: but in aggravated
+  47.)                               cases, imprisonment not less than
+                                     5 nor more than 8; or not less
+                                     than 8, nor more than 12 years.
+
+  39. _Accomplices in                Imprisonment not less than 1
+  Theft_.--abettors and              month nor more than 5 years, and
+  receivers, &c.                     condemnation to the public works.
+
+  40. _Robbery_--committed           Imprisonment not less than 15
+  alone or in company, by using      years, nor more than 30; if wounds
+  violence, or forcing a person      ensue, in consequence of the
+  to discover effects, on which      violence used. And if acts of
+  the offender has felonious         cruelty or wounds, occasioning
+  views.                             death, then the punishment of the
+                                     chain additional.
+
+  41. _Incendiary_--where one        Imprisonment not less than 8
+  undertakes an action from which    nor more than 12 years; and
+  fire may ensue, or with intention  condemnation to the public works:
+  to prejudice, or cause damage,     when the flames have been stifled.
+  with a view to profit by the       Setting fire to a Camp, Magazine,
+  disorder that takes place, he      Barn, Timber-yard, &c.
+  shall be considered as an          from 15 to 30 years; according
+  _incendiary_, whether              to the circumstances of the case.
+  damage ensues or not.
+
+  42. _Bigamy_--where one            Imprisonment not less than 5
+  bound by the tie of lawful         nor more than 8 years, or
+  matrimony, concludes a second      condemnation to the public works;
+  marriage with another person,      if the person with whom the
+  single or married.                 offender contracts the second
+                                     marriage was acquainted with the
+                                     first.--If concealed, then
+                                     imprisonment not exceeding 12 nor
+                                     less than 8 years.
+
+         *       *       *       *       *
+
+  _Civil Offences that endanger the Life or Health of the Citizen._
+
+  43. _Misadventure_--where          Imprisonment from 1 month
+  without any ill intention, by      to a year, or condemnation to the
+  means of poisonous merchandize,    public works, if the offender has
+  or apothecaries selling            caused any immediate damage;
+  adulterated drugs, any person      but if the cause of damage be
+  suffers danger or injury.          remote, imprisonment from a day to
+                                     1 month.
+
+  44. Damage to man or child,        Imprisonment from 1 day to
+  occasioned by riding or driving    a month; to be augmented, in
+  carriages with too much speed;     case death or wound should have
+  or injury received by persons      resulted from the accident.
+  incapable of guarding against
+  danger, occasioning a wound or
+  death, which might have been
+  prevented by due vigilance.
+
+  45. Breaking Quarantine, &c.       By a Military Court of
+  and fabricating false bills of     Justice.
+  health.
+
+  46. Actions prejudicial to         Condemnation to the public
+  health, or nuisance, where the     works, with or without fetters;
+  necessary precautions prescribed   either from 1 day to a month, or
+  by the laws of health are          from 1 month to a year.
+  neglected in cases of dead
+  animals, distempers among
+  cattle, &c. &c.
+
+         *       *       *       *       *
+
+  _Civil Offences that affect the Fortunes and Rights of Citizens._
+
+  47. Stealing to the value of       Confinement, corporal correction,
+  25 crowns of any moveable,         and the augmentation of
+  when not accompanied with          the punishment if requisite.
+  aggravating circumstances:
+  _Stealing Wood in a
+  Forest--Poaching by an
+  unqualified person--Stealing
+  Fruit from Trees--or earth
+  from open Fields_--though
+  beyond the value of 25 crowns.
+  (See ante, No. 38, 39.)
+
+  48. Using Frauds in playing        The pillory and condemnation
+  at Games allowed by Law.           to the public works, in atrocious
+                                     cases; also imprisonment, from
+                                     1 day to a month, and
+                                     restitution.--In case of
+                                     foreigners, the pillory and
+                                     banishment.
+
+  49. _Accomplices_                  Imprisonment from 1 day to a
+  co-operating in such Frauds.       month.
+
+  50. _Playing at prohibited         A fine of 300 ducats, or
+  Games._                            imprisonment.
+
+  51. _Persons selling               Imprisonment from 1 day to a
+  Merchandize_ at higher prices      month, which may be augmented.
+  than fixed by the Police, or by
+  false weight or measure.
+
+  52. _Adultery._                    Corporal correction, or
+                                     imprisonment from 1 day to a
+                                     month.
+
+  53. _Contracting illegal           Imprisonment from 1 day to a
+  Marriages._ (See ante, No.         month, and condemnation to the
+  42.)                               public works.
+
+  54. _Servants_ receiving           Corporal correction or
+  earnest, and engaging to serve     imprisonment from 1 day to a
+  more masters than one, or          month.
+  otherwise misbehaving.
+
+  55. _Masters_ giving               Imprisonment from 1 day to a
+  servants a false character.        month.
+
+  56. _Libels_ on another by         Condemnation to the public
+  writings or disgraceful prints     works; reserving the right to
+  or drawings, causing injury to     recompence to the party wronged.
+  another. (See ante, No. 28.)
+
+  57. Distributing or publishing     Condemnation to the public
+  Libels.                            works; reserving the right of
+                                     recompence to the party wronged.
+
+  58. _Actions_ by which             Corporal correction.
+  danger by fire may be
+  occasioned; such as smoking
+  tobacco in a stable,
+  timber-yard, &c.
+
+  59. Acts of hasty petulance,       Imprisonment various, or
+  leading to quarrels, assaults,     condemnation to the public works.
+  and damages.
+
+         *       *       *       *       *
+
+  _Civil Offences that tend to the Corruption of Morals._
+
+  60. Wickedly insulting the         Detention in the hospital destined
+  Supreme Being by words, deeds,     for madmen; where the offender
+  or actions, in a public place,     is to be treated like a man
+  or in the presence of another      out of his senses, until his
+  person.                            amendment be perfect and assured.
+
+  61. Disturbing the exercise        Imprisonment from 1 day to a
+  of Public Worship, &c.             month; to be augmented by
+                                     fasting and corporal correction.
+
+  62. Writing or Preaching           Pillory and Imprisonment,
+  against the Christian Religion,    from 1 day to a month, or to a
+  and Catholick Faith, &c. &c.       year.
+  Heresies, &c.
+
+  63. Committing indecencies         Imprisonment from 1 day to a
+  in any public street or place.     month, augmented by fasting.
+
+  64. Attempting to seduce or        Imprisonment from 1 day to a
+  insult women of reputation, by     month.
+  shameful debauchery, and using
+  gestures, or discourses,
+  tending to that purpose.
+
+  65. Carnal Commerce by             Corporal Correction, and
+  Man with Beast, or with a          condemnation to the public works;
+  person of the same                 and banishment from the place
+  sex,--_Sodomy_.                    where the offence has been
+                                     publicly scandalous.
+
+  66. Consenting to shameful         Condemnation to the public
+  debauchery in his house;           works, from 1 month to 1 year;
+  Keeping a _Bawdy House_.           to be augmented when an innocent
+                                     person has been seduced;
+                                     second offence, the pillory.
+
+  67. Any person, man or woman,      Imprisonment from 1 month
+  making a business of               to a year; second offence,
+  prostitution, and deriving         punishment double, and augmented
+  profit from thence.                by fasting and corporal
+                                     correction.
+
+  68. Dealing in Books, Pictures,    Imprisonment from 1 day to 1
+  or Prints which represent          month.
+  indecent actions.
+
+  69. Disguising in masks, and       The same.
+  obtaining admission into
+  societies, and secret
+  fraternities not notified to
+  the Magistrate.
+
+  70. Harbouring in dwellings        The same.
+  persons not known to have an
+  honest mean of living.
+
+  71. Banished persons, from         Corporal correction, to be
+  the whole of the Austrian          doubled at each successive return;
+  Dominions--returning, &c.          and the offender to be banished
+                                     from the Hereditary Dominions.
+
+[Footnote 15: In cases where a criminal appears to be remarkably
+depraved, and that the apprehensions he may excite require such
+precautions, he shall be branded on each cheek with the mark of a
+gallows, so visibly and strongly impressed as not to be effaced either
+by time or any other means whatever.]
+
+[Footnote 16: This punishment is different from the pillory in
+England. In the German Language it signifies an exposure on the public
+theatre of shame. The Criminal is chained and guarded on an elevated
+scaffold, and exposed an hour at a time, with a paper on his breast
+denoting his offence.]
+
+[Footnote 17: When a criminal is condemned to severe imprisonment, he
+has no bed but the floor, no nourishment but bread and water, and all
+communication with relations, or even strangers, is refused him. When
+condemned to milder imprisonment, better nourishment is allowed; but
+he has nothing to drink but water.]
+
+[Footnote 18: Corporal punishment is inflicted with a whip, rod, or
+stick, publicly, on the criminal; the degree of punishment (within 100
+lashes or strokes at one time) depends on the sound prudence of the
+Judge.]
+
+[Footnote 19: The punishment of the Chain is inflicted in the
+following manner. The criminal suffers severe imprisonment, and is so
+closely chained, that he has no more liberty than serves for the
+indispensable motion of his body.--Chained criminals suffer a corporal
+punishment once a year, as an example to the Public.]
+
+In contemplating the various component parts of this Code, it is easy
+to discover that although some features of it may be worthy of
+imitation, upon the whole it is not suited either to the English
+constitution or the genius of our people. It is, however, a curious
+and interesting document, from which considerable information may be
+drawn; if ever that period shall arrive when a revision of our own
+criminal Code (in many respects more excellent than this) shall become
+an object of consideration with the Legislature.--At all events it
+strongly evinces the necessity of adapting the laws to the
+circumstances and situation of the Government; and of the people whose
+vices are to be restrained.
+
+The total abolition of the Punishment of death (excepting in military
+offences cognizable by Courts Martial) is a very prominent feature in
+this Code; which appears to have been founded in a great measure on
+the principles laid down by the Marquis Beccaria, in his Essay on
+Crimes and Punishments: That able writer establishes it as a maxim,
+which indeed will scarcely be controverted--"That the severity of
+Punishment should just be sufficient to excite compassion in the
+spectators, as it is intended more for them than the criminal.--A
+punishment, to be just, should have only that degree of severity which
+is sufficient to deter others, and no more"--This authour further
+asserts, "That perpetual labour has in it all that is necessary to
+deter the most hardened and determined, as much as the punishment of
+death, _where every example supposes a new crime_:--perpetual labour
+on the other hand, affords a frequent and lasting example."[20]
+
+[Footnote 20: The punishment of death is not authorized by any
+right.--If it were so, how could it be reconciled to the maxim, that a
+man has no right to kill himself?
+
+The punishment of death is a war of a whole nation against a citizen,
+whose destruction is considered as necessary or useful to the public
+good.--If I can demonstrate that it is neither necessary nor useful, I
+shall have gained the cause of humanity.--If the experience of all
+ages be not sufficient to prove that the punishment of death has never
+prevented determined men from injuring society--if the example of the
+Romans--if twenty years' reign of Elizabeth, Empress of Russia, be not
+sufficient, let us consult human nature in proof of my assertion.
+
+The death of a criminal is a terrible, but momentary spectacle; and
+therefore a less efficacious method of deterring others, than the
+continued example of a man deprived of his liberty, and condemned to
+repair by his labour, the injury done to Society. A condition so
+miserable is a much more powerful preventive than the fear of death,
+which men always behold in distant obscurity.
+
+BECCARIA, cap. 28.]
+
+Doubtless, the fundamental principle of good legislation is, rather to
+prevent crimes than to punish.--If a mathematical expression may be
+made use of, relative to the good and evil of human life, it is the
+art of conducting men to the _maximum_ of happiness and the _minimum_
+of misery.
+
+But in spite of all the efforts of human wisdom, aided by the lights
+of Philosophy, and freed from the mist of prejudice or the bigotry of
+darker ages;--In spite of the best laws, and the most correct system
+of Police which the most enlightened Legislature can form: it will
+not be altogether possible, amid the various opposite attractions of
+pleasure and pain, to reduce the tumultuous activity of mankind to
+absolute regularity:--We can only hope for a considerable reduction of
+the evils that exist.--_Let the Laws be clear and simple;--let the
+entire force of the Nation be united in their defence; let the Laws be
+feared, and the Laws only._
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. III.
+
+     _The causes and progress of small Thefts in London explained
+     and traced to the numerous Receivers of stolen Goods, under
+     the denominations of Dealers in Rags, Old Iron, and other
+     Metals.--The great increase of these Dealers of late
+     years.--Their evil tendency, and the absolute necessity of
+     Regulations, to prevent the extensive Mischiefs arising from
+     the Encouragements they hold out, to persons of every age
+     and description, to become Thieves, by the purchase of
+     whatever is offered for sale.--A Remedy suggested.--Petty
+     Thefts in the country round the Metropolis--Workhouses the
+     causes of idleness--Commons--Cottagers--Gypsies--Labourers
+     and Servants; their general bad character and propensity to
+     thieving small articles from their Masters, encouraged by
+     Receivers.--Thefts in Fields and Gardens--Their extent and
+     amount throughout England--Frauds in the sale and
+     adulteration of Milk in the Metropolis._
+
+
+In a preceding Chapter the small thefts committed by persons not known
+to belong to the fraternity of Thieves, are estimated to amount to the
+enormous sum of £.700,000 a year.
+
+This discovery (except what relates to embezzled silk, cotton, and
+worsted) was originally made through the medium of a considerable
+Dealer in Rags and Old Iron, and other Metals, who communicated to the
+Author much interesting information, respecting Receivers of stolen
+Goods, confirmed afterwards through other channels, the substance of
+which has been already alluded to; and of which the following are more
+ample details:
+
+     That there exists in this Metropolis, (and also in all the
+     towns where his Majesty's Dock-Yards are established) a
+     class of Dealers, of late years become extremely numerous,
+     who keep open shops for the purchase of _Rags, Old Iron, and
+     other Metals_.
+
+     "That these Dealers are universally, almost without a single
+     exception, the Receivers of stolen Goods of every
+     denomination; from a nail, a skewer, a key, or a glass
+     bottle, up to the most valuable article of portable
+     household goods, merchandize, plate, or jewels, &c. &c.
+
+     "That they are divided into two classes:--_Wholesale_ and
+     _Retail Dealers_. That the Retail Dealers are generally
+     (with some exceptions) the immediate purchasers in the first
+     instance, from the pilferers or their agents; and as soon as
+     they collect a sufficient quantity of iron, copper, brass,
+     lead, tin, pewter, or other metals, worthy the notice of a
+     large Dealer, they dispose of the same for ready money; by
+     which they are enabled to continue the trade.
+
+     "That the increase of these old iron, rag, and store shops
+     has been astonishing within the last twenty years.
+
+     "That, as the least trifle is received, the vigilance of the
+     parties, from whom the articles are stolen, is generally
+     eluded; by the prevailing practice of taking only a small
+     quantity of any article at a time.
+
+     "That the articles thus received are generally purchased at
+     about one-third of the real value, and seldom at more than
+     half;--glass bottles in particular, are bought at one penny
+     each, and no question asked:--they are afterwards sold to
+     dealers in this particular branch, who assort and wash them,
+     and again re-sell them to inferior wine-dealers at nearly
+     the full value:--this has become, of late, an extensive line
+     of trade.
+
+     "That further facilities are afforded by the dealers in old
+     iron, in the collection of metals, rags, and other articles
+     purloined and stolen in the Country; which are conveyed to
+     town by means of _single-horse carts_, kept by itinerant
+     Jews, and other doubtful characters; who travel to
+     Portsmouth, Chatham, Woolwich, Deptford, and places in the
+     vicinity of London, for the purpose of purchasing metals
+     from persons who are in the habit of embezzling the King's
+     stores, or from dealers on the spot, who are the first
+     receivers; from them, _copper-bolts, nails, spikes, iron,
+     brass, lead, pewter_, and other ship articles of
+     considerable value are procured.--These single-horse carts
+     have increased greatly of late years, and have become very
+     profitable to the proprietors.
+
+     "That some of these dealers in old metals, notoriously keep
+     men employed in knocking the broad Arrow, or King's mark,
+     out of the copper-bolts, nails, and bar iron, whereon it is
+     impressed, and also in cutting such bar iron into portable
+     lengths, after which it is sold to the great dealers, who
+     supply the Public Boards; and who are in some instances
+     supposed by this means to sell the same Article to these
+     boards even _two_ or _three_ times over.
+
+     "That the trade thus carried on, is exceedingly productive
+     both to the retail and wholesale dealers; many of whom are
+     become extremely opulent, and carry on business to the
+     extent of from ten to thirty, and in some few instances,
+     fifty thousand a year in old metals alone.
+
+     "That the quantity of new nails, taken from the public
+     repositories, and from private workshops, and disposed of at
+     the old iron shops exceeds all credibility.
+
+     "And finally, that the retail dealers in old iron, with some
+     exceptions, are the principal purchasers of the pewter pots
+     stolen from the Publicans, which they instantly melt down
+     (if not previously done) to elude detection."
+
+Thus are the lower ranks of Society assailed on all hands; and in a
+manner allured to be dishonest, by the ready means of disposing of
+property, unlawfully acquired, to satisfy _imaginary_ and too
+frequently _criminal_ wants, excited by the temptations which the
+amusements and dissipations of a great Capital, and the delusion of
+the Lottery, hold out.
+
+The rapid growth of this Evil within the last twenty years, and the
+effect it has upon the morals of menial servants and others, who must
+in the nature of things have a certain trust committed to them, is a
+strong reason why some effectual remedy should be administered as
+speedily as possible.
+
+It seems, under all circumstances, that the regulation of these
+Iron-shops, by licence, and by other restrictions connected with the
+public security, has become a matter of immediate necessity; for it is
+a dreadful thing to reflect that there should exist and grow up, in so
+short a period of time, such a body of criminal dealers, who are
+permitted to exercise all the mischievous part of the functions of
+Pawnbrokers; enjoying equal benefits, without any of the restrictions
+which have already been extended to this last class of dealers; who
+themselves also require further regulations, which will be hereafter
+discussed.
+
+But beside the dealers in _old iron_, it will be necessary to extend
+the regulation proposed, to dealers in _second-hand wearing apparel_,
+whether _stationary_ or _itinerant_; for through this medium also, a
+vast quantity of bed and table linen, sheets, wearing apparel, and
+other articles, pilfered in private families, is disposed of; and
+money is obtained, without asking questions, with the same facility as
+at the iron shops.
+
+To prevent metals from being melted by Receivers of stolen Goods, and
+other persons keeping crucibles and melting vessels, by which means
+the most infamous frauds are committed, to the evasion of justice, by
+immediately melting plate, pewter pots, and every kind of metal that
+can be identified; it may be also necessary to regulate, by licence,
+all _Founders of metal_, and also the horse and truck carts used for
+the purpose of conveying old metals from place to place: so as, upon
+the whole, to establish a _mild, but complete System of Prevention_;
+by limiting the dealers in old metals and second-hand wearing apparel,
+to the honest and fair part of their trade, and by restraining them
+with regard to that which is fraudulent and mischievous.
+
+At present these respective dealers may truly be said to be complete
+pests of Society.--They are not, like Pawnbrokers, restrained, as to
+the hours of receiving or delivering goods.--Their dealings are often
+in the night time, by which means they enjoy every opportunity of
+encouraging fraud and dishonesty.
+
+It is impossible to contemplate the consequences arising from the
+seduction of so many individuals, young and old, who must be
+implicated in the crimes which these abominable receptacles encourage,
+without wishing to see so complicate and growing a mischief engage
+the immediate attention of the Legislature, that a remedy may be
+applied as early as possible.[21]
+
+[Footnote 21: This remedy as it respects Receivers of stolen Goods, is
+specifically explained at the close of a subsequent Chapter which
+relates entirely to that subject, and to which the Reader is
+particularly referred.]
+
+This System of petty thievery and general depredation is, however, by
+no means confined to the precincts of the Metropolis: it is extended
+in a peculiar manner through the different Counties in its
+Vicinity.--The following particulars, extracted from Mr. _Middleton's_
+View of the Agriculture of _Middlesex_, will enable the Reader to form
+some judgment of the extent of the mischief, and the causes from which
+it originates; producing and increasing that band of plunderers, of
+which the Metropolis itself has ultimately been at once the Nurse and
+the Victim.
+
+"The funds raised for supporting the _Idle Poor of this country_ (says
+this intelligent writer) are so numerous, efficient, and comfortable,
+as to operate against the general industry of the _Labouring Poor_.
+
+"Lodging and diet in the workhouses, in every instance, are superior
+to what the industrious labourer can provide for his family. It is
+obvious that this must have an influence over their minds, and become
+most injurious to the interests of society; it holds out encouragement
+to prefer the workhouse to labour; and, by filling the poor houses
+with improper inhabitants, it reduces the amount of industry."
+
+The annual expence of each pauper is calculated by the same Writer at
+about _Fifteen Guineas_; a stout healthy labourer in husbandry, with a
+wife and three children, earns only Thirty for the support of five
+persons.
+
+"The want of prudence is increased, and general industry lessened, on
+the part of the poor, by the facility with which voluntary
+contributions are raised during every temporary inconvenience, such as
+a few weeks' frost, or an extraordinary advance in the price of
+provisions.[22] And also by the constantly cloathing upwards of ten
+thousand children of the labouring Poor in this Country.
+
+[Footnote 22: This observation can only apply to such voluntary
+contributions as are liable to abuses, and where the poor are
+permitted to dispose of the benevolence of the opulent in their own
+way.--The _Soup-Charities_ established in different parts of the
+Metropolis are a peculiar exception, inasmuch as they contribute only
+to the relief of those that are really objects of distress, while no
+Public Charity heretofore instituted has been found to be liable to
+fewer abuses. In a great Metropolis like London, it has been clearly
+established, that in spite of every regard to prudence and oeconomy,
+decent families will be suddenly broke down, while the habits of life
+peculiar to the lower orders, and their want of the knowledge of
+frugal cookery have proved a source of much real calamity; for where
+nothing is laid up, every pressure arising from sickness, child-birth,
+or death throws many hundreds upon the Public, who have no legal
+parochial Settlement, and who but for some relief must absolutely
+perish;--While the Soup-Charities hold out immediate and constant
+relief to many families, who might otherwise perish with
+hunger;--while this species of relief may be said to be accessible to
+every indigent family in the Metropolis, no lure is held out to the
+idle or profligate. It cannot be disposed of, as bread, meat, and
+coals, for gin and other articles. There is therefore scarcely any
+risque of deception, more especially as the applicants pay down half
+the original cost on receiving it--Thus establishing the means of
+discrimination between _real_ and _pretended distress_. About 10,000
+families, composed chiefly of persons who had not the means of
+obtaining sufficient food to support nature, consisting of 50,000 men,
+women, and children, were relieved by the daily distribution of Soups
+at _Spital-Fields_, _Clerkenwell_, _St. George's Fields_, and
+_Westminster_, during the last winter, at an expence to the
+Subscribers not exceeding One Guinea for every 504 meals of rich
+nourishing Soup, which those poor people received. But this is not the
+only advantage which attends these Institutions, since there is every
+reason to believe, that while the poor are thus frugally fed, they are
+taught by example, and by circulating among them printed friendly
+advices, what they never knew before--_The means of making a little go
+far_, by introducing the same beneficial mode of dressing food in
+their own houses. And from a minute attention to this object, the
+Author has great satisfaction in stating, that from the eagerness
+shewn to obtain the Soup, and the thankfulness almost universally
+expressed for the benefits it conferred, there is every reason to
+hope, that more good has arisen to the industrious poor from these
+establishments (which are now extending themselves in the Villages and
+Manufacturing Towns) than by any plan which has ever been resorted to
+for relieving distress. Among the various classes of benevolent
+individuals, to whom the Public have been indebted for their pecuniary
+and personal aid in promoting this design the Society of _The Friends_
+is peculiarly prominent. To the zeal and perseverance they have
+manifested, and the valuable time they have bestowed, in giving effect
+and utility to the System, is owing much of its success.]
+
+"Every institution which tends to make the poor depend on any other
+support than their own industry does them great disservice, and is
+highly injurious to society, by diminishing the quantity of labour
+which annually produces consumable goods, the only wealth of a
+nation."
+
+Although these suggestions may appear harsh, and some of them may
+admit of more extended discussion, yet they certainly deserve very
+serious consideration; as do also the following observations on the
+Commons and Waste Lands with which this kingdom still abounds; and on
+the general character of Servants and Labourers; the latter of which
+afford but too melancholy a confirmation of many opinions which the
+author of this treatise has thought it his duty to bring forward to
+the Public eye.
+
+"On estimating the value of the Commons in Middlesex, including every
+advantage that can be derived from them in pasturage, locality of
+situation, and the barbarous custom of turbary, it appears that _they
+do not produce to the Community, in their present state, more than
+four shillings per Acre_! On the other hand, they are, in many
+instances, of real injury to the Public, by holding out a lure to the
+poor man; by affording him materials wherewith to build his cottage,
+and ground to erect it upon; together with firing, and the run of his
+poultry and pigs for nothing. This is, of course, temptation
+sufficient to induce a great number of poor persons to settle upon the
+borders of such Commons. But the mischief does not end here; for
+having gained these trifling advantages, through the neglect or
+connivance of the Lord of the Manor, it unfortunately gives their
+minds an improper bias, and inculcates a desire to live, from that
+time forward, without labour, or at least with as little as possible.
+
+"The animals kept by this description of persons, it is soon
+discovered by their owners, are not likely to afford them much
+revenue, without better feed than the scanty herbage on a Common;
+hence they are tempted to pilfer corn, &c. towards their support; and
+as they are still dependant on such a deceptious supply, to answer the
+demands of their consumption, they are in some measure constrained to
+resort to various dishonest means, so as to make up the deficiency.
+
+"It is a notorious fact, that in all cases cottages not having any
+ground belonging to them promote thieving to a great extent; as their
+inhabitants constantly rob the neighbouring farms and gardens of root
+and pulse sufficient for their own consumption, and which they would
+have no temptation to do, if they had the same articles growing of
+their own." Hence Mr. Middleton suggests the evil admits of an easy
+remedy, namely, the allotting to each cottager a piece of ground.
+
+"Another very serious evil which the Public suffers from these Commons
+is, that they are the constant rendezvous of Gypsies, Strollers, and
+other loose persons, living under tents which they carry with them
+from place to place, according to their conveniency. Most of these
+persons have asses, many of them horses, nay, some of them have even
+covered carts, which answer the double purpose of a caravan for
+concealing and carrying off the property they have stolen, and also of
+a house for sleeping in at night. They usually stay a week or two at a
+place; and the cattle which they keep serve to transport their few
+articles of furniture from one place to another. These, during the
+stay of their owners, are turned adrift to procure what food they can
+find in the neighbourhood of their tents, and the deficiency is made
+up from the adjacent hay-stacks, barns and granaries. They are known
+never to buy any hay or corn, and yet their cattle are supplied with
+these articles of good quality. The women and children beg and pilfer,
+and the men commit greater acts of dishonesty. _In short, the Commons
+of this Country are well known to be the constant resort of footpads
+and highwaymen, and are literally and proverbially a public
+nuisance._"----
+
+"_The Labourers of this country are ruined in morals and constitution
+by the public houses._ It is a general rule, that the higher their
+wages, the less they carry home, and consequently the greater is the
+wretchedness of themselves and their families. Comforts in a cottage
+are mostly found where the man's wages are low, at least so low as to
+require him to labour six days a week. For instance, a good workman at
+nine shillings per week, if advanced to twelve will spend a day in the
+week at the alehouse, which reduces his labour to five days, or ten
+shillings; and as he will spend two shillings in the public house, it
+leaves but eight for his family, which is one less than they had when
+he earned only nine shillings.
+
+"If by any means he be put into a situation of earning eighteen
+shillings in six days, he will get drunk Sunday and Monday, and go to
+his work stupid on Tuesday; and should he be a mechanical journeyman
+of some genius, who by constant labour could earn twenty-four
+shillings or thirty shillings per week, as some of them can, he will
+be drunk half the week, insolent to his employer, and to every person
+about him.
+
+"If his master has business in hand that requires particular dispatch,
+he will then, more than at any other time, be absent from his work,
+and his wife and children will experience the extreme of hunger, rags
+and cold.
+
+"The low _Inns on the road sides_ are, in general, receiving houses
+for the corn, hay, straw, poultry, eggs, &c. which the farmers' men
+pilfer from their masters.
+
+"_Gentlemen's Servants_ are mostly a bad set, and the great number
+kept in this county, is the means of the rural labourers acquiring a
+degree of idleness and insolence unknown in places more remote from
+the Metropolis.
+
+"The poor children who are brought up on the borders of commons and
+copses, are accustomed to little labour, but too much idleness and
+pilfering. Having grown up, and these latter qualities having become a
+part of their nature, they are then introduced to the farmers as
+servants or labourers; and very bad ones they make.
+
+"The children of small farmers, on the contrary, have the picture of
+industry, hard labour, and honesty, hourly before them, in the
+persons of their _parents_, and daily hear the complaints which _they_
+make against idle and pilfering servants, and comparisons drawn highly
+in favour of honesty. In this manner honesty and industry become, as
+it were, a part of the nature of such young folks. The father's
+property is small, and his means few; he is therefore unable to hire
+and stock a farm for each of his children; they consequently become
+servants on large farms, or in gentlemen's families, and in either
+situation are the most faithful part of such establishments."----
+
+"One great hindrance to comfort in a life of agriculture, and which
+drives liberal minded men, who are always the best friends to
+improvement, out of the profession, is the want of laws to put a total
+stop to the Receivers of stolen goods. These are the wretches who
+encourage servants in agriculture, and others to pilfer, by holding
+out the lure of buying every article, which such servants can bring
+without asking them any questions. Most things which are usually
+produced on a farm, from so small an article as an egg, to hay, straw
+and grain of all sorts are daily stolen,[23] and sold on the sides of
+every principal road in this county. Among the Receivers are to be
+reckoned Millers, Cornchandlers, Dealers in eggs, butter and poultry,
+and the Keepers of Chandlers' shops.
+
+[Footnote 23: These thefts are committed by degrees in a small way,
+seldom exceeding a truss of hay or a bushel of corn by one man at one
+time; and are generally of smaller articles. In some places the
+stealing of gate-hooks and iron-fastnings is so common as to compel
+the farmer both to hang and fasten his gates with wood. _Middleton._]
+
+"The Drivers of Gentlemen's carriages are intrusted to buy hay, straw,
+and corn, for their horses; in the doing which, they generally cheat
+their masters of 5_s._ in each load of hay, of 2_s._ 6_d._ in each
+load of straw, and 1_s._ in every quarter of corn. This gives them an
+interest in the consumption, makes them extremely wasteful, and brings
+on habits of dishonesty.
+
+"The Ostlers at the Inns on the sides of the roads, purchase stolen
+hay, straw, corn, eggs, and poultry. A person who kept a horse several
+weeks at one of these inns, in attending occasionally to see the
+animal, discovered him to be fed with wheat, barley and oats mixed
+together, which could only happen by the farmers' servants robbing
+their Master, and selling the corn to the Ostler."----
+
+"The fields near London are never free from men strolling about in
+pilfering pursuits by day, and committing great crimes by night. The
+depredations every Sunday are astonishingly great. There are not many
+gardens within five miles of London, that escape being visited in a
+marauding way, very early on a Sunday morning, and the farmers' fields
+are plundered all day long of fruit, roots, cabbages, pulse and corn.
+Even the ears of wheat are cut from the sheaves, and carried away in
+the most daring manner in open day, in various ways, but mostly in
+bags containing about half a bushel each. It has been moderately
+estimated, that 20,000 bushels of all the various sorts are thus
+carried off every Sunday morning, and 10,000 more during the other six
+days of the week; or one million and a half of bushels in a year,
+which, if valued at so small a sum as sixpence each, would amount to
+£37,500.
+
+"The occupiers of many thousand acres round London, lose annually in
+this manner to the amount of much more than 20_s._ an acre.
+
+"A Miller near London being questioned as to small parcels of wheat
+brought to his mill to be ground, by a suspected person, soon after
+several barns had been robbed, answered, that any explanation on that
+head would put his mills in danger of being burnt. Well may the
+_farmers_ say, 'Their _property is not protected like that of other
+men_.'"
+
+Mr. Middleton calculates that the depredations committed on the landed
+interest probably amount to 4_s._ an acre per annum, on all the
+cultivated lands in England, or to eight millions of pounds sterling
+per annum: and including the injuries done by game and vermin, he
+supposes, that the farmers' property suffers to the amount of 10_s._
+an acre, or nearly twenty millions annually.
+
+The following curious circumstances relative to the adulteration of
+_Milk_ in the Metropolis, ought to be added to the list of petty
+frauds, which not merely affect the pockets but the health of the
+inhabitants of London. The number of milch cows kept for the purpose
+of supplying the Metropolis with this article, is stated by Mr.
+_Middleton_, after very diligent inquiry, at 8,500; and each cow is
+supposed to afford on an average nine quarts of milk per day.--
+
+"When the families of fashion are in London for the winter season, the
+consumption, and consequent deterioration of milk are at the highest;
+during the summer months, when such families are for the most part in
+the country, the milk may probably be of rather a better quality.
+
+"The milk is always given in its genuine state to the retail dealers;
+and as it is sold to them by the Cow-keepers after the rate of
+twopence and 1-8th of a penny per quart, and is retailed by them at
+threepence halfpenny per quart, the profit is surely so large as ought
+to prevent even the smallest adulteration. But when it is considered
+how greatly it is reduced _by water_, and impregnated with _worse_
+ingredients, it is much to be lamented that no method has yet been
+devised to put a stop to the many scandalous frauds and impositions in
+general practice, with regard to this very necessary article of human
+sustenance.
+
+"It is certainly an object well deserving the particular consideration
+of the Legislature. It cannot be doubted, that many persons would be
+glad to make some addition to the price now paid for it (high as that
+price is) provided they could, for such increased price, procure so
+useful an article in domestic oeconomy perfectly genuine.[24]
+
+[Footnote 24: Not satisfied with the profit here stated, which,
+considering the difference of measures, is above 100 per cent. is a
+common practice with the Retailers of this useful article to carry the
+milk first home to their own houses, where it is set up for half a
+day, when the cream is taken from it, at least all that comes up in
+that time, and it is then sold for new milk. By which means, what is
+delivered in the morning is no other than the milk of the preceding
+afternoon, deprived of the cream it throws up by standing during that
+time. By this means a farther considerable profit accrues to the
+Retailers, and the milk is greatly reduced in point of strength and
+quality. This cream, poor as it is, they again mix with flour, chalk,
+and perhaps other more baneful ingredients, and yet it finds a ready
+market in the Metropolis. _Middleton._]
+
+"Five or six men only are employed in attending near three hundred
+cows. As one woman cannot milk above eight or nine cows twice a day,
+that part of the business would necessarily be attended with
+considerable expence to the Cow-keeper, were it not that the Retailer
+agrees for the produce of a certain number of cows, and takes the
+labour and expence of milking on himself.
+
+"Every Cow-house is provided with a milk-room (where the milk is
+measured and served out by the Cow-keeper) and this room is mostly
+furnished with _a pump_, to which the Retail Dealers apply in
+rotation; not secretly, but openly before any person that may be
+standing by, from which they pump water into the milk vessels at their
+discretion. The pump is placed there expressly for that purpose, and
+indeed is very seldom used for any other. A considerable Cow-keeper
+in Surrey has a pump of this kind, which goes, by the name of the
+_Famous Black Cow_ (from the circumstance of its being painted black)
+_and is said to yield more than all the rest put together_.
+
+"Where such a pump is not provided for them things are much worse, for
+in that case the Retailers are not even careful to use _clean_ water.
+Some of them have been seen to dip their pails in a common
+horse-trough. And what is still more disgusting, though equally true,
+one cow-house happens to stand close to the edge of a stream, into
+which runs much of the dung, and most of the urine of the cows, and
+even in this stream, so foully impregnated, they have been observed to
+dip their milk-pails.
+
+"A Cow-keeper informs me, that the Retail Milk Dealers are for the
+most part the refuse of other employments, possessing neither
+character, decency of manners, nor cleanliness.
+
+"No person could possibly drink of the milk, were they fully
+acquainted with the filthy manners of these dealers in it.
+
+"The same person suggests, _as a remedy for these abuses, that it
+would be highly proper for every Retail Milk Dealer to be obliged to
+take out an Annual Licence from the Magistrates_; which licence should
+be granted only to such as could produce a certificate of good
+conduct, signed by the Cow-keeper and a certain number of their
+customers; and also on their being sworn to sell the milk pure and
+unadulterated."
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. IV.
+
+     _General Reflections arising from the perpetration of the
+     higher and more atrocious crimes of Burglary, Highway
+     Robbery, &c.--These crimes more peculiar to England than to
+     Holland and Flanders, &c.--The Reason explained.--A general
+     View of the various classes of Criminals engaged in
+     Robberies and Burglaries and of those discharged from Prison
+     and the Hulks.--Their miserable situation as Outcasts of
+     Society, without the means of Support.--The necessity of
+     some Antidote previous to the return of Peace.--The means
+     used at present by Thieves in accomplishing their nefarious
+     Purposes.--Observations on the stealing Cattle, Sheep, Corn,
+     &c.--Receivers of Stolen Goods shewn to be the Nourishers of
+     every description of Thieves.--Remedies suggested, by means
+     of Detection and Prevention._
+
+
+It is impossible to reflect upon the outrages and acts of violence
+continually committed, more particularly in and near the Metropolis by
+lawless ravagers of property, and destroyers of lives, in disturbing
+the peaceful mansion, _the Castle of every Englishman_, and also in
+abridging the liberty of travelling upon the Public Highways, without
+asking--_Why are these enormities suffered in a Country where the
+Criminal Laws are supposed to have arrived at a greater degree of
+perfection than any other?_
+
+This is an important inquiry, interesting in the highest degree, to
+every member of the Body Politic.
+
+If, in pursuing such an inquiry, the situation of Holland, Flanders,
+and several of the Northern States on the Continent, be examined, it
+will be found that this terrific evil had (alluding to these States
+previous to the present war) there scarcely an existence: and, that
+the precaution of bolting doors and windows during the night, was even
+seldom used; although, in these Countries, from the opulence of many
+of the inhabitants, there were great temptations to plunder property.
+
+This security did not proceed from _severer punishments_, for in very
+few Countries are they more sanguinary than in England.--It is to be
+attributed to a more correct and energetic system of Police, joined to
+an early and general attention to the employment, education, and
+morals of the lower orders of the people; a habit of industry and
+sobriety is thus acquired, which, universally imbibed in early life,
+"grows with their growth, and strengthens with their strength."
+
+Idleness is a never-failing road to criminality. It originates
+generally in the inattention and the bad example of profligate
+parents.--And when it has unfortunately taken hold of the human mind,
+unnecessary wants and improper gratifications, not known or thought
+of by persons in a course of industry, are constantly generated: hence
+it is, that crimes are resorted to, and every kind of violence,
+hostile to the laws, and to peace and good order, is perpetrated.
+
+The criminal and unfortunate individuals, who compose the dismal
+catalogue of Highwaymen, Footpad-Robbers, Burglars, Pick-Pockets, and
+common Thieves, in and about this Metropolis, may be divided into the
+three following classes:
+
+     1. Young men of some education, who having acquired idle
+     habits by abandoning business, or by being bred to no
+     profession, and having been seduced by this idleness to
+     indulge in gambling and scenes of debauchery and
+     dissipation, at length impoverished and unable to purchase
+     their accustomed gratifications, have recourse to the
+     highway to supply immediate wants.
+
+     2. Tradesmen and others, who having ruined their fortunes
+     and business by gaming and dissipation, sometimes as a
+     desperate remedy, go upon the road.
+
+But these two classes are extremely few in number, and bear no
+proportion to the lower and more depraved part of the fraternity of
+thieves, who pursue the trade systematically; who conduct their
+depredations under such circumstances of caution, as to render
+detection extremely difficult; and whose knowledge of all the weak
+parts of the Criminal Law is generally so complete, as to enable them
+to elude justice, and obtain acquittals, when detected and put upon
+their trial:--_Namely_--
+
+     3. 1st. Servants, Ostlers, Stable and Post-Boys out of
+     place, who, preferring what they consider as idleness, have
+     studied the profession of Thieving.--2d. Persons who being
+     imprisoned for debts, assaults, or petty offences, have
+     learned habits of idleness and profligacy in gaols.--3d.
+     Idle and disorderly mechanics and labourers, who having on
+     this account lost the confidence of their masters or
+     employers, resort to thieving, as a means of support; from
+     all whom the notorious and hacknied thieves generally select
+     the most trusty and daring to act as their associates.--4th.
+     Criminals tried and acquitted of offences charged against
+     them, of which class a vast number is annually let loose
+     upon Society.--5th. Convicts discharged from prison and the
+     Hulks, after suffering the sentence of the Law: too often
+     instructed by one another in all the arts and devices which
+     attach to the most extreme degree of human depravity, and in
+     the perfect knowledge of the means of perpetrating Crimes,
+     and of eluding Justice.
+
+To form some judgment of the number of persons in this great
+Metropolis who compose at least a part of the Criminal Phalanx engaged
+in depredations and acts of violence, it is only necessary to have
+recourse to the following Statement of the number of prisoners
+discharged, during a period of four years, from the eight different
+Gaols in the Metropolis, and within the Bills of Mortality.
+
+  1. Discharged by proclamation and gaol-deliveries;
+  having been committed in consequence of being
+  charged with various offences for which bills
+  were not found by the Grand Jury, or where
+  the prosecutors did not appear to maintain and
+  support the charges                                             5592
+
+  2. Discharged by acquittals, in the different Courts;
+  (frequently from having availed themselves of
+  the defects of the Law,--from frauds in keeping
+  back evidence, and other devices)                               2962
+
+  3. Convicts discharged from the different gaols,
+  after suffering the punishment of imprisonment,
+  &c. inflicted on them for the several
+  offences                                                        2484
+                                                                 -----
+                                                          Total  11038
+
+The following is a Statement of the number of these discharges from
+the year 1792 to 1799 inclusive:--
+
+  1. Discharged by Proclamations and Gaol-deliveries              8650
+
+  2. Discharged by Acquittals                                     4935
+
+  3. Discharged after punishment: or by
+     being bailed or pardoned                                     6925
+                                                                ------
+                                                         Total  20,510
+                                                                ------
+
+If to this deplorable Catalogue shall be added the Convicts which have
+been returned on the Public from the Hulks within the same period,
+namely, from 1792 to 1799 inclusive, either from pardons, escapes, or
+the expiration of their punishment, the numbers will stand thus:
+
+  Enlarged in 1792                          303
+  ----        1793                          435
+  ----        1794                           62
+  ----        1795                           67
+  ----        1796                           38
+  ----        1797                           39
+  ----        1798                           93
+  ----        1799                          346
+                                           ----
+                                           1383
+                                         ------
+    Total from Gaols and from the Hulks  21,893
+
+Humanity shudders at the contemplation of this interesting part of the
+discussion, when it is considered, who these our miserable
+fellow-mortals are! and what is to be expected from the extreme
+depravity which attaches to the chief part of them!
+
+And here a prominent feature of the imperfect state of the Police of
+the Metropolis and the Country is too evident to escape notice.
+
+_Without friends, without character, and without the means of
+subsistence_, what are these unhappy mortals to do?--They are no
+sooner known or suspected, than they are avoided.--No person will
+employ them, even if they were disposed to return to the paths of
+honesty; unless they make use of fraud and deception, by concealing
+that they have been the inhabitants of a _Prison_, or of the _Hulks_.
+
+At large upon the world, without food or raiment, and with the
+constant calls of nature upon them for both, without a home or any
+asylum to shelter them from the inclemency of the weather, _what is to
+become of them_?
+
+The Police of the Country has provided no place of industry, in which
+those who were disposed to reform might find subsistence in return for
+voluntary labour; which, in their present situation, becomes useless
+to them, because no person will purchase it by employing them.[25]
+Under all these circumstances it is to be feared, indeed it is known,
+that many Convicts, from dire necessity, return to their old
+courses.--And thus, through the medium of these miserable outcasts of
+Society, crimes are increased and become a regular trade, because many
+of them can make no other election.
+
+[Footnote 25: That man will deserve a statue to his memory who shall
+devise and carry into effect a plan for the employment of _Discharged
+Prisoners and Convicts_, who may be desirous of labouring for their
+subsistence in an honest way.--It is only necessary for some men of
+weight and influence to make the attempt, in order to insure the
+assistance of the opulent and humane in so good and necessary a Work.
+See a future Chapter as to the present state of punishment and the
+remedies proposed.]
+
+It is indeed true, that during the first three years of the present
+war, many Convicts and idle and disorderly persons were sent to the
+Army and Navy: but still a vast number remained behind, who could not
+be accepted on account of ruptures, fits, or some other disability or
+infirmity; which, although they incapacitate them from serving his
+Majesty, do not prevent them from committing crimes.
+
+While it must be evident, that the resource afforded by the present
+war, gives employment, for a time only, to many depraved characters
+and mischievous members of the community; how necessary is it to be
+provided with antidotes, previous to the return of peace; when, to the
+multitude of thieves now at large, there will be added numbers of the
+same class, who may be discharged from the Navy and Army?--If some
+plan of employment is not speedily devised, to which all persons of
+this description may resort, who cannot otherwise subsist themselves
+in an honest way; and if the Police of the Metropolis is not greatly
+improved, by the introduction of more energy, and a greater degree of
+System and Method in its administration; it is much to be feared, that
+no existing power will be able to keep them within bounds.
+
+It is in vain to say the Laws are sufficient.--They are indeed
+abundantly voluminous, and in many respects very excellent, but they
+require to be revised, consolidated, modernized, and adapted in a
+greater degree to the prevention of existing evils, with such
+regulations as would ensure their due execution not only _in every
+part of the Capital_, but also in all parts of the Kingdom.
+
+The means these depredators at present use in accomplishing their
+nefarious purposes are complicated and various; and of late years have
+become as much diversified as it is possible for the ingenuity of men
+to devise, who frequently join good natural abilities to all the
+artifices of the finished villain.
+
+It is no uncommon thing for the more daring and strong-minded to form
+themselves into gangs or societies; to the exclusion of those of their
+fraternity whose hearts are likely to fail them, and who are supposed
+not to be sufficiently firm, so as to secure their accomplices against
+the hazard of discovery in case of detection.
+
+Robbery and theft, as well in houses as on the roads, have long been
+reduced to a regular System. Opportunities are watched, and
+intelligence procured, with a degree of vigilance similar to that
+which marks the conduct of a skilful General, eager to obtain an
+advantage over an enemy.
+
+Houses, intended to be entered during the night, are previously
+reconnoitred and examined for days preceding. If one or more of the
+servants are not already associated with the gang, the most artful
+means are used to obtain their assistance; and when every previous
+arrangement is made, the mere operation of robbing a house becomes a
+matter of little difficulty.
+
+By the connivance and assistance of immediate, or former servants,
+they are led to the places where the most valuable, as well as the
+most portable, articles are deposited, and the object is speedily
+attained.
+
+In this manner do the principal Burglars and House-breakers proceed:
+and let this information serve as a caution to every person in the
+choice both of their male and female servants; since the latter as
+well as the former are not seldom accomplices in very atrocious
+robberies.
+
+The same _generalship_ is manifested in the nocturnal expeditions of
+those criminal associates upon the highways.
+
+A perfect knowledge is obtained every evening of the different routes
+and situations of the patroles:--they are narrowly watched, and their
+vigilance (wherever they are vigilant) is in too many instances
+defeated.
+
+Infinite pains are bestowed in procuring intelligence of persons
+travelling upon the road with money, bank-notes, or other valuable
+effects; and when discovered, the most masterly pains are concerted to
+waylay and rob them of their property: Nor have the measures pursued
+by those atrocious villains, the Footpads, exhibited less skill in the
+plans adopted; while their outrages are too often marked with those
+acts of cruelty and barbarity which justly render them objects of
+peculiar terror.
+
+The same adroitness also marks the conduct of those who turn their
+attention chiefly to picking of pockets, and other smaller robberies.
+
+It would almost fill a volume to detail the various artifices which
+are resorted to, in carrying on this species of thieving; by which
+even the most cautious, and those who are generally upon their guard,
+are not exempted from the ravages of these inferior pests of Society.
+
+In addition to the injuries or losses arising from burglaries,
+highway-robberies and lesser thefts, it is to be lamented that
+extensive and increasing depredations are made upon horses, cattle and
+sheep, and also upon flour, corn, potatoes, provender, and poultry;
+stolen from the drovers, millers, corn-factors, and farmers in the
+vicinity of the Metropolis. These have been stated more at large in a
+preceding Chapter.
+
+It cannot be too often repeated that the great facility experienced,
+in the immediate disposal of every article obtained by dishonesty, is
+one of the chief encouragements to all the acts of outrage and
+depredation enumerated in the course of this Work.
+
+It frequently happens that the Burglars, the Highwaymen, and Footpad
+robbers, make their contracts with the Receivers, on the evening
+before the plunder is obtained; so as to secure a ready admittance
+immediately afterwards, and before day-break, for the purpose of
+effectual concealment by melting plate, obliterating marks, and
+securing all other articles so as to place them out of the reach of
+discovery. This has long been reduced to a regular system which is
+understood and followed as a trade.
+
+Nor do those Thieves who steal horses,[26] cattle and sheep
+experience more difficulty in finding purchasers immediately for
+whatever they can obtain:--they too, generally, make a previous
+bargain with the Receivers, who are ready at an appointed hour to
+conceal the animals, to kill them immediately, and to destroy the
+skins for the purpose of eluding detection.
+
+[Footnote 26: The frauds and felonies committed in the course of a
+year with respect to horses exceed all credibility. Above thirty
+thousand of these useful animals are said to be flayed and boiled in
+the Metropolis, at the Seventeen Licensed Houses, annually, of which
+about one-fourth are brought there alive, supposed chiefly to be
+stolen horses. These Establishments require many additional
+regulations to enforce and insure that purity of conduct, which the
+Legislature had in view when the Act of the 26 Geo. 3, cap. 71, was
+passed for licensing persons to slaughter horses. In the operation of
+this Act is strongly evinced the inefficacy of the best laws, when
+measures are not pursued to insure an accurate and chaste execution.
+Wherever the vigilance of a General Police does not extend its
+influence in carrying into effect all regulations of a preventive
+nature, it is in vain to hope that the evil in the view of the
+Legislature will be diminished.]
+
+It sometimes happens also, that the persons who perpetrate these
+robberies are journeymen-butchers, by trade; who kill whatever they
+steal, and often afterwards sell their plunder in the Public Markets.
+
+If, by wise regulations, it were possible to embarrass and disturb the
+extensive trade carried on by all the _concealed Receivers_, who are
+the particular class having connection with the professed thieves, a
+very great check would be given to public depredations.
+
+In suggesting Remedies, this of all other appears, at first view, to
+be the most difficult; because of the apparent impossibility of
+regulating any class of Dealers who have no shop, or visible trade,
+and who transact all their business under concealment:--but still the
+object is to be obtained by a combination of different legislative
+regulations, carried into execution by a consolidated, vigilant and
+well-regulated Police.
+
+The detail, however, of the means of detecting Receivers will, of
+course, be discussed hereafter, in a subsequent Chapter; at present
+the following Hints will suffice.
+
+A register of lodging-houses and lodgers in every parish, liberty,
+hamlet, and precinct, where the rent does not exceed a certain sum
+(suppose ten shillings) weekly, would prove one great means of
+embarrassment to Thieves of every class; and of course would tend,
+with other regulations, to the prevention of Crimes.
+
+Night-Coaches also promote, in an eminent degree, the perpetration of
+burglaries and other felonies: Bribed by a high reward, many hackney
+coachmen eagerly enter into the pay of nocturnal depredators, and wait
+in the neighbourhood until the robbery is completed, and then draw up,
+at the moment the watchmen are going their rounds, or off their
+stands, for the purpose of conveying the plunder to the house of the
+Receiver, who is generally waiting the issue of the enterprise. Above
+one half of the present Hackney Coachmen, in London, are said to be
+(in the cant phrase) _Flashmen_ designed to assist thieves.
+
+It being certain that a vast deal of mischief is done which could not
+be effected, were it not for the assistance which night coaches afford
+to Thieves of every description, it would seem, upon the whole,
+advantageous to the Public, that no Hackney Coaches should be
+permitted to take fares after twelve o'clock at night; or, if this is
+impracticable, that the coach-hire for night service should be
+advanced, on condition that all coachmen going upon the stands after
+twelve o'clock, should be licensed by a Board of Police. By this means
+the night-coachmen, by being more select, would not be so open to
+improper influence; and they might even become useful to Public
+Justice in giving informations, and also in detecting Burglars, and
+other Thieves.
+
+Watchmen and Patroles, instead of being, as now, comparatively of
+little use, from their _age, infirmity, inability, inattention_, or
+_corrupt practices_, might almost at the present expence, by a proper
+selection, and a more correct mode of discipline, by means of a
+general superintendance over the whole to regulate their conduct, and
+keep them to their duty, be rendered of great utility in preventing
+Crimes, and in detecting Offenders.[27]
+
+[Footnote 27: The depredations which are committed almost every
+evening in Cheapside, and the adjacent streets leading into it,
+affords strong proofs of the necessity of an improved system with
+regard to watchmen and patroles.
+
+Allured to that particular part of the Metropolis, from the extensive
+and valuable property in _piece goods_ and other portable articles
+which are constantly removing to and from the different shops and
+warehouses:--a multitude of thieves and pickpockets, exhibiting often
+in their dress and exterior, the appearance of gentlemen and men of
+business, assemble every evening in gangs, watching at the corners of
+every street, ready to _bustle_ and _rob_, or to _trip up the heels_
+of the _warehouse-porters and the servants of shopkeepers carrying
+goods_; or at the doors of warehouses, at dusk and at the time they
+are locked, to be ready to seize loose parcels when unperceived; by
+all which means, aided by a number of other tricks and fraudulent
+pretences, they are but too successful in obtaining considerable
+booty. In short, there is no device or artifice to which these
+vigilant plunderers do not resort: of which an example appeared in an
+instance, where almost in the twinkling of an eye, while the servants
+of an eminent silk-dyer had crossed a narrow street, his horse and
+cart, containing raw silk to the value of _twelve hundred pounds_,
+were driven clear off. Many of these atrocious villains, are also
+constantly in waiting at the inns, disguised in different ways,
+personating _travellers, coach-office clerks, porters and coachmen_,
+for the purpose of plundering every thing that is portable; which,
+with the assistance of two or three associates if necessary, is
+carried to a coach called for the purpose, and immediately conveyed to
+the receiver.
+
+The most adroit thieves in this line are generally _convicts from the
+hulks, or returned transports_, who under pretence of having some
+ostensible business, (while they carry on the trade of thieving)
+generally open a _chandler's shop_, set up a _green-stall_, or get
+into a _public-house_: some of these old offenders are known also to
+keep livery-stables for thieves, and horses for the use of highwaymen;
+thereby forming a connected chain by which these criminal people
+extend and facilitate their trade; _nourishing_, _accommodating_, and
+supporting one another.]
+
+At present the System of the nightly watch is without energy,
+disjointed, and governed by almost as many different Acts of
+Parliament, as there are Parishes, Hamlets, Liberties, and Precincts
+within the Bills of Mortality; and where the payment is as various,
+running from 8-1/2_d._ up to 2_s._ a night.
+
+The Act of the 14th of George IIId. (_cap._ 90.) entituled, _An Act
+for the better regulation of the Nightly Watch within the City and
+Liberty of Westminster, and parts adjacent_, contains many excellent
+Regulations, but they do not extend to the eastern part of the
+Metropolis; and for want of an active and superintending agency,
+superior to beadles, it is believed and felt that they are not, (even
+within the district included in the Act,) correctly carried into
+execution: and that no small portion of those very men who are paid
+for protecting the public, are not only instruments of oppression in
+many instances, by extorting money most unwarrantably; but are
+frequently accessaries in aiding, abetting or concealing the
+commission of crimes, which it is their duty to detect and suppress.
+
+If as an improvement to the preventive System, and as a check upon the
+improper conduct of parochial Watchmen, a body of honest, able, and
+active Officers, in the character of Police Patroles, were attached to
+each Public Office, or to a General Police System with a sufficient
+fund to defray the expences, to follow up informations for the
+detection of negligent servants of the Public, and liberally to reward
+those who were active and useful in apprehending delinquents, and in
+making discoveries, tending either to the recovery of property stolen,
+or to the detection of the offenders, little doubt need be
+entertained, under the guidance of a Central Board and vigilant
+Police, aided by zealous and active Magistrates, that such a System
+would soon be established, as would go very far towards the prevention
+of many atrocious crimes.
+
+Among the various advantages which may thus be expected to result to
+the Community from the arrangements recommended in this work, would be
+_the suppression of Highway Robberies_. A desideratum impracticable in
+the present state of the Police, although easy and certain under a
+Police Board; having a general superintendance competent to look at
+every point of danger, and with pecuniary resources equal to an object
+so interesting to the inhabitants of this Metropolis.[28] Upon the
+adoption of this important measure, therefore, (a measure so strongly
+recommended by the Select Committee of the House of Commons on
+Finance[29]) depends in a great degree, that security to travellers on
+the highways in the vicinity of the Metropolis; the want of which, and
+of many other valuable regulations, for the prevention of crimes, has
+long been a reproach to the Criminal Jurisprudence, as well as the
+Police, of the Country.
+
+[Footnote 28: Hints have been submitted to the Author for establishing
+a plan of _Travelling Police_, to extend 20 miles round the
+Metropolis; by means of Patroles well armed and mounted, who should be
+on the road at all hours; the expence to be defrayed by the produce of
+a toll to be raised for the purpose. This scheme might in all
+probability be much improved under the sanction of a General Police
+Board, without the additional expence of the proposed toll.]
+
+[Footnote 29: See the 28th Report of that Committee.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. V.
+
+     _Reasons assigned why forgeries and frauds must prevail in a
+     certain degree, wherever the interchange of property is
+     extensive.--A considerable check already given to the higher
+     class of Forgeries, by shutting out all hopes of Royal
+     Mercy:--Petty Forgeries have however increased:--The Reason
+     assigned.--The qualifications of a Cheat, Swindler, and
+     Gambler explained.--This mischievous class of men extremely
+     numerous in the Metropolis.--The Common and Statute Law
+     applicable to offences of this nature explained.--The
+     different classes of Cheats and Swindlers, and the various
+     tricks and devices they pursue, to enable them to live in
+     idleness, by their wits.--Sharpers, Cheats, and Swindlers,
+     divided into eighteen different Classes--1st. Sharpers who
+     become Pawnbrokers.--2d. Sharpers who obtain Licence as
+     Hawkers and Pedlars.--3d. Swindlers who open shops as
+     Auctioneers.--4th. Swindlers who pretend to discount
+     Bills.--5th. Itinerate Jews.--6th. Cheats who sell by false
+     Weights and Measures.--7th. Swindlers who defraud Tradesmen
+     of Goods.--8th. Cheats who take Genteel Lodgings with false
+     Names, &c.--9th. Cheats who personate former Masters to
+     defraud their Tradesmen.--10th. Cheats who personate
+     Footmen, and order Goods from Tradesmen.--11th. Cheats and
+     Sharpers who deceive Persons from the Country.--12th. Cheats
+     and Sharpers who trick Shopmen and Boys out of
+     Parcels.--13th. Sharpers who attend Inns to pick up Parcels
+     by various tricks and devices.--14th. Cheats who go from
+     door to door, begging on false Pretences.--15th. Sharpers
+     selling smuggled Goods; known by the name of Duffers.--16th.
+     Female Sharpers, who attend Court and Public Places.--17th.
+     Female Bankers who lend money to Barrow-Women at 6d. a day
+     for Five Shillings.--18th. Cheats who pretend to tell
+     Fortunes.--Various Remedies suggested._
+
+
+In a great Metropolis, like London, where trade and commerce have
+arrived at such an astonishing height, and where from the extensive
+transactions in the Funds, and the opulence of the People, the
+interchange of property is so expanded, it ceases to be a matter of
+wonder that Forgeries and Frauds should prevail, in a certain
+degree:--the question of difficulty is, _why the Laws and the means of
+prevention, have not kept pace with the progressive advancement of the
+Country; so as to check and keep within bounds those nefarious
+practices_?
+
+Forgeries of the higher class, so dangerous in a commercial country,
+have by the wise policy of the Executive Government, in shutting out
+all hopes of the extension of the Royal Mercy to the guilty, received
+a most severe check: beneficial in the highest degree to the country,
+and clearly manifested by the records of the Old Bailey, where trial
+for offences of this nature certainly do not increase in number.
+
+But it is to be lamented, that, with regard to petty forgeries and
+frauds, this is by no means the case, for they seem to multiply and
+advance with the opulence and luxury of the country; and to branch out
+into innumerable different shades, varying as the fashions of the
+year, and as the resources for the perpetration of this species of
+fraud change their aspect.
+
+When those depraved people who (to use a vulgar phrase) _live entirely
+by their wits_--find that any tricks which they have practised for a
+certain length of time become stale, (such as _pricking the belt for a
+wager_, or _dropping the ring_) they abandon these; and have recourse
+to other devices more novel, and more likely to be effectual in
+cheating and defrauding the unwary.
+
+One of the most prevailing and successful of these, is the fraud
+practised upon shop-keepers, tradesmen, publicans, and others, by the
+circulation of forged copper-plate notes and bills for small sums, of
+£5. and £10. the latter purporting to be drawn, by bankers in the
+manufacturing and sea-port towns, on different banking-houses in
+London.
+
+This species of forgery has been carried to a considerable extent
+suggested no doubt by the confidence which is established from the
+extensive circulation of country bankers' notes and bills, now made
+payable in London; by which the deception is, in some degree,
+covered, and detection rendered more difficult.
+
+The great qualifications, or leading and indispensable attributes of a
+_Sharper_, a _Cheat_, a _Swindler_, or a _Gambler_, are, to possess a
+genteel exterior, a demeanor apparently artless, and a good address.
+
+Like the more violent depredators upon the public, this class (who are
+extremely numerous) generally proceed upon a regular system, and study
+as a _trade_ all those infamous tricks and devices by which the
+thoughtless, the ignorant, and the honest are defrauded of their
+property.
+
+The common law has defined the offence of cheating--to be _a deceitful
+practice in defrauding, or endeavouring to defraud, another of his own
+right, by means of some artful device, contrary to the plain rules of
+common honesty_.
+
+The Statute of the 33d of Henry the Eighth, _cap._ 1. entered into a
+more specific explanation of what might constitute such an offence,
+and fixed the mode of punishment; by declaring, "_that if any persons
+shall falsely or deceitfully obtain, or get into his hands or
+possession, any money, goods, &c. of any other person_, by colour or
+means of any false privy token, or counterfeit letter, _&c.--he shall,
+on conviction, be punished by imprisonment, the pillory, or
+whipping--saving to the party aggrieved the same power of recovering
+the property as he might have had at Common Law, &c._"
+
+From this remote period, until the 30th of George the Second, the
+Legislature does not appear to have seen the necessity of enacting any
+new Law, applicable to this species of offence.
+
+In the progress however of Society and Commerce, joined to the
+consequent influx of riches, producing luxury and extravagance, a
+larger field opened for cheats and sharpers of every description;
+insomuch, that the evil became so great, and the existing Laws were
+found so insufficient, as to render it necessary to provide a
+legislative remedy.
+
+In applying this remedy, it seems that the great increase of a new
+species of cheating, practised by persons known in modern times by the
+name of _Swindlers_, had suggested the propriety of defining the
+offence, in a more applicable and specific manner, and of rendering
+the punishment more severe. By the act of 30 Geo. II. _cap._ 24. it is
+declared, "_that all persons obtaining money, goods, wares, or
+merchandise_, by false pretences, _shall be deemed offenders against
+the Law and the public peace; and the Court, before whom any such
+offender shall be tried, shall on conviction, order them to be put in
+the pillory, or publicly whipped, or transported for seven years_."
+
+Thus stand the Laws at present with regard to Swindlers.[30] They
+ought certainly to embrace a wider field, so as to reach those
+artifices by which sharpers and persons of depraved minds, obtain
+money from the ignorant and unwary, by assuming false characters,
+taking genteel lodgings, and cheating innocent tradesmen, who lose
+large sums annually by such depredations.
+
+[Footnote 30: There appears to be a deficiency in the Act of 30th
+George the Second, cap. 24. in omitting to add _Bank Notes_ after the
+word _Money_, and also _Horses, Cattle, Sheep, or other Animals_,
+after goods, wares, and merchandise; since, (as has already been
+noticed, ante page 9,) it has been held that Bank Notes are not Money,
+nor are horses, cattle, &c. considered as goods, wares, or
+merchandise, according to the legal construction of any existing
+Statute.--An amendment of the Law with regard to these and other
+objects is the more necessary, as _Bank Notes_ and _Horses_ are,
+perhaps, more the objects of swindling, than other species of
+property.]
+
+We shall next proceed to particularize the various classes of Sharpers
+who thus prey upon the public: reserving all that relates to those
+more immediately connected with _Gaming Houses_ and _Lottery
+Insurances_ to the subsequent chapter.
+
+I. _Sharpers who obtain Licences to become Pawnbrokers_,[31] and bring
+disgrace upon the reputable part of the trade, by every species of
+fraud which can add to the distresses of those who are compelled to
+raise money in this way; for which purpose there are abundance of
+opportunities.--Swindling Pawnbrokers, of this Class, are uniformly
+receivers of stolen goods; and under the cover of their licence do
+much mischief to the Public. The evil arising from them might, in a
+great measure, be prevented by placing the power of granting licences
+in a general Board of Police; and rendering it necessary for all
+persons to produce a Certificate of character, before they can obtain
+such licence; and also to enter into recognizance for good
+behaviour.[32]
+
+[Footnote 31:
+
+  Number of Pawnbrokers within the Bills of   }  Persons    £.
+  Mortality, paying a licence of £10. a year. }    213     2130
+
+  In the Country, paying £5. a year.               432     2160
+                                                   ---     ----
+                                            Total  644     4290
+                                                   ---     ----]
+
+[Footnote 32: A regulation of this kind is of great importance; as the
+property of the poorest and most distressed part of the community, to
+the amount of nearly one million sterling, is constantly in the hands
+of Pawnbrokers in the Metropolis alone! and although it is of the
+utmost consequence that they, above all others, should be _honest,
+correct_ and even _humane_ characters, (and it is to be hoped many of
+them are of that description,) yet certain it is that any person, even
+the most notorious rogue or vagabond, who can raise ten pounds to pay
+for a licence, may at present set up the trade of Pawnbroker; and it
+is even said that some have got licences who have actually been on
+board the Hulks!--a thing unavoidable under the present
+circumstances.]
+
+II. _Sharpers and Swindlers who obtain Licences to be Hawkers and
+Pedlars_; under the cover of which every species of villainy is
+practised upon the country people, as well as upon the unwary in the
+Metropolis, and all the great towns in the kingdom.--The artifices by
+which they succeed, are various, as for example;--By fraudulent
+raffles, where plated goods are exhibited as silver, and where the
+chances are exceedingly against the adventurers;--By selling and
+uttering base money, and frequently forged Bank Notes, which make one
+of the most profitable branches of their trade;--By dealing in
+smuggled goods, thereby promoting the sale of articles injurious to
+the Revenue, besides cheating the ignorant with regard to the
+value;--By receiving stolen goods to be disposed of in the country, by
+which discoveries are prevented, and assistance afforded to common
+thieves and stationary receivers;--By purchasing stolen horses in one
+part of the country, and disposing of them in another, in the course
+of their journies; in accomplishing which, so as to elude detection,
+they have great opportunities;--By gambling with EO Tables at Fairs
+and Horse-races.
+
+A number of other devices might be pointed out, which render this
+class of men great nuisances in Society; and shew the necessity of
+either suppressing them totally, (for in fact they are of little use
+to the Public;) or of limiting the licences only to men of good
+character; to be granted by a general Board of Police under whose
+controul they should be placed, while they enter at the same time into
+a recognizance in a certain sum, with one surety for good behaviour;
+by which the honest part would be retained, to the exclusion of the
+fraudulent.
+
+III. _Swindlers who take out Licences as Auctioneers_, and open shops
+in different parts of the Metropolis, with persons at the doors,
+usually denominated _Barkers_, inviting strangers to walk in. In these
+places, various articles of silver plate and household goods are
+exposed to sale, made up on a slight principle, and of little
+intrinsic value; associates, generally denominated _Puffers_, are in
+waiting to bid up the article to a sum greatly beyond its value,
+when, upon the first bidding of the stranger, it is knocked down to
+him, and the money instantly demanded; the goods, however, on being
+carried home and examined, are generally found to be very different in
+reality, from what their appearance exhibited, and upon a close
+examination the fraud is discovered.
+
+Neither the common Law, nor the Act of the 30th George II. cap. 24,
+seem to be sufficiently _broad_ and explanatory to include this
+species of offence; and hence it is, that this mode of selling goods
+continues with impunity, and seems to increase. It is not, however,
+meant here to insinuate that all petty auctions are fraudulent.--It is
+to be hoped there may be some exceptions, although probably, they are
+not numerous. A licence from a general Board of Police, and to be
+subject to certain restrictions only burdensome to the dishonest, and
+obliging the parties to find security, would, in a great measure,
+regulate this kind of business, in a proper manner.
+
+IV. _Swindlers who raise money, by pretending to be Discounters of
+Bills, and Money Brokers_; These chiefly prey upon young men of
+property, who have lost their money at play, or spent it in expensive
+amusements, and are obliged to raise more upon any terms, until their
+rents or incomes become payable; or who have fortunes in prospect, as
+being heirs apparent to estates, but who require assistance in the
+mean time.
+
+Availing themselves of the credit, or the ultimate responsibility, of
+such thoughtless and giddy young men, in the eager pursuit of
+criminal pleasures, and under the influence of those allurements which
+the Faro Tables, and other places of fashionable resort hold
+out--these Swindlers seldom fail to obtain from them securities and
+obligations for large sums; upon the credit of which they are enabled,
+perhaps, at usurious interest, to borrow money, or discount bills; and
+thus supply their unfortunate customers upon the most extravagant
+terms.
+
+Another class, having some capital, advance money upon bonds,
+title-deeds, and other specialities, or upon the bond of the parties
+having estates in reversion: by these and other devices too tedious to
+detail, large sums of money are, most unwarrantably and illegally,
+wrested from the dissipated and thoughtless: and misery and distress
+are thus entailed upon them, as long as they live; or they are driven,
+by utter ruin, to acts of desperation or to crimes.
+
+A Law seems absolutely necessary to be pointed at this particular
+mischief, which is certainly an increasing evil.--Humanity pleads for
+it; and _Policy_ points out the necessity of some effectual guard
+against those miseries which it generates; and which could not exist
+in so great a degree, were it not for the opportunities held out by
+these blood-suckers, in affording money to the young and
+inexperienced, to be expended in scenes of gambling and debauchery.
+
+V. _A Class of Cheats of the Society of Jews, who are to be found in
+every street, lane and alley in and near the Metropolis, under the
+pretence of purchasing old clothes, and metals of different sorts_;
+Their chief business really is to prowl about the houses and stables
+of men of rank and fortune, for the purpose of holding out temptations
+to the servants to pilfer and steal small articles, not likely to be
+missed, which these Jews purchase at about one third of the real
+value.--It is supposed that upwards of fifteen hundred of these
+depraved people are employed in diurnal journies of this kind; by
+which, through the medium of bad money, and other fraudulent dealings,
+many of them acquire property, and then set up shops and become
+Receivers of stolen Goods.
+
+It is estimated that there are from fifteen to twenty thousand Jews in
+the city of London, besides, perhaps, about five or six thousand more
+in the great provincial and sea-port towns; (where there are at least
+twenty synagogues, besides six in the Metropolis;) most of the lower
+classes of those distinguished by the name of German or Dutch Jews,
+live chiefly by their wits, and establish a system of mischievous
+intercourse all over the country, the better to carry on their
+fraudulent designs in the circulation of base money,--the sale of
+stolen goods, and in the purchase of metals of various kinds; as well
+as other articles pilfered from the Dock-Yards, and stolen in the
+provincial towns, which they bring to the Metropolis to elude
+detection,--and _vice versâ_.
+
+Educated in idleness from their earliest infancy, they acquire every
+debauched and vicious principle which can fit them for the most
+complicated arts of fraud and deception; to which they seldom fail to
+add the crime of perjury, whenever it can be of use, in shielding
+themselves or their associates from the punishment of the law.--From
+the orange boy, and the retailer of seals, razors, glass, and other
+wares, in the public streets, to the shop-keeper, dealer in wearing
+apparel, or in silver and gold, the same principles of conduct too
+generally prevail.
+
+The itinerants utter base money to enable them, by selling cheap, to
+dispose of their goods; while those that are stationary, with very few
+exceptions, receive and purchase, at an under-price, whatever is
+brought them, without asking questions.
+
+VI. _Cheats who sell provisions and other articles by means of false
+weights and measures._ Nothing requires the assistance of the
+Legislature in a greater degree than this evil; to shield the Poor
+against the numerous tricks thus practised upon them, by low and
+inferior shop-keepers and itinerants.
+
+The ancient System of regulating this useful branch of Police by the
+Juries of the Court-Leet, having been found ineffectual, and in many
+respects inapplicable to the present state of Society, an act passed
+the 35th of his present Majesty, (_cap._ 102,) to remedy the
+inconvenience with regard to fraudulent weights; but difficulties
+having occurred on account of the expence of carrying it into
+execution, certain amendments were made by another act, (37 Geo. III.
+_c._ 143,) and the Magistrates in Petty Sessions have now power to
+appoint Examiners of weights, and to authorize them to visit shops,
+seize false weights, &c.
+
+This plan, if pursued as steadily as that which already prevails in
+regulating Bakers, promises to produce very valuable benefits to the
+lower ranks of people at a very small expence.
+
+VII. _Cheats and Swindlers who associate together, and enter into a
+conspiracy for the purpose of defrauding Tradesmen of their
+goods._--One of these sharpers generally assumes the character of a
+Merchant;--hires a genteel house, with a counting-house, and every
+appearance of business.--One or two associates take upon them the
+appearance of Clerks, while others occasionally wear a livery: and
+sometimes a carriage is set up, in which the ladies of the party visit
+the shops, in the stile of persons of fashion, ordering goods to their
+apartments.--Thus circumstanced, goods are obtained on credit, which
+are immediately pawned or sold, and the produce used as a means of
+deception to obtain more, and procure recommendations, by offering to
+pay ready money,--or discount bills.
+
+When confidence is once established in this way, notes and bills are
+fabricated by these conspirators, as if remitted from the country, or
+from foreign parts; and application is made to their newly acquired
+friends, the tradesmen, to assist in discounting them. Sometimes money
+and bills upon one another are lodged at the bankers for the purpose
+of extending their credit, by referring to some respectable name for
+a character.
+
+After circulating notes to a considerable amount, and completing their
+system of fraud by possessing as much of the property of others as is
+possible, without risk of detection, they move off; assume new
+characters; and when the bills and notes are due, the parties are not
+to be found.
+
+Offences of this sort, where an actual conspiracy cannot be proved,
+which is generally very difficult, are not easily punished; and it
+seems of importance that frauds and impositions of this sort, and
+others of the same nature, where the confidence of tradesmen and
+manufacturers is abused by misrepresentation and falsehood, should be
+defined, so as to render it difficult for the parties to escape
+punishment.
+
+VIII. _Cheats who take genteel Lodgings, dress elegantly, assume false
+names_:--pretend to be related to persons of credit and
+fashion--produce letters familiarly written to prove an
+intimacy,--enter into conversation, and shew these letters to
+tradesmen and others, upon whom they have a design--get into their
+good graces, purchase wearing apparel and other articles, and
+disappear with the booty.
+
+This species of offence would be very difficult to reach by any
+existing Law, and yet it is practised in various shapes in the
+Metropolis, whereby tradesmen are defrauded to a very considerable
+extent.--Some legislative guards would certainly be very desirable to
+define and punish these offences also.
+
+IX. _Cheats, who have been formerly in the service of Milliners,
+Mantua-Makers, Taylors, and other Traders, who have occasion to send
+to shop-keepers and warehousemen for goods_;--These, after being
+discharged from their service, getting into the company of sharpers
+and thieves, while out of place, teach them how to personate their
+former employers; in whose names they too frequently succeed in
+obtaining considerable quantities of goods before the fraud is
+discovered.
+
+It would certainly be a good rule at no time to deliver goods upon a
+verbal message; and it would be useful if all persons discharging
+servants, would give notice of it to every tradesmen with whom they
+deal.
+
+X. _Cheats who personate Gentlemen's footmen_; These order goods to be
+sent to a genteel lodging, where the associate is waiting, who draws
+upon some banker in a distant part of the town for the money; or, if
+the check is refused, a country bank-note (the gentleman just being
+arrived in town) is offered to be changed, which, although a forgery,
+often succeeds: if this should also fail, this mischievous class of
+people, from habit and close attention to the means of deception, are
+seldom at a loss in finding out some other expedient; and before the
+fraud is discovered, the parties are off; and the master transformed
+into the livery-servant, to practise in his turn the same trick upon
+some other person.
+
+XI. _Cheats who associate systematically together, for the purpose of
+finding out and making a prey of every person from the country, or any
+ignorant person who is supposed to have money, or who has come to
+London for the purpose of selling goods._--It is usual in such cases
+for one of them to assume the character of a young 'Squire, just come
+to his estate; to appear careless and prodigal, and to shew handfuls
+of bank-notes, all of which are false and fabricated for the purpose.
+
+Another personates the guardian of the 'Squire, while a part of the
+associates pretend to sit down to play, and having won money of the
+young spendthrift, who appears extremely ignorant and profuse, the
+stranger's avarice gets the better of his prudence, and he is induced
+at length to try his luck,--the result is that he is soon left without
+a penny.
+
+XII. _Cheats who prowl about in all the streets and lanes of the
+trading part of the Metropolis, where shopmen and boys are carrying
+parcels_: These, by means of various stratagems, find out where the
+parcels are going, and regulating their measures accordingly, seldom
+fail by some trick or other, (such as giving the lad a shilling to run
+and call a coach,) to get hold of the property.--Porters and young men
+from the country should be particularly cautious never to quit any
+property intrusted to their care, until delivered (not at the door)
+but within the house to which it is directed.
+
+XIII. _Cheats who attend Inns, at the time that coaches and waggons
+are loading or unloading._ These by personating _porters_ with aprons
+and knots, or _clerks_ with pens stuck in their wigs or hair, and by
+having recourse to a variety of stratagems, according to the peculiar
+circumstances of the case, aided by their having previously noticed
+the address of several of the parcels, seldom fail of success, in the
+general hurry and confusion which prevails at such places. This proves
+how necessary it is at all times to have one or two intelligent
+officers of justice, who know the faces of thieves, in attendance,
+while goods are receiving and delivering.
+
+XIV. _Cheats who go from door to door collecting money; under pretence
+of soliciting for a charitable establishment_, for the benefit of poor
+children, and other purposes. But the money, instead of being so
+applied, is generally spent in eating and drinking; and the most
+infamous imposition is thus practised upon the charitable and humane,
+who are the dupes of this species of fraud in too many instances.
+
+XV. _Sharpers who are known by the name of Duffers._ These go about
+from house to house, and attend public houses, inns, and fairs,
+pretending to sell smuggled goods, such as India handkerchiefs,
+waistcoat patterns, muslins, &c. By offering their goods for sale,
+they are enabled to discover the proper objects, who may be
+successfully practised upon in various ways; and if they do not
+succeed in promoting some gambling scheme, by which the party is
+plundered of his money, they seldom fail passing forged country bank
+notes, or base silver and copper in the course of their dealings.
+
+XVI. _Female Sharpers who dress elegantly, personate women of fashion,
+attend masquerades, and even go to St. James's._ These, from their
+effrontery, actually get into the circle; where their wits and hands
+are employed in obtaining diamonds, and whatever other articles of
+value, capable of being concealed, are found to be most accessible.
+
+The wife of a well-known sharper, lately upon the town, is said to
+have appeared at Court, dressed in a stile of peculiar elegance: while
+the sharper himself is supposed to have gone in the dress of a
+clergyman.--According to the information of a noted receiver, they
+pilfered to the value of £1700. on the King's birth-day (1795,)
+without discovery or suspicion.
+
+Houses are kept where female Cheats dress and undress for public
+places.--Thirty or forty of these sharpers generally attend all
+masquerades, in different characters, where they seldom fail to get
+clear off with a considerable booty.
+
+XVII. _Among the classes of Cheats may be ranked a species of Female
+Bankers._ These accommodate barrow-women and others, who sell fish,
+fruit, vegetables, &c. in the streets, with five shillings a day; (the
+usual diurnal stock in trade in such cases;) for the use of which, for
+twelve hours, they obtain a premium of _six-pence_, when the money is
+returned in the evening, receiving thereby at this rate, about _seven
+pounds ten shillings a year_ for every five shillings they lend out!
+
+The Author, in the course of his Magisterial duty, having discovered
+this extraordinary species of fraud, attempted to explain to a
+barrow-woman on whom it was practised, that by saving up a single
+_five shillings_, and not laying any part of it out in gin, but
+keeping the whole, she would save £7. 10_s._ a year, which seemed to
+astonish her, and to stagger her belief.--It is to be feared, however,
+that it had no effect upon her future conduct, since it is evident
+that this improvident and dissolute class of females have no other
+idea than that of making the day and the way alike long.--Their
+profits (which are often considerably augmented by dealing in base
+money, as well as fruit, vegetables, &c.) seldom last over the day,
+for they never fail to have a luxurious dinner and a hot supper, with
+abundance of gin and porter:--looking in general no farther than to
+keep whole the original stock, with the _six-pence_ interest, which is
+paid over to the female banker in the evening; and a new loan obtained
+on the following morning, of the same number of shillings again to go
+to market.
+
+In contemplating this curious system of Banking, (trifling as it seems
+to be) it is impossible not to be forcibly struck with the immense
+profits that arise from it. It is only necessary for one of these
+female sharpers to possess a capital of _seventy shillings_, or three
+pounds ten shillings, with fourteen steady and regular customers, in
+order to realize an income of ONE HUNDRED GUINEAS a year!
+
+XVIII. _Cheats who pretend to tell fortunes._ These impose on the
+credulity of the public, by advertisements and cards; pretending a
+power, from their knowledge of astrology, to foretell future events,
+to discover stolen property, lucky numbers in the Lottery, &c.
+
+The extent to which this mischief goes in the Metropolis is almost
+beyond belief; particularly during the drawing of the Lottery.--The
+folly and phrenzy which prevail in vulgar life, lead ignorant and
+deluded people into the snare of adding to the misfortunes which the
+Lottery occasions, by additional advances of money (obtained generally
+by pawning goods or apparel) paid to pretended astrologers for
+suggesting _lucky numbers_, upon which they are advised to make
+insurances; and under the influence of this unaccountable delusion,
+they are too often induced to increase their risks, and ruin their
+families.
+
+One of these impostors who lived long in the Curtain-Road, Shoreditch,
+is said, in conjunction with his associates, to have made near £300. a
+year by practising upon the credulity of the lower orders of the
+people.--He stiled himself (in his circulating cards) an _Astronomer
+and Astrologer_; and stated, _That he gave advice to Gentlemen and
+Ladies on business, trade, contracts, removals, journies by land or
+water, marriages, children, law-suits, absent friends, &c._ And
+further, that _he calculated nativities accurately_,--His fee was
+half-a-crown.
+
+An instance of mischievous credulity, occasioned by consulting this
+impostor, once fell under the review of the Author. A person having
+property stolen from him, went to consult the conjuror respecting the
+thief; who having described something like the person of a man whom he
+suspected, his credulity and folly so far got the better of his reason
+and reflection, as to induce him upon the authority of this impostor
+_actually to charge his neighbour with a felony_, and to cause him to
+be apprehended. The Magistrate settled the matter by discharging the
+prisoner; reprimanding the accuser severely, and ordering the conjuror
+to be taken into custody, according to law, _as a Rogue and Vagabond_.
+
+But the delusion with regard to Fortune-tellers is not confined to
+vulgar life, since it is known, that ladies of rank, fashion, and
+fortune, contribute to the encouragement of this fraudulent profession
+in particular, by their visits to a pretended Astrologer of their own
+sex in the neighbourhood of Tottenham-Court Road: This woman, to the
+disgrace of her votaries, whose education ought to have taught them
+the folly and weakness of countenancing such gross impositions, found
+the practice of it extremely productive.[33]
+
+[Footnote 33: The encouragement which this impostor received from the
+weaker part of the females of rank and fortune in the Metropolis,
+raised up others; who had the effrontery to insult the understanding
+of the Public, by advertising in the News-papers.]
+
+The act of the 9th George the Second, _cap._ 5, _punishes all persons
+pretending skill in any crafty science; or telling fortunes, or where
+stolen goods may be found; with a year's imprisonment, and standing
+four times in the pillory_ (once every quarter) _during the term of
+such imprisonment. The act called the Vagrant Act, made the 17th year
+of the same reign, (cap. 5,) declares such persons to be rogues and
+vagabonds, and liable to be punished as such._
+
+It is sincerely to be hoped that those at least who are convinced from
+having suffered by the gross imposition practised upon the credulity
+of the people by these pests of Society, will enable the civil
+Magistrate, by proper informations, to suppress so great an evil.
+
+Innumerable almost are the other tricks and devices which are resorted
+to by the horde of Cheats, Swindlers, and Sharpers, who infest the
+Metropolis.
+
+The great increase of commerce, and the confidence resulting from an
+intercourse so wide and extended, frequently lays men of property and
+tradesmen open to a variety of frauds; credit is obtained by
+subterfuges and devices contrary to the plain rules of common honesty,
+against which, however, there is no remedy but by an action of common
+law.
+
+If it were possible to look accurately at the different evils arising
+from fraudulent and swindling practices, so as to frame a statute that
+would generally reach all the cases that occur, whenever the barrier
+of common honesty is broken down, it would certainly be productive of
+infinite benefit to the community; for, in spite of the laudable
+exertions of the Society established for prosecuting swindlers, it is
+to be lamented that the evil has not diminished. On the contrary, it
+has certainly encreased, and must continue to do so, until the
+Legislature, by applicable Laws and an improved System of Police,
+either directly or collaterally attaching to these offences, shall
+find the means of suppressing them.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. VI.
+
+     _The great anxiety of the Legislature to suppress the evils
+     of Gaming:--The Misery and Wretchedness entailed on many
+     respectable Families from this fatal propensity:--Often
+     arising from the foolish vanity of mixing in what is stiled,
+     Genteel Company; where Faro is introduced.--Games of Chance,
+     though stigmatized by the Legislature, encouraged by
+     high-sounding names, whose houses are opened for purposes
+     odious and unlawful:--The Civil Magistrate called upon by
+     his public duty, as well as by the feelings of humanity, to
+     suppress such mischiefs.--The danger arising from such
+     seminaries--No probability of any considerations of their
+     illegality, or inhumanity, operating as a check, without the
+     efforts of the Magistracy.--The evil tendency of such
+     examples to servants in fashionable Families, who carry
+     these vices into vulgar life; and many of whom, as well as
+     persons of superior education, become Sharpers, Cheats, and
+     Swindlers, from the habits they acquire.--A particular
+     Statement of the proceedings of persons who have set up
+     Gaming Houses as regular Partnership-Concerns; and of the
+     Evils resulting therefrom.--Of Lottery Insurers of the
+     Higher Class.--Of Lottery Offices opened for
+     Insurance--Proposed Remedies.--Three Plans suggested to the
+     Author by Correspondents._
+
+
+Gaming is the source from which has sprung up all that race of cheats,
+swindlers, and sharpers, some of whose nefarious practices have
+already been noticed, and the remainder of which it is the object of
+the Author to develope in this chapter.
+
+Such has been the anxiety of the Legislature to suppress this evil,
+that so early as the reign of Queen Anne, this abandoned and
+mischievous race of men seems to have attracted its notice in a very
+particular degree; for the act of the 9th year of that reign (cap. 14.
+§§ 6, 7,) after reciting, "_that divers lewd and dissolute persons
+live at great expences, having no visible estate, profession, or
+calling, to maintain themselves; but support these expences by Gaming
+only_; Enacts, _that any two Justices may cause to be brought before
+them, all persons within their limits whom they shall have just cause
+to suspect to have no visible estate, profession, or calling, to
+maintain themselves by; but do for the most part support themselves by
+Gaming; and if such persons shall not make it appear to such Justices
+that the principal part of their expences is not maintained by gaming,
+they are to be bound to their good behaviour for a twelve-month; and
+in default of sufficient security, to be committed to prison, until
+they can find the same; and if security shall be given, it will be
+forfeited on their playing or betting at any one time, for more than
+the value of twenty shillings_."
+
+If, in conformity to the _spirit_ of this wise statute, sharpers of
+every denomination, who support themselves by a variety of cheating
+and swindling practices, without having any visible means of living,
+were in like manner to be called upon to find security for their good
+behaviour, in all cases where they cannot shew they have the means of
+subsisting themselves honestly, the number of these Pests of Society,
+under a general Police and an active and zealous Magistracy, would
+soon be diminished, if not totally annihilated.
+
+By the 12th of George the Second, (cap. 28. § 2, 3,) "_the Games of
+Faro, Hazard, &c. are declared to be Lotteries, subjecting the persons
+who keep them to a penalty of two hundred pounds, and those who play
+to fifty pounds_."--_One_ witness only is necessary to prove the
+offence before any Justice of the Peace; _and the Justice forfeits ten
+pounds if he neglects to do his duty under the Act_:--and under this
+Act, which is connected with the statute 8th of George I. cap. 2, it
+seems that "_the keeper of a Faro Table may be prosecuted even for a
+penalty of five hundred pounds_."
+
+Notwithstanding these salutary laws, to the reproach of the Police of
+the Metropolis, houses have been opened, even under the sanction of
+high-sounding names, where an indiscriminate mixture of all ranks was
+to be found, from the _finished sharper_ to the _raw inexperienced
+youth_. And where all those evils existed in full force, which it was
+the object of the Legislature to remove.
+
+Though it is hoped that this iniquitous System of plunder, has of late
+been somewhat restrained by the wholesome administration of the Laws,
+under the excellent Chief Justice who presides in the High Criminal
+Department of the Country, in consequence of the detection of
+Criminals, through the meritorious vigilance and attention of the
+Magistrates; to which the Author of this work, by bringing the evil so
+prominently under the view of the Public, may flatter himself in
+having been in some small degree instrumental: Still it is much to be
+feared, that the time is not yet arrived which would induce him to
+withhold the following narrative.
+
+GAMING, although at all times an object highly deserving attention,
+and calling for the exertions of Magistrates, never appeared either to
+have assumed so alarming an aspect, or to have been conducted upon the
+methodized system of _Partnership-Concerns_, wherein pecuniary
+capitals were embarked, till about the years 1777 and 1778, when the
+vast licence which was given to those abominable engines of fraud, EO
+Tables, and the great length of time which elapsed before a check was
+given to them by the Police, afforded a number of dissolute and
+abandoned characters, who resorted to these baneful subterfuges for
+support, an opportunity of acquiring property: This was afterwards
+increased in low Gaming Houses, and by following up the same system at
+Newmarket, and other places of fashionable resort, and in the Lottery;
+until at length, without any property at the outset, or any visible
+means of lawful support, a sum of money, little short of _One Million
+Sterling_, is said to have been acquired by a class of individuals
+originally (with some few exceptions) of the lowest and most depraved
+order of Society. This enormous mass of wealth (acquired no doubt by
+entailing misery on many worthy and respectable Families, and driving
+the unhappy victims to acts of desperation and suicide,) is said to
+have been afterwards engaged as a great and an efficient capital for
+carrying on various illegal Establishments; particularly
+Gaming-Houses, and Shops for fraudulent Insurances in the Lottery;
+together with such objects of dissipation as the Races at Newmarket
+and other places of _fashionable_ resort, held out: all which were
+employed as the means of increasing and improving the ill-gotten
+wealth of the parties engaged in these nefarious pursuits.
+
+A System, grown to such an enormous height, had, of course, its rise
+by progressive advances. Several of those who now roll in their gaudy
+carriages, and associate with some men of high rank and fashion, may
+be found upon the Registers of the Old Bailey; or traced to the
+vagrant pursuit of turning, with their own hands, EO Tables in the
+open streets; These mischievous Members of Society, through the wealth
+obtained by a course of procedure diametrically opposite to Law, are,
+by a strange perversion, sheltered from the operation of that Justice,
+which every act of their lives has offended: they bask in the
+sun-shine of prosperity; while thousands, who owe their distress and
+ruin to the horrid designs thus _executed_, _invigorated_ and
+_extended_, are pining in misery and want.
+
+Certain it is, that the mischiefs arising from the rapid increase,
+and from the vast extent of capital employed in these Systems of ruin
+and depravity, have become great and alarming beyond calculation; as
+will be evinced by developing the nature of the very dangerous
+Confederacy which systematically moves and directs this vast Machine
+of destruction--composed in general of men who have been reared and
+educated under the influence of every species of depravity which can
+debase the human character.
+
+Wherever Interest or resentment suggests to their minds a line of
+conduct calculated to gratify any base or illegal propensity; it is
+immediately indulged. Some are taken into this iniquitous Partnership
+for their dexterity in securing the dice; or in dealing cards at
+Faro.--Informers are apprehended and imprisoned upon writs, obtained,
+by perjury, to deter others from similar attacks. Witnesses are
+suborned--officers of justice are bribed, wherever it can be done, by
+large sums of money[34]--ruffians and bludgeon-men are employed to
+resist the Civil Power, where pecuniary gratuities fail--and houses
+are barricadoed and guarded by armed men: thereby offering defiance to
+the common exertions of the Laws, and opposing the regular authority
+of Magistrates.
+
+[Footnote 34: An Affidavit, made not very long since in one of the
+superior Courts of Justice, illustrates this observation in a very
+striking degree. It is in these words--"That it is almost impossible
+to convict persons keeping Gaming-Houses before the Magistrates, by
+reason of the enormous wealth generally applied to the corruption of
+unwilling evidence brought forward to support the charge--That on an
+information exhibited against one of the Partners of a Gaming-House,
+he got himself discharged by deterring some of the witnesses from
+appearing, and by the perjury of another partner who was examined as a
+witness, and for which he then stood indicted--That divers of these
+Gaming-Houses were kept by practising attornies, who, by threatening
+indictments for pretended Conspiracies, and other infamous means, have
+deterred persons from prosecuting them."]
+
+It is impossible to contemplate a Confederacy thus circumstanced, so
+powerful from its immense pecuniary resources, and so mischievous and
+oppressive from the depravity which directs these resources, without
+feeling an anxiety to see the strong arm of the Law still further and
+unremittingly exerted for the purpose of effectually destroying it.
+
+Whilst one part of the immense property by which this confederacy was
+so strongly fortified was employed in the establishment of
+_Gaming-Houses_, holding out the most fascinating allurements to giddy
+young _men of fortune_, and others, having access to money, by means
+of splendid entertainments,[35] and regular suppers, with abundance of
+the choicest wines, so as to form a genteel lounge for the dissipated
+and unwary; another part of the capital was said to form the stock
+which composes the various Faro-Banks which were to be found at the
+routes of _Ladies of Fashion_: Thus drawing into this vortex of
+iniquity and ruin, not only the _males_, but also the _females_ of the
+thoughtless and opulent part of Society; who too easily became a prey
+to that idle vanity which frequently overpowers reason and reflection;
+and the delusion of which is seldom terminated till it is too late.
+
+[Footnote 35: The expence of entertainments at a Gaming-House of the
+highest class, during eight months, has been said to exceed _Six
+Thousand Guineas_! What must the profits be to afford such a
+profusion?]
+
+Evil example, when thus sanctioned by apparent respectability, and by
+the dazzling blandishment of rank and fashion, is so intoxicating to
+those who have either suddenly acquired riches, or who are young and
+inexperienced, that it almost ceases to be a matter of wonder that the
+fatal propensity to Gaming should become universal; extending itself
+over all ranks in Society in a degree scarcely to be credited, but by
+those who will attentively investigate the subject.
+
+At the commencement of the troubles in France, and before this Country
+was visited by the hordes of Emigrants of all descriptions, who fixed
+a temporary or permanent residence in this Metropolis, the number of
+Gaming-Houses (exclusive of those that are select, and have long been
+established by Subscription,) did not exceed above _four_ or _five_:
+In the year 1797, not less than _thirty_ were said to be actually
+open; where, besides _Faro_ and _Hazard_, the foreign games of
+_Roulet_, and _Rouge et Noir_, were introduced, and where there
+existed a regular gradation of establishment, accommodating to all
+ranks; from the man of fashion, down to the thief, the burglar, and
+the pick-pocket--where immense sums of money were played for every
+evening, for eight months in the year.[36]
+
+[Footnote 36: The latter part of the Affidavit, already mentioned,
+also illustrates these assertions, and proves that they are but too
+well founded: It states--"That Gaming-Houses have increased to such a
+degree, that there were lately not less than six in one street near
+the Hay-Market, at all which persons stood at the door to entice
+passengers to play--That the generality of persons keeping these
+houses are _prize-fighters_, and persons of a desperate description,
+who threaten assassination to any person who will molest them."]
+
+In a commercial Country, and in a great Metropolis, where from the
+vast extent of its trade and manufactures, and from the periodical
+issue of above Twenty Millions annually, arising from dividends on
+funded security, there must be an immense circulation of property, the
+danger is not to be conceived, from the allurements which are thus
+held out to young men in business, having the command of money, as
+well as to the clerks of merchants, bankers, and others concerned in
+different branches of trade: In fact, it is well known, that too many
+of this class resort at present to these destructive scenes of vice,
+idleness, and misfortune.[37]
+
+[Footnote 37: The same Affidavit further states--"That the principal
+Gaming Houses at the West end of the Town have stated days on which
+they have luxurious dinners, (Sunday being the chief day,) to which
+they contrive to get invited merchants' and bankers' clerks, and other
+persons intrusted with money; and that it has been calculated, (and
+the calculation was believed not to be over-rated,) that the expences
+attendant on such houses, amounted to £.150,000 yearly, and that the
+keepers of such houses, by means of their enormous wealth, bid
+defiance to all prosecutions, some of them having acquired from 50 to
+£.100,000 each; considerable estates have been frequently won by them
+in the course of one sitting."]
+
+The mind shrinks with horror at the existence of a System in the
+Metropolis, unknown to our ancestors, even in the worst periods of
+their dissipation; when a _Ward_, a _Waters_, and a _Chartres_,
+insulted public morals by their vices and their crimes: for then no
+regular Establishments--no systematic concerns for carrying on this
+nefarious trade, were known.--No Partnerships in Gaming-Houses, were
+conducted with the regularity of Commercial Houses.
+
+But these Partnerships have not been confined to Gaming-Houses alone.
+A considerable proportion of the immense capital which the conductors
+of the System possess, is employed periodically in the _two
+Lotteries_, in _Fraudulent Insurances_, where, like the Faro Bank, the
+chances are so calculated as to yield about 30 per cent. profit to the
+Gambling proprietors; and from the extent to which these transactions
+have been, and we fear still are carried, no doubt can be entertained
+that the annual gains must be immense.--It has, indeed, been stated,
+with an appearance of truth, that a single individual acquired no less
+than £.60,000 during one English Lottery!
+
+Although it is impossible to be perfectly accurate in any estimate
+which can be formed; for in this, as in all other cases where
+calculations are introduced in this Work, accuracy to a point is not
+to be expected; yet when all circumstances are considered, there
+appear just grounds to suppose that the following Statement, placing
+the whole in one connected point of view, may convey to the Reader no
+very imperfect idea of the vast and unparalleled extent to which this
+horrid mischief had arrived; and to which, if not closely watched, it
+may yet rise once more.
+
+
+GAMING.
+
+                                      Persons    Money     Yearly
+                                      attached.  played    aggregate
+                                                 for       lost and
+                                                 nightly.  won.
+                                                 £.        £.
+  1. 7 Subscription Houses
+     open one-third of the
+     Year, or 100 nights    _suppose_ 1000       2000      1,400,000
+
+  2. 15 Houses of a
+     superior class
+     one-third of the Year,
+     or 100 nights            ----    3000       2000      3,000,000
+
+  3. 15 Houses of an
+     inferior class one-half
+     of the Year, or 150
+     Nights                   ----    3000       1000      2,225,000
+
+  4. 6 Ladies' Gaming Houses
+                   50 Nights  ----    1000       2000        600,000
+                                                           ---------
+                                                           7,215,000
+
+
+FRAUDULENT INSURANCES IN THE LOTTERY.
+
+  350 Insurance Offices at 100_l._
+  a day average, during the 33 days
+  of the Irish Lottery                   1,155,000
+
+  400 Insurance Offices at 150_l._
+  a day average, during the 33
+  days[38] of the English Lottery        1,980,000
+                                         ---------
+                                                     3,135,000
+                                                    ----------
+                                            Total   10,460,000
+                                                    ----------
+
+[Footnote 38: The longer the Lottery continues, the greater the evil.
+A Lottery of 60,000 Tickets is therefore a much greater evil than one
+of 50,000: and that in a ratio more than proportionate to the numbers
+in each.]
+
+This aggregate is only to be considered as shewing the mere
+interchange of property from one hand to another; yet when it is
+recollected that the operation must progressively produce a certain
+loss, with not many exceptions, to all the innocent and unsuspecting
+adventurers either at Pharo or the Lottery, with an almost uniform
+gain to the proprietors; the result is shocking to reflect upon.--To
+individual families in easy circumstances where this unfortunate mania
+prevails, as well as to the mass of the people who are fascinated by
+the delusion of the Lottery Insurances, it is the worst of all
+misfortunes.--By seizing every opportunity to take advantage of this
+unhappy bias, it is no uncommon thing to see the pennyless miscreant
+of to-day become the opulent gambler of to-morrow: leaving the unhappy
+sufferers often no alternative but exile, beggary, or a prison; or
+perhaps, rendered desperate by reflecting on the folly of their
+conduct, to end their days by suicide,[39] while wives, children, and
+dependants are suddenly reduced from affluence to the lowest abyss of
+misery.
+
+[Footnote 39: The Gambling and Lottery transactions of one individual
+in this great Metropolis, are said to be productive of from ten to
+fifteen suicides annually.]
+
+In contemplating these vast establishments of regular and systematic
+fraud and depredation upon the Public, in all the hideous forms which
+they assume, nothing is so much to be lamented as the unconquerable
+spirit which draws such a multitude of the lower ranks of Society into
+the vortex of the Lottery.
+
+The agents in this iniquitous System, availing themselves of the
+existence of the delusion, spare no pains to keep it alive; so that
+the evil extends far and wide, and the mischiefs, distresses, and
+calamities resulting from it, were it possible to detail them, would
+form a catalogue of sufferings of which the opulent and luxurious have
+no conception.
+
+Of how much importance therefore is it to the Public at large, to see
+these evils suppressed; and above all, to have this novel System
+completely annihilated, by which Gambling Establishments have been
+formed upon commercial principles of methodical arrangements, with
+vast capitals employed for the most infamous and diabolical purposes.
+
+Let those who have acquired wealth in this way be satisfied with what
+they have gotten, and with the misery their gains have occasioned to
+ruined thousands: let them abstain from employing it in channels
+calculated to extend these evils. The Law is generally slow in its
+operations: but it seldom fails to overtake the guilty at last.
+
+To this Confederacy, powerful in wealth, and unrestrained by those
+considerations of moral rectitude, which govern the conduct of other
+men engaged in the common pursuits of life, is to be attributed those
+vast additional hazards to which the young and inexperienced have been
+subjected--Hazards, which not only did not exist before these
+establishments were matured and moulded into System; but which were
+considerably increased, from its becoming a part of the general
+arrangements to employ men of genteel exterior, (and it is to be
+feared too, in many instances of good connections) who, having been
+ruined by the delusion, descended as a means of subsistence, to
+accept the degrading office of seeking out those customers, whose
+access to money rendered them proper objects to be ensnared.--For such
+was the nature of this new System of destruction, that while a young
+man entering upon life, conceived himself honoured by the friendship
+and acquaintance of those who were considered to be men of fashion,
+and of good connections, he was deluded by splendid entertainments
+into the snare, which afterwards robbed him of his property and peace
+of mind.
+
+Such were the arrangements of this alarming and mischievous
+Confederacy, for the purpose of plundering the thoughtless and
+unwary.--The evidence given in the Court of King's Bench, in an
+action, tried for Gaming, on the 29th November, 1796, served pretty
+fully to develope the shocking System of fraud pursued, after the
+inexperienced and unwary were entrapped into these receptacles of ruin
+and destruction.[40]
+
+[Footnote 40: The following is the substance of the most striking
+parts of the Evidence of John Shepherd, in the action alluded to.
+
+"The witness saw Hazard played at the Gaming-House of the defendant,
+in Leicester-street.--Every person who was three times successful,
+paid the defendant a Silver Medal, which he purchased from him on
+entering the house, at eight for a guinea, and he received six or
+seven of these in the course of an hour for the Box Hands, as it was
+called. The people who frequented this house always played for a
+considerable sum. Sometimes £.20 or £.30 depended on a single throw of
+the Dice. The witness remembered being once at the defendant's
+Gaming-House about three or four o'clock in the morning, when a
+gentleman came in very much in liquor.--He seemed to have a great deal
+of money about him.--The defendant said he had not intended to play,
+but now he would set to with this fellow.--He then scraped a little
+wax with his finger off one of the candles and put the Dice together,
+so that they came seven every way. After doing this, he dropped them
+into the box and threw them out, and afterwards drew all the money
+away, saying he had won it.--_Seven_ was the main, and he could not
+throw any thing but _seven_. The young gentleman said he had not given
+him time to _bar_.--A dispute arose between the defendant and him. It
+was referred to two or three persons who were round the table, and
+they gave it in favour of the defendant. The gentleman said he had
+lost upwards of £.70. The defendant said, _we have cleared him_. The
+witness has seen a man pawn his watch and ring in several instances;
+and once he saw a man pawn his coat and go away without it.
+
+"After the Gaming Table was broken by the Bow-street Officers, the
+defendant said it was too good a thing to be given up, and instantly
+got another Table, large enough for twenty or thirty people. The
+frequenters of this house used to play till day-light: and on one or
+two occasions, they played all the next day. This is what the
+defendant called, _sticking to it rarely_. The guests were furnished
+with wine and suppers gratis, from the funds of the partnership, in
+abundance. Sunday was a grand day. The witness has seen more than
+forty people there at a time. The table not being sufficient for the
+whole, half-a-crown used on such occasions to be given for a seat, and
+those behind looked over the back of the others and betted."
+
+The person above-mentioned (whose name was Smith) who pawned his coat,
+corroborated the above evidence; and added, that he had seen a person
+after he had lost all his money, throw off his coat and go away,
+losing it also.]
+
+While a vice, ruinous to the morals and to the fortunes of the younger
+part of the Community who move in the middle and higher ranks of life
+is suffered to be pursued in direct opposition to _positive
+statutes_,--surely, blame must attach somewhere!
+
+The idle vanity of being introduced into what is generally, but
+erroneously, termed genteel society, where a fashionable name
+announces an intention of seeing company, has been productive of more
+_domestic misery_ and more _real distress_, _poverty_, and
+_wretchedness_ to _families_ in this great City (who but for their
+folly might have been easy and comfortable,) than many volumes could
+detail.
+
+A mistaken sense of what constitutes human happiness, fatally leads
+the mass of the People who have the means of moving in any degree
+above the middle ranks of life, into circles where Faro Tables and
+other games at hazard are introduced in private families:--Where the
+least recommendation (and Sharpers spare no pains to obtain
+recommendations) is a passport to all who can exhibit a genteel
+exterior; and where the young and the inexperienced are initiated in
+every propensity tending to debase human character; while they are
+taught to view with contempt every acquirement, connected with the
+duties which lead to domestic happiness, or to those qualifications
+which can render either sex respectable in the world.
+
+When such infamous practices are encouraged and sanctioned by
+high-sounding names,--when sharpers and black-legs find an easy
+introduction into the houses of persons of fashion, who assemble in
+multitudes together, for the purpose of playing at those most odious
+and detestable games of hazard, which the Legislature has stigmatised
+with such marks of reprobation, it is time for the Civil Magistrate
+to step forward:--It is time for him to feel, that, in doing that duty
+which the Laws of his Country impose on him, he is perhaps saving
+hundreds of families from ruin and destruction; and preserving to the
+infants of thoughtless and deluded parents that property which is
+their birth-right: but which, for want of an energetic Police in
+enforcing the Laws made for their protection, is now too frequently
+squandered; and the mind is tortured with the sad reflection, that
+with the loss of fortune, all opportunities (in consequence of idle
+habits) are also lost, of fitting the unfortunate sufferer for any
+reputable pursuit in life, by which an honest livelihood could be
+obtained.
+
+In this situation, the transition from the plain gamester to the
+fraudulent one, and from that to every other species of criminality,
+is easily conceived: and it is by no means an unfair conclusion, that
+this has been the fate of not a few who have been early introduced
+into these haunts of idleness and vice; and who, but for such an
+education, might have become useful members of the State.
+
+The accumulated evils, arising from this source, are said to have been
+suffered to continue, from a prevailing idea, that Persons of Rank and
+their immediate associates were beyond the reach of being controlled,
+by laws made for the mass of the People; and that nothing but capital
+offences could attach to persons of this condition in life.
+
+If these evils were, in fact, merely confined to Persons of rank and
+fortune, and did not extend beyond that barrier where no general
+injury could accrue to Society, there might be a shadow of excuse (and
+it would be but a shadow) for not hazarding an attack upon the
+amusements of the Great, where the energy of the Laws to controul
+their oeconomy may be doubtful: but surely in the present case,
+where the mischief spreads _broad_ and _wide_, no good Magistrate can
+or ought to be afraid to do his duty, because persons in high life may
+dare to sanction and promote offences of a nature the most mischievous
+to Society at large, as well as to the peace, comfort, and happiness
+of families.
+
+If the exertions of the Magistracy are to be suspended until the
+Higher Ranks see the frivolity, the shameful profligacy and the horrid
+waste of useful time, as well as the cruel destruction of decent and
+respectable families in that point of view which will operate as an
+antidote to the evil, it is much to be feared that it must, under such
+circumstances, become incurable.
+
+But there are other inducements, more nearly allied to the occurrences
+in humble life, which render it in a particular degree incumbent on
+Magistrates to make trial, at least, whether there is not sufficient
+energy in the law to control the hurtful vices of the higher, as well
+as the middling, and inferior ranks of the People: The examples of the
+great and opulent, operate most powerfully among the tribe of _menial
+servants_ they employ; and these carry with them into the lower ranks
+that spirit of gambling and dissipation which they have practised in
+the course of their servitude; thus producing consequences of a most
+alarming nature to the general interests of the Community. To the
+contagion of such examples, is owing in a great measure the number of
+persons attached to pursuits of this kind, who become the Swindlers,
+Sharpers, and Cheats, of an inferior class, described in the preceding
+Chapter: and from the same source spring up those Pests of Society,
+_The Lottery Insurers_, whose iniquitous proceedings we shall in the
+next place lay before the Reader.
+
+These, with some exceptions, are composed of persons, in general very
+depraved or distressed: the depredations committed on the Public by
+their means are so ruinous and extensive as to require a consideration
+peculiarly minute: in order to guard the ignorant and unwary, as much
+as possible, against the fatal effects of that fraud and delusion,
+which, if not soon checked, bid fair to destroy all remains of honesty
+and discretion.--These Classes consist of
+
+_Sharpers, who take Lottery Insurances_, by which means gambling,
+among the higher and middling ranks, is carried on, to an extent which
+exceeds all credibility; producing consequences to many private
+families, otherwise of great worth and respectability, of the most
+distressing nature; and implicating in this misery, the innocent and
+amiable branches of such families, whose sufferings, arising from this
+source, while they claim the tear of pity, would require many volumes
+to recount; but silence and shame throw a veil over the calamity: and,
+cherished by the hopes of retrieving former losses, or acquiring
+property, in an easy way, the evil goes on, and seems even yet to
+increase, in spite of every guard which the Legislature has repeatedly
+endeavoured to establish.
+
+With a very few exceptions all who are or have been proprietors of the
+Gambling Houses are also concerned in the fraudulent Insurance
+Offices; and have a number of Clerks employed during the drawing of
+the two Lotteries, who conduct the business without risk in
+counting-houses, where no insurances are taken, but to which books are
+carried, not only from all the different Offices in every part of the
+town, but also from the Morocco-Men; so called, from their going from
+door to door with a book covered with red leather for the purpose of
+taking insurances, and enticing the poor and the middle ranks to
+become adventurers.
+
+_Several of the Keepers of Insurance Offices, during the interval of
+the drawing of the English and Irish Lotteries_ have invented and set
+up private Lotteries, or Wheels, called by the nick-name of _Little
+Go's_, containing Blanks and Prizes, which are drawn for the purpose
+of establishing _a ground for Insurance_; the fever in the minds of
+the lower order of the people is thus kept up, in some measure, all
+the year round, and produces incalculable mischiefs; and hence the
+spirit of gambling becomes so rooted from habit, that no domestic
+distress, no consideration, arising either with the frauds that are
+practised, or the number of chances that are against them, will
+operate as a check upon their minds.
+
+In spite of the high price of provisions, and of the care and
+attention of the Legislature in establishing severe checks and
+punishments for the purpose of preventing the evil of Lottery
+Insurances, these criminal agents feel no want of customers; their
+houses and offices are not only extremely numerous all over the
+Metropolis; but in general _high-rented_; exhibiting the appearance of
+considerable expence, and barricadoed in such a manner, with iron
+doors and other contrivances, as in many instances to defy the arm of
+the Law to reach them.
+
+In tracing all the circumstances connected with this interesting
+subject, with a view to the discovery of the cause of the great
+encouragement which these Lottery Insurers receive, it appears that a
+considerable proportion of their emolument is derived from _menial
+servants_ in general, all over the Metropolis; but particularly from
+the pampered male and female domestics in the houses of men of fashion
+and fortune; who are said, almost without a single exception, to be in
+the constant habit of insuring in the English and Irish Lotteries.
+
+This class of _menials_, being in many instances cloathed as well as
+fed by their masters, have not the same calls upon them as labourers
+and mechanics, who must appropriate at least a part of their earnings
+to the purpose of obtaining both food and raiment.
+
+With a spirit of gambling, rendered more ardent than prevails in
+vulgar life, from the example of their superiors, and from their idle
+and dissipated habits, these servants enter keenly into the Lottery
+business; and when ill luck attends them, it is but too well known
+that many are led, step by step, to that point where they lose sight
+of all moral principle; impelled by a desire to recover what they have
+lost, they are induced to raise money for that purpose, by selling or
+pawning the property of their masters, wherever it can be pilfered in
+a little way, without detection; till at length this species of
+peculation, by being rendered familiar to their minds, generally
+terminates in more atrocious crimes.
+
+Upon a supposition that one hundred thousand families in the
+Metropolis keep two servants upon an average, and that one servant
+with another insures only to the extent of twenty-five shillings each,
+in the English, and the same in the Irish Lottery, the aggregate of
+the whole will amount to HALF A MILLION STERLING.
+
+Astonishing as this may appear at first view, it is believed that
+those who will minutely examine into the Lottery transactions of their
+servants, will find the calculation by no means exaggerated; and when
+to this are added the sums drawn from persons in the middle ranks of
+life, as well as from the numerous classes of labourers and artisans
+who have caught the mania; it ceases to be a matter of wonder, that so
+many Sharpers, Swindlers, and Cheats, find encouragement in this
+particular department.
+
+If servants in general, who are under the control of masters, were
+prevented from following this abominable species of gambling; and if
+other expedients were adopted, which will be hereafter detailed, a
+large proportion of the present race of rogues and vagabonds who
+follow this infamous trade, would be compelled to become honest; and
+the poor would be shielded from the delusion which impels them to
+resort to this deceitful and fraudulent expedient; at the expence
+sometimes of pledging every article of household goods, as well as the
+last rag of their own, and their children's wearing apparel, not
+leaving even a single change of raiment!
+
+This view of a very prominent and alarming evil, known to exist from a
+variety of facts well established and evinced, among others, by the
+pawnbrokers' shops overflowing with the goods of the labouring poor,
+during the drawing of the three Lotteries, ought to create a strong
+desire on the part of all masters of families, to exert their utmost
+endeavours to check this destructive propensity; and to prevent, as
+far as possible, those distresses and mischiefs which every person of
+humanity must deplore. The misery and loss of property which springs
+from this delusive source of iniquity, is certainly very far beyond
+any idea that can be formed of it by the common observer.[41]
+
+[Footnote 41: In consequence of a very accurate inquiry which has been
+made, and of information derived from different sources, it appears
+that fraudulent Lottery Insurances have not diminished. The Offices
+are numerous all over the Metropolis, and are supposed to exceed four
+hundred of all descriptions; to many of which there are persons
+attached, called _Morocco Men_, who go about from house to house among
+their former customers, and attend in the back parlours of Public
+Houses, where they are met by customers who make insurances. It is
+calculated that at these offices (exclusive of what is done at the
+_licensed_ offices) premiums for insurance are received to the amount
+of _eight hundred thousand pounds_, during the Irish Lottery, and
+above _one million_ during the English; upon which it is calculated
+that they make from 15 to 25 per cent. profit.--This infamous
+confederacy was estimated, during the English Lottery of the year
+1796, to support about 2000 agents and clerks, and nearly 7500 Morocco
+Men, including a considerable number of hired _armed Ruffians_ and
+_Bludgeon Men_: these were paid by a general association of the
+Principal Proprietors of these fraudulent Establishments; who
+regularly met in Committee, in a well-known public house in Oxford
+Market, twice or thrice a week, during the drawing of the Lottery; for
+the purpose of concerting measures to defeat the exertions of the
+Magistrates, by alarming and terrifying, and even forcibly resisting,
+the Officers of Justice in all instances where they could not be
+bribed by pecuniary gratuities;--to effect which last purpose, neither
+money nor pains were spared; and the wretched agents of these
+unprincipled miscreants were, in many cases, prepared to commit
+murder, had attempts been made to execute the Warrants of Magistrates;
+as can be proved by incontestable evidence. It is greatly to be feared
+that too much success attended these corrupt and fraudulent
+proceedings, in violation and defiance of the Laws of the Kingdom.]
+
+A general Association, or perhaps an act of Parliament, establishing
+proper regulations, applicable to this and other objects, with regard
+to menial servants, would be of great utility.
+
+If a Legislative regulation could also be established, extending
+certain restrictions to the members of the different _Friendly
+Societies_ situated within the Bills of Mortality, with regard to
+Fraudulent Lottery Insurances, above _seventy thousand families_ would
+be relieved from the consequences of this insinuating evil; which has
+been so fatal to the happiness and comfort of a vast number of
+tradesmen and artisans, as well as inferior classes of labourers.[42]
+
+[Footnote 42: The regulation proposed, is this--that every member
+belonging to a Friendly Society, should be _excluded_ or _expelled_,
+and deprived of all future benefits from the funds of that Society, on
+proof of his having insured in any Lottery whatsoever, contrary to
+law;--and that this rule should be general, wherever the Acts of
+Parliament, relative to Friendly Societies, have taken effect.]
+
+Such prohibitions and restraints would have a wonderful effect in
+lessening the profits of the Lottery-Office Keepers; which, perhaps,
+is the very best mode of suppressing the evil.--At present, the
+temptation to follow these fraudulent practices is so great, from the
+productive nature of the business, that unless some new expedient be
+resorted to, no well-grounded hope can be entertained of lessening the
+evil in any material degree.
+
+In addition, therefore, to what has already been suggested on the
+subject, other expedients have occurred to the Author; and some have
+been suggested by persons well informed on this subject.
+
+The Lottery in itself, if the poorer classes could be exempted from
+its mischiefs, has been considered by many good Writers and Reasoners
+as a fair resource of Revenue; by taxing the vices or follies of the
+People, in a country where such a considerable proportion of the
+higher and middling ranks are possessed of large properties in money,
+and may be induced, through this medium to contribute to the
+assistance of the State, what would (probably to the same extent) be
+otherwise squandered and dissipated, in idle amusements.
+
+It is a means also of benefit to the Nation, by drawing considerable
+sums of money annually from foreign Countries, which are laid out in
+the purchase of tickets.
+
+In many respects therefore, it might be desirable to preserve this
+source of Revenue if it can be confined to the purchase of Tickets,
+and to persons of such opulence, as upon the abolition of the Lottery
+could not probably be restrained from squandering their money in
+another way, from which the State would derive no benefit.
+
+The Lottery, on the plan upon which it is at present conducted, has
+not yet ceased to be an evil of the utmost magnitude, and perhaps one
+of the greatest nurseries of crimes that ever existed in any
+country.--At the close of the English Lottery drawn in 1796, the Civil
+Power was trampled upon and put to defiance in a most alarming and
+shameful manner, disgraceful to the Police of the Metropolis. The
+means used for this purpose have been already fully detailed; _ante p.
+156 in the note_.
+
+The profits of these Cheats and Swindlers were said to be immense
+beyond all former example, during the Lottery drawn in the spring both
+of 1796 and 1797; and of course, the Poor were never in a greater
+degree plundered.
+
+In calculating the chances upon the whole numbers in the wheels, and
+the premiums which are paid, there is generally about 33 1-3d per
+cent. in favour of the Lottery Insurers; but when it is considered
+that the lower ranks, from not being able to recollect or comprehend
+high numbers, always fix on low ones, the chance in favour of the
+insurer is greatly increased, and the deluded Poor are plundered, to
+an extent which really exceeds all calculation.
+
+At no period is there ever so much occasion for the exertions of the
+Magistracy, as during the drawing of the English and Irish Lotteries;
+but it is to be feared, that even by this energy, opposed as it always
+undoubtedly will be, by a System as well of corruption as of force
+unexampled in former times, no proper check can be given, until by new
+Legislative regulations, some more effectual remedy is applied.
+
+The following expedients with the assistance of a superintending,
+energetic, and well-regulated Police, it is to be hoped, might be the
+means of greatly abridging this enormous evil, and of securing to
+Government the same annual revenue, which is at present obtained, or
+nearly so.
+
+     "1. That the numbers of the Tickets to be placed in the
+     Lottery Wheels shall not be _running numbers_, as heretofore
+     used; but shall be _intermediate_ and _broken_; thereby
+     preventing insurances from being made on specific numbers,
+     from the impossibility of its being known, to any but the
+     _holders of tickets, or the Commissioners_, what particular
+     ticket at anytime remains in the wheel.
+
+     "2. That all persons taking out licences to sell Lottery
+     Tickets, shall (instead of the bond with two sureties for
+     one thousand pounds, now entered into under the act of the
+     22d George 3. cap. 47,) enter into a bond, with two sureties
+     also, for £.50,000--which sum shall be forfeited, on due
+     proof that any person, so licensed, shall have been,
+     directly or indirectly, concerned in taking insurances
+     contrary to law; or in setting up, or being connected in the
+     profit or loss arising from any illegal insurance-office: or
+     in employing itinerant Clerks, to take insurances on account
+     of persons so licensed.
+
+     "3. That besides the above-mentioned bond, all licensed
+     Lottery Office Keepers shall, previous to the drawing of
+     each Lottery, make oath before a Magistrate, that they will
+     not, in the course of the ensuing Lottery, be concerned,
+     either directly or indirectly, in setting up any illegal
+     offices for the sale of tickets, or insurance of numbers,
+     contrary to law: Which affidavit shall be recorded, and a
+     certificate thereof shall be indorsed on the licence
+     without which it shall not be valid. And that the affidavit
+     may be produced in evidence, against persons convicted of
+     illegally insuring; who shall in that event be liable to the
+     punishment attached to perjury, and of course, to the
+     ignominy of the pillory and imprisonment.
+
+     "4. That all peace-officers, constables, headboroughs, or
+     others, lawfully authorised to execute the warrants of
+     Magistrates, who shall receive any gratuity, or sum of money
+     from illegal Lottery Insurers, or from any person or
+     persons, in consideration of any expected services in
+     screening such offenders from detection or punishment,
+     shall, on conviction, be rendered infamous, and incapable of
+     ever serving any public office; and be punished by fines,
+     imprisonment, or the pillory, as the Court, before whom the
+     offence is tried, shall see proper.
+
+     "5. That all persons who shall be convicted of _paying
+     money_ on any contract for the benefit arising from the
+     drawing of any Lottery Ticket, insured upon any contingency
+     (not being in possession of the original ticket, or a legal
+     share thereof) shall forfeit £.20 for every offence, to be
+     levied by distress, &c.
+
+     "6. That an abstract of the penalties inflicted by law on
+     persons insuring, or taking illegal insurances in the
+     Lottery, shall be read every Sunday, in all churches,
+     chapels, meeting-houses, and other places of public worship,
+     during the drawing of the Irish and English Lotteries
+     respectively; with a short exhortation, warning the people
+     of the consequences of offending against the law: And that a
+     copy of the same shall be pasted up in different parts of
+     Guildhall, and constantly replaced during the drawing of the
+     Lottery; and also at all the licensed Lottery Offices within
+     the Metropolis.
+
+     "7. That a reward, not exceeding £.50 be paid to any person
+     employed as a clerk or servant in any illegal Lottery
+     Office, who shall be the means of convicting the actual or
+     principal proprietor or proprietors of the said office, who
+     shall not appear themselves in the management; also a sum
+     not exceeding £.40 on conviction of a known and acting
+     proprietor; and a sum not exceeding £.10 on conviction of
+     any clerk or manager, not being partners.
+
+     "8. That the punishment to be inflicted on offenders shall
+     be fine, imprisonment, or the pillory; according to the
+     atrocity of the offence, in the discretion of the Court
+     before which such offenders shall be tried."
+
+The following Plans have also been transmitted to the Author by
+Correspondents who appear to be well-wishers to Society. They are here
+made public, in hopes that from the whole of the suggestions thus
+offered, some regulations may ultimately be adopted by the Legislature
+towards effectually remedying this peculiarly dangerous and
+still-increasing evil.
+
+
+PLAN I.
+
+"It is proposed, that the _Prizes only_ should be drawn, and that
+Seven Hours and a Half per Day should be the time of drawing, instead
+of Five Hours, by which means a lottery of the same number of tickets
+now drawn in thirty-five days, would be drawn in seven days and a
+half; and each adventurer would have exactly the same chance as he has
+by the present mode of drawing; since it is evidently of no
+consequence to him whether all the blanks remain in the Number Wheel
+undrawn, or an equal number of Blanks are drawn from a blank and prize
+wheel; the chance of blank or prize on _each ticket_ being in either
+case exactly the same.
+
+"According to the usual mode of drawing, 50,000 tickets take about
+thirty-five days in drawing, which is 1,420-6/7 per day.--By
+increasing the time of each day's drawing, from five hours to seven
+and a half, 2,131 tickets would be drawn each day; but as the reading
+prizes above £.20 _thrice_, causes some little delay, I reckon only
+2000 per day; at which rate 15,000 tickets, the usual proportion of
+prizes in a Lottery of 50,000 tickets, would be drawn in seven days
+and a half. Thus the _Period_ of Insurance would be nearly reduced to
+one-fifth part of its present duration, and the _daily_ insurance on
+_Blanks_, and _Blank and Prize_, which opens the most extensive field
+for gambling, would be _entirely abolished_. Reducing, therefore, the
+time of Insurance to one-fifth, and the numbers drawn to less than
+one-third of what they have hitherto been, there could scarce remain
+in Lotteries thus drawn, one-fifteenth part of the insurance as in
+former Lotteries of an equal number of Tickets.--It is also worthy of
+remark, that as all the late Lotteries have been thirty-five days at
+least in drawing, the Insurance Offices had thirty-four to one in
+their favour the first day, by which circumstance they were enabled to
+tempt chiefly that class of people who can only gamble on the lowest
+terms, and to whom gambling is most extensively pernicious, with a
+very moderate premium, (_e.g._ about twelve shillings to return twenty
+pounds) which increases daily by almost imperceptible degrees, and
+thus insensibly leads them on to misery, desperation, and guilt.
+
+"But in the proposed Plan, the Insurance Offices would have only six
+days and a half to one in their favour the first day; so that they
+must begin with a much higher premium than the generality of the
+common people can advance, which premium must each day be very
+considerably increased.--These considerations would undoubtedly
+operate as an absolute prohibition, on far the greatest part of
+Lottery Insurers; beside which, the great probability of numbers
+insured being drawn each day, would deter even the Office Keepers from
+venturing to insure so deeply, or extensively, as they have been
+accustomed to do.
+
+"Should it be objected, that if Insurance is thus abridged, or
+prohibited, tickets will not sell, and the Lottery, as a source of
+Revenue, must be abandoned: the following expedient may, it is
+apprehended, effectually obviate such an objection.--
+
+"Let Tickets, which cannot now be legally divided below a sixteenth,
+be divisible down to a _Sixty-fourth_ share, properly stamped; which
+regulation, while it would greatly benefit and encourage Licensed
+Offices, would equally discountenance illegal Gamblers; and whilst it
+permitted to the lower orders of the Community a fair chance of an
+adventure in the Lottery on moderate terms, would co-operate with the
+restrictions on Insurance to advance the intrinsic value, as well as
+the price of tickets, which every illegal _Scheme_ evidently tends to
+depreciate."
+
+The preceding Plan appeared in the Appendix to the fifth edition of
+this Treatise; in consequence of which the Author received the
+following observations and which therefore he presents as--
+
+
+PLAN II.
+
+"The Suggestions as far as they extend and relate to the shortening
+the duration of the drawing are highly useful, but they fall short of
+the object, and the Plan, if executed, would nearly prevent the sale
+of tickets, and totally so that of shares, and consequently abolish
+Lotteries altogether;--a consummation devoutly to be wished by every
+friend to the public, but under the pecuniary influences, which
+perhaps too much affect political considerations, little to be
+expected.
+
+"It will be necessary to exhibit only a plain Statement of the
+proportionate chances in the wheel during the 7-1/2 days of drawing on
+the Scheme of 50,000 Tickets, viz.--
+
+              _Prizes._     _Blanks._
+
+  1st.  Day    15,000   to   35,000    2-1/3 to a Prize
+  2d.   ---    13,000   --   35,000
+  3d.   ---    11,000   --   35,000
+  4th.  ---     9,000   --   35,000
+  5th.  ---     7,000   --   35,000
+  6th.  ---     5,000   --   35,000
+  7th.  ---     3,000   --   35,000
+  last. ---     1,000   --   35,000    35 to a Prize.
+
+"Hence it is evident, that on supposition the value of the Prizes
+diminish by an equal ratio, every day of drawing, still the actual
+value of the Prizes in proportion to the permanent number of the
+Blanks will be diminished by the relative proportion increasing at the
+rate of about 4666 Blanks every day after the first. Consequently it
+must follow, that the premiums of insurance, as well as the price of
+Shares and Tickets, instead of acquiring in their value _a very
+considerable increase_, must be subject to a very considerable
+diminution.
+
+"To maintain the foregoing Plan, No. I. which is a good ground-work
+for lessening the evil, I take the liberty (says my Correspondent) of
+suggesting the following improvement.
+
+"After the Prizes are drawn each day, let the proportion of the
+Blanks, namely, 4666 be drawn also. Let there be a suspension likewise
+of five or seven days between each drawing for the sale of Tickets and
+Shares, and to give time for insurance. It may be objected, that the
+time being thus prolonged the inconvenience will remain the same; to
+avoid which, the blank numbers so drawn, must be done secretly and
+sealed up by the Commissioners, or, they may be drawn openly but not
+unfolded or declared, and if necessary, made public after the drawing;
+by which means the insurance against Blanks or Blank and Prize will be
+equally abolished."
+
+
+PLAN III.
+
+"The Evils of a Lottery are many.--The Advantages might, if well
+regulated, be as numerous. According to the Schemes that have hitherto
+prevailed the _principle_ has been wrong. Since the bait held out has
+been the obtaining of an immense fortune, and the risk has been
+proportionably great--Insurance has reigned unchecked by all penalties
+and punishments that could be devised to the ruin and misery of
+thousands. The price of tickets has been fluctuating, and fortunes
+have been won and lost on the chance of the great Prizes keeping in
+the Wheel: the £.20 prizes have always proved dissatisfactory, as
+though there are only 2-1/2 prizes _on an average_ to a blank, yet
+such is the uncertainty, that many have scores of tickets without
+obtaining the proportionate advantage even from these low prizes. It
+is thought, therefore, that a scheme which should offer considerably
+more chances for prizes of and above £.50, and which should ensure a
+return on all blanks, would be acceptable. If also it could be made to
+prevent insuring of tickets and capitals, it seems to be the grand
+desideratum in this branch of financeering.
+
+"The principle on which these benefits may be obtained is this. There
+should be a considerable number of moderate prizes, such as might be
+fortunes, if obtained by the inferior ranks, and of consequence
+sufficient to answer the risk of the rich. The tickets to be drawn
+each day should be previously specified which may be done by
+appropriating a certain share of the prizes to a certain number of
+tickets. All the tickets not drawn prizes of £.50 or upwards shall be
+entitled to a certain return, which would be superior to a chance for
+a £.20 prize.
+
+
+"SCHEME.
+
+  _Number of Prizes._       _Value of each._         _Total Value._
+                                     £.                    £.
+            25                     5,000                125,000
+            25                     1,000                 25,000
+           100                       500                 50,000
+           250                       100                 25,000
+           600                        50                 30,000
+         -----                                          -------
+         1,000                                          255,000
+        49,000--£.5 returned on each.                   245,000
+        ------                                          -------
+        50,000 Tickets.                                 500,000
+
+
+"SCHEME OF DRAWING.
+
+"Let 2000 Tickets from No. 1, to 1999 inclusive, (with Number 50,000)
+be put into a Wheel the first day, and proceed in the same manner
+numerically for 25 days. In the other Wheel, each day let there be put
+the following proportion of Prizes, viz.
+
+
+                      £.                £.
+     1               5000              5000
+     1               1000              1000
+     4                500              2000
+    10                100              1000
+    24                 50              1200
+  ----                               ------
+    40                               10,200
+  1960.--£.5 to be returned on each.   9800
+  ----                               ------
+  2000 Tickets                       20,000
+
+"In Lotteries where the lowest prizes have been of £.20 the blanks
+have been the proportion of 2-1/2 to a prize. If therefore a person
+had seven tickets they were entitled to expect only two £.20 prizes or
+£.40. In this, however, they were frequently disappointed, and their
+chance for a prize of £.50 or upwards has been as about 200 to 50,000.
+By the above Scheme, if a person has seven tickets they are sure of a
+return of £.35, and have the chance of 40 to 2000, or 1000 to 50,000
+for a superior prize. The certainty of the numbers and the prizes to
+be drawn each day would prevent insurance on those events, and every
+ticket being a prize there could be no insurance against blanks.
+
+"In fact, the Lottery might be drawn in one day,--thus: Let there be
+twenty-five bags containing each 2000 numbers, either promiscuously
+chosen or of stated thousands. Let there be also 25 bags each
+containing the 40 prizes above appropriated to each day's drawing. Let
+the Commissioners empty one bag of numbers and one of prizes into two
+wheels. Let them draw 40 numbers out of the Number Wheel, and the 40
+prizes out of the other. The remaining 1960 numbers to be entitled to
+£.5 each.--Then let them proceed with other 2000 numbers in the same
+way."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+At all events, whether these Plans for reforming this enormous evil,
+are or are not superior to others which have been devised, it is clear
+to demonstration, that the present System is founded on a principle
+not less erroneous than mischievous; and, therefore, it cannot too
+soon be abandoned; especially since it would appear that the Revenue
+it produces might be preserved, with the incalculable advantage to the
+nation of preserving, at the same time, the morals of the people, and
+turning into a course of industry and usefulness the labour of many
+thousand individuals, who, instead of being, as at present, pests in
+Society, might be rendered useful members of the State.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. VII.
+
+     _The Frauds arising from the manufacture and circulation of
+     base Money:--The Causes of its enormous increase of late
+     years.--The different kinds of false Coin detailed:--The
+     Process in fabricating each species explained:--The immense
+     Profits arising therefrom:--The extensive Trade in sending
+     base Coin to the Country.--Its universal Circulation in the
+     Metropolis.--The great Grievance arising from it to Brewers,
+     Distillers, Grocers, and Retail Dealers, in particular, as
+     well as the Labouring Poor in general.--The principal
+     Channels through which it is uttered in the Country and in
+     the Metropolis.--Counterfeit foreign Money extremely
+     productive to the dealers.--A summary View of the Causes of
+     the mischief.--The Defects in the present Laws
+     explained:--And a Detail of the Remedies proposed to be
+     provided by the Legislature._
+
+
+The frauds committed by the fabrication of base Money, and by the
+nefarious practices, in the introduction of almost every species of
+Counterfeit Coin into the circulation of the Country, are next to be
+discussed.
+
+The great outlines of this enormous evil having been stated in the
+first Chapter, it now remains to elucidate that part of the subject
+which is connected with _specific detail_.
+
+One of the greatest sources of these multiplied and increasing frauds
+is to be traced to the various ingenious improvements which have taken
+place of late years, at Birmingham, and other manufacturing towns, in
+mixing metals, and in stamping and _colouring_ ornamental buttons.
+
+The same ingenious process is so easily applied to the coinage and
+colouring of false money, and also to the mixing of the metals of
+which it is composed, that it is not to be wondered at, that the
+avarice of man, urged by the prospect of immense profit, has
+occasioned that vast increase of counterfeit money of every
+description, with which the Country is at present deluged.
+
+The false coinages which have been introduced into circulation, of
+late years, are _Guineas, Half-Guineas and Seven Shilling Pieces,
+Crowns and Half-Crowns, Shillings, Sixpences, Pence, Halfpence, and
+Farthings_, of the similitude of the coin of the realm: of foreign
+coin, _Half Johannas, Louis d'ors, Spanish Dollars, French
+Half-Crowns, Shillings and Sixpences, 30 Sol pieces, Prussian and
+Danish Silver money, and other continental coins_; to which may be
+added, _Sequins of Turkey, and Pagodas of India_. These foreign coins
+except in the instance of the _Spanish Dollars_[43] issued by the
+Bank of England in 1797, have generally been sold as articles of
+commerce for the purpose of being fraudulently circulated in the
+British Colonies or in Foreign Countries.
+
+[Footnote 43: The circulation of stamped Spanish Dollars, in 1797,
+gave rise to a very extensive coinage of counterfeit money of the same
+species, which was generally executed in a very masterly manner, and
+before the fraud was discovered vast quantities were in the hands of
+many innocent members of the community. Several detections, however,
+having checked the circulation, and silver bullion having fallen
+greatly in price, those who were in the habit of dealing in base money
+availing themselves of this circumstance, purchased Dollars in great
+quantities at about 4_s._. 2_d._ which they instantly stamped and
+circulated at 4_s._ 9_d._ and by which species of villainy large sums
+of money were suddenly amassed.--One dealer in particular is said to
+have made above £.5000 in six weeks. The Laws attaching no punishment
+to this unforeseen offence, and the Author representing the
+circumstances of the case to the Bank Directors, the whole were called
+in, leaving, however, in the hands of the dealers a large surplus of
+actual counterfeits,--which appears to have suggested to them the
+expedient of finding a market in the British American Colonies and the
+United States, where, in general, frauds are less likely to be
+detected from the payments being made (particularly in the West India
+islands) in dollars put up in bags containing a certain value in each.
+However, they were fortunately defeated in this object by the timely
+notice given, by the Author of this Treatise, to his Majesty's
+Secretary of State, and the American Minister, and through these
+respectable mediums commercial people were put upon their guard before
+the intended fraud could be carried into effect.]
+
+So dexterous and skilful have Coiners now become, that by mixing a
+certain proportion of pure gold with a compound of base metal, they
+can fabricate guineas that shall be full weight, and of such perfect
+workmanship as to elude a discovery, except by persons of skill; while
+the intrinsic value does not exceed thirteen or fourteen shillings,
+and in some instances is not more than eight or nine. Of this coinage
+considerable quantities were circulated some years since, bearing the
+impression of George the Second: and another coinage of counterfeit
+guineas of the year 1793, bearing the impression of his present
+Majesty, has been for some years in circulation, finished in a
+masterly manner, and nearly full weight, although the intrinsic value
+is not above eight shillings: half guineas are also in circulation of
+the same coinage: and lately a good imitation of the seven-shilling
+pieces. But as the fabrication of such coin requires a greater degree
+of skill and ingenuity than generally prevails, and also a greater
+capital than most coiners are able to command, it is to be hoped it
+has gone to no great extent; for amidst all the abuses which have
+prevailed of late years, it is unquestionably true, that the guineas
+and half-guineas which have been counterfeited in a style to elude
+detection, have borne no proportion in point of extent to the coinage
+of base _Silver_. Of this latter there are _five_ different kinds at
+present counterfeited; and which we shall proceed to enumerate.
+
+_The first of these are denominated_ Flats, from the circumstance of
+this species of money being cut out of flatted plates, composed of a
+mixture of silver and blanched copper. The proportion of silver runs
+from one-fourth to one-third, and in some instances to even one-half:
+the metals are mixed by a chemical preparation, and afterwards rolled
+by flatting mills, into the thickness of _shillings_, _half-crowns_,
+or _crowns_, according to the desire of the parties who bring the
+copper and silver, which last is generally stolen plate. It is not
+known that there are at present above one or two rolling mills in
+London, although there are several in the Country, where all the
+dealers and coiners of this species of base money resort, for the
+purpose of having these plates prepared; from which, when finished,
+_blanks_ or round pieces are cut out, of the sizes of the money meant
+to be counterfeited.
+
+The artisans who stamp or coin these blanks into base money are seldom
+interested themselves. They generally work as mechanics for the large
+dealers who employ a capital in the trade;--and who furnish the
+plates, and pay about eight per cent. for the coinage, being at the
+rate of one penny for each shilling, and twopence-halfpenny for each
+half-crown.
+
+This operation consists first in turning the blanks in a lathe;--then
+stamping them, by means of a press, with dies of the exact impression
+of the coin intended to be imitated:--they are afterwards rubbed with
+sandpaper and cork; then put into aquafortis to bring the silver to
+the surface; then rubbed with common salt; then with cream of tartar;
+then warmed in a shovel or similar machine before the fire; and last
+of all rubbed with _blacking_, to give the money the appearance of
+having been in circulation.
+
+All these operations are so quickly performed, that two persons (a man
+and his wife for instance,) can completely finish to the nominal
+amount of fifty pounds in shillings and half-crowns in two days, by
+which they will earn each two guineas a day.
+
+A shilling of this species, which exhibits nearly the appearance of
+what has been usually called a Birmingham shilling, is intrinsically
+worth from _twopence to fourpence_; and crowns and half-crowns are in
+the same proportion. The quantity made of this sort of counterfeit
+coinage is very considerable: it requires less ingenuity than any of
+the other methods of coining, though at the same time it is the most
+expensive, and of course the least profitable to the Dealer; who for
+the most part disposes of it to the utterers, vulgarly called
+_Smashers_, at from 28_s._ to 40_s._ for a guinea, according to the
+quality; while these _Smashers_ generally manage to utter it again to
+the full import value.
+
+_The Second Species of counterfeit Silver money_ passes among the
+dealers by the denomination of Plated Goods; from the circumstance of
+the shillings and half-crowns being made of copper of a reduced size,
+and afterwards plated with silver, so extended as to form a rim round
+the edge. This coin is afterwards stamped with dies so as to resemble
+the real coin; and, from the circumstance of the surface being pure
+silver, is not easily discovered except by ringing the money on a
+table: but as this species of base money requires a knowledge of
+_plating_ as well as a great deal of ingenuity, it is of course
+confined to few hands. It is however extremely profitable to those who
+carry it on, as it can generally be uttered, without detection, at
+its full import value.
+
+_The Third Species of base Silver-money is called_ Plain Goods, and is
+totally confined to shillings. These are made of copper blanks turned
+in a lathe, of the exact size of a Birmingham shilling, afterwards
+silvered over by a particular operation used in colouring metal
+buttons; they are then rubbed over with cream of tartar and blacking,
+after which they are fit for circulation.
+
+These shillings do not cost the makers above one halfpenny each: they
+are sold very low to the _Smashers_ or _Utterers_, who pass them where
+they can, at the full nominal value; and when the silver wears off,
+which is very soon the case, they are sold to the Jews as bad
+shillings, who generally resell them at a small profit to customers,
+by whom they are recoloured, and thus soon brought again into
+circulation. The profit is immense, owing to the trifling value of the
+materials; but the circulation, on account of the danger of discovery,
+it is to be hoped is not yet very extensive. It is, however, to be
+remarked, that it is a species of coinage not of a long standing.
+
+_The Fourth Class_ of counterfeit silver-money is known by the name of
+CASTINGS or CAST GOODS. This species of work requires great skill and
+ingenuity, and is therefore confined to few hands; for none but
+excellent artists can attempt it, with any prospect of great success.
+
+The process is to melt blanched copper, and to cast it in moulds,
+having the impression, and being of the size of a _crown_, a
+_half-crown_, a _shilling_, or a _sixpence_, as the case may be; after
+being removed from the moulds, the money thus formed is cleaned off,
+and afterwards neatly silvered over by an operation similar to that
+which takes place in the manufacture of buttons.
+
+The counterfeit money made in imitation of shillings by this process,
+is generally cast so as to have a _crooked appearance_; and the
+deception is so admirable, that although intrinsically not worth _one
+halfpenny_, by exhibiting the appearance of a _thick crooked
+shilling_, they enter into circulation without suspicion, and are
+seldom refused while the surface exhibits no part of the copper; and
+even after this the itinerant Jews will purchase them at threepence
+each though six times their intrinsic value, well knowing that they
+can again be recoloured at the expence of half a farthing, so as to
+pass without difficulty for their nominal value of twelve pence.--A
+vast number of the sixpences now in circulation is of this species of
+coinage.
+
+The profit in every view, whether to the original maker, or to the
+subsequent purchasers (after having lost their colour,) is _immense_.
+
+In fabricating Cast Money, the workmen are always more secure than
+where presses and dies are used; because upon the least alarm, and
+before any officer of justice can have admission, the counterfeits are
+thrown into the crucible; the moulds are destroyed; and nothing is to
+be found that can convict, or even criminate the offender: on this
+account the present makers of cast money have reigned long, and were
+they careful and frugal, they might have become extremely rich; but
+prudence rarely falls to the lot of men who live by acts of
+criminality.
+
+The _Fifth and last Species_ of base coin made in imitation of
+silver-money of the realm is called Figs or Fig Things. It is a very
+inferior sort of counterfeit money, of which composition, however, a
+great part of the sixpences now in circulation are made. The
+proportion of silver is not, generally speaking, of the value of one
+farthing in half a crown; although there are certainly some
+exceptions, as counterfeit sixpences have been lately discovered, some
+with a mixture, and some wholly silver; but even these did not yield
+the makers less than from 50 to 80 per cent. while the profit on the
+former is not less than from five hundred to one thousand per cent.
+and sometimes more.
+
+It is impossible to estimate the amount of this base money which has
+entered into the circulation of the Country during the last twenty
+years; but it must be very great, since one of the principal Coiners
+of stamped money, who some time since left off business, and made some
+important discoveries, acknowledged to the Author, that he had coined
+to the extent of _two hundred thousand pounds_ sterling in counterfeit
+_half-crowns_, and other base silver money, in a period of seven
+years. This is the less surprising, as two persons can stamp and
+finish to the amount of from 200_l._ to 300_l._ a week.[44]
+
+[Footnote 44: A _Liquid Test_ has been discovered by Mr. ALSTON, an
+eminent Manufacturer, in Birmingham, of great worth and
+respectability, which cannot fail to be of the greatest use in
+detecting every species of counterfeit Gold and Silver money, whether
+_plated_ or _washed_. This discovery is mentioned with pleasure by the
+Author, as it is likely to be productive of much benefit to the
+Public, in protecting the fair dealers against the frauds daily
+practised upon them, in the circulation of base money.--The discovery
+is instantaneous by a single touch, and the expence of the Liquid and
+Apparatus is trifling.]
+
+Of the Copper Money made in imitation of the current coin of the
+realm, there are many different sorts sold at various prices,
+according to the size and weight; but in general they may be divided
+into two kinds, namely, the stamped and the plain halfpence, of both
+which kind immense quantities have been made in London; and also in
+Birmingham, Wedgbury, Bilston, and Wolverhampton, &c.[45]
+
+[Footnote 45: A species of counterfeit halfpence made _wholly of
+lead_, has been circulated in considerable quantities, coloured in
+such a manner as even to deceive the best judges. They are generally
+of the Reign of George II. and have the exact appearance of old Mint
+halfpence.]
+
+The plain halfpence are generally made at Birmingham; and from their
+thickness, afford a wonderful deception. They are sold, however, by
+the coiners to the large dealers at about a farthing each, or 100 per
+cent. profit in the tale or aggregate number. These dealers are not
+the _utterers_; but sell them again by retail in _pieces_, or
+_five-shilling papers_, at the rate of from 28_s._ to 31_s._ for a
+guinea; not only to the Smashers, but also to persons in different
+trades, as well in the Metropolis as in the Country Towns, who pass
+them in the course of their business at the full import value.
+
+Farthings are also made in considerable quantities, chiefly in London,
+but so very thin that the profit upon this species of coinage is much
+greater than on the halfpence, though these counterfeits are not now,
+as formerly, made of base metal. The copper of which they are made is
+generally pure. The advantage lies in the weight alone, where the
+_coiners_, _sellers_, and _utterers_, do not obtain less than 200 per
+cent. A well known coiner has been said to finish from sixty to eighty
+pounds sterling a week. Of halfpence, two or three persons can stamp
+and finish to the nominal amount of at least two hundred pounds in six
+days.
+
+When it is considered that there are seldom less than between forty
+and fifty coinages or private mints, almost constantly employed in
+London and in different country towns; in stamping and fabricating
+base silver and copper money, the evil may justly be said to have
+arrived at an enormous height. It is indeed true that these people
+have been a good deal interrupted and embarrassed from time to time,
+by detections and convictions; but while the laws are so inapplicable
+to the new tricks and devices they have resorted to, these convictions
+are only _a drop in the bucket_: while such encouragements are held
+out the execution of one rogue only makes room for another to take up
+his customers; and indeed as the offence of selling is only a
+misdemeanor it is no unusual thing for the wife and family of a
+culprit, or convicted _seller_ of _base money_ to carry on the
+business, and to support him luxuriously in Newgate, until the
+expiration of the _year_ and _day's_ imprisonment, which is generally
+the punishment inflicted for this species of offence.
+
+It has been already stated [_page_ 16, &c.] that trading in base money
+has now become as regular and systematic as any fair branch of
+trade.--
+
+Certain it is, that immense quantities have been regularly sent from
+London to the Camps during the summer season; and to persons at the
+sea-ports and manufacturing towns, who again sell in retail to the
+different tradesmen and others who pass them at the full _import_
+value.
+
+In this nefarious traffic a number of the lower order of the German
+Jews in London assist the dealers in an eminent degree, particularly
+in the circulation of bad halfpence.
+
+It has not been an unusual thing for several of these dealers to hold
+a kind of market every morning, where from forty to fifty of these
+German Jew boys are regularly supplied with counterfeit halfpence;
+which they dispose of in the course of the day in different streets
+and lanes of the Metropolis, for _bad shillings_, at about 3_d._ each.
+Care is always taken that the person who cries bad shillings shall
+have a companion near him who carries the halfpence, and takes charge
+of the purchased shillings (which are not cut:) so as to elude the
+detection of the Officers of the Police, in the event of being
+searched.
+
+The bad shillings thus purchased, are received in payment by the
+employers of the boys, for the bad halfpence supplied them, at the
+rate of four shillings a dozen; and are generally resold to
+_Smashers_, at a profit of two shillings a dozen; who speedily
+re-colour them, and introduce them again into circulation, at their
+full nominal value.
+
+The boys will generally clear from five to seven shillings a day, by
+this fraudulent business; which they almost uniformly spend, during
+the evening, in riot and debauchery; returning pennyless in the
+morning to their old trade.
+
+Thus it is that the frauds upon the Public multiply beyond all
+possible conception, while the tradesman, who, unwarily at least if
+not improperly, sells his counterfeit shillings to Jew boys at
+threepence each, little suspects that it is for the purpose of being
+returned upon him again at the rate of twelve-pence; or 300 per cent.
+profit to the purchasers and utterers.
+
+But these are not the only criminal devices to which the coiners and
+dealers, as well as the utterers of base money, have had recourse, for
+answering their iniquitous purposes.
+
+Previous to the Act of the 37 Geo. 3. cap. 126, counterfeit French
+crowns, half-crowns, and shillings, of excellent workmanship, were
+introduced with a view to elude the punishment of the then deficient
+Laws relative to Foreign Coin.
+
+Fraudulent die-sinkers are to be found both in the Metropolis and in
+Birmingham, who are excellent artists; able and willing to copy the
+exact similitude of any coin, from the British guinea to the sequin of
+Turkey, or to the Star Pagoda of Arcot. The delinquents have therefore
+every opportunity and assistance they can wish for; while their
+accurate knowledge of the deficiency of the laws, (particularly
+relative to British Coin) and where the point of danger lies, joined
+to the extreme difficulty of detection, operates as a great
+encouragement to this species of treason, felony, and fraud; and
+affords the most forcible reason why these pests of society still
+continue to afflict the honest part of the community.
+
+An opinion prevails, founded on information obtained through the
+medium of the most intelligent of these coiners and dealers, that of
+the counterfeit money now in circulation, not above one third part is
+of the species of _Flats_ or _composition money_; which has been
+mentioned as the most intrinsically valuable of counterfeit silver,
+and contains from one fourth to one third silver; the remainder being
+blanched copper.--The other two thirds of the counterfeit money being
+_cast_ or _washed_, and intrinsically worth little or nothing, the
+imposition upon the public is obvious. Taking the whole upon an
+average, the amount of the injury may be fairly calculated at within
+ten per cent. of a total loss upon the mass of the base silver money
+now in circulation; which, if a conclusion may be drawn from what
+passes under the review of any person who has occasion to receive
+silver in exchange, must considerably exceed _one million sterling_!
+To this we have the miserable prospect of an accession every year,
+until some effectual steps shall be taken to remedy the evil.
+
+Of the Copper Coinage, the quantity of counterfeits at one time in
+circulation might be truly said to equal three fourth parts of the
+whole, and nothing is more certain than that a very great proportion
+of the actual counterfeits passed as Mint halfpence, from their size
+and appearance, although they yielded the coiners a large profit.
+
+Even at present the state both of the silver and copper coinage of
+this kingdom (the copper pence only excepted) deserves very particular
+attention, for at no time can any person minutely examine either the
+one coin or the other, which may come into his possession, without
+finding a considerable proportion counterfeit.
+
+Until, therefore, a new coinage of halfpence and farthings takes place
+upon the excellent plan adopted by Government, with respect to the
+pence now partially in circulation, what must be the situation of the
+retail dealers, the brewers, distillers, and many other classes of
+industrious traders, who in the course of their business, are
+compelled to receive depreciated counterfeit money?[46]
+
+[Footnote 46: It is a curious fact, that although the number of Pence
+which have been supplied by that admirable Artist, Mr. BOULTON, of
+Birmingham, and which have been actually circulated amounts to Forty
+Million of Pieces, making £.166,666. 12_s._ 4_d._ sterling, and which
+is equal to 4_d._ for every inhabitant in this Island, according to
+the largest computation: yet the quantity of halfpence (chiefly
+counterfeits) which are found in actual circulation, are at least in
+the proportion of forty to one. This must ever be the case until some
+expedient, such as is hereafter recommended, shall be adopted for
+calling them in, and substituting in their place a new Coinage of the
+full standard weight: For it is evident that the Dealers and Tradesmen
+at present hoard up the penny pieces, and only circulate the
+counterfeit halfpence which they receive; the nuisance therefore
+remains, and the coiners are thus encouraged to continue their
+nefarious practices.]
+
+The burden is not only grievous beyond expression, to those who have
+no alternative but to take such base money in payment; but extends
+indirectly to _the Poor_: in as much as the diminished value of such
+coin, arising from its reduced or base quality taken in connection
+with the quantities thrown into circulation, tends to enhance the
+price of the first articles of necessity.
+
+The labourer, the handicraftsman, and the working manufacturer, being
+generally paid their weekly wages, partly in copper money of
+depreciated value;--it is obvious that they must obtain less than they
+would otherwise receive, were the coin of a higher standard; for the
+retail dealers who furnish the poor with food, must shield themselves,
+at least in part, against the unavoidable losses arising from base
+money; by advancing the prices of their various commodities.
+
+Nor are such advances made upon a principle which cannot be defended;
+since it is evident that the relative value _even of the old copper
+coin of the Mint_ to gold or silver, is nearly _twice its intrinsic
+value_; and while such copper money cannot be paid into the receipt of
+his Majesty's Exchequer, or received in payment by the officers of the
+revenue, the burden and loss of a diminished coin fall entirely upon
+the traders, (who are compelled to receive such money,) and upon the
+labourers and mechanics through whose medium it is chiefly circulated.
+
+While the disproportion thus stated between the denominative value of
+copper and silver money is so very great, it is evident that the legal
+coinage of copper must produce an immense profit; as _one pound_ of
+copper estimated at 15 _pence_[47] will make as many halfpence, of the
+legal coinage, as pass for _two shillings_.
+
+[Footnote 47: A few years ago sheet-copper was as low as 11-1/2_d._ a
+pound, and will probably be again at the same price on the return of
+Peace. Indeed it has been even lower, although it has recently very
+much advanced in price.]
+
+This fact plainly shews the vast temptation which is held out to those
+who carry on the counterfeit coinage, where the profit from the coiner
+to the dealers, and from these dealers to the utterers, at the full
+denominative value, must be in many instances from two to three
+hundred per cent. When to this circumstance is added the security
+which the deficiencies in the present laws hold out, the whole
+operates as a kind of bounty to these fraudulent people, who cannot
+resist the prosecution of a trade where the profit is so immense, and
+where a coinage equally _pure and heavy_ as the old mint standard
+would even be extremely productive.[48]
+
+[Footnote 48: This observation does not apply to Mr. Boulton's New
+Copper Coinage; for although some feeble attempts have been made to
+counterfeit it, these can never go to a great extent, from its not
+being a sufficient object of profit; besides the fraud is easily
+detected, since each penny weighs an exact ounce: of course the
+halfpence should weigh half an ounce, and the farthings one quarter of
+an ounce, when these last two denominations are brought into
+circulation; as it is expected they will be.]
+
+In every view the evil at present arising from base money of every
+denomination appears to be of the greatest magnitude--while its extent
+will scarce be credited by any but those who have turned their
+attention very minutely to the subject.
+
+The trade of dealing in counterfeit coin acquires its greatest vigour
+towards the end of March; for then the Lotteries are over, when
+_Swindlers_, _Gamblers_, _Pretended Dealers in Horses_, _Travellers
+with EO Tables_, and _Hawkers_ and _Pedlars_ go into the country,
+carrying with them considerable quantities of base silver and copper
+money; by which they are enabled, in a great degree, to extend the
+circulation, by cheating and defrauding ignorant country people.
+
+In the spring season too, the dealers in counterfeit coin begin to
+make up their orders for the different country towns; and it is
+supposed, upon good grounds, that there is now scarcely a place of any
+consequence all over the kingdom where they have not their
+correspondents; it is also a fact well established, that many of these
+correspondents come regularly to the _Metropolis_, and also go to
+Birmingham and the neighbouring towns once or twice a year for the
+purpose of purchasing base money, where the evil is said to be
+increasing even more than in London.
+
+It very seldom happens, on account of the great demand, (especially of
+late years) that the dealers have ever any considerable stock on hand.
+The base money is no sooner finished, than it is packed up and sent to
+customers in town and country; and with such rapidity has it been
+fabricated, on occasions of pressing emergency, that a single dealer
+has been known to procure from the coiners who worked for him, from
+£.300 to £.500 for country orders, in the course of the week!
+
+The lower ranks among the Irish, and the German Jews, are the chief
+supporters of the trade of circulating base money in London;--there is
+said to be scarce an Irish labourer who does not exchange his week's
+wages for base money; taking a mixture of shillings, sixpences, and
+copper.
+
+The Jews principally confine themselves to the coinage and
+circulation of copper; while the Irish women are the chief utterers
+and colourers of base silver. A vast number of these low females have
+acquired the mischievous art of colouring the bad shillings and
+sixpences, which they purchase from the employers of Jew-boys, who cry
+_bad shillings_.
+
+It is somewhat singular that among the Jews, although many cases occur
+where they appear to be coiners of copper money and dealers to a great
+extent, yet scarce an instance can be adduced of their having any
+concern in the coinage of base silver: neither are they extensive
+dealers in any other base money than copper.
+
+The Jews, however, deal largely in foreign coin, counterfeited in this
+country; having been the chief means by which _Louis d'Ors_, _Half
+Johannas_, as well as various silver coins, (particularly _Dollars_)
+made of base metal, have been sent out of this country. It is through
+the same channel that the Sequins of Turkey have been exported; and
+also the Pagodas of India.[49]
+
+[Footnote 49: See ante, p. 17, 18.]
+
+In contemplating and in developing the causes of the vast accumulation
+and increase of base money, which has thus deluged the country of late
+years, the evil will be found to have proceeded chiefly from the want
+of _a new coinage:--of laws, applicable to the new tricks and devices
+practised by the coiners:--of proper checks upon fraudulent
+Circulation:--of rewards for the detection and apprehension of
+Offenders;--and of a sufficient fund to ensure the prompt execution of
+the law; by a vigorous and energetic Police_, directed not only to the
+execution of apposite laws in the detection and punishment of
+offenders, but also to the means of prevention.
+
+The vigour and energy requisite to put good and apposite laws in
+execution for the suppression of crimes of every kind, but
+particularly that of the coinage and circulation of base money, depend
+much on the zeal and activity of the Magistrate: and on the affording
+an adequate pecuniary resource, to enable him to reward men who may
+undertake to risk their persons in the company of desperate and daring
+offenders, in order to obtain that species of evidence which will
+produce a conviction. Without such pecuniary resource, the law, as
+well as the exertions of the Magistrate, becomes a dead letter: and
+his efforts for the purpose of promoting the ends of public justice,
+are crippled and lost to the Community.
+
+In suppressing great evils, strong and adequate powers must be
+applied, and nothing can give force and activity to these powers, but
+the ability to reward liberally all persons engaged in the public
+service, either as police officers, or as temporary agents for the
+purpose of detecting atrocious offenders. The following ideas are
+therefore suggested with a view to the important subject at present
+under discussion.
+
+The Coinage Laws (except those relating to copper money) which
+contain the most important regulations in the way of prevention,
+having been made a century ago, it is not to be wondered at, in
+consequence of the regular progress of the evil, and the new
+contrivances and artifices resorted to, in that period, that many
+obvious amendments have become necessary. A consolidation of the whole
+laws from the 25th of Edward the Third, to the 14th of his present
+Majesty, would, perhaps, be the most desirable object; as it would
+afford a better opportunity of correcting every deficiency, and of
+rendering this branch of the criminal code, _concise_, _clear_,
+_explicit_,--applicable to the existing evils, and to the means of
+prevention.
+
+For the purpose, however, of more fully elucidating this proposition,
+it will be necessary to state the existing laws, and what are
+considered as the most apparent deficiencies therein.
+
+We will begin by giving a short _Summary_ of the existing Laws.
+
+  25 Edw. III. _stat._      These acts make counterfeiting the
+     5, _cap._ 2.           gold and silver coin of the
+  1 Mary, _stat._ 2, _c._   realm--counterfeiting foreign money,
+    6.                      current within the realm--knowingly
+  1 & 2 Ph. & Mary,         bringing false money into the realm
+    _cap._ 11.              counterfeit to the money of England;
+  5 Eliz. _cap._ 11.        or bringing in _any_ false and
+  14 Eliz. _cap._ 3.        counterfeit money, current within
+  18 Eliz. _cap._ 1.        the realm; in order to utter the
+                            same here;--diminishing or
+                            lightening any current (gold or
+                            silver) coin--_High
+                            Treason_.--Counterfeiting foreign
+                            money, not current in the
+                            kingdom--_Misprision of Treason_.
+
+  8 & 9 Will. III.          These Acts contain a detail of
+    _cap._ 26 (_made        the principal offences and punishments,
+    perpetual by_ 7         upon which prosecutions
+    Anne, _c._ 25)--9       are founded at present.
+    & 10 Will. III.
+    _c._ 21.
+
+  7th of Queen Anne,        Allows 400_l._ a year for prosecuting
+    _cap._ 24.              offenders; increased by 15
+                            Geo. II. _c._ 28. § 10, to 600_l._
+
+  15th of George II.        Amends some of the above laws, and
+    _cap._ 28.              establishes new regulations relative
+                            to the Copper Coinage.
+
+  11th George III.          Makes further regulations respecting
+    _cap._ 40.              the Copper Coinage; which, however,
+                            have not been at all effectual.
+
+Since the last edition of this work the following additions have been
+made to the Statute Law on this subject.
+
+By 37 Geo. III. _c._ 126, so much of 15 Geo. II. _c._ 28, as relates
+to _halfpence and farthings_, and the statute 11 Geo. III. _c._ 40,
+and all other acts relating to the copper money of this realm, are
+extended to all such copper money as shall be coined and issued, by
+the King's Proclamation.--This was for the purpose of protecting the
+Coinage of _penny_ and _twopenny_ pieces made for Government by Mr.
+Boulton, of Birmingham; and which it is believed have not yet been
+counterfeited, at least to any great extent.
+
+By the same statute, 37 Geo. III. _c._ 126, persons counterfeiting any
+_foreign gold or silver coin_, tho' not current in this realm, are
+made guilty of felony, punishable by seven years' transportation; as
+are also persons bringing the same into the realm, with intent to
+utter it.--A penalty is imposed on persons tendering _such_
+counterfeit coin in payment, _or exchange_; for the first offence, six
+months' imprisonment: for the second, two years; and on the third,
+they are declared guilty of felony without Clergy.--Persons having
+more than _five_ pieces of such counterfeit coin in their possession,
+shall forfeit the same, and also a penalty of not more than £.5, nor
+less than 40_s._ for each piece; or suffer three months'
+imprisonment.--Justices are impowered to grant warrants for searching
+suspected places, _for such counterfeit foreign coin_; which with the
+tools and materials may be seized and carried before a Justice, who
+shall secure the same as evidence: to be afterwards destroyed.
+
+By statute 38 Geo. III. _c._ 59, the act 14 Geo. III. _c._ 42,
+prohibiting the importation of light silver coin of this realm, was
+revived and continued till June 1, 1799.--And by statute 39 Geo. III.
+_c._ 75, it was made perpetual.
+
+By statute 38 Geo. III. _c._ 67, _Copper Coin_ not being the legal
+Copper Coin of this realm, and _all counterfeit gold or silver coin
+whatever_, exported, or shipped for exportation, to Martinique or any
+of the British Colonies in the West Indies or America, is declared to
+be forfeited, and may be seized as under the laws respecting the
+Customs.--And a penalty is imposed on persons exporting it, of £.200
+and double the value of the coin.
+
+We next proceed to state the deficiencies which still remain
+unremedied.
+
+     1. The punishment inflicted on the different offences
+     specified in the Coinage Laws, do not seem to be adequate to
+     the degree of enormity, in some instances; while in others,
+     from being too severe, the law is not always put in
+     execution. The sale of base Money (for instance) under the
+     value it imports, is only punishable by a year's
+     imprisonment; although in point of fact, it is well known,
+     that the Sellers are the _Employers of the Coiners_; that
+     with them this high offence originates, and but for them it
+     would not have been committed: while the actual Coiners, who
+     work for these Dealers merely as Journeymen, subject
+     themselves to the punishment of Death.
+
+     2. Prosecutions under the stat. 8 & 9 W. III. _c._ 26, are
+     at present limited to commence within three months. This may
+     often defeat justice, as offences committed in the country
+     frequently cannot be tried in less than four, five, and in
+     some cases nearly six months. [-->] _The limitation to
+     twelve months would remove the difficulty._ [There is no
+     such limitation in the statutes of 37 & 38 of Geo. III. just
+     alluded to.]
+
+     3. The words _Milled Money_ seemed necessary, in the minds
+     of the makers of the act of 8 & 9 William III. _cap._ 26, to
+     form the description of coin similar to the current Coin of
+     the Realm; and that Act declares it to be felony to take,
+     receive, pay, or put off _counterfeit milled Money_.--A
+     considerable portion of counterfeit Coin is _cast_, and _not
+     milled_. [-->] _The words_ counterfeit Money, Milled _or_
+     not Milled, _would remove the ambiguity._
+
+     4. It does not appear that any provision is clearly made, or
+     punishment inflicted, for the offence of _uttering base
+     silver Money in exchange_, as well as in payment: except
+     under _stat._ 8 and 9 Will. III. _cap._ 26, where the
+     expression of _counterfeited milled money_ is used, the
+     ambiguity of which has already been noticed. The words in
+     the _stat._ 15 Geo. II. _c._ 28. are, "any person who shall
+     utter or tender in payment," and it seems that the word
+     _utter_ cannot be detached from the subsequent words, "in
+     payment." [The partial remedy applied in this particular in
+     the instance of counterfeit _foreign gold and silver coin_,
+     under 37 Geo. III. _c._ 126, should be extended to _all_
+     cases of counterfeit money.]
+
+     5. The laws peculiarly relating to the _Copper Coinage_,
+     although more modern, have also been found to be extremely
+     defective, and totally inadequate to their object. The Act
+     of the 11th of his present Majesty, _cap._ 40, indeed,
+     makes it felony to sell Copper Money of the similitude _of
+     the current Money of the Realm_ at a less value than the
+     denomination doth import; but the benefit of Clergy not
+     being taken away, and no specific punishment being
+     mentioned, the offenders are generally subjected only to a
+     year's inprisonment, which proves no check whatever, as
+     their families carry on business in the mean time; and if
+     they sell _plain or evasive Halfpence_, or what are called
+     _Irish Harps_, or mix them with _stamped Half-pence_,
+     similar to the current Coin of the Realm, so that the
+     stamped Coin does not exceed the value of what the
+     denomination imports, it is doubtful whether the prosecution
+     will not fail.
+
+[-->] It is submitted, that a statute ought to be framed, declaring it
+_Felony_, punishable by seven years' transportation: 1st. For any
+person to make or manufacture any piece of Copper or other metal, with
+or without any device whatsoever, with an intent that it shall pass as
+the _Copper Monies of the Kingdoms of Great Britain or Ireland_. 2nd.
+For any smith, engraver, founder, &c. or any person, except those
+employed in the Mint, or authorized by the Treasury, to make or mend,
+buy or sell, conceal or have in their possession, without a lawful
+excuse, any puncheon, stamp, die, mould, &c. on which shall be
+impressed, or with intent that there shall be impressed on the same,
+any resemblance whatever, in part or in the whole, of such _Copper
+Monies_. 3d. For any person to buy or sell, or offer to buy or sell,
+or to utter or tender in payment, or to give or offer to give in
+exchange, _thirty or more pieces of Copper_ in any one day; such piece
+resembling or being intended to resemble, or passing or being intended
+to pass as the current Copper Money of the said kingdoms.
+
+That such proposed statute should also make it a misdemeanor
+(punishable by a fine of 40_s._ for the first offence, £5. for the
+second, and £10. for every subsequent offence) for any person to buy,
+sell, utter, &c. any number _less than thirty_ of such pieces of
+Copper, resembling or intended to resemble or pass, &c. as such
+current Copper Money. The fines to be recoverable in a summary way
+before one magistrate. This would reach Turnpike-men and others, who
+wilfully pass bad Halfpence at one gate which are refused at another:
+and would generally check the circulation of base Copper Money, which
+has become an evil of great magnitude.
+
+     6. The laws, as they now stand, are silent regarding
+     Provincial Copper Coin, or what are called _Tokens_,
+     representing an Halfpenny. It might perhaps be useful to
+     legalize _Tokens_ or _Provincial Coins_ on three conditions.
+     [-->] _1. That the Copper of which they are made shall be
+     pure.--2. That this Coin shall be at least 10 per cent.
+     heavier than Mr. Boulton's new Coinage.--3. That the parties
+     circulating such Coin be responsible to the holders, for the
+     value in Gold or Silver, when demanded: and shall stamp
+     their names and an obligation to that purpose on the Coins,
+     Tokens, or Medals so issued by them._--It would be necessary
+     under such circumstances that every person, issuing Tokens
+     or Medals, should take out a Licence for that purpose from
+     the principal Officers of the Mint, as an authority for such
+     Coinage: giving security at the same time to observe the
+     above Conditions.
+
+It may, however, be worthy consideration, whether these tokens should
+not be wholly suppressed, and the offence of fabricating any Copper
+pieces passing, or intended to pass "_as, for, or in lieu of_" the
+lawful Copper Coin, be made felony: and that such tokens should in all
+respects be considered as actual Counterfeit Coin, and treated
+accordingly: or, at all events, that persons issuing and circulating
+such tokens should be liable to a severe penalty; and bound to pay the
+holder, on demand, the full denominated value.
+
+     7. The mischievous agents of the Dealers in base Money, _the
+     persons who keep Flatting-mills, and other machinery, for
+     preparing, and rolling their metals, for being coined into
+     base Money_, are not at present within the reach of
+     punishment by any existing law. Although by preparing the
+     metal for the subsequent process of stamping, they are in
+     fact parties concerned, without whose aid the Coinage of
+     what are called _Flats_, or milled money, could not be
+     carried on.--The chief difficulty is in punishing persons
+     for producing an article which may be turned into coach and
+     harness ornaments, buttons, and many purposes as well as
+     base Money.
+
+[-->] With respect to this whole tribe of dangerous manufacturers,
+whose trade and abilities are so liable to be perverted to iniquitous
+purposes, it has been under consideration to regulate them, by
+legislative measures, to the following effect: viz. "That no person,
+except those employed in the mints, shall erect, set up, or use, or
+knowingly have in possession any _cutting engine for cutting round
+blanks by the force of a screw out of fatted bars or sheets of Copper,
+or other metal_; or any _stamping press, fly, rolling mill, flatting
+mill, or other instrument for stamping, flatting, or marking metals_,
+or _which, with the assistance of any matrix, Stamp, or dye, will
+stamp or mark Copper or other metals, or prepare the same for stamping
+or marking_, without first giving notice thereof in writing to persons
+authorized to keep an entry and registry thereof, containing the
+Christian and Surnames of the owners of such instruments, and
+describing the use thereof, and the house or other place in which the
+same is intended to be erected, set up, used or kept; and to give the
+like notice on any removal, under a certain penalty, recoverable as in
+the case of Hair Powder, and other revenue laws."--It is believed, on
+the best authority, that the Licence here proposed (especially as it
+would subject the parties to no pecuniary burden) would meet the
+approbation of the principal manufacturers, on account of the
+facilities which it would afford in detecting and in embarrassing
+those who set up machinery for unlawful purposes.
+
+     8. No provision is made in any Act against, and consequently
+     no punishment is inflicted on, the offence of _buying base
+     money to recolour it_--[-->] This is a modern device, and
+     may be remedied, as it seems, by enacting--"That every
+     person who shall buy, take or receive any blank or round
+     piece of blanched copper, mixed metal, or metal of any sort
+     whatsoever, for the purpose of colouring the same, or
+     causing the same to be coloured, or with intent or knowledge
+     that the same shall or will be coloured, or which shall have
+     been coloured, so as to pass for the current Gold or Silver
+     Coins of Great Britain or Ireland, shall be punishable by a
+     fine of £.20 and one month's imprisonment; and that any
+     person who shall buy or sell, or offer to buy or sell any
+     piece of blanched Copper, &c. which may formerly have passed
+     as or for such current Gold or Silver Coin, shall be
+     punishable by a fine of 40_s._ recoverable in a summary way;
+     or by one month's imprisonment."--This last penalty will
+     reach the Jew Boys, who cry bad shillings, and will prove,
+     it is hoped, an effectual check by means of a very mild
+     punishment upon shopkeepers, tradesmen, and others, who
+     inadvertently sell defaced counterfeit shillings without
+     reflecting that although they obtain 3_d._ in this traffick
+     for what is not intrinsically worth one farthing, that the
+     same counterfeits are again coloured, and received by them
+     at the full value of 12_d._
+
+     9. No existing law gives any power to Magistrates upon
+     information on oath, to search for, or seize Counterfeit
+     Coin of this realm in the custody or possession of _known
+     Dealers_ or _reputed Utterers_; although these Dealers and
+     Utterers are now the persons (and not the actual Coiners)
+     who keep the base money: neither is there any power to seize
+     base money conveying in coaches or waggons going into the
+     country. Under this shelter the Dealers are enabled to hold
+     markets for sale in their houses, where they frequently keep
+     large stocks; and base money is also sent into the country
+     without the least hazard of detection or seizure.
+
+[-->] Here again the partial remedy introduced by 37 Geo. III. c. 126,
+should be extended and applied.
+
+     10. No power is directly given by any existing law, (not
+     even by the modern Act last mentioned) though upon the most
+     pointed information, to search the houses or workshops of
+     coiners _in the night time_. Hence it is that _detection_
+     becomes so difficult, and the evil increases, because the
+     law in some measure shields the offenders from discovery.
+     Since in Lottery offences (which are certainly greatly
+     inferior in their enormity to Coining) a power is granted to
+     break open houses in the night-time, surely no reason can be
+     assigned why treasonable offences, in Coining base Money,
+     should not in this respect be on the same footing. Unless a
+     positive power is given to search in the night, and suddenly
+     to force open doors or windows, it will be impossible to
+     detect the Makers of Cast Money.
+
+     11. The act 11 Geo. III. cap. 40. gives a power to
+     Magistrates to issue their warrants to search for tools and
+     implements used in the _Copper Coinage_, (with regard to
+     Silver or Gold Coinage of this realm no such power is
+     given); but, what is very singular, _no punishment whatever
+     can be inflicted by any existing law_ on the owner or
+     proprietor of such tools for making Copper Money, nor upon
+     the person in whose house they are found; and if when such
+     search is made, there should be found only _plain_
+     Halfpence, or _Irish Harps_, or _evasive Halfpence_ or
+     _Farthings, varying in the Stamp_ in any degree from the
+     current Coin of the Realm, so as not to be of the exact
+     similitude, (a practice which has now for some time very
+     much prevailed) the act in question is defeated; inasmuch as
+     the crime of felony does not attach to offences short of
+     Coining _Copper Money of the similitude of the current Coin
+     of the Realm_. The Coinage of base Copper therefore goes on
+     with impunity; because it is owing to the carelessness of
+     the parties themselves if ever they permit the law to reach
+     them.
+
+     12. The laws now in being give no power to seize Counterfeit
+     Halfpence; either in the hands of the Dealers, who keep a
+     kind of open market at their own houses every morning to
+     supply Jew Boys, who cry bad Shillings, or in those of many
+     others in various trades, who become the channels of
+     circulation to a vast extent without risk or inconvenience.
+     Neither does the statute law authorize the apprehension of
+     Jew Boys, who go out every morning loaded with counterfeit
+     Copper, which they exchange for bad shillings.
+
+[-->] To remedy this part of the evil, it is proposed, "That on
+complaint made to any one Justice of Peace upon oath, that there is
+just cause to suspect that any person is concerned in making or using,
+or has in their custody any unlawful puncheon, stamp, die, mould, &c.
+made for the purpose, or which may be applied to the purpose, of
+counterfeiting the Gold, Silver, or Copper Coin of the Kingdoms of
+Great Britain or Ireland; or of making or manufacturing any pieces of
+metal intended to pass as such coin, or any cutting engine for cutting
+round blanks by means of force applied to a screw, or flatted bars of
+metal, &c. or any wash or material which will produce the colour of
+Gold or silver, or copper, or any round blank of base metal or mixed
+metal, or of brass copper, or lead, so as to resemble such coin; or
+who hath been concerned in buying, selling, taking in exchange,
+receiving, or putting off any Gold, Silver, or Copper Money, not
+melted or cut, at a lower rate or value than the same doth import,
+such Justice may, by a warrant under his hand, cause the house,
+out-house, and other places occupied by such suspected person to be
+searched, _either by night or by day_; and if any of the articles
+hereinbefore mentioned, or any counterfeit or pretended coin, blanks,
+or round pieces of metal be found, the parties to be seized, and, with
+the said articles, brought before a Justice, and such articles may be
+afterwards used in evidence, and then broken, defaced, and disposed of
+as the Court or Justices shall direct.
+
+"That any Constable, Headborough, or Beadle, and every Watchman, while
+on duty, may apprehend and detain all and every person or persons who
+may be reasonably suspected of having and carrying, or any ways
+conveying for the purpose of selling or trafficking in the same, any
+counterfeited or forged Gold, Silver, or Copper Money, whether the
+same shall resemble or be intended to resemble, or shall pass or be
+intended to pass as and for the coin of the said kingdoms, or of any
+foreign Country or State; or having in their possession, without
+lawful excuse, any round blanks of base metal or mixed metal, &c. or
+any pieces of Gold, Silver, Brass, Copper, or Lead, of a fit size and
+figure to be coined, coloured, or converted into Counterfeit Money;
+with power also to seize and detain the said Counterfeit Money,
+blanks, &c. and convey the same, with the person or persons
+apprehended, before one or more Justices; and if the party shall not
+give a satisfactory account how the same came into their possession,
+or shall not produce the party from whom it was received, he shall be
+deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by fine and imprisonment
+in a summary manner."
+
+     13. The statute 37 Geo. III. cap. 126. (see p. 194) has
+     restrained the evil pointed out in former editions of this
+     Treatise, respecting the counterfeiting of Foreign Gold and
+     Silver Coin. It is to be wished, however, that the penalties
+     imposed on the _exportation_ of such counterfeit Coin by 38
+     Geo. III. cap. 67, could be further extended and enforced.
+
+     14. It must here be repeated, that the great cause of the
+     defect in the execution of the Laws against Coiners, is the
+     want of a proper fund for Prosecutions and Rewards, and
+     other expences for detecting Offenders.--The acts 7 Anne,
+     cap. 24, and 15 Geo. II. cap. 28, allow only £.600 for the
+     expence of prosecutions, which has never been increased for
+     above half a century; although the offences, as well as the
+     expence of detection and prosecutions, have increased, at
+     least, six fold.
+
+     15. The reward of £.40, given under the Acts 6 and 7 William
+     III. cap. 17; 15 Geo. II. cap. 28, is construed to be
+     limited only to the Conviction of actual Coiners and
+     Clippers of Gold and Silver; and is not allowed to extend to
+     colouring and finishing, as well as a number of other
+     offences connected with _making_, _counterfeiting_, and
+     _uttering base_ Money:--the reward for Copper Coin is by the
+     said Act of 15 Geo. II. cap. 28, limited to £.10, and is by
+     no means a sufficient encouragement to Officers to do their
+     duty. _It would be a great improvement if a liberal sum were
+     allowed by Parliament for detections, prosecutions, and
+     rewards; to be paid on the report of the Judges who try the
+     offenders, according to the merit and trouble of the
+     apprehenders, prosecutors, and witnesses; whether there is a
+     conviction or not._
+
+The following rewards have been suggested as proper to make part of a
+Bill now in a state of preparation, for the general Regulation of the
+Coinage: and which is meant to include all the remedies before hinted
+at and pointed out: a Legislative measure which must do honour to the
+Minister who will carry it into execution.
+
+  To persons contributing to the conviction
+  of _Coiners of British or Foreign Coin, or
+  persons plating with Gold or Silver_, or
+  _persons colouring with wash_ or _materials
+  to produce the colour of Gold or Silver_, any
+  blanks or flats of metal, base or mixed,               £.  _s._ _d._
+  to resemble the said current Coin                      40   0    0
+
+  Convicting, &c. persons guilty of counterfeiting
+  Copper money of these Kingdoms
+  or of Foreign States, or colouring such
+  Copper money to resemble the same                      20   0    0
+
+  Convicting, &c. persons guilty of uttering
+  counterfeit Gold and Silver Coin, and
+  selling it at a lower rate than it imports             10   0    0
+
+  Convicting, &c. persons guilty of buying
+  or selling Counterfeit Copper money of
+  Foreign States at a lower rate than it
+  imports                                                10   0    0
+
+To be paid without deduction or fee, within one month after such
+conviction, on tendering a certificate to the Sheriff.
+
+It is also proposed that the Treasury shall have power to issue out of
+the Duties of Customs a sufficient sum of money for prosecuting
+offenders against the Mint laws.
+
+Whatever might be the effect of these amendments in the Mint laws, and
+necessary as they appear to be, it is still to be feared that until a
+new coinage of Silver money and Copper halfpence and farthings shall
+take place, no legislative restrictions, regulations, or punishments,
+can produce an effectual cure to this enormous evil; although, from
+the many deficiencies which have been detailed, it is evident a great
+deal of good may be done immediately in this way.
+
+A coinage of Silver money is a great State question, which may require
+a fuller consideration; but no doubt can be entertained of the
+indispensable necessity of such a measure, as soon as circumstances
+will admit.
+
+If to a new coinage of _shillings_ and _sixpences_, should be added an
+extensive coinage of silver money of the value of _four pence_ and
+_three pence_, according to ancient usage, it would prove a great
+convenience to the public, and remedy much of the inconvenience which
+arises from the ponderous nature of Copper money; while a smaller
+quantity would be required for circulation.
+
+No doubt can be entertained of the nation deriving considerable
+advantages from having increased the weight of copper coin, so as to
+bring it as near as possible to the _intrinsic_ value of the metal of
+which it is composed.
+
+This arrangement will, it is hoped, ultimately prove the means of
+effectually preventing counterfeits; and the copper, being a native
+article produced in the country, may in time, through the medium of
+_coined money_, become a profitable branch of commerce with foreign
+nations; where even an extensive circulation may be insured, in
+consequence of the _intrinsic_ and _denominative_ value being the
+same, or nearly so.
+
+This is exemplified in the policy of Sweden, where the copper dollar
+being so heavy as to answer to sixpence sterling, has long been
+exported; and forms a considerable, and even a profitable branch of
+commerce to that nation.
+
+In Russia the _Three Copee Piece_ is very nearly of the weight of six
+English halfpence, yet its current value is only a small fraction
+above one penny sterling;--and thus by issuing no copper coin where
+the _denominative_ is not in proportion to the _intrinsic_ value,
+every class of dealers who vend the necessaries of life are shielded
+against loss; and every unnatural rise in the price of provisions for
+the subsistence of the poor is of course prevented.
+
+This principle seems to have been admitted by the Legislature; for
+when the subject of Copper Money was under the consideration of the
+House of Commons, at a period not very remote, the Journals shew that
+an opinion then prevailed, "_that the most effectual means to secure
+the Copper Coin from being counterfeited, was, that the denominative
+value of such Coin should bear as near a proportion as possible to the
+intrinsic_ value of the metal of which it was formed."[50]
+
+[Footnote 50: Journal, House of Commons, Vol. xviii. p. 178.]
+
+In fine, it is a question worthy of attention, whether in order to
+prevent clamour, and to shut out at once all pretence for circulating
+any of the old Copper money, _good or bad_, after the period when Mr.
+Boulton shall be able to furnish a sufficient quantity of halfpence
+and farthings for circulation, it might not be proper to consider how
+far it would be practicable as a measure of State policy, to introduce
+a clause into the proposed Bill, empowering the Treasury, within a
+given time, to receive all the old Copper Coin, good and bad, at a
+certain price per ton, allowing a _bonus_ to the honest holders of it
+of 20 per cent. above the current price of Copper.--This would at once
+clear the country of counterfeit halfpence and farthings, and would
+reconcile the holders to the loss; while the pecuniary sacrifice to
+Government would be more than compensated an hundred-fold by a
+compleat and instant renovation of this species of coinage.--As the
+chief part of the bad halfpence are good copper, they could be
+recoined, or sold, as might appear most beneficial.
+
+It is earnestly to be hoped that the further regulations proposed will
+be adopted; and followed up, by an extensive coinage of Silver money,
+so as to shield the honest part of the Community against a system of
+fraud, rapid beyond all example in its growth, and unparalleled as to
+its extent.[51]
+
+[Footnote 51: It was suggested in a former edition of this work, that
+a coinage of _seven shilling_ pieces of _gold_ would be of great
+utility.--The expedient was adopted by Government at the end of the
+year 1797.]
+
+Certain it is, that base money contributes more to the support as well
+as to the _increase_ of the number of those mischievous and abandoned
+members of the community, who exist _wholly_ by different kinds of
+fraud, than any other device which they pursue to enable them to live
+in their present state of idleness and debauchery, and to indulge in
+luxury and extravagance.
+
+The increase is certainly astonishing, since it is known that in
+London and the Country, there were some time since fifty-four actual
+Coiners, and fifty-six large Dealers, besides, at least, ten Die
+sinkers, whose _names_, _characters_, and pursuits, were perfectly
+known; but these bear no proportion to the horde of smaller dealers
+and utterers of base money in the Metropolis, and in most of the
+commercial and manufacturing towns in the kingdom. Their numbers must
+amount to several thousands. From being at present nuisances to
+society, in the constant habit of defrauding the Public, they might be
+rendered (through the application of the remedies proposed) useful
+members of the State; by changing a life of idleness and crimes, for a
+course of useful labour and industry.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. VIII.
+
+     _The magnitude of the Plunder of Merchandize and Naval
+     Stores on the River Thames.--The wonderful extent and value
+     of the Floating Property, laden and unladen in the Port of
+     London in the course of a year.--Reasons assigned for the
+     rise and progress of the excessive Pillage which had so long
+     afflicted the Trade of the River Thames.--The modes pursued
+     in committing Depredations as the result of a regular
+     System, which had been established through the medium of
+     various classes of Criminal Delinquents, denominated--River
+     Pirates--Night Plunderers--Light Horsemen--Heavy
+     Horsemen--Game Watermen--Game Lightermen--Mudlarks--Game
+     Officers of the Revenue--And Copemen, or Receivers of Stolen
+     Property.--The devices practised by each Class in carrying
+     on their criminal designs.--General Observations on the
+     extent of the Plunder and number of Individuals implicated
+     in this Species of Criminality.--The effects of the Marine
+     Police in checking these Depredations.--The advantages which
+     have resulted to Trade and Revenue from the partial
+     experiment which has been made.--The further benefits to be
+     expected when, by apposite Legislative Regulations, the
+     System of Protection is extended to the whole Trade of the
+     River.--General Reflections arising from the Subject._
+
+
+The immense depredations committed on every species of Commercial
+Property in the River Thames, but particularly on West India produce,
+had long been felt as a grievance of the greatest magnitude;
+exceedingly hurtful to the Commerce and Revenue of the port of London,
+and deeply affecting the interest of the Colonial Planters, as well as
+every description of Merchants and Ship-Owners concerned in the Trade
+of the River Thames.
+
+The subject of this Chapter will therefore be chiefly confined to a
+detail of the causes, which produced these extraordinary and extensive
+depredations, and the various means by which they were perpetrated;
+and also to the remedies which have been successfully applied since
+the publication of the preceding editions of this Work, for the
+purpose of reducing within bounds, and keeping in check, this enormous
+and growing evil; for certain it is, that previous to the
+establishment of the Marine Police System, in the Month of July 1798,
+the increase had been regular and progressive, while the easy manner
+in which this species of property was obtained, generated an accession
+of plunderers every year.
+
+To those whose habits of life afford no opportunities of attending to
+subjects of this nature, the details which are now to be given will
+appear no less novel than extraordinary; and with respect to the
+extent of the mischief in some instances perhaps incredible. The
+West India Planters alone have estimated their losses by depredations
+upon the River and in the Warehouses at the enormous sum of £.250,000
+a year. It cannot be unreasonable then to suppose, that the extent of
+the plunder on the other branches of Commerce, which form nearly 5-6th
+parts of the whole value of Imports and Exports, could not be less
+than £.250,000 more, making an aggregate upon the whole of Half a
+Million sterling![52]
+
+[Footnote 52: For a specific Estimate of the plunder on all branches
+of trade carried on to and from the port of London, see "A Treatise on
+the Commerce and Police of the River Thames: with a summary View of
+the Laws of Shipping and Navigation:" (now in the press) by the Author
+of this Work.]
+
+Surprising as this may appear at first view, yet when, by a cool
+investigation of the subject, it comes to be measured by the scale of
+the astonishing Commerce which centers in the port of London,
+(according to the annexed Abstract) and the vast extent of Floating
+Property moving constantly upon the River Thames, and the adjacent
+Wharfs and Quays subject to depredations; when by calculation it is
+also found, that the whole amount of the aggregate plunder, great and
+extensive as it appears to be, does not much exceed _three quarters
+per cent._ on the value of the whole property exposed to danger: the
+Reader will be reconciled to an estimate, which from the elucidations
+contained in this chapter, will ultimately appear by no means to be
+exaggerated.
+
+
+ABSTRACT
+
+OF THE _IMPORTS_ INTO, AND THE _EXPORTS_ FROM, THE _PORT OF LONDON_;
+
+_Made up from the Public Accounts for one year, ending the 5th day of
+January, 1798; but differing with regard to the value, from those
+accounts; in which the price is estimated on data established many
+years ago, when the articles of commerce imported and exported were
+not rated at above half the sum they now fetch,_ exclusive _of duty._
+
+_It is, therefore, to be understood that the following Estimate of
+Foreign Articles is made up according to the_ present value, _as
+nearly as it has been possible to ascertain it, by the payment of the
+Convoy-duties, under the Act 38 Geo. 3. cap. 76--It exhibits a very
+astonishing picture of the immense opulence and extent of the commerce
+of the Metropolis; and accounts in a very satisfactory manner for the
+vast resources of the Country, which have been manifested in so
+eminent a degree in the course of the present and former wars._
+
+  From whence    Number of Average  Value of Goods Value of Goods   Total Value of
+  arrived.       vessels   Tonnage. Imported.      Exported.        Goods imported
+                 including                                          and exported.
+                 repeated
+                 voyages.
+                                   £.        s. d. £.         s. d. £.         s. d.
+
+  East Indies        53    41,456  6,544,402 10  2  3,957,905  5  1 10,502,307 15  3
+  West Indies       346   101,484  7,118,623 12  8  3,895,313 18  7 11,013,937 11  3
+  British
+   Continental
+   Colonies          68    13,986    290,894  4 10  1,347,250  1  7  1,638,144  6  5
+  Africa and
+   Cape of
+   Good Hope         17     4,336     82,370 15  0    449,077 19  3    531,446 15  1
+  Southern
+   Fishery           29     7,461    250,689  3  2         54 16  4    250,743 19  6
+  Greenland
+   Fishery           16     4,769     64,142  0  8          0  0  0     64,142  0  8
+  United States
+   of America       140    32,213  1,517,386  2  8  3,898,864 12  9  5,416,250 15  5
+  Mediterranean
+   and Turkey        72    14,757    390,794 19 10    118,914  3  7    509,709  3  5
+  Spain             121    16,509    776,686 12  2    171,073  4  6    947,759 17  8
+  Portugal          180    27,670    414,359  7  2    438,877 16  2    853,237  3  4
+  France             56     5,573     15,951 17  8    859,974 16  0    875,926 13  8
+  Austrian
+   Flanders          66     5,104     21,027  3  2    118,064  2  2    139,091  5  4
+  Holland           329    19,166    673,241 17  4  1,538,120  3  6  2,211,362  0 10
+  Germany           235    37,647  2,658,011  8  2  8,014,260  3  0 10,672,271 11  2
+  Prussia           608    56,955    220,827 14  0    211,662 12  0    432,490  6  0
+  Poland             69    17,210    207,477  0  0     35,468 18  3    242,945 18  3
+  Sweden            109    14,252    152,707  6 10    169,293 18  4    322,001  5  2
+  Denmark and
+   Norway           202    48,469     94,821  3  6    711,082 10  8    805,903 14  2
+  Russia            230    56,131  1,565,118  7  6    452,106 16  7  2,017,225  4  1
+
+  Foreign
+   Coasting
+   (Including
+   repeated
+   voyages.)
+    Guernsey,
+    Jersey and
+    Alderney         46     5,344    218,916 12  8     83,281 12  1    302,198  4  9
+    Ireland         276    32,824  1,878,971  7  2    659,922 14  1  2,538,894  1  3
+
+  British
+   Coasting[53]
+   (Including
+   repeated
+   voyages.)
+    Coal Trade     3676   650,000  1,700,000  0  0     10,000  0  0  1,710,000  0  0
+    English
+     Coasting
+     incl. Wales   5816   500,000  3,900,000  0  0  2,200,000  0  0  6,100,000  0  0
+    Scotch
+     Coasting       684    60,000    300,000  0  0    300,000  0  0    500,000  0  0
+                 -------------------------------------------------------------------
+                 13,444 1,779,326 30,957,421  8  2 29,640,568  4  6 60,597,989 12  8
+
+[Footnote 53: No rule being established, whereby the British Coasting
+trade can be valued, the Estimate here given is grounded on the
+supposition, that the value of each cargo must amount to a certain
+moderate sum.--The aggregate of the whole is believed to exceed the
+estimate considerably.]
+
+
+RECAPITULATION.
+
+                                          Ships and    Tonnage.
+                                          Vessels.
+  Foreign and Coasting Trade as
+  stated in the foregoing Table           13,268       1,773,326
+
+  Value of Merchandize imported            £.30,957,421  8  2
+  Value of Merchandize exported              29,640,568  4  6
+                                           ------------------
+  Total imported and exported                60,597,989 12  8
+
+  To which add the Local Trade within
+  the limits of the Port, in the Upper
+  and Lower Thames, and the River Lea           235,000  0  0
+
+  _With a view to give the mind of
+  the Reader a competent idea of the
+  whole of the property upon the River
+  Thames, which is exposed to hazard,
+  the following estimate is added_,
+  viz.--
+
+  1. Value of the Hull, Tackle, Apparel
+  and Stores of 2144 British, and Coasting
+  vessels, trading to the port of
+  London, without including, as above,
+  the repeated voyages                        8,825,000  0  0
+
+  2. Value of the Hull, Tackle, and Stores
+  of 3507 Lighters, Barges, Punts, Hoys,
+  Sloops, &c. employed in the Trade of
+  the Thames, River Lea, &c.                    350,000  0  0
+
+  3. Value of 3349 Wherries, Bumboats,
+  and Police Boats employed on the
+  River, &c.                                     25,000  0  0
+                                             ----------------
+                                             70,032,989 12  8
+
+  4. Value of Goods, including Coals,
+  exposed in Craft and upon the Quays,
+  to the risque of pillage on an average
+  each day in the year; (Exclusive of the
+  Public Arsenals, Ships of War, Gunboats,
+  Transports, and Hoys, for conveying
+  Navy, Victualing, and Ordnance Stores,
+  nearly equal to five Millions more)           235,000  0  0
+                                             ----------------
+                              General Total  70,267,989 12  8
+                                             ----------------
+
+Let the mind only contemplate this proud view of the Commerce of a
+Single River, unparalleled in point of extent and magnitude in the
+whole world; where 13,444 ships and vessels discharge and receive in
+the course of a year above three _Millions of Packages_, many of which
+contain very valuable articles of merchandize, greatly exposed to
+depredations, not only from the criminal habits of many of the aquatic
+labourers and others who are employed, but from the temptations to
+plunder, arising from the confusion unavoidable in a crowded port, and
+the facilities afforded in the disposal of stolen property.--It will
+then be easily conceived, that the plunder must have been excessive,
+especially where from its analogy to smuggling, at least in the
+conceptions of those who were implicated; and from its gradual
+increase, the culprits seldom were restrained by a sense of the moral
+turpitude of the offence; and where for want of a _Marine Police_
+applicable to the object, no means existed whereby offenders could be
+detected on the River.[54]
+
+[Footnote 54: While every thing connected with the present state of
+Europe, and the whole Commercial world, appears favourable for the
+accomplishment of the aggrandisement of the port of London, by the
+establishment of Docks (already in part adopted by the Legislature)
+and by a general Warehousing System, there is no opinion more
+erroneous and delusive than that which supposes that arrangements of
+this kind will supersede the necessity of a Police for the protection
+of the trade, and for the preservation of the public peace within
+these extensive repositories.
+
+In what manner are from two to three thousand labourers, who must be
+frequently employed at the same time within these Docks, (and those
+too of a class that have been accustomed to plunder, and are not
+restrained by any sense of the turpitude of the action) to be
+over-awed and controlled, if no Police shall be conceived necessary?
+
+The risk would be immense to commercial property; and pillage, in
+spite of the gates, and every precaution which could be taken, would
+probably be as extensive as it has been from the Warehouses, or from
+his Majesty's Dock Yards, where the want of an appropriate Police has
+been the cause of many abuses.
+
+Police as recently exemplified, is quite a new science in political
+oeconomy, not yet perfectly understood; it operates as a restraint
+of the most powerful kind upon all delinquents who would be restrained
+by nothing else. To the system of vigilance which pervades the
+criminal actions of labourers upon the River, joined to the imminent
+danger of detection, is to be attributed the general success of the
+Marine Police, in preventing depredations.
+
+Wherever a proper Police attaches, good order and security will
+prevail; where it does not, confusion, irregularity, outrages, and
+crimes must be expected; wherever great bodies of aquatic labourers
+are collected together, risk of danger from turbulent behaviour, will
+be greater in proportion to the number of depraved characters, who,
+from being collected in one spot, may hatch mischief, and carry it
+into effect much easier in Docks than on the River. A Police only can
+counteract this; and to the same preventive system will the commerce
+of the Port be indebted for securing both the Docks and the Pool
+against Conflagration. In fine, under every circumstance where
+Property is exposed, a preventive Police must be resorted to, in order
+to be secure.]
+
+The fact is, that the system of River depredations grew, and ramified
+as the Commerce of the Port of London advanced, until at length it
+assumed the different forms, and was conducted by the various classes
+of delinquents, whose nefarious practices are now to be explained
+under their respective heads.
+
+1st. _River Pirates._--This class was generally composed of the most
+desperate and depraved characters, who followed aquatic pursuits.
+Their attention was principally directed to ships, vessels, and craft
+in the night, which appeared to be unprotected; and well authenticated
+instances of their audacity are recounted, which strongly prove the
+necessity of a vigorous and energetic Police. Among many other
+nefarious exploits performed by these miscreants, the following may
+suffice to shew to what extent their daring and impudent conduct
+carried them.
+
+An American vessel lying at East-lane Tier, was boarded in the night,
+while the Captain and crew were asleep, by a gang of River Pirates,
+who actually weighed the ship's anchor, and hoisted it into their boat
+with a complete new cable, with which they got clear off.--The Captain
+hearing a noise, came upon deck at the moment the villains had secured
+their booty, with which they actually rowed away in his presence,
+impudently telling him, they had taken away his anchor and cable, and
+bidding him good morning. Their resources afforded them means of
+immediate concealment. No Police then existed upon the River, and his
+property was never recovered.
+
+A similar instance of atrocity occurred about the same time, where the
+bower anchor of a vessel from Guernsey was weighed, and, with the
+cable, plundered and carried off in the same manner.
+
+Although only these two instances of extraordinary audacity are
+specified, others equally bold and daring could be adduced if the
+limits of this Work would admit of it. When vessels first arrive in
+the river, particularly those from the West Indies, they are
+generally very much lumbered. Ships in this situation were considered
+as the harvest of the River Pirates, with whom it was a general
+practice to cut away bags of _Cotton_, _Cordage_, _Spars_, _Oars_, and
+other articles from the quarter of the vessels, and to get clear off,
+even in the day time as well as in the night. Before a Police existed
+upon the River all classes of aquatic labourers having been themselves
+more or less implicated in the same species of criminality, generally
+connived at the delinquency of each other, and hence it followed, that
+few or none were detected while afloat and the evil became so
+extensive.
+
+It was frequently the practice of these River Pirates to go armed, and
+in sufficient force to resist, and even to act offensively if they met
+with opposition.--Their depredations were extensive among craft
+wherever valuable goods were to be found; but they diminished in
+number after the commencement of the war; and now since the
+establishment of the Marine Police they have almost totally
+disappeared.
+
+On the return of peace, however, if a system of watchful energy is not
+maintained, these miscreants must be expected (as on former occasions
+on the termination of wars) to renew their iniquitous depredations in
+great force, as numbers of depraved characters may then be expected to
+be discharged from the Army and Navy.
+
+2d. _Night Plunderers._--These were composed chiefly of the most
+depraved class of watermen, who associated together in gangs of four
+or five in number, for the purpose of committing depredations on the
+cargoes of lighters and other craft employed in conveying goods to the
+quays and wharfs. Their practice was to associate themselves with one
+or more of the watchmen who were employed to guard these lighters
+while cargoes were on board, and by the connivance of these faithless
+guardians of the night, to convey away in lug boats every portable
+article of merchandize, to which, through this medium, they often had
+too easy access.
+
+These corrupt watchmen did not always permit the lighters under their
+own charge to be pillaged.--Their general practice was, to point out
+to the leader of the gang those lighters that were without any guard,
+and lay near their own, and which, on this account, might be easily
+plundered. An hour was fixed on for effecting the object in view. The
+Receiver (generally a man of some property) was applied to, to be in
+readiness at a certain hour before day-light to warehouse the goods. A
+lug boat was seized on for the purpose. The articles were removed into
+it out of the lighter, and conveyed to a landing-place nearest the
+warehouse of deposit. The watchmen in the streets leading to this
+warehouse were bribed to connive at the villainy, often under pretence
+that it was a smuggling transaction, and thus the object was effected.
+
+In this precise manner was a quantity of ashes and hemp conveyed in
+1798, to the house of an opulent Receiver. Several other cargoes of
+hemp, obtained in the same manner, were conveyed up the river, and
+afterwards carted in the day-time to the repositories of the
+purchaser, till by the vigilance of the Police Boats, a detection took
+place, and the whole scene of mischief was laid open.
+
+This species of depredation went to a great extent, and when it was
+considered that the very men who Were appointed to guard property in
+this situation were themselves associates in the criminality, and
+participated in the profit arising from the booty; and that matters
+were so arranged as to secure the connivance of all those who were
+appointed to situations with a view to detect and apprehend
+delinquents; it ceases to be a matter of wonder, that the plunder in
+this particular line was excessive.
+
+In many instances where goods could not be plundered through the
+connivance of watchmen, it was no uncommon thing to cut lighters
+adrift, and to follow them to a situation calculated to elude
+discovery where the pillage commenced. In this manner have whole
+lighter loads even of coals been discharged at obscure landing places
+upon the river, and carted away during the night.
+
+Even the article of Tallow from Russia, which, from the unwieldiness
+of the packages, appears little liable to be an object of plunder, has
+not escaped the notice of these offenders: large quantities have been
+stolen, and an instance has been stated to the Author, where a lighter
+loaded with this article was cut from a ship in the Pool, and found
+next morning with six large casks of tallow stolen, and two more
+broken open, and the chief part plundered and carried away. In short,
+while the river remained unprotected nothing escaped these marauders.
+
+3d. _Light-Horsemen_, or Nightly Plunderers of West India ships.--This
+class of depredators for a long period of time had carried on their
+nefarious practices with impunity, and to an extent in point of value,
+that almost exceeds credibility; by which the West India planters and
+merchants sustained very serious and extensive losses.
+
+The practice seems to have originated in a connection which was formed
+between the Mates of West India ships[55] and the criminal Receivers,
+residing near the river, who were accustomed to assail them under the
+pretence of purchasing what is called _sweepings_, or in other words,
+the spillings or drainings of sugars, which remained in the hold and
+between the decks after the cargo was discharged. These sweepings were
+claimed as a perquisite by a certain proportion of the Mates, contrary
+to the repeated and express rules established by the Committee of
+Merchants, who early saw the evils to which such indulgences would
+lead, and in vain attempted to prevent it. The connivance, however, of
+the Revenue officers became necessary to get these sweepings on
+shore, and the quantity of spillings were gradually increased year
+after year by fraudulent means, for the purpose of satisfying the
+rapacity of all whose assistance and collusion was found necessary to
+obtain the object in view.
+
+[Footnote 55: It is not here meant to criminate all the Mates of ships
+in this trade; for a large proportion are known to be men worthy of
+the trust reposed in them.]
+
+The connection thus formed, and the necessary facilities obtained,
+from the sale of sweepings, recourse was at length had to the disposal
+of as much of the cargo as could be obtained by a licence to nightly
+plunderers, composed of Receivers, Coopers, Watermen, and Aquatic
+Labourers, who having made a previous agreement with the Mate and
+Revenue Officers, were permitted, on paying from thirty to fifty
+guineas, to come on board in the night,--to open as many hogsheads of
+sugar as were accessible,--and to plunder without controul. For this
+purpose, a certain number of bags dyed black, and which went under the
+appellation of _Black Strap_, were provided.--The Receivers, Coopers,
+Watermen, and Lumpers, went on board at the appointed time, for all
+these classes were necessary. The hogsheads of sugar and packages of
+coffee, &c. were opened; the black bags were filled with the utmost
+expedition and carried to the Receivers, and again returned to be
+refilled until daylight, or the approach of it, stopped the pillage
+for a few hours. On the succeeding night the depredations were again
+renewed; and thus, on many occasions, from fifteen to twenty hogsheads
+of sugar and a large quantity of coffee, and also in some instances
+rum (which was removed by means of a small pump called a Jigger, and
+filled into bladders with nozzels,) were plundered in a single ship,
+in addition to the excessive depredations which were committed in the
+same ships by the Lumpers or labourers who were employed during the
+day in the discharge of the cargo.--Instances have been adduced, and
+judicially proved, of various specific ships having been plundered in
+an excessive degree in this manner; and it has been estimated upon
+credible authority, that previous to the establishment of the Marine
+Police, above one-fifth of the whole fleet suffered by nightly
+plunder.--The ships subject to this species of depredation were
+generally known from the characters of the Mates or Revenue Officers
+who were on board, and were denominated _Game Ships_, where the
+aquatic labourers, called Lumpers, would on every occasion agree to
+work without wages, and even solicit their employers to be preferred
+on these terms, trusting to a general licence to plunder for their
+remuneration.
+
+This nefarious traffic had long been reduced to a regular system. The
+mode of negociation necessary to obtain all the requisite advantages
+for carrying into execution these iniquitous designs, was not only
+perfectly understood, but in most cases, where new Officers were to be
+practised upon, a plan of seduction was resorted to which seldom
+failed to succeed, when one or more of the old practitioners in this
+species of criminality happened to be stationed in the ship.--In this
+particular line of aquatic depredations, (which certainly was the most
+mischievous,) scenes of iniquity have been developed, which, from
+their extent and magnitude, could not have been credited had they
+stood on any other foundation than that of regular judicial proofs.
+
+4th.--_Heavy Horsemen_, otherwise denominated Lumpers of the most
+criminal class, who generally selected ships where plunder was most
+accessible, either from the criminal connivance of the Mates and
+Revenue Officers, in permitting nightly plunder, or from the
+carelessness or inattention of these Officers.
+
+This class, many of whom occasionally assisted in the depredations
+committed during the night, were exceedingly audacious and depraved.
+They generally went on board of West India ships, furnished with
+habiliments made on purpose to conceal sugar, coffee, cocoa, pimento,
+ginger, and other articles, which they conveyed on shore in great
+quantities, by means of an under waistcoat, containing pockets all
+round, denominated a _Jemie_; and also by providing long bags,
+pouches, and socks, which were tied to their legs and thighs under
+their trowsers.
+
+It is a well-established fact, which does not admit even of the shadow
+of a doubt, that these miscreants, during the discharge of what they
+called a _Game Ship_, have been accustomed to divide from three to
+four guineas a-piece every night from the produce of their plunder,
+independent of the hush-money paid to Officers and others, for
+conniving at their nefarious practices.
+
+Long habituated to this species of depredation, they became at length
+so audacious, that it was found extremely difficult to controul them
+where a disposition existed to protect the cargo from pillage, and
+where no seduction had taken place.--And indeed, so adroit had this
+class of Lumpers become, that no ship escaped plunder in a certain
+degree, wherever they were employed, in spite of the greatest
+vigilance and attention on the part of many of the shipmasters.
+
+5th. _Game Watermen_, so denominated from the circumstance of their
+having been known to hang upon West India ships under discharge for
+the whole of the day, in readiness to receive and instantly convey on
+shore _bags of sugar_, _coffee_ and _other articles_, pillaged by the
+Lumpers and others in the progress of the delivery of the cargo, by
+which they acquired a considerable booty; as they generally on such
+occasions were employed to dispose of the stolen articles, under
+pretence of their being a part of the private adventures of the crew,
+for which service they usually pocketed one moiety of the price
+obtained.--It was by such assistance that Mates, Boatswains,
+Carpenters, Seamen, and Ship Boys, have been seduced, and even taught
+to become plunderers and thieves, who would otherwise have remained
+honest and faithful to the trust reposed in them. Many of the watermen
+of this class were accustomed to live in a style of expence by no
+means warranted, from the fair earnings of honest industry in the line
+of their profession.--An instance has been known of an apprentice lad
+in this line having kept both a mistress and a riding horse out of
+the profits of his delinquency.
+
+6th. _Game Lightermen._--This class, which is composed of the working,
+or Journeymen Lightermen, who navigate the craft which convey West
+India produce and other merchandize from the ships to the quays, are,
+with some exceptions, extremely loose in their morals, and are ever
+ready to forward depredations by the purchase or concealment of
+articles of considerable value, until an opportunity offers of
+conveying the property on shore. Many of these Lightermen, previous to
+the establishment of the Marine Police, were in the constant habit of
+concealing in the lockers of their lighters, _sugar_, _coffee_,
+_pimento_, _ginger_, &c. which they received from Mates, and other
+persons on board of West India ships.--These lockers are generally
+secured by a padlock; they are calculated to hold and conceal
+considerable quantities of goods, whether stolen or smuggled, which
+were seldom taken out until after the discharge of the lighter, unless
+in certain instances where skiffs attended them.--When completely
+unladen, the practice has been to remove to the road where empty craft
+usually lies a-breast of the Custom-house quay, and then carry away
+the stolen or smuggled articles--and it has not seldom happened that
+many of these Lightermen have, under pretence of watching their own
+lighters while laden at the quays, or in connivance with the Watchmen
+selected by themselves, actually plundered the goods under their
+charge to a very considerable amount, without detection.
+
+Nor does it appear that the nefarious practices of these Lightermen
+have been confined to West Indian produce alone. Their criminal
+designs were directed to almost every species of merchandize placed
+under their charge; and the tricks and devices to which they were
+accustomed to resort, clearly evinced that their plans for obtaining
+pillage had long been systematized, and that they seldom permitted any
+opportunity whereby they could profit by making free with property
+under their charge to escape their attention. As a proof that this
+assertion is well grounded, the following authenticated case, among
+others which could be detailed, is stated as an instance of the
+extreme rapacity of this class of men.--A Canada merchant, who had
+been accustomed to ship quantities of oil annually to the London
+market, finding (as indeed almost every merchant experiences) a
+constant and uniform deficiency in the quantity landed, greatly
+exceeding what could arise from common leakage, which his
+correspondents were quite unable to explain; having occasion to visit
+London, was resolved to see his cargo landed with his own eyes; so as,
+if possible, to develope a mystery heretofore inexplicable, and by
+which he had regularly lost a considerable sum for several years.
+Determined therefore to look sharp after his property, he was in
+attendance at the wharf in anxious expectation of a lighter which had
+been laden with his oil on the preceding day; and which, for reasons
+that he could not comprehend, did not get up for many hours after the
+usual time.
+
+On her arrival at the wharf, the proprietor was confounded to find the
+whole of his casks stowed in the lighter with their bungs downwards.
+Being convinced that this was the effect of design, he began now to
+discover one of the causes at least, of the great losses he had
+sustained; he therefore attended the discharge of the lighter until
+the whole of the casks were removed, when he perceived a great
+quantity of oil leaked out, and in the hold of the vessel, which the
+Lightermen had the effrontery to insist was their perquisite. The
+proprietor ordered casks to be brought, and filled no less than nine
+of them with the oil that had thus leaked out. He then ordered the
+ceiling of the lighter to be pulled up, and found between her timbers
+as much as filled five casks more; thus recovering from a single
+lighter-load of his property, no less than fourteen casks of oil,
+that, but for his attendance, would have been appropriated to the use
+of the Lightermen; who, after attempting to rob him of so valuable a
+property, complained very bitterly of his ill usage in taking it from
+them.
+
+7th. _Mud-Larks_, so called from their being accustomed to prowl
+about, at low water, under the quarters, of West India ships; (or at
+least that class which were denominated _Game_, these being mostly the
+objects of pillage;) under pretence of grubbing in the mud for _old
+ropes_, _iron_, and _coals_, &c. but whose chief object, when in such
+situations, was to receive and conceal small bags of sugar, coffee,
+pimento, ginger, and other articles, and sometimes bladders containing
+rum, which they conveyed to such houses as they were directed, and for
+which services they generally received a share of the booty.--These
+auxiliaries in this species of pillage were considered as the lowest
+cast of thieves; but from a general knowledge of the Receivers in the
+vicinity, they frequently afforded considerable assistance to the
+Lumpers, Coopers and others, who collected plunder in the progress of
+the ships' delivery.
+
+8th. _Revenue Officers._--Notwithstanding the laudable severity of the
+Commissioners of his Majesty's Customs and Excise, in making examples
+of their inferior servants by immediate dismission, on proof made of
+any offence, or even neglect of duty; a certain class of these
+officers, who are denominated _Game_, have found means to promote
+pillage to a very extensive degree, not only in West India ships, but
+also in ships from the East Indies, and in every ship and vessel
+arriving and departing from the River Thames, of which it is to be
+lamented, that too many proofs have been adduced. This class of
+officers generally make a point of at least having the appearance of
+being punctual and regular in their attendance upon their duty, and by
+never being found absent by their superior officers obtain
+preferences, where such can be given, with respect to those
+particular ships which afford the best harvest, either from being
+under the charge of Mates or others, with whom they have had criminal
+transactions in former voyages, or from the cargo being of a nature
+calculated to afford a resource for plunder. They are also generally
+acquainted with the _Copemen_ or Receivers, with whom and the other
+officers, after seducing the Mate, (if not already seduced) they
+negociate for the purchase of whatever can be plundered.
+
+In those seasons of the year, when the crouded state of the port
+renders it necessary to have recourse to _extra_ and _Glut Officers_,
+the general distress of this class of men, and the expectations most
+of them have formed of advantages by being placed on board ships of a
+certain description, render it an easy matter to seduce them; and by
+such means had every obstruction been removed to the perpetration of
+these excessive robberies, in all their ramifications, which had so
+long afflicted the port of London.[56]
+
+[Footnote 56: In the throng season of the year at least 900 inferior
+Customhouse officers, and about 300 Excisemen, are stationed on board
+of ships in the Port of London, besides 82 Customhouse watermen and 36
+superior Officers who do duty on the River Thames. The fair allowance
+of the established Tide Officers may be from 50_l._ to 55_l._ a year.
+The preferable Officers having 3_s._ 6_d._ a day only when employed,
+are supposed to receive wages for 2-3ds. of the year; while the extra
+Officers, who have only 3_s._ a day, are not supposed to be employed
+above half the year: and the Glutmen not more than two months in the
+throngest part of the season.
+
+Men in such situations having a trust committed to them of great
+magnitude and importance, in the protection of a Revenue amounting to
+more than Seven Millions, and receiving wages inferior to common
+labourers, with pecuniary pressures upon them, arising from the wants
+in many instances of large families, assailed on all hands by
+temptations to connive at evil practices, as they relate both to the
+Revenue and the Individual--What can be expected from them?--Humanity,
+policy, and even justice pleads for an increase of salary, as the best
+means of preserving their morals and increasing the Revenue. Other
+Regulations through the medium of the Police System might be
+established, whereby their purity might be secured, and the Revenue
+eased of a considerable expence, by reducing the number employed at
+present, often in promoting mischievous instead of useful purposes.]
+
+9th. _Scuffle-Hunters_--so denominated probably from their resorting
+in numbers to the quays and wharfs where goods are discharging, under
+pretence of finding employment as labourers upon the landing places
+and in the warehouses, and from the circumstance, of _disputes_ and
+_scuffles_ arising about who should secure most plunder from broken
+packages. This class of men, who may fairly be considered as the very
+scum of society, frequently prowl about with long aprons, not so much
+with a view to obtain employment, as for the purpose of availing
+themselves of the confusion which the crowded state of the quays often
+exhibits, and the opportunity of obtaining plunder; in which object
+they have too frequently been successful, particularly when admitted
+into the warehouses as labourers, where they have found means to
+pilfer and carry away considerable quantities of sugar and other
+articles, in which they were not a little countenanced, by similar
+offences committed by journeymen coopers and others, who, under the
+colour of sanctioned perquisites, abstract considerable quantities of
+sugar, thereby subjecting the proprietors to an accumulated loss: for,
+in addition to the first cost or price of the article, the duties
+which have been paid form no inconsiderable part of the ultimate
+value. It is only necessary to resort to the Journals of the House of
+Commons, and the Appendix to the Report of the Dock Committee in 1796,
+in order to be satisfied, that the plunder in the warehouses has been
+excessive. And if credit is to be given to the evidence then brought
+forward, and also to the affidavits of persons, who have worked for
+many years in the sugar warehouses, the loss sustained on an
+importation of 140,000[57] casks of sugar has not fallen much short of
+£.100,000 a year.[58]
+
+[Footnote 57: Sugar and Rum imported into the Port of London, from the
+25th of March 1798 to the 25th of March 1799:--
+
+                               Casks,   Casks,
+  Islands.             Ships.  Sugar.   Rum.
+
+  Jamaica              151     64,108   17,279
+  Antigua               14      5,258      715
+  St. Kitt's            14      6,137      755
+  Barbadoes             17      7,961       65
+  Granadoes             18      6,806      443
+  Mountserat             6      2,742      568
+  Nevis                  4      1,867      418
+  Dominica              14      4,152      400
+  St. Vincent           26     10,147      908
+  Tortola                3        789      109
+  Sundry Places,     }
+  including captured }
+  Islands, &c.       } 106     32,739    2,271
+                       ---    -------   ------
+                       373    142,760   23,931
+                       ---    -------   ------]
+
+[Footnote 58: Independent of the excessive pillage by the labourers in
+the Warehouses, which has been rendered but too evident from the
+detections of Offenders since the establishment of the Marine Police,
+the samples alone, which on an average are said to amount to 12_lb._
+per hhd. (instead of 1-1/2_lb._ per hhd. in conformity to the
+Regulations of the West India Merchants, of the 12th of June 1789,)
+make a net aggregate of 1,470,000 pounds of sugar, which at 10_d._ per
+pound amounts to 61,250_l._ a year!]
+
+10th. _Copemen or Receivers of Stolen Commercial Property._--This
+mischievous class of men may be considered as the chief movers and
+supporters of the extensive scene of iniquity which has been developed
+and explained in the preceding pages of this Chapter. They were
+heretofore extremely numerous, and divided into various classes.[59]
+Those denominated _Copemen_ formed the junto of wholesale dealers, who
+were accustomed to visit ships on their arrival, for the purpose of
+entering into contract with such Revenue Officers or Mates as they had
+formerly known or dealt with, and such others as they could by means
+of friendly officers seduce to their views.
+
+[Footnote 59: See the "Treatise on the Commerce and Police of the
+River Thames," for a particular account of these classes.]
+
+Their negociations were carried on in a language and in terms peculiar
+to themselves; and commenced by settling the price of
+
+  _Sand_ by which, in their cant language, was meant _Sugar_.
+  _Beans_              or                           _Coffee_.
+  _Pease_              --              _Pimento_ or _Pepper_.
+  _Vinegar_            --          _Rum_ and _other Liquors_.
+  _Malt_               --                              _Tea_.
+
+It was their custom to afford assistance wherever such articles were
+to be procured by providing _Black Straps_, (_i.e._, the long black
+bags already mentioned) to contain sugar, and calculated to stow
+easily in the bottom of boats, without being discovered on account of
+the colour. They also procured bladders with wooden nozels for the
+purpose of containing rum, brandy, geneva, and other liquors, and
+furnished boats to convey the plunder from the ships during the night.
+
+Some of these Receivers had acquired considerable sums of money by
+their nefarious traffic, and were able to tempt and seduce those who
+would permit them to plunder the cargo, by administering to their
+wants by considerable advances of money which, however, rarely
+amounted to a moiety of the value of the goods obtained, and
+frequently not 1-4th part, particularly in the article of Coffee.
+
+Other classes of Receivers purchased from the Lumpers, Coopers, &c.
+after the property was landed, and being generally engaged in business
+as small grocers or keepers of chandlers' shops, and old iron and junk
+warehouses, they were accustomed to protect it in its transit, from
+one criminal dealer to another, by means of false bills of parcels.
+
+It would fill a volume to recount the various ramifications of this
+nefarious traffic, and the devices used to defeat Justice and elude
+the punishment of the Law.[60]
+
+[Footnote 60: For the purpose of defraying the expence of prosecutions
+for criminal offences upon the River Thames, and to raise a fund for
+suborning evidence, and employing counsel for higher crimes, and of
+paying the penalties under the Act of the 2d Geo. III. cap. 28.
+commonly called the Bumboat Act; there existed a club composed of
+_River Plunderers_, and _Lumpers_, _Coopers_, _Watermen_, and
+_Receivers_, (denominated _Light-Horsemen_, _Heavy-Horsemen_, and
+_Copes_,) from the funds of which the Law expences and the penalties
+incurred by members of the fraternity were paid. By these iniquitous
+means not a few notorious offenders escaped justice, while those who
+were convicted of penalties for misdemeanors escaped the punishment of
+imprisonment, and being thus screened from justice the culprits
+(previous to the establishment of the Marine Police System) returned
+to their evil practices without the least apprehension of any other
+inconvenience than the payment of a fine of 40_s._ defrayed by the
+Club. The New System, however, affording means of detection in the
+ships where the offences were committed: what were formerly
+misdemeanors are now treated as larcenies, which has operated most
+powerfully in breaking up this atrocious confederacy, and in defeating
+all the nefarious designs of the criminal delinquents of which it was
+formed, some of whom, although apparently common labourers, resided in
+handsome houses furnished in a very superior style for the rank in
+life of the occupiers.
+
+As a proof, among many others, of the enormous extent of the River
+Plunder, the convictions for misdemeanors under the Act of the 2d Geo.
+III. cap. 28. from August 1792 to August 1799, exceeded _two thousand
+two hundred_; of which number about 2000 culprits paid the penalty;
+partly from their own resources, but chiefly, it is believed, from the
+funds of the club, amounting in all to about 4000_l._ in the course of
+seven years.]
+
+It extended to almost every article imported into, and exported from,
+the port of London. But the dealings in stolen West India produce were
+by far the most extensive; at the same time it appears from recent
+investigation, that the _East India Company_ and the _Russian_ and
+_American Merchants_, as well as the Importers of _Timber_, _Ashes_,
+_Furs_, _Skins_, _Oil_, _Provisions_ and _Corn_, were also
+considerable sufferers. The Coal Merchants have likewise sustained
+losses to a great amount annually, while every species of goods
+imported have been more or less subject to depredations.
+
+Nor has the Export Trade on the River Thames been in any respect
+secured against the rapacity of this phalanx of plunderers. Many
+well-authenticated cases have recently been developed, which prove
+that Hamburgh vessels outward bound, have been plundered to a
+considerable amount,[61] particularly those which were laden with
+sugar, coffee, and other West India produce. Outward-bound ships to
+every part of the world have also been more or less objects of
+plunder, to the numerous herds of delinquents who were employed upon
+the River, aided by their associates in iniquity, the Receivers.
+
+[Footnote 61: A Shipmaster in the trade a few months since was
+compelled to pay 40_l._ for deficient sugars plundered by Lumpers and
+others, who assisted in lading his vessel, notwithstanding his utmost
+personal vigilance and attention while the sugars were taking on
+board. A single Marine Police Officer would have prevented this. The
+effect of their power in overawing delinquents, from the nature of the
+system and the discipline peculiar to the institution, is not to be
+conceived.]
+
+To enter _into particulars_, or to detail specific instances, would
+far exceed the limits prescribed for this branch of the general
+catalogue of delinquency exhibited in this Work. Suffice it to say,
+that the most satisfactory evidence can be adduced, that the system of
+depredation which had so long prevailed, and which had advanced with
+the growing Commerce of the Port, had pervaded every species of
+Merchandize laden or discharged, as well as the Tackle, Apparel and
+Stores of almost every ship and vessel arriving in, and departing
+from, the River Thames.
+
+Nor can it be a matter of wonder, that such pervading mischiefs should
+have prevailed when it is known, that above 5000 individuals, employed
+in various stationary situations upon the River, have, with a very few
+exceptions, been nursed from early life in acts of delinquency of this
+nature.
+
+In a group so extensive there are unquestionably many different shades
+of turpitude; but certain it is, that long habit, and general example,
+had banished from the minds of the mass of the culprits implicated in
+these offences, that sense of the criminality of the action, which
+attaches to every other species of theft.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Such was the situation of things in the Port of London, in the month
+of July 1798, when the MARINE POLICE INSTITUTION, a wise and salutary
+measure of Government, arose from the meritorious exertions of the
+West India Merchants.
+
+The object of this Establishment was to counteract these mischievous
+proceedings, and by salutary arrangements _in the Science of Police_
+to prevent in future a repetition of those crimes which had so long
+contaminated the morals of the people, and operated as an evil of no
+small weight and magnitude on the Trade of the River Thames.
+
+How far this System, _planned_ and adapted to the exigencies of the
+case, and carried into effort by the Author of these pages, assisted
+by a very able and indefatigable Magistrate, and by many zealous and
+active Officers, has been productive of the benefits which were in
+contemplation, must be determined by an accurate examination of the
+state of delinquency, among the aquatic labourers and others, employed
+at present in ships and vessels in the River Thames; compared with
+what existed previous to this Establishment, as detailed in the
+preceding pages of this Chapter.
+
+Although much yet remains to be done to prevent the renewal of those
+criminal proceedings, which have by great exertions been happily in
+many instances suppressed.--Although the Marine Police[62] has been
+unquestionably crippled by the want of those apposite _Legislative_
+Regulations, upon which its energy and utility, as a _permanent
+Establishment_, must, in a great measure depend, yet the proofs of the
+advantages which have resulted from it, not only to the West India
+Trade[63] (for the protection of which it was originally instituted)
+but also to the whole Commerce and Navigation of the Port of London,
+are so decided and irrefragable, that specific details are
+unnecessary, especially since Deputations of the most respectable
+Merchants from the whole Commercial Body, sensible of the benefits
+derived from the system have solicited the sanction of Government, for
+the purpose of passing a Bill to extend the design, so as to afford
+the same protection to the general Trade of the Port, which has been
+experienced by the West India Planters and Merchants;[64] and
+requesting to be permitted to defray the expence by an annual
+assessment upon the Trade.
+
+[Footnote 62: For a particular account of this Institution, see the
+"Treatise on the Commerce and Police of the River Thames," already
+alluded to.]
+
+[Footnote 63: With respect to the advantages which have resulted in
+the aggregate, to the West India Planters and Merchants, from this New
+Institution, it is impossible to form any decided opinion; but
+estimating the savings, on an average, at 28_lbs._ of sugar per hhd.
+(which is only one half of what the Committee of West India Merchants,
+in their Report to a General Meeting in 1798, supposed the plunderage
+might have been formerly) it appears, upon this data, that the gain to
+the Planters, Merchants, and the Revenue, on a very reduced estimate
+as to the actual importation may be thus stated.--
+
+                                    Saving      Saving
+                                    to the      to the
+                                    Planters.   Revenue.   TOTAL.
+
+  On 115,000 casks of sugar, at
+  28_lbs._ per cask                 £.97,012    £.25,150   £.122,162
+
+  15,000 casks of rum, at three
+  gallons each                         9,000      15,000      24,000
+
+  Coffee, pimento, and other
+  articles, suppose                    5,000      10,000      15,000
+                                   ---------    --------   ---------
+  Totals                           £.111,012    £.50,150   £.161,162
+
+If credit is to be given to the general and specific proofs of the
+depredations which took place before the establishment of the Marine
+Police, and to the numerous documents which demonstrate the saving of
+property, which has been the effect of this system of prevention, the
+above estimate will not appear to be over-rated. In an importation
+amounting to above £.8,000,000 sterling a year, it is not too much to
+say that 1-1/2 per cent. on this sum may have been saved under a
+system of such extreme vigilance, where every class of depredators
+were defeated in their iniquitous designs, and deprived in a great
+measure of the powers they formerly possessed, of doing mischief. The
+probability is, that it has amounted to more, though the fact never
+can be accurately ascertained.]
+
+[Footnote 64: At a meeting of the Committee of the West India
+Merchants appointed to manage the general concerns of the Trade, held
+on the 4th of January 1799, It was
+
+     "RESOLVED,
+
+     "That this Committee are deeply impressed with a high sense
+     of the singular advantages, which appear to have resulted to
+     the Commerce of the Port of London in general, but
+     particularly to the West India Planters and Merchants, in
+     the protection afforded to their property by the exertions
+     of _The Marine Police Institution_, as well as by the
+     General System established for the prevention of pillage and
+     plunder arising out of the measures for detection pursued by
+     the Magistrates presiding at the Marine Police Office, by
+     which, in the opinion of this Committee, great and extensive
+     benefits have also resulted to his Majesty's Revenue."]
+
+It may only be necessary in this place to state, that under all the
+disadvantages and difficulties attending the execution of this design,
+it may truly be said to have worked wonders in reforming the shocking
+abuses which prevailed.--_The River Pirates do not now exist in any
+shape.--The Nightly Plunderers, denominated Light Horsemen, have not
+dared in a single instance to pursue their criminal designs.--The
+Working Lumpers, denominated Heavy Horse, are no longer to be found
+loaded with Plunder._--Watermen are not now as _formerly to be
+recognized in clusters hanging upon the bows and quarters of West
+India ships under discharge to receive plunder_.--Lightermen, _finding
+nothing to be procured by attending their craft, are accustomed to
+desert them until the period when they are completely laden.--Journeymen
+Coopers do not wilfully demolish casks and packages as heretofore,
+since no advantage is to be reaped from the spillings of sugar,
+coffee, or other articles.--The Mud-Larks find it no longer an object
+to prowl about ships at low water while under discharge, since the
+resource for that species of iniquitous employment, which they were
+accustomed to solicit, is no longer in existence.--The criminal class
+of Revenue Officers, who had long profited (in many instances to an
+enormous extent) by the nefarious practices which prevailed, have not
+been able to suppress their rage against the New Police, by the
+vigilance of which they feel themselves deprived of the means of
+profiting by the system of plunder, which they had so perfectly
+organized, and which, in collusion with the Revenue Watermen, they
+were so well able to cover by availing themselves of their official
+situations, on many occasions, in protecting to the houses of the
+Receivers articles which were both stolen and smuggled_.
+
+By means of a Police Guard upon the Quays, which forms a collateral
+branch of the General System, _the Scuffle-hunters and Long-apron-men,
+who were accustomed to prowl about for the purpose of pillage, have in
+a great measure deserted the quays and landing-places; while the
+Copemen and Receivers, finding from several examples which have been
+made, that their former infamous pursuits cannot be continued without
+the most imminent hazard, have, in many instances, declined business,
+while not a few of these mischievous members of society have quitted
+their former residences, and disappeared_.
+
+Such has been the effect of the remedy which has been applied towards
+the core of the enormous evil of River Plunder.
+
+It is not, however, to be understood that this System has entirely
+eradicated the pillage which prevailed, a circumstance not to be
+expected, since the design was partial and limited in its nature, and
+only intended for the protection of West India property, although very
+extensive benefits have unquestionably arisen from its collateral
+influence, and its energy, in terrifying thieves of every description
+upon the River, and diminishing their depredations, which, but for the
+dread of detection by means of the Police Boats in the night, would
+unquestionably have been committed.
+
+But while it is readily admitted that amidst the opposite attractions
+of pleasure and pain, it is impossible to reduce the tumultuous
+activity of such a phalanx of individuals to absolute order and
+purity, who have been in many instances reared up in habits of
+delinquency. And while it is a vain hope to expect that crimes can be
+totally annihilated, where temptations assail the idle and the
+dissolute, and religion and morality, or even in many instances, the
+fear of punishment, does not operate as a restraint;--yet is it,
+notwithstanding, clear to demonstration, from the effects produced by
+the limited experiment which has been made, that the General Police
+for the River Thames which is in contemplation, aided by the apposite
+Legislative regulations which experience has suggested to be
+necessary,[65] must in its operation, under the guidance of an able
+and active Magistracy, so far diminish and keep down the depredations
+which were committed, as to prove scarce a drop in the bucket, when
+compared to the extensive and enormous evils which it has been the
+object of the promoters of this new System to suppress.
+
+[Footnote 65: For the specific provisions of _the Marine Police Bill_,
+see the "Treatise on the Commerce Navigation Police of the River
+Thames."--The object of this Bill is rather to prevent Crimes than to
+punish; and where punishments on conviction are to be inflicted, they
+are of a nature which, it is to be hoped, will operate sufficiently as
+an example to diminish the evil, without the exercise of any great
+degree of severity.]
+
+Although in this arduous pursuit, the Author of this work has
+experienced infinite difficulties and discouragements, yet is he
+rewarded by the consciousness that he was engaged in an undertaking in
+which the best interests of Society were involved:--that independent
+of the pecuniary benefits derived by the State, and the Proprietors of
+Commercial Property (which already have unquestionably been very
+extensive,) he has been instrumental in bringing forward a great
+preventive System, and by administering the Laws in conjunction with a
+very zealous, able, and humane Magistrate,[66] in a manner rather
+calculated to _restrain_ than to _punish_,[67] a multitude of
+individuals, together with a numerous offspring, are likely to be
+rendered useful members of the Body Politic, instead of nuisances in
+Society.--The advantages thus gained (although his labours have been
+in other respects gratuitous,) will abundantly compensate the
+_dangers_, the _toils_, and the anxieties which have been experienced.
+In the accomplishment of this object, both the interests of _humanity_
+and _morality_, have been in no small degree promoted: unquestionably,
+there cannot be a greater act of benevolence to mankind, in a course
+of _criminal delinquency_, than that which tends to _civilize their
+manners_;--_to teach them obedience to the_ Laws;--_to screen
+themselves and their families from the evils and distress attendant on
+punishment, by preventing the commission of crimes_; and _to lead them
+into the paths of honest industry, as the only means of securing that
+real comfort and happiness which a life of criminality, however
+productive of occasional supplies of money, can never bestow_.--If it
+shall be considered (as it certainly is) a glorious atchievement to
+subdue a powerful Army or Navy, and thereby secure the tranquillity of
+a State--is not the triumph in some degree analogous, where a
+numerous army of delinquents, carrying on a species of warfare no less
+noxious, if not equally hostile, shall not only be subdued by a mild
+and systematic direction of the powers of the Law; but that the
+conquered enemy shall be converted into an useful friend, adding
+strength instead of weakness to the Government of the country?
+
+[Footnote 66: John Harriott, Esq. the Resident Magistrate.]
+
+[Footnote 67: So powerful was the effect of the preventive System,
+wherever it was permitted to be applied, that no instance has occurred
+in the course of more than fifteen months, since the Marine Police was
+established, of sufficient grounds for a criminal prosecution having
+taken place by the commission of any Larceny or Felony in ships or
+craft under the immediate protection of the Institution.]
+
+Such has been, at least, the result of the partial operations of the
+Marine Police; and such will unquestionably be the issue of the
+general measures which have been planned and arranged, when the
+_Key-stone_ shall be finally laid to the fabric, by passing into a Law
+the Bill which has been prepared for the extension of this design to
+the protection of the whole trade of the port of London.[68]
+
+[Footnote 68: As a proof of the approbation of the whole body of the
+West India Planters at the General Meeting, not only of the System of
+the Marine Police, but also of the Bill which has been prepared to
+extend its influence to the general Trade of the River Thames, the
+following extracts are inserted:
+
+     _Extract from the Minutes of a Meeting of a Committee of the
+     West India Planters and Merchants--London, June 7, 1799._
+
+     "Resolved,
+
+     "That this Committee is fully convinced that considerable
+     advantages have been derived from the institution of the
+     Marine Police in checking the depredations on West India
+     produce on board ships in the River Thames; and consequently
+     approves of the Bill for constituting the said _Marine
+     Police_, with powers enlarged and more effective, and on a
+     more extended plan, provided the Act for that purpose be in
+     the first instance limited to the duration of three years,
+     and that the whole expence of the Institution does not
+     exceed Ten Thousand Pounds annually."
+
+
+     _Extract from the Minutes of a General Meeting of the West
+     India Planters, held by public Advertisement at Wright's
+     Coffee-house, Soho-square, London, June 13, 1799._
+
+     The Right Honourable Lord PENRHYN in the Chair.
+
+     "Resolved,
+
+     "That this Meeting confirms the Report of its Committee, and
+     approves of the project of a Bill for the purposes, and
+     within the limitations stated in that Report.
+
+     "Resolved,
+
+     "That Lord Penrhyn be requested to present to the Chancellor
+     of the Exchequer the Report of a Committee of this Meeting,
+     on the subject of the Marine Police Institution, and the
+     Resolution of this meeting approving the said Report.
+
+     "Resolved,
+
+     "That Lord Penrhyn be requested to communicate the thanks of
+     this Meeting to Mr. Colquhoun for the zeal, ability, and
+     perseverance with which he has endeavoured to form an
+     effectual check to the system of depredation which prevailed
+     on the River Thames."]
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. IX.
+
+     _Reflections on the Causes of the Existence and Continuance
+     of the Frauds, Embezzlements, Peculation, and Plunder in his
+     Majesty's Dock-Yards and other Public Repositories, and in
+     the Naval Department in general.--Reasons why the Evil has
+     not been suppressed.--A summary View of the Means employed
+     in committing Offences of this Nature.--Reasons assigned why
+     the Defalcation of this Species of Property must be
+     extensive.--Illustrated by the immense Value, and by an
+     Estimate, and general View, of the Public Property exposed
+     to Hazard.--A summary View of the Laws which relate to
+     Offences on Public Property; proofs adduced of their
+     Deficiency.--Remedies proposed and detailed under the
+     respective Heads of--1st. A Central Board of Police--2d. A
+     Local Police for the Dock-Yards--3d. Legislative Regulations
+     proposed in Aid of the Police System--4th. Regulations
+     respecting the Sale of Old Stores--5th. The Abolition of the
+     Perquisites of Chips--6th. The Abolition of Fees and
+     Perquisites, and liberal Salaries in lieu thereof--7th. An
+     improved Mode of keeping Accounts--8th. An annual Inventory
+     of Stores in Hand--Concluding Observations._
+
+
+Under the pressure of those accumulated wrongs, which constitute the
+extensive frauds, embezzlements, pillage, and plunder, known and
+acknowledged to exist in the Dock-Yards and other Public Repositories,
+it is not easy, at first view, to assign a reason for that apparent
+supineness, on the part of men of known honour and integrity, who have
+heretofore presided, and who now preside at the Public Boards, in not
+using the means necessary to remedy so great an evil.
+
+This may possibly be accounted for, by the extreme difficulty which
+men, constantly occupied in a laborious business, find in pursuing
+inquiries, or forming arrangements, out of their particular sphere;
+more especially when such arrangements require those powers of
+business, and that species of legal and general information, which do
+not usually attach to men whose education and habits of life have run
+in a different channel.
+
+Under such circumstances, it is scarcely to be wondered at, that
+greater efforts have not been used, (for great efforts are
+unquestionably necessary,) to correct those abuses, which have long
+existed; and which have been progressively increasing; by means of
+which, not only the property of the Public suffers a vast annual
+diminution by frauds and embezzlements, but the foundation of all
+morals is sapped; and the most baneful practices extend even to men
+in the upper and middle ranks of Society, who are too seldom
+restrained by any correct principle of rectitude in transactions,
+where the interest of Government only is concerned; either in the
+supplying, or afterwards in the taking charge of the custody of Public
+Stores.
+
+When the object in view is to acquire money, the power of example,
+sanctioned by usage and custom, will reconcile men by degrees, to
+enormities and frauds which at first could not have been
+endured.--Acting under this influence, it too often happens that a
+distinction is made, as regards moral rectitude, in the minds of many
+individuals, between _the property of the Nation_, and _private
+property_.--While the most scrupulous attention to the rules of honour
+prevails in the latter case, principles, the most relaxed, are yielded
+to in the former.
+
+And thus it is, that in such situations, inferior agents also, induced
+by example, become insensibly reconciled to every species of fraud,
+embezzlement, and peculation.
+
+It is no inconsiderable source of the evil, that large gratuities are
+given, under the colour of fees,[69] to those who can assist in
+promoting the views of the fraudulent, or in guarding them against
+detection.--What was at first considered as the wages of turpitude,
+at length assumes the form, and is viewed in the light of a fair
+perquisite of office.
+
+[Footnote 69: Since the publication of the last edition of this work,
+the Select Committee on Finance in the House of Commons, who have
+derived immortal honour from their various and useful Reports, have
+recommended the abolition of fees; and the Lords of the Admiralty, and
+the Commissioners of the subordinate Boards, are entitled to the
+thanks of their country, from the exertions they are using to carry
+this measure into effect.]
+
+In this manner abuses multiply, and the ingenuity of man is ever
+fertile in finding some palliative.--Custom and example sanction the
+greatest enormities: which at length become fortified by immemorial
+and progressive usage: it is no wonder, therefore, that the superior
+Officers find it an Herculean labour to cleanse the Augean stable.
+
+A host of interested individuals opposes them. The task is irksome and
+ungracious. The research involves in it matter of deep concern,
+affecting the peace, comfort, and happiness of old servants of the
+Crown or the Public, and their families; who have not perhaps been
+sufficiently rewarded for their services; and who, but for such
+perquisites, could not have acquired property, or even supported
+themselves with decency.
+
+It is an invidious task to make inquiries, or to impose regulations
+which may ultimately affect the interest or the character of
+dependants, who have heretofore, perhaps, been regarded as objects of
+partiality or affection. Those whose duty it is to superintend the
+departments, knowing their own purity, are unwilling to believe that
+the same principle of rectitude does not regulate the conduct of
+others in inferior situations: and matters, of apparently greater
+importance, constantly forcing themselves upon their attention, the
+consideration of such abuses is generally postponed: while those who
+detect or complain of their existence, seldom meet with much
+encouragement; unless some specific act of criminality is stated, and
+then it is referred, as a matter of course, to the proper Law
+Officers.
+
+These circumstances, however, only prove the necessity of some other
+and more effectual agency to remove an evil, which (if the assertions
+of those whose efficient situations give them access to the very best
+information as to its extent and enormity are correct) _is of the
+greatest magnitude_, and calls aloud for immediate attention.
+
+To understand how this is to be accomplished, it will be necessary in
+the first instance to develope the means which are employed to commit
+these _abuses_, _frauds_, and _embezzlements_.--Then to take a general
+view of the property exposed to depredation, and afterwards to examine
+the nature and effect of the Laws and regulations now in being for the
+purpose of preventing these evils; and last of all, to suggest
+remedies.
+
+The abuses, frauds, and embezzlements, are multifarious, and are
+perpetrated through the medium of a vast variety of agencies, which
+naturally divide themselves into two distinct branches.
+
+The first relates to frauds committed by the connivance and assistance
+of Clerks, Store-keepers, and inferior officers in the Dock-yards, and
+other repositories, and in ships of war and transports; in _receiving
+and delivering Naval, Victualling, and Ordnance stores;--in
+surveys;--in returns of unserviceable stores;--in_ what is called
+_solving off stores;--in fraudulent certificates;--in the sale of old
+stores_; and innumerable other devices; by which a number of
+individuals are enriched at the Public expence; and a system of
+plunder is supported by fraudulent documents and vouchers of articles
+which have no existence but upon paper.
+
+The second branch relates to the actual pillage of _new and old
+Cordage, Bolts of Canvas, Sails, Bunting, Twine of all sorts,
+Fearnought and Kersey, Leather and Hides, old and new Copper, Locks,
+Hinges and Bolts, Copper Bolts and Nails in immense quantities,
+Bar-Iron, old Iron, Lead and Solder, Ship's-Plank, Oars, Timber of
+small sizes, Blocks, Quarterstuff, Candles, Tallow, Oil, Paint, Pitch,
+Tar, Turpentine, Varnish, Rosin, Beer and Water Casks, Iron Hoops,
+Biscuit Bags, Beer, Bread, Wine, Brandy, Rum, Oil, Vinegar, Butter,
+Cheese, Beef, Pork, &c._--All these articles suffer a vast annual
+diminution, by means of that plunder which has become habitual to a
+number of the inferior servants of the Crown, who have in their
+respective situations, access to such stores.[70]
+
+[Footnote 70: It is by no means to be inferred from what is here
+stated, that there are not, both among the furnishers and contractors
+for Public Stores, as well as the Officers and Clerks employed in the
+departments here alluded to, many individuals of great honour and
+integrity.--It is to be hoped, the fraudulent are the smallest in
+point of number, or that they will soon be so.]
+
+This species of plunder is much encouraged by the difficulty of
+detection: Vast quantities are constantly provided, and the
+store-houses are generally full; it happens therefore as a matter of
+course, that the articles which were recently deposited are issued
+first; and hence many valuable stores, it is said, have remained
+untouched and unseen for forty or fifty years, until a number of
+articles perish or become unserviceable from length of time.--An
+annual inventory, upon the plan suggested at the close of this
+Chapter, rendered practicable by more extensive store-houses, would
+remove this obvious inconvenience.
+
+All stores being delivered under the authority of warrants signed by
+the Commissioners and proper officers, the clerks, or in their absence
+the foreman of the warehouses, where the articles stated in the
+warrants are deposited, deliver the stores; and, if opportunities
+offer, large additional quantities are said to be frequently sent out,
+by the connivance of the inferior officers; sometimes stores are even
+delivered two or three times over, under colour of the same warrant,
+without discovery.
+
+A similar System prevails with regard to stores sent to the public
+repositories from dismantled ships of war and transports.
+
+Many vessels in the coasting trade, and even ships of foreign nations,
+it is said, touch at Portsmouth and Plymouth, merely for the purpose
+of purchasing _cheap stores_;--and it is well known, that many dealers
+in naval stores in the neighbourhood of the Dock-Yards are chiefly
+supplied in this way.
+
+The plan which prevails at present with regard to the sale of old
+stores, not only proves a kind of safeguard to these fraudulent
+dealers; but is also in itself subject to great abuses, from the
+delivery of larger quantities than are actually included in the public
+sales, by which the parties concerned are said frequently to pocket
+considerable sums of money.[71]
+
+[Footnote 71: See a plan for disposing of old stores with a view to
+remedy the evil, in a subsequent part of this chapter.]
+
+The artificers in the Dock-yards, availing themselves of their
+perquisite of Chips, not only commit great frauds, by often cutting up
+useful timber, and wasting time in doing so; but also in frequently
+concealing, within their bundles of chips, copper bolts, and other
+valuable articles, which are removed by their wives and children,
+(and, as has appeared in judicial evidence, by boys retained for the
+purpose) and afterwards sold to itinerant Jews, or to the dealers in
+old iron and stores, who are always to be found in abundance wherever
+the Dock-yards are situated.[72]
+
+[Footnote 72: It seems evident, that the abolition of the perquisite
+of Chips would be a great improvement, and prove the means of
+correcting many gross abuses which at present prevail. In this
+suggestion the Author is supported by the very able and decided
+evidence of Brigadier-General Bentham, before the Select Committee of
+the House of Commons on Finance, in 1798. [_See the 31st Report of
+that Committee._] On a supposition that 3000 shipwrights are employed
+in the several Dock-yards at the wages of 2_s._ 1_d._ with the
+privilege of one bundle of chips each day, which, though not worth
+more than 6_d._ to each shipwright, actually costs Government 1_s._
+6_d._ because good and valuable timber is often cut down to make these
+chips.--The following estimate will elucidate what has been stated:
+and shew the benefits which Government would probably derive from the
+abolition of this perquisite, even if the wages should be raised,
+which are perhaps too low at present.
+
+  3000 men, working 300 days in a year, entitled to
+  900,000 bundles of chips at 1_s._ 6_d._                    £.67,500
+
+  Time lost to Government in making up these chips,
+  equal to 6_d._ per day                                       22,500
+
+  Articles purloined and stolen, by being concealed
+  within these bundles, and by women and children, who
+  resort to the yards on pretence of carrying them
+  away, supposed                                               50,000
+                                                             ---------
+                                                            £.140,000
+
+  Deduct 6_d._ a day additional wages in lieu of the
+  perquisite of chips; which, it is understood, the
+  shipwrights would consider as an ample remuneration          22,500
+                                                            ---------
+                    Presumed gain by this arrangement       £.117,500]
+
+The Naval, Victualing, and Ordnance Stores pillaged in the Dock-yards
+and other public Repositories, and also from ships of war, transports,
+and navy and victualing hoys, in the River Thames, and Medway, must
+amount to a very large sum annually. The detections, particularly in
+the victualing hoys and transports, since the establishment of the
+Marine Police, prove the existence of the evil, and the wide field
+which it embraces.
+
+The vicinity of the Metropolis;--the assistance afforded by old iron
+and store shops on the spot;--by carts employed _in this trade alone_,
+constantly going and coming from and to the Capital;--by the advantage
+of an easy and safe conveyance for ponderous and heavy articles, in
+lighters and other craft passing up and down the River; and the
+extensive chain of criminal connection, at every town and village on
+the Thames and Medway, which a course of many years has formed, joined
+to the ease with which frauds are committed, have combined to render
+this nefarious traffic a very serious and alarming evil.
+
+Among the multitude of persons concerned in it, some are said to keep
+men constantly employed in untwisting the cordage, for the purpose of
+removing the King's mark, or coloured stran, which is introduced into
+it as a check against fraud; while others (as has been already
+noticed) are, in like manner, employed in knocking the Broad Arrow out
+of copper bolts, nails, bar iron, and other articles, on which it is
+impressed, so as to elude detection.
+
+It is scarcely to be credited, to what an extent the sale of the
+cordage, sail-cloth, and other Naval articles, including victualing
+stores, thus plundered, is carried, in supplying coasting vessels and
+smaller craft upon the River Thames, at a cheap rate.[73]
+
+[Footnote 73: When it is recollected, that 9176 coasting vessels, and
+also 4268 traders to foreign parts, enter and clear in the
+Custom-house of London, in the course of a year, independent of small
+craft in the River; an inexhaustible resource for the sale of cheap
+cordage, sail-cloth, and every other material, must be obvious at
+first view.]
+
+If the actual value of stores deposited at the different Dock-yards
+and public Repositories in the course of a year, is to be considered
+as a rule whereby a judgment may be formed of the extent of the losses
+sustained by frauds, plunder, and embezzlement, it will be found to
+be very erroneous, since a large proportion of what forms the great
+aggregate loss sustained annually by Government, does not arise from
+the actual stealing of stores, but from frauds committed in
+fabricating documents both at home and abroad.
+
+Reasons have already been assigned, why many individuals reconcile
+their minds to devices, whereby they may be suddenly enriched at the
+Public expence, who would be shocked at the idea of over-reaching an
+individual. For the purpose, therefore, of estimating truly the
+probable extent of the evil, a general view must not only be taken of
+the Naval, Victualing, Ordnance, and other Stores at all times
+deposited in the Public Arsenals, but also the stores and provisions
+on board of the numerous ships of war, and transports, constantly
+consuming and replacing in all quarters of the Globe; and to measure
+the whole by the great annual expence, which is incurred in this
+necessary service, _The Bulwark of Britain, and the Glory and Pride of
+the Nation_.
+
+Looking at the subject in this point of view, where the ramifications
+are so extensive, and the opportunities so numerous, whereby in the
+hurry and confusion of carrying on a most important public service,
+frauds and embezzlements may be committed with impunity, the question
+is, Whether measures are not practicable, whereby the public loss, by
+the rapacity of individuals, may not lie greatly diminished, and what
+system would be best adapted to the attainment of this object?
+
+To illustrate this proposition it may be necessary to form an
+estimate, in the first instance, of the stationary and floating
+property belonging to his Majesty, in the different Public Arsenals
+and ships of War.--The following statement is hazarded with this
+particular view, not as an accurate detail of facts; for accuracy to a
+point under the present circumstances is neither practicable nor
+absolutely necessary. It is sufficient if it tends to elucidate and
+explain an important point, on the subject of the frauds and
+depredations committed on the public stores, which would not be
+otherwise intelligible or useful to the public, to the extent which
+the Author contemplates.--
+
+
+_Estimate of Floating Naval, Victualing and Ordnance Stores, in the
+different Repositories and Ships of War._
+
+  Naval, Victualing   }
+  and Ordnance Stores } at Deptford and Red House          £.1,800,000
+                        Woolwich                               150,000
+                        Sheerness                              100,000
+                        Chatham                                200,000
+                        Portsmouth                           1,300,000
+                        Plymouth                               900,000
+                        Ireland, Leith, and other parts         50,000
+                      { in the Arsenals at Halifax,  }
+                      { and the East and West Indies }         150,000
+                        Gibraltar, Minorca, &c.                 50,000
+                      { in 900 Ships of War and  }
+                      { Transports in Commission }           2,300,000
+                                                           -----------
+                                                    Total  £.7,000,000
+                                                           -----------
+
+The annual pecuniary Supplies for the Navy may be estimated at
+_Thirteen Millions a year_ during war; of which sum about _Six
+Millions_ may be applicable to the pay of the Officers and Seamen, and
+_Seven Millions_ to _Ships-Stores, Provisions, &c._ The last two,
+namely, the stores and provisions being in a constant state of
+movement, both at home and abroad, furnish abundant resource for
+frauds and depredations, which may certainly be greatly diminished,
+though perhaps impracticable to be eradicated entirely.
+
+The object, therefore, is to devise means whereby this _diminution_
+may be accomplished: and in pursuing this important inquiry, it will
+be necessary to precede it by the following general view of the Laws
+now in being, which relate to offences committed in the Naval and
+other Public Departments.
+
+     The Acts of the 31st of Elizabeth, (cap. 4.) and the 22d of
+     Charles II. (cap. 5.) made it felony, without Benefit of
+     Clergy, to steal or embezzle any of his Majesty's Military
+     or Naval Stores or Provisions, above the value of Twenty
+     Shillings.
+
+     By the 9 and 10 of William III. (cap. 41.) the Receivers of
+     embezzled stores, or such as should have the same in their
+     custody, are subject to a penalty of £.200.
+
+     From this period, till the 1st of George the First, the
+     attention of the Legislature does not seem to have been
+     directed to this object; when by the statute, 1st Geo. I.
+     stat. 2. cap. 25, the principal Officers or Commissioners of
+     the Navy were authorized to issue warrants to search for
+     Public Property stolen or embezzled, and to punish the
+     Offenders by fine or imprisonment.
+
+     A succeeding Act, (9 Geo. I. cap. 8.) empowered the Judges
+     to mitigate the fine of £.200 imposed on persons having in
+     their possession public stores, and to punish the offenders
+     corporally, by causing them to be publicly whipped, or kept
+     at hard labour for six months in the House of Correction;
+     which certainly was a great improvement.
+
+     By the Act 17 Geo. II. c. 40. jurisdiction was given to the
+     Judges of Assize, and the General Quarter Sessions, to try
+     the Offenders, and punish them by a fine not exceeding
+     £.200, imprisonment for three months, and other corporal
+     punishment.
+
+     The Laws on this subject were further amended by the 9th of
+     his present Majesty, cap. 35; by which the _Treasurer,
+     Comptroller, Surveyor, Clerk of the Acts_, or any
+     Commissioner of the Navy, are empowered to act as Justices,
+     in causing Offenders to be apprehended and prosecuted. These
+     powers were given with a view to establish a greater degree
+     of energy in detections; but experience has shewn that the
+     purpose has not been answered.
+
+     The last Act which relates to the protection of the Public
+     Stores, was made the 12th year of his present Majesty's
+     reign (cap. 24.) and related solely to burning ships,
+     warehouses, and naval, military, or victualing stores, in
+     any of the dominions of the Crown; which offence is made
+     felony without Benefit of Clergy.
+
+A very superficial view of the above Laws will demonstrate their
+insufficiency to the object of _Prevention_. And even if they were
+complete, the task imposed on the public officers, who are on every
+occasion to act as Justices, has proved from experience to be a
+measure ill calculated to attain the object in view, namely, the
+detection of offenders; otherwise the evil would not have
+increased.--Other _remedies_ must therefore be applied. It is not,
+however, by any single act of the Legislature, that the enormous
+frauds and depredations in the Navy and Victualing Departments of his
+Majesty's service, which the Commissioners and chief Officers, under
+whose management they are placed, are so anxious to suppress,[74] can
+be remedied: This important object must be obtained by a combination
+of various salutary measures, calculated to afford collateral aid to
+specific Legislative Regulations, and to secure their effectual
+execution, by means which are now to be explained under their
+respective heads.--
+
+[Footnote 74: Much to the honour of the present Commissioners, both of
+the Navy and Victualing, a most laudable zeal has been manifested to
+suppress the frauds, embezzlements and pillage, which have so long
+afflicted these departments of the public service. The following copy
+of a letter from the Solicitor to the Navy Board to the Author of this
+Work, is a strong proof, not only of the sense they entertain of the
+evils which are felt to exist, but of the necessity of a speedy and
+effectual remedy being applied.--
+
+     "_Norfolk Street, 19 May, 1799._
+
+     "SIR,
+
+     "THE Commissioners of the Navy having an intention of
+     applying to Parliament, to extend and amend the Laws, for
+     preventing the embezzlement and stealing of his Majesty's
+     Naval Stores; and having directed me, in preparing the
+     intended Bill, to attend to the suggestions and
+     recommendations on the subject, in your excellent and
+     valuable publication, I shall consider myself much obliged
+     to you, as I am sure the Commissioners will, if you will, at
+     your leisure, have the goodness to furnish me with any hints
+     on the subject, which may have occurred to you, since the
+     publication of your Treatise, and which you think may be
+     worthy the attention of the Legislature.
+
+     "I am, Sir, with respect,
+
+     "Your most obedient humble Servant,
+
+     "CHA. BICKNELL.
+
+     "_P. Colquhoun, Esq._."]
+
+
+I. A GENERAL POLICE SYSTEM.
+
+By the Establishment of a Central Board of Police, on the Plan
+strongly recommended by the Select Committee of the House of Commons
+on Finance, in their 28th Report, ordered to be printed in June
+1798:--It is there proposed to bring under regulations by licences,
+all those classes of dealers in _old and second-hand ships'
+stores--old iron and other metals_, and several other dangerous and
+suspicious trades, the uncontrolled exercise of which, by persons of
+loose conduct, is known to contribute to the concealment and
+multiplication of crimes.--Infinite embarrassments would, through this
+collateral medium, be placed in the way of those particular Dealers,
+who reside in the vicinity of the Dock-yards, and who, by a variety of
+criminal devices, while they are instrumental in doing much mischief,
+have been able, in many instances, to elude Justice, and to carry on
+their nefarious practices with impunity.
+
+A Board of Police so organized, by means of Licences and subordinate
+Officers, as to keep the conduct of these classes of delinquents in
+view who, by giving facilities to the embezzlers and stealers of naval
+and other stores, are the chief sources from whence the evil springs;
+and with power to refuse Licences to those who are known to have been
+guilty of criminal conduct; would operate very powerfully in limiting
+these classes of dealers to the honest part of their trade, by which
+infinite mischief would be prevented.
+
+
+II. A LOCAL POLICE FOR THE DOCK-YARDS.
+
+Salutary as the Central Board, recommended by the Select Committee on
+Finance, must certainly be in controlling and checking the Naval
+plunder, in common with the general delinquency of the whole country,
+it would seem indispensably necessary, under circumstances where the
+moving property is so extensive, and where there exists so many
+resources and temptations leading to the commission of crimes, to fix
+on some one person the responsibility of carrying the Laws into
+effect, and of controlling and overawing the various classes of
+Delinquents, whose attention is directed to the Dock-yards, as a means
+of obtaining plunder: That for this purpose, one able and intelligent
+Magistrate should preside in a Police Office, to be established by
+Law, at or near the Dock-yards, at _Chatham_, _Portsmouth_, and
+_Plymouth_, with an establishment consisting of _one Clerk, two House
+and four Boat Constables_, with _two Police Boats_ attached to each
+Office. One Magistrate would be sufficient at each Office, as
+assistance from the neighbouring Justices could always be procured in
+case of sickness, or absence, or where any judicial proceeding would
+require two Magistrates.
+
+No establishment would be necessary for the Dock-yards, and Public
+Arsenal, at Deptford and Woolwich, as the great civil force, and the
+number of boats attached to the Marine Police Office at Wapping, when
+strengthened, extended, and improved in the manner which is proposed,
+would be competent to carry into effect the Laws now in being, and
+such as may hereafter be enacted, for the prevention and detection of
+offences in every part of the River Thames, from London Bridge to the
+Hope Point.
+
+The Magistrate proposed to be established at Chatham, could
+occasionally administer justice at Sheerness, while the Boat Officers
+belonging to the Institution, might be employed advantageously in
+traversing the River Medway, and in keeping a watchful eye on the
+various Receivers of stolen goods, who reside in the vicinity of that
+River, between the two Dock-yards.
+
+At Portsmouth and Plymouth there would be regular employment for the
+respective Magistrates, and the Boat and other Officers on these
+establishments.
+
+These three Institutions may be conducted at an expence not exceeding
+one thousand pounds a year each, viz:--
+
+                                                      £.   _s._ _d._
+  To the responsible resident Magistrate              300   0    0
+  To his Clerk                                        100   0    0
+  To the Constables, 6 in number, 50_l._ each         300   0    0
+  To House Rent, Coal, Candles, Stationary,
+    tear and wear of Boats, and Rewards for
+    meritorious Services                              300   0    0
+                                                     -------------
+                                              Total  1000   0    0
+
+Towards defraying this expence, the fees which would be received, and
+the penalties inflicted for minor offences, under the Legislative
+regulations hereafter to be proposed, would go a certain length in
+reducing the expences of the three Police Institutions. But
+considering the advantages likely to result from those Establishments,
+were the expence to be incurred even _fifty times_ the amount of what
+is estimated, it would in all probability be much more than
+compensated by the savings to the Public, which will result from the
+preservation of the Public property, independent of the advantages
+which must arise from an improvement in the morals of a numerous class
+of delinquents, who have long been in a course of criminal turpitude.
+
+A Police System thus organized under the direction of a Magistrate in
+each situation, whose attention would be solely confined _to this one
+object_, could not fail to be productive of the greatest good,
+especially when aided by officers, well selected and encouraged to be
+_vigilant_ and _pure_ in their conduct, from the advantages they would
+derive from a moiety of the pecuniary penalties, when offenders were
+convicted, in addition to their salaries, thereby rendering their
+situations comfortable and desirable, and fortifying them against
+seduction and connivance with Receivers and Thieves, as too often has
+been discovered to take place, with respect to parochial Constables
+resident near the Dock-yards, by which Public Justice has been
+frequently defeated. The terror which such a System would excite, and
+the extensive evils a Boat Police are likely to prevent, can only be
+conceived by those who have witnessed the effect of the Marine Police
+on the River Thames.
+
+But still apposite Legislative regulations will be necessary to give
+full effect to this design, and the following heads are suggested as
+likely to be productive of infinite public advantage, when passed into
+a Law.
+
+
+III. LEGISLATIVE REGULATIONS PROPOSED IN AID OF THE GENERAL AND LOCAL
+POLICE SYSTEM.
+
+     1st. That persons having possession of _New Naval Stores_;
+     or _Naval Stores not more than one-third worn_, with the
+     King's mark thereon, shall be deemed guilty of receiving
+     goods, knowing them to have been stolen, and on conviction
+     may be transported for 14 years; with power, however, to the
+     Court to reduce it to seven years, or to impose a fine, or
+     punish the offender corporally at its discretion.
+
+     2d. Defacing the King's Mark, on any of his Majesty's
+     Stores, to be deemed felony, and punished by transportation
+     for 7 or 14 years.
+
+     3d. The powers and provisions of the Act of 2 Geo. 3. cap.
+     28. _commonly called, The Bumboat Act_; and also, the
+     general powers and provisions of the Thames Police Act, when
+     it shall pass into a Law, to be extended to all his
+     Majesty's Dock-yards, and to the Rivers and Creeks leading
+     thereto, within the distance of 20 miles.
+
+     4th. In all cases where the Crown or its Agents shall
+     decline to prosecute persons, in whose possession the King's
+     Stores shall be found, any one Justice before whom the
+     offender is carried, may proceed as for an offence under the
+     _Bumboat Act_, or the _Thames Police Act_ (by which maritime
+     offences are to be more minutely explained) and if the party
+     shall not give an account to the satisfaction of the
+     Justice, how the said goods came into his possession, to be
+     convicted of a misdemeanor, and subject to a fine of 40_s._
+     or such other minor punishment as these Acts direct.
+
+     5th. That all Marine Police Constables (whether the _Thames
+     Police_, the _Medway Police_, or the _Police Offices_ at
+     Portsmouth and Plymouth) shall have power to board all hoys
+     and craft in the service of his Majesty, while employed in
+     conveying stores, or in returning after such stores are
+     delivered, for the purpose of searching the same; and in all
+     cases, where stores are found which appear to have been
+     abstracted from the cargo, or otherwise unlawfully obtained,
+     to seize and convey the same, with the offender or
+     offenders, (without prejudice to the service) before a
+     Justice; and in case the Solicitor for the Crown, (on due
+     notice given, shall decline to prosecute for the major
+     offence) the parties in whose custody the stores were found,
+     not giving a satisfactory account of obtaining the same,
+     shall be convicted of a misdemeanor, and punished by fine or
+     imprisonment.
+
+     6th. The act of having _jiggers or small pumps, or bladders
+     with or without nozzles, or casks for drawing off liquor in
+     hoys or craft; of throwing goods over board when pursued to
+     elude detection; of fabricating false bills of parcels, to
+     cover suspected goods, and defeat the ends of Justice; of
+     having goods in possession, suspected to be King's stores,
+     and not giving a good account of the same_; of refusing to
+     assist Marine Police Constables in the execution of their
+     duty; of obstructing the said Officers; of damaging Police
+     Boats, to be punished as misdemeanors, under the authority
+     of the said Bumboat Act, and the proposed Thames Police Act;
+     namely, by fine or imprisonment.
+
+     7th. _Boats, craft, carts, carriages_, or _horses_, &c. from
+     which stolen or embezzled King's stores shall be seized, to
+     be forfeited, and disposed of as directed by the said Marine
+     Police Bill.
+
+     8th. In all cases where, in seizing stores, articles not
+     having the King's mark shall be found intermixed with stores
+     having such mark, the party in whose possession they are
+     found shall be obliged to give an account, to the
+     satisfaction of the Justice, by what means he obtained the
+     unmarked stores, otherwise the same to be forfeited, and
+     sent to his Majesty's Repositories.
+
+     9th. Power to be granted to the Commissioners of the Navy,
+     or any one Justice, to issue warrants, on proper information
+     upon oath to Peace Officers, to search for King's stores,
+     _without any proof of such stores being actually stolen,
+     taken_, or _carried away_. The power of the Commissioners in
+     this case to extend to all Counties in England.
+
+     10th. The Laws relating to falsifying, erasing, or
+     fabricating _documents, vouchers, books, accounts_, or
+     _writings_, of any kind, with an intent to defraud his
+     Majesty, to be revised and amended, so as to apply more
+     pointedly to offences of this nature.
+
+     11th. Persons in his Majesty's service in any of the
+     Dock-yards or Public Arsenals, having King's stores in their
+     possession, to the amount of 5_l._ value, and not being
+     authorised to keep such stores, to be conclusive evidence of
+     embezzlement, and to be punished by transportation.
+
+     12th. As an encouragement to excite vigilance in Officers of
+     Justice, it is humbly proposed, that the Commissioners of
+     his Majesty's _Navy, Victualing, and other Departments_,
+     should be authorised, and required by Law, to pay the
+     following rewards for the conviction of offenders, on the
+     certificate of Judges and Magistrates, before whom such
+     convictions took place--
+
+     40_l._ on Conviction for any Capital Offence.
+
+     20_l._ on Conviction for Felony, punished--Transportation,
+     Fine or Imprisonment, or Whipping, before a Superior Court.
+
+     10_l._ for Misdemeanors, by Indictment before the Quarter or
+     General Sessions of the Peace.
+
+     2_l._ for Convictions before Justices for Minor Offences.
+
+From such _Legislative Regulations_ infinite would be the advantages
+which might reasonably be expected, when by the establishment of a
+Naval Police System, their due and proper execution would be rendered
+certain; and also, in all cases, where the evidence against offenders,
+although perfectly conclusive as to the fact, may be deficient in some
+points of legal nicety, by putting the _onus probandi_ on the
+offender, and treating it as a minor offence: the ends of Public
+Justice will, in a great measure, be answered by inflicting some
+punishment on the offender, and however inferior it may be to what he
+deserves, it will still have an excellent effect, since it is not so
+much by severe punishments, as by the certainty of _some punishment_
+being inflicted, and the obloquy of a conviction when offences are
+committed, that Delinquents of this class are deterred from the
+commission of crimes.
+
+Having thus traced the outlines of such remedies, for the protection
+of his Majesty's _Naval_, _Victualing_, Ordnance and other stores, as
+certainly require Legislative Regulations; it remains now to consider,
+what other measures may appear necessary, within the limits of the
+authority with which the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty are
+invested, for the purpose of rendering the Preventive System complete.
+
+Those which have occurred to the Author of this Work will be classed
+under the following Heads:
+
+     IV. _Regulations respecting the Sale of Old Stores._
+
+     V. _The Abolition of the Perquisite of Chips._
+
+     VI. _The Abolition of Fees and Perquisites of every
+     description; to be recompensed by a liberal increase of
+     Salaries._
+
+     VII. _An improved Mode of keeping Accounts._
+
+     VIII. _An annual Inventory of Stores on hand._
+
+
+IV. OLD STORES.
+
+The mode at present practised in disposing of unserviceable Naval and
+Victualing Stores by Auction, in the Public Arsenals and Repositories,
+is productive of infinite evils, independent of the cover which is
+thereby afforded to many purchasers, of loose conduct, in protecting
+them, by means of the certificates they obtain against the penalties
+of the Law, as Receivers of stolen and embezzled goods of the same
+species and quality; thereby not only defeating the ends of Public
+Justice, but operating as an encouragement to these criminal dealers
+to extend the iniquitous part of their trade, by holding out
+facilities and incitements to those who have access to commit
+depredations on the Public Property, which possibly would never have
+otherwise taken place.
+
+The Public Sales at the Dock-yards and other Repositories, draw
+together men of loose and depraved morals; who, in order to obtain
+bargains, do not hesitate (wherever it can be done) to seduce, by
+means of pecuniary gratuities, the inferior officers and labourers
+into the evil practice of mixing superior stores with unserviceable
+articles, ordered to be made up in lots, so as to elude discovery. New
+and valuable cordage has been detected coiled within old cables,[75]
+while frauds also are practised as to the weight, and in the delivery
+of greater quantities than are actually sold.--Such practices have
+taken place in spite of the vigilance and attention of the superior
+officers, by which a two-fold mischief arises,--in the immediate loss
+which is sustained by the frauds thus practised, and in the cover
+which is thus afforded for the protection of additional stores
+purchased clandestinely; perhaps from the persons who have been thus
+corrupted.--An evil so prominent, in the view of a very able and
+penetrating Judge now upon the bench, as to induce him to declare
+publicly in Court, immediately after a trial, where a notorious
+offender (as many notorious offenders do) escaped Justice, under the
+cover of his certificates: "That _Government had better burn their old
+Stores than suffer them to be the means of generating so many
+offences_"--or to the same effect.
+
+[Footnote 75: An instance of this kind occurred about two years ago in
+one of the principal yards, where a large quantity of new and valuable
+Cordage was found concealed within the coils of a large unserviceable
+Cable; which composed one of the lots in the Catalogue of the
+Sale.--And thus a connection was discovered between the Criminal
+Purchaser and the Labourers employed in making up the Lots.]
+
+It is however humbly presumed that a remedy may be applied without the
+destruction of such valuable materials; and the following suggestions
+are offered with a view to this object.
+
+_Plan for an improved mode of disposing of unserviceable Naval and
+Victualing Stores._
+
+     1st. That instead of selling those stores upon the spot
+     where the criminal connections are formed, the Naval
+     articles shall be made up in assorted lots suitable to the
+     _London, Bristol, Liverpool, Whitehaven, Glasgow, Newcastle,
+     and Hull_ Markets. That a responsible Agent should be
+     appointed to conduct the sales at each of these
+     _Ports_.--That they shall be men of the first respectability
+     in the commercial line, who can give ample security for
+     their fidelity in the execution of the trust reposed in
+     them.--That they shall receive the stores at the yards or
+     repositories where they are made up, and convey them to
+     their respective Warehouses at their own expence: on having
+     an allowance of _6 per Cent. for Freight-charges,
+     Warehouse-rent, Insurance_ against _Sea-risk and Fire_, and
+     all other expences; _and 4 per Cent. for commission on the
+     amount of the Sales_.
+
+That the said stores shall not on any pretence be sold to dealers, but
+only to the _actual consumers_, or Rope Spinners to convert into small
+cordage; _nor shall any certificate be granted to purchasers on any
+pretence whatsoever_.
+
+That accounts of sales shall be furnished monthly, and such sales
+shall be accompanied by _a full remittance for the amount_, it being
+always understood that no credit is to be allowed.
+
+That at the end of each year, an inventory shall be transmitted on a
+specific day to be fixed, of the whole stores on hand, and a general
+account current shall be then furnished; in which shall be exhibited,
+agreeable to a form to be prescribed, a complete view of the whole
+transactions which have occurred during the preceding year, with a
+full remittance for the balance due on the said account.
+
+     2d. That the _Metalic Stores_ which are deemed unserviceable
+     shall be deposited in a commodious Magazine in London, under
+     the charge of a responsible Agent, competent to such a
+     trust.--That it shall be his duty to employ proper
+     Artificers to convert all that are capable of being
+     converted into serviceable Stores, and when so renovated, to
+     be returned to Deptford Yard.--And such Metalic Stores as
+     are incapable of being converted into useful purposes at a
+     moderate expence, so as clearly to demonstrate a saving to
+     Government, shall be disposed of to founders and others, at
+     the best price that can be obtained.
+
+The Agent for Metalic Stores to be allowed 10 per Cent. on the value
+as ascertained, by the original Invoice, founded on a survey and
+valuation upon oath, and this to be in full of _Freight, Carriage,
+Warehouse-rent, Insurance from fire, and all other expences,
+including Commission for his trouble_, on all Stores that are again
+converted to useful purposes; and 7-1/2 per cent. on the value of such
+as are sold, in consequence of their being incapable of being rendered
+useful; so as to make it the interest of the Agent to render as large
+a portion useful as possible.
+
+It is presumed that by an arrangement of this kind, an immense sum
+will be saved to the Public annually; who would retain the
+Contractor's profit in all cases where Old Stores are received back at
+the price of old Metal, and again returned at the full contract price,
+after a small expence is incurred in converting them into serviceable
+Stores.
+
+     3d. That in consequence of the superior resource for the
+     consumption of _Provisions, Casks_, &c. in London, the whole
+     of the unserviceable Victualing Stores (except such as from
+     their small value and bulky nature will not defray the
+     expences of conveyance) shall be collected in a large
+     repository in London, under the charge of an able and
+     intelligent Agent, who shall give proper security for his
+     faithful management; and conduct the sales upon the
+     principles already explained _for ready money only_,
+     rendering an account _and making his payments monthly_, and
+     a final Account and Inventory at the end of the year; to be
+     at the whole expence of removing the goods from the
+     different Repositories to the Magazine in London; to be
+     allowed 4 per Cent. Commission on the sales, and 6 per Cent.
+     in lieu of all charges.
+
+     4th. That the attention of the respective Boards may not be
+     diverted from other objects by attending to the details,
+     which will arise in the management of those establishments,
+     a superintending Agent shall be appointed, who shall receive
+     the directions of the different Boards, and correspond with
+     the local Agents.--He shall moreover be the _Receiver
+     General of the monthly remittances_, and shall immediately
+     pay the same as directed by the Lords Commissioners of the
+     Admiralty.--It will be his duty to arrange the shipping of
+     Old Stores from the different Yards, in conformity to the
+     wants or demands of the respective Agents, so as to keep up
+     their several assortments, by conveying to each not only
+     such articles, (as far as it can be done) as are most in
+     demand, but also such as comparatively fetch the best
+     price.--He shall receive the monthly and yearly accounts,
+     and lay an abstract of the same before the Lords of the
+     Admiralty, and the Navy and Victualing Board respectively,
+     as they apply to their different departments, and shall be
+     the general medium of communication from the respective
+     Boards to the local Agents.--The superintending Agent shall
+     transmit a regular invoice to the local Agents of all goods
+     shipped:--Shall keep regular books and accounts of all
+     transactions under his charge, and shall receive for his
+     trouble _1 per cent._ on the Remittances or Payments which
+     he may make, under the directions of the Lords of the
+     Admiralty.
+
+By this arrangement it will be the interest of all the parties
+concerned, to render the sale as productive as possible; and as the
+stores in question will constantly be exposed to sale, where the
+demand for such articles is most extensive, the probability is, that
+higher prices will be obtained than at present; and that upon the
+whole, after paying all expences, a larger aggregate sum will be
+received annually by Government, since, as the sales are only to be
+made to the actual Containers, the Dealer's profit will make a part of
+the Sale Price, and will be thereby secured to the Public. As men of
+the first character and respectability may be expected to solicit for
+such Commissions, no doubt can be entertained, either of the purity of
+their conduct, or their exertions to sell to the best advantage. Their
+credit and interest, and also the emulation between one Agent and
+another, as to who shall make the best sales, will prove a powerful
+stimulus and a strong ground of security.--Above all, the plan is easy
+and practicable:--It imposes no trouble upon the superior or inferior
+officers in the different Naval Departments, and no doubt can be
+entertained, that while it shuts up all the avenues to fraud and
+peculation, which at present operate so powerfully in facilitating the
+stealing and embezzling of Naval and Victualing Stores, in the result
+it will prove highly beneficial to Government.
+
+
+V. THE PERQUISITE OF CHIPS.
+
+The extensive evils arising from the permission granted to Artificers
+in the Dock-yards, to convert chips to their own use, and to remove
+them in bundles from the Dock-yards, having already been noticed, it
+may only be necessary to add, that on the abolition of this
+perquisite, which the Author has reason to believe is now in
+contemplation, a liberal increase of wages should be made to the
+Artificers in lieu thereof; and that hereafter Chips should not be
+sold in the Yards by Public Auction, but removed to a place of deposit
+at some small distance, and disposed of, not to the highest bidder,
+but at such price as should be offered above the estimated value, and
+by no means by contract.
+
+By adopting this mode, the saving of _useful Timber, Time, and
+Property_, which, through the medium of the existing practice, is
+_purloined, lost and stolen_, would probably exceed any estimate that
+has been formed from a view of the present abuses.
+
+This measure, while it forms an important Link in the preventive
+Chain, would appear to be easy and practicable.
+
+If necessary the superintending Agent for unserviceable stores, whose
+functions have already been explained, could take upon him the sole
+management of the disposal of the chips at the different Yards, by
+which a handsome sum might be obtained annually in aid of the
+resources of the State, perhaps more than would be sufficient to pay
+the additional wages of the Artificers, while no existing arrangement
+in the Yards would be disturbed, nor any trouble given to the
+Officers, who at present fill the respective Departments in those
+Arsenals.
+
+
+VI. THE ABOLITION OF FEES AND PERQUISITES, AND AN INCREASE OF
+SALARIES.
+
+The total Abolition of Fees guarded by the severest penalties, is an
+important object in the preventive System: Until this is effected, it
+will be in vain to expect purity of conduct. Under this pretext, men
+of loose principles, in transactions with Government, seldom fail to
+seduce from the strict line of their duty, _avaricious, extravagant,
+or indigent Officers_, whose business it is to check and control the
+receipt and delivery of property, and to _arrange, settle, and adjust
+Accounts_, or _to form Public Documents_. The delusion and seduction
+of these Officers is not seldom effected by the supposed liberality of
+those whose business must pass through their hands; and they are not
+at all times perfectly aware of the injury that is done to the Public.
+
+It has already been observed, and it is a circumstance much to be
+lamented, that in too many instances, where individuals have pecuniary
+transactions with any of the Departments of Government, a dereliction
+of principle is apparent which does not extend to the general
+intercourse of society, and hence arises the necessity of _stronger
+guards_, where the Public interest is concerned; and nothing appears
+to be better calculated to counteract this baneful propensity in the
+human mind than _the total abolition of fees and perquisites_.
+
+It is said to be no uncommon thing to pay 300_l._ for a Clerk's
+situation in the Dock-yards, where the salary does not exceed 30_l._
+or 40_l._ a year; and it is known that some who hold such situations
+live very expensively. It may be fairly asked, in what manner a person
+so situated is to reimburse himself? the conclusion is obvious, and
+the result has been already explained, which may perhaps be still
+farther elucidated by stating the following fact:--
+
+An Officer of Justice having discovered some instances of pillage and
+peculation going forward in the course of the removal of old copper
+and other articles, from a dismantled ship of war, complained to the
+Store-keeper in the Dock-yard, whose province it was to have received
+those articles into his charge, which were conveyed elsewhere.--He
+replied thus: "D--n it, mind your own business.--Such things have
+always been done, and will continue in spite of you and me; it will,
+at any rate, last our time."
+
+While the resources of Government are fully commensurate to the
+liberal remuneration of its servants, so as to place them above all
+temptations to abuse the trust reposed in them: and while such
+remuneration is in itself no less politic than just, the object and
+view of the Author of these pages differs widely from this faithless
+servant of the Crown. The suggestions now offered, lead to measures,
+which he now trusts to the honour and credit of those respectable
+characters, at the head of the different departments, are in the best
+train of being adopted, by the total abolition of Fees and
+Perquisites, and a liberal Increase of Salary, in lieu of the
+reduction of income, which such an arrangement will occasion: Such
+salaries as will secure to the Nation those inestimable advantages,
+which always result from _rectitude of conduct_, _zeal_, _accuracy_,
+and _fidelity_, in the discharge of Public trusts committed to
+subordinate Officers. It is by this and other wise and practicable
+arrangements, that a confidence is to be established, "that the
+resources of the State _will not only last our time_," but extend to
+many generations; while the improvement of Public morals will
+contribute, in an eminent degree, to the happiness and prosperity of
+the country.
+
+
+VII. AN IMPROVED MODE OF KEEPING ACCOUNTS.
+
+Under an impression, that very few improvements have been introduced,
+since the establishment of the original System, for keeping the Navy
+and Victualing Accounts, brought forward by KING JAMES II. when Duke
+of York; while the frauds which have been committed by various
+devices, prove some imperfections in the mode of accomptantship as now
+practised, since no means appear to exist, whereby deficiencies can be
+checked and discovered; it may be worthy of inquiry, whether many of
+the modern improvements, which the vast extent of our Commerce has
+introduced, might not be rendered useful in establishing new Checks,
+by means of a System of Book-keeping, which would have the same effect
+in detecting frauds, and discovering inaccuracies, as prevails in
+arranging and closing the accounts of well-regulated Commercial
+Establishments; adopting at the same time in the general detail,
+particularly in the transit of stores, some of these excellent
+regulations, which have been found so salutary and useful in the
+system of the Excise. Of the practicability of improvements of this
+nature there can be little doubt, since it merely depends on the
+exercise of that _knowledge, attention_, and _assiduity_, which, when
+properly exerted, has generally accomplished objects, which have often
+appeared impracticable to minds uninformed, or not enlarged by an
+extensive intercourse with the world, or a knowledge of the general
+affairs of life:--But as this observation can in no respect apply to
+the respectable and intelligent Individuals, who superintend the Great
+Public Concerns, which have been subject to the various abuses, which
+they feel so anxious to remedy, sanguine hopes are entertained, that
+an improvement in the mode of keeping the Official Accounts may be
+speedily carried into effect.
+
+
+VIII. AN ANNUAL INVENTORY OF STORES.
+
+Supposing an accurate System of Book-keeping to be adopted, and to be
+followed as a part of the proposed System of Accuracy, indispensably
+necessary, _by an annual account of Stores_; the advantages resulting
+from it are not to be estimated by the most sanguine mind. Independent
+of the benefits which would arise from the general accuracy, which
+would thus incircle the whole oeconomy of the design, discoveries
+would be made wherever frauds or embezzlements took place, while the
+labour and expence, which such a task might impose, would be
+compensated one hundred fold, in the National advantages which it
+would produce.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Thus has the Author briefly gone over the whole ground, which he had
+assigned to himself, as comprehending every object on the subject of
+the depredations on his Majesty's Stores, which appeared likely to
+render his suggestions useful to his country, whether they relate to
+improved Legislative Regulations requiring the aid of Parliament, or
+to Measures competent for the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to
+carry into effect. In the prosecution of this task he has been
+stimulated in a particular degree, by the laudable and patriotic
+disposition, which has been manifested to promote improvements in
+Naval Police, and the honourable proofs he has received of a desire
+to render his suggestions useful.
+
+If the period should indeed arrive (and it is to be hoped it may soon
+arrive) when these suggestions, or even a part of them, shall be acted
+upon, in a manner calculated to promote the National Interest, the
+Author of these pages will then feel himself gratified, and rewarded
+by the pleasing reflection, that his well-meant labours, in placing an
+important branch of the political oeconomy of the country in this
+particular point of view, have not been in vain.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. X.
+
+     _Receivers of stolen Goods more mischievous than
+     Thieves;--the latter could not exist without the assistance
+     of the former:--the Suppression therefore of Receivers would
+     restore to Society, and to honest Industry, a great number
+     who at present live by crimes.--The increase of Receivers of
+     stolen Goods to be attributed to the imperfection of the
+     Laws, and to the disjointed state of the Police of the
+     Metropolis.--The number of common Receivers does not exceed
+     sixty; of whom not above ten are persons of property able to
+     purchase valuable articles.--Thieves, in many instances,
+     settle with receivers before they commit
+     robberies:--Receivers always benefit more than
+     Thieves:--Their profit immense:--They are divided into two
+     classes.--The immediate Receivers connected with Thieves,
+     and those who keep shops and purchase from Pilferers in the
+     way of trade:--The latter are extremely numerous.--The Laws
+     are insufficient effectually to reach either class.--The
+     existing statutes examined and briefly detailed, namely, the
+     3d and 4th of William and Mary, cap. 9; the 1st Anne, cap.
+     9; the 5th of Anne, cap. 31; 4 George I. cap. 11; 29 George
+     II. cap. 30; 30 George II. cap. 24; 2 George III. cap. 28;
+     10 George III. cap. 48; 21 George III. cap. 69; 22 George
+     III. cap. 58.--Observations on these respective
+     statutes.--Amendments and improvements suggested.--Means
+     proposed to ensure the due execution of these improvements._
+
+
+Having in the preceding Chapters completed the proposed explanation of
+the various depredations and frauds upon the Public: It remains now,
+in the order of the plan, to examine and follow up the progress of
+this property, from the hands of _Thieves_, _Robbers_, _Cheats_, and
+_Swindlers_, to that of _Receivers_, or first Purchasers of Goods
+stolen or fraudulently obtained.
+
+In contemplating the characters of all these different classes of
+delinquents, there can be little hesitation in pronouncing the
+_Receivers_ to be the most _mischievous of the whole_; inasmuch as
+without the aid they afford, in purchasing and concealing every
+species of property stolen or fraudulently obtained, Thieves, Robbers,
+and Swindlers, as has already been frequently observed, must quit the
+trade, as unproductive and hazardous in the extreme.
+
+Nothing therefore can be more just than the old observation, "_that if
+there were no Receivers there would be no Thieves_."--Deprive a thief
+of a sale and ready market for his goods, and he is undone.
+
+Let the strong arm of the law, and the vigour and energy of the Police
+be directed in a particular manner against _Receivers_; and the chief
+part of those robberies and burglaries, which are so much dreaded, on
+account of the acts of violence which attend them, _would absolutely
+cease to exist_:--and the resource for plunder being thus narrowed in
+so great a degree, robberies on the highway would _alone_ seldom
+answer the purpose of the adventurer; where the risk would be so
+exceedingly multiplied, while the advantages were in the same
+proportion diminished;--the result therefore would be, that in _the
+suppression of the Receivers_, the encouragement to become Thieves and
+Robbers would be taken away: and the present Depredators upon the
+Public must either return to honest labour as useful members of the
+State, or submit to be starved.
+
+Obvious and desirable however as a measure of this sort would be, it
+has never hitherto been put in practice. This has proceeded from a
+variety of causes; one of the principal of which is the disjointed
+state of the Police of the Metropolis, occasioned by a number of
+jurisdictions clashing with each other, and preventing the full
+operation of a proper system of vigilance and energy; which, with the
+aid of apposite and improved laws and a superintending agency, could
+not fail, either to root out all the Receivers of stolen Goods of any
+consequence, or compel them to abandon their mischievous trade.
+
+These observations apply to that class of Receivers alone, who are in
+immediate connection with the thieves, burglars, and highway
+robbers;--and who aid and assist them in the purchase and concealment
+of whatever is stolen.--From the best information that can be
+obtained, their number does not exceed _fifty_ or _sixty in all_; of
+whom not more than ten, (whose names and places of abode are well
+known) can be said to be persons of property who can raise money to
+purchase articles of considerable value.
+
+Aided by a well-regulated and energetic system of Police that might
+pervade the whole Metropolis, how easy would it be, to compel these
+large dealers to abandon the trade? The measure of watching their
+houses day and night, would cost no great sum, and would embarrass the
+thieves and burglars, more than any other system that could be
+pursued.
+
+It rarely happens that thieves go upon the highway, or commit
+burglaries, until the money they have previously acquired is
+exhausted. Having laid their plans for new depredations, negociation
+is frequently entered upon with the most favourite Receiver, who (to
+use their own language) is likely to be _staunch_, and to keep their
+secrets.--The plan is explained.--Some liquor is drunk to the good
+luck of the enterprize, and the hour fixed when they are to return
+with the booty: if plate is expected, the crucible is ready in a small
+furnace, built for the purpose, instantly to melt it, and arrangements
+are made for the immediate concealment of the other articles.--Of the
+nature of these previous arrangements, something has already been said
+in Chap. IV. on Burglary and Highway Robbery.
+
+There are, however, exceptions to this rule, where the Receivers are
+not trusted till the booty is acquired; and where it is in the first
+instance removed to the houses of the thieves, or to those of some of
+their friends; but it seldom remains longer than may be necessary to
+obliterate the marks: for money must be procured. Most thieves are
+improvident; their wants are therefore pressing--they _must_
+sell--the Receiver knows this and makes his own terms;--and he of
+course enjoys by far the largest share of the profit.
+
+The plunder thus purchased, finds a ready vent through the extensive
+connections of the Jew dealers, both in this Country and upon the
+Continent: and from the facts already stated in the course of this
+Work, it may easily be conceived that the trade is not only extensive,
+but that the profit is immense, since it rarely happens (except in the
+articles of plate,) that thieves receive to the amount of above
+one-third; or one-fourth of the value of what is stolen.
+
+The mass of the Receivers of stolen property in and near the
+Metropolis, (exclusive of those more immediately concerned in
+River-plunder, as stated in Chapter VIII. on that subject,) may be
+classed in two divisions:
+
+     "1. The Dealers already mentioned, as immediately connected
+     with professed and notorious thieves, and who are their
+     principal supporters, especially when apprehended and under
+     prosecution. Many of these have themselves been originally
+     thieves upon the town, _acquitted, pardoned, or discharged
+     from the hulks_: who prefer the trade of a Receiver as less
+     hazardous and more profitable, than that of a thief; and to
+     conceal the fraud frequently set up _Chandlers-Shops_,
+     _Coal-Sheds_, _Potatoe-Warehouses_, or _Old Iron-Shops_, and
+     not seldom become _Masters of Public Houses_, that they may
+     appear to have some _visible_ means of obtaining a
+     livelihood. Those who have not been originally thieves
+     generally keep shops in different branches of trade, some of
+     whom are very opulent.
+
+     "2. The Dealers in _Old Iron and other Metal--Rags--Old
+     Wearing Apparel--Buyers, Refiners, and Workers of Gold and
+     Silver--Dealers in Second-hand Furniture, and Building
+     Materials, and that Class of Sharping Pawnbrokers who have
+     connections with criminal people_.
+
+     "The Dealers last mentioned are extremely numerous, and
+     amount to several thousands in the Metropolis alone, some of
+     whom are _innocent Receivers_, not aware that they are
+     purchasing stolen articles;--others, _careless Receivers_,
+     asking no questions, and purchasing every thing that is
+     offered:--but a large proportion of _criminal Receivers_,
+     who purchase every thing that is offered _in the way of
+     trade_; well knowing, from the price and other
+     circumstances, that the property was originally stolen."
+
+As the Laws now stand, (numerous, and pointed as they appear to be) it
+has been found from experience, that neither of these classes can be
+easily reached; and hence it is that they have multiplied in so great
+a degree, (particularly the small Receivers) within the last twenty
+years, and may even be said to have reigned with impunity.
+
+For the purpose of suggesting an effectual legislative Remedy, it
+will be necessary to examine shortly the laws now in being, which are
+applicable to this peculiar offence.--
+
+By the Statute of the 3d and 4th of William and Mary, cap. 9, it is
+enacted, "_that Receivers of stolen Goods, knowing them to be stolen,
+shall be deemed Accessaries after the fact_."
+
+But this offence being dependent on the fate of the Principal--a
+Receiver, thus circumstanced, could not be tried till after the
+conviction of such Principal; so that, however strong and conclusive
+the evidence might be, the Receiver was still safe, unless the Thief
+could be apprehended--and even if apprehended and put upon his trial,
+if acquitted through any defect of evidence, the Receiver, (although
+he had actually confessed the crime, and the goods found in his
+possession, could be proved to have been stolen,) must be
+acquitted:--this offence also, even if completely proved, applied only
+to capital felonies, and _not to petty larceny_.
+
+These defects were discovered, and partly remedied by the Statutes 1
+Anne, cap. 9; and 5 Anne, cap. 31, which enact, "_That Buyers and
+Receivers of stolen Goods, knowing them to be stolen, may be
+prosecuted for a misdemeanor, and punished by fine and imprisonment;
+though the Principal be not previously convicted of felony_."
+
+This Act, 5 Anne, c. 31, also greatly improved the Laws applicable to
+this species of offence by _empowering the Court to substitute a
+corporal punishment instead of fine and imprisonment; and by
+declaring, that if the felony shall be proved against the Thief, then
+the Receiver shall be taken as Accessary, and shall receive judgment
+of death; but the benefit of Clergy is reserved_.
+
+The Laws being still found insufficient, the Statute of the fourth of
+George the First, cap. 11, enacted, "_That Receivers of stolen Goods,
+knowing them to be stolen, should, on conviction, be transported for
+fourteen years; and that buying at an under value should be
+presumptive evidence of such knowledge_:--and the same statute _makes
+it felony (according to the nature of the felony committed in stealing
+the Goods) for any person directly or indirectly to take a reward for
+helping any person to stolen Goods; unless such person bring the felon
+to his trial, and give evidence against him_."
+
+But these amendments also proving ineffectual, and not being found to
+apply immediately to persons receiving stolen _lead, iron, copper,
+brass, bell-metal or solder_ taken from buildings, or from ships,
+vessels, wharfs, or quays--It was enacted by the 29th of George the
+Second, cap. 30, "_That every person who shall buy or Receive such
+articles, knowing the same to be stolen, or who shall privately
+purchase these respective metals by suffering any door, window, or
+shutter, to be left open between sun-setting and sun-rising, or shall
+buy or receive any of the said metals in any clandestine manner,
+shall, on conviction, be transported for fourteen years, although the
+principal felon has not been convicted_." Sec. 1.
+
+The same Act _empowers one Justice to grant a warrant to search in the
+day time for such metals suspected to be stolen, as by the oath of one
+witness may appear to be deposited or concealed in any house or
+place_; and if goods are found, the Act goes so far as _to empower two
+Justices to adjudge the person having the custody of the same, guilty
+of a misdemeanor, if he cannot produce the party from whom he
+purchased, or give a satisfactory account how they came into his
+possession; and the offender shall, for the first offence forfeit
+40s. for the second 4l. and for every subsequent offence 6l._
+Sec. 2; 6.
+
+This Act also _empowers officers of justice (and watchmen while on
+duty) to apprehend all persons suspected of conveying any stolen
+metals, as already described, after sun-set or before sun-rise; and if
+such persons cannot give a good account of the manner in which they
+were obtained, two Magistrates are in like manner authorized to
+adjudge them guilty of a misdemeanor, and they forfeit forty
+shillings, &c._ Sec. 3; 6.
+
+_The persons also to whom such articles are offered for sale or to be
+pawned, where there is reasonable ground to suppose they were stolen,
+are empowered to apprehend and secure the parties and the materials,
+to be dealt with according to law. And if it shall appear even on the
+evidence of the thief, corroborated by other testimony, that there was
+cause to suspect the goods were stolen, and that the person to whom
+they were offered, did not do his duty in apprehending the person
+offering the same, he shall be adjudged guilty of a misdemeanor, and
+forfeit twenty shillings for the first offence: forty shillings for
+the second, and four pounds for every subsequent offence_, Sec. 5, 6.
+And so anxious has the Legislature been to suppress the evil of
+stealing and receiving metals, that the 8th Section _entitles the
+actual Thief to a pardon, on the discovery and conviction of two or
+more of the Receivers_. And the 9th Section _screens from prosecution
+any person stealing such metals, who shall discover the Receiver to
+whom the same were delivered, so as a conviction may follow_.--In
+spite, however, of these numerous and apparently effectual checks, it
+is to be lamented that the evil has continued to increase.
+
+In the following year it was provided by the Act 30th of George the
+Second, cap. 24, _that it shall be lawful for any Pawnbroker, or any
+other dealer, their servants or agents, to whom any goods shall be
+offered to be pawned, exchanged, or sold, which shall be suspected to
+be stolen, to seize and detain the persons offering the same, for the
+purpose of being examined by a Justice; who is empowered, if he sees
+any grounds to apprehend that the goods have been illegally obtained,
+to commit the persons, offering the same, to prison for a period not
+exceeding six days; and if on further examination, the Justice shall
+be satisfied that the goods were stolen, he shall commit the offender
+to prison, to be dealt with according to Law; and although it may,
+under such circumstances, afterwards appear that the goods in question
+were fairly obtained, yet the parties who seized the supposed offender
+shall be indemnified_.--Sec. 7, 8.
+
+It would have been useful if the principles of the first of these
+excellent acts had extended to every kind of goods and chattels,
+_horses_, _cattle_, _money_, and _Bank-notes_,[76] as well as to the
+metals therein described. Indeed it is to be lamented, that the System
+has not been to look at great features of abuse in _the gross_, so as
+to meet every existing evil at once. Thus another partial Statute was
+made, 2 George III. _c._ 28, extending the provisions of the 29th Geo.
+II. _c._ 30. to goods, stores, or materials taken from ships in the
+River Thames, by enacting, "_that all persons purchasing such goods,
+knowing them to be stolen, or receiving the same in a concealed or
+clandestine manner between sun-setting and sun-rising, shall be
+transported for fourteen years, although the principal felon be not
+convicted_:" but by the wording of this Act, it is doubtful if it
+applies to receiving goods stolen from vessels not afloat in the
+river.[77]
+
+[Footnote 76: Vide Page 9.]
+
+[Footnote 77: It was held in the trial of Moses Pike, at the Old
+Bailey, in May, 1784, that to steal from a Barge aground in
+Limehouse-Dock, was not within the meaning of the Act of 24th of
+George the Second, cap. 45, which makes it felony to steal from any
+vessel or craft upon a Navigable River, &c.]
+
+The next Statute applicable to the Receivers of stolen goods, is the
+10th of George III. cap. 48, by which it is enacted, "_that every
+person who shall buy or receive any jewels, gold, silver, plate or
+watches, knowing the same to be stolen, where such stealing was
+accompanied by a burglary or highway robbery, may be tried as well
+before as after the principal felon is convicted; and whether he be
+in, or out of custody; and if found guilty, shall be transported for
+fourteen years_."
+
+Eleven years after passing of the above mentioned Statute, the
+Legislature, appearing to be impressed with the great extent of the
+depredations committed by persons stealing _pewter pots_, and desirous
+to punish the Receivers, the Statute of the 21st of George the Third,
+cap. 69, enacts, "_that every person who shall buy or receive any
+pewter pot or other vessel, or any pewter in any form or shape
+whatsoever, knowing the same to be stolen, or who shall privately buy
+or receive stolen pewter, in a clandestine manner, between sun-setting
+and sun-rising, shall on conviction, be transported for seven years,
+or detained in the House of Correction, at hard labour for a term not
+exceeding three years, nor less than one; and may be whipped not more
+than three times; although the principal felon has not been
+convicted_."
+
+In the following Session of Parliament, the Statute 22 George III. c.
+28. (said to have been framed by an able and experienced Lawyer and
+Magistrate),[78] removed many of the imperfections of former Statutes,
+and particularly that which respected Petty Larceny; by enacting,
+"_that where any goods (except lead, iron, copper, brass, bell-metal,
+or solder, the Receivers of which are punishable under the_ 29th
+George II. c. 30. _noticed before, p. 295.) have been stolen, whether
+the offence amount to Grand Larceny, or some greater offence, or to
+Petty Larceny only; (except where the offender_ has been convicted _of
+Grand Larceny, or some greater offence; when the Receiver must be
+prosecuted as an Accessary, and under the 4th_ George I. c. 11, _may
+be transported for fourteen years_; see page 295.)--_Every person who
+shall buy or receive the same, knowing them to be stolen, shall be
+guilty of a misdemeanor, and punished by fine, imprisonment, or
+whipping, as the Quarter Sessions, who are empowered to try offenders,
+or any other Court before whom they shall be tried, shall think fit,
+although the Principal be not convicted; and if the felony amounts to
+Grand Larceny, or some greater offence, and the person committing such
+felony has not been before convicted, such offender shall be exempted
+from being punished as Accessary, if the principal shall be afterwards
+convicted_."--Sect. 1.
+
+[Footnote 78: Mr. Serjeant ADAIR, then Recorder of London.]
+
+This Act also empowers _one Justice to grant a warrant to search for
+stolen goods in the day time, on oath being made that there are just
+grounds of suspicion; and the person concealing the said goods, or in
+whose custody they are found, shall in like manner be guilty of a
+misdemeanor, and punished in the manner before-mentioned_.--Sect. 9.
+
+The same Act extended the powers granted by former Acts relative to
+metals, _to any other kind of goods: by authorizing peace officers
+(and also watchmen while on duty) to apprehend all persons suspected
+of carrying stolen goods after sun-setting and before sun-rising, who
+shall, on conviction, be adjudged guilty of a misdemeanor, and
+imprisoned, not exceeding six, nor less than three months_.--Sec. 3.
+
+Power is also given by this Act _to any person to whom goods,
+suspected to be stolen, shall be offered to be sold or pawned, to
+apprehend the person offering the same, and to carry him before a
+Justice_.--Sec. 4.
+
+And as an encouragement to young Thieves to discover the Receivers,
+the same Act provides, _That if any person or persons being out of
+custody, or in custody, if under the age of 15 years, upon any charge
+of felony, within benefit of Clergy, shall have committed any felony,
+and shall discover two Receivers, so as that they shall be convicted,
+such Discoverer shall have pardon for all felonies by him committed
+before such discovery_.
+
+These various Acts of Parliament prove how very prominent the evil of
+receiving stolen goods has been in the view of the Legislature.--It is
+to be lamented however, that a more general and comprehensive view has
+not been taken of the subject, by substituting, instead of the
+piece-meal System which has been from time to time adopted, on
+suggestions applicable only to particular cases, _one general law that
+should have embraced every object_, and remedied every defect in the
+existing Statutes, on this important subject of criminal
+jurisprudence.
+
+That these Laws, numerous as they are, and applicable as many of them
+appear to be, have not been in any degree effectual, is clearly
+manifested by the unquestionable increase of the evil, even to an
+extent beyond all calculation.
+
+Under such circumstances, where the Receiver is in reality the
+greatest offender, and even the source from whence most of the
+burglaries and highway robberies have their origin, the Thief being
+not seldom his pupil--_Why should not the Receipt of Stolen Goods be
+made an original offence?[79]--Why should not the rewards for
+detection, and the punishment on conviction, be the same, in the case
+both of the Receiver and the Thief?_
+
+[Footnote 79: The general rule of the ancient Law is this;--that
+Accessaries shall suffer the same punishment as Principals. If one be
+liable to death, the other is also liable. BLACKSTONE.
+
+In France, (before the Revolution) the offence of receiving stolen
+goods was punished with death.]
+
+In contemplating the best means of preventing depredations upon the
+public, the simplest and perhaps the most effectual mode would be to
+_make a stand at this particular point_; by bending the attention
+_wholly_ to the means of destroying effectually _the trade of
+Receiving stolen goods_; under the fullest conviction that by
+accomplishing so valuable a purpose, thieving and swindling in all its
+branches would also be, in a great measure, destroyed.
+
+It is believed, that this object (difficult as it may appear) is
+attainable, by well digested applicable laws, containing and enforcing
+such regulations as would ensure a full and energetic execution.
+
+The importance of a measure of this kind is so immense, that if even a
+considerable part of one Session of Parliament were employed in
+devising and legalizing a proper System, it would be time well and
+usefully spent for the benefit of the Country.
+
+The obvious means of remedy seem to lie within a narrow compass. The
+first point to be obtained is the _Licensing_ all those dealers (some
+of them already particularized in pages 292, 293), whose various
+branches of trade are friendly to the encouragement of depredations;
+and the putting them under the control of the _Central Board of
+Police_, in the manner stated more fully in the concluding part of
+this Work.--
+
+The next step must be to consolidate and improve the Laws now in
+being, relative to _Receivers of stolen goods_; by an arrangement
+which shall render the whole _clear_ and _explicit_, and applicable to
+all the evils which have been felt to exist.
+
+And lastly to make the following additions to these Laws:
+
+     "1. To make the receiving stolen goods an _original
+     offence_; punishable in the same manner, in all cases, as
+     the principal felony is punishable by Law.
+
+     "2. The offence of receiving _money, bank notes, horses,
+     cattle, poultry_, or _any matter_ or thing whatsoever, to be
+     the same as receiving goods and chattels.
+
+     "3. The persons committing any felony or larceny to be
+     competent to give evidence against the Receiver, and _vice
+     versa_; Provided that the testimony and evidence of such
+     Principal Felon against the Receiver, or the evidence of the
+     Receiver against the Principal Felon, shall not be of itself
+     sufficient to convict, without other concurrent evidence:
+     and that the offenders so giving evidence shall be entitled
+     to his Majesty's pardon, and also to a reward of from 10_l._
+     to 50_l._ as hereafter mentioned; unless they shall be found
+     guilty of wilful and corrupt perjury.--_By this means the
+     Thief will be set against the Receiver, and the Receiver
+     against the Thief._
+
+     "4. That rewards be paid for the detection and apprehension
+     of Receivers as well as Thieves, in all cases whatsoever,
+     according to the discretion of the Judge; _whether there
+     shall be a conviction or not_; which reward shall not be
+     less than _ten_ and may extend to _fifty pounds_.
+
+     "5. That the various classes of dealers to be licensed shall
+     enter into recognizance for their good behaviour: and that
+     no licences be granted to persons having been convicted of
+     felony or perjury, nor to any but such as can obtain and
+     produce a certificate of good character.
+
+     "6. That all such licensed dealers, as also _Publicans_,
+     _Pawnbrokers_, &c. shall be subject to a penalty for
+     concealing any stolen goods which may come into their
+     possession, after the same are advertised;--or punished with
+     transportation, if it can be made appear that such goods
+     were purchased at an under value, being known to be stolen.
+
+     "7. That all drivers of Hackney-Coaches, employed to take
+     fares after twelve o'clock at night, shall be licensed by
+     the Magistrates of the division; and shall enter into
+     recognizance for their good behaviour, themselves and one
+     surety in 50_l._ at least; and that every such coachman
+     shall be obliged, whenever he carries any goods or
+     valuables, to make a report of the same, on the following
+     morning, to the Magistrate of his district, if no suspicion
+     arises as to any improper or felonious intention; but in all
+     cases where a felonious intention shall appear, the coachman
+     to be authorized and required to call the assistance of the
+     watchmen and patroles, and to seize and apprehend the
+     parties, and lodge them and the goods in the nearest
+     watch-house; there to be kept until brought before a
+     justice, at the Public-Office of the district, on the
+     following morning: And although it may ultimately appear
+     that the coachman was mistaken and the parties innocent, yet
+     where it shall be manifest to the Justice that he hath acted
+     _bona fide_, he shall not be liable to any prosecution:[80]
+     and if it shall appear that the goods so conveyed _were_
+     stolen property, then the coachman shall be entitled,
+     whether a conviction shall follow or not, to a reward of
+     _two guineas_; and in all cases where a prosecution shall
+     follow, he shall be entitled to such further reward as the
+     Court shall think proper.
+
+     [Footnote 80: Vide Act 30 Geo. II. cap. 24.]
+
+     "8. That all watchmen or patroles who shall appear upon
+     proper proof to connive at the commission of felonies[81] in
+     the night time, or while they are on duty; or shall
+     knowingly conceal any felonious removal of stolen goods, or
+     goods suspected to be stolen, and conveying to Receivers'
+     houses, shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and liable
+     to be _imprisoned_, _whipt_, or _put in the pillory_.--And
+     in _all cases_ where such watchmen or patroles shall observe
+     any goods or other articles conveyed in Hackney-coaches, or
+     in any other manner, while they are upon duty, from one
+     place to another, they shall report the same to the Justices
+     at the nearest Public Office, in the morning: But if they
+     shall have good grounds to suspect a felonious intention,
+     and that the property is stolen, the goods and all the
+     parties concerned shall be conveyed to the nearest
+     watch-house, for the purpose of being brought before a
+     Magistrate; and such watchmen (acting _bona fide_) shall not
+     be liable to any prosecution in case of a mistake; and if a
+     felony shall have been actually committed, they shall each
+     be entitled to one guinea, besides their proportion of any
+     future reward which may be ordered by the Court who shall
+     try the offenders.[82]"
+
+     [Footnote 81: An Officer of Police who was watching the
+     house of a noted Receiver, in St. James's parish, being
+     taken for a Thief by the watchmen, the latter entered into
+     conversation with him, and naming the Receiver, he told the
+     Officer that he being very liberal and kind to them, they
+     did not disturb any person going to his house; and if he had
+     any thing to carry there, he would step out of sight, so as
+     to be able to say he had seen nothing.]
+
+     [Footnote 82: Vide Act 30 Geo. II. cap. 24.]
+
+In the formation of such a System, it is absolutely necessary that
+care should be taken to secure a _regular_ and perfect _execution_, by
+means of a proper superintendance and inspection:--without this, the
+best laws will remain a _dead letter_.--Such has, in fact, been the
+case in a great measure with respect to several of the very excellent
+Statutes, now in force, relative to Receivers of stolen Goods; and
+such also would be the case with regard to the laws relative to the
+_Revenue_, if a System had not been established to secure their
+execution.
+
+If it be allowed that the prevention of crimes is at least of as much
+importance to Society, as any consideration connected with partial
+revenue:--if experience has shewn that, after the skill and ingenuity
+of the ablest lawyers and the most profound thinkers have been
+exhausted in framing laws to meet offences, which are daily committed;
+these offences are progressively increasing:--Is it not clear to
+demonstration, that some _active principle_ is wanting, which does not
+at present exist, for the purpose of rendering these laws effectual?
+
+This principle of activity is, (it is humbly apprehended,) only to be
+established by the introduction of such a System of _regulation_, as
+shall attach to all classes of dealers, who, in their intercourse
+with Society, are in the train of encouraging either directly or
+collaterally, transactions of _an immoral_, _a fraudulent_, or a
+_mischievous nature_.
+
+The idea is not new in the System of jurisprudence of the
+country;--Publicans have long been under regulations prescribed by
+Magistrates; Pawnbrokers also have been of late years regulated to a
+certain extent by Statute.--Let the same principle be extended to the
+other dealers alluded to; and let the Legislature, profiting by that
+experience which has manifested the cause of the inefficacy of a vast
+number of penal Statutes, establish such a system of _regulation_,
+_inspection_, and _superintendance_, as will insure to the Public the
+full benefits arising from good laws, administered with activity,
+purity, and discretion.
+
+Nothing can evince in a greater degree the necessity of _inspecting_
+the execution of all _laws of regulation_ where the well-being of
+Society is concerned, than the abuses which occur with regard to the
+two classes just mentioned, namely, Public-houses and Pawnbrokers.--Many
+excellent rules are established by the Legislature, and the
+Magistrates; but while it is seldom the interest of the depraved or
+dishonest part of these two classes to adhere to such rules, by what
+means is the execution to be insured, so as to operate as a complete
+protection to the Public?--surely not by the operation of the law
+through the medium of common informers; since independent of the
+invidious nature of the office, experience has shewn that the public
+good rarely enters into the consideration of persons of this
+description; who look merely to their own emolument, frequently
+holding up the penalties as a rod by which money is privately
+extorted, and the parties laid under contribution, for the purpose of
+allowing them to continue in the practice of those abuses, which the
+engine used for this nefarious purpose was meant to prevent.
+
+The System of Inspection, thus strongly and repeatedly recommended,
+while it remedied these corrupt practices, by preventing the existence
+of the evil, could only be disagreeable to _Fraudulent Dealers_.
+
+The honest and fair Tradesmen, as things are at present circumstanced,
+are by no means on an equal footing with men who carry on business by
+fraudulent devices.--Such fair traders who have nothing to dread,
+would therefore rejoice at the System of inspection which is proposed,
+and would submit to it cheerfully; as having an immediate tendency to
+shield them from fraudulent competition, and to protect the Public
+against knavery and dishonesty.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. XI.
+
+     _The prominent Causes of the increase of Crimes reviewed and
+     considered:--Imputable in the first instance to deficient
+     Laws and an ill-regulated Police:--To the unfortunate habits
+     of the lower orders of the People in feeding their families
+     in Ale-houses.--To the bad and immoral Education of
+     Apprentices.--To the number of individuals broke down by
+     misfortunes arising from want of Industry.--To idle and
+     profligate Menial Servants out of place.--To the deplorable
+     state of the lower orders of the Jews of the Dutch and
+     German Synagogue.--To the depraved morals of Aquatic
+     Labourers.--To the Dealers in old Metals--Second-hand Ships'
+     Stores--Rags--Old Furniture--Old Building Materials--Old
+     Apparel: and Cart-keepers for removing these articles.--To
+     disreputable Pawnbrokers.--And finally to ill-regulated
+     Public-houses, and to the Superabundance of these
+     receptacles of idleness and vice.--Concluding Reflections on
+     the evils to the State and the Individual, which arise from
+     the excesses of the Labouring People._
+
+
+In contemplating the mass of turpitude which is developed in the
+preceding Chapters, and which exhibit afflicted Society, groaning
+under a pressure of evils and Public wrongs, which, but for the
+different views which have been taken of the subject, could not have
+been conceived to exist; it may be truly affirmed in the first
+instance, that much is to be imputed to deficient and ill-executed
+Laws, arising chiefly from the want of a proper System of Police.
+
+Offences of every description have their origin in the vicious and
+immoral habits of the people, and in the facilities which the state of
+manners and society, particularly in vulgar life, afford in generating
+vicious and bad habits.
+
+In tracing the progress of those habits which are peculiar to the
+lower orders of the Community in this great Metropolis, from infancy
+to the adult state, the cause will be at once discovered, why that
+_almost universal_ profligacy prevails, which, by being productive of
+so much evil to the unfortunate Individuals as well as the Community
+at large, cannot be sufficiently deplored.
+
+Before a child is perhaps able to lisp a sentence, it is carried by
+its ill-fated mother to the tap-room of an ale-house;[83] in which are
+assembled multitudes of low company, many of whom have been perhaps
+reared in the same manner. The vilest and most profane and polluted
+language, accompanied by oaths and imprecations, is uttered in these
+haunts of idleness and dissipation.--Children follow their parents
+during their progress to maturity, and are almost the constant
+witnesses of their besotted courses.--Reduced, from their unfortunate
+habits, to the necessity of occupying a miserable half furnished
+lodging from week to week, there is no comfort at home.--No knowledge
+of frugal cookery exists, by which a nourishing and palatable meal can
+be provided, and frequently a sufficiency of fuel for that purpose is
+not accessible.--A succedaneum is found in the ale-house at three
+times the expence.--A common fire is provided for the guests,
+calculated to convey that warmth which could not be obtained at home;
+and food[84] and liquor is furnished at an expence which too seldom
+leaves any part of the weekly earning for cloathing, and none at all
+for education.--In this manner is a large proportion of what may be
+denominated the lowest classes of the people reared in the
+Metropolis;[85] and the result is, that while many of the adults are
+lost to the state by premature death, from sottishness and
+irregularity, not a few of their offspring are never raised to
+manhood: But this is not all:--when by means of strong constitutions,
+they survive the shocks which nature has sustained in its progress to
+maturity under the influence of habits so exceedingly depraved, they
+are restrained by no principle of morality or religion,[86] (for they
+know nothing of either,) and only wait for opportunities, to plunge
+into every excess and every crime.
+
+[Footnote 83: It is even a practice with not a few of the labouring
+families in the Eastern part of the Town, to take lodgings in
+Ale-houses.]
+
+[Footnote 84: Such is the thoughtless improvidence of this class of
+the labouring people, that they are generally the first who indulge
+themselves by eating Oysters, Lobsters, and Pickled Salmon, &c. when
+first in Season, and long before these luxuries are considered as
+accessible to the middle ranks of the Community; whose manners are
+generally as virtuous as the others are depraved.]
+
+[Footnote 85: It is not to be inferred from this statement, that there
+are not to be found even among the lower classes of the labouring
+People in the Metropolis, many instances of honest and virtuous Poor,
+whose distresses are to be attributed to the calamity of a failure of
+employment, bad health, death of Parents or Children, and other causes
+which human prudence cannot prevent; and particularly where the want
+of opulent Inhabitants in several of the Eastern Parishes, renders it
+necessary to assess _Indigence_ for the support of _Poverty_.--To
+these Parishes and Hamlets the Poor resort, both from the nature of
+their employments, and the impossibility of finding habitations any
+where else.--They have perhaps no legal settlement where they reside,
+or the funds of the Parish can afford but a very scanty and inadequate
+relief. Depressed with sickness, and broke down and dispirited by
+extreme poverty, the little furniture and apparel of Man, Woman, and
+Child, is carried to the Pawn-broker's to obtain a scanty pittance for
+the immediate support of life, until at length there does not remain
+what is sufficient to cover nakedness.--In these miserable mansions
+the Author has himself frequently witnessed scenes of distress, which
+would rend the heart of the most unfeeling of the human species.--A
+temporary and partial expedient has through the benevolence of the
+Publick, been administered in the excellent institutions of
+_Soup-houses_: but until the funds of the different Parishes can be
+made _one Common Purse_, and an intelligent management substituted in
+the place of an ignorant and incompetent superintendance, the evil
+will not diminish.--To the opulent part of the Community the burden
+would never be felt.--At present, where the most indigent are
+assessed, the rates are double and treble those in the rich
+Parishes.--It is principally to this cause, that Poverty is no where
+to be found in so great a degree, cloathed in the garb of the
+extremest misery and wretchedness, as in the Metropolis.--And it is to
+this cause also, joined to various others explained in this Chapter,
+_that above Twenty Thousand miserable Individuals of various classes,
+rise up every morning without knowing how, or by what means they are
+to be supported, during the passing day; or where, in many instances,
+they are to lodge on the succeeding night_.]
+
+[Footnote 86: The Author has often had occasion to witness the extreme
+ignorance of the younger part of this class, when called upon to give
+evidence in judicial proceedings.--Of the nature of an oath they had
+not the least conception,--nor even of the existence of a Supreme
+Being.]
+
+Profligate and depraved as the lower orders of the People appear to
+have been for several centuries in this great Metropolis, it would
+seem that the practice of married females resorting to Public-houses,
+and mixing generally in tap-rooms with the idle and dissolute, is an
+evil habit of a very modern date; for the period is not even too
+remote to be recollected, since it was considered as disgraceful for
+Females who pretended to any degree of modesty to be seen in a
+Public-house.--It is however now to be lamented that the obloquy of
+thus exposing themselves has as little influence, as the rude and
+obscene language they uniformly hear uttered.
+
+_Another cause_ of the increase of crimes, may be traced to the bad
+and immoral education of Apprentices to Mechanical employments.
+
+Although many of their Masters may not be, and certainly are not,
+composed of the class whose manners have just been depicted, yet their
+habits lead them too generally to Public-houses, where no
+inconsiderable proportion of their earnings are expended;--where low
+gaming is introduced, producing ruin and distress to many families
+even among the inferior ranks, who might otherwise have moved through
+life with credit and reputation.
+
+The force of such an example on young minds is obvious.--No sooner
+does an apprentice advance towards the last year of his time than he
+thinks it incumbent upon him to follow the example of his master, by
+learning to _smoke_.--This accomplishment acquired (according to his
+conception), he is a fit associate for those who frequent
+Public-houses. He resorts at first to those of a lower class, to avoid
+his master or his relations.--There he meets with depraved company;
+while he conceives he is following only the example of those whose
+manners and habits he has been taught, by example, to imitate, he is
+insensibly ensnared.--Having arrived at the age of puberty, and
+meeting profligate females in those haunts of idleness, his passions
+become inflamed.--The force of evil example overpowers him.--He too
+becomes depraved.--Money must be procured to administer to the new
+wants which are generated by depravity.--Aided by the facilities held
+out by Old Iron Shops, he pilfers from his master to supply those
+wants, or associates himself with Thieves, whose acquaintance he made
+in progress of his seduction.[87]
+
+[Footnote 87: In the course of the Author's investigations, in his
+official situation as a Magistrate, he actually discovered that clubs
+of apprentice-boys were harboured in Public-houses, for the purpose of
+supporting their fellow-apprentices who ran away from their masters.
+The means of thus indulging themselves in lewdness and debauchery was
+obtained by pilfering from their Masters, and disposing of the
+property at Old Iron Shops.]
+
+Under the circumstances thus stated, where so many temptations assail
+the young and inexperienced, the transition from innocence to guilt is
+easy to be conceived.--And in a Metropolis where there are seldom
+fewer than 150,000 apprentices bound to mechanical employments, the
+crimes which spring from this source must be very extensive.--That
+there are, however, many good and virtuous young men among the class
+of apprentices, who, from a better education, or being under the
+control of reputable masters, and attentive parents, escape the snare,
+or resist these temptations, is _certain_; and fortunate too for the
+best interests of Society. It is to be lamented, however, that the
+major part, and particularly parish apprentices, have not always these
+advantages; and hence it is that so many become disorderly, and
+require the interference of legal authority and punishment for the
+purpose of compelling obedience and good conduct.[88]
+
+[Footnote 88: It is to be feared that much evil arises from the want
+of attention on the part of Masters among the superior classes of
+Tradesmen with respect to their apprentices, who too seldom consider
+the morals of their apprentices as a matter in which they have any
+concern.--It is even the practice to allow apprentices a certain sum
+of money weekly, for the purpose of enabling them to provide
+themselves out of doors, and to prevent the trouble of boarding them
+in the house. If it were possible for a Master, after exerting all his
+ingenuity, to invent one mode more likely than another to ruin his
+apprentices, it is by adopting this plan. If he means to subject
+himself to great risques with respect to the security of his property,
+he will permit his apprentice, at the age of puberty when open to
+seduction, to be at large in this great Town, where he is liable to be
+assailed by swindlers, cheats, and sharpers, who, availing themselves
+of the inexperience of youth, may corrupt the mind, and give it a
+wrong bias. The dangers arising from allowing apprentices to victual
+out of doors, extend much farther than masters are generally aware of:
+and they who suffer it do great injury to themselves, and even great
+injustice to their apprentices, whose morals they are virtually, at
+least, bound to preserve pure. This is not to be expected where
+apprentices are not under the eye of the master at Meal-times. Their
+Sundays, in such cases, are their own, which they waste in idleness,
+not seldom in water-parties on the River, where they are introduced
+into low and bad company, which gives frequently a taint to their
+manners of the most injurious nature. The result is, that their
+master, without reflecting that he himself was the cause of their
+idleness, withdraws his confidence, and turns them adrift after their
+time expires, if not before; and in the end ruin, as might well be
+expected, inevitably ensues.]
+
+_Another cause_ of the increase of crimes, arises from the number of
+individuals in various occupations among the lower and middling ranks
+of life, (and which must naturally be expected in a large Metropolis)
+who, from their own mismanagement and want of industry, or attention
+to their business, are suddenly broke down, and in some degree
+excluded from the regular intercourse with Society. Unable to find
+employment, from want of character, or want of friends, with constant
+demands upon them for the means of subsistence to themselves and
+families, they resort to Public-houses, under the influence of
+despondency, or to kill time which hangs heavy upon them.
+
+In these haunts of depravity they meet persons who perhaps have been
+in the like circumstances; but who have resorted to illegal Lottery
+Insurances, and other swindling devices for subsistence, under whose
+banners they inlist; and thus strengthen the phalanx of low gamblers,
+swindlers, and cheats, whose various pursuits have been developed in
+this Work.--From one vice to another the transition is easy when the
+mind becomes depraved, and the pursuits which are ultimately followed,
+depend in a considerable degree on the persons with whom this class of
+men associate.--If at the low gaming-houses, to which from idle habits
+they are led to resort, they meet with highwaymen and footpads, they
+are easily persuaded to become associates in their iniquitous
+pursuits; or if in the wide range of their acquaintance, by living
+chiefly in Public-houses, they become acquainted with venders of base
+money, they enter with equal facility into their views, as a means of
+supplying their pecuniary wants.
+
+In cases where they have been bred to ingenious mechanical
+employments, they embrace, wherever a proper opportunity offers, such
+propositions as may be made them, to become forgers of Bank Bills and
+Notes, and Coiners of Counterfeit Money.
+
+Such is the lamentable progress of vice in the human mind, that by
+degrees it embraces eagerly what could not have been indured at the
+commencement of the career.
+
+_Another cause_ of the increase of Crimes in the Metropolis and its
+environs, may be traced to the situation of idle and profligate menial
+servants out of place, and destitute of the means of obtaining
+situations from the loss of character.--These too, seek for resources
+in Public-houses, where they soon become the associates of Thieves,
+Pickpockets, Burglars, and Highwaymen; and it is believed to be
+chiefly from this class, particularly _Riding Footmen_, and
+_Postillions_, that the corps of Highway Robbers is constantly
+recruited.--While others less skilled in horsemanship become Footpads,
+Burglars, and Pickpockets.
+
+With the major part of this class the transition is easy--depravity
+had previously taken hold of their minds--every other resource has
+failed them, and to this they resort, as soon as they can find means,
+to enlist in any gang that will receive them, where, to those who
+confine themselves chiefly to burglaries, their knowledge of the
+interior of the houses of their former masters, and their probable
+acquaintance with some of the female servants, will be a considerable
+recommendation, and even a ground of seduction.
+
+_Another Cause_, and no inconsiderable one, of the progress and
+increase of crimes may be developed, by contemplating the deplorable
+state and condition of the lower order of the Jews in the Metropolis,
+who are of the Society of the Dutch Synagogue.[89]--Totally without
+education, and very seldom trained to any trade or occupation by which
+they can earn their livelihood by manual labour:--their youths
+excluded from becoming apprentices, and their females from hiring
+themselves generally as servants, on account of the superstitious
+adherence to the mere ceremonial of their persuasion, as it respects
+meat not killed by Jews, nothing can exceed their melancholy
+condition, both with regard to themselves and Society. Thus excluded
+from these resources, which other classes of the Community possess,
+they seem to have no alternative but to resort to those tricks and
+devices, which ingenuity suggests, to enable persons without an honest
+means of subsistence to live in idleness.
+
+[Footnote 89: Another class of Jews which belong to the Portuguese
+Synagogue are generally opulent and respectable, and hold no community
+with the others; they use a different Liturgy and their language is
+even different; their number does not exceed three thousand; they
+never intermarry with the Jews of the Dutch Synagogue.--They generally
+pride themselves on their Ancestry, and give their Children the best
+education which can be obtained in the countries where they
+reside.--While the Dutch Jews (or rather _the German Dutch Jews_) get
+no education at all. Even the most affluent of them are said to be
+generally unable either to read or write the language of the country
+which gave them birth.--They confine themselves to a Bastard or vulgar
+Hebrew which has little analogy to the original. The Portuguese
+Synagogue has been established in England ever since the
+Usurpation.--Their place of worship is in Bevis Marks.--The Members of
+it being mostly wealthy are extremely attentive to their poor, among
+whom there is said not to be a single beggar or itinerant.--The
+Brokers upon the Exchange of the Jewish Persuasion, are all or chiefly
+of the Portuguese Synagogue. Their number is limited to _Twelve_ by a
+particular Act of Parliament.--Originally this privilege was given
+gratis by the Lord Mayor, but afterwards 100_l._ was required, which
+has gradually increased to _One Thousand Guineas for each Broker_.
+
+The schism between the two classes of Jews prevail all over the world,
+though the rational Jews treat the distinction as absurd.
+
+The German Dutch Jews, who may amount to from twelve to fifteen
+thousand have Six Synagogues, the principal of which are in _Duke's
+Place, Leadenhall Street_, and _Church Row, Fenchurch Street_. They
+observe the particular ritual of the German Synagogue, and also
+include the _Polish_, _Russian_, and _Turkish Jews_, established in
+London.--With the exception of three or four wealthy Individuals, and
+as many Families who are in trade on the Royal Exchange, they are in
+general a very indigent class of people, through whose medium crimes
+are generated to a considerable extent.--Their Community is too poor
+to afford them adequate relief, whence they have resorted to the
+expedient of lending them small sums of money at interest to trade
+upon, which is required to be repaid monthly or weekly, as the case
+may be. Otherwise they forfeit all claim to this aid.--The reproach
+arising from their evil practices and idleness, is said to have
+engaged the attention of the respectable part of both Synagogues with
+a view to a remedy, but all their attempts have been heretofore
+unsuccessful.]
+
+The habits they thus acquire are the most mischievous and noxious to
+the Community that can be conceived.--Having connexions wherever the
+Dock-yards are situated, as well as in several other large trading
+towns in the Kingdom, they become in many respects the medium through
+which stolen goods are conveyed to and from the Metropolis; and as
+their existence depends on this nefarious traffick, they keep alive a
+System of Fraud and Depredation which, perhaps, is generated in a
+greater degree by their peculiar situation in respect to Society, than
+by any actual disposition on their parts to pursue these nefarious
+practices.
+
+Even the system of supporting the poor of this Community, by lending
+them small sums of money by which they may support themselves by a
+species of petty traffick, contributes in no small degree to the
+commission of crimes; since in order to render it productive to an
+extent equal to the wants of families who do not acquire any material
+aid by manual labour, they are induced to resort to unlawful means by
+dealing in stolen goods and in counterfeit money, by which they become
+public nuisances in the Countries where they receive an asylum.
+
+As there appears in reality to be no distinction made by the rational
+part of the Jewish persuasion, between the Portuguese and the Dutch
+Synagogues, it is earnestly to be hoped that the opulent and
+respectable of the former Community will lend a helping hand in
+devising some means of rescuing this part of the Nation of the Jews
+who reside in England, from the reproach, which it is to be feared,
+has been too justly cast upon them. Policy dictates the measure, while
+humanity ardently pleads for it.--In so good a work every man of
+feeling, be his religious persuasion what it may, will join in
+promoting and carrying into effect a measure so beneficial to the
+Community at large, by devising some means to render their labour
+productive; since it is clear to demonstration that to the idle habits
+of this numerous class of people, is to be ascribed a considerable
+proportion of the petty crimes, as well as some of the more atrocious
+offences by which the Metropolis and the Country is afflicted.
+
+_Another cause_ of the increase and multiplication of crimes has
+arisen from the depraved morals of the Aquatic labourers and others,
+employed on the wharfs and quays, and in ships, vessels, and craft,
+upon the River Thames; and from the want, _until lately_, of an
+appropriate Preventive System to check these depredations.
+
+The analogy between actual pillage and smuggling in the conception of
+nautical labourers, and the uncontrolled habit of plunder which too
+long existed, trained up myriads of delinquents who affixed in their
+minds no degree of moral turpitude to the offence; which of course
+extended itself both with respect to Commercial and Public Property
+beyond all bounds, until a remedy was imperiously called for, and at
+length applied by means of an experimental System of Police applicable
+to that object.
+
+_Another cause, and certainly none of the least_, which has tended to
+facilitate the commission of crimes, has been the want of a proper
+control over persons of loose conduct and dishonest habits, who have
+opened shops for the purchase and sale of _Old iron_, and _other
+metals--Old stores--Rags--Old furniture--Old building materials, and
+second-hand wearing apparel, and other goods_;--and _also
+cart-keepers_ for the collection and removal of these articles from
+place to place.
+
+The easy and concealed mode of disposing of pilfered articles, through
+the medium of these receptacles, has tended more to the corruption of
+the morals of youth, and to the multiplication of crimes, than it is
+possible to conceive; nor has the mode of Licensing _Pawnbrokers_,
+without a due regard to character and a more effectual control, been
+in many respects less mischievous to the Community.--To the reputable
+part of this class of dealers it is degrading and even cruel that the
+reproach and stigma, arising from the nefarious practices of the
+fraudulent, should unavoidably in the public mind, attach upon those
+that are blameless, and fair in their dealings.--While the law admits
+of no power of discrimination, and no means of excluding improper
+characters exist, the evil must continue; and while it remains on the
+present footing, it must also be considered as no inconsiderable
+medium, by which both petty and more atrocious crimes are produced.
+
+_But perhaps the greatest source of delinquency and crimes is to be
+ascribed to ill-regulated Public Houses_, conducted by men of loose
+conduct and depraved morals--Since it is in these receptacles that the
+corruption of morals originates.--It is here that the minds of youth
+are contaminated, and the conspiracies for the purpose of committing
+frauds and depredations on the Public formed and facilitated.
+
+A disorderly and ill-regulated Public-house, therefore, is one of the
+greatest nuisances that can exist in civil Society.--Innumerable are
+the temptations which are to be found in these haunts of idleness to
+seduce the innocent, and to increase the resources of the
+evil-disposed to do mischief.
+
+Whatever tends to promote vice and dissipation, whether arising from
+low gaming, by means of cards, dice, dominós, shuffleboard, and other
+sedentary games; or fraudulent insurances in the lottery, calculated
+to fascinate and seduce the unwary, and to poison the minds of all
+ranks in the humble walks of vulgar life, is here to be found; in
+spite of every laudable precaution, exercised by Magistrates, under
+the present System of Police applicable to this object.--Even
+Prostitutes of the lowest cast are not seldom introduced, where the
+gains of the landlord are thereby to be promoted.
+
+It is in these receptacles that Thieves and Robbers of every
+description hold their orgies, and concert and mature their plans of
+depredation on the peaceful Subject; and here too it not unfrequently
+happens, that their booty is deposited and concealed.
+
+It is here also that markets are held for the sale of Base Money,
+where every facility is afforded for the purpose of concealment, and
+assistance in escaping justice.
+
+In fact, there is scarce any moral evil by which _Society is
+afflicted--the mind debauched--the virtuous parent_ and _master
+distressed_, and the _ruin of families and individuals affected_,
+which is not generated in Public-houses.
+
+At present, in the Metropolis and its environs, there are at least
+five thousand of these receptacles, of which it is computed that about
+one thousand change tenants from once to three times a year.--Hence it
+follows that not less than two thousand individuals are in a floating
+state, either from one Public-house to another, or perhaps, more
+frequently, from the Alehouse to a Gaol.
+
+When a depraved character loses his licence in one division of the
+Metropolis, he generally finds means to obtain admission in another
+where he is not known. The separation of jurisdictions without a
+centre point, and the numerous changes which are constantly taking
+place, preclude the possibility of detection; while the facility, with
+which the worst characters obtain the certificates required by law,
+(which are too often signed, without the least previous inquiry, by
+the Clergyman and Parish Officers as a matter of course,) enable them
+to effect their purpose; and such houses being generally of the
+inferior class in point of trade, every species of disorder is
+permitted for the purpose of obtaining custom. This is soon discovered
+by those who have criminal objects in view; and to such houses they
+generally resort, where it has sometimes been discovered that the
+Landlord himself belongs to the gang; _and_ that he has become a
+Publican the better to facilitate its designs. That the Ale-houses are
+yet by far too numerous, is incontestibly proved by the frequent
+changes which take place in so large a proportion in the course of a
+year, while the irregularities which prevail render it equally clear
+that a more general control is necessary to prevent the mischiefs
+which have been detailed.
+
+It is chiefly in houses where the trade is inadequate to the support
+of the establishment that the greatest disorders prevail, as in such
+cases every lure is held out to invite customers, and to entice them
+to expend money.--And in return for this, where the Landlord is not
+himself of the fraternity of Thieves or Receivers, he is induced at
+least to afford them his assistance, as a medium of concealment.
+
+If a plan could be devised, with equal advantage to the Revenue, by
+the introduction of more innocent and less noxious gratifications,
+whereby the lower ranks of the people could be gradually led into
+better habits, much benefit would arise to the State, both with
+respect to health and morals.
+
+The quantity of Beer, Porter, Gin, and Compounds, which is sold in
+Public-houses in the Metropolis and its environs, has been estimated,
+after bestowing considerable pains in forming a calculation, at nearly
+3,300,000_l._ a year.[90]
+
+[Footnote 90: In a Tract entitled 'Observations and Facts relative to
+Public-Houses,' by the Author of this Work, the mode of conducting
+Ale-houses in the Metropolis, and the evils arising from this source
+of iniquity and idleness is very fully explained. By this publication
+it is discovered, after much investigation, that there is consumed and
+sold in the 5000 Public-houses in and round the Metropolis:
+
+  158,400,530 pots of Porter, Ale, and Twopenny     £.2,311,466 15 10
+
+  Gin and Compounds from the Distillers and
+  Rectifiers                                            975,000  0  0
+                                                    -----------------
+                                                      3,236,466 15 10
+
+  To which add Pipes, Tobacco, &c. at least             113,533  4  2
+                                                    -----------------
+                                             Total  £.3,310,000  0  0]
+
+This immense sum, equal to double the Revenue of some of the Kingdoms
+and States of Europe, independent of other evil consequences in
+producing indigence and promoting crimes, must in a certain degree
+debilitate manhood--in lessening the powers of animal life, and in
+shortening its duration long before the period arrives, when an adult
+ceases to contribute by his labours to the resources of the State. In
+this point of view, independent of considerations of a moral tendency,
+and of all the other train of evils which have been detailed, it would
+seem of importance, as a political measure, to check the growing
+propensity to consume a greater quantity of Porter, Beer, and ardent
+Spirits, than is necessary to health.--To the State, indeed, it
+creates a Revenue; but it is a Revenue too dearly purchased if it
+wastes the human species--if it deprives the nation, prematurely, of
+the benefit of their labour, and occasions infinitely greater
+pecuniary pressures in the support of an indigent and helpless
+offspring, who must be reared again to manhood at the expence of the
+Public; not to speak of the grain, labour, fuel, &c. unnecessarily
+consumed in creating this poison to the health, the morals, and
+comforts of the poor.[91]--However unpopular it may appear in the
+view of those who have not fully considered the subject, it may be
+clearly demonstrated that a triple duty on Malt Spirits, and a much
+higher duty on Strong Beer and Porter would be an act of the greatest
+humanity on the part of the Legislature.--The present Revenue might
+thus be secured, while that which is even of more importance to a
+State than any other consideration would be preserved--_the health and
+morals of the labouring people_. It is a mistaken notion, that a very
+large quantity of Malt Liquor is necessary to support labourers of any
+description.--After a certain moderate quantity is drank, it enervates
+the body, and stupefies the senses.--A Coal-heaver who drinks from 12
+to 16 pots of Porter in the course of a day, would receive more real
+nourishment, and perform his labour with more ease and a greater
+portion of athletic strength, if only one-third of the quantity were
+consumed. He would also enjoy better health, and be fitter for his
+labour the following day. On a supposition that the excesses in which
+perhaps 200,000 of the labouring people in the Metropolis _indulge_,
+shortens the natural period of their existence only five years each on
+an average, the labour of one million of years is lost in the lives
+of this class of men, after the expence is incurred in rearing them to
+maturity, which, during a period of 36 years of adult labour, at
+25_l._ a year, establishes a deficiency to the Community of
+_Twenty-five Millions sterling_: independent of the numerous other
+train of evils, which arise to a nation from idle, dissolute and
+immoral habits, by which the rising generation is contaminated, and
+great inconvenience imposed on the innocent and peaceful subject, from
+the increase of crimes which are generated through this medium.
+
+[Footnote 91: It is a curious and important fact, that during the
+period when Distilleries were stopped in 1796 and 1797, although
+Bread, and every necessary of life was considerably higher than during
+the preceding year, the Poor in that quarter of the Town where the
+chief part reside were apparently more comfortable, paid their rents
+more regularly, and were better fed than at any period for some years
+before;--even although they had not the benefit of the extensive
+charities which were distributed in 1795. This can only be accounted
+for by their being denied the indulgence of Gin, which had become in a
+great measure inaccessible from its very high price. It may fairly be
+concluded, that the money formerly spent in this imprudent manner had
+been applied in the purchase of provisions and other necessaries to
+the amount of some hundred thousand pounds.--The effects of their
+being deprived of this baneful Liquor was also evident in their more
+orderly conduct.--Quarrels and assaults were less frequent, and they
+resorted seldomer to the Pawnbrokers' shops: and yet during the chief
+part of this period Bread was 15_d._ the Quartern Loaf, and Meat
+higher than the preceding year, particularly Pork, which arose in part
+from the stoppage of the Distilleries; but chiefly from the scarcity
+of Grain.]
+
+It is to be lamented, that in pursuing this subject, new sources
+giving origin and progress to crimes press upon the mind in the course
+of the inquiry. To the catalogue already detailed may be added,
+_Gaming-Houses_ of every description, particularly _houses of the
+lower cast_; but as this subject has been very fully handled in a
+preceding Chapter, it will be unnecessary to do more than place it in
+the general list of causes, which have contributed exceedingly to the
+evils, which have afflicted Society in this Metropolis, and which can
+only be remedied by a _Responsible Police_, attaching particularly
+upon this baneful propensity by appropriate regulations.
+
+Next to Gaming, Illicit Trade or Smuggling may be mentioned as a very
+productive source of criminality. The vast extent of the Trade and
+Revenues of the Country; its insular situation, and the temptations
+arising from the magnitude of the duties, contribute exceedingly to
+the corruption of morals, not only of these engaged in illicit
+pursuits, but it is to be lamented also of the inferior officers
+themselves, whose duty it is to prevent this evil.
+
+Severe and pointed as the laws unquestionably are with an immediate
+view to the prevention of this evil, experience proves how ineffectual
+they have been, since every idle and profligate character becomes a
+smuggler. But it is not merely the offence of smuggling as it relates
+to the revenue, which is to be deplored as a grievance to the Public,
+since those on the Sea Coasts of the kingdom, concerned in such
+pursuits, are generally of ferocious habits, which produce such
+excesses and depredations upon the unfortunate, when suffering the
+calamity of shipwreck, as would disgrace the rudest savages.
+
+With contaminated minds, depraved hearts, men given up to such warfare
+upon helpless humanity, become fit instruments for every species of
+criminality.--_Vagabonds by trade_, the transition from one offence to
+another is easy, and hence through this medium many culprits are added
+to the general catalogue of delinquency, which nothing can check or
+prevent but a System of Police, attaching responsibility _some-where
+instead of no-where as at present_.
+
+Crimes are also generated in no inconsiderable degree, by the evil
+examples exhibited in _Prisons_, and by the length of time persons
+charged with offences are suffered to remain in gaols previous to
+their trial, particularly in the counties adjoining the Metropolis,
+where they frequently are in confinement five and six months before
+the assizes.--If they were novices in villainy before, the education
+they receive in these seminaries, in the event of their escaping
+justice, returns them upon society, completely proselyted and
+instructed in the arts of mischief and depredation.
+
+Nor have the unequal scale of punishments, and the ultimate
+unconditional pardons, dictated no doubt by the purest motives of
+humanity, a less tendency to generate new crimes. Encouraged by the
+chances of escaping free, _even after conviction_, many delinquents
+pursue their evil courses, trusting ultimately to this resource, if
+other devices shall fail.
+
+To shew mankind that crimes are sometimes wholly pardoned, and that
+punishment is not the necessary consequence, is to nourish the
+flattering hope of impunity, and is the cause of their considering
+every punishment which is actually inflicted, as an act of injustice
+and oppression.
+
+Let the Legislator be _tender_, _indulgent_, and _humane_; but let the
+Executors of the Laws be inexorable in punishing;--at least to a
+certain extent.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. XII.
+
+     _The Consideration of the causes of the progress and
+     increase of Crimes pursued.--The condition of the unhappy
+     Females, who support themselves by Prostitution--Their
+     pitiable Case.--The progress from Innocence to Profligacy
+     explained.--The morals of Youth corrupted by the multitudes
+     of Prostitutes in the streets.--These temptations excite
+     desires which suggest undue means of obtaining
+     money.--Apprentices and Clerks are seduced--Masters are
+     robbed--Parents are afflicted.--The miserable consequences
+     of Prostitution explained.--The impossibility of preventing
+     its existence in a great Metropolis.--The propriety of
+     lessening the Evil:--By stripping it of its indecency and
+     much of its immoral tendency.--The shocking indecency which
+     has lately been suffered by Prostitutes at the
+     Theatres.--The number of Prostitutes in the Metropolis
+     estimated--Suggestions for rendering the consequences
+     arising from Female Prostitution less noxious to
+     Society.--The advantages of the measure in reducing the mass
+     of turpitude.--Reasons offered why the interests of Morality
+     and Religion will be promoted by prescribing Rules with
+     respect to Prostitutes.--The example of Holland, Italy, and
+     the East Indies quoted.--Strictures on the offensive manners
+     of the Company who frequent Public Gardens:--Imputable to
+     the want of a proper Police.--Tea Gardens under a proper
+     Police might be rendered beneficial to the State.--The
+     Ballad Singers might also be rendered instruments in giving
+     a right turn to the minds of the Vulgar.--Crimes generated
+     by immoral Books and Songs.--Responsibility as it relates to
+     the execution of the Laws rests no where at present.--The
+     nature and advantages of the Police System explained._
+
+
+In addition to the prominent causes, which contribute to the origin
+and the increase of crimes, which have been developed in the preceding
+Chapter, there are other sources of a minor nature still to be traced,
+from which infinite evils to the Community spring.
+
+Among these the most important is, the state and condition of the
+unhappy Females, who support themselves by Prostitution in this great
+Metropolis.
+
+In contemplating their case, it is impossible to avoid dropping a tear
+of pity.--Many of them perhaps originally seduced from a state of
+innocence, while they were the joy and comfort of their unhappy
+parents. Many of them born and educated to expect a better fate, until
+deceived by falsehood and villainy, they see their error when it is
+too late to recede. In this situation, abandoned by their relations
+and friends; deserted by their seducers, and at large upon the world;
+loathed and avoided by those who formerly held them in estimation,
+what are they to do? In the present unhappy state of things they seem
+to have no alternative, but to become the miserable instruments of
+promoting and practising that species of seduction and immorality, of
+which they themselves were the victims.[92] And what is the
+result?--It is pitiable to relate.--They are compelled of necessity to
+mingle with the abandoned herd, who have long been practised in the
+walks of infamy, and they too become speedily polluted and
+depraved.--Oaths, imprecations, and obscene language, by degrees,
+become familiar to their ears, and necessity compels them to indure,
+and at length to imitate, and practise in their turn, upon the unwary
+youth, who too easily falls into the snare.
+
+[Footnote 92: It is in the first stage of Seduction, before the female
+mind becomes vitiated and depraved, that Asylums are most useful. If
+persons in this unhappy situation had it in their power to resort to a
+medium, whereby they might be reconciled to their relations, while
+uncontaminated by the vices attached to _General Prostitution_,
+numbers, who are now lost, might be saved to Society.]
+
+Thus it is from the multitudes of those unhappy Females, that assemble
+now in all parts of the Town, that the morals of the youth are
+corrupted. That unnecessary expences are incurred; and undue, and too
+often criminal, means are resorted to, for the purpose of gratifying
+passions, which but for these temptations, which constantly assail
+them in almost every street in the Metropolis, would not have been
+thought of. Through this medium _Apprentices, Clerks and other persons
+in trust_ are seduced from the paths of honesty--Masters are
+plundered, and Parents are afflicted; while many a youth, who might
+have become the pride of his family--a comfort to the declining years
+of his Parents, and an ornament to Society, exchanges a life of Virtue
+and Industry, for the pursuits of the Gambler, the Swindler, and the
+Vagabond. Nor is the lot of these poor deluded females less
+deplorable. Although some few of them may obtain settlements, while
+others bask for a while in the temporary sun-shine of ease and
+splendour, the major part end a short life in misery and wretchedness.
+
+What has become of the multitudes of unfortunate females, elegant in
+their persons, and sumptuous in their attire, who were seen in the
+streets of the Metropolis, and at places of public Amusement twenty
+years ago? Alas! Could their progress be developed, and their ultimate
+situations or exit from the world disclosed, it would lay open a
+catalogue of sufferings and affliction, beyond what the most romantic
+fancy could depict or exhibit to the feeling mind.
+
+Exposed to the rude insults of the inebriated and the vulgar:--the
+impositions of brutal officers and watchmen, and to the chilling
+blasts of the night, during the most inclement weather, in thin
+apparel, partly in compliance with the fashion of the day, but more
+frequently from the pawnbroker's shop rendering their necessary
+garments inaccessible--diseases, where their unhappy vocation does not
+produce them, are generated. No pitying hand appears to help them in
+such situations. The feeling parent or relation is far off. An
+abandoned monster of the same sex, inured in the practice of infamy
+and seduction, instead of the consolation which sickness requires,
+threatens to turn the unhappy victim out of doors, when the means of
+subsistence are cut off, and the premium for shelter is no longer
+forth-coming; or perhaps the unfeeling landlord of a miserable
+half-furnished lodging afflicts the poor unhappy female, by
+declarations equally hostile to the feelings of humanity, till at
+length turned out into the streets, she languishes and ends her
+miserable days in an hospital or a workhouse, or perhaps perishes in
+some inhospitable hovel alone, without a friend to console her, or a
+fellow-mortal to close her eyes in the pangs of dissolution.
+
+If no other argument could be adduced in favour of some arrangements,
+calculated to stop the progress of Female Prostitution, Compassion for
+the sufferings of the unhappy victims would be sufficient; but other
+reasons occur equally powerful, why this evil should be controlled.
+
+To prevent its existence, even to a considerable extent, in so great a
+Metropolis as London, is as impossible as to resist the torrent of the
+tides. It is an evil therefore which must be endured while human
+passions exist: but it is at the same time an evil which may not only
+be lessened, but rendered less noxious and dangerous to the peace and
+good order of society: it may be stript of its indecency, and also of
+a considerable portion of the danger attached to it, to the youth of
+both sexes.
+
+The lures for the seduction of youth passing along the streets in the
+course of their ordinary business, may be prevented by a Police,
+applicable to this object, without either infringing upon the feelings
+of humanity or insulting distress; and still more is it practicable to
+remove the noxious irregularities, which are occasioned by the
+indiscreet conduct, and the shocking behaviour of Women of the Town,
+and their still more blameable paramours, in openly insulting Public
+Morals; and rendering the situation of modest women at once irksome
+and unsafe, either in places of Public Entertainment, or while passing
+along the most public streets of the Metropolis, particularly in the
+evening.
+
+This unrestrained licence given to males and females, in the Walks of
+Prostitution, was not known in former times at places of public
+resort, where there was at least an affectation of decency. To the
+disgrace, however, of the Police the evil has been suffered to
+increase; and the Boxes of the Theatres often exhibit scenes, which
+are certainly extremely offensive to modesty, and contrary to that
+decorum which ought to be maintained, and that protection to which the
+respectable part of the Community are entitled, against indecency and
+indecorum, when their families, often, composed of young females,
+visit places of public resort.
+
+In this instance, the induring such impropriety of conduct, so
+contrary to good morals, marks strongly the growing depravity of the
+age. To familiarize the eyes and ears of the innocent part of the sex
+to the scenes which are often exhibited in the Theatres, is tantamount
+to carrying them to a school of vice and debauchery--
+
+     Vice is a monster of such frightful mien,
+     That to be hated needs but to be seen;
+     Yet seen too oft--familiar with her face,
+     We first endure--then pity--then embrace.
+
+For the purpose of understanding more clearly, by what means it is
+possible to lessen the evils arising from Female Prostitution in the
+Metropolis, it may be necessary to view it in all its ramifications.
+
+In point of extent it certainly exceeds credibility: but although
+there are many exceptions,--the great mass, (whatever their exterior
+may be,) are mostly composed of women who have been in a state of
+menial servitude, and of whom not a few, from the love of idleness and
+dress, with (in this case) _the misfortune of good looks_, have partly
+from inclination, not seldom from previous seduction and loss of
+character, resorted to Prostitution as a livelihood.
+
+They are still, however, objects of compassion, although under the
+circumstances incident to their situation they cannot be supposed to
+experience those poignant feelings of distress, which are peculiar to
+women who have moved in a higher sphere and who have been better
+educated.--
+
+_The whole may be estimated as follows:_
+
+  1. Of the class of Well Educated women it is
+     earnestly hoped the number does not exceed                  2,000
+
+  2. Of the class composed of persons above the rank
+     of Menial servants perhaps                                  3,000
+
+  3. Of the class who may have been employed as
+     Menial Servants, or seduced in very early life, it
+     is conjectured in all parts of the town, including
+     Wapping, and the streets adjoining the River,
+     there may not be less, who live wholly by Prostitution,
+     than                                                       20,000
+                                                                ------
+                                                                25,000
+
+  4. Of those in different ranks in Society, who live
+     partly by Prostitution, including the multitudes
+     of low females, who cohabit with labourers and
+     others without matrimony, there may be in all, in
+     the Metropolis, about                                      25,000
+                                                                ------
+                                                         Total  50,000
+
+When a general survey is taken of the Metropolis--The great numbers
+among the higher and middle classes of life, who live unmarried--The
+multitudes of young men yearly arriving at the age of puberty--The
+strangers who resort to the Metropolis--The seamen and nautical
+labourers employed in the Trade of the River Thames, who amount at
+least to 40,000--And the profligate state of Society in vulgar life,
+the intelligent mind will soon be reconciled to the statement, which
+at first view would seem to excite doubts, and require investigation.
+
+But whether the numbers of these truly unfortunate women are a few
+thousands less or more is of no consequence in the present discussion,
+since it is beyond all doubt, that the evil is of a magnitude that is
+excessive, and imperiously calls for a remedy.--Not certainly a remedy
+against the possibility of Female Prostitution, for it has already
+been stated, that it is a misfortune that must be endured in large
+societies.--All that can be attempted is, to divest it of the faculty
+of extending its noxious influence beyond certain bounds, and restrain
+those excesses and indecencies which have already been shewn to be so
+extremely noxious to society, and unavoidably productive of depravity
+and crimes.
+
+The Author is well aware, that he treads on tender ground, when in
+suggesting any measure, however salutary it may be in lessening the
+Calendars of Delinquency, _it_ shall have the appearance of giving a
+Public sanction to Female Prostitution.
+
+Under the influence of strong prejudices long rooted in the human
+mind, it may be in vain to plead _plus apud me ratio valebit quàm
+vulgi Opinio_.
+
+If however the political maxim be true--_Qui non vetat peccare, cum
+possit, jubet_--it certainly follows, that by suffering an evil to
+continue, when we have it in our power, in a great measure, to lessen
+or prevent it, we do _violence to reason_ and _to humanity_.--That a
+prudent and discreet regulation of Prostitutes in this great
+Metropolis, would operate powerfully, not only in gradually
+diminishing their numbers, but also in securing public morals against
+the insults to which they are exposed, both in the open streets and at
+places of public entertainment, cannot be denied.
+
+That young men in pursuit of their lawful business in the streets of
+this Metropolis, would be secured against that ruin and infamy, which
+temptations thus calculated to inflame the passions, have brought upon
+many, who might otherwise have passed through life as useful and
+respectable members of Society, is equally true:--While _frauds_,
+_peculations_ and _robbery_, often perpetrated for the purpose of
+supporting those unhappy women, with whom connections have been at
+first formed in the public streets (and in which they themselves are
+not seldom the chief instruments) would be prevented.
+
+Were such proper regulations once adopted, the ears and eyes of the
+wives and daughters of the modest and unoffending citizens, who cannot
+afford to travel in carriages, would no longer be insulted by gross
+and polluted language, and great indecency of behaviour, while walking
+the streets. Indeed it is to be feared, that the force of evil
+example, in unavoidably witnessing such scenes, may have debauched
+many females, who might otherwise have lived a virtuous and useful
+life.
+
+Whatever consequences might be derived from a total removal of
+Prostitutes (if such a measure could be conceived practicable) with
+respect to the wives and daughters, who compose the decent and
+respectable families in the Metropolis, this apprehension is allayed
+by the proposed measure. While virtue is secured against seduction,
+the misery of these unhappy females will also be lessened. Their
+numbers will be decreased, and a check will be given, not only to
+female seduction by the force of evil example, but to the extreme
+degree of depravity, which arises from the unbounded latitude which is
+at present permitted to take place, from the unavailing application of
+the laws, made for the purpose of checking this evil. If it were
+either politic or humane to carry them into effect, the state of
+society where such members are congregated together render it
+impossible.
+
+Although by the arrangement proposed, a kind of sanction would, in
+appearance, be given to the existence of Prostitution, no ground of
+alarm ought to be excited, if it shall be proved, that it is to lessen
+the mass of turpitude which exists; that it is to produce a solid and
+substantial good to the Community, which it is not possible to obtain
+by any other means.
+
+What therefore can rationally be opposed to such an arrangement? Not
+surely Religion, for it will tend to advance it: Not Morality, for the
+effect of the measure will increase and promote it; not that it will
+sanction and encourage what will prove offensive and noxious in
+society, since all that is noxious and offensive is by this
+arrangement to be removed.--Where then lies the objection?--_In vulgar
+prejudice only._--By those of inferior education, whose peculiar
+habits and pursuits have generated strong prejudices, this excuse may
+be pleaded; but by the intelligent and well-informed it will be
+viewed through a more correct medium.
+
+Ingenuous minds are ever open to conviction; and it is the true
+characteristic of virtuous minds, where they cannot overcome or
+destroy, to lessen as much as possible the evils of human life.
+
+To the numerous unhappy females in the Metropolis who live by
+Prostitution, this observation peculiarly applies.--The evil is such
+as must be endured to a certain extent--because by no human power can
+it be overcome; but it can certainly be very much diminished--perhaps
+only in one way--namely, _by prescribing rules_--"Thus far shall you
+go, and no farther"--the rules of decorum shall be strictly preserved
+in the streets and in public places. In such situations Women of the
+Town shall no longer become instruments of seduction and debauchery.
+
+It may be asked, will not all this promote the cause of religion and
+morality:--admitted; but could not this be done without giving the
+sanction of the Legislature to pursuits of infamy. The answer is
+obvious:--the Legislature has done every thing already short of this,
+to effect the object; but instead of promoting good, the evil has
+increased; and it is to be lamented _that it is daily increasing_.--Instead
+of the walks of Prostitutes being confined as formerly, to one or two
+leading streets in Westminster, they are now to be found in every part
+of the Metropolis--even within the jurisdiction of the city of London;
+where the dangers arising from seduction are the greatest, they
+abound the most of all of late years.
+
+In adopting the proposed measure, the example of Holland may be
+quoted, where, under its former Government, the morals of the people
+in general were supposed the purest of any in Europe, while the Police
+System was considered as among the best. Italy has also long shown an
+example, where Prostitutes were actually Licensed, with a view to
+secure Chastity against the inroads of violence, and to prevent the
+Public eye from being insulted by scenes of lewdness and indecorum.
+
+Female Chastity, which is highly regarded by the natives of India, is
+preserved by rearing up a certain class of females, who are under the
+conduct of discreet Matrons, in every town and village; and with whom,
+under certain circumstances, an indiscriminate intercourse is
+permitted--a measure of political necessity. Their morals, however, in
+other respects are strictly guarded, and their minds are not
+susceptible of that degree of depravity which prevails in Europe. They
+are taught the accomplishments of singing and dancing--they exhibit at
+public entertainments, and are even called upon to assist at religious
+ceremonies.
+
+The unrestrained latitude which is permitted to unfortunate females in
+this Metropolis, is certainly an inlet to many crimes.
+
+The places of resort in Summer, and particularly the Public Gardens,
+which were formerly an innocent relaxation to sober and discreet
+families, can now no longer be attended with comfort or satisfaction,
+from the offensive manners of the company who frequent such places.
+
+It is not that the Gardens are in themselves a nuisance, or that to
+the inferior exhibitions any blame is to be imputed; for both might be
+rendered the medium of that rational recreation so necessary both for
+the health and comfort of the middling or lower ranks of the people,
+to whom _policy_ and _reason_ must admit occasional amusements are
+necessary.--If so, what can be more innocent, or better calculated for
+health and occasional recreation than the assemblage of decent people
+in a Tea Garden?--
+
+Many of them, however, have been shut up, and this recreation denied
+to the people, because Prostitutes resorted to those places; insulted
+public morals,--promoted lewdness and debauchery, and banished modest
+and decent families.
+
+This, if the true cause was developed, is not to be imputed to the
+place, which in itself was favourable to the innocent amusement of the
+people, but to a deficiency in the Police System.--It was not the
+Gardens nor their Keepers that offended.--The evil arose from the want
+of proper regulations, to restrain these excesses and to keep them
+within bounds.
+
+Such places of resort under appropriate Police regulations, might be
+rendered a considerable source of revenue to the State, while they
+added greatly to the comfort and innocent recreation of the
+People.--By shutting up the Gardens the People are driven to the
+Ale-houses, where both air and exercise, so necessary to health, are
+denied them, and where the same excesses often prevail, tending in a
+still greater degree, to the corruption of morals.
+
+Wherever multitudes of people are collected together, as in a great
+Metropolis like London, amusements become indispensably
+necessary.--And it is no inconsiderable feature in the science of
+Police to encourage, protect, and controul such as tend to innocent
+recreation, to preserve the good humour of the Public, and to give the
+minds of the People a right bias.
+
+This is only attainable through the medium of a well-regulated
+Police.--It is perfectly practicable to render Public Gardens as
+innocent and decorous as a Private Assembly: although under the
+present deficient System they are the greatest of all nuisances.--Decent
+and respectable families are compelled to deny themselves the
+privilege of visiting them, because no restraint is put upon
+indecency, and vice reigns triumphant.
+
+It is because things are either done by halves, or nothing is done at
+all to secure the privileges of innocence, that the sober and harmless
+part of the community are compelled to forego those recreations which
+contributed to their comfort: while the young and thoughtless,
+heedless of the consequences and inexperienced as to the effect, rush
+into the vortex of dissipation, and unable to discriminate, become
+victims to the licentiousness which is suffered to prevail.
+
+Since recreation is necessary to Civilized Society, all Public
+Exhibitions should be rendered subservient to the improvement of
+morals, and to the means of infusing into the mind a love of the
+Constitution, and a reverence and respect for the Laws.--How easy
+would it be under the guidance of an appropriate Police, to give a
+right bias through the medium of Public amusements to the dispositions
+of the People.--How superior this to the odious practice of besotting
+themselves in Ale-houses, hatching seditious and treasonable designs,
+or engaged in pursuits of the vilest profligacy, destructive to health
+and morals.
+
+Even the common Ballad-singers in the streets might be rendered
+instruments useful under the controul of a well-regulated Police, in
+giving a better turn to the minds of the lowest classes of the
+People.--They too must be amused, and why not, if they can be amused
+innocently.--If through this medium they can be taught loyalty to the
+Sovereign, love to their Country, and obedience to the Laws, would it
+not be wise and politic to sanction it?
+
+If in addition to this, moral lessons could occasionally be conveyed,
+shewing in language familiar to their habits, the advantages of
+_Industry and Frugality_--The pleasure of living independent of the
+Pawnbroker and the Publican--The disgrace and ruin attached to
+drunkenness and dishonesty, and the glory and happiness of a _good
+Husband_, a _good Father_, and _an honest Man_, might it not
+reasonably be expected, that in a religious as well as a moral point
+of view, advantages would be gained, while the people were both
+instructed and amused?
+
+Crimes have been generated in a considerable degree both by immoral
+and seditious books and songs.--It is true the laws are open to
+punishment. The road however to justice, with respect to the former,
+is circuitous and difficult, while in the latter case their execution
+is felt to be _harsh_, _severe_, and _ultimately ineffectual_: hence
+licentious and mischievous Publications prevail, and Ballad-singers
+are suffered often to insult decency, and to disseminate poison in
+every street in the Metropolis.
+
+Like many other evils they remain in spite of the statutes made to
+prevent them.--They were evils suffered centuries ago where the laws
+proved equally unavailing: but the state of society and manners
+rendered them less dangerous.
+
+In the Machine of Government there are many component parts where
+responsibility attaches;--_but with respect to objects of Police, it
+would seem at present to rest no where_, and hence is explained at
+once, the want of energy in the execution of our laws, and why so many
+excellent Statutes remain a dead letter.--To live encircled by _fears_
+arising from uncontrolled excesses of the human passions, either
+leading to turpitude or terminating in the commission of crimes, _is
+to live in misery_.--Police is an improved state of Society, which
+counteracts these excesses by giving energy and effect to the law. It
+is like the Mechanical power applied to an useful Machine, devoid of
+which, it remains without motion, or action, and without benefit.
+
+"Government," _says the benevolent Hanway_, "originates from the love
+of order.--Watered by Police it grows up to maturity, and in course of
+time spreads a luxuriant comfort and security.--Cut off its branches,
+and the mere trunk, however strong it may appear, can afford no
+shelter."
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. XIII.
+
+     _Indigence a cause of the increase of Crimes.--The System
+     with respect to the Casual Poor erroneous.--The miserable
+     condition of many who seek for an Asylum in the
+     Metropolis.--The unhappy State of broken-down Families, who
+     have seen better days.--The effect of Indigence on the
+     Offspring of the Sufferers.--The discovery of the Children
+     of unfortunate Families applying for Soup at the
+     Establishments.--The unparalleled Philanthropy of the
+     opulent Part of the Community.--Estimate of the Private and
+     Public Benevolence amounting to 850,000l. a year.--The
+     noble Munificence of the Merchants.--An Appeal to the
+     exalted virtue of the Opulent, who have come forward in acts
+     of Humanity.--The deplorable State of the Lower Ranks
+     attributed to the present System of the Poor Laws.--An
+     Institution to inquire into the Causes of Mendicity in the
+     Metropolis explained.--The State of the Casual Poor
+     resumed.--The abuses and inefficacy of the relief
+     received.--A new System proposed with respect to them and
+     Vagrants in the Metropolis.--Its advantages explained.--The
+     distinction between Poverty and Indigence explained.--The
+     Poor divided into five Classes, with suggestions applicable
+     to each.--The evil Examples in Workhouses a great cause of
+     the Corruption of Morals.--The Statute of 43 Elizabeth
+     considered.--The defective System of Execution
+     exposed--Confirmed by the opinion of Lord Hale.--A partial
+     Remedy proposed in respect to Vagrant and Casual Poor.--A
+     Public Institution recommended for the care of this class of
+     Poor, under the direction of three Commissioners.--Their
+     Functions explained.--A Proposition for raising a Fund of
+     5230l. from the Parishes for the support of the
+     Institution, and to relieve them from the Casual
+     Poor.--Reasons why the Experiment should be tried.--The
+     assistance of Sir Frederick Eden, and other Gentlemen of
+     talents, who have turned their thoughts to the Poor,
+     attainable.--The advantages which would result to the
+     Community, from the united Efforts of men of investigation
+     and judgment, previous to any final Legislative
+     Regulation.--Conclusion._
+
+
+Indigence, in the present state of Society, may be considered as a
+principal cause of the increase of Crimes.
+
+The System which prevails in the Metropolis, with respect to these
+unfortunate individuals who are denominated the _Casual Poor_, will be
+found on minute inquiry to be none of the least considerable of the
+causes, which lead to the corruption of morals, and to the
+multiplication of minor offences in particular.
+
+The number of persons, who with their families, find their way to the
+Metropolis, from the most remote quarters of Great Britain and
+Ireland, is inconceivable. In hopes of finding employment they incur
+an immediate and constant expence, for lodging and subsistence, until
+at length their little all is in the Pawnbrokers' shops, or sold to
+raise money for the necessaries of life. If they have been virtuously
+brought up in the country, despondency seizes upon their minds, in
+consequence of the disappointments and hardships, their adventurous or
+incautious conduct has doomed them to suffer; which as it applies to
+the most deserving of this class, who will not steal, and are ashamed
+to beg, often exceeds any thing that the human mind can conceive.
+
+Their Parochial Settlements are either at a great distance, or perhaps
+as natives of Scotland or Ireland, they are without even this
+resource. The expence of removing, as the Law directs, is too serious
+a charge to be incurred by the parish where accident has fixed them.
+They are treated with neglect and contumely by the parochial Officers;
+and even occasionally driven to despair. Willing to labour, but bereft
+of any channel or medium through which the means of subsistence might
+be procured. It is assigned to no person to hear their mournful tale,
+who might be able to place them in a situation, where they might gain
+a subsistence; and under such circumstances it is much to be feared,
+that not a few of them either actually perish for want, or contract
+diseases which ultimately terminate in premature death.
+
+Such is frequently the situation of the more decent and virtuous class
+of the labouring people, who come to seek employment in the
+Metropolis. The more profligate who pursue the same course have
+generally other resources. Where honest labour is not to be procured,
+they connect themselves with those who live by petty or more atrocious
+offences, and contribute in no small degree to the increase of the
+general phalanx of delinquents. The young female part of such families
+too often become prostitutes, while the males pursue acts of
+depredation upon the Public, by availing themselves of the various
+resources, which the defects in the Police System allow.
+
+In addition to the families who thus resort to the Capital, young men
+frequently wander up who have become liable to the penalties of the
+laws, in consequence of being unable to find security for the support
+of a natural Child in their own parish; or who perhaps have incurred
+the punishment due to some other offence.--Without money, without
+recommendations, and bereft of friends, and perhaps afraid of being
+known, they resort to low public houses, where they meet with thieves
+and rogues, who not unfrequently in this way recruit their gangs, as
+often as the arm of Justice diminishes their numbers.
+
+But it is to be lamented, that in contemplating the mass of indigence,
+which, in its various ramifications, produces distresses more
+extensive and more poignant than perhaps in any other spot in the
+world, (Paris excepted) its origin is to be traced in almost every
+rank of Society; and though sometimes the result of unavoidable
+misfortune, is perhaps more frequently generated by idleness,
+inattention to business, and indiscretion. But at all events, the tear
+of pity is due to the helpless and forlorn offspring of the criminal
+or indolent, who become objects of compassion, not only as it relates
+to their immediate subsistence; but much more with respect to their
+future situations in life. It is in the progress to the adult state,
+that the infants of parents, broken down by misfortunes, almost
+unavoidably learn, from the pressure of extreme poverty, to resort to
+devices which early corrupt their morals, and mar their future success
+and utility in life. Under the influence of these sad examples, and
+their necessary consequences, do many females become Prostitutes, who
+in other circumstances, might have been an ornament to their sex,
+while the males, by contracting early in life habits that are
+pernicious, become, in many instances, no less noxious to Society.
+Familiarized in infancy to the Pawnbroker's shop, and to other even
+less reputable means of obtaining temporary subsistence, they too soon
+become adepts in falsehood and deceit. Imperious necessity has given
+an early spring to their ingenuity. They are generally full of
+resource, which in good pursuits might render them useful and valuable
+members of the Community: but unhappily their minds have acquired a
+wrong bias, and they are reared insensibly in the walks of vice,
+without knowing, in many instances, that they are at all engaged in
+evil pursuits.
+
+In all these points of view, from indigence is to be traced the great
+Origin and the Progress of Crimes.
+
+In attending the different _Soup Establishments_ (where 50,000
+indigent families, at the expence of one halfpenny per head, have a
+meal furnished every day during the winter)[93] the Author has
+observed, with a mixture of pain and satisfaction, particularly at one
+of them, the children of unfortunate and reduced families, who, from
+their appearance, have moved in a higher sphere, the humble suitors
+for this frugal and nourishing aliment.
+
+[Footnote 93: See page 81 and 82 for an account of this Charity.]
+
+To have contributed in any degree to the relief of distress rendered
+painful in the extreme from the recollection of better days, is an
+ample reward to those benevolent individuals, who have joined in the
+support and conduct of an undertaking, of all others the most
+beneficial that perhaps was ever devised, for the purpose of assisting
+and relieving suffering humanity.
+
+While the wretchedness, misery and crimes, which have been developed,
+and detailed in this work, cannot be sufficiently deplored, it is a
+matter of no little exultation, that in no country or nation in the
+world, and certainly in no other Metropolis, does there exist among
+the higher and middle ranks of Society, an equal portion of
+Philanthropy and Benevolence.--Here are to be discovered the extremes
+of vice and virtue, strongly marked by the existing turpitude on one
+hand, and the noble instances of charitable munificence, displayed by
+the opulent part of the Community, on the other.
+
+Nothing can place this in a stronger point of view, and perhaps
+nothing will astonish strangers more than the following summary
+Estimate of the various Institutions, supported chiefly by Voluntary
+Contributions, in addition to the legal Assessments, all tending to
+ameliorate and better the condition of human life, under the
+afflicting circumstances of indigence and disease.[94]
+
+[Footnote 94: For a specific account of these Institutions, see the
+Chapter on Municipal Police.]
+
+ESTIMATE.
+
+  1. Asylums for the Relief of Objects of Charity             £.
+     and Humanity                                           30,000
+
+  2. Asylums and Hospitals, for the Sick, Lame, and
+     Diseased                                               50,000
+
+  3. Institutions for Benevolent, Charitable, and
+     Humane Purposes                                       205,000
+
+  4. Private Charities                                     150,000
+
+  5. Charity Schools for Educating the Poor                 10,000
+
+  6. To which add the annual Assessments for the
+     Poor Rates, paid by the Inhabitants of the
+     Metropolis and its Environs                           255,000
+
+  Total estimated amount of the annual Sums paid
+  for the support and benefit of the Poor in the         ---------
+  Metropolis, &c.                                        £.700,000
+
+  7. Besides the endowed Establishments, for which
+     the Poor are chiefly indebted to our Ancestors        150,000
+                                                         ---------
+                                                  Total  £.850,000
+
+In addition to this, it is highly proper to mention the noble
+benevolence, which has been displayed by the Opulent of all ranks, but
+particularly the Merchants, in the very large sums which have been, at
+various times, subscribed for the relief of the brave men, who have
+been maimed and wounded, and for the support of the widows, orphans,
+and relations of those who have meritoriously lost their lives in
+fighting the battles of their country.
+
+Such exalted examples of unbounded munificence the history of no other
+nation records.
+
+It is to this source of elevated virtue, and nobleness of mind, that
+an appeal is made, on the present occasion, in behalf of those unhappy
+fellow-mortals; who, in spite of the unexampled liberality which has
+been displayed, still require the fostering hand of Philanthropy.
+
+The cause of these distresses has been explained; and also the evils
+which such a condition in human life entails upon Society. It is not
+pecuniary aid that will heal this _gangrene_: this _Corruption of
+Morals_. There must be the application of a correct System of Police,
+calculated to reach the root and origin of the evil.--Without
+_System_, _Intelligence_, _Talents_, and _Industry_, united in all
+that relates to the affairs of the Poor, millions may be wasted as
+millions have already been wasted, without bettering their condition.
+In all the branches of the Science of Political Oeconomy, there is
+none which requires so much skill and knowledge of men and manners, as
+that which relates to this particular object: and yet, important as it
+is to the best interests of the Community, the management of a
+concern, in which the very foundation of the national prosperity is
+involved, is suffered to remain, as in the rude ages, when Society had
+not assumed the bold features of the present period,--in the hands of
+changeable, and in many instances, unlettered agents; wholly
+incompetent to a task at all times nice and difficult in the
+execution, and often irksome and inconvenient.
+
+One great feature of this evil, on which it is deplorable to reflect,
+is, that nearly one million of the inhabitants of a country, the
+utmost population of which is supposed to be short of nine millions,
+should be supported in part or in whole by the remaining eight.
+
+In spite of all the ingenious arguments which have been used in favour
+of a System admitted to be wisely conceived in its origin, the effects
+it has produced incontestably prove, that with respect to the mass of
+the Poor, there is something radically wrong in the execution.
+
+If it were not so, it is impossible that there could exist in the
+Metropolis such an inconceivable portion of human misery, amidst
+examples of munificence and benevolence unparalleled in any age or
+country in the world.
+
+Impressed with these sentiments, so far as they apply to the state of
+indigence in the Metropolis, a design has been sanctioned by the
+_Benevolent Society for bettering the Condition of the Poor_, the
+object of which is to establish a department for inquiring into the
+history, life, and the causes of the distress of every person who asks
+relief in any part of the Metropolis: not with a view to support these
+unfortunate persons in idleness and vice; but to use those means which
+talents, attention, and humanity can accomplish--(means which are
+beyond the reach of parochial officers), for the purpose of enabling
+them to assist themselves.[95]
+
+[Footnote 95: An office has for some time past been instituted under
+the direction of _Mathew Martin, Esq._ assisted by one or two
+philanthropic individuals, for inquiring into cases and causes of
+distress.--The generality of the poor persons have been invited to the
+office by the distribution of tickets, directing them when and where
+they are to apply. On such occasions a small relief has been afforded,
+arising from a fund constituted by private benevolence;--but the chief
+advantage which these poor people have derived has been from the
+consolatory advice given them, and still more from the assistance
+afforded by the indefatigable industry, and laudable zeal of Mr.
+Martin, in getting those into workhouses who have parochial
+settlements in the Metropolis, or assisting in procuring the means of
+passing them to their parishes, where such settlements are in the
+country. Seasonable pecuniary relief has been also extended in certain
+cases, and small loans of money, made to enable those who are able to
+work to redeem their apparel, and tools to rescue them from
+despondence, and to help themselves by their own labour, in such
+employments as they could either themselves obtain, or as could be
+procured for them.
+
+From the beginning of the year 1796 to the end of the year 1797, Mr.
+Martin investigated the cases of 120 poor persons, who attended him in
+consequence of the tickets which were distributed.--Of these 21 were
+men; the greater part maimed or disabled by age or sickness, only two
+of whom had any legal settlement in London.--Of the women, 99 in
+number, 48 were widows, about one-third were aged--some crippled, and
+others distressed for want of work, while many were embarrassed by
+ignorance of the mode of obtaining parochial relief, or by the fear of
+applying for it--of the wives, in most cases, the difficulty arose
+from want of work or incapacity of doing it, on account of a child in
+arms. There were cases of very great distress. Above half had two or
+more children. Some of them infants, and the chief part too young to
+work. Of the women 24 claimed settlements in London and
+Westminster--33 in different parts of England--22 belonged to Scotland
+and Ireland, and the remaining 20 said they could give no account of
+their place of settlement. In most instances by an application to
+their parishes, and in some to their friends, Mr. Martin was enabled
+to obtain effectual relief to all of them; the gift of a little food,
+and hearing their melancholy story, afforded some comfort; and had a
+small fund been appropriated to this object, it might have been
+possible to have enabled those who were in health to have earned a
+livelihood. See 12th Report of the _Society for bettering the
+Condition of the Poor_.]
+
+In the Metropolis the Magistrates interfere very little in parochial
+relief, except when appeals are made to them in particular cases, or
+when called upon to sign orders of removal, which is generally done as
+a matter of course. Hence it is that the poor are left almost entirely
+to the management of the Parochial Officers for the time being, who
+frequently act under the influence of ignorance or caprice, or are
+irritated by the impudent importunity of the profligate Gin-drinking
+poor. These Officers also, it is to be remembered, have private
+affairs which necessarily engage the chief part of their attention,
+and are frequently no less incapable than unwilling to enter on those
+investigations which might enable them to make the proper
+discriminations: the modest and shame-faced poor are thus frequently
+shut out from relief, while the vociferous and idle succeed in
+obtaining pecuniary assistance, which is soon improvidently
+dissipated.
+
+The distress which is thus shewn to prevail, by no means arises from
+the want of competent funds:--the misfortune is, that from the nature
+of the present mode of management it is not possible to apply these
+funds beneficially for the proper relief of those for whom they were
+intended. A much more moderate assessment, under a regular and proper
+management, would remove great part of the evil.
+
+The expence of the class of persons denominated _Casual Poor_, who
+have no settlement in any parish in the Metropolis, amounts to a large
+sum annually.--In the united parishes of St. Giles in the Fields, and
+St. George, Bloomsbury, this expence amounted to 2000_l._ in the year
+1796. It arose from the support of about 1200 poor natives of Ireland,
+who but for this aid must have become vagrants. The shocking abuse of
+the vagrant passes previous to the year 1792, produced the Act of the
+32 Geo. III. cap. 45. which requires that Rogues and Vagabonds should
+be first publicly whipt, or confined seven days in the House of
+Correction, (females to be imprisoned only, and in no case whipped)
+before they are passed, as directed by the Act of the 17 Geo. II. c.
+5. Hence it is that so many who are either on the brink of vagrancy
+or have actually received alms, are permitted to remain a burden on
+the parishes; the Magistrates being loth to incur the charge of
+inhumanity, by strictly following the letter of the Act, in whipping
+or imprisoning poor miserable wretches, whose indigence have rendered
+relief necessary.
+
+In all the 146 parishes within and without the walls, including the
+Bills of Mortality, &c. it is not improbable that the casual charity
+given in this way may amount to 10,000_l._ a year.
+
+The loose manner in which it is given, and the impossibility either of
+a proper discrimination, or of finding in the distributing these
+resources, that time for investigation which might lead to the solid
+benefit of the Pauper, by restoring him to a capacity of earning his
+own livelihood, makes it highly probable that instead of being useful,
+this large sum is perhaps hurtful, to the major part of the poor who
+receive it. The trifle they receive, from being injudiciously given,
+and frequently to get rid of the clamour and importunity of the most
+profligate, is too often spent immediately in the Gin-shop.--No
+inquiry is made into the circumstances of the family--No measures are
+pursued to redeem the apparel locked up in the Pawnbrokers' shop,
+although a small sum would frequently recover the habiliments of a
+naked and starving family--no questions are asked respecting the means
+they employ to subsist themselves by labour; and no efforts are used
+to procure employment for those who are willing to labour, but have
+not the means of obtaining work.
+
+Hence it is that poverty, under such circumstances, contributes in no
+small degree to the multiplication of crimes. The profligate thus
+partly supported, too often resorts to pilfering pursuits to fill up
+the chasm, and habits of idleness being once obtained, labour soon
+becomes irksome.
+
+Why should not the whole nation, but particularly the Metropolis, be
+considered, so far at least as regards the vagrant and casual Poor, as
+one family, and be placed under the review of certain persons who
+might be considered as worthy of the trust, and might devote their
+time sedulously to that object?--Were such an establishment,
+instituted, and supported in the first instance by a sum from each
+parish, equal to the casual relief they have each given on an average
+of the five preceding years, with power to employ this fund in
+establishing Houses of Industry, or Work-rooms, in various parts of
+the Metropolis, where the Poor should receive the whole of their
+earnings and a comfortable meal besides:--it is highly probable that
+while the expence to the parishes would gradually diminish, beggary
+would be annihilated in the Metropolis--the modest and deserving Poor
+would be discovered and relieved, while the idle and profligate, who
+resorted to begging as a trade, would be compelled to apply to honest
+labour for their subsistence.
+
+This is a point in the political oeconomy of the Nation highly
+important, whether it relates to the cause of humanity or to the
+morals of the people, upon which all good Governments are
+founded.--That such an institution is practicable is already proved
+from the partial experiments that have been made. That the advantages
+resulting from it would be great beyond all calculation, is too
+obvious to require elucidation.
+
+While it operated beneficially to the lower classes of the people and
+to the State, it would relieve Parochial Officers of a very irksome
+and laborious task, perhaps the most disagreeable that is attached to
+the office of an Overseer in the Metropolis.
+
+To give this branch of Police vigor and effect, the aid of the
+Legislature would be necessary; which would be easily obtained when
+the measure itself was once thoroughly understood, and it could not
+then fail to be as popular as it would unquestionably be useful.
+
+They who from their habits of life have few opportunities of
+considering the state of the Poor, are apt to form very erroneous
+opinions on the subject.
+
+By _the Poor_ we are not to understand the whole mass of the people
+who support themselves by labour; for those whose necessity compels
+them to exercise their industry, become by their poverty the actual
+pillars of the State.
+
+Labour is absolutely requisite to the existence of all Governments;
+and as it is from the Poor only that labour can be expected, so far
+from being an evil they become, under proper regulations, an
+advantage to every Country, and highly deserve the fostering care of
+every Government. It is not _Poverty_ therefore, that is in itself an
+evil, while health, strength, and inclination, afford the means of
+subsistence, and while work is to be had by all who seek it.--The evil
+is to be found only in _Indigence_, where the strength fails, where
+disease, age, or infancy, deprives the individual of the means of
+subsistence, or where he knows not how to find employment when willing
+and able to work.
+
+In this view _the Poor_ may be divided into five Classes:--
+
+     _The first Class_ comprehends what may be denominated _the
+     useful Poor_, who are able and willing to work--who have
+     already been represented as the pillars of the State, and
+     who merit the utmost attention of all Governments, with a
+     direct and immediate view of preventing their _poverty_ from
+     descending unnecessarily into _indigence_. As often as this
+     evil is permitted to happen, the State not only loses an
+     useful subject, but the expence of his maintenance must be
+     borne by the Public.--The great art, therefore, in managing
+     the affairs of the Poor, is to establish Systems whereby the
+     poor man, verging upon indigence, may be propped up and kept
+     in his station. Whenever this can be effected, it is done
+     upon an average at one-tenth of the expence at most that
+     must be incurred by permitting a family to retrograde into
+     a state of indigence, where they must be wholly maintained
+     by the Public, and where their own exertions cease in a
+     great measure to be useful to the Country.
+
+     _The second Class_ comprehends the _vagrant Poor_, who are
+     able but not willing to work, or who cannot obtain
+     employment in consequence of their bad character. This class
+     may be said to have descended from poverty into beggary, in
+     which state they become objects of peculiar attention, since
+     the State suffers not only the loss of their labour, but
+     also of the money which they obtain by the present
+     ill-judged mode of giving charity. Many of them, however,
+     having become mendicants, more from necessity than choice,
+     deserve commiseration and attention, and nothing can promote
+     in a greater degree the cause of humanity, and the real
+     interest of the Metropolis, than an establishment for the
+     employment of this class of indigent Poor, who may be said
+     at present to be in a very deplorable state, those only
+     excepted who make begging a profession. It is only by a
+     plan, such as has been recommended, that the real indigent
+     can be discovered from the vagrant, and in no other way is
+     it possible to have that distinct and collected view of the
+     whole class of beggars in the Metropolis, or to provide the
+     means of rendering their labour (where they are able to
+     labour) productive to themselves and the State.--And it may
+     be further added with great truth, that in no other way is
+     it possible to prevent the offspring of such mendicants from
+     becoming _Prostitutes_ and _Thieves_.
+
+     If, therefore, it is of importance to diminish crimes, and
+     to obstruct the progress of immorality, this part of the
+     Community ought to be the peculiar objects of a branch of
+     the National Police, where responsibility would secure an
+     accurate execution of the System. This measure ought to
+     begin in the Metropolis as an experiment, and when fully
+     matured might be extended with every advantage to the
+     Country.
+
+     _The third Class_ may be considered under the denomination
+     of the _Indigent Poor_, who from want of employment,
+     _sickness, losses_, insanity or disease, are unable to
+     maintain themselves.
+
+     In attending to this description of Poor, the first
+     consideration ought to be to select those who are in a state
+     to re-occupy their former station among the labouring Poor;
+     and to restore them to the first class as soon as possible,
+     by such relief as should enable them to resume their former
+     employments, and to help themselves and families.
+
+     Where insanity, or temporary disease, or infirmity actually
+     exist, such a course must then be pursued as will enable
+     such weak and indigent persons, while they are supported at
+     the expence of the Public, to perform such species of
+     labour, as may be suited to their peculiar situations,
+     without operating as a hardship, but rather as an
+     amusement. In this manner it is wonderful how productive the
+     exertions of even the most infirm might be rendered.--But it
+     must be accomplished under a management very different,
+     indeed, from any thing which prevails at present.
+
+     _The fourth Class_ comprehends the _aged and infirm_, who
+     are entirely past labour, and have no means of
+     support.--Where an honest industrious man has wasted his
+     strength in labour and endeavours to rear a family, he is
+     well entitled to an asylum to render the evening of his life
+     comfortable. For this class the gratitude and the humanity
+     of the Community ought to provide a retreat separate from
+     the profligate and vagrant Poor. But, alas! the present
+     System admits of no such blessing.--The most deserving most
+     submit to an indiscriminate intercourse in Workhouses with
+     the most worthless: whose polluted language and irregular
+     conduct, render not a few of those asylums as great a
+     punishment to the decent part of the indigent and infirm as
+     a common prison.
+
+     _The fifth Class_ comprises the _Infant Poor_, who from
+     extreme indigence, or the death of parents, are cast upon
+     the public for nurture. One fifth part of the gross number
+     in a London Workhouse is generally composed of this class.
+     Their moral and religious education is of the last
+     importance to the Community. They are the children of the
+     Public, and if not introduced into life, under circumstances
+     favourable to the interest of the State, the error in the
+     System becomes flagrant.--Profligate or distressed parents
+     may educate their children ill; but when those under the
+     charge of Public Institutions are suffered to become
+     depraved in their progress to maturity, it is a dreadful
+     reproach on the Police of the Country.--And yet what is to
+     be expected from children reared in Workhouses, with the
+     evil examples before them of the multitudes of depraved
+     characters who are constantly admitted into those
+     receptacles? Young minds are generally more susceptible of
+     evil than of good impressions; and hence it is that the
+     rising generation enter upon life with those wicked and
+     dangerous propensities, which are visible to the attentive
+     observer in all the walks of vulgar life in this great
+     Metropolis.
+
+The limits of this Treatise will not permit the Author to attempt more
+than a mere outline on the general subject of the Poor; a System of
+all others the most difficult to manage and arrange with advantage to
+the Community; but which is at present unhappily entrusted to the care
+of those least competent to the task.
+
+The principle of the Statute of the 43d of Elizabeth is certainly
+unobjectionable; but the execution, it must be repeated, is defective.
+In short, no part of it has been effectually executed, but that which
+relates to raising the assessments. It is easy to make Statutes; but
+omnipotent as Parliament is said to be, it cannot give _knowledge_,
+_education_, _public spirit_, _integrity_ and _time_, to those
+Changeable Agents whom it has charged with the execution of the Poor
+Laws.
+
+In the management of the affairs of the State, the Sovereign wisely
+selects men eminent for their talents and integrity:--Were the choice
+to be made on the principle established by the Poor Laws, the Nation
+could not exist even a single year.
+
+In the private affairs of life, the success of every difficult
+undertaking depends on the degree of abilities employed in the
+management. In the affairs of the Poor, the most arduous and intricate
+that it is possible to conceive, and where the greatest talents and
+knowledge is required, the least portion of either is supplied. How
+then can we expect success?--The error is not in the original design,
+which is wise and judicious. The 43d of Elizabeth authorizes an
+assessment to be made for three purposes.
+
+     1st. To purchase Raw Materials to set the Poor to work, who
+     could not otherwise dispose of their labour.
+
+     2d. To usher into the world, advantageously, the Children of
+     poor people, by binding them apprentices to some useful
+     employment.
+
+     3d. To provide for the lame, impotent and blind, and others,
+     being poor and not able to work.
+
+Nothing can be better imagined than the measures in the view of the
+very able framers of this act: but they did not discover that to
+execute such a design required powers diametrically opposite to those
+which the law provided. The last two centuries have afforded a series
+of proof of the total inefficacy of the application of these powers,
+not only by the effects which this erroneous superintendence has
+produced; but also from the testimony of the most enlightened men who
+have written on the subject, from the venerable Lord Hale to the
+patriotic and indefatigable Sir Frederick Eden. But the strongest
+evidence of the mischiefs arising from this defective execution of a
+valuable System, is to be found in the Statute Books themselves.[96]
+
+[Footnote 96: In the Preamble of the Statute on 3 & 4 _William_ and
+_Mary_ _cap._ 11. and particularly § 11 of that Act, in which the
+sense entertained by Parliament, of the shocking abuses of the Statute
+of Elizabeth, "through the unlimited power of Parish Officers," is
+very forcibly expressed--the truths there stated are found to have
+full force, even at the distance of more than a Century.]
+
+"The want of a due provision," says Lord Hale, "for the relief and
+education of the Poor in the way of _industry_, is what fills the
+gaols with Malefactors, the Country with idle and unprofitable
+persons, that consume the stock of the Kingdom without improving it;
+and that will daily increase even to a desolation in time--and this
+error, in the first concoction, is never remediable but by gibbets and
+whipping."
+
+That this will continue to be the case under any species of changeable
+management, however apparently correct in theory the System may be,
+must appear self-evident to every man of business and observation,
+whose attention has been practically directed to the general operation
+of the present mode in various parishes, and who has reflected deeply
+on the subject.
+
+But to return to the immediate object of inquiry, namely, the means of
+more effectually preventing the numerous evils which arise from
+indigence and mendicity in the Metropolis, whether excited by idleness
+or extreme and unforeseen pressures: Under every circumstance it would
+seem impracticable without any burthen upon the Public, to provide for
+all such at least as are denominated Casual Poor (from whom the
+greatest part of this calamity springs) by adopting the following or
+some similar plan, under the sanction of Government, and the authority
+of the Legislature.
+
+     That a Public Institution shall be established in the
+     Metropolis, with _three Chief Officers_, who shall be
+     charged with the execution of that branch of the Police,
+     which relates to STREET BEGGARS, and those classes of Poor
+     who have no legal settlements in the Metropolis, and who now
+     receive casual relief from the different Parishes, where
+     they have fixed their residence for the time;--and that
+     these principal Officers, (who may be stiled _Commissioners
+     for inquiring into the Cases and Causes of the Distress of
+     the Poor in the Metropolis_) should exercise the following
+
+     FUNCTIONS:--
+
+     1st. To charge themselves with the relief and management of
+     the whole of the _Casual Poor_, who at present receive
+     temporary aid from the different Parishes, or who ask alms
+     in any part of the Metropolis or its Suburbs.
+
+     2d. To provide Work-rooms in various central and convenient
+     situations in the Metropolis, where persons destitute of
+     employment may receive a temporary subsistence for labour.
+     To superintend these work-houses, and become responsible for
+     the proper management.
+
+     3d. To be empowered to give temporary relief to prop up
+     sinking families, and to prevent their descending from
+     poverty to indigence, by arresting the influence of
+     despondency, and keeping the spirit of industry alive.
+
+     4th. To assist in binding out the Children of the Poor, or
+     the Unfortunate, who have seen better days, and preventing
+     the females from the danger of becoming Prostitutes, or the
+     males from contracting loose and immoral habits, so as if
+     possible to save them to their parents, and to the state.
+
+     5th. To open offices of inquiry in different parts of the
+     Metropolis, where all classes of indigent persons, who are
+     not entitled to parochial relief, will be invited to resort,
+     for the purpose of being examined, and relieved according
+     to the peculiar circumstances of the case.
+
+     6th. To exercise the legal powers, through the medium of
+     Constables, for the purpose of compelling all Mendicants,
+     and idle destitute Boys and Girls who appear in the streets,
+     to come before the Commissioners for examination; that those
+     whose industry cannot be made productive, or who cannot be
+     put in a way to support themselves without alms, may be
+     passed to their Parishes, while means are employed to bind
+     out destitute Children to some useful occupation.
+
+     7th. To keep a distinct Register of the cases of all
+     Mendicants or distressed individuals, who may seek advice
+     and assistance, and to employ such means for alleviating
+     misery, as the peculiar circumstances may suggest--never
+     losing sight of indigence, until an asylum is provided for
+     the helpless and infirm, and also until the indigent, who
+     are able to labour, are placed in a situation to render it
+     productive.
+
+     8th. That these Commissioners shall report their proceedings
+     annually, to his Majesty in Council, and to Parliament; with
+     abstracts, shewing the numbers who have been examined--How
+     disposed of--The earning of the persons at the different
+     Work-rooms--The annual expence of the Establishment;
+     together with a general view of the advantages resulting
+     from it; with the proofs of these advantages.
+
+Towards defraying the whole expence of this Establishment it is
+proposed, that (in lieu of the Casual Charity, paid at present by all
+the Parishes in the Metropolis, which under this System will cease,
+together with the immense trouble attached to it,) each Parish in the
+Metropolis shall pay into the hands of the Receiver of the Funds of
+this _Pauper Police Institution_, a sum equal to what was formerly
+disbursed in casual relief, which for the purpose of elucidation, is
+estimated as follows:--
+
+                                                         £.  _s._ _d._
+   97 Parishes within the Walls,
+      average 10_l._ each                                970  0    0
+
+   16 Parishes without the Walls, in London and
+      Southwark, average 60_l._ each                     960  0    0
+                                                     ---------------
+                                                     £.1,930  0    0
+
+   23 Out-parishes in Middlesex and Surry,
+      average 100_l._ each                             2,300  0    0
+
+   10 Parishes in Westminster,
+      average 100_l._ each                             1,000  0    0
+  ---                                                ---------------
+  146                                                £.5,230  0    0
+  ---
+
+This sum (which is supposed to be not much above one half of the
+average Annual disbursements of the 146 Parishes above-mentioned;
+especially since it has been shewn, that the expence in St. Giles' and
+St. George Bloomsbury alone, has been 2000_l._ in one year) will
+probably, with oeconomy and good management, be found sufficient for
+all the relief that is required; more especially as the object is not
+to maintain the indigent, but to put them in a way of supporting
+themselves by occasional pecuniary aids well and judiciously applied.
+
+The experiment is certainly worth trying. In its execution some of the
+most respectable and intelligent individuals in the Metropolis, would
+gratuitously assist the Commissioners, who as taking responsibility
+upon them, in the direction of a most important branch of Police,
+ought undoubtedly to be remunerated by Government, especially as it is
+scarcely possible to conceive any mode in which the Public money could
+be applied, that would be productive of such benefit to the State.
+
+If that utility resulted from the design, which may reasonably be
+expected, it would of course extend to other great towns, as the
+private _Soup Establishments_ have done, and the condition of the poor
+would undergo a rapid change. The destitute and forlorn would then
+have some means of communicating their distress, while information and
+facts of the greatest importance, to the best interests of Society,
+would spring from this source.
+
+With respect to the general affairs of the poor, much good would arise
+from consolidating the funds of all the parishes in the Metropolis.
+
+The poor for instance, who are supported from the parochial funds of
+Bethnal Green, and other distressed parishes in the eastern parts of
+the Metropolis, are the labourers of the citizens and inhabitants of
+the 97 Parishes within the Walls, who, although opulent pay little or
+nothing to the Poor, since the city affords no cottages to lodge them.
+
+Why, therefore, should not the inhabitants of the rich parishes
+contribute to the relief of the distresses of those who waste their
+strength in contributing to their _ease_, _comfort_, and _profit_? In
+several of the most populous Parishes and Hamlets in the eastern part
+of the Town, the Poor may actually be said to be assessed to support
+the indigent. In the very populous Hamlet of Mile-End New Town, where
+there is scarcely an inhabitant who does not derive his subsistence
+from some kind of labour, the rates are treble the assessments in
+Mary-le-bone, where opulence abounds. Nothing can exceed the
+inequality of the weight for the support of the Poor in the
+Metropolis; since where the demand is greatest, the means of supply
+are always most deficient and inadequate.
+
+Certain it is that the whole system admits of much improvement, and
+perhaps at no period, since the Poor Laws have attracted attention,
+did there exist so many able and intelligent individuals as at
+present, who have been excited by motives of patriotism and
+philanthropy, to devote their time to the subject.
+
+At the head of this most Respectable Group stands Sir FREDERICK EDEN;
+a gentleman, whose entrance into life, has been marked by a display of
+the most useful talents, manifested by an extent of labour and
+perseverance, in his elaborate work on the Poor, which may be said to
+be unparalleled in point of information, while it unquestionably
+exhibits the respectable Author as a character in whose patriotism and
+abilities the State will find a considerable resource, in whatever
+tends to assist his Country, or to improve the condition of Human
+Life.
+
+To the Lord Bishop of Durham, the Earl of Winchelsea, Count Rumford,
+Sir William Young, Thos. Ruggles, Esq. William Morton Pitt, Esq.
+Jeremy Bentham, Esq. Robert Saunders, Esq. Thomas Bernard, Esq.
+William Wilberforce, Esq. Rowland Burdon, Esq. the Rev. Dr. Glasse,
+the Rev. Thomas Gisburn, the Rev. Mr. Howlet, Mr. Davis, Mr. Townsend,
+Arthur Young, Esq. and William Sabatier, Esq. as well as several other
+respectable living characters, who have particularly turned their
+thoughts to the subject of the Poor, the Public are not only already
+much indebted, but from this prolific resource of judgment, talents,
+and knowledge, much good might be expected, if ever the period shall
+arrive when the revision of the Poor Laws shall engage the attention
+of the Legislature.
+
+The measure is too complicated to be adjusted by men, who have not
+opportunities or leisure to contemplate its infinite ramifications.
+
+It is a task which can only be executed with accuracy by those, who
+completely understand the subject as well in practice as in theory,
+and who can bestow the time requisite for those laborious
+investigations, which must be absolutely necessary to form a final
+opinion, and to report to Parliament what is most expedient, under all
+circumstances, to be done in this important National Concern.
+
+Happy is it for the country, that a resource exists for the attainment
+of this object, than which nothing can contribute, in a greater
+degree, to the prevention of Crimes, and to the general improvement of
+Civil Society.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. XIV.
+
+     _The state of the Police, with regard to the detection of
+     different classes of offenders, explained.--The necessity,
+     under the present circumstances, of having recourse to the
+     known Receivers of stolen Goods, for the purpose of
+     discovering Offenders, as well as the property stolen.--The
+     great utility of Officers of Justice as safeguards of the
+     Community.--The advantages to be derived from rendering them
+     respectable in the opinion of the Public. Their powers, by
+     the common and statute law, are extensive.--The great
+     antiquity of the Office of Constable, exemplified by
+     different Ancient Statutes.--The authority of Officers and
+     others explained, in apprehending persons accused of
+     felony.--Rewards granted in certain cases as encouragements
+     to Officers to lie vigilant:--The statutes quoted,
+     applicable to such rewards, shewing that they apply to ten
+     different offences.--The utility of parochial Constables,
+     under a well-organized Police, explained.--A fund for this
+     purpose would arise from the reduction of the expences of
+     the Police by the diminution of Crimes.--The necessity of a
+     competent fund explained.--The deficiency of the present
+     System exemplified in the effect of the presentments by
+     Constables to the Grand Inquest.--A new System
+     proposed.--The functions of the different classes of
+     Officers, explained.--Salaries necessary to all.--The System
+     of rewards, as now established, shewn to be radically
+     deficient; exemplified by the circumstance, that in 1088
+     prisoners, charged at the Old Bailey in one year, with 36
+     different offences, only 9 offences entitled the
+     apprehenders to any gratuity:--Improvements suggested for
+     the greater encouragement of Officers of Justice.--1043
+     Peace Officers in the Metropolis and its vicinity, of whom
+     only 90 are stipendiary Constables.--Little assistance to
+     be expected from Parochial Officers, while there exists no
+     fund for rewarding extraordinary services.--Great advantages
+     likely to result from rewarding all Officers for useful
+     services actually performed.--The utility of extending the
+     same gratuities to Watchmen and Patroles.--Defects and
+     abuses in the System of the Watch explained.--The number of
+     Watchmen and Patroles in the Metropolis estimated at
+     2044:--A general System of superintendance suggested.--A
+     view of the Magistracy of the Metropolis.--The efficient
+     duty shewn to rest with the City and Police
+     Magistrates.--The inconvenience of the present
+     System.--Concluding Observations._
+
+
+As it must be admitted, that the evils arising from the multiplied
+crimes detailed in the preceding Chapters, render a correct and
+energetic System of Police with regard to the _detection_,
+_discovery_, and _apprehension_ of offenders, indispensably necessary
+for the safety and well-being of Society; it follows of course, in
+the order of this Work, to explain _how this branch of the public
+service is conducted at present, the defects which are apparent,--and
+the means of improving the System_.
+
+When robberies or burglaries have been committed in or near the
+Metropolis, where the property is of considerable value, the usual
+method at present, is to apply to the City Magistrates, if in London;
+or otherwise, to the Justices at one of the Public Offices,[97] and to
+publish an Advertisement offering a reward on the recovery of the
+articles stolen, and the conviction of the offenders.[98]
+
+[Footnote 97: It is a well-known fact, that many persons who suffer by
+means of small Robberies, afraid of the trouble and expence of a
+prosecution, submit to the loss without inquiry; while others from
+being strangers to the laws, and to the proper mode of application,
+fall into the same mistake; this, by proving a great encouragement to
+thieves of every class, is of course an injury to the Public.--In all
+cases where robberies are committed, the parties sustaining the loss
+have only to inquire for the nearest Public Office, and apply there,
+and state the case to the sitting Magistrates, who will point out the
+proper mode of detection; every assistance through the medium of
+constables, will then be given for the purpose of recovering the
+property and apprehending the offenders.--The same assistance will be
+afforded by the Lord Mayor and Aldermen, sitting at the Mansion-house
+and Guildhall, whenever the offence is committed within the limits of
+the City of London.]
+
+[Footnote 98: It had been usual for many years previous to 1752, when
+robberies were committed, to make a composition of the felony, by
+advertising a reward to any person who would bring the property
+stolen, to be paid without asking any questions; but the pernicious
+consequences of recovering goods in this way from the encouragement
+such advertisements held out to thieves and robbers of every
+description, became so glaring and obvious, that an Act passed the
+25th year of George II. cap. 36. _inflicting a penalty of 50l. on
+any person_ (including the printer and publisher) _who shall publicly
+advertise a reward for the return of stolen goods with "no questions
+asked," without seizing the person producing the goods stolen:--or who
+shall offer to return to any pawnbroker, or other person, the money
+lent thereon, or any other reward for the return of the articles
+stolen_.]
+
+In many cases of importance, to the reproach of the Police, recourse
+is had to noted and known Receivers of stolen Goods for their
+assistance in discovering such offenders, and of pointing out the
+means by which the property may be recovered: this has on many
+occasions been productive of success to the parties who have been
+robbed; as well as to the ends of public justice; for however
+lamentable it is to think that Magistrates are compelled to have
+recourse to such expedients, yet while the present System continues,
+and while robberies and burglaries are so frequent, without the means
+of prevention, there is no alternative on many occasions _but to
+employ a thief to catch a thief_.
+
+It is indeed so far fortunate, that when the influence of Magistrates
+is judiciously and zealously employed in this way, it is productive in
+many instances of considerable success, not only in the recovery of
+property stolen, but also in the detection and punishment of atrocious
+offenders.
+
+Wherever activity and zeal are manifested on the part of the
+Magistrates, the Peace Officers, under their immediate direction,
+seldom fail to exhibit a similar desire to promote the ends of public
+justice. And when it is considered that these Officers, while they
+conduct themselves with purity, are truly _the safeguards of the
+Community_, destined to protect the Public against the outrages and
+lawless depredations of a set of miscreants, who are the declared
+enemies of the State, by making war upon all ranks of the body
+politic, who have property to lose;--they have a fair claim, while
+they act properly, to be esteemed as "_the civil defenders of the
+lives and properties of the People_."
+
+Every thing that can heighten in any degree the respectability of the
+office of _Constable_, adds to the security of the State, and the
+safety of the life and property of every individual.
+
+Under such circumstances, it cannot be sufficiently regretted that
+these useful constitutional officers, destined for the protection of
+the Public, have been (with a very few exceptions) so little regarded,
+so carelessly selected, and so ill supported and rewarded for the
+imminent risques which they run, and the services they perform in the
+execution of their duty.
+
+The common Law, as well as the ancient Statutes of the kingdom, having
+placed extensive powers in the hands of _Constables_ and _Peace
+Officers_;--they are, in this point of view, to be considered as
+_respectable_;--and it is the interest of the Community, that they
+should support that rank and character in society, which corresponds
+with the authority with which they are invested.--If this were
+attended to, men of credit and discretion would not be so averse to
+fill such situations; and those pernicious prejudices, which have
+prevailed in vulgar life, and in some degree among the higher ranks in
+Society, with regard to _thief-takers_, would no longer operate; for
+it is plain to demonstration, "_that the best laws that ever were made
+can avail nothing, if the Public Mind is impressed with an idea, that
+it is a matter of infamy, to become the casual or professional agents
+to carry them into execution_."
+
+This absurd prejudice against the office of Constable, and the small
+encouragement which the major part receive, is one of the chief
+reasons why unworthy characters have filled such situations; and why
+the public interest has suffered by the increase of crimes.
+
+The office of Constable is as old as the Monarchy of England;--and
+certainly existed in the time of the Saxons.[99]--The law requires
+that he should be _idoneus homo_: or in other words, _to have honesty
+to execute the office without malice, affection, or partiality;
+knowledge to understand what he ought to do; and ability, as well in
+substance or estate, as in body_, to enable him to conduct himself
+with utility to the public.
+
+[Footnote 99: Fineux.]
+
+The Statute of Winchester, made in the 13th year of Edward the First
+(anno 1285) appoints two Constables to be chosen in every Hundred; and
+such seems to have been the attention of the Legislature to the Police
+of the Country at that early period of our history, "_that suspicious
+night-walkers are ordered to be arrested and detained by the
+watch_."[100]
+
+[Footnote 100: Winton, chap. 4.]
+
+The Statute of 5 Edward III. _cap._ 14, (anno 1332) empowers
+Constables "_to arrest persons suspected of man-slaughter, felonies,
+and robberies, and to deliver them to the Sheriff, to be kept in
+prison till the coming of the Justices_:" and another Act of the 34th
+of the same reign, _cap._ 1, (made anno 1361,) empowers Justices,
+(_inter alia_) "_to inquire after wanderers, to arrest and imprison
+suspicious persons, and to oblige persons of evil fame to give
+security for good behaviour; so that the People may not be troubled by
+rioters, nor the peace blemished; nor Merchants and others travelling
+on the highways be disturbed or put in peril by such offenders_."
+
+By the common law, every person committing a felony may be arrested by
+any person whomsoever present at the fact, who may secure the prisoner
+in gaol, or carry him before a Magistrate,[101]--and if a prisoner
+thus circumstanced, resists and refuses to yield, those who arrest
+will be justified in the beating him,[102] or, in case of absolute
+necessity, even killing him.[103]
+
+[Footnote 101: Hale.]
+
+[Footnote 102: Pult. 10, a.]
+
+[Footnote 103: Hale.]
+
+In arresting persons on suspicion of a felony, actually committed,
+_common fame_ has been adjudged to be a reasonable cause.[104]
+
+[Footnote 104: Dalton.]
+
+There are four methods, known in law, by which Officers of Justice,
+as well as private individuals, may arrest persons charged with
+felony.--1. _By the warrant of a Magistrate._--2. _By an Officer
+without a warrant._--3. _By a Private Person without a warrant._--And
+4. _By Hue-and-Cry._[105]
+
+[Footnote 105: Blackstone.]
+
+When a warrant is received by an Officer, he is bound to execute it,
+so far as the jurisdiction of the Magistrate and himself extends.--But
+the _Constable_ having great original and inherent authority, may,
+_without warrant_, apprehend any person for a breach of the Peace: and
+in case of felony, _actually committed_, he may, on probable
+suspicion, arrest the felon: and for that purpose (as upon the warrant
+of a Magistrate,) he is authorised to break open doors, and even
+justified in killing the felon, if he cannot otherwise be taken.[106]
+
+[Footnote 106: Blackstone.]
+
+All persons present, when a felony is committed, are bound to arrest
+the felon, on pain of fine and imprisonment, if he escapes through
+negligence of the by-standers; who will (the same as a constable) in
+such case be justified in breaking open doors, to follow such felon,
+and even to kill him if he cannot be taken otherwise.[107]
+
+[Footnote 107: Blackstone.]
+
+The other species of arrest is called _Hue-and-Cry_, which is an
+_alarm raised in the country_ upon any felony being committed. This
+was an ancient practice in use as far back as the reign of Edward the
+First, (1285) by which, in the then infant state of society, it
+became easy to discover criminal persons flying from justice.
+
+However doubtful the utility of this ancient method of detecting
+offenders may be, in a great Metropolis, in the present extended state
+of Society, it is plain, that it has been considered as an important
+regulation of Police so late as the 8th George II. (1735;) since it
+was enacted in that year, (stat. 8, George II. cap. 16.) that the
+Constable who neglects making _hue-and-cry_, shall forfeit five
+pounds; and even the district is liable to be fined (according to the
+law of Alfred) if the felony be committed therein, and the felon
+escapes.[108] This, however, applies more particularly to the country,
+and where the practice cannot fail to be useful in a certain degree.
+
+[Footnote 108: Blackstone.]
+
+When a _hue-and-cry_ is raised, every person, by command of the
+Constable, must pursue the felon, on pain of fine and imprisonment.
+
+In this pursuit also, Constables may search suspected houses if the
+doors be open: _but unless the felon is actually in the house_, it
+will not be justifiable to use force; nor even then, except where
+admittance has been demanded and refused.
+
+A Constable, even without any warrant, may break open a door for the
+purpose of apprehending a felon; but to justify this measure, he must
+not only shew that the felon was in the house, but also that access
+was denied after giving notice that he was a Constable, and demanding
+admittance in that capacity.[109] In the execution of the warrant of a
+Magistrate, the Officer is certainly authorized to break open the
+doors of the felon, or of the house of any person where he is
+concealed.--The first is lawful under all circumstances; but forcibly
+entering the house of a stranger may be considered as a trespass, if
+the felon should not be there.[110]
+
+[Footnote 109: Hale.]
+
+[Footnote 110: Hale.]
+
+Such are the powers with which Constables are invested,--and which
+are, in many instances, enforced by penalties; that public justice may
+not be defeated.[111]
+
+[Footnote 111: It may not be improper in this place to hint, that
+there is a deficiency in the present state of the Law, which calls
+aloud for a remedy. None can be arrested on a Sunday, but for felony
+or breach of the peace (except in certain cases, where their guilt has
+been previously decided on, as in _Escape_, &c.) By this means
+Lottery-Vagrants, Gamblers, Sharpers, and Swindlers, bid defiance to
+the Civil Power on that day; while a person guilty of pushing or
+striking another in an accidental squabble, may be arrested and
+confined.]
+
+In addition to this, the wisdom of the Legislature, as an
+encouragement to officers and others to do their duty in apprehending
+and prosecuting offenders, has granted rewards in certain cases;
+_Namely_,
+
+  4 Will. & Mary,    1. For apprehending, and prosecuting           £.
+  c. 8; and 6        to conviction, every robber, on the
+  Geo. I. c. 23.     highway, including the streets of the
+                     Metropolis, and all other towns, a reward
+                     of 40_l._ besides the _horse_, _furniture_,
+                     _arms_, and _money_, of the said robber,
+                     if not stolen property: to be paid
+                     to the person apprehending, or if killed
+                     in the endeavour, to his Executors.            40
+
+                     And the Stat. 8 Geo. II. c. 16. superadds
+                     10_l._ to be paid by the Hundred
+                     indemnified by such taking.
+
+  6 & 7 Will. and    2. For apprehending, and prosecuting
+  Mary, c. 17;       to conviction every person who
+  and 15 & 16        shall have counterfeited, clipped, washed,[112]
+  Geo. II. c. 28.    filed, or diminished the current
+                     coin; or who shall gild silver to make
+                     it pass as gold, or copper, as silver,--or
+                     who shall utter false money, (being
+                     the third offence) or after being once
+                     convicted of being a common utterer,
+                     &c. a reward of                                40
+
+                     3. For apprehending, and prosecuting
+                     to conviction, every person counterfeiting
+                     copper money, a reward of                      10
+
+  10 and 11 Will.    4. For apprehending, and prosecuting
+  III. c. 23.        to conviction, every person privately
+                     stealing to the value of 5_s._ from any
+                     _shop_, _warehouse_, or _stable_, a Tyburn
+                     ticket,[113] average value, about              20
+
+  10 & 11 Will.      5. For apprehending, and prosecuting
+  III. c. 23.        to conviction, every person charged
+  5 Ann. c. 32.      with a burglary, a reward of 40_l._ (to
+                     the apprehender, or if killed, to his
+                     executors) in money, and a Tyburn
+                     ticket, 20_l._                                 60
+
+                     6. For apprehending, and prosecuting
+                     to conviction, every person charged
+                     with house-breaking in the day-time,
+                     40_l._ in money, and a Tyburn ticket           60
+
+                     7. For apprehending, and prosecuting
+                     to conviction, any person charged
+                     with horse-stealing, a Tyburn Ticket           20
+
+  6 Geo. I.          8. For apprehending, and prosecuting
+  c. 23.             with effect, a person charged with
+                     the offence of compounding a felony,
+                     by taking money to help a person to
+                     stolen goods, without prosecuting and
+                     giving evidence against the felon              40
+
+  14 Geo. II.        9. For apprehending, and prosecuting
+  c. 6.              with effect, a person charged with
+  15 Geo. II.        stealing, or killing to steal, any sheep,
+  c. 34.             lamb, bull, cow, ox, steer, bullock,
+                     heifer, or calf                                10
+
+  16 Geo. II.        10. For apprehending, and prosecuting
+  c. 15.             with effect, persons returning from
+  8 Geo. III.        transportation                                 20
+  c. 15.
+
+[Footnote 112: In consequence of some doubts which have been started
+relative to washed money, the reward in this case is not paid; it is
+confined entirely to the conviction of _Coiners_.]
+
+[Footnote 113: This is a Certificate which may be assigned _once_,
+exempting the person who receives it, or his immediate assignee, from
+all offices within the parish or ward where the felony was committed.
+In some parishes it will sell from 25_l._ to 30_l._ In others it is
+not worth above 15_l._ to 18_l._ according to local situation.]
+
+These rewards apply to ten different offences, and ought, no doubt, to
+be a considerable spur to Officers to do their duty; but it may be
+doubted whether this measure has not, in some degree, tended to the
+increase of a multitude of smaller crimes which are pregnant with the
+greatest mischiefs to Society.--It is by deterring men from the
+commission of _smaller_ crimes (says the Marquis Beccaria) that
+_greater_ ones are prevented.
+
+If small rewards were given in cases of _Grand Larceny_, (now very
+numerous,) as well as of several other felonies, frauds, and
+misdemeanors, a species of activity would enter into the system of
+detection, which has not heretofore been experienced.
+
+While rewards are limited to higher offences, and CONVICTION _is the
+indispensable condition upon which they are granted_, it is much to be
+feared that lesser crimes are overlooked; and the Public subjected, in
+many instances, to the intermediate depredations of a rogue, from his
+first starting upon the town until he shall be worth 40_l._
+
+This system of giving high rewards only on conviction, also tends to
+weaken evidence: since it is obvious that the Counsel for all
+Prisoners, whose offences entitle the Prosecutors and Officers to a
+reward, generally endeavour to impress upon the minds of the Jury an
+idea, that witnesses, who have a pecuniary interest in the conviction
+of any offender standing upon trial, are not, on all occasions,
+deserving of full credit, unless strongly corroborated by other
+evidence; and thus many notorious offenders often escape justice.
+
+By altering the system entirely, and leaving it in the breast of the
+Judge who tries the offence, to determine what reward shall be
+allowed, with a power to _grant_ or _withhold_, or to _limit_ and
+_increase the same_, according to circumstances connected with the
+trouble and risk of the parties, _whether there is a conviction or
+not_, a fairer measure of recompence would be dealt out;--the public
+money would be more beneficially distributed,[114] so as to excite
+general activity in checking every species of criminality;--and the
+objections, now urged against Officers and Prosecutors as interested
+witnesses, would, by this arrangement, be completely obviated.
+
+[Footnote 114: The expence to the Public for rewards paid by the
+Sheriffs of the different Counties for 12 years, from 1786 to 1797
+inclusive, appears from the Appendix of the 28th Report of the Select
+Committee on Finance, page 104, to stand thus:
+
+  1786               £.10,840
+  1787                 15,060
+  1788                  6,590
+  1789                  7,340
+  1790                  8,970
+  1791                  6,050
+                     --------
+                     £.54,850
+
+  1792                £.7,330
+  1793                  8,160
+  1794                  7,140
+  1795                  3,290
+  1796                  4,010
+  1797                  9,650
+                     --------
+                     £.39,580
+                     --------
+  Total in 12 years, £.94,430.]
+
+For the purpose of elucidating these suggestions, it may be useful to
+examine the different offences which constitute the aggregate of the
+charges made against criminals arraigned at the Old Bailey, in the
+course of a year.
+
+With this view the following statement is offered to the consideration
+of the Reader.--It refers to a period of profound peace (as most
+likely to exhibit a true average) and contains a register of the
+trials, published by authority, including eight sessions from
+September 1790 to 1791. From this it appears that 1088 prisoners were
+tried for different offences in that year, and that 711 were
+_discharged_! and yet, striking as this may appear, it may be asserted
+on good grounds, that the following melancholy Catalogue (extensive as
+it seems to be) does not probably contain even _one-tenth part_ of the
+offences which are actually committed!
+
+    6  For Treason in making false money                            £.
+       _A reward in money on conviction amounting for each to_      40
+
+   81  Highway Robberies
+       _A reward (besides the highwayman's property) for each_      40
+
+   41  Burglaries
+       _A reward 40l. besides a Tyburn ticket worth 20l._           60
+
+   10  House Breaking in the day time
+       _A reward 40l. besides a Tyburn ticket worth 20l._           60
+
+   23  Stealing goods to the value of 5_s._ from a shop, &c.
+       _A Tyburn ticket value as above, average_                    20
+
+    3  Coining Copper Money
+       _A reward in money_                                          10
+
+   17  Horse stealing
+       _A reward in a Tyburn ticket, average value_                 20
+
+   10  For Stealing Cattle and Sheep
+       _A reward in money_                                          10
+
+    2  Returning from Transportation
+       _A reward in money_                                          20
+  ---
+  193  Prisoners tried for offences entitling the apprehenders to
+  ---  rewards on conviction; and 895 also tried, for which
+       no rewards are allowed, _viz._
+
+   10  for Murders
+    4  Arson
+   10  Forgeries
+    2  Piracies
+    4  Rapes
+  642  Grand Larcenies[115]
+   32  Stealing privately from persons
+   13  Shop-lifting under 5_s._
+   16  Ripping and stealing Lead
+   12  Stealing Pewter Pots
+   22  Stealing from furnished Lodgings
+    1  Stealing Letters
+    1  Stealing a Child
+   22  Receiving Stolen Goods
+    9  for Dealing in and uttering base Money
+    1  Sodomy
+    7  Bigamy
+    6  Perjuries
+    6  Conspiracies
+    3  Fraudulent Bankrupts
+   15  Frauds
+    9  Misdemeanors
+    1  Assaulting, and cutting Clothes
+    1  Smuggling
+    7  Obstructing Revenue Officers
+    1  Wounding a Horse maliciously
+   38  Assaults
+  ---
+   89, Total.
+
+  193  For which rewards were paid.
+
+  445  Prisoners from the late Sheriffs.
+  ---
+  Aggregate number 1533
+
+[Footnote 115: Grand Larceny is defined to be a felonious and
+fraudulent taking away by any person, of the mere personal goods of
+another, above the value of _twelve pence_.--1 _Hawk. P.C._ _c._ 33. §
+1.]
+
+  _Disposed of as follows, viz._
+
+  Executed                          32
+  Died                              25
+  Sent to the Hulks                  2
+  Transported                      517
+  Removed to other Prisons          95
+  Transferred to the new Sheriffs  151
+  Discharged upon the town         711
+                                  ----
+                                  1533
+
+Thus it appears that murders, as well as several other very atrocious
+crimes, are committed, where officers of justice are not entitled to
+any reward for their trouble and risque in apprehending the offenders.
+
+Receivers of stolen Goods in particular, who, as has been repeatedly
+stated, are _the nourishers and supporters of thieves_, and who, of
+all other offenders, are of that class where the greatest benefit to
+the public is to arise from their discovery and apprehension, seem to
+be totally overlooked.
+
+If it should be thought too loose a system to allow rewards _not
+exceeding a certain sum in any one case_, to be distributed according
+to the discretion of the Judges who try the offence; perhaps it might
+be possible _to form a scale of premiums_ from _one guinea up to fifty
+pounds_, which, by holding out certain encouragement _in all cases
+whatsoever_, might not only excite a desire on the part of men of some
+property and respectability to become Officers of Justice: but would
+create that species of _constant vigilance and attention_ to the means
+of apprehending every class of offenders, which cannot be expected at
+present, while the rewards are so limited.
+
+The _Officers of Justice_, (parochial and stipendiary) who are
+appointed to watch over the Police of the Metropolis and its environs,
+in keeping the peace, and in detecting and apprehending offenders,
+amount at present (as near as possible) to 1040 individuals, under
+five separate jurisdictions, _and are arranged as follows_:
+
+OFFICERS, &c.
+
+  _London, 1st._  { The City of London in   } City Marshals     2
+                  { 25 Wards, exclusive of  } Marshals' Men     6
+                  { Bridge Without.         } Beadles          36
+
+                                            { Principals       98
+                  Parochial Constables      { Substitutes     145
+                                            {                 --- 243
+                                            { Extra Officers   32
+                                                              --- 319
+
+  _Westminster,   { The City and Liberty    } High Constable    1
+  2d._            { of Westminster, 9       }
+                  { parishes and 2          } Parochial
+                  { precincts               }   Constables     70
+                                                              ---  71
+
+  _Middlesex,     { The Division of         } High Constable    1
+  3d._            { Holborn, in Middlesex,  } Parochial
+                  { joining the Metropolis, }   Constables &
+                  { in 13 parishes,         }   Headboroughs   78
+                  { liberties, and manors   }                  --  79
+                  {
+                  { The Division of         } High Constable    1
+                  { Finsbury, in Middlesex, } Parochial
+                  { joining the Metropolis  }   Constables &
+                  { 4 parishes and          }   Headboroughs   68
+                  { 1 liberty               }                  --  69
+                  {
+                  { The Division called     } High Constable    1
+                  { the Tower Hamlets,      } Parochial
+                  { including the eastern   }   Constables &
+                  { part of the Metropolis, }   Headboroughs  217
+                  { and comprehending 10    }                 --- 218
+                  { parishes, 4 hamlets, 1  }
+                  { liberty, and            }
+                  { 2 precincts             }
+
+  _Tower Liberty, { The liberty of the      } High Constable    1
+  4th._           { Tower of London,        } Constables &
+                  { being a separate        }   Headboroughs   16
+                  { jurisdiction            }                  --  17
+
+                  The Division of           } High Constable
+                  Kensington, Chelsea, &c.  } Parochial
+                  comprehending 2 parishes  }   Constables &
+                  and 3 hamlets             }   Headboroughs  ---  22
+
+  _Surry, 5th._   { The Borough of          } High Constable    1
+                  { Southwark, &c.          } Constables       87
+                  { comprehending 9         }                  --  88
+                  { Parishes.               }
+                                                                  ---
+                                        Total Parochial Officers  883
+
+  To which are to be added the stated Officers of Police,
+  specially appointed for the purpose of preventing crimes,
+  and of detecting and apprehending offenders.
+
+  1. The establishment at Bow-Street, under the
+  direction of the three Magistrates presiding at
+  that Office, viz. Constables                                  6
+
+  and (under the direction of Sir W. ADDINGTON,
+  Knt.) Patroles for the Road                                  68
+                                                               --  74
+
+  2. The establishment of seven Public Offices by
+  the Act of the 32d of his present Majesty,
+  cap. 53, under the direction of three Magistrates
+  at each Office, viz.
+
+  Constables at the Public Office, Queen-Square                 6
+                                   Marlborough-St.              6
+                                   Hatton Garden                6
+                                                               --
+                                                               18
+
+  Constables at the Public Office, Worship-Street               6
+                                   Whitechapel                  6
+                                   Shadwell                     6
+                                   Union Hall, Southw.          6
+                                                               --  42
+                                                                  ---
+                             Total Civil Force in the Metropolis  999
+
+  To which add the Civil Force of the Thames Police
+  Establishment;[116] established in July 1798,
+  under the sanction of Government                                 41
+                                                                 ----
+                                                          Total  1040
+
+[Footnote 116: The Thames Police Establishment fluctuates according to
+the Season of the year, and the number of West India ships on the
+River.--
+
+  The permanent force in House Constables, Boat Surveyors,
+  and Water Officers, &c. is                                       41
+
+  The fluctuating Civil Force in { Ship Constables                150
+                                 { Quay Guards                     30
+                                                                  ---
+  Total Civil Force of the Marine Police Establishment
+  when the West-India Fleets are in port                          221]
+
+Of these 1040 Officers the Reader will observe, that only 89
+(exclusive of the thirty-two extra officers in the City of London; and
+the sixty-eight patroles at Bow-street; making in the whole no more
+than 189,) _are Stipendiary Officers_, particularly pledged to devote
+their whole time to the service of the Public:--and hence a question
+arises, Whether so small a number are sufficient for the purpose of
+watching and detecting the hordes of villains who infest the
+Metropolis, and who must be considerably increased on the return of
+peace?
+
+Little assistance can be expected under the present System from
+parochial officers; who, depending on their daily labour principally
+for their support, can afford to devote no more time than is
+absolutely necessary for their indispensable duties, during the 12
+months they are in office: and more especially since Magistrates have
+no power, or funds, to remunerate such parochial officers for
+extraordinary exertions in the Public service, however meritorious
+they may be;--hence it is, that their zeal and activity are checked in
+many instances; when under proper regulations (such as are hereafter
+suggested) and subject to a certain degree of control and discipline,
+and properly remunerated for their services they might be rendered
+extremely useful. These facts, joined to the further elucidation of
+this particular branch of the subject, it is earnestly to be hoped,
+may produce an arrangement of more _energy_ and _effect_ than exists
+under the present system.
+
+Officers of Justice, who are subjected not only to considerable risks,
+but also to want of rest, and to the inconvenience of being exposed
+much in the night-time, ought certainly to be liberally paid; so as to
+make it an object to _good_ and _able men_ even to look up to such
+situations.
+
+It having been thus shewn that the Stipendiary Constables are so
+inconsiderable in point of numbers, and their duty confined to
+particular objects, it follows that on the parochial officers the
+Public ought, in a considerable degree, to depend for the general
+prevention of offences, and particularly for defeating the crafty and
+iniquitous devices which are resorted to for the purpose of evading
+the operation of justice.--These men also from their local knowledge
+are, or ought to be, best qualified to procure accurate information,
+and to supply what may be necessary to enable Magistrates to discharge
+their duty with advantage to the Community, and by this means they
+might be rendered useful auxiliaries to the existing Police.
+
+It would seem, therefore, of the highest importance that arrangements
+should be formed, calculated to give to these constitutional
+safe-guards of the peaceful subject, that utility, energy, and effect,
+which originally resulted from the exercise of their functions,--which
+the present state of Society imperiously calls for, and without which
+the preventive System of Police can never be effectual.
+
+On looking accurately into the nature and effect of the institution of
+Constables, it will be found that the vigor and efficacy of the Civil
+Power, the security of innocence,--the preservation of good order, and
+the attainment of justice, depend in a great measure on the accuracy
+of the System, with respect to these Officers assigned to keep the
+peace in the respective parishes of the Metropolis; and it is because
+the original spirit of the design has been, in so many instances,
+abandoned that crimes have multiplied, and that the public are so
+insecure.
+
+The evil, however, admits of practicable remedies, which the
+Superintending Board of Police, recommended by the Select Committee
+of the House of Commons, might considerably facilitate, by methodizing
+the general design, and giving strength, intelligence, and uniformity
+to the whole.
+
+Preparatory to this object, however, the System in the respective
+parishes must be greatly improved, before a co-operation can be
+expected that will prove extensively beneficial to the Public.
+
+The first step to be pursued, is to establish a fund for the
+remuneration of Constables of every description. It will not be
+difficult to demonstrate that a resource may be found for this
+purpose, which will not impose any new burden on the Country, provided
+these Officers do their duty.
+
+The enormous expence at present incurred, and which is either defrayed
+from the County Rates, or the general Revenue of the Country, arises
+chiefly after offenders are detected and punished. Out of 234,153_l._
+a year stated by the Committee on Finance, to be the annual amount of
+the Police expences, only 26,183_l._ is incurred previous to
+detection.--By diminishing crimes, therefore, the chief part of the
+burden upon the Country will be taken away; and hence in this saving
+will be established a resource for the remuneration of those who may
+contribute to so important an object.
+
+The present expenditure of the County Rates for criminal offences, is
+estimated to amount to 50,000_l._ a year. In proportion as offences
+diminish, through the medium of a well-organized and energetic
+Police, will this burden upon the Poor Rates also be diminished.
+
+Independent, therefore, of the policy of improving the system with
+respect to parochial Constables, by attaching a greater degree of
+responsibility to their situation, and introducing that discipline and
+systematic activity, which can alone render their services
+effectual--the plan may even be recommended as a proper arrangement in
+point of oeconomy.
+
+It is in vain to expect energy or attention in the execution of any
+Public duty, unless there be that personal responsibility which is not
+to be obtained without emolument. To render Officers of Justice,
+therefore, useful to the Public, they must be stimulated by
+interest:--they must, in fact, be paid for devoting a portion of their
+time to the comfort and security of others. The Law may inflict, and,
+indeed, has inflicted, penalties for the neglect of specific duties;
+but this will not establish that sort of Police which the present
+state of Society requires.--This is strongly exemplified in what may
+not be improperly called the _Mockery of Police_, which is exhibited
+in the periodical presentments by Constables, of public grievances and
+nuisances, before the Grand Inquest, four times a year at
+Westminster-hall, and twice before the Magistrates of the Sessions
+held at Guildhall in the City of Westminster. These presentments,
+although in themselves of the highest importance, have degenerated
+into what may now be considered as an useless and burdensome
+formality; at best it is a tedious, expensive, and circuitous, mode of
+removing nuisances and inconveniences, and so ill-suited to the
+present state of Society, that several modern parochial Acts have
+given relief in a summary way before Magistrates.
+
+The fact is, that in a great majority of instances where presentments
+are made, the evils they describe, though often highly prejudicial,
+are suffered to accumulate with increasing malignity, at the same time
+frequently generating other mischiefs and pressures of a tendency
+equally pernicious to the Community.
+
+It is admitted, that the proper Officer of the Crown notifies to the
+parties implicated in the presentment, the determination of the
+Inquest; but a prosecution seldom ensues. The Constable has neither
+money nor time to follow it up; and the matter is discharged when the
+customary term expires, on the payment of a Fee of 16_s._ 9_d._ or
+more, according to the length of the presentment; and thus the
+business terminates in the emolument of an individual, and in the
+continuance of the abuse.
+
+The same system prevails at the Sessions at Westminster. When Juries
+make presentments of nuisances or evils in their respective districts,
+the Constables have general orders to prosecute, which is not done;
+and, indeed, to compel an Officer serving gratuitously, to incur an
+expence for the Public interest which he cannot afford, would be an
+act of manifest injustice; and unless a fund be provided in numerous
+cases, he must be under the necessity of declining such prosecutions.
+
+But would it not be far better to bring such minor offences at once
+under the cognizance of Magistrates, with the power of appeal to the
+Quarter Sessions?--This is already the case in Spitalfields, under a
+parochial Act, where nuisances and annoyances are in consequence
+instantly removed. Matters of much greater importance are submitted to
+the same authority. The advantage in this case would be, that justice
+would be promptly administered at a small expence, and the evil would
+be put an end to, instead of remaining as at present a reproach to the
+Police, arming at the same time every noxious and bad member of
+Society, with a kind of licence to do offensive acts to the
+neighbourhood, and the Public at large, with impunity.
+
+To render parochial Constables useful, rules must be established to
+compel every qualified person to serve in his turn, or pay a fine. No
+person should be empowered to offer a Substitute.--It is of the
+highest importance that an Office invested with so much power should
+be executed by reputable men, if possible of pure morals, and not with
+hands open to receive bribes.--This important office in the Metropolis
+at least, has too long been degraded by the introduction, in many
+instances, of men of loose principles, undeserving of public
+confidence. The reason is obvious:--A man in the more reputable
+classes on whom the lot may fall, surrenders his functions to a
+Substitute who probably makes the office a trade;--performs the
+service of the year for four or five Guineas, trusting to other
+emoluments, many of which are obtained by corruption, to enable him to
+subsist.
+
+To render this branch of Police pure and efficient, an Act of
+Parliament should enforce the following or similar regulations:
+
+     1st. To assign a competent number of local Constables to
+     each parish, in proportion to the number of inhabited
+     houses; to be chosen by the whole number of qualified
+     inhabitants paying parish Rates--to be presented to the
+     Court Leet, or to the Magistrates of the Division, according
+     to a prescribed rule, which shall preclude the possibility
+     of exemptions or preferences; for which purposes the
+     qualifications shall be clearly defined in the Act.--Thus
+     might the abuses which at present prevail, in the selection
+     and choice of Constables, cease to be felt and complained
+     of: an equal distribution of the burden would take place,
+     and the duty be confined to men sufficiently respectable, to
+     establish in the Public mind a confidence that it would be
+     executed with fidelity, and an attention to the Public
+     interest.
+
+     2d. That with a view to that necessary discipline, and
+     knowledge of the duty to be performed, without which
+     Officers of Justice can be of little use, and may often be
+     converted into instruments of oppression by an abuse of
+     power; the High-Constable of the Division shall become _a
+     responsible permanent Officer_, with a competent Salary; and
+     shall have under his direction certain subordinate Officers,
+     not exceeding _one for a large Parish_, and _one for every_
+     25 _Constables in any number of smaller Parishes, Hamlets,
+     Precincts, and Liberties_, who shall be stiled _the
+     Parochial Chief Constable_, whose situation shall also _be
+     permanent_, with a moderate Salary, and who shall each be
+     _responsible_ for the execution of the regular duty which
+     may be assigned to the petty Constables, either by the Act
+     of Parliament, or by the Commissioners of Police, having
+     powers for that purpose granted by law.--That a certain
+     stipend or gratuity for trouble, shall also be paid to each
+     of the petty Constables, in consideration of the ordinary
+     duty they are bound to perform, besides 5_s._ a day for all
+     extraordinary duty. That among other things it shall be the
+     business of the parochial Chief Constable to instruct the
+     petty Constables in their duty--to attend them in their
+     perambulations, and to marshal them on receiving a precept
+     from the High-Constable, or an order from two Magistrates,
+     in case of any tumult or disorder requiring their
+     interference--to impress upon their minds the necessity of
+     purity, vigilance, and attention to orders--and of being
+     humane, prudent and vigorous, in the execution of such
+     duties as belong to their functions.--That they shall
+     instantly assemble on any alarm of Fire.--That the
+     Public-houses, in the parish or district, shall be visited
+     regularly; and also the Watchmen while upon duty, and
+     regular returns made to the Police Magistrates of the
+     District, stating the occurrences of the night. That
+     wherever suspicious characters reside in the parish, who
+     have no visible means of supporting themselves, the utmost
+     vigilance shall be exercised in watching their conduct, to
+     prevent as much as possible the commission of crimes, and to
+     preserve peace and good order in the parish; and wherever
+     the execution of any specific law depends on Constables, the
+     utmost attention to be manifested in giving it effect, and
+     preventing it from remaining a dead Letter.--That care be
+     taken to make regular, impartial, and accurate returns of
+     Jurors; and of persons eligible to serve in the
+     Militia;--and that immediate cognizance be also taken of all
+     nuisances and annoyances, and timely notice given to
+     Magistrates of all occurrences threatening to disturb the
+     Public peace, or to overturn the established Government of
+     the Country.
+
+     3d. That the different High Constables should return to the
+     Commissioners of Police annually, after a change of Officers
+     has taken place, a list of the number of persons who compose
+     the Civil Force, under their direction in their respective
+     divisions; and regularly, every quarter, a list of the
+     Publicans, with such facts as have occurred, respecting
+     their orderly or disorderly conduct in the management of
+     their Houses.--The state of the Division with respect to
+     Prostitutes--to the situation of the Poor for the preceding
+     quarter, and their resource for employment.--The number and
+     nature of the offences committed in the District during the
+     preceding quarter, and the detections of the delinquents,
+     shewing how many offenders have been discovered, and how
+     many have escaped justice, and stating the means used and
+     using to detect such as are at large, charged with specific
+     offences within the division: so as to bring under the
+     review of the Central Board a clear statement of the
+     criminal Police in every part of the Metropolis on the first
+     day of each quarter, with such other information as the
+     Commissioners may require.
+
+     4th. It is humbly suggested, that the Salaries and
+     allowances to be paid to the _High Constables_ and
+     _parochial Chief Constables_ should be paid out of the
+     General Police Fund, under the Management of the Board, and
+     the gratuities and allowances to the petty Constables out of
+     the County Rate.
+
+It might be expedient that the Stipend of the petty Constables should
+be very moderate, and that their remunerations should, partly at
+least, arise from _premiums_ and _gratuities_, granted by the Judges
+and Magistrates, for meritorious services to the Public, _actually
+performed_; for which there would so many opportunities occur, that no
+fit man, acting as a Constable under such a system, and doing his duty
+conscientiously, need be under any apprehension of obtaining a very
+comfortable livelihood.
+
+The invariable rule of rewarding, in every case where it can be made
+appear that any useful Public service has been performed, would have a
+most wonderful effect in preventing crimes: The expence, if
+judiciously and oeconomically managed, need not exceed, in any
+material degree, _the present aggregate_ of what is disbursed in
+different ways, in all the branches of the Police and Criminal
+Establishment; it might, in fact, be defrayed, as well as every other
+charge, _by the Police itself_, under the direction of the _Central
+Board_, hereafter more particularly alluded to, from the produce of
+the _Licences_ proposed to be granted for regulating particular
+classes of Dealers, by whose aid and assistance, in supporting Thieves
+and Pilferers, such a system is rendered necessary.
+
+Nor should the rewards be wholly confined to Officers of Justice,
+either _parochial or stipendiary_. The Public Good requires, that they
+should extend also to Watchmen and Patroles, who should have every
+reasonable encouragement held out to them to be honest and vigilant,
+by small premiums paid down immediately, for every service they may
+render the Public; either in detecting or apprehending persons who are
+guilty of felonies, or other offences against the public peace.
+
+At present, the watchmen destined to guard the lives and properties of
+the inhabitants residing in near _eight thousand_ streets, lanes,
+courts, and alleys, and about 160,000 houses, composing the whole of
+the Metropolis and its environs, are under the direction of no less
+than above seventy different Trusts; regulated by perhaps double the
+number of local acts of Parliament, (varying in many particulars from
+one another,) under which the _directors_, _guardians_, _governors_,
+_trustees_, or _vestries_, according to the title they assume, are
+authorised to act,--each attending only to their own particular
+_Ward_, _Parish_, _Hamlet_, _Liberty_, or _Precinct_; and varying the
+payment according to local circumstances, and the opulence of the
+particular district, from 8-1/2_d._ up to 2_s._ each night.[117]
+
+[Footnote 117: There is, in some respect, an exception to this rule,
+with regard _to the City and Liberty of Westminster_, and the parishes
+of _St. Clement Danes_,--_St. Mary le Strand_,--_The Savoy_, The
+united parishes of _St. Giles_ and _St. George, Bloomsbury_,--The
+united parishes of _St. Andrew, Holborn above the Bars_, and _St.
+George the Martyr_, and the liberty of _Saffron Hill_, _Hatton
+Garden_, and _Ely Rents_.--The Act of the 14th George III. cap. 90,
+contains regulations applicable to the whole of these Parishes and
+Liberties, fixing the _minimum_ of watchmen at 523, and patroles at 56
+men, for the _whole_; but leaving the management still to the
+inhabitants of each respective Parish or Liberty. The same act fixes
+the _minimum_ of wages at 1_s._ a night, and patroles 15_d._ In the
+City of London, the salaries given to watchmen vary in each Ward, from
+13_l._ to 18_l._ 19_l._ 20_l._ 21_l._ 7_s._ 23_l._ 8_s._ up to 26_l._
+and patroles are allowed from 13_l._ to 35_l._ and 40_l._ a year.]
+
+The encouragement being, in many instances, so small, few candidates
+appear for such situations, who are really, in point of character and
+age, fit for the duty which ought to be performed; the managers have
+therefore no alternative but to accept of such aged, and often
+superannuated, men, living in their respective districts, as may offer
+their services; this they are frequently induced to do from motives of
+humanity, to assist old inhabitants who are unable to labour at any
+mechanical employment, or perhaps with a view to keep them out of the
+workhouse, and to save the expence of maintaining them.
+
+Thus circumstanced, and thus encouraged, what can be expected from
+such watchmen?--
+
+Aged in general;--often feeble:--and almost, on every occasion, half
+starved, from the limited allowance they receive; without any claim
+upon the Public, or the least hope of reward held out, even if they
+perform any meritorious service, by the _detection of Thieves and
+Receivers of stolen Goods_, or idle and disorderly persons: and above
+all, _making so many separate parts of an immense system, without any
+general superintendance, disjointed from the nature of its
+organization_, it is only a matter of wonder, that the protection
+afforded is what _it really is_.[118]--Not only is there small
+encouragement offered for the purpose of insuring fidelity, but as has
+been already shewn innumerable temptations are held out to dishonesty,
+by Receivers of stolen Goods, to the watchmen and patroles in their
+vicinity; as well as by thieves and housebreakers in all situations
+where they contemplate the commission of a burglary.
+
+[Footnote 118: This proves how highly meritorious the conduct of the
+_Managers_ and _Trustees_ of this branch of the Police of the
+Metropolis must, in many instances, be. There can indeed be no manner
+of doubt, but that great advantages arise from dividing the labour,
+where all the benefits of local knowledge enter into the system.--So
+far as this goes, it ought not to be disturbed. But it is also
+necessary to consider the Metropolis as a _great Whole_, and to
+combine the organs of Police which at present exist, in such a manner,
+by a general superintendance, as to give equal encouragement, and to
+instil one principle of universal energy into all its parts.]
+
+Money is also received from disorderly persons in the night, to permit
+them to escape from the just punishment of the Laws; while on the
+other hand, unfortunate females are often cruelly oppressed and laid
+under contribution, for permission to infringe the very laws, which it
+is the duty of these nocturnal guardians of the Police to put in
+execution.
+
+Excepting in the city of London, under the jurisdiction of the Lord
+Mayor and Aldermen, (where there are, in the 25 wards, 765 watchmen,
+and 38 patroles) and the parishes and liberties combined by the act of
+the 14th Geo. III. cap. 90, it will not be easy to ascertain the exact
+number of watchmen, &c. employed by the great variety of different
+Trusts, in every part of the Metropolis; more especially, as in
+several instances they vary in their numbers according to the season
+of the year, and other circumstances; but the following statement is
+believed to be very near truth:--
+
+                                                          _Beadles,
+                                                          Watchmen,
+                                                        and Patroles._
+
+  25 Wards in the City of London                              803
+
+  11 Parishes, &c. in the City and Liberty of
+     Westminster                                              302
+
+  13 Parishes, &c. in the Division of Holborn                 377
+
+   5 Parishes, &c. in that part of the Division of
+     Finsbury which joins the Metropolis                      135
+
+   7 Parishes, &c. in the Division of the Tower
+     Hamlets                                                  268
+
+   1 Liberty of the Tower of London                            14
+
+   5 Parishes and Hamlets, being part of the Division
+     of Kensington, near the Metropolis                        66
+
+   9 Parishes in the Borough of Southwark                      79
+                                                             ----
+                      Total Beadles, Watchmen, and Patroles  2044[119]
+                                                             ----
+
+[Footnote 119: Watch-houses are now placed at convenient distances all
+over the Metropolis; where a parochial constable attends, in rotation,
+every night, to receive disorderly and criminal persons, and to carry
+them before a Magistrate next morning.--In each watch-house also (in
+case of fire) the names of the turn-cocks, and the places where
+engines are kept, are to be found. This circumstance is mentioned for
+the information of strangers unacquainted with the Police of the
+Metropolis; to whom it is recommended, in case of fire, or any
+accident or disturbance requiring the assistance of the Civil Power,
+to apply immediately to the Officer of the night, at the nearest
+watch-house, or to the watchmen on the beat.]
+
+Nothing can certainly be better calculated for _complete protection_
+against acts of violence in the streets, than _the System of a
+well-regulated Stationary Watch_; composed of fit and able-bodied
+men, properly controlled and superintended: and from the number of
+persons already employed, independent of private Watchmen, it would
+seem only to be necessary to lay down apposite legislative rules, with
+respect to _age or ability_, _character_, _wages_, _rewards for useful
+services_, and _general superintendance_, in order to establish that
+species of additional security, which would operate as a more
+effectual means of preventing crimes within the Metropolis.
+
+Let the same system of moderate rewards also be extended to
+beadles,[120] for useful Public service _actually performed_, as is
+proposed with regard to officers of justice, watchmen, and patroles;
+and much good will arise to the community, without any great
+additional expence.
+
+[Footnote 120: Beadles are, in many instances, employed at present as
+local superintendants of the watch, within their respective Parishes.]
+
+It is in vain to expect that the Public can be well served, unless the
+emolument becomes an object to good and able men; but these
+extraordinary rewards (as has already been observed) should always
+depend upon the vigilance and exertion of the parties themselves, in
+detecting offenders of every description: and should be paid, on its
+appearing to the Magistrate, that no _impropriety_ or _indiscretion_
+has marked their conduct. If, on the contrary, they should be proved
+to have acted oppressively or improperly, a power of immediate
+dismission and punishment should, in all instances, be lodged in
+Justices of the Peace, to be exercised according to the nature of the
+offence.
+
+Having thus stated the civil force of the Metropolis, in
+peace-officers, watchmen and patroles, making an aggregate of 3084
+men--it may be necessary and useful to give such information relative
+to the Magistracy, as may tend to shew the present state of the
+Police, and to illustrate what remains to be further suggested on the
+subject of its improvement; for the preservation of the Public peace,
+and the _detection_ and _apprehension_ of every class of offenders.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+There exist at present no less than _five_ separate jurisdictions
+within the limits of the Metropolis--namely,--
+
+                                                         _Magistrates._
+
+  1. The City of London, where there are, including
+     the Lord Mayor, 26 Aldermen, who have an exclusive
+     jurisdiction within the ancient limits                         26
+
+  2. The City and Liberty of Westminster--where there
+     are upwards of 100 Justices of the Peace, who have
+     jurisdiction only in that particular District; but
+     where the Magistrates of the County of Middlesex have
+     an equal jurisdiction.--The number resident, of those
+     who are not Magistrates of Middlesex, is supposed to
+     be about                                                       50
+
+  3. That part of the Metropolis, which is situated in the
+     county of Middlesex, where there are about 800 Justices,
+     including the Princes of the Royal Family--many
+     of the Nobility--Great Officers of State--Members
+     of Parliament--and other Gentlemen of respectability;--of
+     those in the commission about 200 have qualified;
+     and of these who have taken out their _Dedimus
+     Potestatum_, only about 150 reside in or near the
+     Metropolis                                                    150
+
+  4. That district of the Metropolis lying near, or
+     particularly belonging anciently to the Tower of London,
+     comprehending about 750 houses--where the Magistrates
+     (52 in number) have an exclusive jurisdiction,
+     and hold separate Sessions of the Peace.--The number
+     who are not Magistrates in Middlesex, is                       31
+
+  5. The Borough of Southwark, and that part of the Metropolis
+     adjoining thereto, within the Bills of Mortality--where
+     the City Magistrates have jurisdiction, besides
+     the whole of the Magistrates of the County of
+     Surry--namely--132, but of whom not more than 28 reside
+     in Southwark, and 15 in London, &c. (in all)                   43
+                                                                   ---
+                                                      Total about  300
+                                                                   ---
+
+But, notwithstanding the great number of respectable names, which are
+in the different commissions in and near the Metropolis; and although
+all who have qualified have equal jurisdiction with the Police
+Justices, within their respective districts; yet the efficient
+duty for the whole of the Metropolis, so far as it relates to the
+detection of offenders, is principally limited to two classes of
+Magistrates--namely,--
+
+  1. The 26 Aldermen of London, whose jurisdiction is
+     confined to the ancient limits of the City, comprehending
+     25 Wards, in which are 21,642 houses on the London
+     side, and Bridge Ward without, in the Borough                  26
+
+  2. The established Magistrates, three of whom preside
+     at each of the seven Public Offices, appointed by the Act
+     of the 32d of his present Majesty, cap. 53. viz.--
+
+     1.  Public Office, Queen's-Square, Westminster          3
+     2.  Public Office, Marlborough-Street                   3
+     3.  Public Office, Hatton-Garden                        3
+     4.  Public Office, Worship-Street, Shoreditch           3
+     5.  Public Office, Whitechapel                          3
+     6.  Public Office, Shadwell                             3
+     7.  Public Office, Union-Street, Southwark              3
+                                                            --
+                                                            21
+
+     8.  Existing (previous to the Act) at the Public
+         Office, Bow-Street                                  3
+                                                            --
+                                                            24
+
+     9.  The Thames Police Institution at Wapping, for
+         the River only                                      2
+                                                            --      26
+
+                  Total efficient Magistrates who sit in rotation,  --
+                  daily, in the Metropolis                          52
+
+The jurisdiction of the Magistrates presiding at the seven Public
+Offices, not only extends to Westminster and Middlesex; (and, in most
+instances, lately, to the liberty of the Tower:) but also to the
+counties of Surry, Kent, and Essex, from which considerable advantages
+in the prompt detection and apprehension of offenders have accrued to
+the Public: The only difficulty that now remains to be removed, with
+respect to the clashing of jurisdictions, is that which regards the
+city of London; where, from its contiguity, and immediate and close
+connection with every other part of the Metropolis, considerable
+inconveniences and injuries to the public are felt, not only from the
+circumstance of the jurisdiction of the City Magistrates not being
+extended over the _whole_ of the Metropolis, as well as the four
+adjoining counties; but also from the Police Magistrates having no
+authority quickly to follow up informations, by issuing warrants to
+search for property, and to apprehend persons charged with offences in
+the City. The whole difficulty resolves itself into a mere matter of
+_punctilio_, founded perhaps on ill-grounded jealousy, or
+misapprehension, which a little explanation would probably remove.
+
+Where the object is to do good;--and where not even the shadow of harm
+can arise, no limits should be set to local jurisdictions; especially
+where privileges are proposed to be given; (as in this case, to the
+city of London;)--and where none are to be taken away.
+
+For the purpose of establishing a complete and well-connected System
+of _detection_, some means ought certainly to be adopted, more closely
+to unite the City and Police Magistrates,[121] that they may, in a
+greater degree, go hand in hand in all matters regarding the general
+interest of the Metropolis and its environs; making the suppression of
+crimes one common cause, and permitting no punctilio, regarding
+jurisdiction, to prevent the operation of their united energy in the
+prompt detection of offenders; This, from the extended state of
+Commerce and Society, and the great increase of property, is now
+rendered a measure in which the inhabitants of the whole Metropolis,
+as well as the adjacent villages, have a common interest. It is an
+evil, which affects all ranks, and calls aloud for the speedy adoption
+of some effectual remedy.
+
+[Footnote 121: The Select Committee of the House of Commons, in their
+28th Report, 1798, on Finance, have strongly recommended a Concurrent
+Jurisdiction; and also, that two Police Offices should be established
+in London, upon the plan of the others, with Magistrates to be
+appointed by the Lord Mayor and Aldermen.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. XV.
+
+     _The prevailing practice explained, when offenders are
+     brought before Magistrates.--The necessary caution, as well
+     as the duty of Magistrates in such cases
+     explained.--Professed thieves seldom intimidated when put
+     upon their trial, from the many chances they have of
+     escaping.--These chances shortly detailed.--Reflections on
+     the false humanity exercised by prosecutors towards
+     prisoners.--Their rudeness and cruelty, when engaged in acts
+     of criminality.--The delays and expences of prosecutions, a
+     great discouragement, inducing sufferers to put up with
+     their loss, in silence.--How the inconvenience may be
+     remedied.--An account of the different Courts of Justice,
+     appointed for the trial of offences committed in the
+     Metropolis.--Five inferior and two superior Courts.--A
+     statement, shewing the number of prisoners convicted and
+     discharged during the last year.--Reflections on this sad
+     catalogue of depravity.--A radical defect somewhere.--The
+     great purity of the Judges of England.--The propriety of a
+     co-operation with them, in whatever shall tend to promote
+     the ends of Public Justice.--This object to be attained, in
+     the greatest possible degree, by means of an authorised
+     Public Prosecutor.--The advantages of such an institution,
+     in remedying many abuses which prevail in the trial of
+     offenders.--From 2500 to 3000 persons committed for
+     trial, by Magistrates, in the Metropolis, in the course of a
+     Year.--The chief part afterwards returned upon Society._
+
+
+Arriving at that _point_ in the progress of this Work, where persons
+accused of offences are detected and brought before Magistrates for
+examination, ultimately to be committed for trial, if the evidence
+shall be sufficient:--It is proper to explain the prevailing practice
+under such circumstances.
+
+The task, in this case imposed upon the Magistrate, is arduous and
+important; requiring not only great purity of conduct, a profound
+knowledge of mankind, and of the common affairs of life; but in a more
+peculiar manner those powers of discrimination which may enable him to
+discover how far criminality attaches to the party accused; and
+whether there are grounds sufficient to abridge for a time, or
+ultimately to deprive the prisoner of his liberty, until a Jury of his
+country shall decide upon his fate.
+
+It frequently happens that persons accused of crimes are apprehended
+under circumstances where no doubt can rest on the mind of the
+Magistrates as to the guilt of the prisoner; but where the legal
+evidence is nevertheless insufficient to authorize an immediate
+commitment for trial.
+
+In these instances, (while he commits _pro tempore_,) he is called
+upon in a particular manner to exert the whole powers of his mind, by
+adopting such judicious measures as shall be the means of detecting
+the offenders; by discovering the goods or property stolen, or by
+admitting such evidence for the Crown as may, with other corroborating
+testimony, prevent the ends of justice from being defeated.
+
+Where a Magistrate proceeds with indefatigable zeal and attention, and
+at the same time exercises good judgment, he will seldom fail of
+success; for in this case a similar spirit will animate the officers
+under his controul, whose activity and industry are generally in
+proportion to that manifested by their superiors.
+
+Much as every active Magistrate must regret that deficiency of
+pecuniary resource, which, under the present system, prevents him from
+rewarding those who must occasionally be employed to detect notorious
+offenders, this circumstance ought not to abate this zeal in any
+respect; since by perseverance it generally happens, that every good
+and proper arrangement for the immediate advantage of the Public, may
+be ultimately obtained.
+
+The Magistrate having done his duty by committing an offender for
+trial, satisfied of his guilt and the sufficiency of the evidence to
+convict him: and having also bound over the prosecutor and the
+witnesses as the Law directs, to attend the Grand Jury, and (if a bill
+be found) to prosecute and give evidence upon the indictment; it might
+appear to the common observer, that the culprit's case becomes
+hopeless and forlorn.
+
+This, however, is by no means a stage in the progress that intimidates
+a professed thief; he feels and knows that, although guilty of the
+crime laid to his charge, he has many chances of escaping; and these
+chances unquestionably operate as encouragements to the commission of
+crimes.
+
+His first hope is, that he shall intimidate the Prosecutor and
+Witnesses, by the threatenings of the gang with whom he is
+connected;--his next that he may compound the matter; or bribe or
+frighten material witnesses, so as to keep back evidence; or induce
+them to speak doubtfully at the trial, though positive evidence was
+given before the Magistrate; or if all should fail, recourse is had to
+perjury, by bringing the Receiver, or some other associate, to swear
+an _alibi_.
+
+Various other considerations also operate in strengthening the hopes
+of acquittal; partly arising from the vast numbers who are discharged
+or acquitted at every Session of gaol-delivery; and partly from the
+carelessness and inattention of Prosecutors, who are either unable or
+unwilling to sustain the expence of Counsel to oppose the arguments
+and objections which will be offered in behalf of the prisoner: or are
+soured by loss of valuable time, experienced, perhaps in former
+prosecutions;[122]--or ultimately from a dread entertained by timid
+persons, who foolishly and weakly consider themselves as taking away
+the life of a fellow-creature, merely because they prosecute or give
+evidence; not reflecting that it is the _Law_ only that can punish
+offenders, and _not_ the individual prosecutor or witnesses.
+
+[Footnote 122: It is true, that by the Acts of 25th Geo. II. cap. 36,
+and 18th Geo. III. cap. 13, the expences of the prosecutors and
+witnesses are to be paid; and also (if the parties shall appear to be
+in poor circumstances) a reasonable allowance made for trouble and
+loss of time; but this is connected with the regulations of the
+Justices, confirmed by one of the Judges of Assize, which vary
+according to local circumstances, and it is also necessary to plead
+poverty in order to be remunerated for loss of time: _but as the poor
+seldom suffer by thieves_, these Acts appear to have had little effect
+in encouraging prosecutors to come forward; and it is believed few
+applications are made excepting in cases of real poverty.--In the
+County of Middlesex there is an exception; where witnesses are
+directed to be paid by the Overseers of the Poor of the Parish, where
+the person was apprehended; but this mode of payment is seldom if ever
+adopted.--The fund, however, which the Legislature has thus provided,
+if oeconomically and judiciously applied by a Public Prosecutor,
+would remove many difficulties, without any material addition to the
+county rates.]
+
+False Humanity, exercised in this manner, is always cruelty to the
+public, and not seldom to the prisoners themselves.--All depredations
+upon property are _public wrongs_, in the suppression and punishment
+of which it is the duty of every good man to lend his assistance; a
+duty more particularly incumbent upon those who are the immediate
+sufferers: through their means only can Public Justice operate in
+punishing those miscreants, by whom the innocent are _put in fear,
+alarmed and threatened with horrid imprecations--with loss of life by
+means of loaded pistols_; or bodily injury, from being hacked with
+cutlasses, or beaten with bludgeons--under circumstances where neither
+age nor sex is spared.--
+
+Yet experience has shewn that these arguments, powerful as they are,
+are insufficient to awaken in the mind of men that species of Public
+spirit which shall induce sufferers in general, by robberies of
+different kinds, to become willing prosecutors, under the various
+trying delays of Courts of Justice; and frequently with the trouble of
+bringing a number of witnesses from the country, who are kept in
+attendance on the court perhaps several days together, at a very
+considerable expence.
+
+Such a burden imposed upon the subject, in addition to the losses
+already sustained, in a case too where the offence is of a public
+nature, is certainly not easily reconcileable with that spirit of
+justice, and attention to the rights of individuals, which forms so
+strong a general feature in the Jurisprudence of the Country.
+
+From all these circumstances it happens that innumerable felonies are
+concealed, and the loss is suffered in silence as the least of two
+evils; by which means thieves are allowed to reign with impunity,
+undisturbed, and encouraged to persevere in their evil practices.
+
+Nothing, it is to be feared, can cure this evil, and establish a
+general system of protection, but a vigorous Police; strengthened and
+improved by the appointment of Deputy-Prosecutors for the Crown,
+acting under the Attorney-General for the time being. An establishment
+of this sort, even at a very small salary, would be considered as an
+honourable _entré_ to many young Counsel; who, in protecting the
+Public against the frauds, tricks, and devices of old and professed
+thieves, by which at present they escape punishment, might keep the
+stream of justice pure, and yet allow no advantage to be taken of the
+prisoner.[123]
+
+[Footnote 123: The propriety of this suggestion is sanctioned by the
+recommendation of the Finance Committee of the House of Commons in
+their 27th and 28th Report; and forms part of that System of general
+controul and arrangement for the prevention of crimes, stated more at
+large in a subsequent Chapter.]
+
+As it must be admitted on all hands, that it is the interest of the
+Public that no guilty offender should escape punishment;--it seems to
+be a position equally clear and incontrovertible, that wherever, from
+a defect in the system of prosecutions, or any other cause, a prisoner
+escapes the punishment due to his crimes, substantial justice is
+wounded, and public wrongs are increased.
+
+It has been already stated in the preceding Chapter, that there are
+five separate Jurisdictions in the Metropolis, where Magistrates
+exercise limited authority.--Of course, there are five inferior Courts
+of Justice, where lesser offences, committed in London and its
+vicinity, are tried by Justices of the Peace.
+
+     1. The general and Quarter Sessions of the Peace; held eight
+     times a year, by the Lord Mayor and Aldermen, at
+     Guildhall--_for the trial of small Offences committed in
+     London_.
+
+     2. The Quarter Sessions of the Peace; held four times a year
+     at Guildhall, Westminster, by the Justices acting for that
+     City and Liberty--_for the trial of small Offences committed
+     in Westminster only_.
+
+     3. The General and Quarter Sessions of the Peace; held eight
+     times a year, at the New Sessions House on
+     Clerkenwell-Green, (commonly called Hicks's Hall) by the
+     Justices only of the County of Middlesex--_for the trial of
+     small Offences committed in Middlesex and Westminster_.
+
+     4. The General Quarter Sessions of the Peace; held in the
+     Sessions-House in Well-Close-Square, by the Justices for the
+     Liberty of the Tower of London--_for the trial of small
+     Offences committed within the Royalty_.
+
+     5. The Quarter Sessions of the Peace; held by the Justices
+     for the County of Surry, at the New Sessions House at
+     Newington, Surry, in January;--At Reigate, in April;--At
+     Guildhall, in July;--and Kingston-upon-Thames, in October,
+     each year;--_where small Offences committed in Southwark and
+     the Neighbourhood are tried_.
+
+These five inferior Courts of Justice take cognizance of _Petty
+Larcenies, Frauds, Assaults, Misdemeanors, and other offences
+punishable by fine, imprisonment, whipping, and the pillory_:--and in
+certain cases, the power of the Justices extends to transportation.
+
+The higher and more atrocious offences committed in London and
+Middlesex, are tried at the Justice-Hall, in the Old Bailey; by a
+special commission of Oyer and Terminer to the Lord Mayor, and a
+certain number of the Judges, with the Recorder and Common Serjeant of
+the City of London.
+
+Offences of this latter degree of atrocity, perpetrated in that part
+of the Metropolis which is situated in the Borough of Southwark and
+County of Surry, are tried at the assizes, held twice a year at
+_Kingston-upon-Thames_, _Croydon_, or _Guildford_.[124]
+
+[Footnote 124: Considerable inconvenience arises (and, indeed, great
+hardship, where prisoners are innocent) from the length of time which
+must elapse, where offences have been committed in Southwark, before
+they can be brought to trial; either for inferior or more atrocious
+crimes. In the former case, prisoners must remain till the Quarter
+Sessions, (there being no intermediate General Sessions of the Peace)
+and in the latter case till the Assizes, held only twice a year; this
+occasions a confinement, previous to trial, lengthened out, in some
+instances, to three, four, five, and even nearly to six months.]
+
+Thus it appears, that five inferior and two superior Tribunals of
+Justice are established for trying the different crimes committed in
+the Metropolis.
+
+As it may be useful, for the purpose of elucidating the suggestions
+already offered upon this branch of the subject, that a connected view
+of the result of these _Trials_ should make a part of this Work;--the
+following Abstract, (including the discharges of Prisoners by
+Magistrates) has been made up for this immediate purpose: from
+authentic documents obtained from the keepers of the eight different
+prisons and houses of correction in the city of London, and in the
+counties of Middlesex and Surry.
+
+It applies to the period, from September, 1794, till September, 1795,
+which is chosen as a sort of medium between Peace and War.
+
+It is impossible to contemplate this collected aggregate of the
+prisoners annually discharged upon the Public, without feeling a
+strong anxiety to remedy an evil rendered extremely alarming, from the
+number which composes the dismal catalogue of Human Depravity.
+
+Every inquiry in the progress of this Work proves a radical defect
+somewhere.
+
+While the public tribunals are filled with Judges, the purity of whose
+conduct adds lustre to their own and the national character, why
+should not every subordinate part of the Criminal Jurisprudence of the
+Country be so organized, as to co-operate, in the greatest possible
+degree, with the efforts of those higher orders of the Magistracy in
+accomplishing the purposes of substantial justice?
+
+Nothing could tend more to promote this object, than the appointment
+already proposed of a Public Prosecutor for the Crown.
+
+An institution of this kind would terrify the hordes of miscreants now
+at open war with the peaceable and useful part of the Community, in a
+greater degree than any one measure that could possibly be adopted.
+
+It would be the means of destroying those hopes and chances which
+encourage criminal people to persevere in their depredations upon the
+Public.
+
+
+A Summary View of the Prisoners _committed_, _tried_, _punished_,
+_disposed of_, and _discharged_ in the Metropolis, in _One Year_,
+ending in October, 1795.
+
+_Number of prisoners, punished and disposed of._
+
+   +-----------+---------------------------------------------------
+   |Names of   |Died
+   |Prisons    |  |Capitally convicted[A]
+   |           |  |  |Sentenced to Transportation[B]
+   |           |  |  |   |Imprisoned in Newgate
+   |           |  |  |   |  |Imprisoned in Bridewell Hospital
+   |           |  |  |   |  |   |Imprisoned in the House of
+   |           |  |  |   |  |   |Correction of Middlesex
+   |           |  |  |   |  |   |  |Imprisoned in Tothil-Fields
+   |           |  |  |   |  |   |  |Bridewell
+   |           |  |  |   |  |   |  |  |Imprisoned in Surry Goals
+   |           |  |  |   |  |   |  |  |  |Sent to the Philanthropic
+   |           |  |  |   |  |   |  |  |  |and Marine Societies
+   |           |  |  |   |  |   |  |  |  |  |Sent to serve his
+   |           |  |  |   |  |   |  |  |  |  |Majesty in the Navy
+   |           |  |  |   |  |   |  |  |  |  |and Army
+   |           |  |  |   |  |   |  |  |  |  |   |Passed to
+   |           |  |  |   |  |   |  |  |  |  |   |Parishes
+   |           |  |  |   |  |   |  |  |  |  |   |    |Sent to
+   |           |  |  |   |  |   |  |  |  |  |   |    |Hospitals
+   |           |  |  |   |  |   |  |  |  |  |   |    |   |Total
+   +-----------+--+--+---+--+---+--+--+--+--+---+----+---+---------
+   +--         |  |  |   |  |   |  |  |  |  |   |    |   |
+   |Newgate    | 7|51|153|85|   |54|  |20|  | 39|    |   | 409
+   |           |  |  |   |  |   |  |  |  |  |   |    |   |
+  L|Poultry    |  |  |   |  |   |  |  |  |  |   |    |   |
+  O|Compter    |  |  |   |  |334|  |  |  |10| 44|  72|   | 460
+  N|           |  |  |   |  |   |  |  |  |  |   |    |   |
+  D|Giltspur   |  |  |   |  |   |  |  |  |  |   |    |   |
+  O|Compter    |  |  |   |  |249|  |  |  |  | 75| 125| 44| 493
+  N|           |  |  |   |  |   |  |  |  |  |   |    |   |
+   |Bridewell  |  |  |   |  |   |  |  |  |  |   |    |   |
+   |Hospital   | 4|  |   |  |   |  |  |  |  |   | 835| 44| 883
+   +--         |  |  |   |  |   |  |  |  |  |   |    |   |
+   +--         |  |  |   |  |   |  |  |  |  |   |    |   |
+   |           |  |  |   |  |   |  |  |  |  |   |    |   |
+   |New Prison |  |  |   |  |   |  |  |  |  |   |    |   |
+  M|Clerkenwell| 5|  |  3|  |   |  |  |  |  | 58|    |   |  66
+  I|           |  |  |   |  |   |  |  |  |  |   |    |   |
+  D|House of   |  |  |   |  |   |  |  |  |  |   |    |   |
+  D|Correction |  |  |   |  |   |  |  |  |  |   |    |   |
+  L|in Cold    |  |  |   |  |   |  |  |  |  |   |    |   |
+  E|Bath       |  |  |   |  |   |  |  |  |  |   |    |   |
+  S|Fields     | 4|  |   |  |   |  |  |  |  |   | 128|   | 132
+  E|           |  |  |   |  |   |  |  |  |  |   |    |   |
+  X|Tothil-    |  |  |   |  |   |  |  |  |  |   |    |   |
+   |Fields     |  |  |   |  |   |  |  |  |  |   |    |   |
+   |Bridewell  | 2|  |  7|  |   |  |37|  |  |   | 122| 26| 194
+   |           |  |  |   |  |   |  |  |  |  |   |    |   |
+   +--         |  |  |   |  |   |  |  |  |  |   |    |   |
+   +--         |  |  |   |  |   |  |  |  |  |   |    |   |
+  S|           |  |  |   |  |   |  |  |  |  |   |    |   |
+  U|           |  |  |   |  |   |  |  |  |  |   |    |   |
+  R|New Goal,  |  |  |   |  |   |  |  |  |  |   |    |   |
+  R|Southwark  |  |10| 11|  |   |  |  |16|  |   |    |  1|  38
+  Y|           |  |  |   |  |   |  |  |  |  |   |    |   |
+   +--         |  |  |   |  |   |  |  |  |  |   |    |   |
+   |           +--+--+---+--+---+--+--+--+--+---+----+---+---------
+   |           |22|61|174|85|583|54|37|36|10|216|1282|115|2675
+   |           +--+--+---+--+---+--+--+--+--+---+----+---+---------
+
+[Footnote A: 16 executed]
+
+[Footnote B: 106 transported]
+
+_Number of Prisoners discharged by the Magistrates, and from the Eight
+Gaols, in One Year._
+
+   +-----------+-------------------------------------------------
+   |Names of   |Discharged by Magistrates for want of Proof
+   |Prisons    |    |Discharged by Proclamation and Gaol Delivery
+   |           |    |   |Discharged by Acquitals [Transcriber's Note: Acquittals]
+   |           |    |   |   |Discharged after being whipt
+   |           |    |   |   |  |Discharged after being fined
+   |           |    |   |   |  |  |Discharged after suffering
+   |           |    |   |   |  |  |imprisonment
+   |           |    |   |   |  |  |   |Apprentices discharged
+   |           |    |   |   |  |  |   |   |Offenders bailed out
+   |           |    |   |   |  |  |   |   |of Prison
+   |           |    |   |   |  |  |   |   |   |Discharged
+   |           |    |   |   |  |  |   |   |   |by Pardon
+   |           |    |   |   |  |  |   |   |   |   |Total
+   |           |    |   |   |  |  |   |   |   |   |discharged
+   +-----------+----+---+---+--+--+---+---+---+---+--------------
+   +--         |    |   |   |  |  |   |   |   |   |
+   |Newgate    |    |134|272|12|11| 20|   |   |129| 578
+   |           |    |   |   |  |  |   |   |   |   |
+  L|Poultry    |    |   |   |  |  |   |   |   |   |
+  O|Compter    | 199|   |   |  |  |   |   | 27|   | 226
+  N|           |    |   |   |  |  |   |   |   |   |
+  D|Giltspur   |    |   |   |  |  |   |   |   |   |
+  O|Compter    | 287| 10| 10|  |45| 11|   |114|   | 477
+  N|           |    |   |   |  |  |   |   |   |   |
+   |Bridewell  |    |   |   |  |  |   |   |   |   |
+   |Hospital   |    |   |   |  |  |249| 38|   |   | 287
+   +--         |    |   |   |  |  |   |   |   |   |
+   +--         |    |   |   |  |  |   |   |   |   |
+   |           |    |   |   |  |  |   |   |   |   |
+   |New Prison |    |   |   |  |  |   |   |   |   |
+  M|Clerkenwell| 237|170| 35| 9|  |   |  9|   |127| 587
+  I|           |    |   |   |  |  |   |   |   |   |
+  D|House of   |    |   |   |  |  |   |   |   |   |
+  D|Correction |    |   |   |  |  |   |   |   |   |
+  L|in Cold    |    |   |   |  |  |   |   |   |   |
+  E|Bath       |    |   |   |  |  |   |   |   |   |
+  S|Fields     | 568|231| 60|  |  |353|111|   |   |1323
+  E|           |    |   |   |  |  |   |   |   |   |
+  X|Tothil-    |    |   |   |  |  |   |   |   |   |
+   |Fields     |    |   |   |  |  |   |   |   |   |
+   |Bridewell  | 253|274|  6| 1|  | 27|   |154|   | 715
+   |           |    |   |   |  |  |   |   |   |   |
+   +--         |    |   |   |  |  |   |   |   |   |
+   +--         |    |   |   |  |  |   |   |   |   |
+  S|           |    |   |   |  |  |   |   |   |   |
+  U|           |    |   |   |  |  |   |   |   |   |
+  R|New Goal,  |    |   |   |  |  |   |   |   |   |
+  R|Southwark  | 130| 74| 35| 2|  | 28|   |   |   | 269
+  Y|           |    |   |   |  |  |   |   |   |   |
+   +--         |    |   |   |  |  |   |   |   |   |
+   |           +----+---+---+--+--+---+---+---+---+--------------
+   |           |1674|893|418|24|56|697|149|422|129|4462
+   |           +----+---+---+--+--+---+---+---+---+--------------
+
+     N.B. Although the Author has been at infinite pains to
+     render this Summary as exact as possible, yet from the
+     different modes adopted in keeping the accounts of Prisons,
+     he is not thoroughly satisfied in his own mind that the View
+     he has here given is accurate, to a point.--He is, however,
+     convinced that it will be found sufficiently so for the
+     purpose.
+
+     [To face page 430.]
+
+It would not only remove that aversion which Prosecutors manifest on
+many occasions, to come forward, for the purpose of promoting the ends
+of public justice; but it would prevent, in a great measure, the
+possibility of compounding felonies, or of suborning witnesses.[125]
+
+[Footnote 125: Notwithstanding the severity of the Law, the
+composition of felonies and misdemeanors is carried to a much greater
+height than it is almost possible to believe; and various artifices
+are resorted to, to elude the penalties.--An instance occurred in
+August 1792; where a Jew was ordered to take his trial for a rape,
+committed on a married woman.--The offence appeared, on examination,
+to be extremely aggravated.--The Grand Jury however did not find a
+bill; which was thought a very singular circumstance, as the proof had
+been so clear before the Magistrate. The reasons were afterwards
+sufficiently explained; which show, what corrupt practices, artifices,
+and frauds will be used to defeat the ends of justice:--In consequence
+of a previous undertaking between the Jew and the husband of the woman
+who had been so grossly abused, a sum of £.20 was left in the hands of
+a publican, which the prosecutor was to receive if the bill was not
+found. In this confidence the woman gave a different evidence from
+that which she had given before the Magistrate. The Jew, however,
+cheated both the husband and the wife; for he no sooner discovered
+that he was safe, than he demanded the money of the publican and
+laughed at the prosecutor.]
+
+It would also be the means of counteracting the various tricks and
+devices of old thieves; and occasion an equal measure of Justice to be
+dealt out to them, as to the novices in crimes:--It would do more,--It
+would protect real innocence,--for in such cases the Public Prosecutor
+would never fail to act as the friend of the prisoner.
+
+The prevailing practice in criminal trials, in the true spirit of
+mildness and humanity, induces the Judge to act in some degree as
+counsel for the prisoner.--Without a Prosecutor for the Crown,
+therefore, every trifling inaccuracy in the indictment is allowed to
+become a fatal obstacle to conviction;[126] circumstances which would
+frequently throw great light upon the charges, are not brought under
+the review of the jury, and thus public justice is defeated.
+
+[Footnote 126: In criminal cases, a defective indictment is not aided
+by the verdict of a Jury, as defective pleadings are in civil cases.
+Indeed wherever life is concerned, great strictness has been at all
+times observed. That able and humane Judge, SIR MATTHEW HALE,
+complained above a century ago,[C] "_That this strictness has grown to
+be a blemish and inconvenience in the law and the administration
+thereof; for that more offenders escape by the over-easy ear given to
+exceptions in indictments, than by their own innocence: and many times
+gross murders, burglaries, robberies, and other heinous and crying
+offences remain unpunished, by those unseemly niceties; to the
+reproach of the Law, to the shame of the Government, to the
+encouragement of villainy, and to the dishonour of God_."[D]]
+
+[Footnote C: He died 1676.]
+
+[Footnote D: Hale, P.C. 193.]
+
+Upon an average, the Magistrates of the Metropolis commit annually,
+(out of many times that number who are equally objects of punishment,)
+from about 2500 to 3000 persons, male and female, for trial, at the
+seven different Courts of Justice in and near the Metropolis; charged
+with a variety of felonies, misdemeanors, and other petty offences.
+But after fully convincing their own minds, from a careful, and in
+many instances, a most laborious investigation, that the parties are
+guilty, they are obliged, from experience, to prepare themselves for
+the mortification of seeing their labour and exertions in a great
+measure lost to the Community: the major part of these criminals being
+returned upon Society, without any effectual steps adopted for their
+reformation, or any means used for the prevention of a repetition of
+their crimes. A considerable proportion of this wretched number may
+have suffered perhaps a slight punishment for their demerits; but
+which produces no effect that is not ultimately mischievous to the
+Community; since it serves merely to initiate them, in a greater
+degree, in the knowledge and means of committing new acts of fraud and
+villainy.
+
+To establish a System calculated to prevent criminals from returning
+to their evil practices after punishment is the very essence of good
+Police; but notwithstanding its importance to the Community, no
+measures have ever yet been adopted, calculated to attain so desirable
+an object.--It is however ardently to be hoped, that the period is
+fast approaching, when this great desideratum will be in a certain
+degree obtained; and that the suggestions offered in the subsequent
+Chapters, may tend to accelerate the renovation of this forlorn and
+miserable class of outcasts, by means of an appropriate _Penitentiary
+System_.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. XVI.
+
+     _On Punishments.--The mode authorized by the ancient
+     laws.--The period when Transportation commenced.--The
+     principal crimes enumerated which are punishable by
+     Death.--Those punishable by Transportation and
+     Imprisonment.--The courts appointed to try different degrees
+     of crimes.--Capital punishments, extending to so many
+     offences of an inferior nature, defeat the ends of
+     justice.--The system of Pardons examined:--their evil
+     tendency.--New regulations suggested with regard to Pardons
+     and Executions.--An historical account of the rise and
+     progress of Transportation.--The expedients resorted to,
+     after the American War put a stop to that mode of
+     punishment.--The System of the Hulks then adopted.--Salutary
+     Laws also made for the erection of Provincial and National
+     Penitentiary Houses.--The nature and principle of these Laws
+     briefly explained.--An account of the Convicts confined in
+     the Hulks for twenty-two years.--The enormous expence of
+     maintenance and inadequate produce of their labour.--The
+     impolicy of the system exposed by the Committee on
+     Finance.--The system of Transportation to New South Wales
+     examined.--Great expence of this mode of
+     punishment.--Improvements suggested, calculated to reduce
+     the expence in future.--Erection of one or more National
+     Penitentiary Houses recommended.--A general view of the
+     County Penitentiary Houses and Prisons:--their inefficacy
+     in reforming Convicts.--The labour obtained uncertain, while
+     the expence is enormous.--The National Penitentiary House
+     (according to the proposal of Jeremy Bentham, Esq.)
+     considered.--Its peculiar advantages over all others which
+     have been suggested, with respect to health, productive
+     labour, and reformation of Convicts.--General reflections on
+     the means of rendering imprisonment useful in reforming
+     Convicts.--Concluding observations._
+
+
+Imperfect in many respects as the criminal Law appears, from what has
+been detailed and stated in the preceding Chapters, and much as the
+great increase of capital offences, created during the last and
+present Century, is to be lamented:--it cannot be denied that several
+changes have taken place in the progress of Society, favourable to the
+cause of humanity, and more consonant to reason and justice, in the
+appropriation and the mode of inflicting punishments.
+
+The Benefit of Clergy, which for a long period exempted clerical
+people only, from the punishment of death in cases of felony, was by
+several statutes[127] extended to _peers_, _women_, and all persons
+_able to read_; who, pleading their Clergy, suffered only a corporal
+punishment, or a year's imprisonment; and those men who _could not
+read_, if under the degree of peerage, were hanged.[128]
+
+[Footnote 127: 1 Edward VI. cap. 12: 21 Jac. I. cap. 6: 3 and 4
+William and Mary, cap. 9: 4 and 5 William and Mary, cap. 24.]
+
+[Footnote 128: Blackstone.]
+
+This unaccountable distinction was actually not removed until the 5th
+of Queen Anne, cap. 6, which extended the benefit of clergy to all who
+were intitled to ask it, _whether they could read or not_.[129]
+
+[Footnote 129: The benefit of Clergy originated in injustice and
+inhumanity, and can only be palliated by the rude state of society,
+when so disgraceful a privilege was legalized and interwoven in the
+criminal code.--It partakes of the nature of a compromise with
+villainy.--It perplexes the system of criminal jurisprudence; and
+since its sting is taken away it would be an improvement to
+discontinue it totally.]
+
+In the course of the present century, several of the old sanguinary
+modes of punishment have been either, very properly, abolished by acts
+of parliament, or allowed, to the honour of humanity, to fall into
+disuse:--such as _burning alive (particularly women) cutting off hands
+or ears, slitting nostrils, or branding in the hand or face_; and
+among lesser punishments, fallen into disuse, may be mentioned _the
+ducking-stool_.
+
+The punishment of death for felony (as has already been observed) has
+existed since the reign of Henry I. nearly 700 years.--Transportation
+is commonly understood to have been first introduced, anno 1718, by
+the act of the 4th George I. cap. 11; and afterwards enlarged by the
+Act 6th of George I. c. 23, which allowed the court a discretionary
+power to order felons who were by law entitled to their clergy, to be
+transported to the American plantations for seven or fourteen years,
+according to circumstances.[130]
+
+[Footnote 130: It is said that exile was first introduced as a
+punishment by the Legislature in the 39th year of Queen Elizabeth,
+when a statute (39 _Eliz._ _c._ 4.) enacted that such rogues as were
+dangerous to the inferior people should be banished the realm, _Barr.
+Ant. Stat._ 269: and that the first statute in which the word
+Transportation is used is the 18th of _Charles_ II. _c._ 3. which
+gives power to Judges at their discretion either to execute or
+transport to America _for life_ the Moss-Troopers of _Cumberland_ and
+_Northumberland_; a law which was made perpetual by the Act 31 _Geo._
+II. _c._ 42. 2 WOODD. 498.]
+
+Since that period the mode of punishment has undergone several other
+alterations; and many Crimes which were formerly considered of an
+inferior rank, have been rendered capital: which will be best
+elucidated by the following Catalogue of Offences, divided into six
+classes according to the Laws now in force.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+     1. CRIMES _punishable by the_ Deprivation of Life; _and
+     where, upon the Conviction of the Offenders the sentence of
+     Death must be pronounced by the Judge.--Of these, it has
+     been stated, the whole, on the authority of Sir William
+     Blackstone, including all the various shades of the same
+     offence, is about 160 in number._
+
+     _The principal are the following:_
+
+     Treason, and Petty Treason; _See page_ 38, &c. Under the
+     former of these is included the Offence of Counterfeiting
+     the Gold and Silver Coin, _See page_ 191-211.
+
+     Murder, _See page_ 44, &c.
+
+     Arson, or wilfully and maliciously burning a House, Barns
+     with Corn, &c. _See page_ 56.
+
+     Rape, or the forcible violation of chastity, &c. _See page_
+     46.
+
+     Stealing an Heiress, _See page_ 48.
+
+     Sodomy, a crime against nature, committed either with man or
+     beast, _See page_ 46.
+
+     Piracy, or robbing ships and vessels at sea: under which is
+     included, the Offences of sailors forcibly hindering their
+     captains from fighting, _See page_ 55, 56.
+
+     Forgery of Deeds, Bonds, Bills, Notes, Public Securities,
+     &c. &c. Clerks of the Bank embezzling Notes, altering
+     Dividend Warrants: Paper Makers, unauthorised, using moulds
+     for Notes, &c.
+
+     Destroying Ships, or setting them on Fire, _See page_ 57.
+
+     Bankrupts not surrendering, or concealing their Effects
+
+     Burglary, or House Breaking in the night time, _See page_
+     57.
+
+     Highway Robbery
+
+     House Breaking in the day time, _See page_ 54, 55.
+
+     Privately Stealing or Picking Pockets above one Shilling
+
+     Shop Lifting above Five Shillings, _See page_ 55.
+
+     Stealing Bonds, Bills, or Bank Notes
+
+     Stealing Bank Notes, or Bills from Letters
+
+     Stealing above 40_s._ in any House, _See page_ 55.
+
+     Stealing above 40_s._ on a River
+
+     Stealing Linen, &c. from Bleaching Grounds, &c. or
+     destroying Linen therein
+
+     Maiming or Killing Cattle maliciously. _See_ the Black Act,
+     9 Geo. I. cap. 22.
+
+     Stealing Horses, Cattle or Sheep
+
+     Shooting at a Revenue Officer; or at any other person, _See_
+     the Black Act
+
+     Pulling down Houses, Churches, &c.
+
+     Breaking down the head of a Fish-Pond, whereby Fish may be
+     lost, (_Black Act_)[131]
+
+     [Footnote 131: The unwillingness which it must be expected a
+     Jury would have to convict a man capitally for _this
+     offence_, might be adduced among many other instances, to
+     show to what extent public justice is defeated, merely from
+     the severity of the laws, and the want of a Scale of
+     punishments proportioned to the offences.]
+
+     Cutting down Trees in an Avenue, Garden, &c.
+
+     Cutting down River or Sea Banks.
+
+     Cutting Hop Binds
+
+     Setting fire to coal mines
+
+     Taking a Reward for helping another to Stolen Goods, in
+     certain cases, _See page_ 295
+
+     Returning from Transportation; or being at large in the
+     Kingdom after Sentence
+
+     Stabbing a Person unarmed, or not having a weapon drawn, if
+     he die in six months
+
+     Concealing the death of a Bastard Child
+
+     Maliciously maiming or disfiguring any person, &c. lying in
+     wait for the purpose, _See page_ 50.
+
+     Sending Threatening Letters (Black Act)
+
+     Riots by twelve or more, and not dispersing in an hour after
+     proclamation
+
+     Being accessaries to Felonies deemed capital
+
+     Stealing Woollen Cloth from Tenter Grounds
+
+     Stealing from a Ship in Distress
+
+     Government Stores, embezzling, burning or destroying in
+     Dock-Yards; in certain cases, _See pages_ 261-263
+
+     Challenging Jurors above 20 in capital felonies; or standing
+     mute
+
+     Cottons selling with forged Stamps
+
+     Deer-Stealing, second offence; or even first offence, under
+     Black Act, not usually enforced
+
+     Uttering counterfeit Money, third offence
+
+     Prisoners under Insolvent Acts guilty of perjury
+
+     Destroying Silk or Velvet in the loom; or the Tools for
+     manufacturing thereof; or destroying Woollen Goods, Racks or
+     Tools, or entering a House for that purpose
+
+     Servants purloining their Masters' Goods, value 40_s._
+
+     Personating Bail; or acknowledging fines or judgments in
+     another's name
+
+     Escape by breaking Prison, in certain cases
+
+     Attempting to kill Privy Counsellors, &c.
+
+     Sacrilege
+
+     Smuggling by persons armed; or assembling armed for that
+     purpose
+
+     Robbery of the Mail
+
+     Destroying Turnpikes or Bridges, Gates, Weighing Engines,
+     Locks, Sluices, Engines for Draining Marshes, &c.
+
+     Mutiny, Desertion, &c. by the Martial and Statute Law
+
+     Soldiers or Sailors enlisting into Foreign Service
+
+            *       *       *       *       *
+
+     2. CRIMES _denominated_ Single Felonies; _punishable by
+     Transportation, Whipping, Imprisonment, the Pillory, and
+     Hard Labour in Houses of Correction, according to the Nature
+     of the offence._
+
+     _The principal of which are the following:_
+
+     Grand Larceny, which comprehends every species of Theft
+     above the value of One Shilling, not otherwise distinguished
+
+     Receiving or buying Stolen Goods, Jewels and Plate. _See
+     page_ 299
+
+     Ripping and stealing Lead, Iron, Copper, &c. or buying or
+     receiving, _See page_ 295
+
+     Stealing (or receiving when stolen) Ore from Black Lead
+     Mines
+
+     Stealing from Furnished Lodgings
+
+     Setting fire to Underwood
+
+     Stealing Letters, or destroying a Letter or Packet,
+     advancing the Postage, and secreting the Money
+
+     Embezzling Naval Stores, in certain cases, _See pages_
+     261-263
+
+     Petty Larcenies, or Thefts under one Shilling
+
+     Assaulting with an intent to Rob
+
+     Aliens returning after being ordered out of the kingdom
+
+     Stealing Fish from a Pond or River--Fishing in inclosed
+     Ponds, and buying stolen Fish
+
+     Stealing Roots, Trees, or Plants, of the value of 5_s._ or
+     destroying them
+
+     Stealing Children with their apparel
+
+     Bigamy, or Marrying more Wives or Husbands than one (now
+     punishable with transportation)
+
+     Assaulting and Cutting, or Burning Clothes
+
+     Counterfeiting the Copper Coin, &c.--_See page_ 191-211
+
+     Marriage, solemnizing clandestinely
+
+     Manslaughter, or killing another without Malice, &c. _See
+     page_ 44
+
+     Cutting or Stealing Timber Trees, &c. &c. &c.
+
+     Stealing a Shroud out of a Grave
+
+     Watermen carrying too many passengers in the Thames, if any
+     drowned
+
+            *       *       *       *       *
+
+     3. OFFENCES _denominated_ Misdemeanors, _punishable by Fine,
+     Imprisonment, Whipping, and the Pillory._
+
+     _The principal of which are the following:_
+
+     Perjury, or taking a false Oath in a judicial proceeding,
+     &c.
+
+     Frauds, by Cheating, Swindling contrary to the rules of
+     common honesty, &c. &c.
+
+     Conspiracies, for the purpose of injuring or defrauding
+     others
+
+     Assaults by striking or beating another person, &c.
+
+     Stealing Dead Bodies
+
+     Stealing Cabbages, Turnips, &c. growing
+
+     Cutting and stealing Wood and Trees
+
+     Robbing Orchards and Gardens
+
+     Stealing Deer from Forests
+
+     Stealing Dogs
+
+     Setting fire to a House to defraud the Insurance Office
+
+     Making and selling Fire-Works and Squibs
+
+     Throwing the same when on fire about the streets
+
+     Uttering Base Money
+
+     Selling Base Money under its denominated value
+
+     Embezzlement in the Woollen, Silk, and other Manufactures
+
+     Offences by Artificers and Servants in various Trades
+
+     Combinations and Conspiracies for raising the price of
+     Wages, &c. (_See stat._ 39 _Geo._ III. _c._ 81)
+
+     Smuggling Run Goods, and other Frauds relative to the Excise
+     and Customs
+
+     Keeping Bawdy Houses and other Disorderly Houses
+
+            *       *       *       *       *
+
+     4. IDLE and Disorderly Persons _described by the Act of the
+     17th Geo. II. cap. 5. and subsequent Acts_; punishable with
+     one Month's Imprisonment--_namely_,
+
+     1. Persons threatening to run away and leave their wives and
+     children on the Parish
+
+     2. Persons who tipple in Ale Houses, and neglect their
+     Families, &c. as described in the 3d Geo. III. cap. 45
+
+     3. Persons who shall unlawfully return to the Parish or
+     place from which they have been legally removed, without
+     bringing a Certificate
+
+     4. Persons, who not having wherewithal to maintain
+     themselves, live idly without employment, and refuse to work
+     for the usual Wages
+
+     5. Persons begging in the streets, highways, &c.
+
+            *       *       *       *       *
+
+     5th. ROGUES and VAGABONDS _described by the said Act of the
+     17th Geo. II. cap. 5. and subsequent Acts_; punishable by
+     Six Months' Imprisonment--namely,
+
+     1. Persons going about as Patent Gatherers or Gatherers of
+     Alms, under pretence of Loss by Fire, or other casualty.
+
+     2. Fencers, Bearwards, Strolling Players of Interludes, or
+     other Entertainments
+
+     3. Minstrels, (except those licensed by the Lord Dutton in
+     Cheshire)
+
+     4. Persons pretending to be, and wandering in the habit of,
+     Gypseys
+
+     5. Fortune-Tellers, pretending Skill in Physiognomy,
+     Palmistry, &c. or using any subtle craft to deceive and
+     impose on others
+
+     6. Persons playing or betting at any unlawful Games or Plays
+
+     7. Persons who run away, and leave their Wives and Children
+     upon the Parish
+
+     8. Petty Chapmen and Pedlars wandering abroad without a
+     Licence
+
+     9. Persons wandering abroad, and lodging in Ale-Houses,
+     Out-Houses, or the open Air, and not giving a good account
+     of themselves
+
+     10. Persons wandering abroad, and pretending to be Soldiers
+     or Sailors, without proper Certificates from their Officers,
+     or Testimonials from Magistrates
+
+     11. Persons wandering abroad, pretending to go to work in
+     Harvest, without a proper Certificate from the Parish
+
+     12. Persons having Implements of House-breaking or Offensive
+     Weapons, with a Felonious intent
+
+     13. Persons concerned in illegal Lottery Transactions, as
+     described in the Lottery Acts, 27th, 33d, 34th, and 35th
+     Geo. III.
+
+            *       *       *       *       *
+
+     6th. INCORRIGIBLE ROGUES, _punishable with Two Years'
+     Imprisonment and Whipping, or Transportation for Seven
+     Years, if they break out of Prison--namely_,
+
+     1. Persons stiled End-Gatherers, buying, collecting, or
+     receiving Ends of Yarn in the Woollen Branch, against the
+     stat. 13 Geo. I. cap. 23.
+
+     2. Persons, who being Rogues and Vagabonds, have escaped
+     after being apprehended, or who shall refuse to be examined
+     by a Magistrate, or who shall give a false account of
+     themselves after being warned of their punishment
+
+     3. Persons who shall escape out of any House of Correction
+     before the period of their imprisonment empires
+
+     4. Persons, who being once punished as Rogues and Vagabonds,
+     shall again commit the same offence.
+
+     [-->] _There are a great many other trivial Offences
+     denominated Misdemeanors, subject to pecuniary Fines, which
+     it is not easy to enumerate. Since almost every statute,
+     whether public or private, which passes in the course of a
+     Session of Parliament, creates new offences--the shades vary
+     as Society advances, and their number is scarcely within the
+     reach of calculation._
+
+The crimes mentioned in the first and second classes of the foregoing
+Enumeration (except Petty Larceny) are always tried by the Superior
+Courts:--The offences specified in the third class, as also Petty
+Larceny, and every species of misdemeanor and vagrancy, are generally
+tried, (with some few exceptions) by the Justices in their General and
+Quarter Sessions, where, in certain cases in Middlesex, they act under
+a commission of Oyer and Terminer. The Magistrates in Petty Sessions,
+and in several instances a _single Magistrate_, have also the power of
+convicting in a summary way, for a variety of small misdemeanors, and
+acts of vagrancy: and of punishing the delinquents with fine and
+imprisonment.
+
+It generally happens in the Metropolis, that out of from 2000 to 2500
+prisoners who are tried for different crimes, in the various Courts of
+Justice, above 5-6th parts are for larcenies, acts of vagrancy, and
+smaller offences; where the Benefit of Clergy, either attaches, or
+does not apply at all. The major part are, of course, returned upon
+Society, after a short imprisonment, or some corporal punishment, too
+frequently to renew their depredations on the public.--But a vast
+proportion (as has already been shewn) are always acquitted.[132]
+
+[Footnote 132: All endeavours towards the prevention of crimes will
+ever be attended with unconquerable difficulty, until some general
+House of Industry can be established in the Metropolis: where persons
+discharged for petty offences, as well as strangers and others out of
+work, may have an opportunity of finding, at least a temporary
+employment, sufficient to maintain them. An Institution of this sort
+would be a work of great charity and humanity; and it is earnestly to
+be hoped, that the view of the subject given in this Work may induce
+the Legislature to form a Police Establishment, calculated to promote
+such a multitude of good and useful objects;[E] more especially as
+with proper management it would very soon pay itself.]
+
+[Footnote E: Vide _page_ 99 _n._]
+
+In order to form a judgment of the proportion of the more atrocious
+offenders tried at the Old Bailey: the number acquitted; and the
+specific punishments inflicted on the different offences in case of
+conviction, one year has been selected; a year in which it was natural
+to expect from the immense, and indeed, unparalleled bounties which
+were given for seamen and soldiers, that the number of thieves and
+criminals would be greatly reduced,--namely--_from the month of
+April_, 1793, _to the month of April_, 1794,--including eight Sessions
+at the Old Bailey--
+
+The following Table shews in what manner 1060 prisoners, put on their
+trials during that period, were disposed of.[133]
+
+[Footnote 133: In the year 1795, 1894 prisoners were tried at the Old
+Bailey, and the different Assizes in the Country, exclusive of a much
+greater number at the General and Quarter Sessions of the Peace, in
+the different Counties. These trials in the Superior Courts of
+Judicature, produced the following results:--
+
+                                               Assizes
+                                      London.  in the     Total.
+                                               Country.
+
+  Received Sentence of Death            44       174       218
+      "       "     "  Transportation   84       159       243
+  Imprisoned and Whipt                 129       411       540
+  Judgment respited to serve
+    his Majesty                         23        25        48
+  Acquitted                            150       351       501
+  Discharged for want of
+    Prosecutors                         91       253       344
+                                       ---      ----      ----
+                                       521      1373      1894]
+
+The Crimes for which the different Offenders were tried, were these
+following:
+
+  Murder             46   Felony       315   Manslaughter  29
+  Arson               5   Larceny      998   Bigamy         3
+  Burglary          101   Receiving          Beastiality    2
+  Robbery            58   stolen Goods  61   Rape           9
+  Horse and Cattle        Frauds and         Perjury        2
+  stealing          108   Misdemeanors 101   Sedition       2
+  Forgery            16   Rogues and                      ---
+  Coining            17   Vagabonds     21                 47
+                    ---               ----                ---
+                    351               1496
+                    ---               ----
+
+
+_A_ TABLE, _shewing the Prisoners tried at the Old Bailey, from April
+1793, to March 1794, inclusive._
+
+  -------------+------------------------------------------------------
+               |Persons committed for trial.
+               |    |Of whom, acquitted and discharged.
+               |    |     |Prisoners convicted, and their Punishments.
+               |    |     |Death.
+               |    |     |  |Transported for 14 years.
+  London,      |    |     |  | |Transported for 7 years.
+  Middlesex,   |    |     |  | |   |Whipt & Imprisoned.
+  and          |    |     |  | |   |  |Imprisoned 6 months and
+  Westminster. |    |     |  | |   |  |upwards.
+               |    |     |  | |   |  |  |Imprisoned 3 months
+               |    |     |  | |   |  |  |& otherwise disposed of.
+               |    |     |  | |   |  |  |  |Sent to serve
+               |    |     |  | |   |  |  |  |the King.
+               |    |     |  | |   |  |  |  |  |Judgment
+               |    |     |  | |   |  |  |  |  |respited
+               |    |     |  | |   |  |  |  |  |  |Total
+               |    |     |  | |   |  |  |  |  |  |punished.
+  -------------+----+-----+--+-+---+--+--+--+--+--+-------------------
+  London       |    |     |  | |   |  |  |  |  |  |
+  Sessions     | 199|   70| 6|1| 50|10|29|20| 8| 5|129
+               |    |     |  | |   |  |  |  |  |  |
+  Middlesex and|    |     |  | |   |  |  |  |  |  |
+  Westminster  | 861|  497|62|1|117|38|51|49|30|16|364
+               +----+-----+--+-+---+--+--+--+--+--+-------------------
+               |1060|  567|68|2|167|48|80|69|38|21|493
+               |    |[134]|  | |   |  |  |  |  |  |
+  -------------+----+-----+--+-+---+--+--+--+--+--+-------------------
+
+[Footnote 134: The acquittals will generally be found to attach mostly
+to small offences which are punishable with death: where Juries do not
+consider the crime deserving so severe a punishment, the delinquent
+receives no punishment at all. If all were convicted who were really
+guilty of these small offences, the number of victims to the severity
+of the Law would be greatly increased.]
+
+Thus it appears, that in London only, of 1060 prisoners, tried in the
+course of a year, only 493 were punished; of whom 197, after a
+temporary confinement, would return upon the Public, with little
+prospect of being better disposed to be useful to Society, than
+before.--It may be estimated that in all England, including those
+offenders who are tried at the County Sessions, upwards of five
+thousand individuals, charged with criminal offences, are thrown back
+upon Society every year.--
+
+But this is not all,--for according to the present System, out of
+about _two hundred_ and upwards who are, upon an average every year,
+doomed to suffer the punishment of death, _four-fifths_ or more are
+generally pardoned[135] either on condition of being transported, or
+of going into His Majesty's service, and not seldom without any
+condition at all.
+
+[Footnote 135: As punishments became more mild, clemency and pardons
+became less necessary.--Clemency is a virtue that ought to shine in
+the code, and not in the private judgment.--The Prince in pardoning
+gives up the Public Security in favour of an individual; and by the
+exercise of this species of benevolence proclaims a public act of
+impunity.--Let the Executors of the Laws be inexorable; but let the
+Legislature be tender, indulgent and humane.
+
+BECCARIA, cap. 46.]
+
+Hence it is, that, calculating on all the different chances,
+encouragements to commit crimes actually arise out of the System
+intended for their prevention:--_first, from the hope of avoiding
+detection and apprehension;--secondly, of escaping conviction, from
+the means used to vitiate and suborn the evidence;--thirdly, from the
+mercy of the Jury, in considering the punishment too severe;--and
+fourthly, from the interest of persons of rank or consideration,
+applying (under circumstances where humanity becomes the friend of
+every person doomed to die), for the interference of Royal Mercy, by
+Pardons_.
+
+God forbid that the Author of these pages should do so much violence
+to his own feelings, as to convey an idea hostile to the extension of
+that amiable Prerogative vested in the Sovereign; and which His
+Majesty has exercised with a benevolent regard to the feelings of
+Humanity, and a merciful disposition truly characteristic of the mind
+of a great and good King.
+
+These animadversions are by no means pointed against the exercise of a
+privilege so benign, and even so necessary, in the present state of
+the Criminal Law;--they regard only the impositions which have been
+practised upon so many well-intentioned, respectable, and amiable
+Characters, who have, from motives of humanity, interested themselves
+in obtaining _free pardons for Convicts_, or _pardons on condition of
+going into the Army or Navy_.
+
+If these humane individuals, who exert themselves in applications of
+this sort, were to be made acquainted with one half of the gross
+impositions practised upon their credulity, or the evil consequences
+arising to Society from such pardons, (particularly unconditional
+pardons) they would shudder at the extent of the cruelty exercised
+towards the Public, and even, in many instances, to the Convicts
+themselves, by this false humanity.
+
+In a Country, where, from the great caution which mingles in that part
+of the Criminal Jurisprudence which relates to the trial of
+Offenders,--it is scarcely possible that an honest or an innocent
+person can be convicted of a capital offence.[136]--It would seem to
+be a good criterion, that the Royal Mercy should only be extended on
+two indispensable conditions.
+
+[Footnote 136: It is not here meant to say there have not been some
+instances, and even one of a recent date, where an innocent man may be
+convicted; but they are certainly very rare, and when discovered, the
+Royal mercy, of course, relieves the unfortunate person.]
+
+     1. _That the Convict under sentence of death should, for the
+     sake of Public Justice, (and to deter others from the
+     commission of crimes) discover all his accomplices, and the
+     robberies, or other crimes he has committed._
+
+     2. _That he should be transported; or make retribution to
+     the parties he has injured by being kept at hard labour for
+     life; or until ample security shall be given for good
+     behaviour after such retribution is made._
+
+The precaution not having been used of knowing _for certain_, before
+pardons were granted, whether the parties were fit for His Majesty's
+service or not; the Convicts themselves carefully concealing every
+kind of bodily infirmity;--and the pardons containing no eventual
+condition of ultimate Transportation, in case the persons should be
+found unfit for the Army or Navy;--the result has been, that many
+Convicts, who have been since actually Thieves upon the Town, were
+almost instantly thrown back upon the Public.--Some, even before they
+were attested by the Magistrate, in consequence of the discovery of
+bodily incapacity; and others, in a very short time after they had
+gone into His Majesty's Service, from the like unfitness being
+discovered; from some artful device practised to procure a
+discharge--or from desertion.--A professed Thief is never deficient in
+that species of artifice and resource which is necessary to rid him of
+any incumbrance.
+
+This, however, is seldom taken into the calculation when Humanity
+urges philanthropic Characters to interest themselves in behalf of
+Criminals; nor could it perhaps otherwise have been known, or
+believed, that so many of these outcasts of Society have found means
+again to mingle with the mass of the people.
+
+What impression must these facts make on the intelligent mind!--will
+they not warrant the following conclusion?
+
+     1. That every individual, restored to Society in this way,
+     is the means of affording a species of encouragement,
+     peculiarly calculated to bring others into the same dreadful
+     situation, from which the unhappy Convict is thus rescued.
+
+     2. That for this reason every pardon granted, without some
+     lesser punishment, or removing the convicts from Society, is
+     a link broken in the chain of justice, by annihilating that
+     united strength which binds the whole together.
+
+     3. That by removing the terror of punishments by frequent
+     pardons, the design of the Law is rendered in a great
+     measure ineffectual; the lives of persons _executed_ are
+     thrown away, being sacrificed rather to the vengeance of the
+     Law than to the good of the Public; and no other advantage
+     is received than by getting rid of one thief, whose place,
+     (under present circumstances,) will speedily be supplied by
+     another.[137]
+
+[Footnote 137: That able and excellent Magistrate, the late Henry
+Fielding, Esq. (to whose zeal and exertions in the exercise of the
+duties of a Justice of the Peace, in the Metropolis, the Public were
+under infinite obligations)--manifested, half a century ago, how much
+he was impressed with the injuries arising from frequent
+pardons.--Those who will contemplate the character and conduct of this
+valuable man, as well as that of his brother, the late Sir John
+Fielding, will sincerely lament that their excellent ideas, and
+accurate and extensive knowledge upon every subject connected with the
+Police of the Metropolis, and of the means of preventing crimes, were
+not rendered more useful to the Public. It is to be hoped, however,
+that it is not yet too late, since the state of Society, and the
+progress and increase of crimes, call loudly for the establishment of
+a responsible preventive System.]
+
+Nothing can sanction the punishment of death for crimes short of
+murder, _but the terror of the example operating as the means of
+prevention_.--It is upon this principle alone that one man is
+sacrificed to the preservation of thousands.--Executions, therefore,
+being exhibited as seldom as a regard to the public interest really
+required, ought to be rendered as _terrific_ and _solemn_ to the eyes
+of the people as possible.
+
+The punishment now in use, considered in point of law to be next to
+that of deprivation of life, is _Transportation_.
+
+It has been already mentioned that Parliament authorized this species
+of punishment in the year 1718--when the general plan of sending
+Convicts to the American Plantations was first adopted. This System
+continued for 56 years; during which period, and until the
+commencement of the American War in 1775, great numbers of Felons were
+sent chiefly to the Province of Maryland. The rigid discipline which
+the colonial Laws authorized the masters[138] to exercise over
+servants, joined to the prospects which agricultural pursuits, after
+some experience was acquired, afforded to these _Outcasts_, tended to
+reform the chief part; and after the expiration of their servitude,
+they mingled in the Society of the Country, under circumstances highly
+beneficial to themselves and even to the Colony. Possessed in general
+(as every adroit thief must be) of good natural abilities, they
+availed themselves of the habits of industry they acquired in the
+years of their servitude--became farmers and planters on their own
+account; and many of them, succeeding in these pursuits, not only
+acquired that degree of respectability which is attached to property
+and industry; but also in their turn became masters, and purchased
+the servitude of future Transports sent out for sale.[139]
+
+[Footnote 138: By the Acts 4 George I. c. 11, and 6 George I. c. 23,
+the persons contracting for the transportation of convicts to the
+Colonies, or their assigns, had an interest in the service of each,
+for seven or fourteen years, according to the term of transportation.]
+
+[Footnote 139: For some years previous to the commencement of the
+American War, the adjudged services of convicts became so valuable in
+Maryland, that contracts were made to convey them without any expence
+whatsoever to Government, who had formerly allowed 5_l._ a head; for
+the reasons already assigned, they generally were more adroit, and had
+better abilities than those who voluntarily engaged themselves to go
+to America.]
+
+The Convicts having accumulated greatly in the year 1776, and the
+intercourse with America being shut up, it became indispensably
+necessary to resort to some other expedient; and in the choice of
+difficulties the System of the _Hulks_ was suggested, and first
+adopted under the authority of an Act of the 16th of his present
+Majesty.
+
+The Legislature, uncertain with regard to the success of this new
+species of punishment, and wishing to make other experiments, by an
+Act of the same Session,[140] empowered the Justices of every county
+in England to prepare Houses of Correction for the reception of
+Convicts under sentence of death, to whom his Majesty should extend
+his Royal Mercy, to be kept at hard labour for a term not exceeding
+ten years.
+
+[Footnote 140: 16 George III. cap. 43, sect. 1st, 3d, and 11th.]
+
+The same Act, among many other excellent regulations, ordered the
+Convicts to be kept separate, and not allowed to mix with any
+offenders convicted of crimes less than Larceny--and that they should
+be fed with coarse inferior food, water, and small beer, without
+permission to have any other food, drink, or cloathing, than that
+allowed by the Act, under certain penalties:--they were to be clothed
+at the public expence.
+
+And as an encouragement to these delinquents, while such as refused to
+work were to receive corporal punishment, those who behaved well had
+not only the prospect held out of shortening the period of their
+confinement, but also were to receive decent clothes, and a sum of
+money not less than _forty shillings_, nor more than _five pounds_,
+when discharged.
+
+This well-intentioned Act[141] (which certainly admits of many
+improvements), was followed up, three years afterwards, by another
+Statute, (19 Geo. III. cap. 74,) which had two very important objects
+in view.
+
+[Footnote 141: An enormous expence has been incurred in building
+Penitentiary-Houses in various Counties, and many philanthropic
+individuals have exerted their best endeavours to carry this Act into
+execution; but it is to be lamented, that crimes have been by no means
+diminished. The fact is, that the System is erroneous--Responsibility
+is no where established.--No uniformity of System prevails, and no
+general superintendance or center point exists.--Like the Poor Laws,
+the only part of the Act which is rigidly carried into execution is
+raising a fund, which, without imputing blame to Magistrates (for the
+error is in the System), has increased the expence of this branch of
+the Police of the Country very far beyond what could have been
+conceived--and it now becomes a heavy burden upon many of the
+Counties.--The reform began at the wrong end.--The same expence
+applied in establishing a System of Preventive Police, ought to render
+numerous penitentiary houses in a great measure unnecessary.]
+
+The first was to erect, in some convenient common or waste ground, in
+either of the counties of _Middlesex_, _Essex_, _Kent_, or _Surry_,
+_Two large Penitentiary Houses_, the one to hold 600 _male_, and the
+other 300 _female Convicts_, with proper _storehouses_, _workhouses_,
+and _lodging-rooms_; an _infirmary_, _chapel_, and _burying-ground_; a
+_prison_, _kitchen_, _garden_, and _air-grounds_: with proper
+_offices_, and other _necessary apartments_.
+
+The expence of these grounds and erections was to be paid out of the
+treasury; and his Majesty was empowered to appoint three persons as a
+Committee of Management for regulating the Establishment; under the
+controul of the Justices of the Peace of the County, and Judges of
+Assize, with power to appoint a _clerk_, _governor_, _chaplain_,
+_surgeon_, or _apothecary_, _store-keepers_, and _task-masters_; and
+also a _matron_ for the females;--and to allow salaries to each, which
+were to be paid out of the profits of the work, to be performed by the
+Convicts.
+
+As soon as the buildings should be completed, the Court, before whom
+any person was convicted for a transportable offence, might, in lieu
+thereof, order the prisoner to be punished by confinement, in any of
+these Penitentiary Houses, there to be kept to hard labour in the
+proportion of 5 _years_ instead of 7 _years' transportation_, and not
+exceeding 7 years in lieu of 14 _years' transportation_; limiting at
+the same time the number of Convicts to be sent annually from the
+Circuits in the Country, and from the different Sessions in the
+Metropolis.
+
+This Act lays down various specific rules for the government of the
+Establishment, and for the employment of the Prisoners; and the
+following works, as being of the most servile kind and least liable to
+be spoiled by ignorance, neglect, or obstinacy, are selected, namely--
+
+  1. Treading in a wheel for moving machinery.
+  2. Drawing in a capstan, for turning a mill or engine.
+  3. Sawing stone
+  4. Polishing marble
+  5. Beating hemp
+  6. Rasping logwood
+  7. Chopping rags
+  8. Making cordage
+  9. Picking oakum
+  10. Weaving sacks
+  11. Knitting nets,
+  &c. &c.
+
+The food of the different offenders, as in the former Act, was limited
+to bread and any coarse meat, with water and small beer; and the
+Prisoners were to be cloathed in uniform apparel, with badges affixed,
+agreeable to the Institution.
+
+Certain other rules were established for the discipline of the house,
+under the direction of the Committee to be appointed by his Majesty;
+who were to attend every fortnight, and to have power to reward such
+offenders as should appear most diligent and meritorious, by giving
+them a part of their earnings, to be applied for the use of themselves
+end families.
+
+And when an offender should be discharged, decent clothing was to be
+delivered to him; with a sum of money for present subsistence, not
+less than _twenty shillings_, nor more than _three pounds_.
+
+The second purpose of this Act (and which is the only part of it which
+was ever carried into effect), regards _the continuation of the System
+of the Hulks_.
+
+It declares that for the more effectual punishment of atrocious male
+offenders liable to be transported, the Court may order such Convicts
+as are of proper age, and free from bodily infirmity, to be punished
+by being kept on board ships or vessels; and employed in hard labour
+in raising sand, soil, and gravel, and cleansing the River Thames, or
+any other river, or port, approved by the Privy Council; or in any
+other works upon the banks or shores of the same, under the direction
+of superintendants approved of by the Justices, for a term not less
+than _one_ year, nor more than _five_; except an offender be liable to
+transportation for 14 years, in which case his punishment may be
+commuted for 7 years on board the Hulks.
+
+The mode of feeding is the same as already explained, and the clothing
+is to be at the discretion of the superintendant. A similar
+discipline, varied only by local circumstances, is also established;
+and on the discharge of any of the convicts, they are to receive for
+present subsistence from 20_s._ to 3_l._ according to circumstances.
+
+The concluding part of the Act obliges the governors and
+superintendants of the two Establishments to make annual returns to
+the Court of King's Bench: and also authorizes his Majesty _to appoint
+an Inspector of the two Penitentiary Houses, of the several vessels or
+hulks on the River Thames, and of all the other gaols and places of
+criminal confinement within the City of London and County of
+Middlesex_; these Inspectors are personally to visit every such place
+of confinement at least once a quarter, to examine into the
+particulars of each, and to make a return to the Court of King's
+Bench, of the _state of the buildings--the conduct of the
+officers--treatment of the prisoners--state of their earnings and
+expences_--and to follow up this by a report to both Houses of
+Parliament, at the beginning of each Session.
+
+It is much to be lamented that neither of these two salutary Acts, so
+far as regarded _National Penitentiary Houses_, which seemed to hold
+out so fair a prospect of employing convicts, in pursuits connected
+with _productive labour_, _industry_, and ultimate _reformation_,
+without sending them out of the kingdom, have been carried into
+execution. In the year 1784, the System of Transportation was again
+revived, by the Act of the 24th Geo. III. Stat. 2. cap. 56; "which
+empowers the Court, before whom a male Felon shall be convicted, to
+order the prisoner to be transported beyond seas, either within his
+Majesty's dominions or elsewhere; and his service to be assigned to
+the contractor who shall undertake such transportation."
+
+The same Act continues the System of the Hulks for a further length of
+time; by directing the removal of Convicts, under sentence of death,
+and reprieved by his Majesty, and also such as are under sentence of
+Transportation (being free from infectious disorders) to other places
+of confinement, either inland, or on board of any ship or vessel in
+the river Thames, or any other navigable river; and to continue them
+so confined until transported according to law, or until the
+expiration of the term of the sentence should otherwise entitle them
+to their liberty.
+
+This plan of Transportation, through the medium of contractors,
+although some Felons were sent to Africa,[142] does not appear to have
+answered; from the great difficulty of finding any situation, since
+the Revolution in America, where the service of Convicts could be
+rendered productive or profitable to Merchants, who would undertake to
+transport them; and hence arose the idea of making an Establishment
+for these outcasts of Society in the infant colony of New South
+Wales, to which remote region it was at length determined to transport
+atrocious offenders.--Accordingly, in the year 1787, an Act passed,
+(27 Geo. III. cap. 2,) authorizing the establishment of a Court of
+Judicature for the trial of offenders who should be transported to New
+South Wales.
+
+[Footnote 142:
+
+  In 1785, George Moore, Esq. received for
+             transporting convicts           £.1,512  7 6
+
+           John Kirby for expences               540 19 4
+
+     1786, John Kirby; further expences          578 10 1
+
+           Anthony Calvert for Transportation    286 14 0
+
+           Thomas Cotton, Esq. Cloathing,
+             &c.                                 303  2 7
+                                             ------------
+                                             £.3,721 13 6[F]]
+
+[Footnote F: See Appendix (L. i.) to the 28th Report of Select
+Committee on Finance.]
+
+Another Act of the following year, (28 Geo. III. cap. 24,) empowered
+his Majesty, under his Royal Sign Manual, to authorize any person to
+make contracts for the Transportation of offenders, and to direct to
+whom security should be given for the due performance of the contract.
+
+By the Act of 30 George III. cap. 47, the Governor of the Settlement
+may remit the punishment of offenders there: and on a certificate from
+him their names shall be inserted in the next General Pardon.
+
+Under these various legislative regulations, the two Systems of
+Punishment, namely, the _Hulks_ and _Transportation_ to New South
+Wales, have been authorized and carried into execution.
+
+The System of the Hulks commenced on the 12th day of July, in the year
+1776; and from that time until the 12th of December 1795,
+comprehending a period of nineteen years, 7999 Convicts were ordered
+to be punished by hard labour on the river Thames, and Langston and
+Portsmouth harbours, which are accounted for in the following manner:
+
+  1. Convicts ordered to hard labour on the
+  River Thames, from 12th July 1776, to the
+  12th January, 1778                                        2024
+
+  2. Convicts, _under sentence of Transportation_,
+  put on board the Hulks on the River Thames,
+  from 11th January, 1783, to 12th December,
+  1795                                                      4775
+
+  3. _Deduct_, under sentence of Transportation,
+  put on board the Hulks in Langston and
+  Portsmouth Harbours, received from the
+  Hulks at Woolwich, on the 20th of June,
+  1791                                                       466
+                                                            ----  4309
+
+  Additional Convicts sent from different prisons
+  to Portsmouth and Langston from 1791,
+  to 1st December, 1795                                     1200
+
+  To which, add those from Woolwich as above                 466
+                                                            ----  1666
+                                                                  ----
+                                                           Total  7999
+  Of the above convicts there have been
+    Discharged                                        1610
+    Pardoned                                           790
+    Escaped                                            130
+                                                      ----  2530
+  Removed to other Gaols                                      17
+  Transported to New South Wales                            2207
+  Died[143]                                                 1946
+                                                            ----
+                                                            6700
+
+  And there remain in the Hulks on the
+  Thames                                               523
+
+  And at Langston Harbour                              776
+                                                      ----  1299
+                                                  Total as above  7999
+
+[Footnote 143: A malignant fever, at one period, carried off a vast
+number, in spite of every effort to prevent it.]
+
+By a subsequent account laid before the Select Committee of the House
+of Commons on Finance, and stated in Appendix, M. of their 28th
+Report, dated the 26th of June, 1798, it appears that the number of
+Convicts stood thus:
+
+  In the Hulks on the Thames, at Woolwich   501
+  At Portsmouth                             948
+                                           ----
+                                    Total  1449
+
+     Besides 415 under Sentence of Transportation in the
+     different Gaols, making in all 1864.
+
+From the same authentic Documents, (pages 115, 116,) it appears, that
+of these Convicts, the following numbers will be discharged upon
+Society in the succeeding 13 years:[144]
+
+                     Portsmouth.    Woolwich.
+  In 1800               140            115
+     1801               106             43
+     1802               127             26
+     1803               107             46
+     1804               149             77
+     1805                33              3
+     1806                 1              1
+     1807                 1              1
+     1808                 1              1
+     1809                 1              0
+     1810                 1              0
+     1811                10              4
+     1812                 1              0
+                        ---  678       ---  317
+     For life            76             22
+
+[Footnote 144: See page 98 of this volume, for an Account of the
+Convicts enlarged the preceding eight years,
+
+  in all                     1383
+  To be discharged as above   995
+                             ----
+                      Total  2378]
+
+
+RECAPITULATION.
+
+  Convicts discharged from the Hulks, from 1792 to
+  1799 inclusive (_See page 98 of this Treatise_)           1383
+
+  To be discharged from the Hulks at Langston chiefly
+  in 6 years                                                 678
+
+  From Woolwich, chiefly within the same period              317
+                                                            ----
+                                                     Total  2378
+
+In the same authentic Documents, namely the Appendix (L. 1 & 2) page
+103 of the 28th Report of the Select Committee on Finance, a Statement
+is given of the Expence which has been incurred by Government, "for or
+in respect of the Conviction, Confinement, and Maintenance of
+Convicts, from the 1st January, 1775, to the year ending the 31st
+December, 1797," of which the following is an abstract:
+
+  1 Jan. 1775 to 1 Jan.  1776 paid at the Exchequer  £.8,660  0  0
+   --    1776     --     1777          --              7,950 16 10
+   --    1777     --     1778          --             13,676 14  5
+   --    1778     --     1779          --             17,939 18  0
+   --    1779     --     1780          --             22,292 11  1-1/2
+   --    1780     --     1781          --             21,034  0  1-1/2
+   --    1781     --     1782          --             18,686 19  0
+   --    1782     --     1783          --             22,320 10  9
+   --    1783     --     1784          --             17,669  3 11
+   --    1784     --     1785          --             31,555 18 11
+   --    1785     --     1786          --             32,343 17  7
+   --         to 7 March 1786          --              9,353 17  0
+
+          To 31 December 1786                         22,282 18  4
+                         1787                         33,927  9  7
+                         1788                         34,059 14  8
+                         1789                         62,656 15  5
+                         1790                         46,865  4  6
+                         1791                         43,840  9  0
+                         1792                         22,300 12  7
+                         1793                         25,403 16  0
+                         1794                         25,751  3  7-1/2
+                         1795                         14,195  7  4-1/2
+                         1796                         36,174  7  9
+                         1797 }                     { 19,506 15 11
+                         1797 }                     { 12,574  0  0
+                                                   ---------------
+  Total Expence of Convicts in the }
+  Hulks, from the Commencement     }               £.623,022 14  5
+  of the System to 1 January 1798  }
+
+The Contractors for the Convicts at Woolwich and Langston Harbour, (as
+appear from documents laid before the House of Commons) entered into
+an agreement with the Lords of the Treasury obliging themselves for
+_the consideration of 1s. 3d. per day_, (being 22_l._ 16_s._ 3_d._
+a year _for each Convict_,) to provide at their own cost or charge,
+_one_ or more _Hulks_, to keep the same in proper repair, to provide
+proper Ship's Companies for the safe Custody of such Convicts; and
+sufficient _meat_, _drink_, _clothing_ and _medical assistance_, for
+the Convicts; as also to sustain all other charges (excepting the
+expence of the _Chaplain_, _Coroner_, and bounties to discharged
+Convicts;[145]) obeying, at the same time, all the orders of his
+Majesty's Principal Secretary of State for the Home Department,
+respecting the Convicts. A subsequent contract was made at 14-1/2_d._
+which reduced the expence to 22_l._ 1_s._ 0-1/2_d._ per man: and which
+is the allowance made to the present Contractors.
+
+[Footnote 145: This expence, by an account laid before the House of
+Commons, for one Year, ending the 15th Feb. 1792, appears to be--
+
+  Expence of Chaplain, Coroner, and Bounties
+  for Convicts at Woolwich                    £.221 17  4
+
+  At Langston and Portsmouth Harbours           153 19  8
+                                                ---------
+                                       Total  £.375 17  0]
+
+The terms of these contracts appear to be as favourable for Government
+as could reasonably be expected, under all circumstances; and it would
+appear, that some advantages are reaped by the Public, as the
+documents laid before the House of Commons in 1792 and 1798, shew that
+the labour performed by the Convicts is productive in a certain
+degree.--The following Statements explain how their labour is
+valued:--
+
+  From the 1st of January 1789 to the 1st of
+  January 1792, it appears that 653,432 days'
+  work had been performed at Langston Harbour,
+  Portsmouth, and Woolwich Warren;
+  which being estimated at 9_d._ a day, is               £.24,503 14 0
+
+  and
+
+  From the 1st of January 1789 to the 1st of January
+  1792, it also appears that 260,440
+  days' work had been performed at the
+  Dock yard at Woolwich; which being
+  partly performed by artificers in a more
+  productive species of labour, is estimated
+  at 1_s._ a day                                           13,022  0 0
+                                                         -------------
+  Total value of Convicts' labour in 3 years             £.37,525 14 0
+
+It appears from the 28th Report of the Select Committee on Finance,
+Appendix, No. 7 and 8--
+
+  That the work done by Convicts confined on
+  board the Hulks in Langston Harbour,
+  during the year 1797, was performed by
+  about 421 convicts upon a daily average,
+  and computing the labour of each artificer
+  at 19_l._ 8_s._ 9_d._ per annum, and each
+  labourer at 11_l._ 13_s._ 3_d._ it will
+  amount to                                         £.5,997  18  3
+
+  The work performed in the same year by
+  about 250 convicts, confined on board the
+  Hulks at Portsmouth, computed as above
+  will amount to                                      3,226  15  0
+                                                    --------------
+                                                      9,224  13  3
+
+  From which is to be deducted, to make the
+  amount correspond with the valuation
+  made by the Ordnance Board                          1,440   5  3
+                                                    --------------
+                                                    £.7,784   8  0
+
+  The work done by convicts, confined on board
+  the _Prudentia_ and _Stanislaus_ Hulks at
+  Woolwich Dock-yards and Warren, performed
+  by 359 convicts, rated at 1_s._ and
+  1_s._ 2_d._ for labourers, and 1_s._ 5_d._
+  per day for artificers, is calculated to
+  amount to                                           6,578   4  7
+                                                   ---------------
+                                                   £.14,362  12  7
+
+  Deduct allowances made, and articles supplied,
+  by the Board of Ordnance                            1,498  14 10-1/2
+                                                   -------------------
+  Total Estimate of the value of the labour of
+  Convicts in 1797                                 £.12,863  17  8-1/2
+                                                   -------------------
+
+Upon this last statement the Select Committee on Finance (whose
+various elaborate Reports on the State of the Nation, do them immortal
+honour as Patriots and Legislators) very justly observe, that it is
+extremely difficult to calculate the value of labour, performed under
+such circumstances, with any degree of accuracy; and after several
+views of the subject a conclusion is drawn, that the net expence to
+the Public, for the maintenance of 1402 convicts in 1797, after
+deducting the estimated value of labour, amounted to 20,878_l._ 14_s._
+10-1/2_d._ being at the rate of 14_l._ 17_s._ 9-1/2_d._ per man.
+
+It appears, however, that out of the whole number of 1402 maintained
+in 1797, only 1030 were actually employed. The labour of the remaining
+370 was, therefore, in a great measure, lost to the Community.
+
+At any rate, the value of this species of labour must be precarious,
+and the advantages resulting from it problematical.
+
+Since the mere "possession of so many idle hands will sometimes be a
+temptation to engage in works, which but for this inducement, would
+not recommend themselves by their intrinsic utility."[146]
+
+[Footnote 146: See 28th Report of Finance Committee, page 17.]
+
+While it is admitted, that considerable improvements have been made
+with regard to the reduction of the expence; that provision has also
+been made for religious and moral instruction, by established
+salaries to chaplains;--and that the contractors have honourably
+performed their part of the undertaking; it is much to be lamented,
+that this experiment has not been attended with more beneficial
+consequences to the Public; not only in rendering the labour of the
+convicts productive in a greater degree, so as at least to be equal to
+the expence; but also in amending the morals of these miserable
+out-casts; so that on their return to Society, they might, in some
+respect, atone for the errors of their former lives, by a course of
+honest industry, useful to themselves and to their country. On the
+contrary, experience has shewn, that although an expence exceeding
+623,000_l._ has been incurred by Government in the course of 22 years,
+most of them, instead of profitting by the punishment they have
+suffered (forgetting they were under sentence of death, and undismayed
+by the dangers they have escaped) immediately rush into the same
+course of depredation and warfare upon the public: nay, so hardened
+and determined in this respect have some of them been, as even to make
+proposals to their old friends, the Receivers, previous to the period
+of their discharge, to purchase their newly acquired plunder. It has
+already been shewn, that those few also, who are less depraved, and
+perhaps disposed to amend their conduct, can find no resource for
+labour; and are thus, too frequently, compelled, by dire necessity, to
+herd with their former associates in iniquity, and it is much to be
+feared, that the chief part of the multitudes, who have been
+periodically discharged, have either suffered for new offences, or are
+actually at present afflicting Society by reiterated depredations.[147]
+
+[Footnote 147: See the Examination of the Author before the Select
+Committee of the House of Commons.]
+
+After maturely considering the enormous expence, and the total
+inefficacy of the System of the Hulks, aided by the new lights which
+have been thrown upon the subject by the important documents called
+for by the Select Committee on Finance, it appears clear to
+demonstration, that it would be for the interest of the Country to
+abandon the present System; and the Author heartily joins in the
+opinion expressed by those respectable members of the Legislature,--"_That
+our principal places of Confinement, and modes of Punishment, so far
+from the Conversion and Reformation of the Criminal, tend to send him
+forth at the expiration of the period of his imprisonment more
+confirmed in vice; and that the general tendency of our oeconomical
+arrangements upon this subject, is ill calculated to meet the
+accumulating burdens, which are the infallible result of so much error
+in the System of Police_."
+
+Having thus explained the nature and effect of the punishment
+inflicted on convicts, through the medium of the Hulks, and also the
+expence attending these establishments; it will be necessary in the
+next place, to examine the authentic documents, as they relate to the
+transportation of Felons to New South Wales.
+
+From the Appendix, page 122, of the 28th Report of the Select
+Committee on Finance, printed the 26th of June 1798, it appears that
+the number of Convicts sent to New South Wales and Norfolk Island[148]
+from the year 1787 to the year 1797 inclusive, stood thus:--
+
+          Men and
+           Women.   Children.  TOTAL.
+  1787      778        17       795
+  1789     1251        22      1273
+  1790     2029         9      2038
+  1791      408        11       419
+  1792      412         6       418
+  1794       82         2        84
+  1795      133         3       136
+  1796      279        13       292
+  1797      393        10       403
+           ----        --      ----
+           5765        93      5858
+
+[Footnote 148: Norfolk Island is a small fertile spot, containing
+about 14,000 acres of land, situated about 1200 miles distant from
+Sydney Cove in New South Wales, where the seat of Government is
+fixed.]
+
+It appears also from another document in the same Report (being the
+last return of Convicts in the two Settlements) that their numbers
+stood as stated in the following Table,--
+
+                 Convicts  |Convicts  |Convicts   |Total     |Total
+                           |Victualled|Emancipated|          |Men
+                           |          |           |          |and
+                 Men  Women|Men  Women|Men   Women|Men  Women|Women
+                 ----------+----------+-----------+----------+-----
+  In New South }           |          |           |          |
+  Wales on the }           |          |           |          |
+  31 Aug. 1796 } 1633   755|  78     5|  20      9|1731   769|2500
+                           |          |           |          |
+  In Norfolk   }           |          |           |          |
+  Island on the}           |          |           |          |
+  22 Oct. 1796.}  379   167|  53     0|  12      3| 444   170| 614
+                 ----   ---| ---     -|  --     --|----   ---|-----
+                 2012   922| 131     5|  32     12|2175   939|3114
+
+  To which add the Convicts sent in 1796 and 1797,
+  including Children                                           695
+                                                              ----
+                                                       Total  3809
+
+The diminution of Convicts from 5858 to 3809 is to be accounted for,
+by a certain proportion leaving the Settlement after the expiration of
+their time, and also by deaths,[149] which in the natural course of
+things must be expected.
+
+[Footnote 149: In 21 months after the arrival of the first Convicts in
+May 1788, there were 77 deaths and 87 births in the whole Settlement.]
+
+In resorting to this mode of disposing of Convicts, which at the time
+must be considered as a choice of difficulties, a very large sum of
+money has been expended.--Certainly much more than could have been
+foreseen at the commencement: Since it appears from the 28th Report of
+the Select Committee on Finance, who certainly have bestowed infinite
+pains in the investigation, that the total amount exceeds _One Million
+Sterling_, as will be seen from the following Statement, extracted
+from page 120 of that 28th Report, viz:
+
+  Disbursed for 5858 Convicts including 93 Children, transported
+  to New South Wales
+
+                                               £.   _s._ _d._
+  In 1786                                    28,346   3    6
+  -- 1787                                    29,242  11   10-1/2
+  -- 1788                                    18,008   9    2
+  -- 1789                                    88,057  18    2
+  -- 1790                                    44,774   4    6-1/4
+  -- 1791                                   129,019  19   10-3/4
+  -- 1792                                   104,588   2    3-3/4
+  -- 1793                                    69,961  16    6-1/2
+  -- 1794                                    79,381  13   11-1/2
+  -- 1795                                    75,280  19    0-3/4
+  -- 1796                                    83,854  18    0
+  -- 1797                                   120,372   4    8-3/4
+  To which add the total Naval Expences     166,341   4   11
+                                        ------------------------
+            Total Expences in 12 Years  £.1,037,230   6    7-3/4
+
+Specification of the heads of Expences above stated--
+
+  Expences of the first Establishment of the
+  Settlement and Transportation of Convicts         264,433  11  0
+
+  Expences of Victualing Convicts and the
+  Settlement from hence                             186,270   1  3-1/4
+
+  Expences of Cloathing, Tools, and Sundry
+  Articles                                          116,658  15  3
+
+  Bills drawn for the purchase of Provisions,
+  &c. for the use of the Colony                     138,225   9  8-3/4
+
+  Expence of the Civil Establishment                 48,134   0  2-1/4
+
+  Expence of the Military Establishment              94,993  11  3
+
+  Expence of the Marine Establishment                22,173  13  0-1/2
+
+  Naval Expences as above                           166,341   4 11
+                                                ----------------------
+                                         Total  £.1,037,230   6  7-3/4
+                                                ----------------------
+
+Thus it appears, that in executing the sentence of the Law on 5765
+Convicts more than One Million Sterling has been expended, nearly
+equal to 180_l._ for each Convict, exclusive of the expence incurred
+by the Counties, and by Government in the maintenance at home; and
+without taking into the account the very considerable charge, which
+must have been borne by the private Prosecutors in bringing these
+Offenders to Justice.
+
+The Select Committee in their laborious investigation of the effects
+of this System, very justly observe, "that the numbers of the Convicts
+do not appear to have kept pace with the increase of the
+expence."--They proceed to state (page 27 of the Report) "that after a
+trial of twelve years, it seems not too early to inquire whether the
+peculiar advantages likely to arise from this plan are such as may be
+considered as compensating for its probable expence. The security held
+out by the difficulty of return on the part of the convicts is the
+only advantage that strikes the eye: but the nature of this advantage,
+the amount of it, and the certainty of it, seem not altogether
+undeserving of inquiry; nor whether a security of the same sort more
+at command, and more to be depended on, might not be purchased on less
+exceptionable terms. It may be also worthy of inquiry (add the
+Committee) whether the advantages looked for, from this establishment
+may not be dependent on its weakness? and whether as it grows less
+disadvantageous in point of finance, it will not be apt to grow less
+advantageous in the character of an instrument of Police? The more
+thriving the Settlement the more frequented: The more frequented the
+less difficulty of return.--The more thriving too the less terrible.
+To persons in some circumstances;--to persons who otherwise would have
+been disposed to emigrate, it may loose [Transcriber's Note: lose] its
+terrors altogether, especially if by money or other means the
+servitude be avoidable. This inconvenience had already become sensible
+in the instance of the comparatively old planted Colonies. Many,
+though innocent, went thither voluntarily, even at the price of
+servitude, while others under the notion of punishment, were sent
+thither for their crimes; so that while to some the emigration remains
+a punishment, to others it may become an adventure; but a punishment
+should be the same thing to all persons, and at all times."
+
+Contingencies, the Committee remark, may diminish the utility of the
+Establishment, or may increase the expence. "Bad seasons, and the
+destruction of the vegetable part of the stock of food: Mortality
+among the as yet scanty stock of cattle.[150] Mischief from the
+natives,--from insurrection among the convicts, or from the enemy.
+
+[Footnote 150: An account of the Live Stock in the possession of, and
+Land in cultivation by, Government, and the Officers civil and
+military, 1st September 1796, extracted from page 123, of the above
+Report of the Select Committee on Finance.
+
+                                      Civil and
+                                      Military
+                         Government.  Officers.  Settlers.  Total.
+
+  Mares and Horses           14          43         0          57
+  Cows and Cow Calves        67          34         0         101
+  Bulls and Bull Calves      37          37         0          74
+  Oxen                       46           6         0          52
+  Sheep                     191        1310        30        1531
+  Goats                     111        1176       140        1427
+  Hogs                       59         889       921        1869
+                           ----        ----      ----        ----
+                            525        3495      1091        5111[G]
+                           ----        ----      ----        ----
+
+[Footnote G: In addition to the above Stock 61 head of Cattle were
+discovered in the year 1795, about 50 miles S.W. of the town of
+Sydney, which must have been produced from three Cows which strayed
+from the Settlement in 1788. This proves that at least one of the Cows
+at the time must have been big with a Bull Calf, and also gives the
+data for calculating the rate of the increase.]
+
+  Land in cultivation, viz:--      Acres.
+
+  Government                       1700
+  Civil and Military Officers      1172
+  Settlers                         2547
+                                   ----
+                                   5419
+
+The above 1700 acres were unemployed in 1796, on account of the want
+of public labourers, and the many buildings required--about 4-5th
+parts of the 1172 acres were sown with wheat--much timber cut, but not
+burnt off, on the 2547 acres belonging to the settlers.]
+
+"Here, as at Sierra Leone, malice may produce an expedition of
+devastation. The illusions to which the spirit of rapine is so much
+exposed may give birth to an enterprize of depredation; apprehensions
+of any such event entertained here would necessarily give birth to
+preparations of defence. The apprehensions may be well or ill
+grounded--the measures taken for defence successful or unsuccessful;
+but the expence in the mean time is incurred. The distance is
+unexampled, and all danger as well as all expence swells in proportion
+to the distance: these topics appear to merit consideration.
+
+"Another circumstance is, that the labour of the whole number of
+persons sent to these colonies, whether as Convicts or Settlers, _is
+entirely lost to the Country_, nor can any return, to compensate such
+a loss, be expected till that very distant day, when the improved
+state of the Colony may, by possibility, begin to repay a part of the
+advance, by the benefits of its trade.
+
+"Supposing abundance established, and remaining for ever without
+disturbance, it may be deserving of consideration, in what shape and
+in what degree, and with what degree of assurance, Government, in
+point of Finance, is likely to profit by the abundance: for the stock
+of the individuals, which each individual will consume, lay up or
+sell, is on his own account; is not the Stock of Government. The
+saving to Government depends upon the probity and zeal, and
+intelligence of the Bailiffs in Husbandry, acting without personal
+interest in the concern at that immense distance."
+
+After opinions so decided, the result of an inquiry, aided by
+extensive information, and conducted by men of talents and judgment,
+it would ill become the Author of this Work to offer (if he could
+suggest,) additional arguments to prove the disadvantages which have
+attended, and which are likely to attend the transportation of
+Convicts to New South Wales. Although with regard to mere
+_subsistence_, there may be a prospect (and it is yet a distant one),
+of the Colony becoming independent of supplies from this Country; yet
+with respect to most other articles its wants will experience no
+diminution, and having once engaged in the project, humanity requires
+that the Settlement should be supplied at the expence of the Nation.
+
+When the measure of establishing this Colony was adopted, a hope was
+probably entertained that while the great difficulty and expence of
+the passage home, joined to the fertility of the soil and the
+salubrity of the climate, might induce convicts to remain after the
+expiration of the period specified in their sentence, so as not to
+become offensive again to their native Country; the removal to an
+unknown region, inhabited by Savages, and situated at such a remote
+distance from Great Britain would exhibit this species of punishment
+in so terrific a light as to operate powerfully in preventing crimes.
+
+Experience, however, has shewn that this salutary effect has not been
+produced, and that crimes are not to be diminished by the dread of
+punishment in any shape. This great desideratum is only to be attained
+by a well-regulated Police, calculated to destroy the sources from
+whence evil propensities spring, and to remove the facilities by which
+criminality is nourished and assisted.
+
+Under the present circumstances, where the mind continues depraved,
+and where the harvest is so prolific, it ceases to be a matter of
+wonder that a considerable proportion of the convicts transported to
+New South Wales, have found their way back to their native
+Country;--and that not a few of them have again afflicted Society by
+renewing their depredations on the Public.--It is, indeed, lamentable
+to reflect, that after the extreme labour which has been bestowed, and
+the unparalleled expence which has been incurred, no effect whatsoever
+favourable to the interest of the Community, or to the security of
+innocence, has been produced. Looking back to the period when
+Government was relieved of the expence of Convicts, almost of every
+description under sentence of Transportation, and reflecting on the
+enormous expence which has been incurred since the channel of
+disposal, through the medium of the late American Colonies, has been
+shut up; considering that within the short period of twenty-five years
+no less a sum than 1,663,974_l._[151] has been expended in
+transporting and maintaining about 15,000 Convicts, which would have
+cost nothing under the old System;--it cannot be sufficiently
+lamented, that so liberal a provision had not been employed in
+establishing Systems of Prevention. One fourth part of this enormous
+sum expended in a proper establishment of Preventive Police, would
+probably have rendered transportation and punishment in a
+considerable degree unnecessary, while the Country would have
+benefitted by the industry of a large proportion of these outcasts,
+who would then have been compelled to earn an honest livelihood by
+their labour.
+
+[Footnote 151:
+
+  Expence of maintaining about 9000 Convicts in
+  the Hulks, from January 1, 1795, to January 1,
+  1798                                                    £.  623,022
+
+  Expence of Transporting Convicts in 1785 and 1786             3,722
+
+  Expence of Transporting and Maintaining Convicts
+  from 1786 to 1797, New South Wales                        1,037,230
+                                                          -----------
+                                                   Total  £.1,663,974]
+
+Deploring the mass of turpitude which has drawn from the resources of
+the Country so enormous a portion of wealth, it is no little
+consolation to be able to look forward to a measure recommended by the
+Select Committee, and in the train of being adopted by Government,
+which holds out so fair a prospect not only of gradually diminishing
+this expence in future, but also of rendering the labour of Convicts
+productive, and of securing the Public against the repetition of those
+depredations which have been rather increased than prevented, by the
+System of punishments which have been heretofore adopted.
+
+The advantages in contemplation are to be attained by carrying into
+effect a _proposal for a new and less expensive mode of employing and
+reforming Convicts_, which has been offered to the consideration of
+Government by JEREMY BENTHAM, Esq. and which appears to have been
+fully investigated by the Finance Committee, who state it (p. 20, of
+Report 28,) "to be no small recommendation to the plan, that the
+Contractor proposes to employ the prisoners on his own account,
+receiving a proportionally smaller sum from the Public for their
+maintenance.--That the great and important advantages which
+distinguish that plan from any other which has been hitherto
+suggested, consist in the certain employment and industrious
+livelihood which it insures to those whose terms of confinement are
+expired. In the responsibility which the Contractor proposes to take
+upon himself, for the future good behaviour of Criminals entrusted to
+his care, even when they shall be no longer under his control: in the
+publicity which is meant to be given to the whole conduct and effect
+of the Establishment, _moral_, _medical_, and _oeconomical_, as well
+by an annual report of the state and proceedings, as by the constant
+facility of inspection, which will in an unusual manner be afforded by
+the very form and construction of the building, upon which the prompt
+and easy exercise of the superintending power of the Governor himself
+principally depends."
+
+These advantages appear to the Committee of more importance, when the
+periods of the enlargement of the several Convicts now on board the
+Hulks are taken into consideration. The pernicious effects produced
+upon the unfortunate persons confined in these seminaries of vice; and
+the circumstance of 1411 destined to be enlarged in the course of 7
+years, to afflict the Society from which they have been separated--the
+Committee consider as deserving of very serious consideration: and
+they conclude their view of the subject by expressing, an uncommon
+degree of solicitude, that no delay should take place in the execution
+of the contract with Mr. Bentham, "because it would deprive the Public
+for a longer time of the benefits of a plan, which they cannot but
+look to as likely to be productive of the most essential advantage,
+both in point of oeconomy and Police."
+
+The object in view is by the aid of ingenious machinery, to render the
+labour of every class of Convicts so productive to the Contractor, as
+to admit of their being maintained at 25 per cent. less than the
+expence incurred on board the Hulks; while a rational prospect is held
+out of reforming these Convicts and returning them upon Society, not
+only with purer morals, but with the knowledge of some trade or
+occupation by which they may afterwards earn their bread;--but this is
+not all.--The proposer of this important design insures to the
+Convicts, after the expiration of their time, the means of obtaining a
+_livelihood_; by setting up a _Subsidiary Establishment_, into which
+all who found themselves otherwise destitute of employment would be
+admitted, and where they would be continued in the exercise of the
+trades in which they were employed during their confinement.
+
+It is, however, impossible to do justice to the merit of this
+_Proposal_, without laying it wholly before the Public. It seems to
+embrace every object calculated to remove the errors and difficulties
+of the present System, while it promises in a short time to relieve
+the Finances of the Country from the enormous and unparalleled expence
+which is incurred by the Establishment of the Hulks, and by
+Transportation to New South Wales.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+PROPOSAL
+
+FOR A NEW AND LESS EXPENSIVE MODE OF
+
+_EMPLOYING_ AND _REFORMING CONVICTS_.
+
+The Author, having turned his thoughts to the Penitentiary System from
+its first origin, and having lately contrived a Building in which any
+number of persons may be kept within the reach of being inspected
+during every moment of their lives, and having made out, as he
+flatters himself, to demonstration, that the only eligible mode of
+managing an Establishment of such a nature, in a Building of such a
+construction, would be by _Contract_, has been induced to make public
+the following Proposal for Maintaining and Employing Convicts in
+general, or such of them as would otherwise be confined on board the
+Hulks, for 25 per cent. less than it costs Government to maintain them
+there at present; deducting also the average value of the work at
+present performed by them for the Public: upon the terms of his
+receiving the produce of their labour, _taking on himself the whole
+expence of the_ BUILDING, _fitting up and stocking_,[152] without any
+advance to be made by Government for that purpose, requiring only that
+the abatement and deduction above-mentioned shall be suspended for the
+first year.
+
+[Footnote 152: All these articles taken into the account, the
+originally-intended Penitentiary Houses on the late Mr. Blackburne's
+plan, would not have cost so little as £.200 per man:--for 1000
+Prisoners, £.200,000: exclusive of the whole _annual_ expence of
+maintenance, &c. to an unliquidated amount.]
+
+Upon the above-mentioned Terms, he would engage as follows:
+
+     I. To furnish the Prisoners with a constant supply of
+     wholesome _Food_, not limited in quantity, but adequate to
+     each man's desires.
+
+     II. To keep them _clad_ in a state of tightness and
+     neatness, superior to what is usual even in the Improved
+     Prisons.
+
+     III. To keep them supplied with _separate Beds_ and Bedding,
+     competent to their situations, and in a state of cleanliness
+     scarcely any where conjoined with liberty.
+
+     IV. To insure to them a sufficient supply of artificial
+     _warmth_ and _light_, whenever the season renders it
+     necessary: and thereby save the necessity of taking them
+     prematurely from their work, at such seasons (as in other
+     places) as well as preserve them from suffering by the
+     inclemency of the weather.
+
+     V. To keep constantly from them, in conformity to the
+     practice so happily received, every kind of _strong_ and
+     spirituous liquor; unless where ordered in the way of
+     medicine.
+
+     VI. To maintain them in a state of inviolable, though
+     mitigated seclusion, in _assorted_ companies, without any of
+     those opportunities of promiscuous association, which in
+     other places, disturb, if not destroy, whatever good effect
+     can have been expected from occasional solitude.
+
+     VII. To give them an interest in their work, by allowing
+     them a share in the produce.
+
+     VIII. To convert the prison into a _school_, and, by an
+     extended application of the principle of _the Sunday
+     Schools_, to return its inhabitants into the world
+     instructed, at least as well as in ordinary schools, in the
+     most useful branches of vulgar learning, as well as in some
+     trade or occupation, whereby they may afterwards earn their
+     livelihood. Extraordinary culture of extraordinary talents
+     is not, in this point of view, worth mentioning: it would be
+     for his own advantage to give them every instruction by
+     which the value of their labour may be increased.
+
+     IX. To pay a penal sum for every _escape_, with or without
+     any default of his, irresistible violence from without
+     excepted; and this without employing _irons_ on any
+     occasion, or in any shape.
+
+     X. To provide them with _spiritual_ and _medical_
+     Assistants, constantly living in the midst of them, and
+     incessantly keeping them in view.
+
+     XI. To pay a sum of money for every one who _dies_ under his
+     care, taking thereby upon him the insurance of their lives
+     for an ordinary premium: and that at a rate grounded on an
+     average of the number of deaths, not among imprisoned
+     Felons, but among persons of the same ages in a state of
+     liberty within the Bills of Mortality.
+
+     XII. To lay for them the foundation-stone of a _provision
+     for old age_, upon the plan of the _Annuity Societies_.
+
+     XIII. To insure to them a _livelihood_, at the expiration of
+     their terms, by setting up a _Subsidiary Establishment_,
+     into which all such as thought proper, should be admitted,
+     and in which they would be continued in the exercise of the
+     trades in which they were employed during their confinement,
+     without any further expence to Government.
+
+     XIV. To make himself personally responsible for the
+     reformatory efficacy of his management, and even make
+     amends, in most instances, for any accident of its failure,
+     by paying a sum of money for every Prisoner convicted of a
+     Felony after his discharge, at a rate, increasing according
+     to the number of years he had been under the Proposer's
+     care, viz. a sum not exceeding 10_l._ if the Prisoner had
+     been in the Penitentiary Panopticon _one_ year: not
+     exceeding 15_l._ if _two_ years; not exceeding 20_l._ if
+     _three_ years; not exceeding 25_l._ if _four_ years; not
+     exceeding 30_l._ if _five_ years or upwards: such sum to be
+     paid immediately on conviction, and to be applied to the
+     indemnification of the persons injured by such subsequent
+     offence, and to be equal in amount to the value of the
+     injury, so long as it did not exceed the sums respectively
+     above specified.
+
+     XV. To present to the Court of King's Bench, on a certain
+     day of every Term, and afterwards print and publish, at his
+     own expence, a Report, exhibiting, in detail, the state,
+     not only moral and medical, but economical, of the
+     Establishment; showing the whole profits, if any, and in
+     what manner they arise; and then and there, as well as on
+     any other day, upon summons from the Court, to make answer
+     to all such questions as shall be put to him in relation
+     thereto, not only on the part of the Court or Officer of the
+     Crown, but, by leave of the Court, on the part of any person
+     whatsoever; questions, the answer to which might tend to
+     subject him to conviction, though it were for a capital
+     crime, not excepted: treading under foot a maxim, invented
+     by the guilty for the benefit of the guilty, and from which
+     none but the guilty ever derived any advantage.
+
+     XVI. By neatness and cleanliness, by diversity of
+     employment, by variety of contrivance, and above all, by
+     that peculiarity of construction, which, without any
+     unpleasant or hazardous vicinity, enables the whole
+     Establishment to be inspected at a view, from a commodious
+     and insulated room in the centre, the Prisoners remaining
+     unconscious of their being thus observed, it should be his
+     study to render it a spectacle such as persons of all
+     classes would, in the way of amusement, be curious to
+     partake of: and that, not only on Sundays, at the time of
+     Divine Service, but on ordinary days, at meal-times, or
+     times of work: providing thereby a _system of
+     superintendance, universal, unchargeable and uninterrupted_,
+     the most effectual and _indestructible_ of all securities
+     against abuse.
+
+Such are the methods that have occurred to him for accomplishing that
+identification of "_interest with duty_," the effectuating of which,
+in the person of the Governour, is declared to be one of the leading
+objects of the Penitentiary Act.--[19 GEO. III. ch. 74.]
+
+The station of Gaoler is not in common account a very elevated one:
+the addition of Contractor has not much tendency to raise it. He
+little dreamt, when he first launched into the subject, that he was to
+become a suitor, and perhaps in vain, for such an office. But
+inventions unpractised might be in want of the inventor: and a
+situation, thus clipped of emoluments, while it was loaded with
+obligations, might be in want of candidates. Penetrated, therefore,
+with the importance of the end, he would not suffer himself to see any
+thing unpleasant or discreditable in the means.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+_Outline of the Plan of Construction alluded to in the above
+Proposal._
+
+The Building _circular_--about the size of _Ranelagh_--The Prisoners
+in their Cells, occupying the Circumference--The Officers, (Governor,
+Chaplain, Surgeon, &c.) the Centre.
+
+By _Blinds_, and other contrivances, the Inspectors concealed (except
+in as far as they think fit to show themselves) from the observation
+of the Prisoners: hence the sentiment of a sort of invisible
+omnipresence.--The whole circuit reviewable with little, or, if
+necessary, without any change of place.
+
+_One_ Station in the Inspection-Part affording the most perfect view
+of every Cell, and every part of every Cell, unless where a screen is
+thought fit occasionally and purposely to be interposed.
+
+     Against _Fire_ (if, under a system of constant and universal
+     inspection, any such accident could be to be apprehended,) a
+     pipe, terminating in a flexible hose, for bringing the water
+     down into the central Inspection-Room, from a cistern, of a
+     height sufficient to force it up again by its own pressure,
+     on the mere turning of a cock, and spread it thus over any
+     part within the Building.
+
+For _Visitors_, at the time of Divine service, an _Annular Gallery_,
+rising from a floor laid immediately on the cieling of the Central
+Inspection-Room, and disclosed to view, by the descent of a central
+_Dome_, the superior surface of which serves, after descent, for the
+reception of Ministers, Clerk, and a select part of the Auditory: the
+Prisoners all round, brought forward, within perfect view and hearing
+of the Ministers, to the front of their respective Cells.
+
+_Solitude_, or _limited Seclusion_, _ad libitum_.--But, unless for
+punishment, limited seclusion in assorted companies is preferred: an
+arrangement, upon this plan alone, exempt from danger. The degree of
+_Seclusion_ fixed upon may be preserved, in all places, and at all
+times, _inviolate_. Hitherto, where solitude has been aimed at, some
+of its chief purposes have been frustrated by occasional associations.
+
+     The _Approach_, _one_ only--_Gates_ opening into a walled
+     _avenue_ cut through the area. Hence, no strangers near the
+     building without _leave_, nor without being _surveyed_ from
+     it as they pass, nor without being known to come _on
+     purpose_. The gates, of _open_ work, to _expose hostile_
+     mobs: On the other side of the road, a wall with a branch of
+     the road behind, to _shelter peaceable_ passengers from the
+     fire of the building. A mode of fortification like this, if
+     practicable, in a city, would have saved the _London
+     Prisons_, and prevented the unpopular accidents in _St.
+     George's Fields_.
+
+     The _surrounding Wall_, itself surrounded by an open
+     palisade, which serves as a fence to the grounds on the
+     other side.--Except on the side of the Approach _no public
+     path_ by that fence.--A _Centinel's Walk_ between; on which
+     no one else can set foot, without forcing the fence, and
+     declaring himself a trespasser at least, if not an enemy. To
+     the four walls, four such walks _flanking_ and _crossing_
+     each other at the ends.--Thus each Centinel has two to check
+     him.
+
+In contemplating the whole of this important design, it is impossible
+to avoid congratulating the Public on the prospect which now opens by
+a recent vote of Parliament,[153] for the purpose of carrying it
+speedily into effect.
+
+[Footnote 153: At the close of the Session in June 1798, the House of
+Commons voted 36000_l._ to Mr. Bentham, toward the expence of carrying
+his plan into execution. See the Appropriation Act, 39 Geo. III. c.
+114.]
+
+It comprizes in its structure every thing humanity can dictate, or
+which a mind full of resource, and a judgment matured by great depth
+of thought could suggest, for the purpose of relieving Society from a
+dreadful and oppressive evil.
+
+It is even to extend comforts to offenders in the course of
+punishment; and they are to be returned to Society after the period
+expires, not as at present, polluted and depraved beyond what the
+human mind can conceive; but impressed with the force of religious and
+moral instructions, with an abhorrence of their former course of life,
+and with a resource for obtaining an honest livelihood by the trade or
+occupation which they were taught during their confinement.--And if
+employment should fail, when at liberty to make their own election, an
+asylum is provided, into which they will be admitted, and where they
+may continue to exercise the trades in which they were employed during
+their confinement, with certain advantages to themselves.
+
+These Convicts are, moreover, while in confinement, to have an
+interest in the work they perform, by being allowed a share of the
+produce, which may be either partly or wholly applied in laying the
+foundation-stone of a provision for old age, upon the plan of the
+Annuity Societies, which is to form one of the oeconomical
+arrangements of this excellent Establishment.
+
+Among many other advantages calculated to improve the morals of
+delinquents, and to render them useful to Society, it will possess,
+after a certain period, the singular faculty of extending to the
+Public these incalculable benefits, _perhaps without any expence
+whatsoever_; since it may be reasonably expected, that by training
+both Sexes to productive labour, extended and rendered valuable by the
+proposed introduction of ingenious machinery, it will hereafter become
+an object of advantage to new Contractors, (after the System is fully
+matured, and the profits arising from it clearly ascertained), to take
+upon them the conduct of the design, without stipulating for any
+annuity or assistance whatsoever from Government. Nay, the certainty
+of this profit, and its magnitude arising from labour alone, may,
+perhaps, ultimately even create a competition of Contractors, who,
+instead of _receiving_, will be induced to _offer_ a premium to
+Government for the appointment to the situation; the value of which
+will be evidenced by the increasing annual profits.
+
+It is, indeed, highly probable, that as the Institution advances to
+maturity, under a plan so admirably adapted to render labour
+productive in the greatest possible degree; in the same manner will
+the profits gradually increase year after year until they shall be
+rendered obvious and certain, and not as at present depending on
+speculative opinions.
+
+The proposed annual report to the Court of King's Bench, through which
+medium the progressive profits will be generally promulgated, will
+create notoriety, and excite attention; and it is by no means
+improbable, that when the contract becomes open, by the decease of
+the two Gentlemen to whom the Public are to be indebted for this
+invention, that it will acquire _a precise value_, like any other
+saleable commodity.
+
+This was exemplified in the instance of Convicts sent to America,
+which for a great length of time cost Government a large sum annually,
+until a discovery of the profits, arising from the disposal of the
+services of Felons, created a competition, which eased the Public of
+every expence whatsoever on account of their Transportation.
+
+But these are not the only advantages which the Country will derive
+from this new Penitentiary System. Its success will rapidly change the
+oeconomy of the many unproductive Houses of Correction, which have
+been erected at an enormous expence to the different Counties, under
+the Act of the 16th of Geo. III. cap. 43. Those in the management of
+these respective Establishments will gladly follow an example which
+mingles in so great a degree--_humanity with reform and profit_,
+thereby holding out a prospect both of diminishing crimes, and
+reducing the County Rates, now estimated by the Finance Committee at
+_fifty thousand pounds a year_ for prisons, and criminal Police alone.
+
+Such are some of the benefits which may be reasonably expected to
+arise from the proposed Penitentiary System. If they shall be realized
+to the extent which is contemplated, so as to render transportation,
+as well as the Hulks, unnecessary, the pecuniary saving to Government
+in twenty years will be immense. This may be ascertained by referring
+to a preceding page, where the disbursements in the criminal
+department are inserted, which have taken place since the commencement
+of the American war, which rendered a new System necessary. If to this
+sum is added the expences incurred by the Counties, it will probably
+be found to have exceeded _Two millions sterling in all_.
+
+But still further advantages may be contemplated in addition to those
+of a pecuniary nature.--By retaining delinquents in the Country, and
+rendering their labour profitable to the State, a new source of wealth
+is opened which never existed at any former period, since the labour
+of convicts transported, whether to America or New South Wales, has
+been totally unproductive to the Country.
+
+The success of such a design, once clearly manifested, would give a
+new and favourable turn to the System of Punishments. Labour would be
+exacted in almost every case, not more for the benefit of the State
+than the advantage of the Prisoner, since labour and reform generally
+go hand in hand.--Without the aid of labour, it is in vain to expect
+an improvement in the morals or habits of delinquents--without an
+asylum to which discharged prisoners can resort for employment, their
+punishment produces no advantage. On the contrary, the vices of a
+Gaol send them forth more hardened in iniquity, and greater adepts in
+the trade of thieving than before.
+
+Nothing, therefore, can be more hostile to the diminution of crimes
+than the present mode of punishment for small offences, by a short
+imprisonment, without being employed in useful and productive labour.
+
+Under this defective System the different Gaols in the Metropolis and
+the Kingdom, are periodically vomiting forth hordes of Minor
+Delinquents, who serve as recruits to the more desperate gangs, and
+remain in a course of turpitude until cut off by the commission of
+higher offences. Some exceptions, doubtless, there are; but while the
+resource for honest labour is so effectually shut out, many who have
+totally lost character, and are without friends, seem to have no other
+resource.
+
+To all who may be confined in the proposed Penitentiary Establishment,
+this difficulty will be removed.--A difficulty in the present state of
+things, the magnitude of which cannot be estimated, since it generates
+most of those evils to which are to be attributed the extensive
+corruption of morals, and the increase and multiplication of crimes.
+
+Upon the whole, it would be expedient to give full effect to the new
+Penitentiary System as soon as possible; which, to use the language of
+the Select Committee, (p. 30.) "seems to bid fairer than any other
+that was ever yet offered to the Public, to diminish the Public
+expenditure in this branch, and to produce a salutary reform in the
+objects of the proposed institution."
+
+At the same time for the purpose of rendering the System of
+Punishments useful in the greatest possible degree to the Community,
+and that they may operate, in the fullest extent, as an example,
+tending to the prevention of crimes, it would seem that the following
+general principles should be adopted.
+
+     1st. That examples of punishment by death, (except, perhaps,
+     in cases of Murder), should only take place twice a year:
+     and that the impression upon the Public mind may be stronger
+     from the less frequency of such painful exhibitions, they
+     ought on all occasions to be conducted with a degree of
+     solemnity suited to the object in the view of the
+     Legislature, when the life of a fellow-creature is
+     sacrificed, that it may really prove useful in deterring
+     others; and not be contemplated with indifference, as is too
+     often the case at present, without making the least
+     impression, or being in any degree beneficial to the great
+     ends of Public justice.
+
+     2d. That the System of the Hulks should be at once wholly
+     abandoned, as a source of great expence, producing in the
+     result infinitely more evil than good, and thereby
+     exhausting the Finances of the Country without any one
+     beneficial consequence.
+
+     3d. That Transportation to New South Wales and Norfolk
+     Island, should be limited to a few of the most depraved,
+     incorrigible, and irreclaimable Convicts, whose vicious and
+     ungovernable conduct, while under the discipline of a
+     Penitentiary House, rendered their reform hopeless.--That
+     shipments should only take place once in three years, and
+     that the Civil and Military Establishment of the Colony
+     should be gradually reduced, so as to bring the National
+     Expenditure on this branch of Police within moderate bounds.
+
+     4th. That every thing should be done to accelerate the
+     erection of National Penitentiary Houses.--That their
+     capacity, including appendages, should be equal to the
+     accommodation of 3,500 Convicts of all descriptions, so as
+     to admit of different degrees of treatment and labour,
+     according to the _age, sex, and state of health of the
+     Convicts_.
+
+     5th. That the local Penitentiary Houses in the different
+     Counties, destined for the Punishment of persons convicted
+     of Larcenies, and other minor offences, should be conducted,
+     as nearly as possible, upon the plan of the National
+     Establishments; and also by contract, under circumstances
+     where the labour of the Convicts may, by the resources of
+     the Contractor, be rendered (without hardship) equal, or
+     nearly equal, to the expence; a measure conceived to be
+     almost, in every instance, practicable, where knowledge of
+     business, stimulated by interest, shall form an ingredient
+     in the executive management.
+
+     6th. That there should be attached to each County
+     Penitentiary House, a Subsidiary Establishment, into which
+     all discharged prisoners should be admitted who choose it,
+     and where they might be continued in the exercise of the
+     trades in which they were employed during their confinement,
+     and for which they should receive wages in proportion to
+     their earnings, until they could otherwise find a settled
+     employment through an honest medium: thus giving those who
+     are desirous of reforming an opportunity of sheltering
+     themselves from the dangers of relapse, which arise from
+     being afloat upon the Public--idle, and without the means of
+     subsistence.
+
+In carrying the Penitentiary System into effect, it ought not to
+escape notice, that the hardship imposed on Convicts, with respect to
+manual labour, would be no more than every honest artisan who works
+industriously for his family, must, during the whole course of his
+life, impose upon himself. The condition of a Convict would, even in
+some respects, be superior, inasmuch as he would enjoy medical
+assistance, and other advantages tending to the preservation of
+health, which do not attach to the lower classes of the people, whose
+irregularities not being restrained, while their pursuits and labours
+are seldom directed by good judgment and intelligence, often produce
+bad health, and extreme indigence and distress.
+
+The difficulty which has heretofore been experienced with respect to
+productive labour in the Provincial Houses of Correction will vanish,
+when the System shall be exemplified in the National Penitentiary
+Establishment. To conduct a Plan of this nature with advantage to the
+Public and to the individual, an assemblage of _qualities_,
+_dispositions_, and _endowments_, which rarely meet in one man, will
+be necessary--namely, _education, habits of business, a knowledge of
+the common affairs of life--an active and discriminating
+mind--indefatigable industry--the purest morals, and a philanthropic
+disposition, totally divested of those hurtful propensities which lead
+to idle amusements_.
+
+Such men are to be found, and would come forward, as Contractors, with
+ample security as often as opportunities offered, after the System
+became matured. It is only by the uncontrolled energy of talents,
+where duty and interest go hand in hand, that labour is to be obtained
+from Convicts.--No fluctuating management, nor any superintendance
+whatsoever, where a spring is not given to exertion by motives of
+interest, can perfect any Penitentiary design; or, indeed, any design
+where profit is to be derived from labour. Hence the ill success of
+almost all the well meant establishments with respect to the Poor,
+and to most of the local Penitentiary Houses. In some instances a few
+establishments at first hold out prospects of success; but at length
+they dwindle and decay, and in the result they have mostly all been
+unprofitable. The death or removal of an active or philanthropic
+Magistrate produces a languor, which terminates often in the ruin or
+the abandonment of the design.
+
+The National Penitentiary System is guarded against this contingency;
+and until the local Establishments can enjoy equal advantages, success
+in any degree is scarcely to be expected, and _permanent success_ is
+altogether hopeless.
+
+The object to be attained is of great magnitude.--Let an appeal be,
+therefore, made to the good sense of the country, and to the feelings
+of humanity in behalf of an unfortunate and noxious class of
+individuals. Let the effects of the present System be candidly
+examined, in opposition to the benefits which may result from that
+which is proposed, and let the decision be speedy, that Society may no
+longer be tormented by the evils which arise from this branch of the
+Police of the country.
+
+The suggestions which are thus hazarded on the subject of punishments,
+are by no means the refinements of speculation doubtful and uncertain
+in their issue.
+
+The System accords either with what has been already enacted by the
+Legislature or recommended by the Finance Committee. And the whole
+has been admitted to be practicable under an able and permanent
+superintendence. A hope may, therefore, be indulged, that where the
+interest of Society and the cause of Humanity is so deeply concerned,
+a design which holds out so many advantages, will experience that
+general support which it unquestionably merits; since its object is
+not only to reclaim the Out-casts of the present generation, but also
+to rescue thousands yet unborn from misery and destruction.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. XVII.
+
+     _The Police of the Metropolis examined--Its organization
+     explained, with regard to that branch which relates to the
+     prevention and suppression of Crimes.--The utility of the
+     new System, established in 1792, examined and
+     explained.--Reasons assigned why this System has not tended,
+     in a greater degree, to the suppression and prevention of
+     atrocious Crimes--Its great deficiency from the want of
+     funds, by which Magistrates are crippled in their exertions,
+     with regard to the detection and punishment of
+     Offenders.--Reasons in favour of a New System.--The Police
+     of the City of London (as now constituted) explained and
+     examined.--Suggestions relative to established Justices, and
+     the benefits likely to result from their exertions in
+     assisting the City Magistrates: from whose other engagements
+     and pursuits, that close and laborious attention cannot be
+     expected which the Public interest requires.--The
+     Magistrates of London the most respectable, perhaps, in the
+     world.--The vast labour and weight of duty attached to the
+     chief Magistrate.--The Aldermen have certain duties assigned
+     them, which ought not, in justice to be augmented, as they
+     act gratuitously.--The benefits which result to the
+     Community from established Police Magistrates, considered in
+     different points of view; and exemplified in the advantages
+     which have arisen from the System under the Act of
+     1792.--General Reflections on the advantages which would
+     arise from the various remedies which have been proposed in
+     the course of this Work.--These benefits, however, only of a
+     partial nature, inadequate to the object of complete
+     protection, for want of a centre-point and superintending
+     Establishment, under the controul of the first Minister of
+     Police.--Reasons assigned in favour of such a System.--The
+     advantages that would result from its adoption.--The ideas
+     of enlightened Foreigners on the Police of the Metropolis
+     explained.--Reflections suggested by those
+     ideas.--Observations on the Police of Paris previous to the
+     Revolution in France: elucidated by Anecdotes of the Emperor
+     Joseph the Second and Mons. de Sartine.--The danger of an
+     inundation of Foreign Sharpers and Villains on the return of
+     Peace.--The situation of Europe requires, and the necessity
+     of a well-regulated Police points out the utility of, a
+     Central Board of Commissioners for Managing the
+     Police.--This measure recommended by the Select Committee of
+     Finance, since the publication of the last Edition of this
+     Work._
+
+
+Having in the preceding Chapters endeavoured to bring under the review
+of the Reader, not only those prominent causes which have occasioned
+that great increase of Public Wrongs, which every good man must
+deplore, but also the _various classes of delinquents_ which compose
+the melancholy catalogue of human depravity; having also stated such
+observations and facts, relative to _detection_, _trials_, and
+_punishments_, as seemed to be necessary for the purpose of
+elucidating a subject of great importance to be understood; it remains
+now to explain and develope the _System_ hitherto established for the
+purpose of protecting the Public against those enormities; and from
+which is to be expected that energy, and those exertions, which have
+been shewn to be so indispensably necessary, for the suppression and
+prevention of crimes.
+
+The POLICE _of this great Metropolis_ is undoubtedly a System highly
+interesting to be understood, although heretofore (as far as the
+Author has had access to know) it has never been, at any period, fully
+explained through the medium of the press;--and hence it is, that a
+vast proportion of those who reside in the Capital, as well as the
+multitude of strangers who resort to it, have no accurate idea of the
+principles of organization, which move so complicated a machine.
+
+It has been already stated in a preceding Chapter, that twenty-six
+Magistrates, forming that respectable body, comprehending the
+Lord-Mayor and Aldermen,[154] sit in rotation every forenoon, at the
+Mansion-house, and at Guildhall, and take cognizance of all matters
+of Police within the ancient jurisdiction of the City of London; while
+twenty-six established Magistrates appointed for every other part of
+the Metropolis,[155] including the River Police, having particular
+offices or courts of justice assigned them at convenient distances in
+Westminster, Middlesex, and Surry, sit every day (Sunday excepted)
+both in the morning and evening, for the purpose of executing all the
+multifarious duties, connected with the office of a Justice of the
+Peace, which unavoidably occur in large societies.[156]
+
+[Footnote 154: The following are the names of the Aldermen at present
+in the Magistracy of the City; arranged according to their Seniority.
+
+  1761  Right Hon. Thos. Harley,      Bridge Ward Without
+    72  Sir Watkin Lewis, Knt.        Lime-street
+    72  Sir William Plomer, Knt.      Bassishaw
+    74  Nathaniel Newnham, Esq.       Vintry
+    82  John Boydell, Esq.            Cheap
+    84  Paul Le Mesurier, Esq.        Dowgate
+    84  Brock Watson, Esq.            Cordwainers
+    85  Thomas Skinner, Esq.          Queenhithe
+    85  William Curtis, Esq.          Tower
+    86  William Newnham, Esq.         Farringdon Within
+    86  G.M. Macauley, Esq.           Coleman-street
+    89  J.W. Andersen, Esq.           Aldersgate-street
+    90  Harvey C. Combe, Esq.         Aldgate
+    90  Sir Richard Carr Glyn, Knt.   Bishopsgate-street
+    93  William Staines, Esq.         Cripplegate
+    95  Sir John Eamer, Knt.          Langborne
+    96  Sir William Herne, Knt.       Castle-Baynard
+    96  Robert Williams, Esq.         Cornhill
+    97  Charles Hamerton, Esq.        Bread-street
+    98  Charles Price, Esq.           Farringdon Without
+    98  Peter Perchard, Esq.          Candlewick
+    98  Thomas Cadell, Esq.           Walbrook
+    98  George Hibbert, Esq.          Bridge Within
+    98  James Shaw, Esq.              Portsoken
+    98  John Perring, Esq.            Broad-street
+    99  William Leighton, Esq.        Billingsgate
+
+Sir John William Rose, Knt. Recorder of London, a Magistrate, holding
+rank above the Aldermen who have not served the office of Lord
+Mayor.--He assists at the General and Quarter Sessions of the Peace,
+and in the principal affairs of the City; but does not sit in
+rotation.
+
+Richard Clark, Esq. Chamberlain, acting judicially with respect to
+Apprentices.
+
+Mr. Newman, Clerk to the Lord-Mayor, or Sitting Alderman at the
+Mansion-house.
+
+Mr. Whittle, Clerk to the sitting Alderman at Guildhall.]
+
+[Footnote 155: The following are the Public Offices in the Metropolis;
+(exclusive of the City of London;) and the respective Magistrates who
+_preside_, and the Clerks who _officiate_ at each.
+
+  Westminster.
+
+    Bow-street,      Sir William Addington, Knt. }
+    Covent Garden.   Nicholas Bond, Esq.         } _Magistrates_.
+                     Richard Ford, Esq.          }
+                     Mess. Lavender and Davies, _Clerks_.
+
+    The following seven Public Offices were established by the
+    Act 32 Geo. III. cap. 53. and continued for 5 years by 36
+    Geo. III. cap. 75.
+
+    Queen's Square,  Cranley Thomas Kerby, Esq. }
+    St. Margaret's   Henry James Pye, Esq.      } _Magistrates_.
+    Westminster.     Patrick Colquhoun, Esq.    }
+                     Mess. Arthur Gliddon and J. Jones, _Clerks_.
+
+    Great Marl-      Nathaniel Conant, Esq.  }
+    borough-street,  John Scott, Esq.        } _Magistrates_.
+    Oxford Road.     Phillip Neave, Esq.     }
+                     Mess. H.P. Butler and J. Thornton, _Clerks_.
+
+  Middlesex.
+
+    Hatton Garden    William Bleamire, Esq. }
+    Holborn.         Aaron Graham, Esq.     } _Magistrates_.
+                     Robert Baker, Esq.     }
+                     Mess. A. Todd and W. Upton, _Clerks_.
+
+    Worship-street,  John Floud, Esq.      }
+    Finsbury-Squ.    William Brodie, Esq.  } _Magistrates_.
+                     John Nares, Esq.      }
+                     Mess. Chas. Lush and J. Chalmers, _Clerks_.
+
+    Lambeth-street,  Rice Davies, Esq.      }
+    Whitechapel.     Henry Reynett, D.D.    } _Magistrates_.
+                     Daniel Williams, Esq.  }
+                     Mess. John Smith and J. Bailey, _Clerks_.
+
+    High-street,     George Storie, Esq. }
+    Shadwell.        John Staples, Esq.  } _Magistrates_.
+                     Rupert Clarke, Esq. }
+                     Mess. J. Rowswell and G. Skeen, _Clerks_.
+
+  Surrey.
+
+    Union-street,    Gideon Fournier, Esq.         }
+    Southwark.       Benjamin Robinson, Esq.       } _Magistrates_.
+                     Richard Carpenter Smith, Esq. }
+                     Mess. D. Campbell and J.A. Jallicoe, _Clerks_.
+
+  Marine Police,     P. Colquhoun, Esq. superintending Magistrate,
+  Wapping New          gratis
+  Stairs.            John Harriot, Esq. Resident Magistrate
+                     Henry Lang, Esq. Chief Clerk
+                     William Brooke, Cashier
+                     Three Junior Clerks, and Ten Surveyors, &c.
+
+N.B. The whole Fees and Penalties taken and received at the seven
+Offices, established by 32 Geo. III. cap. 53. are paid into the
+_Receiver_ on account of the Public, and the whole expences of the
+Establishments are defrayed from the funds placed in his hands for
+that purpose.]
+
+[Footnote 156: The Marine Police Magistrates, on account of the extent
+of the Establishment, and the number of River Officers under their
+Control, never leave the Office from the time that business commences
+in the morning until a late hour in the evening.]
+
+This Institution of established Justices (except with regard to the
+three Magistrates at Bow-street, and the Justices at the Marine Police
+Office,) was suggested to the Legislature, in consequence of the
+pressure felt by the Public, from the want of some regular and
+properly-constituted Tribunals for the distribution of justice; where
+the System should be uniform; and where the purity of the Magistrates,
+and their regular attendance, might insure to the People, the
+adjustment of their differences, at the least possible expence; and
+the assistance of gratuitous advice in every difficulty; as well as
+official aid, in all cases within the sphere of the Magistrates in
+their respective districts.
+
+The duty of these established Magistrates, (in conjunction with
+other Justices of the Peace, who find it convenient to give
+their assistance,) extends also to several important judicial
+proceedings; where, in a great variety of instances, they are
+empowered and required to _hear_ and _determine_, in a summary way;
+particularly in cases relative to the _customs, excise, and
+stamps--the game laws--hawkers and pedlars--pawn-brokers--friendly
+societies--highways--hackney coaches, carts, and other carriages--Quakers
+and others refusing to pay tythes--appeals of defaulters in parochial
+rates--misdemeanors committed by persons unlawfully pawning property
+not their own--bakers for short weight, &c.--journeymen leaving their
+services in different trades--labourers not complying with their
+agreements--disorderly apprentices--alehouse keepers keeping
+disorderly houses--nuisances by different Acts of Parliament--acts of
+vagrancy by fraudulent lottery insurers--fortune-tellers; or persons
+of evil fame found in avenues to public places, with an intent to
+rob--As well as a multitude of other offences, in which Justices have
+power to proceed to conviction and punishment, either by fine or
+imprisonment_.
+
+The duty of the Magistrates also extends to a vast number of other
+objects, such as _licencing Public Houses_, and establishing Rules and
+Orders for Publicans,[157] _watching over the conduct of
+Publicans--swearing in, charging and instructing parochial constables
+and headboroughs from year to year, with regard to their duty--issuing
+warrants for privy searches; and in considering the cases of persons
+charged with being disorderly persons, or rogues and vagabonds, liable
+to be punished under the Act of the 17th of George II. cap. 5, and
+subsequent acts of Parliament--in making orders to Parish Officers,
+Beadles, and Constables, in a variety of cases--in Parish Removals--in
+billeting soldiers--in considering the cases of poor persons applying
+for assistance, or admission to workhouses--in granting certificates
+and orders to the wives of persons serving in the Militia_, and also
+_in attesting recruits, for the Army--in attending the General and
+Quarter Sessions of the Peace, and in visiting the Workhouses,
+Bride-wells, and Prisons_.[158]
+
+[Footnote 157: See Tract on Public Houses, by the Author of this
+Treatise.]
+
+[Footnote 158: The Magistrates at the Marine Police confine their
+attention almost wholly to the cognizance of offences, either
+committed on the River, or connected with Maritime Affairs, and his
+Majesty's Stores in the Public Arsenals.]
+
+In addition to these various duties, many criminal cases occur in the
+course of a year, which are examined for the purpose, if necessary, of
+being sent to superior tribunals for trials:--such as charges of
+_Treason, Murder, Coining, and uttering Base Money, Arson,
+Manslaughter, Forgery, Burglary, Larceny, Sedition, Felonies of
+various descriptions, Conspiracies, Frauds, Riots, Assaults, and
+Misdemeanors of different kinds_:--all which unavoidably impose upon
+every official Magistrate, a weight of business requiring great
+exertion, and an unremitting attention to the Public Interest, in the
+due execution of this very important Trust.
+
+When the Police System was first established in the year 1792, the
+public mind became impressed with an idea that the chief, if not the
+only, object of the institution was to prevent _Robberies_,
+_Burglaries_, and other _atrocious Offences_; and that the suppression
+of those crimes, which bore hardest upon Society, and were most
+dreaded by the Public at large, was to be the result. These
+expectations shewed, that neither the powers nor authorities granted
+by the Act of Parliament, nor the other duties imposed upon the
+Magistracy of the Police, were understood. For this Statute (useful as
+it certainly is in a very high degree in many other respects,) does
+not contain even a single regulation applicable to the prevention of
+crimes; except that which relates to the apprehension of suspected
+characters, found in the avenues to public places, with intent to
+commit felony; who are liable to be punished as rogues and
+vagabonds,--and even this provision does not extend to the city of
+London.
+
+But this is not all--an establishment has been created, without the
+most necessary of all engines to give vigour and effect to the
+exertions of the Magistrates; namely, a pecuniary Fund to defray the
+expences of detecting criminals, and of rewarding those who bring
+informations useful to Public Justice. The expence of each Public
+Office being restricted to _two thousand pounds_ a year, and the
+establishment in _salaries_, _rents_, _taxes_, and other
+_contingencies_ exhausting that sum, nothing remains for one of the
+most necessary purposes of the Institution--the _Prevention_ and the
+_Suppression of Crimes_.[159]
+
+[Footnote 159: It is by no means to be understood, that this
+deficiency arose from any want of real attention or public spirit on
+the part of the respectable individuals who framed and promoted this
+act. It was perhaps as much as could reasonably be expected at the
+time, until the public mind could be more fully informed. It was by
+the operation of this act, that a correct view of the improvements
+necessary to complete the System, were to be obtained. This first step
+was, therefore, of great importance; and it is but justice to state,
+that to the Authors of this Act the Public will be indebted for every
+subsequent arrangement, which may be adopted for perfecting the Police
+of the Metropolis.]
+
+It is in vain to expect that either vigour or energy can enter into
+that part of the System, where a great deal of _both_ is necessary,
+_without Funds_.
+
+If criminals, at war with the Community, are to be detected--if risks
+are to be run to effect this purpose--if it is to be done, (as it must
+frequently be) at the hazard of the loss of health, and _even of
+life_, by watching desperadoes in the night time--if accurate
+informations are necessary, either to discover where stolen property
+is deposited, or where the delinquents are to be found; a Fund must be
+provided, or the Public cannot be protected. Those, whose province it
+is to watch over the Police must not expect that men, capable of
+giving them useful information, will return a second time, if they
+have not some adequate reward bestowed upon them for their labour,
+risk, and trouble. Without such power of granting small rewards, (so
+far as that part of his duty which relates to the discovery of
+property plundered, and the detection of the offenders is of
+importance to the Public,) a Magistrate is placed in the situation of
+a person pledged to work, _without tools or implements of labour_, by
+which he can in any respect accomplish his purpose. And hence it is,
+that among the numerous causes assigned in the course of this Work,
+for the increase of Crimes,--this is none of the least.
+
+Not that it is meant that any additional burthen on the Public, by an
+extensive expenditure of money, would be necessary--A very moderate
+sum judiciously and oeconomically laid out, would bring to
+Commissioners of the Police, or to the _disbursing Magistrates_,
+through some medium or other, an early account of most of the
+depredations committed upon the Public, as well as every circumstance
+relative to coiners and sellers of base money.--This would lead to the
+detection and apprehension of most of the offenders; and thereby
+strike such an universal terror, as (assisted by the other salutary
+regulations proposed in this Work) would soon reduce the number of
+Thieves, Coiners, and other delinquents; and thus, of course, diminish
+the ultimate and great additional expence which follows conviction, in
+all cases where felons are in the course of punishment.
+
+In this view of the subject, it would prove a Regulation calculated
+greatly to reduce the aggregate expence; for surely, if _a few
+guineas_ judiciously laid out, in the first instance, would save
+_fifty_ afterwards to the State, it must be a wise and a good
+arrangement; and in this way it would probably operate. But this would
+not be the only saving to the Nation: by preventing crimes, all those
+concerned in projects of mischief must, instead of preying upon the
+industry of others, assist the State, by contributing their share to
+the national stock of labour.
+
+Next to the want of a sufficient pecuniary Fund, the most obvious
+deficiency in the present System of executive Police in the
+Metropolis, is that which regards the Magistracy of the City of
+London; _where the case is precisely reversed_; for _there_ the funds
+for the detection and discovery of offenders, may be made as ample as
+the Corporation shall think fit; but the want of a _Stipendiary
+Establishment_ must prevent the operation of that System of vigour and
+energy, which the increase of Criminals and the present state of
+Society demand.
+
+The Magistrates of the City of London form a body, perhaps the most
+_respectable_, and _independent_ of any in the world; but besides the
+unavoidable, important, and multiplied affairs of the Corporation, in
+attending the various Courts of the Lord-Mayor--Aldermen--Common
+Council--Common Hall--Wardmotes--Conservancy--Courts of
+Requests--Court of Orphans--and General and Quarter Sessions of the
+Peace, and Justice Hall at the Old Bailey, they have avocations and
+engagements in business, which must necessarily occupy their minds.
+It cannot, therefore, reasonably be expected, that they should forego
+their own important private interests, and bestow upon the business of
+the Public that attention which their situation as Magistrates seems
+to require.[160]
+
+[Footnote 160: The Author having had occasion to represent to a late
+Chief Magistrate, of great talents and respectability, the enormous
+evil arising from _base coin_:--He very judiciously observed, that to
+do any good in protecting the Public against this species of offence,
+_it would require the mind of a Magistrate to be given up to that
+object alone_. This pointed and accurate remark is sufficient to
+elucidate, in an eminent degree, the necessity of Magistrates with
+salaries, in all large Communities.]
+
+The Chief Magistrate cannot, in the nature of things, while the
+immense load of municipal affairs, joined to his own private concerns,
+presses constantly upon his mind, bestow either time or attention in
+considering the cases of delinquents brought before him; or in
+following up informations, and devising plans necessary to detect
+offenders; and yet this detail of duty, even from the pass-vagrant to
+the most atrocious villain, is imposed on him, by ancient immemorial
+custom and usage; at the very moment when he is overpowered with other
+official business, of great magnitude and importance; which can be
+transacted by no other person. Hurried with constant engagements,
+inseparable from the functions and dignity attached to his high
+office, and the general government of the City, a Lord-Mayor is just
+beginning to understand the duties attached to the Chief Magistracy,
+at the period when he must lay it down.
+
+The other Magistrates of the City having had a precise line of duty
+anciently chalked out, when Commerce and Society had made less
+progress, the same System continues; nor would it be proper to expect
+an augmentation of labour, or a greater proportion of time, from
+Magistrates who serve the Public gratuitously.--The unremitting
+attendance and indefatigable industry, which the Public interest
+requires, it would be vain and unjust to expect, from any but
+Magistrates selected for that purpose, and that only.[161]
+
+[Footnote 161: The Select Committee of the House of Commons on
+Finance, in their 28th Report (already repeatedly quoted), appear to
+be very strongly impressed with the necessity of Police Magistrates,
+and a Concurrent Jurisdiction for the City of London.--They express
+themselves in the following words: "It is further to be stated, that a
+considerable defect is felt in the Police of the Metropolis, from the
+limited jurisdiction of the present Magistrates in every part of it,
+and from the want of an Institution similar to that of the Police
+Offices to be established in the City of London, as was originally
+intended and proposed: that the delay which necessarily takes place in
+obtaining the sanction of the local Magistracy in either case, to the
+warrants of those presiding in other districts, operates in all cases
+to the advantage of offenders against the Laws, and to the obstruction
+of Public Justice: add to which, that the numerous and important
+avocations, both public and private, of the truly respectable
+Magistracy of the City, is too often inconsistent with that constant
+and unremitting attention which the due preservation of the Police of
+the Metropolis requires. That it would be unfortunate indeed if any
+local jealousy founded upon no just grounds, though entertained by
+honourable minds, should continue to deprive even the Inhabitants of
+the City itself, as well as those of the rest of the Metropolis, of
+that security which a more permanent attendance, and a perfect
+intercommunity of Jurisdiction in Criminal matters between the
+Magistrates of every part of the Metropolis, and of the five adjoining
+Counties, could not fail to produce."--See p. 13, 28th Report, 26th of
+June, 1798.]
+
+With the increase of those blessings which are supposed to arise from
+a course of prosperity and wealth, there is generally an increase also
+of _evils_ and _inconveniences_; and hence it is that while an influx
+of riches preponderates in _one scale_, an augmentation of crimes acts
+as a counterbalance in the _other_:--thus requiring the constant and
+progressive application of such antidotes and remedies as will
+preserve the _good_, while the _evil_ is diminished or kept within
+bounds.
+
+It seems that the Metropolis is now in that situation where the active
+and unceasing attention of Magistrates with salaries, has become
+necessary to promote a vigorous and energetic execution of the Law,
+for the general protection of property, and the safety of
+individuals.[162]
+
+[Footnote 162: If this were the case, neither the Bank, nor the
+avenues to every part of Cheapside, &c.[H] would be beset with gangs
+of rogues and sharpers, both men and women, who support themselves
+principally by the resource which the vast amount of moving property,
+in money and portable goods, affords them, in this part of the
+Metropolis; where, it appears, capital offenders are rarely detected;
+since, at the Old Bailey, those convicted in the course of a year,
+from the City and County, run in the proportion of about 1-7th part
+for London, and 6-7th parts for Middlesex.[I]]
+
+[Footnote H: See p. 106.]
+
+[Footnote I: Vide Table, p. 429.]
+
+Contemplating the various existing evils detailed in this Work, and
+which form so many prominent features of Police, requiring the
+constant and watchful eye of the Magistrate, it seems clear to
+demonstration, that unless official duties become the sole business
+and pursuit of the parties engaged in them, the Public Interest must
+suffer; and (although imperceptible in their progress), Crimes will
+increase and multiply; at a time when the comfort, happiness and
+security of Society, require that they should be diminished.
+
+In consequence also of the great accumulation of the Statute Laws,
+requiring the attention of Justices in a vast number of instances,
+which did not occur a century ago, their duty has so multiplied as to
+require the _whole time_ of Magistrates acting in all great Societies;
+an observation which applies not merely to the Metropolis, but to many
+large Provincial Towns. It follows, therefore, almost as a matter of
+course, that Stipendiary Justices have become indispensably
+necessary.[163]
+
+[Footnote 163: In the measures finally proposed by the Finance
+Committee, in the 9th Article (page 30), they recommend it to
+Parliament, "That two additional Offices of Police should be
+established in the City, consisting each of three Magistrates, to sit
+at the Mansion-house, and at Guildhall, for the purpose of assisting
+the Lord-Mayor and the Court of Aldermen: such Magistrates to be named
+by the Lord-Mayor and Court of Aldermen; and paid out of the General
+Funds arising from the proposed regulations; to sit permanently, as at
+the other Offices, with Commissions from the Crown, extending over the
+whole Metropolis, and the counties of Middlesex, Kent, Essex, and
+Surry."]
+
+If men of business, integrity, and talents, could once be prevailed on
+to accept of such employments, and execute the trust reposed in them
+with zeal and attention to the public interest, and with firm and
+independent minds, attached to no Party, infinite advantages must
+result to the Community from their services.[164]
+
+[Footnote 164: A Police Magistrate has nothing to do with the politics
+of the Country; and he is incapable, and unworthy of the trust reposed
+in him, if he permits any bias, or influence, but that which is
+immediately connected with a correct and chaste execution of the Laws,
+to take hold of his mind.--It is only by this line of conduct, that he
+can either render himself useful or respectable.]
+
+Where men of this description pledge themselves, as they must
+necessarily do, to give up every other pursuit, assiduously and
+constantly to execute the laborious duties of a Police Magistrate;
+Justice also requires that the reward should be commensurate to the
+sacrifices which are made. It is the interest of the Community that it
+should be so: for in the present extended state of Commerce and
+Society, no gratuitous System can ever be expected to answer any
+purpose of real utility.
+
+While the higher order of Magistrates receive the just reward of their
+useful labour, bestowed in the exercise of their functions in
+promoting the public good--where can be the impropriety of extending
+the same species of remuneration to inferior Magistrates; who must
+devote even a greater portion of time and attention to the
+multifarious duties assigned them?
+
+The office of _Assistant Magistrates_ in the City might be assigned to
+six active and honourable men, who would give _their whole attention
+to_ the criminal department of the Police. The proceedings of these
+Magistrates should be sanctioned by the presence of the Aldermen, as
+often as one or more could conveniently attend; on which occasions
+they would necessarily preside, as holding within their own district,
+the highest rank in the Magistracy.
+
+The difference in point of benefit to the Community between a _Mind_
+constantly occupied in objects of public utility, and that which is
+only occasionally employed, is great beyond all possible
+calculation.--Nor is the measure without precedent, even in the City
+of London, since the Recorder may, in his high office, be fairly
+considered in the light of a Magistrate with a salary.
+
+Ready on every occasion at their Sittings in the morning and evening,
+to offer their advice or assistance to the labouring people, as well
+as all ranks of the Community, who apply for it--to adjust their
+differences, and to protect them against wrongs and oppressions:
+prepared also, as a matter of business, to receive and follow up
+informations where crimes have been committed, and never to lose sight
+of the object while it is practicable to attain it; these Assistant
+Magistrates would afford incalculable advantages to the City: which
+would be still farther increased, if a System of co-operation of the
+other Police Magistrates were established, upon a plan which would
+unite their energy, and render their jurisdiction co-extensive. (See
+_ante_ pages 419, 420).
+
+It is a well-known fact, that since the establishment of Police
+Magistrates for Westminster, and the parts of Middlesex and Surry,
+contiguous to the City of London, great benefits have been experienced
+from the assistance and advice which have been afforded to the
+indigent, and the ignorant.
+
+Many quarrels and little law-suits have been prevented, and
+innumerable differences immediately reconciled without any expence.
+
+It is in this manner that Magistrates, acting up to the spirit of
+their Public Duty, and bestowing their _whole_ attention upon whatever
+relates to that duty, confer those obligations upon the Community
+which no moderate remuneration can repay.
+
+The office of a Police Magistrate is not like other public
+situations:--for the business is multifarious, seldom admits of any
+recess or a vacation.--It is, or ought to be, _constant_, _laborious_,
+and without _intermission_.[165]
+
+[Footnote 165: In the month of October, 1793, a respectable Committee,
+representing the great body of the Manufacturers in Spitalfields,
+waited on His Majesty's Principal Secretary of State for the Home
+Department, with an Address of Thanks for the Establishment of the
+Police System; the substance of which is as follows:
+
+"That it is the opinion of this Society, that great benefits have
+arisen, with regard to the security of property, from the correct and
+regular manner in which the judicial business has been conducted by
+the Magistrates of Police; in consequence of whose vigilance and
+attention, an effectual check has been given to a System of
+depredation which heretofore occasioned a loss of many thousands per
+annum to the Silk Manufacturers:"--And it was Resolved,--"That the
+Thanks of this Society are due to the Right Honourable Henry Dundas,
+one of His Majesty's Principal Secretaries of State; and also to Mr.
+Burton, and the other Members of Parliament, who proposed and
+supported the Police System, for the share they had in the
+establishment of a judicial Tribunal, which has been found to extend,
+to the Silk Manufacturers, many advantages in a just and proper
+execution of the Laws which were not heretofore experienced."]
+
+But with all these advantages, even improved by competent funds
+appropriated to the different Public Offices, still a _Centre-point_
+is wanted to connect the whole together, so as to invigorate and
+strengthen every part, by a superintending Establishment, under the
+immediate controul of the Secretary of State for the Home Department:
+There, indeed, the constitutional superintendence of the Police of the
+Metropolis, as well as of the whole country, rests at present; but
+from the vast weight and increase of other Public Business, connected
+with the general affairs of the State, foreign, colonial, and
+domestic, it has been found impracticable to pursue that particular
+System which has now become, more than ever, necessary for the
+detection of criminals. It seems then, that in executing a task so
+complicated and multifarious, a delegation of subordinate _Responsible
+Management_ to a _Central Board of Police_ should be resorted to: as
+the only means of giving strength, vigour, and energy to a System,
+heretofore only partially useful; and which, in its present disjointed
+state, is incapable of extending that Protection and Security, which
+has been shewn in the course of this Work, to be so much wanted, and
+so indispensably necessary.
+
+To understand the Police of the Metropolis to that extent which is
+necessary to direct and superintend its general operations, it must be
+acted upon _practically_; and those who undertake the _superintendence_
+and _management_ alluded to, must be men _able_, _intelligent_,
+_prudent_, and _indefatigable_: devoting their whole attention to this
+object alone. Clerks might be continually employed with great
+advantage in entering and posting up under the proper heads, such new
+information as should be obtained from day to day; and hours should be
+appointed for receiving such intelligence from all proper and
+well-informed persons, who might choose to offer the same; so far as
+such information related to Public wrongs, and offences against the
+peace, safety, and well-being of Society.
+
+Under such a System, with a proper power of remunerating Officers and
+others, scarcely a _Robbery_, _Burglary_, _Larceny_, or _fraudulent
+Transaction_, could be committed, where the perpetrators would not be
+very speedily detected and brought to justice; for then the
+Magistrates, in their respective districts, would be enabled to act
+with confidence, vigour, and energy, in the discovery and apprehension
+of offenders;--and the effect would be to excite a general terror in
+the minds of every class of delinquents; which could not fail to
+operate strongly as a means of preventing crimes, and improving the
+morals and the happiness of the lower orders of the People.
+
+In addition to this these responsible Commissioners of Police might,
+with great propriety, and with no little public utility, have
+committed to them the superintendence of _all Receipts and
+Disbursements of the accounts_, and of _all monies applicable to
+objects of Police_: these they should lay annually before Parliament,
+if required, accompanied by a General Report; that the Legislature, as
+well as the Public at large, might see in what manner the funds had
+been applied; and what progress had been made in the prevention of
+crimes, and in restoring among the Labouring People that sense of
+morality, which never, perhaps, was at a lower ebb than at present.
+
+The most enlightened Foreigners who have visited this Metropolis, and
+contemplated the nature and organization of our Police System, join in
+one general remark upon it; viz.--"_That we have some shadow of
+Police, for apprehending Delinquents, after crimes are actually
+committed; but none for the purpose of preventing them_."--This
+certainly is, in one sense, literally true;--and from this source,
+combined with the imperfection of the Criminal Code, have arisen all
+those enormities and inconveniences already so amply detailed.
+
+Attached to the Laws and Government of his country, even to a degree
+of enthusiasm, the Author of this Work will not be too prone to seek
+for greater perfection in other nations: or to quote them as examples
+to be imitated in the Metropolis of the British Empire; and still less
+if such examples should tend, in the slightest degree, to abridge that
+freedom which is the birth-right of every Briton. But as all true
+liberty depends on those fences which are established in every
+Country, for the protection of the Persons and Property of the People,
+against every attack whatsoever: and as prejudices ought to be
+banished from the mind in all discussions tending to promote the
+General Weal, we ought not to be ashamed of borrowing good Systems
+from other Nations; wherever such can be adopted, consistent with the
+Constitution of the Country, and the Liberty of the Subject.
+
+In France, under the Old Government, how much soever many parts of the
+System of that Country were justly reprobated, by all who were
+acquainted with the blessings of Freedom, yet, in the management and
+regulation of what was denominated _The Police_, there existed that
+kind of Establishment, with regard to personal security, and
+protection against the depredations of the most depraved part of the
+community, which Englishmen have certainly never enjoyed; who, on the
+contrary, have suffered manifold inconveniences from an idea, (surely
+a very erroneous one,) "that we must endure these public wrongs, and
+expose our property and lives to the attack of murderers, robbers, and
+highwaymen, as the price of _Liberty_."
+
+When difficulties are felt, it is our duty to look at them
+dispassionately; to face them with fortitude, and to discuss them with
+intelligence--divested of all prejudices generated merely by habit and
+education. By pursuing this mode of investigation, it will be
+discovered that in other Governments there may be some Establishments
+worthy of imitation; and which, perhaps, might in part be adopted, not
+only in perfect consistency with the Freedom of the Subject; but with
+the advantage of extending to the mass of the People, who are not in a
+course of delinquency, more real liberty than they at present enjoy.--
+
+At the commencement of the troubles in France, it is a curious fact,
+that the Lieutenant-General of the National Police, as well as that of
+the Metropolis, had upon his Registers the names of not less than
+twenty thousand suspected and depraved characters, whose pursuits were
+known to be of a criminal nature; yet, by making this part of Police
+the immediate object of the close and uniform attention of one branch
+of the Executive Government, Crimes were much less frequent than in
+England; and the security extended to the Public, with regard to the
+protection of Life and Property against lawless depredation, was
+infinitely greater.--To elucidate this assertion, and to shew to what
+a wonderful height the System had advanced, the Reader is referred to
+the following Anecdotes; which were mentioned to the Author by a
+Foreign Minister of great intelligence and information, who resided
+some years at the Court of France.
+
+"A Merchant of high respectability in Bourdeaux had occasion to visit
+the Metropolis upon commercial business, carrying with him bills and
+money to a very large amount.
+
+"On his arrival at the gates of Paris, a genteel looking man opened
+the door of his carriage, and addressed him to this effect:--_Sir, I
+have been waiting for you some time; according to my notes, you were
+to arrive at this hour; and your person, your carriage, and your
+portmanteau, exactly answering the description I hold in my hand, you
+will permit me to have the honour of conducting you to Monsieur De
+Sartine._
+
+"The Gentleman, astonished and alarmed at this interruption, and still
+more so at hearing the name of the Lieutenant of the Police mentioned,
+demanded to know what _Monsieur De Sartine_ wanted with him; adding,
+at the same time, that he never had committed any offence against the
+Laws, and that he could have no right to interrupt or detain him.
+
+"The Messenger declared himself perfectly ignorant of the cause of the
+detention; stating, at the same time, that when he had conducted him
+to _Monsieur De Sartine_, he should have executed his orders, which
+were merely ministerial.
+
+"After some further explanations, the Gentleman permitted the Officer
+to conduct him accordingly. _Monsieur De Sartine_ received him, with
+great politeness; and after requesting him to be seated, to his great
+astonishment, he described his portmanteau; and told him the exact sum
+in bills and specie which he had brought with him to Paris, and where
+he was to lodge, his usual time of going to bed, and a number of other
+circumstances, which the Gentleman had conceived could only be known
+to himself.--_Monsieur De Sartine_ having thus excited attention, put
+this extraordinary question to him--_Sir, are you a man of
+courage?_--The Gentleman, still more astonished at the singularity of
+such an interrogatory, demanded the reason why he put such a strange
+question, adding, at the same time, that no man ever doubted his
+courage. _Monsieur De Sartine_ replied,--_Sir, you are to be robbed
+and murdered this night!--If you are a man of courage, you must go to
+your hotel, and retire to rest at the usual hour: but be careful that
+you do not fall asleep; neither will it be proper for you to look
+under the bed, or into any of the closets which are in your
+bed-chamber_; (which he accurately described);--_you must place your
+portmanteau in its usual situation, near your bed, and discover no
+suspicion:--Leave what remains to me.--If, however, you do not feel
+your courage sufficient to bear you out, I will procure a person who
+shall personate you, and go to bed in your stead._
+
+"The Gentleman being convinced, in the course of the conversation,
+that _Monsieur de Sartine's_ intelligence was accurate in every
+particular, he refused to be personated, and formed an immediate
+resolution, literally, to follow the directions he had received: he
+accordingly went to bed at his usual hour, which was eleven
+o'clock.--At half past twelve (the time mentioned by _Monsieur De
+Sartine_), the door of the bed-chamber burst open, and three men
+entered with a _dark lantern_, _daggers_ and _pistols_.--The
+Gentleman, who of course was awake, perceived one of them to be his
+own servant.--They rifled his portmanteau, undisturbed, and settled
+the plan of putting him to death.--The Gentleman, hearing all this,
+and not knowing by what means he was to be rescued, it may naturally
+be supposed, was under great perturbation of mind during such an awful
+interval of suspense; when, at the moment the villains were preparing
+to commit the horrid deed, four Police Officers, acting under _Mons.
+De Sartine's_ orders, who were concealed under the bed, and in the
+closet, rushed out and seized the offenders with the property in their
+possession, and in the act of preparing to commit the murder.
+
+"The consequence was, that the perpetration of the atrocious deed was
+prevented, and sufficient evidence obtained to convict the
+offenders.--_Monsieur De Sartine's_ intelligence enabled him to
+_prevent_ this horrid offence of robbery and murder; which, but for
+the accuracy of the System, would probably have been carried into
+execution."
+
+Another Anecdote, was mentioned to the Author by the same Minister,
+relative to the Emperor Joseph the Second: "That Monarch, having, in
+the year 1787, formed and promulgated a new Code of Laws relative to
+criminal and civil offences;[166] and having also established what he
+conceived to be the best System of Police in Europe, he could scarcely
+ever forgive the French Nation, in consequence of the accuracy and
+intelligence of _Mons. De Sartine_ having been found so much superior
+to his own; notwithstanding the immense pains he had bestowed upon
+that department of his Government.
+
+[Footnote 166: Vide page 63 & _seq._ of this Volume.]
+
+"A very notorious offender, who was a subject of the Emperor, and who
+committed many atrocious acts of violence and depredation at Vienna,
+was traced to Paris by the Police established by His Majesty, who
+ordered his Ambassador at the Court of France to demand that this
+delinquent should be delivered up to Public Justice.
+
+"_Mons. De Sartine_ acknowledged to the Imperial Ambassador, that the
+person he inquired after had been in Paris;--that, if it would be any
+satisfaction, he could inform him where he had lodged, and the
+different gaming-tables, and other places of infamous resort, which he
+frequented while there;--but that he was now gone.--
+
+"The Ambassador, after stating the accuracy and correct mode by which
+the Police of Vienna was conducted, insisted that this offender must
+still be in Paris; otherwise the Emperor would not have commanded him
+to make such an application.
+
+"_Monsieur de Sartine_ smiled at the incredulity of the Imperial
+Minister, and made a reply to the following effect:--
+
+"_Do me the honour, Sir, to inform the Emperor, your Master, that the
+person he looks for left Paris on the 10th day of the last month; and
+is now lodged in a back room looking into a garden in the third story
+of a house, number 93, in ---- street, in his own Capital of Vienna;
+where his Majesty will, by sending to the spot, be sure to find
+him._--
+
+"It was literally as the French Minister of Police had stated.--The
+Emperor, to his astonishment, found the delinquent in the house and
+apartment described; but he was greatly mortified at this proof of the
+accuracy of the French Police; which, in this instance, in point of
+intelligence _even in Vienna_, was discovered to be so much superior
+to his own."--
+
+The fact is, that the French System had arrived at the greatest degree
+of perfection; and though not necessary, nor even proper, to be copied
+as _a pattern_, might, nevertheless, furnish many useful hints,
+calculated to improve the Police of this Metropolis, consistent with
+the existing Laws; and even to extend and increase the Liberty of
+Subject without taking one privilege away; or interfering in the
+pursuits of any one class of individuals; except those employed in
+purposes of _mischief_, _fraud_, and _criminality_.
+
+The situation of this Country, (indeed of every country in Europe,)
+has changed materially since the dissolution of the ancient Government
+of France.--The horde of sharpers and villains, who heretofore
+resorted to Paris from every part of Europe, will now consider London
+as their general and most productive theatre of action; for two
+obvious reasons:--1st. Paris being exhausted of riches, its Nobility
+banished, and the principal part of the active property there
+annihilated, the former resources for the support of criminal and
+depraved characters no longer exist; while that Metropolis holds out
+no allurements similar to what were formerly experienced. 2dly. The
+ignorance of the English language (a circumstance which formerly
+afforded us some protection), will no longer be a bar to the resort of
+the continental sharpers to the Metropolis of this kingdom. At no
+period was it ever so generally understood by Foreigners; or the
+French language so universally spoken, by at least the younger part of
+the People of this Country.--
+
+The spirit of gaming and dissipation which prevails in London,
+promoted already in no inconsiderable degree by profligate characters
+from the Continent, the opulence of the People, and the great mass of
+active property in circulation, will afford a wide field for the
+exercise of the invention and wits of that description of men, both
+foreigners and natives, who infested Paris under the old Government,
+and which rendered a more than ordinary attention to its Police
+indispensably necessary.--
+
+The termination of the present war will probably throw into this
+country a vast number of idle, profligate, and depraved characters,
+natives of this, as well as of other nations, who will require to be
+narrowly watched by a vigilant and well-regulated Police. The
+probability of such an accession to the numbers already engaged in
+acts of delinquency, serves to establish new and incontrovertible
+arguments in favour of the proposed _Board of Responsible
+Commissioners_, for managing the affairs of the Police of the
+Metropolis; to form a _Centre-point_, and to bind the System together.
+
+To be well prepared against every possible evil, is one great step
+towards prevention; and among the many advantages already detailed, as
+likely to result from a _Board of Police Revenue_, this would be none
+of the least.
+
+In every view in which the subject can be considered, such a System,
+strengthened by good and apposite Laws, could not fail to be
+productive of vast benefits to the Community. _Petty Thefts_ affecting
+all ranks who have any property to lose, and destroying the moral
+principle, would be greatly abridged:--as would also the plunder from
+vessels in the River Thames, as well as from the public Arsenals,
+Dock-yards, and Ships of War. The more atrocious Crimes of Burglary
+and Highway Robbery, would suffer a severe check, in the
+embarrassments which would arise from the System of detections and
+Rewards--from the restrictions proposed to be laid upon Receivers of
+Stolen Goods; upon Night Coaches,--and from other regulations
+applicable to those particular offences. A large proportion of the
+_Coiners_, _Dealers_, and _Utterers of Base Money_, feeling the risk
+of detection, as well as of punishment, greatly extended and
+increased, would probably abandon the business as hazardous and
+destructive. The completion of the General System would also, either
+collaterally or immediately, reach the tribe of Cheats, Swindlers, and
+Lottery Offenders, in such a manner as to occasion a considerable
+reduction of their number, by narrowing the ground, and destroying the
+resources by which they at present flourish.
+
+The establishment of such a System would be an immediate benefit to
+every man of property, as an individual, independent of the Public at
+large; but even in another point of view, it is doubly necessary at
+this juncture, when new events are daily occurring, of a nature truly
+interesting to the peace and well-being of Society, and to the
+tranquillity of the State; rendering it more than ever necessary to
+establish a System of unremitting vigilance. It is a fact well
+established, that it was principally through the medium, and by the
+assistance, of many of the twenty thousand miscreants who were
+registered, previous to the anarchy of France, on the books of the
+Lieutenant of Police, that the contending Factions in that distracted
+country, were enabled to perpetrate those horrid massacres and acts of
+atrocity, which have been beheld with detestation, abhorrence, and
+astonishment, by every civilized nation in the world.
+
+Let it be recollected, at the same time, that Mankind, in a state of
+depravity, arising from a long course of criminal turpitude, are
+nearly alike in every country; and that it becomes us to look with a
+jealous eye on the several thousand miscreants of the same description
+which now infest London; for they too, upon any fatal emergency,
+(which GOD forbid!) would be equally ready as their brethren in
+iniquity were, in Paris, to repeat the same atrocities, if any
+opportunity offered.
+
+As the effectuating such an object has become so great a
+desideratum;--and as it is to confer those blessings which spring from
+a well-regulated Police, calculated to extend a species of
+protection[167] to the inhabitants of this great Metropolis, which
+has never been heretofore experienced:--it can scarcely fail to be a
+matter of general satisfaction to know that the Select Committee of
+the House of Commons on Finance, have strongly recommended to
+Parliament a System of Police, similar to that which had been
+submitted to the consideration of the Public in the former editions of
+this Work.
+
+[Footnote 167: In mentioning what regards the protection of the
+Metropolis, with the inefficiency of the existing Civil Force in
+Constables, it is impossible to overlook those eminent advantages
+which have arisen from the excellent institutions of the Honourable
+Artillery Company, the Light Horse Volunteers, and the other
+associated Corps, who have so nobly stood forth in the hour of danger
+to support the deficient Police of the Country.
+
+To these Patriotic individuals, the inhabitants of the Metropolis are
+under infinite obligations.
+
+Regardless of their own _ease_, _convenience_, _interest_, or _personal
+safety_, the members of these public-spirited associations have ever
+stood forward in the hour of tumult and disorder gratuitously, and at
+their own expence, for the protection of their Fellow-citizens, and
+for the preservation of the Public peace.
+
+The assistance they have, on every occasion, afforded the civil power,
+and the sacrifices of valuable time which they have made, at the risk
+of health, and under circumstances where they were compelled to forego
+that ease and comfort, which, in many instances, from their opulence
+and rank in life, are attached to their particular situations--it is
+to be hoped will never be forgotten by a grateful Public.]
+
+In order that improvements, sanctioned by such high authority, and the
+adoption of which are so important to the best interests of Society,
+may be fully explained and elucidated; a detail of the measures, which
+have been recommended, with general observations on the proposed
+System, are reserved for the ensuing Chapter.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. XVIII.
+
+     _The System of Police recommended by the Select Committee on
+     Finance explained.--A proposition to consolidate the two
+     Boards of Hawkers and Pedlars, and Hackney Coaches, into a
+     Board of Police Revenue.--The whole Revenues of Police from
+     Fees, Penalties, and Licence Duties, to make a common
+     Fund.--Accounts to be audited.--Magistrates to distribute
+     small Rewards.--A power to the Board to make Bye-Laws.--A
+     concurrent jurisdiction recommended--also the Penitentiary
+     House for reforming Convicts.--Other measures proposed after
+     the Board is established--namely, a Public Prosecutor for
+     the Crown--A Register of Lodging Houses--The establishment
+     of a Police Gazette.--Two leading objects to be
+     attained--The prevention of Crimes: and raising a Revenue
+     for Police purposes.--The enumeration of the Dealers who are
+     proposed to be Licenced.--A General View of the annual
+     expence of the present Police System. Observations on the
+     effect of the System recommended by the Finance Committee,
+     with respect to the Morals and Finances of the
+     Country.--Suggestions respecting a chain of connection with
+     Magistrates in the Country, and the mode of effecting
+     it.--Licences to be granted by select Magistrates in the
+     Country, and by the Central Board in London and the
+     neighbourhood.--The Functions of the proposed Board
+     explained.--Specifications of the Trades to be regulated and
+     Licenced.--General Reflections on the advantages likely to
+     result from the adoption of the plan recommended by the
+     Finance Committee.--Concluding Observations._
+
+
+Impressed with a deep sense of the utility of investigating the nature
+of the Police System, the Select Committee of the House of Commons on
+Finance turned their attention to this, among many other important
+objects in the Session of the year 1798; and, after a laborious
+investigation which occupied several months, (during which period the
+Author of this Treatise underwent several examinations),[168] they
+made their _final Report_--in which, after stating it as their
+opinion, "that the general tendency of our oeconomical arrangements
+upon this subject is ill calculated to meet the accumulating burdens,
+which are the infallible result of so much error in our System of
+Police"--they recommended it to Parliament to reduce or consolidate
+"the two offices of Hawkers and Pedlars, and Hackney Coaches, into a
+Board of Police Revenue, under the direction of a competent number of
+Commissioners, with such Salaries as should bid fair to engage
+talents adequate to the situation, and as should be sufficient to
+command the whole exertion of those talents.--That the Receiver of the
+Police offices, should be the Receiver-General of the funds proposed
+to be collected by this Board.--That the superintendence of aliens
+should form a part of its business.--That the fees and penalties
+received at the several offices of Police, together with the
+Licence-duties and penalties, if any, which shall be in the collection
+of this consolidated Board, shall make one common fund, out of which
+all salaries and expences of the several offices of Police should be
+defrayed, as well as all those of the Consolidated Board, and that all
+payments whatever should be made by the Receiver, under the sanction
+of this Board, subject to the approbation of the Lords Commissioners
+of his Majesty's Treasury.--That the accounts of the Receiver should
+be audited and signed by the Board before being delivered to the
+Treasury, or the office for auditing accounts.--That the balances in
+the hands of the Receiver, after retaining what may be sufficient for
+current expences, should be paid into the Exchequer at frequent and
+fixed periods.--That Magistrates of Police should be impowered to
+distribute small rewards to Constables or others, for meritorious
+services, to be paid by the Revenue, after receiving the sanction of
+the Board: And further, that the Board should have power to make
+Bye-laws, for the regulation of such Minor Objects of Police as
+relate to the objects of their superintendence, and to the control of
+all Coaches, Chairs, Carts, Barrows, and the conduct of all Coachmen,
+Chairmen, Carters, &c. and the removal and prevention of annoyances,
+and the correction of all offences against the cleanliness, the quiet,
+and the free passage of the Streets of the Metropolis, similar to the
+powers now possessed by the Commissioners of Hackney Coaches, and
+subject in like manner to the approbation of the Superior Judges in
+the Courts in Westminster-Hall."--The Committee further recommend that
+two additional Police Offices should be established in the City of
+London, consisting each of three Magistrates, to be named by the Lord
+Mayor and Aldermen, and paid out of the General funds, and to have
+Commissions from the Crown, extending over the whole Metropolis, and
+the Counties of Middlesex, Kent, Essex, and Surry; and that the
+Commissions of the Magistrates of the other eight Offices should
+extend in like manner over the whole Metropolis, and the four
+above-mentioned Counties.[169] And finally, the Committee recommend
+that no time should be lost in carrying into effect the Plan and
+Proposal of Jeremiah Bentham, Esq. for employing and reforming
+Convicts, as a measure which bids fairer than any other that was
+offered to the Public, to diminish the Public expenditure in this
+branch, and to produce a salutary Reform in the object of the proposed
+Institution.
+
+[Footnote 168: See Appendix to the 28th Report of the Committee.]
+
+[Footnote 169: It is not proposed in the Bill, now in preparation,
+hereafter stated, to introduce any thing respecting the City of
+London, unless the consent of the Lord-Mayor, Aldermen, and
+Common-Council, shall be previously obtained.]
+
+Other measures are stated by this Committee as well calculated to
+facilitate the means of detection and conviction of Offenders, and to
+reduce the expence which is now borne by the Public, or sustained by
+private Individuals, in the maintenance of a very inefficient Police;
+while they seem calculated to lessen the growing Calendars of
+Delinquency, but which may be better matured after the consolidation
+of the Offices here proposed shall have taken place.--"Such as the
+appointment of Counsel for the Crown, with moderate Salaries, to
+conduct all Criminal Prosecutions, and rendering the Solicitor to the
+Board useful, either in such Prosecutions as any of the Public
+Officers might find it necessary to institute; or in such Criminal
+Prosecutions at the suit of Individuals, as the Public Justice of the
+Country should render expedient.--Such as a Register of Lodging-houses
+in the Metropolis.--Such as the establishment of a Police Gazette, to
+be circulated at a low price, and furnished gratis to all persons
+under the superintendence of the Board; who shall pay a licence duty
+to a certain amount: And such also as an Annual Report of the state of
+the Police of the Country."
+
+In considering this Report in general, it is no slight gratification
+to the Author of this Treatise, to discover that all the great
+features of his original design for giving to Police its genuine
+character, unmixed with those judicial Powers which lead to
+punishment, and properly belong to Magistracy alone, have been
+sanctioned by such high authority.
+
+In taking a general view not only of what is specifically recommended
+by the Select Committee of the House of Commons; but also of the
+Report itself, two leading objects appear to be in contemplation,
+namely--
+
+     1st. The prevention of crimes and misdemeanors, by bringing
+     under regulations a variety of dangerous and suspicious
+     trades;[170] the uncontrolled exercise of which by persons
+     of loose conduct, is known to contribute in a very high
+     degree to the concealment, and by that means to the
+     encouragement and multiplication of crimes.
+
+     [Footnote 170: The Trades alluded to are these
+     following,--vide Appendix (C) 28th Report of Select
+     Committee of the House of Commons on Finance, page 45, 46,
+     and 47.
+
+     _New Revenues._
+
+     1. Wholesale and Retail Dealers in old Naval Stores,
+     Hand-stuff, and Rags.
+
+     2. Dealers in second-hand wearing Apparel, Stationary and
+     Itinerant.
+
+     3. Dealers in old Iron and other Metals, &c.
+
+     4. Founders and others using Crucibles.
+
+     5. Persons using Draught and Truck Carts for conveying
+     Stores, Rags, and Metals.
+
+     6. Persons Licenced to slaughter horses.
+
+     7. Persons keeping Livery Stables, and letting Horses for
+     hire.
+
+     8. Auctioneers, who hold periodical or diurnal Sales.
+
+     _Existing Revenues proposed to be transferred with a view to
+     a more effectual control, and to an improved Finance._
+
+     9. Hackney Coaches and Chairs.
+
+     10. Hawkers and Pedlars.
+
+     11. Pawn Brokers.
+
+     12. Dealers in Horses.
+
+       N.B. The new Revenues are Estimated to yield         £.64,000
+       The increase of the existing Revenues is stated at     19,467
+                                                            --------
+                                                            £.83,467
+                                                            --------]
+
+     2d. To raise a moderate Revenue for Police purposes from the
+     persons who shall be thus controlled, by means of Licence
+     Duties, and otherwise so modified as not to operate as a
+     material burden; while a confident hope is entertained, that
+     the amount of this revenue will go a considerable length in
+     relieving the finances of the country, of the expences at
+     present incurred for objects of Police, and that, in the
+     effect of the general System, a considerable saving will
+     arise, in consequence of the expected diminution of crimes,
+     particularly as the chief part of the expence appears to
+     arise after delinquents are convicted.[171]
+
+[Footnote 171: The amount of the general expence of the Criminal
+Police of the Kingdom as stated by the Committee on Finance in their
+28th Report is as follows:
+
+  1st. The annual average of the total expence
+  of the Seven Public Offices in the Metropolis,
+  from the institution in August
+  1792 to the end of the year 1797, being
+  a period of 5-1/2 years                              £.18,281  18  6
+
+  2d. The total expence of the Office at Bow-street,
+  in the year 1797, including remunerations
+  to the Magistrates in lieu
+  of fees, perquisites, and special services,
+  and the expence of the patrole of 68
+  persons                                                 7,901   7  7
+                                                         -------------
+                       Total expence for the Metropolis  26,183   6  1
+
+  3d. The money paid to the several Sheriffs for
+  the conviction of Felons in 1797                        9,650   0  0
+
+  4th. The expence of maintaining
+  Convicts on board
+  the Hulks, (exclusive
+  of 415 under Sentence
+  of Transportation in
+  the different gaols),
+  amounted in 1797 to           £.32,080   0  0
+
+  5th. The expences incurred in
+  the employment of
+  Convicts by the Navy
+  and Ordnance Boards,
+  probably amounting to
+  not less than from 10_l._
+  to 20_l._ per Man per
+  annum, were by computation       1,498  14 10-1/4
+
+  6th. The annual average of
+  cloathing, victualling,
+  and transporting Convicts,
+  and of the Civil,
+  Military, and Marine
+  Departments of New
+  South Wales, and Norfolk
+  Island, from 1786
+  to 1797                          86,457 12 11-1/2
+                                   ----------------
+                                                     120,036  7  9-3/4
+                                                     -----------------
+                                                     155,869 13 10-3/4
+  To which add the farther sums
+  annually charged on the
+  County Rates, or incurred
+  in places having peculiar
+  Jurisdiction in England          50,000  0  0
+
+  Borne by the Sheriffs in
+  England                          10,000  0  0       60,000  0  0
+                                   ----------------- -----------------
+                              Total for all England  215,869 13 10-3/4]
+
+By the consolidation of the two Boards of Hackney Coaches, and Hawkers
+and Pedlars, the functions of the Commissioners will become very
+extensive and laborious, since in addition to the inspection and
+control of the different suspicious trades proposed to be licenced, it
+will be useful to the Public, and, indeed, the System will be
+incomplete, unless they not only keep constantly in their view the
+general Calendar of delinquency; but also carry into effect such plans
+as, on mature deliberation, and (many will unquestionably be
+found practicable), shall, in a great measure, prevent the
+terror--dangers--losses and inconveniences which arise from foot-pad
+and highway robberies, burglaries, and other atrocious offences,
+which are so prevalent in and near the Metropolis at present.--This
+duty will naturally attach to the Central Board, and which the
+Commissioners, (from the accurate information their situation will
+enable them to procure, and the Civil Force they may have at their
+disposal,) will be well qualified to execute with advantage to the
+Community; and while competent pecuniary resources will arise from the
+Licence Duties imposed, aided by legislative regulations, applicable
+to this, and other objects tending to the general prevention of
+Crimes, blame may fairly be imputed wherever a considerable degree of
+success is not manifest, by the gradual diminution of the more
+atrocious, as well as the minor offences.
+
+The Select Committee of the House of Commons having stated it as their
+opinion, that the principle upon which the plan which has been brought
+under their review is founded, "_if liable to no error; and that
+supposing it faithfully executed it gives the fairest prospect of
+success_:" the Public will naturally become anxious for an enjoyment
+of the benefits which may be expected to result from its adoption.
+
+As its leading feature is the security of the _rights of the
+innocent_, with respect to their Life, Property, and Convenience, the
+measures of this board must, in a peculiar degree, be directed with
+prudence and discretion to this particular object. This will be
+effected not only by increasing the difficulty of perpetrating
+offences, through a control over those Trades by which they are
+facilitated and promoted, but also by adding to the risk of detection,
+by a more prompt and certain mode of discovery wherever crimes are
+committed. Thus must the idle and profligate be compelled to assist
+the State, by resorting to habits of industry, while the more
+incorrigible delinquents will be intimidated and deterred from
+pursuing a course of turpitude and criminality, which the energy of
+the Police will render too hazardous and unprofitable to be followed
+up as a trade; and the regular accession of numbers to recruit and
+strengthen the hordes of criminal delinquents, who at present afflict
+Society, will be in a great measure prevented.
+
+These objects (in the opinion of the Select Committee) are to be
+attained by the establishment of a _Central Board of Police Revenue_;
+the views of the Members of which should be directed to the means of
+adding "Security to the Person and Property of the peaceful Subject;
+the Morals of the People, and the general Finances of the Country; by
+those powers of action which are likely to operate most beneficially
+towards the prevention of Crimes."
+
+To accomplish these purposes it would seem, (after mature
+deliberation), to be necessary not only to extend the Licensing System
+over the whole Kingdom; but also to form _a chain of connection_
+between the Central Board, and every district of the Country, with a
+view as well to a more effectual Control ever those suspicious
+Traders, who are to become immediate objects of attention on the part
+of the Police, as to establish a more correct and certain mode of
+collecting the proposed Revenue.
+
+This chain of connection would appear to be only attainable through
+the medium of Select local Magistrates,[172] to whom a certain degree
+of responsibility would attach, and who by means of Stationary
+Surveyors, (being Constables), appointed by themselves, and under
+their immediate Control, would be enabled to superintend the
+collection of the Licence Duties, and in a particular manner to
+inspect into, and regulate the general Police of the District, while
+in conjunction with other Justices in the division, they granted the
+Annual Licences to the different Dealers upon the same plan which is
+at present pursued with respect to Alehouses.
+
+[Footnote 172: It is presumed, that the distinction of _Select
+Magistrates_, joined to the patronage arising from the appointment of
+inferior Officers of Police in the respective Districts of the
+Country, (as Surveyors and Collectors of Licence Duties), would be
+considered as a sufficient inducement to men of Property, talents, and
+respectability, to undertake this very honourable Trust: to which it
+may reasonably be hoped, that many would be stimulated, in a
+particular degree, by the impulses of patriotism, and a desire to
+introduce a correct and improved System of Police in their respective
+Districts.]
+
+From this general rule, however, on account of the peculiar situation
+of the Metropolis, a deviation might be necessary and useful to the
+Public. It would, therefore, seem that the Dealers resident within a
+certain distance round the Metropolis, should receive their Licences
+from the Central Board, and be immediately under its control.--The
+advantages resulting from this arrangement are obvious.--The chief
+part of the Receivers, and Criminal Dealers, who contribute in so
+great a degree to the increase and concealment of the numerous
+offences, which are committed in and near the Metropolis, require that
+the superintendance should not be divided, but that it should be
+confined entirely to the Board, where all intelligence is supposed to
+center; and whose peculiar duty it will be to watch the progress of
+Crimes in all their ramifications, and to adopt measures for
+preventing the growing corruption of Morals, by which every species of
+delinquency is generated.
+
+For the purpose therefore of compassing this and every other object in
+the view of the Select Committee, it is suggested that the proposed
+Board should be authorized to exercise the following
+
+     FUNCTIONS:
+
+     I. To manage that branch of the Police which relates to
+     Hackney Coaches and Chairs.--To enforce strictly the laws
+     now in being for the better ordering this system so
+     necessary to the comfort and convenience of the
+     Metropolis.--To obtain new powers (where wanting) to compel
+     a greater degree of cleanliness and security, with respect
+     to these vehicles.--To banish, if possible, from the
+     fraternity those criminal characters denominated _Flash
+     Coachmen_, and to secure civility, and prevent
+     imposition.--For this last purpose a department should be
+     continued, as at present, (a part of the Institution,)
+     having a concurrent jurisdiction with other Magistrates, for
+     the purpose of hearing and determining disputes between
+     Coachmen and the Public.
+
+     II. To execute the laws relative to Hawkers and Pedlars.--To
+     regulate and improve the System respecting this suspicious
+     class of Dealers, and more effectually to extend the control
+     over them by means of the Select Magistrates in each
+     District of the Country where they travel, for the purpose
+     of more narrowly watching their conduct.
+
+     III. To grant Licenses in the Town District (_i.e._ within
+     the limits of the Penny-Post, while the Select and other
+     Justices grant similar Licences in the Country;) under the
+     authority of the proposed general Police Bill, to the
+     following Traders, and others,[173] viz.
+
+     [Footnote 173: Nothing can exceed the pains and labour which
+     have been bestowed in settling the description of the
+     persons, proposed to be licenced, with a view to an accurate
+     system of Legislation. A regard to this accuracy made it
+     necessary to abandon [Transcriber's Note: blank in original;
+     probably 'two'] classes recommended by the proposer to the
+     Select Committee; because on attempting to frame a Bill, it
+     was found impracticable in one case, and impolitic in
+     another, to apply Legislative rules that would not either be
+     defeated or invade the privileges of innocence.[J]]
+
+     [Footnote J: Persons keeping Crucibles, and Auctioneers.]
+
+     1st. Purchasers of second-hand, and other Household goods,
+     for Sale.
+
+     2d. Wholesale purchasers of Rags, and unserviceable Cordage,
+     for Sale to Paper-makers.
+
+     3d. Retail Purchasers of Rags, and unserviceable Cordage,
+     for Sale to Paper-makers.
+
+     4th. Purchasers of second-hand Apparel, made-up Piece-Goods,
+     and Remnants for Sale.
+
+     5th. Walking or Itinerant Purchasers of second-hand Apparel,
+     made-up Piece-goods, and Remnants for Sale.
+
+     6th. Purchasers of second-hand Naval Stores, for Sale.
+
+     7th. Wholesale Purchasers of second-hand Metals, for Sale.
+
+     8th. Retail Purchasers of second-hand Metals, of persons in
+     general, for working up.
+
+     9th. Every Worker of second-hand Metals purchasing the same,
+     from persons in general, and not from Licensed Dealers.
+
+     10th. Purchasers of second-hand Building Materials for Sale.
+
+     11th. Persons keeping Draught-Carts for second-hand goods,
+     purchased for Sale.
+
+     12th. Persons keeping Hand or Truck Carts for second-hand
+     goods, purchased for Sale.
+
+     13th. Sellers of Unredeemed Pledges, otherwise than by
+     Auction: and also to control and inspect the conduct of
+     these dealers, so as if possible to confine them to the
+     innocent part of their Trades; and to collect and receive
+     the respective Licence Duties.[174]
+
+     [Footnote 174: If Twine Spinners and Rope Spinners of a
+     certain class could be brought under similar regulations, it
+     would prove extremely beneficial, inasmuch as the small
+     Manufacturers in this line are known to give considerable
+     facilities to the Stealers of Hemp on the River Thames.--A
+     number of small Rope and Twine Manufacturers have undersold
+     the fair trader, by working up Stolen Hemp, purchased at
+     half price; and it is but too evident from discoveries which
+     have recently been made, that this evil has gone to a very
+     great extent, and that considerable benefits would be
+     derived to the Public, by placing _Twine and White Rope
+     Spinners_ under the control of the Police, at least within
+     the proposed District of the Metropolis.]
+
+     IV. To grant Licences also in like manner to other Traders,
+     which are already under some degree of Legislative
+     regulations; (but which require a more efficient Control),
+     provided it shall be thought expedient by the Legislature to
+     transfer these branches to the proposed Board, as requiring
+     in a particular degree the superintendance of the Policy
+     System, viz.
+
+     1st. Pawnbrokers in Town and Country.
+
+     2d. Persons keeping Slaughtering-houses for Horses, and
+     other Animals, not for the food of Man.
+
+     3d. Dealers in Horses, and persons hiring, keeping at
+     Livery, and transferring Horses from hand to hand, with a
+     view to establish a check against Highway Robberies, and to
+     defeat those subtle tricks which prevail in the Sale of
+     Horses.
+
+     And also to collect the Licence and other Duties, (which
+     might, in respect to the transfer of Horses, be rendered
+     extremely productive without being felt as a burden), and to
+     inspect the conduct of these classes with a view to the
+     prevention of Frauds, and other offences.
+
+     V. To grant Licences in like manner to all persons (except
+     those employed in his Majesty's Mints), who shall erect or
+     set up any cutting Engine for cutting round Blanks by the
+     force of a Screw; or any Stamping Press, Fly, Rolling Mill,
+     or other instrument for Stamping, flatting, or marking
+     Metals, or Bank Notes; or which, with the assistance of any
+     Matrix, Stamp, Die, or Plate, will stamp Coins or Notes--so
+     as to prevent the enormous evils constantly experienced by
+     the Coinage of Base Money, and the counterfeiting of Bank
+     Notes:--A System whereby the criminal part of ingenious
+     Artists could be kept under the immediate view of the
+     Police, is so obvious in a Commercial Country, as to require
+     no elucidation. And the measure is the more desirable, as
+     the reputable part of the Artists and Manufacturers who have
+     occasion to keep Presses for innocent and useful purposes,
+     have no objection to such regulations.[175]
+
+     [Footnote 175: See the Chapter on the subject of Base Coin,
+     in this _Treatise_; and the remedies ultimately proposed for
+     suppressing this enormous evil.--The Author has great
+     satisfaction in stating that a Bill is now nearly prepared,
+     grounded chiefly on his suggestions, for improving the
+     Coinage Laws; and that sanguine hopes are entertained of its
+     passing during the present Session of Parliament.--The
+     proposition now made of bringing this feature of Police, so
+     far as relates to _Presses_, and other _Machinery_, under
+     the inspection of the proposed _Central Board_, will
+     certainly have a powerful effect in deterring evil-minded
+     persons from following the Trade of Coiners of Base Money,
+     or Engravers and Stampers of forged Bank Notes.--In this
+     kind of Control, the Police Revenue Board would have an
+     advantage arising from the nature of the System, which may
+     be considered as _invaluable in a national point of view_,
+     since no part of the Country, however remote, could be said
+     to be out of their reach, as Officers, under their immediate
+     direction, would be found every where.]
+
+     VI. These Commissioners, after deducting the necessary
+     expences, should pay into the Exchequer weekly, through the
+     medium of a Receiver, the whole Revenues collected by them
+     for Police purposes; and it is to be hoped, notwithstanding
+     the very low Rates of the Licence Duties proposed, that,
+     _including the Horse Police_, the aggregate Collection would
+     go very far towards easing the resources of the Country of
+     the expence of what the Select Committee of the House of
+     Commons denominate, _a very inefficient System of
+     Police_.[176]
+
+     [Footnote 176: From an estimate which has been made, the
+     three Classes mentioned in division IV. might be made to
+     produce above 100,000_l._ for Police purposes, in addition
+     to what is received at present from Pawnbrokers, and Horse
+     Dealers.--The chief part would arise from the transfer of
+     Horses.]
+
+     VII. It would be the duty of the Commissioners to
+     superintend, with great strictness, the conduct of their
+     Subordinate Officers, both in the Town and Country
+     Districts, and to be careful that those who were entrusted
+     with the collection of the Licence Duties gave proper
+     Security;[177] and that in their conduct, in Surveying and
+     Watching the Movements of the different Dealers, they
+     manifested the greatest degree of vigilance, prudence, and
+     discretion.--Above all, that they were regular in their
+     Payments, and remittances, so as not to incur the penalties
+     inflicted by the proposed Act on defaulters.
+
+     [Footnote 177: The most oeconomical mode would,
+     apparently, be to consolidate in one person the office of
+     _Constable_ and _Collector of the Licence Duties_ in the
+     respective Districts; having it understood that the poundage
+     received on the money paid to the Board, should not only be
+     considered as a remuneration for the Collection, but also as
+     a reward for occasional Services in the general Police
+     Department.--By such an arrangement, a chain of Select and
+     reputable Officers may be established all over the Country,
+     without being felt as a burden of any kind on the Community;
+     while those Services under the general arrangements of the
+     Board, could not fail to be productive of infinite benefits
+     in the well-ordering of Society.]
+
+     VIII. To correspond with the Select Magistrates in every
+     District in the Kingdom, and not only to receive from them
+     useful information, relative to offences which have been
+     committed, and all other matters within the scope of the
+     Functions of these Select Magistrates; but also to give them
+     their advice and assistance in every case where it is found
+     necessary, for the purpose of the preservation of peace and
+     good order, and the due administration of the Laws; and
+     particularly as it may apply to those Select Magistrates
+     who reside near the Sea-Coasts of the Kingdom, that in all
+     cases of Shipwreck, measures may be pursued, and the laws
+     enforced, to prevent those horrid barbarities, pillage and
+     spoliation, which have, to the disgrace of civilized
+     Society, prevailed on such melancholy occasions.[178]
+
+     [Footnote 178: The Registers of our Courts of Record, and
+     other well-attested accounts, have developed scenes of
+     unfeeling Cruelty and Rapacity, in cases of Shipwrecks,
+     which would have disgraced the rudest and most ferocious
+     Savages, and would lead a Stranger to suppose that we have
+     no Laws for the prevention of such outrages.]
+
+     IX. To make arrangements with the Select Magistrates in the
+     Country, relative to the due execution of the proposed
+     General Police Act, with respect to the Control over the
+     persons Licenced, and all other Duties which may be required
+     under such a Legislative System.
+
+     X. To obtain accurate Information, by means of regular
+     returns from Clerks of Assize, Clerks of the Peace, Keepers
+     of Prisons, Houses of Correction, Penitentiary Houses, and
+     other places of Confinement; and to have constantly in view
+     the state of delinquency in the Metropolis, and in every
+     part of the country; preserving such accounts in registers
+     for the purpose of reference, as occasions might arise to
+     render them useful to public Justice.--To assist the acting
+     Magistrates in Town and Country by conveying all useful
+     information applicable to their local situations,
+     respecting the commission of crimes, and the detection of
+     offenders, and which might tend to the prevention of
+     disorders, or offences meditated against the Laws.
+
+     XI. To watch the proceedings of the herds of criminal
+     delinquents who generally leave Town every year in the month
+     of March, after the drawing of the English Lottery, for the
+     purpose of attending _fairs_, _races_, and other places of
+     amusement and dissipation in the country, carrying with them
+     quantities of _base Money, and EO Tables_, with a view to
+     commit frauds on the unwary--And to give notice to the
+     Select local Magistrates, that they and their officers may
+     be upon their guard in defeating the nefarious designs of
+     these miscreants, who are often disguised as farmers and
+     labourers, the better to enable them to effect their
+     purposes, by cheating and stealing, particularly _horses_,
+     to the great loss and injury of the country.
+
+     XII. It is recommended by the Select Committee of the House
+     of Commons, that the Commissioners of this Central Board
+     should have it in their power to distribute rewards to
+     Constables or others for meritorious services, through the
+     medium of the Magistrates of Police, and to use such other
+     means as should best promote the ends of Justice, and the
+     general utility of the Institution to the community.
+
+     XIII. Under the direction of the principal Secretary of
+     State for the Home Department, these Commissioners should
+     avail themselves of the knowledge their situation would
+     afford them of the degree of depravity and danger attached
+     to the character of the different convicts; to select such
+     as they thought proper objects for transportation to New
+     South Wales; and to follow any other instructions they may
+     receive for oeconomizing this branch of the criminal
+     Police of the nation, so as, if possible, to reduce the
+     annual expence.
+
+     XIV. These Commissioners being authorized by the Lords of
+     the Treasury, might take under their management all matters
+     relative to the Lottery; not only with a view to a more
+     oeconomical mode of drawing the same, but also for the
+     purpose of rendering the Revenue productive to the State,
+     without the evil consequences which at present arise from it
+     to the morals of the lower orders of the people, and the
+     distresses and miseries to which its fascinating delusions
+     subject them.
+
+     XV. It would be the duty of the Board, availing itself of
+     the practical knowledge which may be obtained by means of a
+     System of general superintendence in the Police Department,
+     to attend closely to the operation of the whole of the
+     present code of penal Laws, with respect to its efficacy and
+     utility; and where imperfections are discovered, to suggest
+     from time to time such improvements as may appear useful and
+     beneficial to the Police, and to the Revenue.
+
+     XVI. The Select Committee in their Report recommend, that
+     the proposed Board should have power "to make Bye-Laws for
+     the regulation of such minor objects of Police as relate to
+     the objects of their superintendence, and to the control of
+     all Coaches, Chairs, Carts, Barrows, and the conduct of all
+     Coachmen and Chairmen, Carters, &c. and the removal and
+     prevention of all annoyances, and the correction of all
+     offences against the cleanliness and quiet, and the free
+     passage of the streets of the Metropolis, in like manner as
+     is now possessed, by the Commissioners of Hackney Coaches,
+     and subject to the approbation of the Superior Judges."
+
+     XVII. To superintend the general receipts and disbursements
+     of the Establishment, and to report the same quarterly to
+     the Treasury, and to the principal Secretary of State for
+     the Home Department.
+
+     XVIII. To receive and execute the instructions of the
+     Treasury in all matters respecting Finance and Revenue; and
+     the instructions and directions of His Majesty's Secretary
+     of State for the Home Department in all matters of Police.
+
+     XIX. To establish a more correct System through the medium
+     of the Select Magistrates, whereby the Laws for the
+     prevention and punishment of offences may be more
+     effectually and universally carried into execution, and not
+     in many instances remain a dead letter, as at present, to
+     the great injury of the community; or be partially carried
+     into effect in particular parts of the country, against a
+     few individuals, or for mere temporary purposes.
+
+     XX. Finally, it will be the duty of the Board to report to
+     his Majesty in Council, and to Parliament (if required) the
+     State of the Metropolis and the Country, with respect to
+     criminal _Police_ in all its branches, so as to bring under
+     the review of the Executive Government _the whole
+     criminality of the Country_, at a given period each year,
+     where it will be accurately discovered whether it increases
+     or diminishes.
+
+Such are the functions apparently necessary to be assigned to the
+proposed Board of Commissioners, for the purpose of accomplishing the
+objects of improvement in the Police System, which have been
+recommended to Parliament by the Select Committee.
+
+These objects are of too much importance to the Public, to the
+Security of the State, and to the peace and good order of Society, to
+be lost sight of, even for one moment.
+
+While the morals and habits of the lower ranks in Society are growing
+progressively worse and worse--while the innocent and useful part of
+the Community are daily suffering evils and inconveniences originating
+from this source--while crimes multiply in all instances under the
+existing systems, (the Thames Police only excepted[179]) it becomes of
+importance to apply a remedy. In legislating with this view, the same
+disadvantages and difficulties do not present themselves as in many
+other cases, since much previous labour and investigation has been
+bestowed in forming a ground-work for the proposed General Police
+System.
+
+[Footnote 179: Nothing can be offered as a more irrefragable proof of
+the utility of a Police Institution, such as has been recommended by
+the Select Committee on Finance, than the effect of the Marine Police
+Establishment upon the River Thames; where, in spite of a crippled
+System, and deficient Laws, the energy of the superintendence, and the
+strength of the Civil force, has, at a very trifling expence, applied
+with strict oeconomy, worked such a change in the Port of London,
+both with respect to the security of commercial property, and the
+Revenue, as would scarcely have been conceived possible. For an
+Account of this System, see the 8th Chapter of this Work: but for a
+more enlarged and comprehensive view of the nature and effect of the
+design, recourse must be had to the Author's _Treatise on the Commerce
+and Police of the River Thames, &c._ now in the press; in which the
+whole plan is developed, together with the Legislative System
+necessary to give permanent effect to the design.]
+
+Under the Sanction of his Majesty's Principal Secretary of State for
+the Home Department, a Bill has been prepared, in which, while every
+attention has been paid to the means of accomplishing the views of the
+Select Committee, nothing can exceed the pains which have been
+bestowed _in preserving the rights of innocence, and in divesting
+power of the faculty of abuse_.
+
+A line has been carefully drawn between the _noxious_ and the
+_blameless_ and useful part of the community; and while the injuries
+arising from the pursuits of the former are checked and restrained,
+the privileges of the latter are extended and enlarged. This, when
+properly contemplated, will be found to be the _true essence of good
+Police_--and this explains in the shortest compass that is possible,
+the _ultimate object of the design_.
+
+The Bill comprehends five divisions:--The _first_ authorizes _the
+imposition of Licence Duties on certain classes of Dealers already
+enumerated_:--The _second_ establishes a _Board of Police Revenue, and
+explains its powers and functions_:--The _third_ explains _the powers
+and regulations which apply to the Licensing System_:--The _fourth_
+relates to _penalties_ and _procedure_: and the _fifth_ transfers the
+functions of _the Commissioners of Hackney Coaches and Chairs, and
+Hawkers and Pedlars, to the new Establishment, and makes provision for
+such Officers as may cease to be employed_.--While the proposed
+duties, although light upon the individuals, promise to be productive
+to a certain extent; the Licensing System is likely "to purge the
+occupations placed under control from the imputations which are now
+but too deservedly cast upon them; and to make them by gradual steps
+the instruments of detection, instead of the means of concealment, of
+every species of fraud and violence."[180]
+
+[Footnote 180: See the 28th Report of the Select Committee, page 4.]
+
+The functions of the Board, by comprehending whatever relates to the
+delinquency of the country, will establish a general responsibility
+which does not now exist, and which never has existed, with respect to
+the evils arising from the multiplication of crimes, while their
+diminution will depend on the zeal, ability, and discretion to be
+manifested by those to whom this important duty may be assigned.
+
+By this establishment of a general Police System, will it become the
+duty of one class of men to watch over the general delinquency of the
+Metropolis, and the country;--to check its progress by lessening the
+resources of the evil disposed to do injuries, and to commit acts of
+violence on the peaceful subject; and gradually to lead the
+_criminal_, _the idle_, and _the dissolute_ members of the community
+into the paths of innocence and industry.
+
+The collateral aids to be derived from this System of Control over
+Dealers and others of loose conduct, in pursuit of evil courses, will
+give considerable strength to the Legislative measures which are in
+contemplation, with respect to the _Police of the River Thames_: _The
+frauds and plunder in the Naval and other public departments_:--_The
+Coinage of base Money_, and the _fabrication of counterfeit Bank
+Notes_.--Whatever has been contemplated for the purpose of checking
+and preventing these evils cannot be complete or effectual, until the
+proposed Board is established, and the Licensing System in full
+action. The control of this Board is absolutely necessary to
+contribute to the success of the measures proposed, and to the
+security of public and private property against the present extensive
+depredations. In fact the whole System is linked together, and its
+energy and success will depend on the passing of the respective Laws
+applicable to each object of which the Police Board may not
+improperly be denominated _the key-stone_.
+
+It is this responsible superintendance which is to give _life_,
+_vigour_, and _effect_, not only to the Laws which are in
+contemplation, but to many other excellent Statutes which remain at
+present as _a dead letter_.--Let it once become the duty of one body
+of men to charge themselves with the execution of the Laws for the
+prevention of crimes, and the detection of offences--let them be armed
+with proper and apposite powers for that purpose, and the state of
+Society will speedily become ameliorated and improved; a greater
+degree of security will be extended to the peaceful subject, and the
+blessings of civil liberty will be enlarged.
+
+A new æra in the world seems to have commenced, which imperiously
+calls for the adoption of such measures; not only in this country, but
+all over Europe. The evil propensities incident to human nature appear
+no longer restrained by the force of religion, or the influence of the
+moral principle.--On these barriers powerful attacks have been made,
+which have hitherto operated as curbs to the unruly passions peculiar
+to vulgar life: they must therefore be strengthened by supports more
+immediately applicable to the object of preserving peace and good
+order.
+
+The period is approaching when to the phalanx of delinquents who at
+present prey upon Society, will be added multitudes of idle and
+depraved characters discharged from the Army and Navy on the return
+of Peace.--Policy and humanity require that an adequate remedy should
+be provided for such a contingency.--_Qui non vetat peccare cum
+possit, jubet._ Where the powers of a State are not employed to avert
+apparent and threatened evils, a tacit assent is given to the
+commission of crimes. On the contrary, where means are used to check
+the progress of turpitude and vice, and to compel obedience to the
+Laws, the comfort of Society is promoted, and the privileges of
+innocence are secured.
+
+If in the accomplishment of the design which has been recommended by
+the highest authority, these objects shall be gradually attained--If
+it shall operate in preventing acts of violence and fraud from being
+committed upon the peaceful subject; while means are discovered
+through the medium of a well-regulated Police, whereby the
+unfortunate, and even the idle and the dissolute, may possess a
+resource for subsistence by honest industry, without having any
+pretended plea of necessity for resorting to Crimes; great, indeed,
+would be the benefits which would result to the Public. This would be
+at once the triumph both of reason and humanity.
+
+The first step is, to attend to the Morals and the Habits of the
+rising Generation; to adapt the Laws more particularly to the manners
+of the People, by minutely examining the state of Society, so as to
+lead the inferior orders, as it were, insensibly into better Habits,
+by gentle restraints upon those propensities which terminate in
+Idleness and Debauchery;--to remove temptations, in their nature
+productive of evil, and to establish incitements to good and useful
+pursuits.
+
+Among a variety of other Functions which would devolve on the proposed
+Commissioners, perhaps one might be to offer suggestions to the
+Executive Government, with respect to such useful Regulations as might
+arise from the extensive knowledge which they must necessarily acquire
+as to the condition and pursuits of the labouring People; and hence
+would result one of the greatest means of preventing Crimes, and
+improving the Condition of human Life.
+
+But while it is acknowledged to be a vain hope to reduce the
+tumultuous passions of Men to absolute regularity, so as to render the
+Commission of offences impracticable; it is equally clear (and it is
+even proved by the State of Society, where Public Morals have been
+more effectually guarded,) that it is possible to diminish the Evil
+very considerably.
+
+By the establishment of a well-conducted Board of Police, a confident
+hope is entertained that this purpose is attainable; and in this view
+(although it is to take nothing from the present Resources of the
+State), it is a blessing to the Nation, which could scarce be too
+dearly purchased at any price.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. XIX.
+
+     _The unparalleled Extent and Opulence of the Metropolis,
+     manifested in the number of streets, lanes, alleys, courts,
+     and squares, estimated at above 8000;--containing above 4000
+     Churches and Places for religious Worship,--more than 400
+     Seminaries of Education;--several Institutions for promoting
+     Religion and Morality;--11 Societies for promoting Learning,
+     and the useful and the fine Arts;--a great number of
+     charitable Asylums for the indigent and forlorn;--Hospitals
+     and Dispensaries for the lame, sick, and diseased;--and
+     above 1700 Institutions of various other kinds for
+     Charitable and Humane Purposes.--A detail of the Courts of
+     Law, and other Establishments connected with the
+     distribution of Justice.--The public Prisons in the
+     Metropolis.--A View of the number of Persons employed in the
+     different departments of the Law, estimated in all at about
+     7000.--Suggestions for improving the civil Jurisprudence in
+     the Metropolis, so far as relates to the recovery of small
+     Debts.--The Evils arising from the present System,
+     exemplified in the multiplicity of actions for trivial sums
+     in the course of a year; the enormous expence, and the ill
+     effects of the severity of the punishment in such cases;
+     debasing the mind, and proving the destruction of many
+     families, in their morals; and injuring the State.--The
+     necessity of an Alteration of the System, farther enforced
+     by the propriety of relieving the supreme Judges from a
+     weight of labour unreasonable in the vast increase of
+     business, which the extensive and growing intercourse of
+     Commerce occasions.--The same Observations extended to the
+     great Officers of State; and the necessity and utility of a
+     division of labour, in proportion to the increase of public
+     duty, explained; as a means of preventing inconveniences.--A
+     view of the Municipal Regulations which have been
+     established in the Metropolis for the accommodation and
+     convenience of the inhabitants; grounded on various acts of
+     the Legislature, passed at different periods, during the
+     last and the present century.--Each district of the
+     Metropolis a separate Municipality; where the power of
+     assessing the inhabitants for the purposes of paving,
+     watching, lighting, cleansing, and removing nuisances, is
+     placed in the hands of Trustees, under a great number of
+     local acts of Parliament.--These regulations mostly founded
+     on Laws made in the last and in the present Reign.--The
+     principal public acts detailed, viz:--The General Act of the
+     2d William and Mary, cap. 8, for paving the Metropolis;--the
+     10th Geo. II. cap. 22, for watching the City of London; 11th
+     Geo. III. cap. 29, for removing signs, and establishing a
+     complete System of Municipal Police.--The Acts relative to
+     Westminster and Southwark for similar purposes.--The
+     Statutes relative to Common Sewers detailed; their origin,
+     and the great advantages resulting from them.--The Laws
+     relative to Hackney Coaches and Chairs--also to Carts and
+     other Carriages.--The Acts relative to Watermen on the
+     Thames.--The Law for restraining bullock-hunting. And
+     finally, the Regulations by the 14th Geo. III. cap. 78,
+     relative to the Mode of building Houses, and the Rules laid
+     down for extinguishing Fires. Concluding Observations, on
+     the advantages which would result to the Metropolis at large
+     from these numerous Acts of Parliament being rendered
+     uniform, and conformable to the excellent Regulations
+     established for the City of London.--The advantages of
+     simplifying the System.--The burden upon the Inhabitants
+     equal to one million a year for the expence of Municipal
+     Police.--Suggestions for improving the System and reducing
+     this expence.--Concluding Reflections.--The present epoch,
+     more than any other, presses for arrangements calculated to
+     amend the Morals of the People, by improving the Laws of the
+     Country._
+
+
+It cannot fail to prove an interesting inquiry, not only to the
+inhabitants of the Metropolis, but also to Strangers, by what means
+that department of its oeconomy and government, which may be
+denominated _Municipal Police_, is regulated; so as to convey the
+comforts, and procure the various accommodations and conveniences
+which, with some few exceptions, are felt to exist in every part of
+the Capital and its environs.
+
+When it is known that this great City, (unparalleled, as will be
+hereafter shewn, in extent and opulence, through the whole habitable
+Globe,) comprehends, besides _London_, _Westminster_, and _Southwark_,
+no less than forty-five Villages, now exceedingly inlarged,
+independent of a vast accession of buildings upon the open fields in
+the vicinity; it becomes less a matter of surprize, to learn, that it
+extends to nearly eight miles in length,--is three miles at least in
+breadth, and not less than twenty-six in circumference; containing
+above eight thousand streets, lanes, alleys, and courts, and
+sixty-five different Squares; in which are more than one hundred and
+sixty thousand houses, warehouses, and other buildings; besides
+_Churches_ and _Chapels_ for religious worship, of which the following
+enumeration is imagined not to be very distant from truth:--
+
+  For Religious Instruction.
+
+    Of the Established     1 Cathedral, dedicated to St. Paul.
+    Religion.              1 Abbey Church of St. Peter, Westminster.
+                         120 Parish Churches.
+                         120 Chapels, and Chapels of Ease.
+                         ---
+                         242
+
+    Meeting-houses for       { Consisting of Chapels for Methodist
+    Dissenters.              { Nonconformists, Presbyterians,
+                         150 { Independents, Anabaptists,
+                             { Quakers, and English Roman
+                             { Catholicks.
+
+                             { Consisting of Chapels for French,
+                             { German, Dutch, Swedish, Danish,
+    Chapels and              { and Helvetic Protestants,
+    Meeting-houses for    30 { for Foreign Roman Catholics,
+    Foreigners.              { and those of the Russian or
+                             { Greek Church.
+
+    Synagogues             6 for the Jewish Religion.
+                         ---
+          _Total about_  428 _Places of Public Worship._
+
+The number of Inhabitants of this great Metropolis, occupying these
+various houses and buildings, may, under all circumstances, be
+rationally estimated at one million at least; for whose accommodation,
+convenience, and security, the following Institutions have been
+formed, _namely_,--1st. _For Education_;--2d. _For promoting good
+Morals_;--3d. _For useful and fine Arts_;--4th. _For objects of
+Charity and Humanity_;--5th. _For distributing Justice_;--and 6th.
+_For punishing Offenders_.
+
+
+EDUCATION.
+
+  1st. For Education.
+
+      16 Inns of Court and Chancery, for educating Students to
+         the profession of the Law, &c. &c.
+
+       5 Colleges--viz. One for the improvement of the Clergy,
+         London Wall; one for Divinity and Astronomy,
+         called Gresham College; one for Physicians, Warwick
+         Lane; one for the study of Civil Law, Doctors-Commons;
+         and the Heralds College.
+
+      62 Schools, or public Seminaries; the principal of which
+         are Westminster School, Blue-coat School or Christ's
+         Hospital, St. Paul's, Merchant Taylors, Charter-house,
+         St. Martin's School, &c. &c. &c. where
+         about 5000 young persons are educated.
+
+     237 Schools belonging to the different Parishes; where
+         about 9000 male and female Children are educated
+         in Reading, Writing, and Accompts.
+
+    3730 Private Schools, for all the various branches of male and
+         female Education; including some for Deaf and
+         Dumb.
+    ----
+    4050 Seminaries of Education.
+
+_The following Schools seem to deserve particular Enumeration; though
+probably there are many others which might equally deserve notice:--_
+
+  For Education.
+
+     1 Asylum for poor friendless, deserted girls, under
+       twelve years of age, Vauxhall Road                         1758
+
+     2 Orphan Working-School, for Children of Dissenters,
+       City Road.
+
+     3 Philanthropic Society, St. George's Fields, for
+       children of criminal parents, and young delinquents.
+
+     4 Freemasons' School, for Female Orphans, St.
+       George's Fields                                            1788
+
+     5 Marine Society, for educating poor destitute boys
+       to the Sea, in Bishopsgate-street                          1756
+
+     6 British or Welsh Charity School, Gray's Inn
+       Lane                                                       1718
+
+     7 French Charity School, Windmill-street, Tottenham
+       Court-Road                                                 1747
+
+     8 School for Soldiers' Girls, at Chelsea, supported
+       by Ladies                                                  1709
+
+     9 Neal's Mathematical School, for teaching Navigation,
+       &c. to poor children, King's Head
+       Court, Gough-Square, Fleet-street                          1715
+
+    10 School for Children of the Clergy; the Boys at
+       _Thirsk_, Yorkshire, the Girls at _Lisson-Green_,
+       Paddington.--Secretary, J. Topham, Esq.
+       No. 5, Gray's Inn Square                                   1749
+
+    11 Day-School of Industry, for Boys and Girls,
+       Paradise-street, Mary-le-bone                              1791
+
+    12 Another, No. 68, Edgware-Road, for Girls                   1784
+
+    13 Ladies' Charity School, King-street, Snow Hill             1702
+
+    14 Walworth Female Charity School.
+
+    15 Saint Anne's Society, hitherto at Lavenham,
+       Suffolk, about to be removed to Camberwell,
+       for Boys and Girls, (extended in 1733 and
+       1791)                                                      1709
+
+    16 Grey Coat Hospital, Artillery Ground, Westminster.
+
+    17 Green Coat Hospital, Ditto.
+
+
+RELIGION AND MORALS.
+
+  2. For promoting Religion and good Morals.
+
+     1 The Society for giving effect to his Majesty's
+       proclamation against Vice and Immorality                   1787
+
+     2 The Society for promoting Christian Knowledge,
+       Bartlett's Buildings, Holborn                              1699
+
+     3 The Society for propagation of the Gospel in
+       Foreign Parts, Dean's Yard, Westminster                    1701
+
+     4 The Society for promoting Religious Knowledge,
+       by distributing books among the poor.--Secretary,
+       Mr. Watts, Founder's Hall, Lothbury                        1715
+
+     5 The Society for promoting Charity Schools in
+       Ireland, Merchant Seaman's Office.
+
+     6 The Society for Religious Instruction to the Negroes
+       in the West Indies                                         1793
+
+     7 The Society for preventing Crimes, by prosecuting
+       Swindlers, Sharpers, and Cheats; Gough-Square,
+       Fleet-street                                               1767
+
+     8 British Society for the Encouragement of Servants,
+       No. 27, Hay-market                                         1792
+
+     9 Society for giving Bibles to Soldiers and Sailors,
+       No. 427, Oxford-street                                     1780
+
+    10 Dr. Bray's Charity for providing parochial Libraries,
+       No. 5, Ave-Maria Lane.
+
+    11 Society for Relief of poor pious Clergymen                 1788
+
+    12 Queen Anne's Bounty for the Augmentation of
+       small Livings of Clergymen.--Secretary, R.
+       Burn, Esq. Duke-street, Westminster                        1703
+
+    13 Sunday Schools, in various parishes.
+
+    14 Sunday School Society, for giving Bibles, &c.
+       and otherwise furthering the purposes of Sunday
+       Schools.--Sec. Mr. Prestill, No. 47,
+       Cornhill                                                   1785
+
+
+THE ARTS.
+
+  3. For learning, and the useful and fine Arts.
+
+     1 Royal Society, incorporated for promoting useful
+       Knowledge;--_Instituted_                                   1663
+
+     2 Antiquarian Society, Somerset Place                        1751
+
+     3 Society or Trustees of the British Museum                  1753
+
+     4 Society of Artists of Great Britain, Strand                1765
+
+     5 Royal Academy of Arts, Somerset Place                      1773
+
+     6 Society for the encouragement of Learning,
+       Crane-Court, Fleet-street.
+
+     7 Society for encouragement of Arts, Manufactures,
+       and Commerce, Adelphi Buildings.
+
+     8 Medical Society of London, Bolt-court, Fleet-street        1773
+
+     9 Society for the improvement of Naval Architecture.
+
+    10 Veterinary College, near St. Pancras Church.
+
+    11 Royal Institution for applying the Arts to the
+       common purposes of Life                                    1799
+
+  4. Asylum for the Indigent and Helpless.
+
+    107 Alms-houses endowed at different periods, where 1352
+        old men and women are supported; the principal of these
+        houses are,--_The Trinity Alms-houses_, for 28 decayed
+        Ship Masters, in Mile End; _Bancroft's Alms-houses_,
+        Mile End, for 24 Poor Men; _Fishmongers' Alms-houses_,
+        Newington Butts; _Haberdashers' Alms-houses_, in Hoxton;
+        _Jeffries' Alms-houses_, Kingsland Road; _Sir John
+        Morden's College_, for decayed Merchants, at Blackheath;
+        _Emanuel_, or _Lady Dacre's Hospital_, Tothilfields,
+        Westminster.
+
+      1 London Workhouse, Bishopsgate-street, for decayed old
+        Men.[181]
+
+      1 Bridewell Hospital, an Asylum for Apprentices to different
+        trades, Bridge-street, Blackfriars.
+
+      1 Charter-house Hospital, an Asylum for 80 indigent
+        persons, in Charter-house Square, _founded_               1611
+
+      1 Scottish Hospital for decayed Natives of Scotland,
+        in Crane-court, Fleet-street.
+
+      1 Welsh Hospital, for decayed Natives of Wales,
+        in Gray's Inn Lane.
+
+      1 French Hospital, for decayed Frenchmen, in St.
+        Luke's, Middlesex                                         1719
+
+      1 Foundling Hospital, for deserted Infants,
+        Lamb's-Conduit-street                                     1739
+
+      1 Magdalen Hospital, for the admission of seduced
+        Females, St. George's Fields                              1769
+
+      1 Lock Asylum, for penitent Female Patients, cured
+        in the Lock Hospital                                      1787
+
+      1 Chelsea Hospital, for worn-out and disabled Soldiers      1670
+
+      1 Greenwich Hospital, for worn-out and disabled
+        Seamen                                                    1694
+    ---
+    118
+    ---
+
+[Footnote 181: London Workhouse is a large building, which might, with
+great advantage, be turned into a house of industry, or Penitentiary
+House for Petty offenders, for which purpose it was used in ancient
+times. Although it is said to be sufficient to lodge about 500 people,
+it is now used only as an asylum for a few old persons; and is a
+sinecure for the Keepers and Officers, who live comfortably as the
+servants of the Community without doing any good. This house is amply
+endowed by a power of levying contributions on all the parishes for
+its support.]
+
+
+ASYLUMS FOR SICK, LAME, DISEASED, AND FOR POOR PREGNANT WOMEN.
+
+  Hospitals for Sick, Lame, and Diseased, and Pregnant Women.
+
+     1. St. Bartholomew's Hospital, in West Smithfield, for
+        the reception of afflicted and diseased Persons           1539
+
+     2. St. Thomas's Hospital, Southwark, for the reception
+        of sick and lame, especially sailors                      1553
+
+     3. Guy's Hospital, Southwark, for sick and impotent
+        persons; and lunatics                                     1721
+
+     4. London Hospital, Whitechapel Road, for the reception
+        of all persons meeting with accidents                     1740
+
+     5. St. George's Hospital, Hyde Park Corner, for the
+        reception of sick and lame                                1735
+
+     6. Westminster General Infirmary, James-street, Westminster,
+        for sick and diseased persons                             1719
+
+     7. Middlesex Hospital, Charles street, near Oxford-street,
+        for sick and lame, and pregnant women                     1745
+
+     8. Lock Hospital, Hyde Park Turnpike, for persons
+        afflicted with the venereal disorder                      1746
+
+     9. Hospital Misericordia, Goodman's-fields, for the
+        same purpose                                              1774
+
+    10. Small-pox Hospital, St. Pancras, for inoculation
+        of poor persons                                           1746
+
+    11. London Lying-in Hospital, Aldersgate-street, for
+        poor _married_ women                                      1750
+
+    12. City of London Lying-in Hospital, Old-street, City
+        Road, _Idem._                                             1751
+
+    13. British Lying-in Hospital, Brownlow-street, Long-Acre,
+        _id._                                                     1749
+
+    14. Westminster Lying-in Hospital, Surry Road,
+        Westminster Bridge, for poor pregnant women
+        _generally_.
+
+    15. Queen's Lying-in Hospital, Bayswater Hall, Oxford
+        Road, _id._
+
+    16. Lying-in Hospital, Store-street, Tottenham Court
+        Road, _id._                                               1767
+
+    17. Lying-in Charity, for delivering pregnant women
+        at their own houses; _W. Manning_, Esq. Governor;
+        Physician, Dr. _Sims_, Blackfriars                        1757
+
+    18. Society for delivering married women in their own
+        habitations, by whom 32 midwives are employed,
+        No. 18, Strand                                            1757
+
+    19. Bethlem Hospital, for Lunatics, Moorfields                1558
+
+    20. St. Luke's Hospital for Lunatics, Old-street Road         1751
+
+    21. Samaritan Society for relieving Persons discharged
+        from Hospitals                                            1791
+
+    22. Society for visiting and relieving the Sick in their
+        own Houses.
+
+  Dispensaries for Sick, Lame, and Diseased.
+
+     1 Eastern Dispensary, Whitechapel
+
+     2 Western Dispensary, Charles-street, Westminster
+
+     3 Middlesex Dispensary, Great Ailiff-street
+
+     4 London Dispensary, Primrose-street, Bishopsgate-street
+
+     5 City Dispensary, Bevis Marks
+
+     6 New Finsbury Dispensary, St. John-street, Clerkenwell
+
+     7 Finsbury Dispensary, St. John's Square, Clerkenwell
+
+     8 General Dispensary, Aldersgate-street
+
+     9 Public Dispensary, Cary-street, Lincoln's Inn Fields
+
+    10 Infant Poor Dispensary, Soho-square
+
+    11 St. James's Dispensary, Berwick-street, Soho
+
+    12 Westminster Dispensary, Gerard-street, Soho
+
+    13 Mary-le-bone Dispensary, Well-street, Oxford-street
+
+    14 Ossulston Dispensary, Bow-street, Bloomsbury
+
+    15 Surry Dispensary, Union-street, Borough
+
+    16 Royal Universal Dispensary, Featherstone Buildings,
+       Holborn
+
+  Institutions for Charitable and Humane Purposes.
+
+    Humane Society, for the recovery of drowned and suffocated
+    Persons, Spital-square and London Coffee-house                1773
+
+    Society for the Relief of Clergymen's Widows, Paper
+    Buildings, Temple
+
+    Society for the Relief of Widows and Orphans of Medical
+    Men, founded by Dr. Squires and Mr. Chamberlaine              1788
+
+    Laudable Society, for the benefit of Widows, Crane-Court,
+    Fleet-street
+
+    Society for the support of Widows, Surry-street, Strand
+
+    Society for the support of poor Artists, and their Widows,
+    Strand
+
+    Three Societies for the support of decayed Musicians,
+    their Widows and Children
+
+    Society for the Relief of decayed Actors
+
+    ABC-darian Society, for the Relief of decayed
+    School-masters
+
+    Society for the Relief of Authors in distress
+
+    Society for the Relief of Officers, their Widows, Children,
+    Mothers, and Sisters
+
+    Society for Annuities to Widows, Old Fish-street,
+    St. Paul's, No. 25
+
+    Society for the Relief of sick and maimed Seamen in
+    the Merchant's Service                                        1747
+
+    Society for the Relief of poor Widows and Children
+    of Clergymen, instituted by Charter                           1768
+
+    Rayne's Hospital for 40 girls, who receive 100_l._ portion
+    on their marriage                                             1736
+
+    Society called the Feast of the Sons of the Clergy, for
+    apprenticing their indigent Children, No. 5, Gray's
+    Inn Square
+
+    Freemason's Charity
+
+    Society for the relief of Persons confined for Small
+    Debts, Craven-street, Strand
+
+    Society for bettering the condition, and increasing
+    the comforts of the Poor
+
+    Society for improving the condition of Chimney-Sweepers
+
+    Five Soup Societies
+
+    Workhouses
+
+    Private Asylums for Lunatics
+
+    91 Public Companies in the City of London, who give
+    in charity above £.75,000 a year
+
+    Stock's Blind Charity, distributed by the Painters-Stainers'
+    Company                                                       1786
+
+    Hetherington's Blind Charity, payable at Christ's
+    Hospital                                                      1787
+
+    Asylum for Deaf and Dumb Poor, Grange Road,
+    Bermondsey                                                    1792
+
+    Charitable Society for Industrious Poor, School
+    House, Hatton Garden
+
+    Society for Charitable Purposes, Wardour-street,
+    Soho                                                          1773
+
+    1600 Friendly Societies in the Metropolis and its vicinity,
+    of which about 800 have enrolled themselves
+    under the Act of Parliament, 33 Geo. III. cap.
+    54. They are composed of mechanics and labouring
+    people, who distribute to sick members,
+    and for funerals, sums raised by monthly
+    payments, amounting on an average to 1_s._ 8_d._
+    a month, or 20_s._ a year, and consisting of
+    about 80,000 members, who thus raise annually
+    80,000_l._
+
+Reflecting on the foregoing list of various laudable Institutions,
+which it cannot be expected should be altogether perfect, but which
+may be said to be unparalleled in point of extent, as well as
+munificence, and conferring the highest honour on the National
+Character for Charity and Humanity; the mind is lost in astonishment,
+that greater and more extensive benefits have not arisen to the
+inhabitants of the Metropolis; not only in improving their morals,
+but in preventing the lowest orders of the People from suffering that
+extreme misery and wretchedness, which has already been stated to
+exist in so great a degree in London.
+
+When it is also recollected, that large sums are annually expended by
+Societies instituted for promoting religion, virtue, and good morals,
+it must be evident, as human misery does not appear to be alleviated,
+and the morals of the People grow worse--that there must be some cause
+to produce effects so opposite to what might have been expected from
+such unparalleled philanthropy; the cause, indeed, may easily be
+traced to that evident deficiency in the general System of Police,
+which has so often been mentioned in the course of this Work.[182]
+
+[Footnote 182: But particularly that branch of it, which relates to
+the management of the Poor, than which nothing in a greater degree
+requires immediate improvement; since it is unquestionably true, and
+has, indeed, been already shewn, that from this source incalculable
+evils have arisen, which must proportionately increase, until some
+effectual remedy is applied.--See Chapter 13th, where a remedy is
+proposed.]
+
+In the next place, it may be useful, and certainly cannot be improper,
+in a Treatise on the Police, to insert a brief detail of the different
+Courts of Law, and public Prisons, established in the Metropolis; for
+the distribution of Justice, and the punishment of delinquents, for
+civil as well as criminal offences; together with the number of
+professional men attached to these various Law establishments.
+
+
+COURTS OF JUSTICE
+
+IN THE
+
+_METROPOLIS_.
+
+  Supreme Courts.
+
+    The High Court of Parliament.
+
+    The House of Lords; being the Appeal in the last resort in
+    all causes criminal and civil.
+
+    The Court of Exchequer Chamber, before which Writs of
+    Error are brought on judgments in the Court of King's Bench
+    and other Courts; it is composed, in certain cases, of all the
+    Twelve Judges, and the Lord Chancellor; but sometimes of
+    a smaller number.
+
+    The High Court of Chancery--at Westminster Hall--and
+    Lincoln's Inn Hall.
+
+    The Court of King's Bench, held in Westminster Hall.
+
+    The Court of Common Pleas, held in Westminster Hall.
+
+    The Court of Exchequer--a Court of Law, Equity and
+    Revenue; held at Westminster Hall and Serjeant's Inn.
+
+    The Court of Appeals in Colonial and Prize Causes; before
+    the Lords of his Majesty's Privy Council at Whitehall.
+
+    The High Court of Admiralty, for Prizes, &c. at Doctor's
+    Commons; and in criminal Cases, twice a year, at the Old
+    Bailey.
+
+    Four Ecclesiastical Courts. Doctors' Commons.
+
+      Prerogative Court, for Wills
+      and Administrations
+
+      Court of Arches, for Appeals
+      from inferior Ecclesiastical
+      Courts in the Province of
+      Canterbury; the Court of
+      Peculiars is a branch of this
+      Court.
+
+      Faculty Court, to grant Dispensations
+      to marry, &c.
+
+      Court of Delegates for Ecclesiastical
+      Affairs.
+
+  The Court of Oyer and
+  Terminer and Gaol-Delivery
+  for trying
+  Criminals at the Justice
+  Hall, Old Bailey
+
+    Held by His Majesty's Commission
+    to the Lord-Mayor, Judges, Recorder
+    and Common Serjeant, &c.
+
+  Seventeen Courts in the City of London.
+
+    Court of Hustings
+
+      The Supreme Court of the City for Pleas of
+      Land and Common Pleas
+
+    The Lord-Mayor's Court
+
+      For Actions of Debt and Trespass, and for
+      Appeals from inferior Courts and for foreign
+      attachments; giving decisions in all
+      cases whatsoever, in 14 days, at an expence
+      not exceeding thirty Shillings; held in the
+      King's Bench, Guildhall, by the Lord-Mayor,
+      Recorder, and Aldermen.
+
+    Court of Requests
+
+      Held by two Aldermen and four Members of
+      the Common Council, appointed by the
+      Lord-Mayor and Aldermen; three of
+      whom form a Court for the recovery of
+      small debts under 40_s._ at the expence of 10_d._
+
+    Chamberlain's Court
+
+      Held every day to determine differences between
+      masters and apprentices; and to admit
+      those qualified to the freedom of the
+      City.
+
+    Sheriff's Court
+
+      Held every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday,
+      and Saturday, at Guildhall; where Actions
+      of Debt and Trespass, &c. are tried by the
+      Sheriff, and his Deputy, who are Judges of
+      the Court.
+
+    Court of Orphans
+
+      Held before the Lord-Mayor and Aldermen,
+      as Guardians of the Children of deceased
+      Freemen under twenty-one years of age, &c.
+
+    Pie Poudre Court
+
+      Held by the Lord-Mayor and Stewards, for
+      administering instantaneous Justice between
+      Buyers and Sellers at Bartholomew Fair, to
+      redress all such disorders as may arise there.
+
+    Court of Conservancy
+
+      Held by the Lord Mayor and Aldermen four
+      times a year, in Middlesex, Essex, Kent,
+      and Surry; who inquire by a Jury, into
+      Abuses relative to the Fishing on the River
+      Thames, and redress the same; from Staines
+      _West_, to Yenfleet _East_.
+
+    Court of Lord-Mayor, and
+    Aldermen.--Court of Common
+    Council.--Court of
+    Common Hall.--Court of
+    Wardmotes
+
+      These relate to setting the Assize
+      on Bread and Salt--to the municipal
+      Officers of the City--to
+      the Elections of Lord-Mayor,
+      Sheriffs, and Officers of the
+      City--and to the Management
+      of the Public Property of the
+      City, and removing Nuisances.
+      The Wardmotes are held chiefly
+      for the Election of Aldermen
+      & Common Councilmen.
+
+    General and Quarter Sessions of the Peace, held by the Lord-Mayor
+    and Aldermen, eight times a year.
+
+    Petty Sessions for small Offences, &c. held at
+    the Mansion House by the Lord-Mayor
+    and one Alderman: and at Guildhall by
+    two Aldermen in rotation
+
+      Daily, in the forenoon
+
+    Coroners' Court
+
+      To inquire into the causes of sudden deaths,
+      when they arise.
+
+    Court of the Tower of London
+
+      Held within the verge of the City by a Stewart
+      appointed by the Constable of the
+      Tower, before whom are tried Actions of
+      Debt, Trespasses, and Covenants.
+
+  Courts of Justice within the City and
+  Liberty of Westminster.
+
+    Court of the Duchy of Lancaster
+
+      A supreme Court of Record, held in Somerset
+      Place, for deciding by the Chancellor of the
+      said Duchy, all matters of Law or Equity belonging
+      to the County Palatine of Lancaster
+
+    Quarter Sessions of the Peace
+
+      A Court of Record, held by the Justices of the
+      City and Liberty of Westminster, four
+      times a year, at the Guildhall, Westminster,
+      for all Trespasses, Petty Larcenies, and
+      other small Offences, committed within the
+      City and Liberty
+
+    Westminster Court
+
+      Or Court Leet, held by the Dean of Westminster
+      or his Steward, for choosing parochial
+      Officers, preventing and removing
+      Nuisances, &c.
+
+    Court of Requests,
+    Castle-street, Leicester-square
+
+      Held by Commissioners (being respectable
+      Housekeepers) for deciding without appeal,
+      all Pleas for Debts under forty shillings.
+      For the parishes of St. Margaret, St. John,
+      St. Martin, St. Paul Covent Garden, St.
+      Clement Danes, St. Mary le Strand, and
+      that part of the Dutchy of Lancaster which
+      joins Westminster
+
+    Court of Requests,
+    Vinestreet, Piccadilly
+
+      Held in the same manner, and for the same
+      purposes; for the parishes of St. Anne,
+      St. George Hanover-square, and St. James,
+      Westminster
+
+    Petty Sessions, or Police Court,
+    held at Bow-street
+
+      A Court of Petty Sessions, held by two Magistrates
+      every day, (Sunday excepted) morning
+      and evening, for matters of Police, and various
+      Offences, and Misdemeanors, &c.
+
+    Police Court or Petty Sessions,
+    held at Queen-sq. Westminster
+
+      A Court of Petty Sessions established by Act
+      of Parliament, held every day, morning &
+      evening, (Sunday excepted) by two Magistrates,
+      for matters of Police, and various
+      Offences, Misdemeanors, &c.
+
+    Police Court, or petty Sessions,
+    held at Great Marlborough-str.
+
+      The same.
+
+  Courts of Justice in that part of the Metropolis,
+  which lies within the County of Middlesex.
+
+    St. Martins-le-Grand Court
+
+      _A Court of Record_, subject to the Dean and
+      Chapter of Westminster, held every Wednesday,
+      for the trial of all personal Actions.
+      The process is by a Capias against the body,
+      or an Attachment against the goods in this
+      particular Liberty
+
+    East Smithfield Court
+
+      A Court Leet and Court Baron, held for this
+      Liberty, to inquire into Nuisances, &c.--In
+      the Court Baron Pleas are held to the
+      amount of forty shillings
+
+    Finsbury Court
+
+      A Court Leet held once a year, by a Steward
+      of the Lord-Mayor, as Lord of the Manor of
+      Finsbury, for inquiring into those Nuisances
+      competent for Leet Juries, by ancient usage,
+      and swearing in Constables for the Manor
+
+    St. Catherine's Court
+
+      Two Courts are competent to be held within
+      this small Precinct, for Actions of Debt and
+      Trespass, at St. Catherine's near the Tower
+
+    Whitechapel Court
+
+      A Court held by the Steward of the Manor of
+      Stepney, by whom, and a Jury, are tried Actions
+      of Debt for 5_l._ and under, &c. &c.
+
+    Sheriff's Court
+
+      For the County of Middlesex, for Actions of
+      Debt, Trespasses, Assaults, &c.
+
+    Quarter and General sessions
+    of the Peace, and Sessions of
+    Oyer and Terminer
+
+      Held by the Justices of the County of Middlesex,
+      eight times a year, at the New Sessions
+      House, Clerkenwell Green, for all
+      Trespasses, Petty Larcenies, Misdemeanors,
+      and other offences, &c. and for Roads,
+      Bridges, and other County Affairs
+
+    Petty Sessions or Police Court,
+    established by Act of Parliament
+
+      A Court of Petty Sessions, held every morning
+      and evening, (Sunday excepted) by two
+      Magistrates, at the Public Office, in Hatton
+      Garden, for matters of Police and various
+      Offences, Misdemeanors, &c.
+
+    Petty Session, or Police Court
+
+      At the Public Office, Worship-street, near
+      Finsbury-square, by two Justices, for objects
+      of Police, &c.
+
+    _Idem_
+
+      At the Public Office, Lambeth-street, Whitechapel
+
+    _Idem_
+
+      At the Public Office, High-street, Shadwell
+
+    Two Coroner's Courts
+
+      For inquiring into causes of sudden death
+
+    Court of Requests
+
+      Small debts under 40_s._ without appeal,
+      held in Fulwood's Rents, Holborn, for the
+      Division of Finsbury
+
+    Court of Requests
+
+      For small debts under 40_s._ without appeal,
+      held in Osborn-street, Whitechapel, by
+      Commissioners, under the Act of Parliament,
+      chosen annually by the several Parishes
+      in the Tower Hamlets
+
+    General and Quarter Sessions of the
+    Peace for the Liberty of the Tower of London.
+
+      Held by the Justices of that Liberty,
+      8 times a year for Petty Larcenies,
+      Trespasses, Felonies, and Misdemeanors,
+      &c. within that particular District
+
+  Courts of Justice in the Borough
+  of Southwark, Surry.
+
+    Court of Record
+
+      Held at St. Margaret's Hill, Southwark, by
+      the Lord-Mayor's Steward, for Actions of
+      small Debts, Damages, Trespass, &c.
+
+    Court of Record
+
+      For the Clink Liberty, held near Bankside,
+      in Southwark, by the Bishop of Winchester's
+      Steward, for Actions of Debt, Trespass, &c.
+      within that Liberty
+
+    Marshalsea Court
+
+      A Court of Record (or the Court of the Royal
+      Palace) having jurisdiction 12 miles round
+      Whitehall (exclusive of the City of London)
+      for actions of Debts, Damages, Trespasses,
+      &c. and subject to be removed to a higher
+      Court of Law, when above 5_l._
+
+    Court of Requests
+
+      For the recovery of small Debts under 40_s._
+      without appeal, held at St. Margaret's Hill,
+      by Commissioners chosen under the Act of
+      Parliament, by the different Parishes
+
+    Coroners' Court
+
+      To inquire into causes of sudden Death--in
+      Southwark, &c.
+
+    Quarter Sessions of the Peace
+
+      Held by the Lord-Mayor and Aldermen, at
+      St. Margaret's Hill, for the Borough of
+      Southwark
+
+    Quarter Sessions of the Peace
+    for the County of Surry
+
+      Held at the New Sessions House in
+      Southwark, by the Magistrates of the
+      County of Surry
+
+    Petty Sessions, or Police Court,
+    established by Act of Parliament
+
+       A Court held every morning and evening
+       by two Justices, at the Public Office, Union
+       Hall, Union-street, Southwark, for Objects
+       of Police, &c.
+
+
+PRISONS _in the_ METROPOLIS.
+
+   1. King's Bench Prison, for Debtors on Process or Execution in the
+      King's Bench, &c. St. George's Fields
+
+   2. Fleet Prison, for Debtors on Process, &c. in the Common Pleas,
+      &c. Fleet Market
+
+  For the City of London.
+
+     3. Ludgate Prison, Bishopsgate-street
+
+     4. Poultry Compter, in the Poultry
+
+     5. Giltspur-street Compter, Giltspur-street
+
+   6. Newgate, or City and County Gaol, Old Bailey
+
+   7. New Prison, Clerkenwell--Gaol for the County of Middlesex
+
+   8. Prison for the Liberty of the Tower of London, Well-close-square
+
+   9. Whitechapel Prison for Debtors in the five pound court
+
+  10. Savoy Prison for Deserters and Military Delinquents
+
+  Houses of Correction.
+
+    11. City Bridewell--Bridewell, Bridge-street, Blackfriars
+
+    12. Tothill Fields Bridewell--Tothill Fields
+
+    13. Spa Fields Penitentiary House
+
+    14. New Bridewell in the Borough of Southwark
+
+  15. County Gaol for Surry in the Borough of Southwark
+
+  16. Clink Gaol, in ditto
+
+  17. Marshalsea Gaol, in the Borough, for Pirates, &c.
+
+  18. New Gaol, in the Borough.
+
+Nothing, perhaps, can manifest, in a greater degree, the increased
+commerce and population of the Metropolis of the Empire, than the
+following summary detail of the different classes of professional men
+connected with the various departments of the Law.
+
+It appears from the preceding Statements, that there are in the
+Metropolis
+
+   9 Supreme Courts; to which are attached            270 officers[183]
+   4 Ecclesiastical Courts                             54 do.
+  18 Inferior Courts for small Debts                  146 do.
+   1 Court of Oyer and Terminer, and Gaol Delivery     27 do.
+   4 Courts of General and Quarter Sessions of the
+       Peace                                           46 do.
+  10 Courts and Petty Sessions for purposes of
+       Police                                         190 do.
+   5 Coroners' Courts                                  20 do.
+                                                      ---
+                                                      753
+
+  King's Serjeants, Attorney and Solicitor General,
+    and King's Advocate                                 8
+  Serjeants at Law                                     14
+  Doctors of Law                                       14
+  King's Counsel                                       25
+  Masters in Chancery                                  10
+  Barristers at Law                                   400
+  Special Pleaders                                     50
+  Proctors in Doctors' Commons                         50
+  Conveyancers                                         40
+  Attorneys at Law in the different Courts          1,900
+  Clerks, Assistants, and others, estimated at      3,700
+  Notaries Public                                      36
+                                                    -----
+                                       Total about  7,000
+
+[Footnote 183: See for some further particulars the 27th Report of the
+Finance Committee.]
+
+It is impossible to contemplate this view of a very interesting
+subject, without being forcibly struck with the vast extent of the
+wealth and commercial intercourse of the Country, which furnish
+advantageous employment for such a multitude of individuals in one
+particular profession. Every good man, and every lover of his country,
+must anxiously wish that the advantages may be reciprocal; and that
+men of talents, integrity, and ability, in the profession of the Law,
+while they extend their aid to the removal of those evils which are a
+reproach to the criminal jurisprudence of the Country, would also
+assist in procuring the removal of the inconveniences at present felt
+in the recovery of small debts. This is peculiarly irksome to every
+well-disposed person, who, in the course of business, having
+transactions with the mass of mankind, cannot avoid frequently meeting
+with bad or litigious characters, by whom disputes are unavoidably
+generated.
+
+According to the prevailing System, if the debt exceeds 40_s._ the
+action may be brought in a superior Court, where, if contested or
+defended, the expence, at the lowest computation, must be upwards of
+fifty pounds. Prudent men, under such circumstances, will forego a
+just claim upon another, or make up a false one upon themselves, as by
+far the least of two evils, in all cases where they come in contact
+with designing and bad people; and hence it is, that the worthless
+part of mankind, availing themselves in _Civil_ as others do in
+_Criminal Cases_, of the imperfections of the Law, forge these
+defects into a rod of oppression, either to defraud the honest part of
+the Community of a just right, or to create fraudulent demands, where
+no right attaches; merely because those miscreants know that an action
+at Law, even for 20_l._ cannot either be prosecuted or defended,
+without sinking three times the amount in Law expences; besides the
+loss of time, which is still more valuable to men in business.
+
+To convince the Reader that this observation is not hazarded on weak
+grounds, and that the evil is so great as to cry aloud for a remedy,
+it is only necessary to state, that in the County of Middlesex alone,
+in the year 1793, the number of bailable writs and executions, for
+debts from _Ten_ to _Twenty_ pounds, amounted to no less than 5,719,
+and the aggregate amount of the debts sued for was the sum of
+£.81,791.
+
+It will scarcely be credited, _although it is most unquestionably
+true_, that the mere costs of these actions, although made up, and not
+defended at all, would amount to 68,728_l._--And if defended, the
+aggregate expence to recover 81,791_l._ must be--(_strange and
+incredible as it may appear_), no less than 285,905_l._! being
+considerably more than three times the amount of the debts sued for.
+
+The mind is lost in astonishment at the contemplation of a
+circumstance, marking, in so strong a degree, the deficiency of this
+important branch of the jurisprudence of the Country.
+
+Through this new medium we discover one of the many causes of the
+increase of crimes.--And hence that caution which men in business are
+compelled to exercise (especially in the Metropolis), to avoid
+transactions with those who are supposed to be devoid of principle.
+
+Whenever the Laws cannot be promptly executed, at an expence, that
+will not restrain the worthy and useful part of the Community from the
+following up their just rights, bad men will multiply. The morals of
+the People will become more and more corrupted, and the best interests
+of the State will be endangered.
+
+In a political as well as in a moral point of view, it is an evil that
+should not be suffered to exist; especially when it can be
+demonstrated, that a remedy may be applied, without affecting the
+pecuniary interest of the more reputable part of the Profession of the
+Law, while it would unquestionably produce a more general diffusion of
+Emolument.
+
+If, instead of the various inferior Courts for the recovery of debts,
+(exclusive of the Courts of Conscience) which have been mentioned in
+this Chapter, and which are of very limited use on account of appeals
+lying in all actions above 5_l._--the Justices, in General Sessions of
+the Peace, _specially commissioned_, were to be empowered to hear and
+determine _finally, by a Jury_, all actions of debt under 50_l._ and
+to tax the Costs _in proportion to the amount of the Verdict_, great
+benefits would result to the Public. _At present, the rule is to allow
+the same cost for forty shillings as for ten thousand pounds!_[184]--It
+depends only on the length of the pleadings, and not on the value of
+the action.
+
+[Footnote 184: The following authentic table, divided into four
+Classes, will shew in forcible colours, the evils which arise from
+there being no distinction between the amount of the sum to be
+recovered in one action and another, in settling the costs. In the
+county of Middlesex, in the year 1793, the actions for recovering
+debts stood thus:
+
+  Classes.
+   |                  |Number of Writs.
+   |                  |      |of which Bailable.
+   |                  |      |      |Executions.
+   |                  |      |      |     |Costs of Actions
+   |                  |      |      |     |undefended at 12_l._ each.
+   |                  |      |      |     |       |Costs of Actions
+   |                  |      |      |     |       |defended at 50_l._
+   |                  |      |      |     |       |each.
+   |                  |      |      |     |       |       |Net Amount
+   |                  |      |      |     |       |       |of Debts
+   |                  |      |      |     |       |       |sued for
+   |                  |      |      |     |£.     |£.     |£.
+  1|from 10 to  20_l._| 5,719| 4,966|  753| 68,728|285,950|   81,791
+  2|     20 to  30_l._| 2,267| 1,878|  389| 21,090|113,350|   85,675
+  3|     30 to 100_l._| 4,367| 2,492|1,875| 52,404|238,350|  237,358
+  4|  £.100 &  upw.   | 2,324| 1,769|  555| 27,160|116,200|1,010,379
+   |                  +------+------+-----+-------+-------+---------
+   |                  |14,677|11,105|3,572|169,382|753,850|1,385,203
+
+Thus it appears, that upwards of one million of money, in the 4th
+class, is recovered at considerably less than half the expence of
+81,791_l._ in the 1st class.]
+
+Humanity, Justice, and Policy, plead for an improvement of the System;
+more particularly when it is recollected that, between _Six_ and
+_Seven Thousand_ unfortunate persons are arrested annually on _mesne
+process_ in Middlesex alone, one half of whom are for debts _under
+twenty pounds_. In the kingdom at large, the number is not less than
+_Forty Thousand_ for trifling debts in the course of a year!--The
+unavoidable expence, therefore, at the lowest computation, is a most
+grievous burden, which on many occasions, sends both the plaintiff and
+defendant to a gaol, for the Attorney's bills, to the total ruin of
+themselves, and often to the destruction of their families.
+
+The Evil, in this view, is exceedingly prominent.--It involves in it
+consequences which trench upon the best interests of the Country. The
+Mischief increases, unperceived by the people at large, and Remedies
+are not applied; because few men will subject themselves to
+investigations of great labour, without which facts are not to be
+obtained; and without facts it is impossible to reason with accuracy,
+or to draw just conclusions upon any subject.
+
+It will be found upon inquiry, that the miseries of a gaol, by which
+the inferior orders of the people are often punished, do not so
+frequently attach to the worthless and profligate part of the
+Community, as to those who have been useful members of the State--Like
+the adroit thief, encouraged to proceed by many escapes, Knaves are
+seldom victims to the severity of the Law.--The Innocent, and often
+the Industrious, unskilled in the tricks and artifices which bad men
+pursue to rid themselves of incumbrances, (for which there is abundant
+resource in the chicane of the Law;) are generally the sufferers.
+
+To incarcerate one member of the body politic, whose misfortunes and
+losses may have arisen from giving credit to another, who is relieved
+by a Commission of Bankrupt,[185] because his debts amounted to more
+than 100_l._ seems not well to accord with Justice, Humanity, or State
+Policy. It debases the minds of thousands whose conduct never deserved
+such a fate--who were from the nature of their dealings, _although
+small_, entitled upon the principle adopted by the Legislature, to the
+same relief which is extended to the higher classes by whom they often
+suffer--and sometimes too by the most worthless and depraved.--While
+no good can arise from their confinement, it is thus rendered
+infinitely more severe than that, which is, in many instances,
+inflicted on criminal offenders.--Their labour is lost to the
+Community.--Their families are neglected--and perhaps reared up in
+vice and idleness to become Nuisances in that Society, of which they
+might have been virtuous and useful Members.
+
+[Footnote 185: It is to be observed, that the Debtors comprised, in
+the first three classes mentioned in the foregoing note, page 587, are
+generally the objects of imprisonment; while the bankrupt-laws relieve
+the fourth, the insolvency of which class generally produces the
+distress of the other; who must languish in a gaol and suffer a severe
+punishment, although it is clear to demonstration, that the Debtor for
+_ninety-nine_ pounds is equally an object of commiseration as another
+whose debt amounts to _one hundred_; and almost in the same degree
+subject to accident and misfortune.
+
+Under a System so contrary to reason, and so shocking to humanity, too
+much praise cannot be bestowed on the founders and supporters of the
+excellent Institution for the relief of honest, industrious persons
+imprisoned for small debts. The immense number relieved by this
+benevolent Society, who have appeared upon inquiry not to have brought
+misfortunes upon themselves by imprudence, is one of the strongest
+proofs that can be adduced of the imperfection of the laws; which are
+tacitly acknowledged to be erroneous, in the case of every person who
+is discharged by the bounty of the Public.]
+
+This, therefore, is a most important branch of what may be called
+_Civil Police_, highly deserving the attention of the Legislature;
+because it is not only contrary to Reason, but pregnant with evils
+which tend to the increase of crimes in a greater degree than is
+generally supposed.
+
+The extensive and growing intercourse in commercial dealings, and the
+diffused state of property must, of course, progressively, increase
+the number of Appeals to Courts of Justice, even under the present
+System; till at length the duty of the Judges (infinitely more
+extensive than their predecessors experienced, and increasing every
+day,) will so multiply, as to render it an act of great cruelty and
+injustice, not to ease them of the unreasonable labour arising from
+small Law-suits.
+
+The same reasoning applies to the Members of the Executive Government.
+As we advance in riches, population, and crimes, the management of the
+Country becomes more complicated. The labour attached to the higher
+departments of the State of all descriptions is infinitely greater
+than a century ago; and yet there is no increase in the number of the
+first executive responsible officers.--This, (although it has not
+heretofore attracted notice), when duly considered, will be found to
+be a very serious misfortune.
+
+The mind, however active or enlightened, can only compass certain
+objects. It requires relaxation; it cannot always be upon the
+stretch.--There is a point beyond which human exertion cannot go--and
+hence the necessity of the division of labour, in proportion to the
+increase of responsible public duty. Wherever this does not take
+place, the Country suffers; an unreasonable burden attaches, by which
+means matters of great consequence to the Community must be
+overlooked, because it is impossible to compass every thing.
+
+Having thus briefly explained that branch of the Police of the Capital
+which is connected with the department of the Law, together with some
+of the most prominent features of abuse, which have grown out of the
+present System; as well as the Remedies which have occurred, as
+apparently best calculated to remove these accumulating evils. It
+remains now to bring under the review of the Reader, the various
+_Municipal Regulations_, which have been established for the comfort,
+accommodation, and convenience of the inhabitants; and the means used
+in carrying them into execution.
+
+The Metropolis of the Empire having been extended so far beyond its
+ancient limits;--every parish, hamlet, liberty, or precinct, now
+contiguous to the Cities of _London_ and _Westminster_, may be
+considered as a separate Municipality, where the inhabitants regulate
+the Police of their respective districts, under the authority of a
+great variety of different Acts of Parliament; enabling them to raise
+money for paving the streets, and to assess the householders for the
+interest thereof, as well as for the annual expence of _watching,
+cleansing, and removing nuisances and annoyances_. These funds, as
+well as the execution of the powers of the different Acts, (excepting
+where the interference of Magistrates is necessary) are placed in the
+hands of Trustees, of whom in many instances, the Church Wardens, or
+Parish Officers for the time being, are Members _ex officio_; and by
+these different Bodies, all matters relative to the immediate safety,
+comfort and convenience of the inhabitants are managed and regulated.
+
+These Regulations, however, are mostly founded upon Statutes made in
+the last and present Reign.
+
+The Act of the 2d of William and Mary, cap. 8, for paving, cleansing,
+&c. within the City and Liberties of _Westminster_, and the Bills of
+Mortality, not having been found applicable to modern improvements,
+new regulations became necessary; and an incredible number of private
+Statutes applicable to the different Parishes, Hamlets, and Liberties,
+composing the Metropolis, have been passed within the last 50 years.
+
+The Act of the 10th George II. cap. 22, established a System for
+paving and lighting, cleansing, and watching the City of London: but
+the Statute which removed _signs and sign-posts_, _balconies_,
+_spouts_, _gutters_, and those other _encroachments_ and _annoyances_,
+which were felt as grievances, by the inhabitants, did not pass till
+the year 1771.--The 11th of Geo. III. cap. 29, contains a complete and
+masterly System of that branch of the Police which is connected with
+municipal regulations, and may be considered as a model for every
+large City in the Empire. This excellent Act extends to every
+obstruction by carts and carriages, and provides a remedy for all
+nuisances, which can prove, in any respect, offensive to the
+inhabitants; and special Commissioners, called _Commissioners of
+Sewers_, are appointed to ensure a regular execution. It is further
+improved by the 33d of his present Majesty, cap. 75, by which the
+power of the Commissioners is increased, and some nuisances arising
+from Butchers, Dustmen, &c. further provided against.
+
+In the City and Liberty of Westminster also, many useful Municipal
+Regulations have been made within the present Century. The Acts of the
+27th of Elizabeth, and the 16th of Charles I. (private Acts) divided
+the City and Liberties into 12 Wards, and appointed 12 Burgesses to
+regulate the Police of each Ward; who, with the Dean, or High Steward
+of Westminster, were authorised to govern this District of the
+Metropolis.
+
+The Act of the 29th of George II. cap. 25, enabled the Dean, or his
+High Steward, to choose 80 Constables in a Court Leet: and the same
+act authorised the appointment of an Annoyance-Jury of 48 inhabitants,
+to examine weights and measures; and to make presentments of every
+public nuisance, either in the City or Liberty.--The Acts of the 31st
+of George II. cap. 17 and 25, improved the former Statute, and allowed
+a free market to be held in Westminster.--The Act of the 2d of George
+III. cap. 21, extended and improved the System for _paving, cleansing,
+lighting and watching_ the City and Liberty, by including six other
+adjoining Parishes and Liberties in Middlesex: This Act was afterwards
+amended by the 3d of his present Majesty, cap. 23.--The Acts 5th Geo.
+III. caps. 13, 50; 11th Geo. III. cap. 22; and particularly 14th Geo.
+III. cap. 90, for regulating the nightly Watch and Constables, made
+further improvements in the General System by which those branches of
+Police in Westminster are at present regulated.
+
+In the Borough of Southwark also the same System has been pursued; the
+Acts 28th Geo. II. cap. 9; and 6th Geo. III. cap. 24, having
+established a System of Municipal Regulations, applicable to this
+District of the Metropolis; relative to _markets_, _hackney-coach
+stands_, _paving_, _cleansing_, _lighting_, _watching_, _marking
+streets_, and _numbering houses_, and placing the whole under the
+management of Commissioners.
+
+In Contemplating the great leading features of Municipal Regulation,
+nothing places England in a situation so superior to most other
+countries, with regard to cleanliness, as the _System of the Sewers_,
+under the management of special Commissioners, in different parts of
+the kingdom; introduced so early as by the Act 6th Henry VI. cap. 5,
+and regulated by the Acts 6th Henry VIII. cap. 10; 23d Henry VIII.
+cap. 5; and 25th Henry VIII. cap. 10.--afterwards improved by the 3d
+and 4th Edward VI. cap. 8; 1st Mary, stat. 3, cap. 11; 13th Elizabeth,
+cap. 9; 3d James I. cap. 14; and 7th Anne, cap. 10.
+
+Sewers being so early introduced into the Metropolis, as well as into
+other Cities and Towns, in consequence of the general System, every
+offensive nuisance was removed through this medium, and the
+inhabitants early accustomed to the advantages and comforts of
+cleanliness.
+
+Another feature, strongly marking the wisdom and attention of our
+ancestors, was the introduction of _Water_, for the supply of the
+Metropolis, in the reign of James I. in 1604. The improvements which
+have been since made for the convenience of the inhabitants, in
+extending the supplies by means of the New River, and also by the
+accession of the Thames water, through the medium of the London
+Bridge, Chelsea, York Buildings, Shadwell, and other water-works, it
+is not necessary to detail.
+
+The Act 9th Anne, cap. 23, first established the regulations with
+regard to _Hackney Coaches_ and _Chairs_, which have been improved and
+extended by several subsequent Statutes, _viz._ 10 Anne, cap. 19; 12
+Anne, stat. 2, cap. 14; 1 Geo. I. cap. 57; 12 Geo. I. cap. 12; 30 Geo.
+II. cap. 22; 4 Geo. III. cap. 36; 7 Geo. III. cap. 44; 10 Geo. III.
+cap. 44; 11 Geo. III. caps. 24, 28; 12 Geo. III. cap. 49; 24 Geo. III.
+stat. 2. cap. 27; 26 Geo. III. cap. 72; 32 Geo. III. cap. 47; 33 Geo.
+III. cap. 75.
+
+These Acts authorize _one thousand coaches_, and _four hundred hackney
+chairs_, to be licensed for the accommodation of the inhabitants of
+the Metropolis; and Magistrates, as well as the Commissioners, are
+empowered to decide, in a summary way, upon all complaints arising
+between Coachmen or Chairmen, and the inhabitants, who may have
+occasion to employ them.
+
+Carts and other carriages have also been regulated by several
+different Acts, _viz._ 1 Geo. I. stat. 2. cap. 57; 18 Geo. II. cap.
+33; 24 Geo. II. cap. 43; 30 Geo. II. cap. 22; 7 Geo. III. cap. 44; and
+24 Geo. III. cap. 27. The Statutes contain a very complete System,
+relative to this branch of Police; by virtue of which all complaints
+arising from offences under these Acts, are also cognizable by the
+Magistrates, in a summary way.
+
+The Act of the 34th of George III. cap. 65, established an improved
+System, with regard to _Watermen plying on the River Thames_.--The
+Lord Mayor and Aldermen are empowered to make Rules and Orders for
+their government;[186] and, with the Recorder and the Justices of the
+Peace of the respective Counties, and places next adjoining to the
+Thames, have equal jurisdiction in all situations between Gravesend
+and Windsor, to put in execution not only the _Laws_, but also the
+Rules and Orders relative to such Watermen, which shall be sent to the
+several Public Offices in the Metropolis, and to the Clerks of the
+Peace of the Counties joining the Thames, within 30 days after such
+Rules are made or altered. The Magistrates have power given them to
+fine Watermen for extortion and misbehaviour: and, persons refusing to
+pay the fares authorised by Law, may be compelled to do so, with all
+charges, or be imprisoned for one month; and whoever shall give a
+Waterman a fictitious name or place of abode, forfeits 5_l._
+
+[Footnote 186: No Rules or Orders have yet been published, although
+nearly six years have elapsed since the passing of this Act. The
+Public are, therefore, without the means of punishing or controlling
+Watermen, which is felt as a serious misfortune.]
+
+Offences relative to the Driving of Cattle improperly, usually termed
+_Bullock Hunting_, are also determined by the Magistrates, in the same
+summary way, under the authority of an Act 21st Geo. III. cap. 67; by
+which every person is authorised to seize delinquents guilty of this
+very dangerous offence.
+
+The last great feature of useful Municipal Police which the Author
+will mention, consists in the excellent regulations relative to
+_Buildings_, _Projections_, and _Fires_; first adopted after the Fire
+of London in 1666, and extended and improved by several Acts of
+Parliament passed, from that time, down to the 14th of his present
+Majesty.
+
+The Act of the 14th of George III. cap. 78, which repeals the former
+Acts, besides regulating the mode of building houses in future, so as
+to render them _ornamental_, _commodious_, and _secure_ against the
+accidents of fire, established other useful rules for the prevention
+of this dreadful calamity; by rendering it incumbent on Churchwardens
+to provide one or more engines in every parish, to be in readiness, on
+the shortest notice, to extinguish fires, and also ladders to favour
+escapes; And, that every facility might be afforded with regard to
+water, it is also incumbent on the Churchwardens to fix stop-blocks
+and fire-plugs at convenient distances, upon all the main pipes within
+the parish; and to place a mark in the street where they are to be
+found, and to have an instrument or key ready to open such fire-plugs,
+so that the water may be accessible on the shortest possible notice.
+That every thing also might be done to ensure dispatch, the person
+bringing the first parish engine to any fire is entitled to 30_s._ the
+second to 20_s._ and third to 10_s._ paid by the parish; excepting in
+cases where chimnies are on fire, and then the expence ultimately
+falls upon the person inhabiting the house or place where it
+originated.
+
+This excellent Statute, so salutary in its effects with regard to many
+important Regulations of Police, also obliges all Beadles and
+Constables, on the breaking out of any fire, to repair immediately to
+the spot, with their long staves, and to protect the sufferers from
+the depredation of thieves; and to assist in removing effects, and in
+extinguishing the flames.
+
+These outlines will explain, in some measure, by what means the System
+of the Police, in most of its great features, is conducted in the
+Metropolis--to which it may be necessary to add, that the Beadles of
+each Parish, are the proper persons to whom application may be made,
+in the first instance, in case of any inconvenience or nuisance. The
+City and Police Magistrates, in their respective Courts, if not
+immediately authorized to remedy the wrong that is suffered, will
+point out how it may be effected.
+
+It is, however, earnestly to be wished, that (like the Building-Act
+just mentioned), one general Law, comprehending the whole of the
+excellent regulations made for the City of London, so far as they will
+apply, could be extended to every part of the Metropolis, and its
+suburbs; that a perfect uniformity might prevail, in the penalties and
+punishments to be inflicted for the several Offences against the
+comfort or convenience of the Inhabitants.--At present it often
+happens, that an Offence in one Parish, is no act of Delinquency in
+another.
+
+The great object is to simplify every System as much as
+possible;--complicated Establishments are always more expensive than
+is necessary, and constantly liable to abuses.
+
+The annual expence to the Inhabitants, in consequence of all those
+Municipal Regulations just detailed, is, perhaps, higher than in any
+other City in the world.--Including the Poor's-rate, it amounts, on an
+average, to full 25 per cent. on the gross rental of the Metropolis;
+and is supposed to exceed one million sterling a year!
+
+A Superintending Police would, in many instances, correct the want of
+intelligence, which is apparent, and enlighten the local Managers in
+such a manner, as not only to promote objects of oeconomy,
+calculated to abridge and keep within bounds an enormous and growing
+expence, but also to suggest improvements by which it might be
+reduced, and many solid advantages be acquired by the Community.
+
+It is impossible to examine, with the mind of a man of business, the
+various Establishments which have become necessary for promoting the
+comfort and convenience of great Societies, without lamenting, in many
+instances, the unnecessary waste that prevails, and the confusion and
+irregularity which often ensue, merely for want of system, judgment,
+and knowledge of the subject.
+
+Various, indeed, are the evils and disorders which Time engenders, in
+every thing connected with the affairs of civil Society, requiring a
+constant and uniform attention, _increasing, as the pressures
+increase_, for the purpose of keeping them within bounds; that as much
+happiness and comfort may be extended to the People as can possibly
+arise from a well-regulated and energetic Police, conducted with
+purity, zeal, and intelligence.
+
+We are arrived at an epoch full of difficulties and dangers, producing
+wonderful events, and still pregnant with consequences, in their
+nature, stretching beyond the usual course of human conjecture, where
+it is impossible to judge of the ultimate issue.
+
+Under such circumstances, it becomes, more than ever, necessary to
+make prudent arrangements for the general safety, for amending the
+morals, and promoting the happiness of the People; by improved Laws,
+extending protection to all, and correcting those evils, which are
+felt as a burden upon the Community.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. XX.
+
+     _A summary View of the Evils detailed in the preceding
+     Chapters.--The great opulence and extensive Trade of the
+     Metropolis assigned as a Cause of the increase and
+     multiplication of Crimes, and of the great extent of the
+     Depredations which are committed.--Arguments in favour of a
+     more energetic Police as the only means of remedying those
+     Evils.--A wide Field opened to Men of Virtue and Talents to
+     do good.--A general View of the estimated Depredations
+     annually in the Metropolis and its Vicinity, amounting in
+     all to Two Millions Sterling.--General Observations and
+     Reflections an the strong Features of degraded Humanity,
+     which this Summary of Turpitude exhibits.--Observations on
+     the further Evils arising from the deficiency of the System
+     with respect to Officers of Justice.--The want of a
+     Prosecutor for the Crown, and the inadequacy of
+     Punishments.--A View of the Remedies proposed--1st. With
+     respect to the Corruption of Morals.--2d. The means of
+     preventing Crimes in general.--3d. Offences committed on the
+     River Thames.--4th. Offences in the Public Arsenals and
+     Ships of War.--5th. Counterfeiting Money and fabricating
+     Bank Notes; 6th. Punishments.--7th. Further advantages of an
+     improved System of Police.--Concluding Reflections._
+
+
+In taking a summary view of the various evils and remedies, which have
+been detailed in this Work, it may be right, previously to apprize the
+Reader, that in contemplating the extent and magnitude of the
+aggregate depredations, which are presumed to be committed in the
+course of a year, it is necessary to measure them _by a scale
+proportioned to the unparalleled amount of moving property exposed in
+transit in this great Metropolis_, as well as the vast and unexampled
+increase of this property, within the last half century; during which
+period there has certainly been an accumulation of not less than
+two-thirds, in commerce as well as in manufactures.
+
+It has not, perhaps, generally attracted notice, that, besides being
+the Seat of the _Government_--_of the Law_,--_Learning_, and the _Fine
+Arts_,--the resort of the Nobility and the Opulent from every part of
+the British Empire, however distant; LONDON, from being a great
+_depôt_ for all the manufactures of the country, and also the goods of
+foreign nations as well as East India and colonial produce, is not
+only the first Commercial City at present existing, but is also one of
+the greatest and most extensive Manufacturing Towns, perhaps in the
+World; combining in one spot every attribute that can occasion an
+assemblage of moving property, unparalleled in point of extent,
+magnitude, and value in the whole Globe.--From the abstract of Imports
+and Exports in _page_ 215 of this Work, it appears that above 13,000
+vessels,[187] including their repeated voyages, arrive at, and depart
+from, the Port of London, with merchandize, in the course of a year;
+besides a vast number of river craft, employed in the trade of the
+interior country, bringing and carrying away property, estimated at
+above _Seventy Millions Sterling_.[188]
+
+[Footnote 187: See Table in page 215.]
+
+[Footnote 188: See page 216.]
+
+In addition to this, it is calculated, that above 40,000 waggons and
+other carriages, including their repeated journies, arrive and depart
+laden, in both instances, with articles of domestic, colonial, East
+India and foreign merchandize; occasioning a transit of perhaps (when
+cattle, grain, and provisions sent for the consumption of the
+inhabitants, are included) _Fifty Millions more_. If we take into the
+account the vast quantity of merchandize and moveable property of
+every species deposited in the various _maritime magazines_,
+_timber-yards_, _piece-goods' warehouses_, _shops_, _manufactories_,
+_store-houses_, _public markets_, _dwelling-houses_, _inns_, _new
+buildings_, and _other repositories_, and which pass from one place to
+another, it will establish a foundation for supposing that, in this
+way, property to the amount of _Fifty Millions_ more at least, is
+annually exposed to depredation; making a Sum of _One Hundred and
+Seventy Millions_; independent of the moving articles in ships of war
+and transports, and in the different Arsenals, Dock-yards, and
+Repositories in the Tower of London, and at Deptford, Woolwich,
+Sheerness, and various smaller magazines, in the daily course of being
+received and sent away, supposed to amount to _Thirty Millions_ more;
+making in the whole an aggregate sum of _Two Hundred Millions_. Thus
+an immense property becomes exceedingly exposed, in all the various
+ways already explained in the course of this Work; and the _estimated_
+amount of the _annual depredations_ hereafter enumerated under these
+respective heads will cease to be a matter of surprise, if measured by
+the enormous scale of property above particularized. Although it is
+supposed to amount to about _Two Millions_ sterling, it sinks to a
+trifle, in contemplating the magnitude of the capital, _scarcely
+reaching one per cent. on the value of property passing in transit in
+the course of a year_.
+
+It is not, therefore, so much the actual loss that is sustained (great
+as it certainly is) which is to be deplored _as the mischief which
+arises from the destruction of the morals of so numerous a body of
+people; who must be directly or collaterally engaged in perpetrating
+smaller offences, and in fraudulent and criminal pursuits_.
+
+This, in a political point of view, is a consideration of a very
+serious and alarming nature, infinitely worse in its consequences than
+even those depredations which arise from acts of violence committed by
+more atrocious offenders; the numbers of which latter have been shewn
+to be small, in comparison with other delinquents, and not to have
+increased in any material degree for the last 50 years; while
+_inferior thefts, river-plunder, pillage, embezzlement, and frauds, in
+respect to public property, coining base money, forgeries under
+various ramifications, cheating by means of swindling and other
+criminal practices, and purchasing and dealing in stolen goods_, have
+advanced in a degree, commensurate to the great and rapid influx of
+wealth, which has arisen from the vast increase of the commerce and
+manufactures of the Country, and the general accumulation of property
+by British subjects in the East and West Indies, and in foreign
+Countries.
+
+The evils, therefore, are the more prominent, as they have become so
+exceedingly diffused; and implicate in criminality numerous
+individuals, of whom a very large proportion were formerly untainted
+with any of that species of Delinquency, which now renders them, (for
+their own sakes--for the benefit of their families--and for the
+interest of public morals,) objects of peculiar attention on the part
+of the Legislature, as well as the Police of the Country.
+
+The habits they have acquired are, doubtless, very alarming, as in the
+destruction of their own morals, they also destroy those of the rising
+generation; and still more so, as the existing Laws, and the present
+System of Police, have been found so totally inadequate to the Object
+of Prevention.
+
+Indeed it is but too evident, that nothing useful can be effected
+without a variety of Regulations, such as have been suggested in
+different parts of this Work. It is not, however, by the adoption of
+any one _remedy_ singly applied, or applied by piece-meal, but by a
+combination of the whole Legislative _Powers_, _Regulations_,
+_Establishments_, and _superintending Agencies_ already suggested,
+(and particularly by those recommended by the Select Committee of the
+House of Commons _which may be considered as the Ground Work_) that
+Crimes are, in any degree, to be prevented, or kept in check. And it
+is not to be expected, that such Remedies can be either complete or
+effectual, unless there be a sufficient Fund appropriated for the
+purpose of giving vigour and energy to the General System.
+
+The object is of such astonishing magnitude, and the abuses which are
+meant to be corrected, are of so much consequence to the _State_, as
+well as to the _Individual_, and the danger of a progressive increase
+is so evidently well established by experience, that it is impossible
+to look at that subject with indifference, when once it is developed
+and understood.
+
+It opens a wide field for doing good, to men of virtue, talents, and
+abilities, who love their Country, and glory in its prosperity. Such
+men will speedily perceive, that this prosperity can only be of short
+duration,--if public morals are neglected,--if no check is given to
+the growing depravity which prevails, and if measures are not adopted
+to guard the rising generation against the evil examples to which
+they are exposed.
+
+Philanthropists will also, in this volume, find abundant scope for the
+exercise of that benevolence, and those efforts in the cause of
+humanity, which occupy their attention, and constitute their chief
+pleasure.--It is earnestly to be hoped, that it may produce an
+universal desire to attain those objects, which are shewn to be so
+immediately connected with the Public good.
+
+For the purpose of elucidating, in some degree, the dreadful effect of
+the profligacy and wickedness, which have been opened to the view of
+the Reader, and occasioned the perpetration of Crimes and offences of
+every species and denomination, the following Estimate has been made
+up from information derived through a variety of different
+channels.--It exhibits at one view, the supposed aggregate amount of
+the various depredations committed in the Metropolis and its environs,
+in the course of a year.
+
+The intelligent reader will perceive at once, that in the nature of
+things, such a calculation cannot be perfectly accurate; because there
+are no precise data upon which it may be formed; but if it approaches
+in any degree near the truth, (and the Author has discovered nothing
+in the course of four years to alter the opinion he originally formed
+in any material degree,) it will fully answer the purpose intended; by
+affording many useful and important hints favourable to those
+improvements which are felt to be necessary by all; though till of
+late, understood by very few.
+
+It is introduced also (merely as a calculation) for the purpose of
+arresting the attention of the Public, in a greater degree, and of
+directing it not only to inquiries similar to those upon which the
+Author has formed his conjectures; but also to the means of procuring
+those improvements in the Laws, and in the System of the Police, which
+have become so indispensably necessary for the security of every
+individual possessing property in this great Metropolis.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+AN ESTIMATE _of the Annual Amount and Value of the Depredations
+committed on Public and Private Property in the Metropolis and its
+Vicinity_, IN ONE YEAR. _Specifying the Nature of such Depredations
+under Six different Heads, viz:--_
+
+1. _Small Thefts_, committed in a little way by _menial Servants,
+Chimney-Sweepers, Dustmen, Porters, Apprentices, Journeymen, Stable
+Boys, Itinerant Jews, and others_, from _Dwelling-Houses, Stables,
+Out-Houses, Warehouses, Shops, Founderies, Workshops, New Buildings,
+Public Houses_, and in short every other place where property is
+deposited; which may be specifically estimated and subdivided as
+follows:
+
+                                           _Tons._  £.
+  Articles new and old, of iron and
+  steel                                     5000    100,000
+
+    brass                                   1500    150,000
+
+    copper                                  1000    120,000
+
+    lead                                    2500     50,000
+
+    pewter, solder, and tin                  300     35,000
+
+  Pewter pots, stolen from 5204 Publicans    500     55,000[189]
+
+  Small articles of plate, china, glass
+  ware, sadlery, harness, and other
+  portable articles of house and table
+  furniture, books, tea, sugar, soap,
+  candles, liquors, &c. &c. &c.                     100,000
+
+  Piece-Goods from shops and warehouses,
+  by servants, porters, &c.                          50,000
+
+  Wearing apparel, bed and table
+  linen, &c.                                         40,000
+
+  Silk, cotton, and worsted yarn, embezzled
+  by Winders and others in
+  Spitalfields, &c. formerly 20,000_l._ a
+  year, now supposed to be                           10,000
+                                                     ------  £.710,000
+
+  2. _Thefts upon the River and Quays_,
+  committed in a little way on board
+  ships in the River Thames, whilst
+  discharging their cargoes; and afterwards
+  upon the Wharfs, Quays,
+  and Warehouses, when the same
+  are landing, weighing, and storing;
+  by glutmen, lumpers, jobbers, labourers,
+  porters, lightermen, boys
+  called mudlarks, and others employed,
+  or lurking about for
+  plunder, _viz._
+
+  Raw sugars, rum, coffee, chocolate,
+  pimento, ginger, cotton, dying
+  woods, and every other article of
+  West-India produce, estimated at
+  the commencement of the Marine
+  Police Establishment at 232,000_l._
+  a year; but now reduced to                         50,000
+
+  East-India goods, and merchandize
+  from Africa, the Mediterranean,
+  America, the Baltic, the Continent
+  of Europe, coasting trade, &c. &c.
+  274,000_l._ now reduced by the
+  Marine Police Institution to                      155,000
+
+  Ship stores and tackling, including
+  cordage, sails, tar, pitch, tallow,
+  provisions, &c. taken from above
+  10,000 different vessels, estimated
+  at 100,000_l._ but now reduced since
+  the Establishment of the Marine
+  Police, according to Estimate, to                  45,000
+                                                    -------  £.250,000
+
+  3. _Thefts and Frauds_ committed in
+  his Majesty's Dock-yards and other
+  public Repositories, situated on the
+  River Thames; including the plunder,
+  pillage, and frauds, by which
+  public property (exclusive of metals)
+  is embezzled in the said stores, and
+  from ships of war. (Besides the
+  frauds, plunder and pillage, in the
+  Dock-yards, and from ships of war
+  at Chatham, Portsmouth, Plymouth,
+  &c. at all times enormous,
+  but especially in time of war; when
+  public property is unavoidably most
+  exposed, equal at least to 700,000_l._
+  a year more:) making in all, one
+  million sterling, at least; but reduced
+  by the Marine Police from
+  300,000_l._ to                                               200,000
+
+  4. _Depredations_ committed by means
+  of burglaries, highway robberies,
+  and other more atrocious thefts, viz.
+
+    1. Burglaries by Housebreakers, in
+       plate, and other articles                    100,000
+
+    2. Highway Robberies, in money,
+       watches, bank-notes, &c.                      55,000
+
+    3. Private stealing, and picking of
+       pockets, &c.                                  25,000
+
+    4. Stealing horses, cattle, sheep,
+       poultry, corn, provender, potatoes,
+       turnips, vegetables, fruit,
+       &c. in London and the Vicinity               100,000
+                                                    -------  £.280,000
+
+  5. _Frauds_ by the coinage and recolouring
+  of base money, counterfeited
+  of the similitude of the current gold,
+  silver and copper coin of the Realm                          310,000
+
+  6. _Frauds_ by counterfeiting bank
+  notes, public securities, powers of
+  attorney, bonds, bills, and notes;
+  by swindling, cheating and obtaining
+  money and goods by false
+  pretences, &c. &c.                                           250,000
+                                                           -----------
+                                                           £.2,000,000
+
+[Footnote 189: The Publicans in their petition to the House of Commons
+(1796) estimated their loss at 100,000_l._ But there is some reason to
+suppose this was exaggerated.]
+
+
+RECAPITULATION.
+
+  1. Small Thefts                                  £.710,000
+
+  2. Thefts upon the Rivers and Quays                250,000
+
+  3. Thefts in the Dock-yards, &c. in the Thames     200,000
+
+  4. Burglaries, Highway-Robberies, &c. &c.          280,000
+
+  5. Coining base Money                              310,000
+
+  6. Forging Bills, Swindling, &c.                   250,000
+                                                 -----------
+                                          Total  £.2,000,000[190]
+                                                 -----------
+
+[Footnote 190: This sum will, no doubt, astonish the Reader at first
+view; and may even go very far to stagger his belief: but when the
+vast extent of the trade and commerce of London is considered, the
+great quantity of money, Bank notes, and stationary or fixed property
+of a portable nature, as well as moving effects, all which has been
+estimated, exclusive of horses, cattle, corn, provender, fruit,
+vegetables, &c. at two hundred millions sterling, (_See p._ 605.) it
+will cease to be a matter of surprise, that under an incorrect System
+of Police and deficient Laws, the depredations are estimated so high.
+It would have equally attracted attention with a view to an
+improvement in the Police, and of course have answered the Author's
+purpose full as well to have reduced the estimate to _one half the
+present sum_: but being solicitous to approach as nearly to the truth
+as possible, he considered himself bound to offer it in its present
+form, which after being four years under the view of the Public, not
+only stands unimpeached; but altho' the Author himself, after the
+additional experience he has acquired, has attempted a new
+modification; and although the River Plunder is greatly reduced, the
+aggregate remains nearly as before.]
+
+The foregoing Estimate, grounded on the best information that can be
+procured, exhibits a melancholy picture of the general depravity which
+prevails; and which is heightened in a considerable degree by the
+reflection, that among the perpetrators of the crimes there
+particularized, are to be numbered persons, who from their rank and
+situation in life would scarcely be suspected of either committing or
+conniving at frauds, for the purpose of enriching themselves at the
+expence of the Nation.
+
+Avarice is ever an eager, though not always a clear sighted passion;
+and when gratified at the price of violating the soundest principles
+of honesty and justice, a sting must remain behind, which no affluence
+can banish,--no pecuniary gratification alleviate.
+
+In contemplating these strong features of degraded Humanity, it cannot
+escape the observant Reader, how small a part of the annual
+depredations upon public and private property is to be placed to the
+account of those Criminals who alone attract notice, from the force
+and violence they use; and to whose charge the whole of the
+inconveniences felt by the Public, is generally laid, namely, _common
+thieves and pick-pockets; highway-men and foot-pad robbers_.--But for
+this Estimate, it could not have been believed how large a share of
+the property annually plundered, stolen, embezzled, or acquired in a
+thousand different ways, by means _unlawful_, _unjust_, and _immoral_,
+in this great Metropolis, is acquired by Criminals of other
+descriptions; whose extensive ravages on property are the more
+dangerous, in proportion to the secrecy with which they are conducted.
+
+Next to the evils which are experienced by the general corruption of
+morals, and by the actual depredations upon public and private
+property as now brought under the review of the Reader, by means of a
+summary detail, it has been shewn, in the course of this Work, that
+many pressures arise from the defects in the Laws relative to the
+detection, trial, and conviction of Offenders, from the want of an
+improved System respecting Constables, and particularly from the
+deficiency of Jurisdiction in the City and Police Magistrates,--the
+want of Funds to remunerate Officers of Justice, and to reward
+Watchmen, Patroles, and Beadles, who may act meritoriously in
+apprehending Delinquents; and lastly, in the trial of Criminals, for
+want of a general _Prosecutor for the Crown_, to attend to the Public
+interest, and to prevent those Frauds (in suborning evidence, and in
+compounding Felonies,) whereby many of the most abandoned are let
+loose upon Society, while those who are novices in crimes are often
+punished.
+
+The next stated in the class of evils is, that which arises from the
+Laws as they now stand, relative to _Punishments_.--Their extreme
+severity, in rendering such a multitude of Crimes capital, which
+Juries can never be made to believe are of that nature, in point of
+actual atrocity, has proved a very serious misfortune to the Country,
+in the administration of criminal Justice.--Because the punishment is
+too severe, it frequently happens that the Delinquent is sent back
+upon Society, encouraged to renew his depredations upon the Public by
+his having escaped (although guilty) without any chastisement at all.
+
+It is unquestionably true, and little doubt will be entertained by any
+who attentively examine this Work, that the dread of severe
+punishment, in the manner the Law is executed at present, has not the
+least effect in deterring hardened Offenders from the commission of
+Crimes.
+
+An opinion seems to have been formed, that Crimes were to be prevented
+by the severity of the punishment. That this opinion has been
+erroneous seems to be proved by incontestable evidence adduced in
+various parts of this Work; and elucidated by a variety of reasoning,
+which it is hoped cannot fail to bring conviction to the mind of every
+Reader, who will bestow time in the investigation of a subject of so
+much importance to Society.
+
+Last, in the enumeration of the evils detailed, are those deficiencies
+and imperfections, which arise from the _Police System_; as explained
+in the 16th and 17th Chapters.--A variety of inconveniences, it
+appears, originate from this source; and reasons are adduced to
+demonstrate that the National Security, and Prosperity, are more
+dependant on a well-regulated and correct System of Police, than has
+been generally supposed; and that the adoption of the Plan of Police,
+explained in the 18th Chapter, and recommended by the Select Committee
+on Finance, would prove an inestimable blessing to the Country.
+
+Having thus briefly glanced at the Evils, detailed in this Work, it
+now becomes necessary to lay before the Reader a similar collected
+view of THE REMEDIES.
+
+In accomplishing this object, while the Author ventures to indulge a
+hope that these which have been suggested, or at least a part of them,
+may be brought in due time, under the consideration of the
+Legislature, for the purpose of being enacted into Laws, or otherwise
+carried into effect; they are now presented to the Reader under the
+following heads, _viz._
+
+I. THE PREVENTION OF THE PRESENT CORRUPTION OF MORALS; as originating
+from ill-regulated Public Houses, Tea Gardens, Theatres, and
+other places of Public Amusement; indecent Publications;
+Ballad-Singers--Female Prostitution--Servants out of Place--The
+Lottery; Gaming--Indigence, and various other causes.
+
+II. THE PREVENTION OF OFFENCES; and first of those denominated
+_Misdemeanors_; such as Cheating and Swindling; Robbing Orchards;
+Petty Assaults, and Perjury.--Next of Counterfeit Coinage; River
+Plunder; Plunder in Dock-yards, &c. Lastly, of the Prevention of
+Crimes in general, under _twelve_ different heads, specifying the
+Remedies proposed on this subject in the course of the Work.
+
+III. AMENDMENT OF THE EXISTING LAWS; respecting the obtaining _Goods_
+and _Chattles_ under false pretences--Pawnbrokers--Forgeries--Receiving
+Stolen Goods--Arson--Lodgers--Registering Lodging Houses--Plunder on
+Houses--Gypsies--Milk--Speedy Trial of Offences committed within five
+Miles of the Metropolis--Imprisonment for Debt, and Recovery of Debts
+under 50_l._
+
+CONCLUDING OBSERVATIONS.
+
+
+SUMMARY VIEW
+
+OF THE
+
+_REMEDIES PROPOSED._
+
+THE First Step to all improvements in Civil Society is that which
+relates to the _Morals of the People_.--While in the higher and middle
+ranks of life a vast portion of Virtue and Philanthropy is manifested,
+perhaps in a greater degree than is to be found in any Country or
+Nation in the World, it is much to be lamented, that among the lower
+Classes a species of profligacy and improvidence prevails, which as it
+applies to the Metropolis of the Empire, is certainly not exceeded in
+any other Capital in Europe.--To this source may be traced the great
+extent and increasing multiplication of Crimes, insensibly generating
+evils calculated, ultimately, to sap the foundation of the State.
+
+The grand object, therefore, must be to devise means for the purpose
+of checking, and gradually preventing the evils arising from the
+
+
+CORRUPTION OF MORALS.
+
+To effect so valuable a purpose to the Community at large--to render
+the labour of the lower orders of the people more productive to
+themselves, and more beneficial to the Nation, recourse must be had to
+that superintending System of _preventive Police_ which has been
+recommended generally by the Select Committee of the House of Commons,
+and which has been particularly detailed in the 18th Chapter of this
+Treatise.
+
+It is thus by giving Police its true and genuine character, and
+divesting it of those judicial functions which are the province of
+Magistrates alone, that a proper line will be drawn between
+_Prevention_, and those proceedings which lead to _Punishment_ after
+an offence is actually committed. It is through this medium also that
+a change is to be effected in the Morals of the People, calculated to
+abridge the number of acts of delinquency, and to lead the
+perpetrators gradually into the walks of innocence, sobriety, and
+industry.--One of the first steps towards the attainment of these
+objects will be a Systematic attention to
+
+PUBLIC-HOUSES.
+
+In the eleventh Chapter of this Work, the progress of the corruption
+of Morals through this medium, from the Infant to the Adult, is
+brought under the review of the Reader; and it is considered as of the
+highest importance that general and apposite rules for the proper
+conduct of those houses, now the haunts of vice and profligacy, should
+be formed and recommended by a Board of Police to the Magistrates
+acting in all the Licensing Divisions of the Country. The benefits
+arising from an uniform and well-digested System might thus be
+extended throughout the Country: and an accurate and permanent
+administration of this branch of Police secured, thro' the medium of a
+general _Center_, where responsibility should rest, and from which
+the Licensing Magistrates should receive _information_, _assistance_,
+and _support_, in whatever related to the proper regulation of
+Alehouses, particularly in the Metropolis and the surrounding
+Counties.
+
+Regular reports of the number of these Alehouses in each Licensing
+District in proportion to the extent of population; and details of the
+effects produced by an adherence to the general Rules which may be
+prescribed, would lead to new and useful suggestions which must
+ultimately give a favourable turn to the manners of the lower classes
+of the people, not only with respect to the diminution of Crimes, but
+also with regard to their domestic Comforts.--They would be rendered
+more independent of Parochial aid; and above all, the education and
+habits of the rising generation would be easily improved--_Apprentices_
+thus secured against the evil examples of which young minds are but
+too susceptible, would enter upon life with dispositions differently
+formed, and with that sort of bias which stimulates to industry and
+virtue, instead of idleness, profligacy, and vice.--In this, as in
+many other instances, the happiness and virtue of the individual are
+intimately combined with the best interests of the state.
+
+Such prudent and discreet regulations would have a general tendency to
+make Public-houses what they were originally intended to be by the
+Legislature--_Places of mere refreshment_, and not haunts of idleness
+as at present.--The resource now afforded by them to actual
+_Thieves_, _Burglars_, _Pickpockets_, _Highwaymen_, _Swindlers_,
+_Cheats_, _Gamblers_, and _Dealers_ in _Counterfeit Money_, would not
+only be cut off, but those who have been accustomed to resort to these
+Houses from the temporary want of employment:--such as persons broke
+down by misfortune and indiscretion--servants out of place, and
+strangers resorting to the Metropolis, would no longer be assailed by
+those temptations which contribute in so great a degree to recruit the
+gangs of Criminal Depredators. Nothing but a well-regulated Police,
+under a proper System of Controul, can remedy those evils arising from
+Public-houses, and it is earnestly to be hoped, that the Functions
+proposed to be exercised by the Central Board of Police would effect
+this valuable purpose.
+
+PUBLIC GARDENS.
+
+The corruption of Morals has been in a considerable degree promoted,
+not only by the assemblage of lewd and debauched company who have of
+late years crowded to Public Gardens; but also by the unrestrained
+Licence which has been permitted in these places of amusement.--This
+circumstance has not only called upon the Magistrates to refuse the
+renewal of the Licenses to several of the Occupiers, Lessees, and
+Proprietors, but it has precluded the more decent and respectable part
+of the Public in the middle walks of life, from what might, under
+proper regulations, be considered as an innocent and a desirable
+recreation for the Inhabitants of an overgrown Metropolis.--Most of
+the remaining Public Gardens have of late years fallen into disrepute,
+to the injury of the Proprietors, who, under the present deficient
+System of Police, have no means of protecting themselves against the
+consequences of those irregularities which operate powerfully in
+diminishing the number of visitors, upon which their emolument
+depends.
+
+While profligate and debauched characters of both Sexes find not only
+an easy access to these places of amusement, but also have permission
+to insult Public Morals, by doing violence to the rules of decency and
+decorum; it is evident that they must gradually cease to be desirable
+as a recreation to the virtuous part of the Community; and there
+appears to be no remedy but by means of _Police regulations_,
+prescribing proper rules, with Officers appointed by the Central
+Board, for the purpose of carrying them into effect.[191] Indeed, if
+such places of resort were licensed only by the proposed Central
+Board, it might be productive of the greatest advantages; and they
+might be a fair Source of Revenue for Police purposes, to a certain
+moderate extent.
+
+[Footnote 191: See pages 345, 346, and 347.]
+
+PLACES OF PUBLIC AMUSEMENT LICENSED BY MAGISTRATES.
+
+The general concourse of loose and immoral characters of both Sexes
+who frequent the Summer Exhibitions, and the irregularities which are
+unavoidable under such circumstances, tend in no small degree to the
+corruption of Morals; and while it is admitted that such amusements
+are necessary in great Communities, it is of the utmost importance
+that they should not only be regulated by the Police, with respect to
+the nature of the _Spectacle_ or _Exhibition_, so as clearly to
+ascertain that it has no immoral tendency[192], but also that the
+utmost decorum should be preserved by means of proper Officers acting
+under the proposed Central Board.--This becomes the more important, as
+a large proportion of the frequenters of these places of amusement are
+of the middle and inferior ranks of life, and many of them very young
+and susceptible of loose impressions, which renders it highly
+necessary that authority should be vested only in the responsible
+Board of Police, to grant or to refuse Licenses: to which a moderate
+Revenue might be attached to defray the expence of a regulating
+System.
+
+[Footnote 192: See page 348.]
+
+THE THEATRES.
+
+Without entering upon a discussion how far many of the Theatrical
+Exhibitions which are brought forward tend to improve, or to injure
+the Morals of the People--it is, at least, evident that the
+unrestrained License which is permitted to Males and Females in the
+walks of Prostitution in the Lobbies, and even in the Boxes of the
+Playhouses, and the indecent behaviour and unbecoming language which
+is frequently uttered in the view and hearing of the respectable part
+of the Community who frequent these places of resort, with the younger
+branches of their families, must tend in no inconsiderable degree to
+the corruption of Morals.[193] It is, therefore, suggested that a
+Police, applicable to this object, should be formed by the proposed
+Central Board; and also for the purpose of effectually securing the
+Public against the attacks and depredations of the hordes of
+Pickpockets who infest the avenues of the Theatres, and have long been
+a reproach to the Police of the Metropolis.
+
+[Footnote 193: See page 338.]
+
+IMMORAL AND INDECENT PUBLICATIONS, AND PRINTS.
+
+Nothing can exhibit in a stronger point of view the deficiency of the
+Police System than the number of immoral Books which are published and
+circulated, and the indecent Prints which are exhibited and sold in
+the various streets of the Metropolis, all tending in no
+inconsiderable degree to the corruption of Morals.--Let it once become
+a part of the Functions of the proposed Board of Police to take
+cognizance of these abuses, and they will soon cease to convey that
+poison to young minds, which ultimately leads to dissolute manners and
+loose conduct in the general intercourse of life.
+
+BALLAD-SINGERS.
+
+Since it has never been possible, under the existing Laws, to suppress
+the herd of Ballad-Singers which are to be found in such multitudes in
+every part of the Metropolis, and, indeed, in all the large Towns in
+the Kingdom: and which at present are under the controul of a very
+feeble Police, which does not, and indeed cannot, restrain effectually
+the immoral, and often seditious tendency of the Songs sung to the
+listening multitude--Why might not this lowest cast of amusement be
+turned to good purposes, tending to counteract and prevent the
+corruption of Morals, which are at present generated through this
+medium? Under a responsible Board of Police such an object is
+certainly attainable[194] and the present state of things points out
+the policy and necessity of carrying it into effect.
+
+[Footnote 194: See page 349.]
+
+FEMALE SEDUCTION.
+
+In contemplating the excessive evils, and the dreadful consequences
+which result from Female Seduction, whether it applies to married or
+single women,[195] it would seem to be a matter of astonishment that
+no punishment has been inflicted by the criminal Law, by which the
+destroyers of innocence, and of the peace of families, could be held
+up as public examples of infamy.--A corporal punishment, accompanied
+with circumstances of obloquy and disgrace, is certainly not too
+severe where a delinquent plunges a Female (whether married or single)
+into a situation, in most instances, worse than death itself; since
+when abandoned by her Seducer, she is not only exposed to the reproach
+and contumely of the World, but subjected to herd with the phalanx of
+Prostitutes who contribute so much to the corruption of Morals, and
+where the miserable victim may be said to die, perhaps, _a thousand
+deaths_ before her actual dissolution.--Surely an offence producing
+such dreadful consequences should, as a mean of prevention, be marked
+not only as an object of _Criminal Punishment_, but of _pecuniary
+retribution_ to _the injured party_.--Were such a law in force, the
+numerous instances of Female Seduction would be greatly diminished;
+while the injured woman, under such unhappy circumstances, might,
+after the Conviction of a Jury, have a fair prospect of being again
+restored to her friends, and, perhaps, to Society.
+
+[Footnote 195: See pages 33, and 34.]
+
+FEMALE PROSTITUTION.
+
+In the 12th Chapter of this Treatise,[196] a general view is given of
+the shocking corruption of Morals, which is generated by the vast
+increase of common Prostitutes in the Metropolis.--It now becomes
+necessary to explain the specific remedies which the Author had in
+view for the purpose of lessening this enormous and afflicting evil.
+
+[Footnote 196: See pages 333 to 345.]
+
+Its magnitude, and the wrongs that result from it, are too vast and
+extensive to admit of any common remedy.--The excellent Institution of
+the Magdalen Hospital in the course of 40 years, has only been able to
+reform or reconcile to their friends 2,217, out of 3,250 who have been
+actually admitted within that period--and even some of these have
+relapsed into their former errors: though others, who have been
+discharged at their own request, have behaved well.
+
+But when a survey is taken of the aggregate number of unhappy women
+who have entered the walks of Prostitution within the last 40 years in
+the Metropolis, succeeding one another perhaps, every 13 years upon an
+average, it is probable that from 80 to 100,000 have passed through a
+miserable life, the irreclaimable victims to this debasing turpitude,
+without the means of rescuing themselves from a situation so pitiable
+and calamitous.
+
+The fact is, that the evil is of too great a magnitude to admit of a
+cure through the medium of private benevolence.--Relief without
+_reform_, and _reputable employment_, or reconciliation to relations,
+will do nothing towards a diminution of the evil.--It will require an
+extensive System and a corresponding expence, which can only be
+compassed by a Police applicable to this particular object, aided by
+appropriate regulations.
+
+After the maturest consideration of the subject, the Author ventures
+to offer the following Propositions as the most likely, in the first
+instance, to excite a desire in many of those unhappy women to alter
+their degrading course of life, and to facilitate their introduction
+into situations, where, through the medium of a reconciliation with
+their friends, or otherwise, at least a considerable part might be
+restored to Society who are lost at present; while, under the
+regulations hereafter proposed, the streets of the Metropolis will no
+longer hold out allurements to vice and debauchery, ruinous to the
+Morals of youth, and disgraceful to the Police of the Metropolis.
+
+     1st. It is proposed, with a view to prevent common
+     Prostitutes from walking the streets to assail passengers,
+     and promote the Seduction of Youth, that a Select Body of
+     discreet Officers should be appointed, under the direction
+     of the Central Board, who should apprehend all who can be
+     clearly ascertained to be in pursuit of objects of
+     Prostitution.--That each should be conveyed to their
+     respective homes, and when the Landlord's name, or the
+     person to whom they pay rent or lodging, is by that means
+     ascertained; that such person's name and place of abode, and
+     the names of his or her lodgers be registered, and a penalty
+     of 10_s._ for the first, and an advance of 5_s._ more for
+     every additional offence, be inflicted on each hirer of
+     Board or Lodgings for every Female apprehended in the
+     Streets, upon proper proof of an overt-act leading to
+     Prostitution.
+
+     In all cases where Prostitutes refuse to discover their real
+     place of abode, they shall be detained in a house to be
+     provided for their reception until such discovery be made.
+
+     2d. That every male person who shall be proved to have made,
+     or to have accepted, overtures from any Female walking the
+     Streets, shall in like manner be apprehended, and shall give
+     security for his appearance before a Magistrate next day, or
+     be detained in the Watch-house, and shall, on conviction,
+     forfeit and pay a penalty of _Twenty Shillings_.
+
+     3d. That for the purpose of holding out encouragement to
+     that class of unfortunate Females who have been abandoned by
+     their Seducers, and whose minds are not yet debased by an
+     indiscriminate intercourse of Prostitution; and also such
+     others as may have friends likely to assist them, _Twelve_
+     or more _sensible and discreet Matrons_ shall be appointed,
+     under the Board of Police, with a moderate Salary, and
+     residing (with proper accommodation) in different parts of
+     the Town, on whom it shall be incumbent to receive into
+     their houses, and to provide a temporary residence for every
+     unfortunate Female who may apply, for the purpose of stating
+     her case, with a view to a reconciliation with her friends,
+     and to the exposure of her Seducer, as a check upon such
+     acts of villainy hereafter.--That it shall be the duty of
+     the Matron, after being mistress of the whole case, to open
+     a negociation with the nearest relations or friends of the
+     unfortunate Female, and to use every means to effect a
+     reconciliation; or where that is found impracticable, to
+     endeavour to procure her some reputable employment.
+
+     And as an encouragement to such Matrons, to use all
+     diligence in promoting the object in view, they shall be
+     entituled to a certain premium from the Police funds,
+     (independent of what private Societies of benevolent
+     Individuals may be induced to bestow,) for every unfortunate
+     Female who shall be thus rescued from the walks of
+     Prostitution: to be paid at the end of 12 months, in case
+     such Female shall then be in society with her relations, or
+     in some reputable employment, and shall not have relapsed
+     into her former course of life.--That these Matrons shall be
+     distinguished for talents and humanity, and shall be capable
+     of exercising such powers as could, in other instances, be
+     employed to promote reconciliation with relations and
+     friends; and also to devise employments by which the
+     unfortunate persons, _ad interim_, under their care should
+     be able to subsist, by taking in _Military Shirts_,
+     _Slop-work_, and other branches of Female labour; to procure
+     which, it is not doubted, but Societies of benevolent
+     Individuals would contribute their aid, so as to secure, at
+     all times, the means of full employment for all the various
+     applicants in succession.
+
+     In so noble a work of humanity, especially when it is
+     understood that the labour of the Matrons would be
+     remunerated by such a moderate Salary, as might be an object
+     to many deserving well-educated women, little doubt can be
+     entertained of there being many Candidates for such
+     Situations, who, from having no family, would be perfectly
+     competent to the execution of so benevolent a design.
+
+     4th. That with a view to the reformation of Prostitutes who
+     have no relations or friends, or in cases where a
+     reconciliation is hopeless, and who may be disposed to
+     abandon their evil courses, _Houses of Industry_ shall be
+     provided in different parts of the Town, with large Kitchens
+     for the purpose of preparing wholesome and nourishing food
+     at a cheap rate, into which all who apply for an asylum will
+     be received; on condition that a true and faithful account
+     of the various circumstances of their lives shall be given,
+     and that they agree not only to submit to the discipline of
+     the Establishment, but also to perform such labour as shall
+     be assigned them for their subsistence, lodging and apparel.
+     That these _Houses of Industry_ shall also be superintended
+     by _discreet Matrons_, who shall receive a moderate Salary,
+     and a certain portion of the profit, arising from the work
+     done, and a premium for every Female restored to Society,
+     or to their friends by their means; and in honest employment
+     or living with relations, for the space of 12 months, in
+     addition to such other premiums as benevolent Societies of
+     Individuals may choose to bestow, in consequence of the
+     impression made on their minds of the utility of such
+     Establishments, and the success which may appear to attend
+     them.
+
+     5th. That all the laws now in being against Prostitution,
+     and against the Keepers of Brothels, shall remain in full
+     force; with this alteration only, that instead of proceeding
+     against Offenders in the latter case, by the difficult,
+     expensive, and circuitous mode of Presentment and
+     Indictment, which has heretofore proved so ineffectual, the
+     proceedings shall be _summary_ before two Magistrates, as in
+     Lottery and other offences, and the Delinquents if convicted
+     shall be subject to immediate punishment.
+
+These are the regulations which the Author would humbly propose, as a
+mean [Transcriber's Note: means] of preventing the disasters and
+miseries which arise from Seduction, and of diminishing the number of
+Prostitutes in this great Metropolis.--Perhaps, after the experiment
+is tried of the House of Industry, it might be expedient to convert
+the whole into a large Penitentiary House, where only unfortunate
+women should be admitted.--The suggestions which are now offered,
+appear to be not only easy with respect to their execution, but
+likely to be compassed at a moderate expence.--They are, however, to
+be considered as mere outlines of a practicable design, which should
+certainly precede the removal of the unfortunate Females from the
+Streets, as humanity points out the necessity of offering them
+asylums: since by suddenly abridging their present resources, however
+iniquitous and reprehensible they may be, without such asylums, it
+would certainly be the means of many of them perishing for want.
+
+The object to be attained is of vast importance; but it is too
+unwieldy for the efforts of private benevolence, and certainly cannot
+be accomplished through any other medium than that of _Public
+Institutions_, under the protection of a Superintending Police.
+
+MENIAL SERVANTS.
+
+Among the various evils, which, in the present state of Society, tend
+to the corruption of Morals, the state and condition of Menial
+Servants, Male and Female, are none of the least; particularly those
+who are out of place, and who swarm in multitudes, idle and
+unemployed, at all times in this great Metropolis.--This is chiefly to
+be attributed to the want of those legal restraints and punishments
+for improper behaviour, which apply to other classes of labourers.
+
+Such regulations, independent of infinite advantages which must, in
+other respects, arise to the Community, would be _an act of great
+humanity to the Individuals_ who compose this class; since they would
+check, or in most instances prevent, those indiscretions which are the
+result of being under no controul, and by restraining the influence of
+ungovernable and ill-regulated passions, would produce that degree of
+steadiness which is the characteristic of a good Servant; and of
+course the constant disposition to shift about would not be felt,
+while they would be rescued from the vices which are generated at
+those intervals of idleness, when Servants, Male and Female, out of
+place, are exposed to every species of Seduction, till at length, by
+loss of character, they too frequently become Thieves and
+Prostitutes.[197]
+
+[Footnote 197: It is calculated that there are seldom less than Ten
+Thousand Servants of both Sexes, at all times out of place in the
+Metropolis. This shews, in strong colours, the importance of the
+regulations which are proposed.]
+
+It would certainly promote in an eminent degree the cause of Morality,
+if the whole Laws respecting Servants of every description were
+revised, and accommodated in a greater degree to the present state of
+Society. Some of them might perhaps be stript of their severity; while
+the penalties or breaches of moral duty, and a refusal to fulfil a
+civil contract, or Conspiracies and Associations for mischievious
+purposes, ought certainly to apply to menial Servants, in the same
+manner as to Servants in Husbandry, Handicrafts and Labourers. A
+general exclusive Register of Servants out of place, under the
+inspection of an appropriate branch of the general Police System,
+would also have an excellent effect in bringing to light the evil
+pursuits of bad Servants; while it operated favourably to those who
+were deserving of confidence. Much might be done through this medium,
+favourable both to the interest of the Master and Servants; and this
+with many other benefits are to be attained, by means of a
+Superintending System of Police. In no other way can it be
+effected.[198]
+
+[Footnote 198: See page 150.]
+
+THE LOTTERY.
+
+In spite of the persevering efforts of Government, who incur a great
+annual expence[199] for the purpose of restraining the baneful effects
+of illegal Insurances among the lower classes of the people, the evil
+still continues; _its consequences are lamentable_, for the delusion
+of this infatuation tends, in a very eminent degree, to the corruption
+of morals, producing scenes of distress, by which thousands suddenly
+descend from a state of comfort to extreme indigence.--In the 6th
+Chapter of this Treatise, a general view is given of the effects of
+this contagion, and various remedies are proposed, which, under the
+conduct of a Board of Police, would certainly be effectual; while the
+Revenue drawn from the sale of Tickets might certainly be preserved.
+In the mean time, the following are suggested as useful expedients:--
+
+     1st. That in every Parish and District in the Metropolis,
+     Masters, and heads of Families, should sign and publish an
+     engagement to discharge all Servants who shall be concerned
+     in Insurances in the Lottery; to be printed and hung up in
+     every Servants' Hall and Kitchen, that none might pretend
+     ignorance.
+
+     2d. That all Members of Friendly Societies, should, by a
+     regulation of their own, and enforced by Parliament, be
+     excluded from the benefits of such Societies, on being
+     convicted of any concern whatever in such Insurances.[200]
+
+[Footnote 199: Said to be above Two Thousand pounds a year.]
+
+[Footnote 200: See page 151 to 170.]
+
+GAMING.
+
+The magnitude and extent of the pernicious propensity to Gaming have
+at all times proved a prolific source from whence has sprung an
+extensive corruption of morals. The reader is referred to the 6th
+Chapter of this work for details, which will fully elucidate the
+baneful effects of this evil, in generating _Cheats, Swindlers and
+Sharpers of every description_. For the purpose of more effectually
+checking this mania, and the consequences which flow from it, it might
+be expedient to extend the Laws now in being respecting Lottery
+vagrants, _to the Proprietors or Keepers of Gaming-Houses, and also to
+the Waiters, Servants and Assistants, who, on being apprehended,
+should, on proper proof, be punished as rogues and vagabonds_.--It
+is, however, by the operation of the General Police System, that this
+and other evils are to be checked or remedied.
+
+THE LOWER CLASSES OF THE JEWS.
+
+Nothing would be more desirable than the adoption of some effectual
+plan, through the medium of the opulent and respectable individuals of
+the Jewish persuasion, whether of the Dutch or Portuguese Synagogues,
+by which the lower classes, particularly of the German Jews, might be
+regularly trained to some useful employment, since their present
+pursuits not only tend, in an eminent degree, to the corruption of
+Morals, but also to the commission of Crimes; and under circumstances,
+where the necessity of the case imperiously calls for a remedy,
+Legislative regulations might be resorted to; which might not only
+better the condition of this miserable class of the community, by
+compelling parents to bind their children to some employment, but also
+render them useful, instead of being too generally noxious members of
+the Body Politic,[201] from the idle and useless pursuits in which
+they are engaged.
+
+[Footnote 201: See pages 319 to 323, Chap. 11th.]
+
+INDIGENCE AND BEGGARY.
+
+The various causes which produce Indigence in the Metropolis,
+discoverable through the medium of Beggary or Idleness, tend, in an
+eminent degree, to the corruption of Morals, and the consequent
+increase of Crimes.--In the 13th Chapter of this Treatise this subject
+is examined, and _a remedy proposed_, through the medium of a _Pauper
+Police_, for the purpose of examining into the circumstances of the
+numerous class of individuals who have no parochial settlements in the
+Metropolis, or perhaps in any part of England, and are, from that
+circumstance, denominated _Casual Poor_.--There could not be a greater
+act of humanity to these often afflicted, and sometimes oppressed
+individuals, or of greater utility to the Public at large, than the
+establishment of a System whereby the most deserving could be propt
+up, rescued from despondency, and enabled to help themselves; while by
+discriminating between the _virtuous_ and _vicious_ poor, a proper
+line might be drawn, and the streets of the Metropolis freed from the
+multitude of Beggars, without doing violence to humanity.[202]
+
+[Footnote 202: See pages 351 to 380.]
+
+Various other causes might be assigned for the general corruption of
+Morals, which has in so great a degree increased the calendars of
+delinquency.--Among these might be mentioned _Smuggling_, or illicit
+Trade; the evil examples arising from an indiscriminate _mixture in
+Workhouses_ and Prisons; the profligate examples of parents, and the
+want of religious and moral education, so universal among the children
+of the labouring people.--And the too frequent cohabitation without
+marriage among the lowest classes of the Community. These, like other
+evils, which have been more particularly detailed, are objects to
+which the proposed Police System would gradually attach, and through
+which preventive medium the Public are to expect those ameliorating
+designs, which are to secure the privileges of innocence, and better
+the condition of Society.
+
+
+PREVENTION OF OFFENCES.
+
+_MISDEMEANORS_.
+
+CHEATING AND SWINDLING.
+
+The 5th Chapter of this Treatise developes the extensive mischiefs and
+evils which arise from the phalanx of Cheats and Swindlers who infest
+the Metropolis.--There appear to be two remedies, namely--
+
+     1st. To look accurately at the evil in all its branches, and
+     then to improve the two Statutes now in being[203] by
+     framing an act of Parliament that would include all the
+     various cases which have been shown to have occurred, where
+     the barrier of common honesty is broken down.--These cases
+     are detailed from page 115 to 132.
+
+     [Footnote 203: 33 Henry VIII. cap. 1. and 30 Geo. II. cap.
+     24.]
+
+     2d. The Establishment of a Board of Police on the plan
+     detailed in the 18th Chapter of this Work, with functions
+     calculated to check and prevent this evil, by giving to
+     Police the full energy of the Law.
+
+STEALING FRUIT FROM ORCHARDS, &C.
+
+This offence is only punishable by the act of 43 Eliz. c. 7. by
+compelling the party to refund the value of the fruit stolen, or in
+default suffer the punishment of whipping, which never takes place, as
+the small value of the fruit detected is always paid. It is probable
+at that early period Fruit was not a species of property of much
+consequence.--The case is, however, different at the present time, and
+surely it would not be thought too severe to place this offence on the
+same footing as stealing Cabbages, Turnips, &c.
+
+ASSAULT AND BATTERY.
+
+It would seem to be a great improvement in the Police, if Magistrates
+in Petty Sessions had a power finally to determine on offences
+denominated Assaults--Subject, however, to an appeal to the Quarter
+Sessions.--It would even be an act of humanity to the labouring
+people, who are often imprisoned from the time of the charge till the
+Sessions, when a confinement of a shorter duration might atone for the
+offence.--It would likewise save much trouble and expences to the
+parties, and the time and attention of Courts and Juries would not be
+wasted by matters extremely frivolous; but by which a certain expence
+is incurred, and a loss of valuable time to the parties, who are not
+seldom both in the wrong.
+
+PERJURY.
+
+This shocking offence, particularly prevalent among the inferior ranks
+in Society, is to be attributed in no small degree to the want of
+proper _solemnity_ and previous explanation on the administration of
+oaths.--Nothing can exceed the unimpressive and careless manner which
+is in practice in calling upon witnesses to make _this solemn appeal
+to the Supreme Being_.--It would seem highly necessary that all oaths
+should be administered in the most impressive manner by the Judge, and
+that a form should be devised, calculated in the greatest possible
+degree, to impress upon the mind of the party a high sense of the
+obligation he or she has come under to speak the truth.
+
+On the whole, it may be asserted that nothing could tend to improve
+the Police of the Country and the Metropolis more than a general
+revision of the Laws respecting Misdemeanors, and particularly the Act
+of the 17 Geo. II. cap. 5. and subsequent Acts respecting vagrants,
+and rogues and vagabonds; so as to assimilate them in a greater degree
+to the present state of Society, and to render their execution more
+certain and beneficial to the Community.
+
+PREVENTION OF THE COINAGE OF BASE MONEY.
+
+In the 7th Chapter of this Work, the various modes in practice, by
+which the Public is defrauded by the coining, fabricating, and
+colouring of Base Money are fully developed, and specific Remedies
+proposed from page 195 to 210, to which the Reader is referred.
+
+A confident hope is entertained, that those Remedies will speedily be
+brought under the consideration of Parliament, in the form of a
+Bill.--If this should be passed into a Law, and accompanied by a new
+Coinage of Silver, and aided by the energy of an appropriate Police,
+little doubt can be entertained of the measure being effectual in
+securing the Public against the enormous evil of Counterfeit Coin.
+
+PREVENTION OF PILLAGE AND PLUNDER ON THE RIVER THAMES.
+
+The 8th Chapter of this Treatise displays not only the immense
+importance of controlling the evil habits of aquatic labourers and
+others on the River Thames and in the Warehouses adjacent; but also
+the advantages to be expected _from a general Police System_;
+reasoning on the extensive success which has attended the partial
+experiment on the same principle _of vigilance_ applied to this
+object.
+
+The extensive benefits which are known and acknowledged to have been
+derived from the _Marine Police_ (even under all the disadvantages of
+a _Crippled System_ and _Deficient Powers_) joined to a review of the
+state of the River _before_ and _since_ this important measure was
+adopted, afford the best proof that can be adduced of its utility; and
+also of the indispensable necessity, not only of immediately
+perfecting a System, by which the Commerce and Revenue of the Port of
+London have been in so great a degree secured; but also of extending
+the same beneficial designs, wherever the state of things require a
+similar antidote.
+
+It remains only for the Legislature to pass a Bill which has been
+prepared, grounded on more than a year's experience of the powers and
+regulations requisite for the purpose of giving full effect and
+permanency to this important Establishment, in order to secure to the
+Commerce and Revenue of the River Thames, those advantages which will
+arise from the Preservation of Property against the numerous and
+unexampled Depredations to which it was exposed; and the Revenue of
+the Crown from many frauds which arose not only from the loss of the
+Duties of Customs and Excise on goods plundered, but also from an
+extensive illicit trade, which has been controlled and prevented by
+the known vigilance of the River Guards, particularly during the
+night.
+
+If to those advantages shall be added an increase of Salaries to the
+inferior Officers of the Customs and Excise employed on the River, the
+renovated morals and improved habits of multitudes heretofore deeply
+implicated in a species of turpitude, hurtful in the extreme to the
+Public interest, will become no less a matter of triumph than
+advantage to the Government of the Country. Every individual
+concerned in the Commerce of the Port, will rejoice to see so useful
+an Institution supported and rendered permanent by that Legislative
+Aid, upon which its ultimate success must in a great measure depend.
+
+An evil of unexampled magnitude existed, for which an effectual remedy
+has been found:--not in _Speculation_, but proved in _Practice_ to
+answer the purposes of _future security_.
+
+Let the Legislature, therefore, avail itself of the measures which are
+proposed, by which incalculable benefits will be extended both to the
+_Commerce_, _Revenue_, and _Police_ of the Port of London, especially
+when strengthened and invigorated by a Central Board.
+
+PREVENTION OF PLUNDER OF PUBLIC STORES: IN SHIPS OF WAR, DOCK-YARDS,
+&C.
+
+The collateral Influence of the Marine Police System, in checking in
+an eminent degree, the Embezzlements and Pillage of his Majesty's
+Stores in Ships and Public Arsenals, within the limits of its
+Jurisdiction, is the strongest proof which can be adduced of what may
+be expected by applying a similar System to all the Dock-yards in the
+Kingdom. In the 9th Chapter of this Treatise, the _Evils_ and the
+_Remedies_ are so minutely detailed as to render a reference only
+necessary to pages 264 to 287.--If the measures there suggested shall
+be adopted by the Legislature and the Lords of the Admiralty, little
+doubt can be entertained of complete success in securing the Public
+Property (_unparalleled in point of extent in any nation in the
+world_)[204] against those Frauds and Depredations to which it has
+heretofore been exposed to a very large amount annually.
+
+[Footnote 204: The floating Public Property is estimated, including
+Ships of War, Naval, Victualing, Ordnance and Military Stores, in time
+of War at upwards of Forty Millions sterling.]
+
+PREVENTION OF CRIMES IN GENERAL.
+
+It has been demonstrated in the course of this Work, that the more
+atrocious offences of Highway and Footpad Robberies, Burglaries, and
+other acts of Felony[205] may be greatly diminished, if not nearly
+annihilated by improved Laws and a responsible Agency, through the
+medium of a well-regulated Board of Police to carry those Laws into
+effect.
+
+[Footnote 205: See Chapters III. and IV.]
+
+It must, however, be obvious to the Reader, from what has been
+repeatedly stated, that it is not by any _single regulation_, nor by
+any portion of civil strength, however well it may be systematized,
+that this desirable object is to be effected.
+
+Success in any material degree is only to be expected from a
+_combination of the various controlling regulations which have been
+proposed, with a vigorous and energetic civil force_, and a correct
+and pointed execution of the Laws and Regulations, upon which the
+Preventive System is founded.--These _Regulations_ may be summed up
+under the following heads:
+
+     1st. The adoption of eight propositions contained in the
+     10th Chapter, pages 303 to 307, relative to _the Receivers
+     of Stolen Goods, &c._
+
+     2d. An improved mode of granting rewards to Officers of
+     Justice and others, for meritorious services, in the
+     detection and conviction of Offenders--as elucidated and
+     explained in Chapter XIV. pages 390 to 396.
+
+     3d. An improved and modernized System, with respect to
+     Parochial Constables, so as to restore to the Community the
+     original efficacy of this useful Institution--as explained
+     in Chapter XIV. pages 401 to 410.
+
+     4th. An improved System also, with respect to Watchmen and
+     Patroles--with a view to render this branch of the Police
+     _efficient_, and to insure to the Public, that vigilance and
+     protection to which the expence they incur justly intitles
+     them.
+
+     5th. An extension of the Jurisdiction of the City
+     Magistrates, over the whole of the Metropolis and the four
+     adjoining Counties, and a power to Police Magistrates to
+     issue Search Warrants, and to follow and apprehend persons
+     charged with offences, who take shelter within the limits of
+     the City of London--as explained in Chapter XIV. pages 418
+     to 420.
+
+     6th. The appointment of a Prosecutor for the Crown to
+     obviate the difficulties which occur at present in bringing
+     Offenders to Justice; and which is elucidated and explained
+     in the 15th Chapter, particularly in pages 426 to 432.
+
+     7th. The Establishment of certain general Rules and
+     Conditions, according to which the Royal Mercy might be
+     extended to Offenders, on terms beneficial to themselves and
+     to the Community--as explained in the 16th Chapter, pages
+     450 to 452.
+
+     8th. An improved System with respect to the Punishment of
+     Convicts, by means of Penitentiary Establishments,
+     calculated to insure the reformation of Felons, and to
+     render this class useful afterwards to the Community--as
+     explained in the 16th Chapter, pages 481 to 494, and 497 to
+     500.
+
+     9th. General Rules laid down with respect to different modes
+     of Punishment, under six heads, page 495 to 497, with an
+     immediate view to render them more useful in the Prevention
+     of Crimes.
+
+     10th. An improved System of Police, aided by competent
+     Funds, and an extension of the Police Establishments, under
+     the 32 Geo. III. (1792) to the City of London--as explained
+     in Chap. XVII. pages 509 and 514 to 523.
+
+     11th. By the adoption of the General System of Police,
+     recommended by the Select Committee of the House of Commons,
+     and explained in Chapter XVIII.--By licensing and regulating
+     certain dangerous and suspicious Trades therein specified;
+     and by raising a Revenue for Police purposes, from persons
+     who shall be thus controlled.--See pages 536 to 546.
+
+     12th. By the Establishment of a Board of Police Revenue, who
+     shall exercise the specific Functions detailed and explained
+     in Chapter XVIII. pages 546 to 559: and finally, by an Act
+     of Parliament, authorising such a system, the heads of which
+     and the elucidating observations are also specified in pages
+     560 to 564.
+
+Let these measures only be adopted by the Legislature, not by
+_piece-meal_, but _in the gross_; and little doubt need be entertained
+of the most beneficial effects being experienced by the innocent part
+of the Community, whose privileges will be extended, in proportion as
+the Licence which an imperfect Police afforded to Robberies,
+Burglaries, and other acts of violence on the person and property of
+the peaceful subject is abridged.
+
+The General Police, and the powers of making it effectual, will then
+be a charge committed to responsible Agents; whose duty it will be to
+penetrate into all its mazes, and to accomplish its purposes by a
+variety of Regulations, all tending to embarrass, and to render
+difficult and hazardous, the pursuits and operations of
+Criminals.--Experience will suggest modifications, which, aided by
+competent funds, must in a short time attain that point which shall
+establish _Security_.--But this is not all--Without taking large sums
+(as at present) from the Revenue of the Country, the effect of the
+System will unquestionably be, to add to its resources in the
+diminution of the enormous expence now incurred in the punishment of
+Convicts;[206] and which still must continue a burden on the Finances
+of the Country, until the General Police System is fully (not
+partially) in activity.
+
+[Footnote 206: See Chapter VI. page 430, where it is stated, that in
+25 years about 15,000 Convicts have cost the Nation no less than
+1,663,974_l._]
+
+It will collaterally extend to every thing that can improve the Morals
+of the People, and better the condition of Human Life.--Its influence
+will be felt by giving vigour to the Systems proposed for checking all
+Misdemeanors, for securing Commercial Property, and also the Public
+Stores, from embezzlement and depredation; while the offences against
+the Mint Laws, under the new Regulations which are suggested, will
+tend much to the prevention of that enormous evil.
+
+
+AMENDMENT OF THE EXISTING LAWS.
+
+When in addition to the adoption of the foregoing measures, further
+improvements shall be made in the Laws now in force, or perhaps a
+general consolidation of the whole Criminal Code be effected, so as to
+render the System more simple, and in a greater degree applicable to
+the attainment of the ends of Public Justice, great indeed will be the
+blessings conferred on the Metropolis, and on the Nation at large.
+
+The celebrated Lord Bacon denominated them almost two centuries ago,
+when they were much less voluminous, and infinitely more simple than
+at the present day--
+
+     "An heterogeneous mass, concocted too often on the spur of
+     the occasion, and frequently without that degree of
+     accuracy, which is the result of able and minute discussion,
+     or a due attention to the revision of the existing Laws."
+
+But voluminous as they certainly are, many omissions are apparent,
+partly arising from the causes assigned by the able Lawyer whose
+strictures have been just quoted, and more particularly from the rapid
+changes, which Commerce and Property have made in the state of
+Society.
+
+Among these, the following have occurred to the Author as highly
+deserving attention.--
+
+     1st. The Act of the 30 Geo. II. cap. 24. makes it a
+     transportable Misdemeanor, to obtain _Goods_ or _Chattels_
+     by false pretences.--But as _Horses_, _Cattle_, _Poultry_,
+     _Bank Notes_, _Bills of Exchange_, or _Notes of Hand_,
+     although equally objects of Fraud, are not deemed in Law to
+     be _Goods_ or _Chattels_, offences of equal, if not of
+     greater magnitude, are not within the meaning of the
+     Statute, and hence appears the necessity of an Amendment.
+
+     2d. The present Act relative to Pawnbrokers is extremely
+     deficient, and not only in several important points
+     ambiguous; but also inapplicable in a variety of instances
+     to the general views of the Legislature, as they regard the
+     security and interest of the Poor, while in others, perhaps
+     unnecessary and useless restrictions are imposed on the
+     Pawnbrokers themselves.
+
+     3d. As the Laws respecting Forgeries now stand--the act of
+     forging the Firm of a Commercial House, and obtaining goods
+     on the Credit of such Firm, is only punishable as a
+     Misdemeanor; although in this case this offence is of a
+     tendency _the most dangerous that can be conceived_, in a
+     Commercial Country, where (from the unbounded confidence
+     which prevails) it is so easy to obtain credit.
+
+     A case occurred and came under the cognizance of the Author
+     in 1796, where a Swindler assuming the Firm of a respectable
+     House in Bristol, ordered goods from Manchester to be sent
+     to Portsmouth, where the person (committing the Forgery)
+     stated, that one of the Partners meant to go to meet
+     them.--Two parcels of goods were obtained by this device,
+     and immediately sold at half the value by the Sharpers,
+     which led to a discovery, and enabled the Author to guard
+     the unsuspecting Manufacturers in York and Lancashire,
+     against the injuries they were likely to sustain, by the
+     operation of a very complicated and artful conspiracy to rob
+     them of their property to a great amount.
+
+     4th. The Receiving of _Cash or Specie, Bank Notes, Bills of
+     Exchange, or Notes of Hand, knowing the same to be stolen_,
+     is not at present a Criminal Offence: In a Commercial
+     Country where such offences may be productive of much evil
+     to Society, Why should not the Law extend to every species
+     of Property in the same manner as to Goods and Chattels?
+
+     5th. Although Arson is considered (and justly so) as a high
+     Criminal Offence, yet the offence of a person setting fire
+     to his own house, with a view to defraud the Insurers, is
+     considered only _a simple Misdemeanor_, and punished as
+     such; and where a house at a distance from others is set on
+     fire so as to occasion no danger to the neighbourhood, _it
+     is not an Offence known in the Criminal Code_, even although
+     it may appear to have been done for the purpose of
+     defrauding the Insurers.
+
+     With a view to the prevention of this very atrocious crime
+     (of which there have been but too many instances of late
+     years) it would seem right that it should be _clearly
+     defined_; and that it would not be too severe to punish
+     offenders by Transportation; since in all cases, where the
+     fire extends to a neighbouring house the offence of Arson is
+     committed, and the punishment is Death.
+
+     6th. Much inconvenience is at present experienced from the
+     circuitous and expensive process of Law, which must be
+     resorted to for the purpose of removing bad and profligate
+     _Lodgers_.--In cases of small concern, where the rent does
+     not exceed a few shillings a week, it would be an act of
+     great humanity to empower Magistrates to decide in a
+     summary way.--It would check that spirit of litigation,
+     which is the destruction of the Labouring People.
+
+     7th. As a means of controlling many offences, which are
+     generated by an assemblage of loose and immoral characters,
+     who are constantly afloat in the Metropolis, _a General
+     Register of Lodging-Houses_, would certainly be attended
+     with very beneficial effects: and to use the language of the
+     Select Committee of the House of Commons in their 28th
+     Report, page 31,--would also "be a Regulation, which, if
+     discreetly used, might probably afford the means of
+     materially assisting both the Police and the Revenue."[207]
+
+     [Footnote 207: See pages 105 and 539 in this Work.]
+
+     8th. The extensive Plunder committed on the Farmers round
+     the Metropolis, under the pretence of _Gleaning in Harvest_
+     is a very serious evil, and calls aloud for a remedy.--The
+     practice is pernicious and ruinous to the Morals of the
+     Families of the Labouring People in every part of the
+     Country, since through this medium children learn pilfering
+     habits, before they know that it is a crime.
+
+     A slight punishment on all who gleaned in any case previous
+     to a complete removal of the corn or vegetables, and on
+     every occasion, without first obtaining leave of the
+     Proprietor, would prove a very salutary Regulation--for it
+     appears that every Thief charged with stealing corn pretends
+     it was obtained by _Gleaning_.
+
+     9th. The existing Laws being found ineffectual in
+     controlling the habits, and in turning into a course of
+     useful industry the labour of the herds of Gypsies, who
+     surround the Metropolis, and commit depredations in every
+     part of the Country, it would be exceedingly desirable,[208]
+     both with respect to policy and humanity, to provide some
+     effectual Legislative Remedy, since the idle, vagrant, and
+     miserable life of this profligate community can be as little
+     desirable to themselves as it is hurtful to the
+     Public.--Compelling a residence which shall be _stationary_,
+     and obliging them to bind out their children apprentices at
+     a certain age, so as to incorporate them with the mass of
+     the people, would certainly prove a very salutary
+     Regulation.
+
+     [Footnote 208: See pages 84, 5.]
+
+     10th. The frauds and adulterations in the article of _Milk_
+     sold in the Metropolis, as detailed in the 3d Chapter of
+     this Work, pages 89 to 92, seem to justify the interference
+     of Parliament for the purpose of placing _Milk Dealers_
+     under the inspection and controul of the Police: Here the
+     injury is not merely confined to the frauds thus practised
+     on the Public, but the healths of the Consumers are in some
+     measure endangered from the infamous devices which are
+     practised.
+
+     11th. For the purpose of saving much unnecessary expence,
+     and also to remove the inconvenience arising from the length
+     of time, which frequently elapses before persons charged
+     with offences, in Southwark, Greenwich, and the villages
+     surrounding the Metropolis, make it lawful to try offences
+     committed in Surry, Kent, and Essex, within five miles of
+     the three Bridges, at the Justice Hall of the Old Bailey,
+     which may be done before a Jury of the Vicinage, with great
+     advantages to Public Justice, and without touching on the
+     rights of the Accused.[209]
+
+     [Footnote 209: See pages 428 and 429.]
+
+     12th. To establish certain Legislative Regulations, for the
+     purpose of preserving the Morals of unfortunate unoffending
+     families, by restoring to them such parents whose
+     misfortunes and not their crimes, have doomed them to the
+     horrors of perpetual Imprisonment.--And to establish
+     arrangements for the improvement of what may be denominated
+     _Civil Police_, by adopting inferior Tribunals for
+     distributing Justice in all actions of Debt under 50_l._ for
+     the purpose of reducing the present enormous expence, and
+     extending relief to traders in general.[210]
+
+     [Footnote 210: See pages 584 to 590.]
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Thus has the Author of this Work endeavoured to develope that infinite
+variety of crimes and misfortunes, which have been long felt and
+deplored as a pressure upon the innocent part of the Community.
+
+In travelling over so extensive a field, where almost every step is
+stained with turpitude and depravity, no little consolation is derived
+from being able thus to place upon record _practicable Remedies_,
+applicable to the chief part of the evils, which have been brought
+under the review of the Reader.
+
+Nor is it less a matter of gratification to the Writer of the
+preceding pages, than it must be satisfactory to the Public at large,
+to discover that the leading features of the whole improvements which
+he suggested in the preceding editions of this Work, _have attracted
+the notice, and received the sanction of the Select Committee of the
+House of Commons_.
+
+The conclusion which may naturally be drawn is, that the laborious
+efforts of the Author in bringing a new and interesting subject under
+the review of the Public have not been in vain; and that a confident
+hope may now be entertained that his humble endeavours, for the good
+of his Country, will ultimately produce arrangements _in the New
+Science of Police_, calculated to secure and protect the peaceful
+subject against injury, and to ameliorate the state and condition of
+Civil Society, particularly in this great Metropolis, by the adoption
+of such measures _as shall be conducive to the more effectual
+Prevention of Crimes:--by lessening the demand for Punishments:--by
+diminishing the expence and alleviating the burden of Prosecutions:--by
+turning the hearts and arresting the hands of evil doers: by
+forewarning the unwary, and preserving the untainted in purity_; thus
+attaching to Police its genuine preventive character, unmixed with
+those judicial powers which lead to Punishment, and properly belong to
+Magistracy alone.
+
+
+FINIS.
+
+
+[_Printed by H. Baldwin and Son, New Bridge-Street, London._]
+
+
+
+
+_INDEX._
+
+[Transcriber's Note: The original index resembles a table of contents,
+with page numbers at the right margin; and for sequential page
+numbers, only the last digit or two is given, e.g., 504, 5. For
+clarity in this e-book, the page numbers immediately follow the
+entries, separated by a comma, and for sequential page numbers the
+full number is given.]
+
+
+  A.
+
+  _Abstract_ of the annual Imports into, and Exports from the Port of
+  London (_table_), 215, 216
+
+  ---- of Persons committed, and discharged from Prisons in one year,
+  an extraordinary document (_table_), 430
+
+  _Account_ of Pawnbrokers in the Metropolis, and the vast property in
+  their houses belonging to the poor, 110
+
+  ---- of various descriptions of Cheats, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127
+
+  ---- of the number of Streets, Lanes, Houses and Families in the
+  Metropolis, 568
+
+  ---- of the previous Plans and Arrangements of Thieves when a Robbery
+  or Burglary is contemplated, 291
+
+  ---- of the usual Mode of proceeding to recover stolen property, 383
+
+  ---- of the Number of Persons engaged in fraudulent Lotteries, 156
+
+  ---- of the Trials at the Old Bailey in 1790 and 1791, 394, 395
+
+  ---- of ditto in 1793 and 1795, 446-448
+
+  ---- of the Officers of Justice in the Metropolis, 397
+
+  ---- of the Watchmen and Patroles there, 414
+
+  ---- of the Magistrates there, 398, 399
+
+  ---- of the Criminal Courts there, 428
+
+  ---- of the specific Criminals punishable by Law, 437-444
+
+  ---- of the Convicts in the Hulks, 455
+
+  ---- of the Names of the City and Police Magistrates, 504, 505
+
+  ---- of the Churches and other places of Worship in the Metropolis,
+  568
+
+  ---- of the Seminaries of Education in the Metropolis, 569, 570
+
+  ---- of the Societies for promoting Religion and Morality, 570, 571
+
+  ---- of the Societies for promoting the Arts, 571
+
+  ---- of the Asylums for the Indigent and Helpless, 572
+
+  ---- of the Hospitals for the Sick and for Pregnant Women in the
+  Metropolis, 573
+
+  ---- of the Institutions for Charitable and Humane Purposes, 574, 575
+
+  ---- of the Charity annually distributed in the Metropolis estimated
+  at £850,000 a year, 357, 358
+
+  ---- of the Courts for Civil and Criminal Justice in the Metropolis,
+  577-582
+
+  ---- of the Prisons in the Metropolis, _ibid._
+
+  ---- of the different Classes of Professional Men connected with the
+  departments of the Law, about 7000 in all, 583
+
+  ---- of the Number of Writs issued in Middlesex in 1793, with an
+  extraordinary statement of the Expences on small Law-suits, 585, 586,
+  587
+
+  _Acquittals_, _See_ Prisoners.
+
+  _Actions_ at Law for small Debts, 584, 587
+    Expence enormous beyond all credibility, _ibid._
+
+  ACTS OF PARLIAMENT referred to in this Work.
+
+    2 Geo. 3. _c._ 28. for preventing Frauds by Persons navigating
+    Bum-boats on the River Thames, 237, _n._, 269
+
+    31 Elizabeth, _c._ 4              }
+    22 Charles 2d. _c._ 5             }
+     9 & 10 William 3d. _c._ 41       }
+     1 George 1st. _stat._ 2. _c._ 25 } Relative to the
+     9 George 1st. _c._ 8             } Protection of
+    17 Geo. 2d. _c._ 40               } his Majesty's
+     9 Geo. 3d. _c._ 35               } Stores, 261-263
+    12 Geo. 3d. _c._ 24               }
+
+    14 Geo. 3d. _c._ 90, for regulating the Westminster Watch, &c., 107
+
+    25 Edward 3d. _stat._ 5. _c._ 2   }
+     1 Mary, _stat._ 2. _c._ 6        }
+     1 & 2 P. & M. _c._ 11            }
+     5 Eliz. _c._ 11                  }
+    14 Eliz. _c._ 3                   }
+    18 Eliz. _c._ 1                   }
+     7 William 3d. _c._ 3             } Relative to the
+     8 & 9 William 3d. _c._ 26        } Coinage and
+     9 & 10 William 3d. _c._ 21       } disposal of
+     7 Anne, _c._ 24, 25              } Base Money, 192, 193, 194
+    15 & 16 Geo. 2d. _c._ 28          }
+    11 Geo. 3d. _c._ 40               }
+    37 Geo. 3d. _c._ 126              }
+    38 Geo. 3d. _c._ 59-67            }
+    39 Geo. 3d. _c._ 75               }
+
+    33 Henry 8th. _c._ 1              } Relative to Cheats
+    30 Geo. 2d. _c._ 24               } and Swindlers, 113, 114
+
+     9 Anne, _c._ 14                  }
+     8 Geo. 1st. _c._ 2               } Relative to
+    12 Geo. 2d. _c._ 28               } Gaming, 134, 135
+
+    9 Geo. 2d. _c._ 5. relative to Fortune-tellers being punished by
+    standing four times in the Pillory, 130
+
+     3 & 4 William 3d. _c._ 9         }
+     1 Anne, _c._ 9                   }
+     5 Anne, _c._ 31                  }
+     4 Geo. 1st. _c._ 11              } Relative to
+    29 Geo. 2d. _c._ 30               } Receivers of
+    30 Geo. 2d. _c._ 24               } Stolen Goods, 298-300
+     2 Geo. 3d. _c._ 28               }
+    10 Geo. 3d. _c._ 48               }
+    21 Geo. 3d. _c._ 69               }
+    22 Geo. 3d. _c._ 58               }
+
+     5 Edw. 3d. _c._ 14               } Relative to the Office &
+    34 Edw. 3d. _c._ 1                } power of Constables, 387
+
+    8 Geo. 2d. _c._ 16. relative to Hue and Cry, 389
+
+     4 William & Mary, _c._ 8         }
+     6 & 7 William & Mary, _c._ 17    }
+    10 & 11 William 3d. _c._ 23       }
+     5 Anne, _c._ 31                  }
+     6 Geo. 1st. _c._ 23              } Relative to Rewards
+     3 Geo. 2d. _c._ 16               } for apprehending
+    14 Geo. 2d. _c._ 6                } different classes
+    15 Geo. 2d. _c._ 34               } of offenders, 390-392
+    15 & 16 Geo. 2d. _c._ 28          }
+    16 Geo. 2d. _c._ 15               }
+     3 Geo. 3d. _c._15                }
+
+    25 Edward 3d. stat. 5. _c._ 2; 36 Geo. 3d. _c._ 7, relative to
+    _High Treason_, 38, 39
+
+    25 Henry 8th. _c._ 6. Sodomy made capital, 46
+
+    18 Eliz. _c._ 7, Rape made capital, 46, 47
+
+     3 Henry 7th. _c._ 2              } Forcible marriage and
+    39 Eliz. _c._ 9                   } Defilement made capital, 48
+
+     6 Henry 4th. _c._5               } Mayhem or Maiming
+    22 & 23 Charles 2d. _c._2         } made capital, 49
+
+    35 George 3d. _c._ 67, Polygamy punished by Transportation, _ibid._
+
+    King Athelstan's Law (anno 956) punished Theft with Death, if
+    above the value of One Shilling, 51
+
+    9 Henry 1st. punished Theft with Death (anno 1108), 52
+
+    23 Henry 8th. _c._ 1              }
+     1 Edw. 6th. _c._ 12              }
+     5 & 6 Edw. 6. _c._ 9             } As to Felonies in
+    39 Eliz. _c._15                   } Dwelling-Houses, 54, 55
+     3 & 4 William & Mary, _c._ 9     }
+    10 & 11 William 3d. _c._ 23       }
+    12 Anne, _stat._ 1 _c._ 7         }
+
+    23 Henry 8th. _c._ 1              } Relative to Arson and
+    43 Eliz. _c._ 13                  } Burning Houses,
+    22 & 23 Charles 2d. _c._ 7, 11    } Barns, Corn, Underwood,
+     1 Geo. 1st. _c._ 48              } Ships, &c., 56, 57
+     4 George 1st. _c._ 12            }
+     9 ---- 1st. _c._ 22              }
+    10 ---- 2d. _c._ 32               }
+    27 ---- 2d. _c._ 25               }
+     9 ---- 3d. _c._ 21               }
+    12 ---- 3d. _c._ 24               }
+
+    18 Eliz. _c._ 7                   }
+     3 & 4 William & Mary, _c._ 9     } Relative to
+    12 Anne, _stat._ 1. _c._ 7        } Burglary, 57
+
+     1 Edw. 6th. _c._ 12              }
+    21 Jac. 1st. _c._ 6               } Relative to the
+     3 & 4. William & Mary, _c._ 9    } Benefit of Clergy, 439
+     4 & 5 William and Mary, _c._ 24  }
+     5 Anne, _c._ 6                   }
+
+    4 Geo. 13. _c._ 11; 6 Geo. 1st. _c._ 23, legalizing Transportation
+    to the Colonies, 436, 437
+
+    The same Statute appropriated the Services of Convicts, 454
+
+    16 Geo. 3d. first legalized the system of the Hulks, 455
+
+    16 Geo. 3d. _c._ 23, legalized Penitentiary Houses in Counties,
+    _ibid._
+
+    19 Geo. 3d. _c._ 74, legalized two National Penitentiary Houses,
+    456
+
+    24 Geo. 3d. _stat._ 2. _c._ 56, relative to Transportation and the
+    Hulks, 460
+
+    27 Geo. 3d. _c._ 2; 30 Geo. 3d. _c._ 47, relative to New South
+    Wales, 462
+
+    28 Geo. 3d. _c._ 24, contracts for Convicts, _ibid._
+
+    2 Will. & Mary, _c._ 8, relative to paving the Metropolis, 592
+
+    10 Geo. 2d. _c._ 22               }
+    11 Geo. 3d. _c._ 29               } Relative to the
+    14 Geo. 3d. _c._ 78               } Police of the City
+    33 Geo. 3d. _c._ 75               } of London, 592-597
+    34 Geo. 3d. _c._ 65--(_Watermen_),}
+
+
+    27 Elizabeth   } divided the City }
+    16 Chars. 1st. } into Wards       }
+    29 George 2d. _c._ 25             }
+    31 ---- 2d. _c._ 17               } Relative to the
+     2 ---- 3d. _c._ 21               } Police of London
+     3 ---- 3d. _c._ 23               } and Westminster, 593, 594
+     5 ---- 3d. _c._ 13 & 50          }
+    11 ---- 3d. _c._ 22               }
+    14 ---- 3d. _c._ 90               }
+
+    28 ---- 2d. _c._ 9                } Relative to the Police
+     6 ---- 3d. _c._ 24               } of Southwark, 594
+
+     6 Henry 6th. _c._ 5              }
+     6 ---- 8th. _c._ 10              } Relative to the System
+    23 ---- 8th. _c._ 5               } of the Sewers, 594, 595
+    25 ---- 8th. _c._ 10              }
+     3 & 4 Edw. 6th. _c._ 8           }
+     1 Mary, _stat._ 3. _c._ 11       }
+    13 Eliz. _c._ 9                   }
+     8 James, _c._ 14                 }
+     7 Anne, _c._ 10                  }
+
+     9 Anne, _c._ 23                  }
+    10 ---- _c._ 19                   }
+    12 ---- _stat._ 1. _c._ 14        }
+     1 Geo. 1st. _c._ 57              }
+    12 ---- 1st. _c._ 2               }
+    30 ---- 2d. _c._ 22               }
+     4 ---- 3d. _c._ 36               } Relative to Hackney
+     7 ---- _c._ 44                   }  Coaches and Chairs, 595
+    10 ---- _c._ 44                   }
+    11 ---- _c._ 24, 28               }
+    12 ---- _c._ 49                   }
+    24 ---- _stat._ 2. _c._ 27        }
+    26 ---- _c._ 72                   }
+    32 ---- _c._ 47                   }
+    33 ---- _c._ 75                   }
+
+     1 Geo. 1st. _c._ 57              }
+    18 ---- 2d. _c._ 38               } Relative to Carts and
+    24 ---- 2d. _c._ 43               }  other Carriages in
+    30 ---- 2d. _c._ 22               }  the Metropolis, 596
+    24 ---- 3d. _c._ 27               }
+
+    21 Geo. 3d. _c._ 57, relative to Bullock-hunting, 597
+
+    26 Geo. 3d. _c._ 71, as to Slaughtering Horses, 104, _n._
+
+  _Adultery_, not in the Criminal Code, 35
+
+  _Advertising_ Bill-discounters and Money lenders to be regulated,
+  118, 119
+
+  _Alehouses_, a great source of Crimes and Nuisances when
+  ill-regulated, 85, 311, &c. 324, &c.
+    In 5000 Alehouses within the Bills of Mortality upwards of
+      £3,300,000 a year spent in Beer, Spirits, &c., 327
+    Profligate Characters entrusted with Licences a source of much
+      mischief, 325, 326
+
+  _Alfred_, His Laws relative to Murder, 44
+
+  _Alton's_ Liquid Test to detect counterfeit Gold and Silver Coin, 180
+
+  _Ancestors._ Their Laws had an immediate reference to the prevention
+  of Crimes, 3
+
+  _Anecdotes_--Of an American Vessel plundered in the Thames in an
+  extraordinary manner, 219
+
+  ---- of a Guinea Vessel plundered, _ibid._
+
+  ---- of the plunder and imposition on a Canada Merchant, 229
+
+  ---- of an Officer of Justice, who discovered an instance of pillage
+  in one of the dock-yards, 283
+
+  ---- Respecting the Lottery, the astonishing number of persons
+  supported by fraudulent Insurances, 156, _n._
+
+  ---- of the Jews in London, the extraordinary depravity of the
+  lowest orders, 148-150
+
+  ---- of the different Classes of Cheats, 130
+
+  ---- of a Robbery in the Drawing-room at St. James's, 127
+
+  ---- of a Female Money-lender to Barrow Women, _ibid._
+
+  ---- of a Fortune-teller, 129
+
+  ---- of a Police Officer watching the house of a Receiver of Stolen
+  Goods, 306, _n._
+
+  ---- of a Jew who had committed a Rape, 431, _n._
+
+  ---- of Sir Matthew Hale, 432, _n._
+
+  ---- of the Justices of Chester, a singular circumstance, 52, 53
+
+  ---- of a respectable Magistrate of the City, 513, _n._
+
+  ---- of Monsieur De Sartine Minister of the Police of Paris, an
+  extraordinary circumstance, 525-530
+
+  ---- of the Emperor Joseph the Second, 527, 528, 529
+
+  _Apprentices_ corrupted by Receivers of Stolen Goods, &c., 12
+
+  ---- harboured in Public-houses, in Clubs for purposes of lewdness
+  and debauchery, 315, _n._
+
+  ---- Their immoral education, one cause of the origin of Crimes,
+  314-317
+
+  ---- Neglect of superior Tradesmen in boarding Apprentices out of
+  their houses, 316, 317, _n._
+
+  _Arrests_ for Felony, four modes practised, 388
+
+  ---- deficiency in the Law protecting Lottery vagrants and others
+  from being arrested on Sundays, 390
+
+  _Arson_, punished capitally, 56
+
+  _Asylums_, an establishment recommended for discharged Convicts, 99,
+  100
+
+  ---- for the Indigent in the Metropolis, 572
+
+  ---- for Sick, Lame, and Diseased, 573
+
+  _Athelstan's_ Laws relating to Death, 51
+
+  _Athenian_ Laws relative to Murder, 43
+
+  _Auctioneers_ called _diurnal_, with Puffers, 117
+
+
+  B.
+
+  _Bacon_, Lord--Suggested a revision of the Criminal Code, 7
+
+  _Ballad Singers_--might, from an Evil, be made an advantage to
+  Society, 348
+
+  _Bank Notes_ and Bills received, knowing the same to be stolen--not
+  an offence by any existing Law, 8, 114 _n._
+
+  _Barkers_ at Auctions, 117
+
+  _Beadles_ ought to be rewarded for useful public Services, 415
+
+  ---- The proper persons to apply to when nuisances are to be removed,
+  598
+
+  _Beccaria_, Marquis, his opinion of Punishments, 53, _n._
+
+  ---- his maxim relative to Pardons, 449, _n._
+
+  _Beggars_, _See_ Poor.
+
+  _Benefit of Clergy_ extended to all ranks, 436
+
+  _Bentham_ (Jeremy, Esq.) his proposal for a Penitentiary House for
+  Convicts, and remarks thereon, 481-495
+
+  _Bill Discounters_, or Advertising Money-Lenders, 118, 119
+
+  _Board of Police_, _See_ Police.
+
+  _Bolton_, Matthew, Esq. of Birmingham, number of Penny Pieces
+  supplied by him, 186, _n._
+
+  _Botany Bay_, _See_ Convicts, New South Wales.
+
+  _Brokers_, in pawns, to be registered, 108, 304
+
+  _Building Materials_, dealers in, to be licenced, 549
+
+  _Bullock-hunting_, the Laws relative to it, 597
+
+  _Burglary_, not so frequent on the Continent as in England, 94
+
+  ---- by what classes of men committed, 95, 96
+
+  ---- systematically planned and executed, 101, 103
+
+  ---- remedies proposed, 104
+
+  ---- definition of Burglary and how punished, 57
+
+  ---- called Hamsockne in the North of England, 58
+
+
+  C.
+
+  _Carts_ and other Carriages, the Laws relative to them, 595, 596
+
+  _Casual Poor_, _See_ Poor.
+
+  _Chance Medley_, how punished, 45
+
+  _Charities_ in the Metropolis:
+    Parish Schools for Education, 569
+    Societies for promoting Religion and Morality, 570
+    Asylums for the Helpless and Indigent, 572
+    Hospitals for the Sick and Pregnant Women, 573
+    Dispensaries for the Poor, 574
+    Institutions for Charitable Purposes (_See Poor_), _ibid._
+
+  _Cheapside_, a general rendezvous for Thieves, and the reason, 106,
+  107
+
+  _Cheats_, the offence of cheating defined by Law, 113
+    The different classes of Cheats explained; who are more or less
+      engaged in acts of Fraud, in the Metropolis, 109, 110, &c. 131
+
+  _China_, its Laws, and Punishment for High-Treason, 40
+    Parricide, 41
+    Murder, 44
+    Theft, 52
+
+  _Chips_, _See_ Dock-yards.
+
+  _Churches_ and Places of Worship in the Metropolis, 568
+
+  _Coaches and Chairs_ in the Metropolis (_and See Hackney Coaches;
+  Night Coaches_), 595, 596
+
+  _Coasting Vessels_, &c. purchase embezzled Stores, 255
+
+  _Coin_ counterfeited, and Coiners:
+    Extensive Circulation of base Coin, 15, 16
+    The evils attending it, 117, 118
+    Foreign Coin fabricated in England, _ibid._
+
+  _Coiners_, 120 discovered, 18
+    Vast amount of Coin counterfeited, 181
+    Different Coins fabricated, 173
+    The process used in making the different kinds of base Money, 174,
+      184
+    The period when the trade of dealing in base Money acquires its
+      greatest vigour, 188
+    Deficiencies of the present Laws, 208
+    Remedies proposed, 191-208
+
+  _Colleges_, five in London, 569
+
+  _Commons and waste Lands_, the source of evil by encouraging the
+  idle Poor, 83
+
+  _Constables_, in the Metropolis, 1040 in London, Westminster,
+  Middlesex, the Tower Liberty and Southwark, 397, 398, 399
+    Their power by the Common Law extensive, explained, 390
+    Rewards necessary to excite attention, 392
+    Rewards to Constables, and persons apprehending various classes of
+      Criminals, 390
+    Propositions for rendering them more useful and respectable,
+      405-410
+
+  _Convicts_ discharged from the Hulks from 1792 to 1799, 98
+    Number sent to the Hulks from the commencement of the
+      Establishment, to December 12, 1795, 7999, 463
+    Expence of the support of Convicts transported in the Hulks, 465,
+      466-480, _n._
+    General Statements, shewing the periods of their discharge, and
+      the number pardoned, escaped and discharged, 463-465
+    A statement of their Earnings at Woolwich and Langston Harbour,
+      467, 468
+    The inefficacy of this mode of Punishment, 469, 470
+    Transported to New South Wales--Accounts of the Number and
+      Expence, 472-474
+    Opinion of the Finance Committee on the inefficacy of the whole
+      System, 475, &c.
+    Proposals for employment of Convicts in Penitentiary Houses by
+      Jeremy Bentham, Esq., 481-495
+    Further Regulations in the Penitentiary System suggested, 495, 500
+
+  _Copper_ Money, _See_ Coiners.
+
+  _Corn_, and Provender stolen in the Country, how disposed of in the
+  Metropolis, 88
+
+  _Courts_ of Justice in the Metropolis:
+    Courts for the trials of Crimes, Misdemeanors, Trespasses, &c.
+      _Two_ superior and _Five_ inferior, 428
+    9 Supreme Courts in the Metropolis, 577
+    4 Ecclesiastical Courts, Doctors Commons, _ib._
+    17 Courts of Justice in the City of London, 478, 479
+    8 Courts of Justice in Westminster, 579, 580
+    15 Courts of Justice in that part of Middlesex which joins the
+      Metropolis, 580, 581
+    8 Courts of Justice in Southwark, 581, 582
+
+  _Crimes_, Specification of some not punishable by Law, 8, 35, 36
+    The cause of their increases, &c., 24, 25
+    should be prevented rather than punished, 32, 33
+    punishable with Death--a List of them, 437, 438, 439
+    punishable with Transportation, 440, 441
+    punishable with Fine and Imprisonment, 442
+    punishments on Rogues and Vagabonds, 443
+    the encouragements to Crimes held out by the present System, 449
+    increased by the imperfections of the Law, relative to small
+      Debts, 585, 586
+    _See_ Offenders: Thieves.
+
+  _Criminal_ Code, a Revision of proposed, 7, 8
+
+  ---- its imperfections, 24, 25
+
+  ---- its great severity, 33, 53
+    _See_ Emperor Joseph's Criminal Code.
+
+  _Criminal_ People, Their boldness and many chances of escaping, 20,
+  21
+
+  ---- many thousands in the Metropolis who subsist illegally, 21
+
+  ---- likely to be increased, 24
+
+  ---- although unfit for the Navy and Army from diseases, ruptures,
+  &c. are yet capable of committing crimes, 99, 100
+
+  ---- the measures used to effect their purposes, 100, 104
+
+  ---- they make contracts with Receivers, 104
+
+  ---- increase by means of base Money, 211
+
+  _Custom_-House Officers, called Glut-men, connive at pillage and
+  plunder, 232
+
+
+  D.
+
+  _Dead Horses_, and other Animals, Dealers in, to be regulated, 109
+
+  _Dealers_ in old Metals and Stores, their great increase, 12
+
+  ---- their mischievous tendency, 292, 293
+
+  ---- Regulations proposed, 292, 293, 303, 548, 549
+
+  _Death_, The number of Crimes punishable with Death by the English
+  Law, 5, 437
+
+  ---- Abrogated in the Roman Empire, by the Portian Law, 6
+
+  ---- Inadequate to the ends of Justice, 6
+
+  ---- Impropriety of inflicting death, except for the highest
+  offences, 30, 53, 58
+
+  ---- Jewish Law relative to death, 43
+
+  ---- Athenian Law, _ib._
+
+  ---- Roman ditto, _ib._
+
+  ---- Chinese ditto, 44
+
+  ---- Persian ditto, 43
+
+  ---- Saxon ditto, 44
+
+  ---- Alfred's ditto, _ib._
+
+  ---- Athelstan's ditto, 51
+
+  ---- Abolished in the Imperial Dominions of Joseph II. anno 1767, 60
+
+  ---- Theft first punished by death by Henry I. nearly 700 years ago,
+  437
+
+  ---- A specification of the several offences punishable with death
+  by the Laws of England, 437, 438, 439
+
+  _Debts_, The difficulty and expence of recovering small sums, 584,
+  585, 586, 587
+
+  ---- An astonishing Document, proving the vast extent of the injury,
+  587, _n._
+
+  ---- A Remedy proposed, 586, 588
+
+  _Depredations_ on the Public, in the River and Dock-yards, Chap.
+  viii. 214, &c. ix. 250, &c.
+
+  ---- on Sugar and West India Produce, 240, 241
+
+  ---- from Sugar Samples, upwards of 60,000_l._ a year, 235, _n._
+
+  ---- does not much exceed 15_s._ per cent. on the Moving Property,
+  215
+
+  _Detection_ of Offenders:
+
+  ---- The deficiency of the Law in this respect, 12, 13, 14, 15-20
+
+  ---- further elucidated and explained, 381, 421, 422
+
+  _Die Sinkers_ for base Money, the number employed, 184
+
+  _Directions_, and Cautions to avoid being cheated, 124, 125, 126,
+  127, &c.
+
+  ---- As to the mode of proceeding in case of Fraud or Robbery, 383,
+  _n._
+
+  _Dispensaries_, in London, 574
+
+  _Distresses_ of the Poor arising from the delusion of the Lottery
+  (See _Lottery_), 154, 155
+
+  _Docks_ in the River will not supersede the necessity of a River
+  Police, 217, _n._
+
+  _Dock-yards_, on the Plunder and Peculation therein, 249-287
+
+  ---- Fees to Officers one source of the Evil, 251
+
+  ---- Frauds in receiving, detaining, and selling Stores, 253-259
+
+  ---- The Perquisite of Chips, 256, 257, _n._
+
+  ---- The amount of Public Property in Navy, Victualing and Ordnance
+  Stores, estimated at 7,000,000_l._, 260
+
+  ---- Laws now existing for protecting of this Property, 261-3
+
+  ---- Their deficiency, and Remedies proposed through the means of
+  the Legislature, by A General Police System, 264
+
+  ---- A Local Police for the Dock-yards, 265
+
+  ---- Legislative Regulations in aid of these Systems, 269
+
+  ---- Through the Admiralty, by regulating the sale of old Stores,
+  274-280
+
+  ---- Abolishing the Perquisite of Chips, 281
+
+  ---- ---- of Fees, and increasing Salaries, 282
+
+  ---- Improving the mode of keeping Accounts, 284
+
+  ---- Making an annual Inventory of Stores, 286
+
+  _Dollars_, counterfeited, 173
+
+  ---- (stamped) the iniquities practised in counterfeiting and
+  exporting, detected by the Author of this Work, 172, 173, _n._
+
+  _Draco_, his sanguinary boast, 33
+
+
+  E.
+
+  _Education_, The great inattention to in the lower ranks one cause
+  of Crimes, 34, 311
+
+  ---- Seminaries for, in the Metropolis, estimated at 4050, 569
+
+  _Egyptians_, Their Laws for the punishment of certain offences, 41
+
+  _Embezzlement_ of Public Stores. See _River Plunder--Dock-yards_.
+
+  _Emperor_ Joseph the Second abolished the punishment of Death, 60
+
+  ---- His edict on promulgating his New Criminal Code, 61
+
+  ---- Abstract of his New Code, 63
+
+  ---- A singular Anecdote concerning this Prince, 528, 529
+
+  _Estimates_, That Receivers of stolen Goods have increased from 300
+  to 3000 in the Metropolis, 9, 12
+
+  ---- of moving Property on the River Thames (_table_), 215
+
+  ---- ---- arriving, departing, and circulating in the Port of
+  London, 216, 217
+
+  ---- ---- belonging to the Public, Naval, and Warlike Stores, &c.,
+  260
+
+  ---- of Chips in Dock-yards, 256, 257, _n._
+
+  ---- of Streets, Houses, and Families in London, 411, _n._
+
+  ---- of Public Houses, 110
+
+  ---- of Persons employed in fraudulent Lotteries, 156, _n._
+
+  ---- of the number of Members of Friendly Societies, 157
+
+  ---- of the number of Jews, 147, 148
+
+  ---- of the Officers of Justice, Beadles, Watchmen, and Patroles
+  2044, 413, 414
+
+  ---- of Magistrates, acting in the Metropolis, 416, 417, 418
+
+  ---- of Convicts, and others discharged from Prisons, 96, _n._, 97
+
+  ---- of Prisoners tried in 1793 and 1754, 448
+
+  ---- of the Produce of Labour of Convicts in the Hulks (See
+  _Convicts: Police_), 467
+
+  _Exports_ from the River Thames in one year 29,640,000_l._
+  (_table_), 215, 216
+
+
+  F.
+
+  _Farmers_, petty Depredations on them, 86, 89
+
+  _Faro Tables_ and Games of Chance, their evil Tendency, 135, 136
+
+  ---- particularly in private Houses of Persons of Rank, 148
+
+  _Felo de se_, how punished by different Laws, 43, 44
+
+  _Felonies_, Public and Private defined, 43
+
+  ---- A specific Detail of the different Felonies, distinguishing the
+  Punishments, 437, 438, 439, 440, 441
+
+  _Female Prostitution._ _See_ Prostitutes.
+
+  _Fielding_, Henry    } Excellent Magistrates, &c., 453, _n._
+  _Fielding_, Sir John }
+
+  _Finance Committee_ of the House of Commons, their useful Labours
+  and Opinions on various Subjects (See _Police_), 251, _n._, 264,
+  419, 427, 469, 514, 516, 558, _n._
+
+  _Fires_ in London, the Laws relative to them, 597, 598
+
+  _Forcible Marriage_, how punished by different Laws, 48
+
+  _Foreign Coin_ counterfeited in England, 17, 18, 184, 190
+
+  _Foreigners_, their opinion of the English System of Police, 522
+
+  ---- the insecurity likely to arise from so many of them acquiring
+  a knowledge of the English Language, 530
+
+  _Fortune-tellers_, their evil tendency, &c., 128, 130
+
+  _Founders_ of Metals, an object of regulation as a means of
+  preventing Crimes, 10, 540, _n._
+
+  _France_, its Laws relative to Receivers of stolen Goods, 302, _n._
+
+  ---- ---- to Sodomy, 46
+
+  ---- its former Police, curious Anecdotes of, 525
+
+  _Frauds_ on the Public in the Metropolis:
+
+  ---- in the Naval Department of two sorts, 256, 257
+
+  ---- and Forgeries specifically detailed, 111, 112, &c.
+
+  _French language_, the inconvenience and insecurity from its being
+  so generally spoken, 530
+
+  _Friendly Societies_, an Estimate of the number of Members, 575
+
+  ---- a proposition to guard them against the Evils of the Lottery,
+  157
+
+
+  G.
+
+  _Gaming_, among the lower Ranks in Public Houses, a vast source of
+  Crimes, 324
+
+  ---- the Law relative to, and Penalties, 134, 135
+
+  ---- the systematic confederacy of certain Gaming Establishments
+  fully developed, 136-147
+
+  ---- Estimated amount of the Money annually lost and won by Gaming,
+  143
+
+  ---- the evil Consequences of Gaming, and dreadful effects to many
+  respectable Families, 148
+
+  ---- the bad example to menial Servants of Persons of Fashion, 150,
+  151
+
+  _Gin_, the astonishing quantity drank in London, 327, _n._
+
+  ---- the advantages arising from a High Price, 328, _n._
+
+  _Grecian Law_ relative to Sodomy, 46
+
+  ---- ---- to Polygamy, 49
+
+
+  H.
+
+  _Hackney Coaches_, to be regulated by the Police, (and see _Night
+  Coaches_), 105, 106, 305, 547, 556
+
+  ---- Laws relative to them, 402
+
+  _Hale_, Sir Matthew, his opinion of criminal Indictments, 432, _n._
+
+  _Hawkers and Pedlars_, to be licensed by Magistrates, 116, 117
+
+  ---- their fraudulent Practices, 116, &c.
+
+  _High Treason_, See _Treason_.
+
+  _Highway Robberies_, by what classes committed, 95
+
+  ---- systematically planned and executed, 102, 103
+
+  ---- suggestions for preventing them by means of a Travelling
+  Police, 109, _n._
+
+  _Homicide_, 45, 46
+
+  _Horse Patroles_ proposed, 109, _n._
+
+  _Horses Stolen_, receiving them as such no Crime, 9, _n._
+
+  ---- how to be remedied, 303, 550
+
+  ---- Frauds and Felonies respecting, immense, 103, _n._, 115, _n._
+
+  _Hospitals_ in the Metropolis, 573
+
+  _Houses_ in the Metropolis 160,000, and upwards, 568
+
+  _Houses of Correction_, authorized in different Counties, 455
+
+  ---- Regulations, 459, 460
+
+  _Hue and Cry_, a particular means of arresting Criminals, 388, 389
+
+  _Hulks_, the depravity of the Convicts confined in them, 24
+
+  ---- First instituted in 1776, 455
+
+  ---- Regulations by Parliament (See _Convicts_), 461
+
+
+  I. & J.
+
+  _Idle Poor_, the Funds appropriated for their support a Public Evil,
+  80, 82, &c.
+
+  _Jews_, (Dutch) their mode of Education a National Injury, as it
+  promotes Idleness and Profligacy among the lower ranks, 119, 319
+
+  ---- Objects of regulation as Dealers in old Metals and Apparel, 120
+
+  ---- the principal Utterers of base Coin, 182, 190
+
+  ---- the deplorable state of the lower orders belonging to the Dutch
+  Synagogues, and the difficulties in making them useful, 120, 319, &c.
+
+  ---- they are generally the medium by which stolen Goods are
+  concealed and sold, 292
+
+  _Jewish Synagogues_ in London, 568
+
+  _Jewish Laws_ relative to Murder, 43
+
+  ---- ---- Sodomy, 46
+
+  ---- ---- Rape, 47
+
+  ---- ----Theft, 52
+
+  _Immorality_ of worse consequence than Political Crimes, 34
+
+  ---- striking proofs adduced, 35, 36
+
+  _Imports and Exports_ to and from the Port of London, abstract of
+  (_table_), 215, 216
+
+  ---- of Sugar and Rum for a year to March 25, 1799, 234, _n._
+
+  _Imprisonment for Debt_, its impolicy and evil consequences in
+  producing moral Crimes, 390, 394, &c.
+
+  _Indigence_, one cause of Crimes (See _Poor_), 352
+
+  _Inhabitants_ of London, number estimated at one Million at least,
+  569
+
+  _Inns of Court_ and Chancery in London, _ib._
+
+  _Institutions_ for useful, charitable, and humane purposes in the
+  Metropolis, 376, 381
+
+  _Irish_, the lower Ranks great Utterers of base Money, 189
+
+  _Iron Shops_, great Receptacles of stolen Goods, 293
+
+  _Judges of England_, their great purity adds lustre to their own and
+  the National Character, 430
+
+  ---- the extreme labour attached to their Situations, a Proposition
+  for the reducing it, 590
+
+
+  K.
+
+  KING, his Majesty's goodness and love of Mercy exemplified in pardon
+  to Convicts, 22
+
+  _King's Stores_, Men employed to remove the _broad arrow_ from
+  Public Stores, 258
+
+  ---- Abuses and Evils from the Sale of Old Stores, 256
+
+  ---- Stolen, embezzled, &c. in the Thames, 257
+
+
+  L.
+
+  _Landed Interest_, Depredations on by petty Thefts calculated at
+  4_s._ per Acre per annum, 89
+
+  _Larceny_, the Definition of this Offence, and the punishment, 50
+
+  ---- Grand Larceny defined, 50, 55
+
+  _Law_, the different classes of Professional Men in the Metropolis,
+  583
+
+  _Laws_ of England, (_Criminal_) Deficient with regard to the
+  prevention of Crimes, abridging Liberty, and rendering Property
+  insecure, and in some instances even Life itself, 94, 95, 100
+
+  ---- Punishments, from their severity, defeat the ends of Justice,
+  43, 53
+
+  ---- Above 160 Offences punishable with Death, 437
+
+  ---- When incompatible with Justice Law should be repealed, 8, 301
+
+  ---- Some Offences, injurious to Society, not punished at all, 8, 9,
+  34, 35, 36
+
+  ---- Criminal Law explained, with respect to various Offences:
+    High Treason, 38
+    Public Felonies against the State, 42
+    Private Felonies specifically considered, viz:
+      Murder, 43, 44
+      Manslaughter, 44, 45
+      Homicide by Misadventure, 45
+      Chance Medley, _ib._
+      Self-Defence, _ib._
+      Rape, 46, 48
+      Forcible Marriage, 48
+      Polygamy, 49
+      Mayhem, _ib._
+      Grand Larceny, 50
+      Petty Larceny, 50, 51
+      Mixed Larceny, 54, 55
+    Offences punishable by the Laws of England; a List of, 437, &c.
+
+  _Law-suits_, See _Writs_, _Debts_.
+
+  _Lewdness_ and Debauchery prevail in all ill-regulated Public Houses
+  (See _Alehouses_), 311
+
+  _Liberty_ of the subject abridged by Thieves and Robbers, 2, 93
+
+  ---- not by salutary Regulations to prevent Robbery, 13, 14, 308,
+  309, 545
+
+  _Licences_ proposed on Milk Dealers, 92
+
+  ---- on various trades connected with the Receivers of stolen Goods
+  (See _Police_), 540, _n._, 549, 550
+
+  _Lightermen_ on the Thames assist in Pillage and Plunder, 228
+
+  _Lighting_, &c. the Metropolis, 592
+
+  _Little Goes_, a private Lottery, a contrivance of a recent date,
+  brought forward by the Lottery Cheats to keep alive the delusion and
+  fever on the minds of the Poor all the year round, 152
+
+  _Livery Stable Keepers_, proposed to be regulated (See _Horses_),
+  109, 541
+
+  _Lodgers_, and Lodging Houses, proposed to be registered, 105, 539
+
+  _London_, comprehending the Metropolis. Its Commerce (See _River
+  Plunder_)
+
+  ---- The Magistrates, a list of; also Public Offices, 504, 505
+
+  ---- Houses, Streets, Families, and Inhabitants, 411
+
+  ---- Its prodigious Extent and Opulence, 567
+
+  ---- Places of Religious Worship, 482
+
+  ---- Seminaries for Education, 569
+
+  ---- Institutions for promoting Morality, 570
+
+  ---- For the Arts, 571
+
+  ---- Asylums for the Indigent and Helpless, 572
+
+  ---- For the Sick, Lame, &c., 573
+
+  ---- Dispensaries, 574
+
+  ---- Charitable Institutions, 574
+
+  ---- Courts of Justice, 577, 578, 579, 580, 581, 582
+
+  ---- Prisons, 582
+
+  ---- Municipal Regulations of the Metropolis, relative to Watching,
+  Lighting, Fires, &c. &c., 591
+
+  _London_, so called, (the City):
+
+  ---- The utility of a closer Connection between the Aldermen and
+  Police Justices, 420
+
+  ---- The great respectability of the Magistrates of London, 512
+
+  ---- The vast Labour of their official Situation, 513
+
+  ---- Magistrates with Salaries proposed, to ease them of that part
+  of the Labour which relates to Criminal Offences, 518
+
+  ---- The great Labour attached to the Office of Lord Mayor, 513
+
+  ---- Reasons assigned in favour of an Improvement of the Police of
+  the City, by means of assisting Justices, _ib._
+
+  ---- The advantages which would result from such a System, 517
+
+  _Lottery_, A great means of corrupting the Morals of the Lower
+  Orders of the People, 11
+
+  ---- Lottery Insurers cheats of the worst class, 151-159
+
+  ---- Their evil Practices explained, and their devises to carry them
+  on in despite of the Law, 152, 153
+
+  ---- Menial Servants contribute considerably to their support, 153,
+  154
+
+  ---- The astonishing extent of their Transactions, 154, 155
+
+  ---- The misery attendant on the Lottery delusion to the Poor, who
+  fill the Pawnbrokers' Shops during the drawing of it, 155
+
+  ---- The amazing amount of the premiums for Insurances yearly, 154,
+  156, _n._
+
+  ---- Estimated amount of fraudulent Insurances per annum
+  10,460,000_l._, 143
+
+  ---- The astonishing number of Lottery Insurers, with their
+  Appendages, consisting of _Clerks_, _Morocco-men_, _Bludgeon-men_,
+  and _Ruffians_, employed during the Drawing of the Two Lotteries
+  each year, 156, _n._
+
+  ---- The Lottery might be rendered useful to the State if the poorer
+  classes could be shielded from its mischief, 157, 556
+
+  ---- The evils attending on its present Plan, and the audacious
+  conduct of the miscreants engaged in fraudulent Insurances in
+  resisting the Civil Power, explained, 156, _n._, 158, 159
+
+  ---- Their Profits said to be immense during the English Lottery
+  1796, 159
+
+  ---- The exertions of the Magistrates rendered more peculiarly
+  necessary to check this evil during the time of drawing the
+  Lotteries, 159
+
+  ---- Expedients proposed for guarding the Poor against the
+  mischiefs, of future Lotteries, digested under eight different
+  Heads, 160, 161, 162
+
+  ---- Three plans for drawing the Lottery in such a manner as to
+  prevent Insurance, 163, 170
+
+  _Louis d'Ors_, coined in England, 17, 190
+
+  _Loyal Military Associations_, the Country much indebted to them,
+  533, _n._
+
+  _Lumpers_ or Labourers on the River (See _River Plunder_), 226
+
+
+  M.
+
+  _Magistrates_, their Duty with regard to Public Houses (See
+  _Alehouses_.)
+
+  ---- Their great utility when their Power and Influence are
+  prudently and judiciously employed, 383, 422, 423
+
+  ---- The number Of Magistrates in the Metropolis, 270
+
+  ---- The number who sit daily in rotation, 417, 418
+
+  ---- The number of persons committed annually for Trial 2500 to
+  3000, 432, 433
+
+  ---- The mortification experienced by the Magistrates in seeing
+  their labour lost in consequence of the chief of these Prisoners
+  thrown back on Society without punishment, 432, 433
+
+  ---- A List of the City Magistrates, 504
+
+  ---- ---- the Police Magistrates, 505
+
+  ---- Their Duty explained, 506
+
+  ---- Their Labours cramped for want of pecuniary Funds, 509, 510
+
+  ---- Magistrates with salaries necessary in every part of the
+  Metropolis, and benefits arising from them, 517
+
+  ---- Avocations of the City Magistrates explained, 522
+
+  _Manslaughter_ defined, how punished, 44.
+
+  _Marine Police Institution_, Origin and Progress of, 239, 248
+  [Transcriber's Note: should be p. 240]
+
+  ---- Annual Advantages resulting therefrom to the West India
+  Planters and the Revenue estimated at 160,000_l._ and upwards,
+  240, 241, _n._, 242, _n._
+
+  ---- The effect in restraining River Plunderers, 242, 244
+
+  ---- Necessity of its being sanctioned by Legislative Regulations,
+  245, &c.
+
+  ---- Testimonies to the utility of the System, and the benefits it
+  has already produced, 242, _n._, 247, 248, _n._, 558, _n._
+
+  ---- The number employed in this Establishment, 399, _n._, 418
+
+  _Marriage_, The evil consequence of the prevailing practice of
+  Cohabitation without it, 340
+
+  _Martin_, Matthew, Esq. his benevolent exertions for relieving the
+  Poor, 360, 361, _n._
+
+  _Mayhem_, Laws relative to it, 49
+
+  _Menial Servants_, Their Morals corrupted, how, 154, 155
+
+  _Metals_, Dealers in proposed to be regulated, 108, 540, 549
+
+  _Metropolis_, vide _London_.
+
+  _Milk_, curious particulars as to the Adulteration of, 89, 90, &c.
+
+  _Misadventure_, Homicide by, defined, 45
+
+  ---- how punished, 45, 46
+
+  _Misdemeanors_, A list of them punishable by Law, 442
+
+  _Money_ counterfeit, vide _Coin_.
+
+  _Montesquieu_, Baron, his opinion relative to Thefts, &c., 30, 53
+
+  _Morals_, The moral Principles destroyed among the Lower Ranks, 11,
+  310, &c.
+
+  ---- Can only be preserved by preventing Crimes, 14
+
+  ---- Bad education and bad habits destroy Morals, and are the chief
+  causes of atrocious Crimes, 34, 35, 94, 95, 310, &c.
+
+  ---- The deficiency of the System for guarding the Morals of the
+  Lower Orders one great cause of the Corruption of Manners, 36
+
+  ---- _Other Causes_, The temptations of a great Capital, 35
+
+  ---- The habit of living improvidently and luxuriously, 312
+
+  ---- The temptation of fraudulent Lotteries, 151, 152, 159
+
+  ---- The Facilities held our by Pawnbrokers, Old Iron Shops, and
+  other Receivers of Stolen Goods, enabling persons to raise Money on
+  pilfered articles in an easy way, 288, 323
+
+  ---- The bad examples in ill-regulated Public Houses one great cause
+  of the Corruption of Morals, 310-324
+
+  ---- The habit recently practised of Men, Women and Children
+  spending their time in the Tap-rooms of Alehouses, where all sorts
+  of Profligacy prevails, exhibited in language and conduct, 310, 314,
+  324
+
+  ---- The profligate Characters intrusted with Licences to keep
+  Alehouses (See _Alehouses_), 325, 326
+
+  ---- The immoral or careless Education of Apprentices, 314
+
+  ---- The failure in Business by Mismanagement, Idleness, &c., 317
+
+  ---- Servants out of Place, 318
+
+  ---- The mode of Education and Superstition of the Jews, which
+  prevent them from being apprenticed to Mechanical Employments, 319
+
+  ---- The vast temptations to plunder, which are held out to Lumpers,
+  Scuffle-hunters, Mudlarks, Scullers, Lightermen, &c. on the Thames,
+  from the want of proper Guards, and a proper System for protecting
+  Property (See _River Plunder--Dock-yards_), 322
+
+  ---- The temptations held out to fraud from the shocking state of
+  the Silver and Copper Coinage, and the imperfection of the Mint
+  Laws, 171, 172
+
+  ---- The temptations held out in a great Metropolis from the
+  resource which the influx of Wealth affords to commit acts of
+  Criminality, giving so many opportunities to live in Idleness, 111,
+  112
+
+  ---- The deficiency of the Laws in not taking cognizance of Moral
+  Crimes, 35, 36
+
+  ---- Morals of Public Depredators, 251
+
+  _Morality_--Men of pure Morals make the best Subjects, 36
+
+  ---- Against its principle to punish small offences with Death, 59
+
+  ---- Societies for promoting it, 570
+
+  _Mudlarks_, _See_ River Plunder, 230
+
+  _Murder_, Laws relative to it, in this and other Countries, 43, 45
+
+
+  N.
+
+  _Naval_ Embezzlements and Plunder, &c.
+    Reasons why not heretofore corrected, 252
+    Gratuities given, a great evil, 251
+    The Depredations enormous (_See River Plunder--Dock-yards_), 253
+
+  _New South Wales_, Transportation there when first legalized (_See
+  Convicts_), 460, 462
+
+  _Night Coaches_, a great means of promoting Burglaries, 105
+
+  ---- Propositions for regulating them, 106, 305, 547, 556, 557
+
+
+  O.
+
+  _Offences_, 160 punishable with Death, 58
+    Some not punishable by the Laws, 8, 30, 35
+    A general List of the various classes of Offences, 437, &c.
+    _See_ further _Punishments_.
+
+  _Officers of Justice_--Their Zeal always proportioned to that shewn
+  by the Magistrates under whom they act, 384
+    The importance of choosing men of Respectability, _ibid._
+    The absurd prejudices against Officers of Justice, 385
+    The Antiquity and Power of the Officers of Justice, 386
+    Number of them in the Metropolis, 397, 411, _n._
+    Officers subjected to considerable risks, 400
+    Ought to be rewarded--vide _Rewards_.
+
+  _Old Bailey_--Its registers shew the necessity of a Prosecutor for
+  the Crown, 21
+    Trials anno 1790 and 1791, eight Sessions, 394, 395, 396
+    Idem and Convicts 1793 and 1794, 448
+
+  _Old Iron Shops_, Owners for the most part, generally Receivers--(See
+  _Receivers_), 10
+
+  _Origin of Crimes_, Traced to Alehouses--Bad education of
+  Apprentices--Servants out of Place--Jews--Receivers--Pawnbrokers--Low
+  Gaming-Houses--Smuggling--Prisons, Chap. XI. 310-332
+
+  ---- Female Prostitution (See _Prostitutes_), Ch. XII. 333-345
+
+  ---- Tea Gardens, 346, 347
+
+  ---- Ballad Singers, 348, 349
+
+  ---- State of the Poor (See _Poor_), Chap. XIII. 351-380
+
+
+  P.
+
+  _Pagoda_, of Arcot, counterfeited in London, 17, 184, 190
+
+  _Pardons_--The devices used to obtain them, 22
+    Granted to four-fifths of those found guilty of death, 449
+    Marquis Beccaria's Opinion of Pardons, 450, _n._
+    Impositions practised to obtain them, _ibid._
+    Conditions under which they ought to be granted, 451
+    The evil consequences of free Pardons, 451, 452
+    A tacit disapprobation of the Law, (_Beccaria_), 59
+
+  _Parents_, their Profligacy and inattention to the Education of
+  their Children, 311, &c.
+
+  _Parochial_ Officers in the Metropolis, 397, 398, 416
+
+  ---- of little use to the Police in the Metropolis, why, 400
+
+  _Parricides_, their punishment by the Roman Law, 41
+    By the Chinese and Egyptian Laws, _ibid._
+
+  _Patroles and Watchmen_, their number, 399
+
+  ---- frequently conspire with Thieves, 106, 108
+
+  _Pawnbrokers_ hold out many temptations to the Poor, 115
+
+  ---- A proposition for regulating them, 116, 550
+
+  ---- To give security for good behaviour, 116
+
+  ---- The number in London and the Country, 115, _n._
+
+  ---- The immense amount of the Goods of the Poor at all times in
+  their hands, 116, _n._
+
+  _Peace_, an epoch when much danger is to be apprehended in the
+  return of Criminals, 100, 529, 530
+
+  _Peace-Officers_--Safeguards of the Community, 384, 385
+
+  ---- The ill effects of the absurd prejudice against them, 385
+
+  ---- The number in the Metropolis, 408, 413, 414
+
+  _Penitentiary Houses._ Two national ones authorised, but never
+  erected, 456, 457, 459
+    An Inspector of Penitentiary Houses should be appointed, (See
+      _Convicts_), 460
+
+  _Penny-Pieces_, 40 Millions of them coined by Mr. Bolton of
+  Birmingham, 186, _n._
+
+  ---- why not likely to be much counterfeited, 183, _n._
+
+  _Petty Larceny_, how punished, 50, 51
+
+  _Pewter Pots_ and Pewter, purchased by Dealers in Old Iron--Protected
+  by Act 21 Geo. 3d. _c._ 69, 299
+
+  _Piracy_ a capital offence, 55
+
+  _Pirates_ on the River, their audacious conduct, (See _River
+  Plunder_).
+    _Plunder on the River, and Dock-yards_ (See those titles).
+
+  POLICE--The advantages resulting from it when well regulated, 1, 2
+    The insecurity from a deficient Police no where so great as in
+      England, 3, 4
+    One cause for the increase of Criminals is the insufficiency of
+      the Police, 4, 310
+    The specific causes of the deficiency explained, and the means of
+      improvement, 24, 25, 26
+    The disjointed State of the Police one of the causes of the
+      increase of Stolen Goods, 289
+    The Establishment of an active Principle strongly enforced, 307
+    The expences of the Police might be defrayed by itself, under an
+      improved System, 410
+    No place of Industry provided by the Police for discharged
+      Prisoners, (See _Convicts_), 99
+    Police of the Metropolis explained, 503
+    City and Police Magistrates now acting, their Names, 504, 505
+    Their Duty explained, 506, 507
+    Inconveniences arising from want of Funds, Robberies and Burglaries
+      not prevented, from this among other Causes, 509, 510
+    Police Magistrates should have power to give small Rewards for
+      useful Services, 510, 511
+    Police Magistrates necessary in all large Societies, 514
+    Police Magistrates have nothing to do with Politics, 517, _n._
+    Police System approved by the Manufacturers of Spital Fields, 519,
+      520, _n._
+    The great deficiency of the System for want of a Centre Point, 520
+    Constitutional superintendence of Police rests with the Secretary
+      of State for the Home Department, 521, 522
+    The increase of State Business, and the increase of Crimes,
+      renders a delegation of subordinate management necessary, 520
+    The utility and absolute necessity of such a System explained,
+      521, 522
+    The opinion of Foreigners of the Police of London, _ibid._
+    The Police of France under the old Government, observations upon
+      it illustrated by two Anecdotes of M. de Sartine, 524, 525, &c.
+    The situation of this as well as every Country in Europe makes a
+      correct System of Police necessary, on account of the profligate
+      Characters who will infest the Metropolis on the return of
+      Peace, 529, 530
+    _A Board of Police_ proposed as the only means of binding together
+      a disjointed System, and of giving it that energy which the
+      interest of the Country requires, 531
+    The new System of Central Police recommended by the
+      Finance-Committee fully detailed and explained, Chap. XVIII., 535
+    Reasons suggested by the Committee, 535-539
+    The leading object the prevention of Crimes, and the raising a
+      Revenue by Licence Duties, 540, 541
+    Trades proposed to be Licensed, 540, _n._, 549, 550
+    Expence of the Police of the Kingdom near £216,000, 542, 543
+    A Central Board of Police Revenue to be formed by the
+      consolidation of the two Boards of Hackney Coaches, & Hawkers,
+      &c., 542-545
+    The Licensing System to be extended over the Kingdom under the
+      Controul of this Board, 545-547
+    Functions of the Commissioners of this Central Board of Police
+      amply detailed under 20 heads, 547-558
+    Outline of the Bill proposed to be brought into Parliament for
+      establishing this Central Board of Police, 559, &c.
+
+  _Polygamy_, an improved mode of punishment for, 49
+
+  _Poor_, their Distresses, 312, 313, _n._
+
+  ---- Particularly from the Lottery delusion, 151, 152
+
+  ---- State of, Cap. XIII., 352-380
+
+  ---- Casual, the erroneous System respecting them one great cause
+  of the increase of Crimes, 351
+    Estimate of Voluntary Contributions for their Relief, £850,000
+      _per Ann._, 358
+    Present expence of the Casual Poor not less than £10,000 _per
+      Ann._, 362, 363
+    This Relief ill applied, _ibid._
+    Propriety of consolidating and superintending this Relief, 364
+    Poverty not an Evil if it does not degenerate into Indigence, 365,
+      366
+    The Poor divided into five Classes:
+      The useful and industrious, 366
+      Vagrant, 367
+      Indigent, 368
+      Aged and Infirm, 369
+      Infants, _ibid._
+    The Statute 43 Elizabeth unexceptionable in its principle, but its
+      execution deficient, 370, 373, 575
+    Proposals for a _Pauper Police_, to regulate Street Beggars and
+      Casual Poor, 373-376
+    Expence thereof £5,230 to be defrayed by contributions from the
+      Parishes proportioned to the sums now paid by them for Casual
+      Relief, _ibid._
+    Benefit of consolidating the Funds of all the Parishes in the
+      Metropolis, 377, 378
+    The System should be perfected by the joint efforts of
+      well-informed individuals, _ibid._
+
+  _Prisoners._ An Asylum proposed for those that are discharged, to
+  prevent their returning to evil practices for want of Work, (See
+  _Convicts_), 97, 98, _n._, 486
+
+  ---- Abstracts of the number committed and discharged in the
+  Metropolis in the course of a year, ending Oct. 1795 (_Table_), 430
+
+  ---- Number discharged from the eight Gaols in the Metropolis in a
+  period of four years:
+
+  ---- ---- 1st. by Proclamation  5,592
+
+  ---- ---- 2d. Acquittals        2,962
+
+  ---- ---- 3d. After Punishment  2,484
+                                 ------
+                                 11,038, 96, 97
+
+  ---- Discharged from 1792 to 1799:
+
+  ---- ---- 1.                     8,650}
+  ---- ---- 2.                     4,935} 20,510, 97
+  ---- ---- 3.                     6,925}
+  ---- ---- from the Hulks, ditto         11,383
+  [Transcriber's Note: this figure should be 1,383]
+                                          ______
+                                          21,893, 98
+
+  ---- Tried at the Old Bailey from Sept. 1790 to 1791, 394
+
+  ---- Tried at the Old Bailey from April 1793 to 1794, 448
+
+  ---- Tried in the year 1795, their Crimes and Sentences, 446, 447
+
+  ---- Committed annually for trial in the Metropolis from 2,500, to
+  3,000, 96
+
+  _Prisons_ in the Metropolis, 331, 582
+
+  _Prosecutor for the Crown_--The Utility of such an Establishment,
+  21, 26
+    The injury occasioned by the want of it in defeating Justice,
+      426, 427
+    A severe Burden on the subject to prosecute, 426
+    Further Reasons in favour of the Proposition, 430, 432, 539
+
+  _Prostitutes_--Their unhappy Situation, and the dreadful
+  consequences of it, Cap. XII., 333
+    The evil cannot be prevented, but may be alleviated, 337
+    Number of Prostitutes of various classes estimated at 50,000, 340
+    Proposals for regulating them not inconsistent either with
+      Religion or Morality, 343
+    The Example of Holland and India quoted, 345
+
+  _Public Houses_, vide _Alehouses_.
+
+  _Punishments_--defeat their ends by too much Severity, 6
+    Death should be inflicted as seldom as possible, _ibid._
+    Disproportionate to the Offences, 6, _n._, 8
+    A Definition of Punishments, 29
+    Should be proportioned to the Offence, &c., 29, 30
+    The objects of inflicting Punishments, _ibid._
+    General Rules relative to Punishments, 32, 33
+    The Severity of Punishments exposed, 34, 35, 36, 94
+    Punishments examined as they apply to the various Offences known
+      in the English Law, 38, 39, &c.
+    Punishments by the new Code of the Emperor Joseph, 60, 63
+    Marquis Beccaria's Opinion and Maxims, 53, _n._
+    The System of Punishments fully considered, Cap. XVI., 434-500
+    Punishments inflicted on various Offences by the English Law,
+      437, 438, 439, &c. &c.
+    Punishments as now regulated tend to increase Crimes, (See
+      _Convicts_), 449-452
+
+
+  Q.
+
+  _Quarter_ Sessions of the Peace:
+
+  ---- and General Sessions of Middlesex, in certain Cases, act under
+  a Commission of Oyer and Terminer, 445
+
+  ---- Held in London, eight times a year, 428
+
+  ---- in Westminster, four times a year, _ibid._
+
+  ---- in Middlesex, eight times a year, _ibid._
+
+  ---- in Tower Liberty, eight times a year, _ibid._
+
+  ---- in Surry, four times a year, _ibid._
+
+  _Quays_--Plunder committed upon--See _River Plunder_.
+
+
+  R.
+
+  _Rape_, Laws Relative, to it in England, Death by 18 Eliz. _c._ 7,
+  47
+    The Egyptian Law relative to this Crime, _ib._
+    The Athenian ditto, _ib._
+    The Roman ditto, _ib._
+    The Jewish ditto, _ib._
+
+  _Receivers_ of Stolen Property:
+    Receivers of Cash, or Bank Notes, not punishable, 8
+    nor of Horses and Cattle, 9, _n._
+    3000 estimated to be in the Metropolis, 10
+    The greatest encouragers of Thieves, 9
+    Their wonderful increase in the last 20 years, 12
+    Restraints upon them a public benefit, 13, 14, 104
+    Make previous contracts with Thieves, 103, 291
+    Hostlers at Watering Houses often Receivers of Corn, &c., 88
+    Journeymen Butchers receive Cattle, 104
+    Receivers considered separately, Cap. VIII., 288, 308, &c.
+    The chief cause of Public Depredation, 289
+    The different Classes detailed, 292, 293
+    By 3 and 4 William and Mary, _c._ 9. made Accessaries after the
+      fact, 294
+    By 4 Geo. I. _c._ 11. punishable by Transportation for fourteen
+      Years, 295, 301
+    The Laws enumerated relative to Receivers, and their defects
+      pointed out, 293, 301
+    A proposition to make the Receiving Stolen Goods an original
+      Offence, 302
+    Remedies proposed under eight different heads by regulating
+      certain Classes of Dealers, 303, 307
+    A System of inspection recommended, 308
+    Applied to for their assistance in recovering valuable Property
+      which is stolen, 384
+
+  _Religion_, Places of Public Worship in the Metropolis, 568
+
+  _Register_ of delinquency proposed to be kept by the Central Board
+  of Police, 554
+
+  _Remedies for Evils mentioned in this Work_:
+    To remove the Imperfections in the Criminal Code, 24
+    To improve the System of the Hulks, 27
+    To improve also the Mode of Transportation, and the Employment of
+      Convicts, 481, &c.
+    To establish National Penitentiary Houses, 457, 460
+    To improve the System in granting Licences to Public Houses--See
+      _Alehouses_.
+    To regulate Dealers in Old Iron, Metals, Stores, Old Wearing
+      Apparel, Founders of Metals, &c. by Licence, 304
+    To improve the Laws relative to the prevention of Pillage and
+      Plunder in the River Thames--See _River Plunder_.
+    To improve the Laws relative to the prevention of Frauds,
+      Embezzlements, Pillage and Plunder in Ships of War, and
+      Transports, and in the Naval and other public Arsenals (See
+      _Dock-yards_), 26, 253, 254, 255, 256, 257, 258
+    To prevent Highway Robberies and Burglaries, 103
+    To prevent the Coinage of base Money, and the Sale and Circulation
+      of the same, 190, 211
+    To prevent the evil effects of the Devices of Cheats, Swindlers,
+      Gamblers and fraudulent Persons, viz.
+      Swindlers in general, 113, 150
+      Fraudulent Pawnbrokers, 109
+      Hawkers and Pedlars, 116
+      Puffing diurnal Auctioneers, 117
+      Puffing Money Lenders, 118
+      Illegal Lottery Insurers, 151, 162
+      Itinerant Jews, 147, 148
+    Various Classes of Cheats and Swindlers, &c. with Cautions to
+      Tradesmen and others to beware of them, 131
+        A general Remedy proposed, 131, 132
+    To prevent the evil of receiving Stolen Goods, and through this
+      medium the Commission of Robberies, Burglaries, Thefts,
+      Larcenies, Embezzlements, Frauds and Swindling, &c. under eight
+      different heads, 302, 303, 304, &c.
+    To prevent Justice from being defeated in the apprehension of
+      Offenders, by Rewards to Officers and others apprehending them
+      (See _Rewards_), 392, 393
+    To prevent Frauds in the trial of Offenders by appointing a
+      Prosecutor for the Crown, 21, 26
+    To proportion all punishments to the nature of the Offence, and to
+      abolish sanguinary and severe Punishments, 28, 29, 59, 60
+    To improve the System with regard to Pardons--(See _Pardons_), 27
+    To improve the System of Police for the Metropolis, by
+      establishing a Fund for Rewards, 509, 512
+    To establish a concurrent Jurisdiction over the whole of the
+      Metropolis, 419, 420
+    To establish Police Magistrates in London, 513, _n._
+    To establish a Board of Police as a centre point, where a
+      responsible superintending agency, under the Secretary of State
+      for the Home Department, should be pledged to attend to the
+      great outlines of the Police of the Metropolis--(See POLICE),
+      25, 26
+    A System for the more easy recovery of small Debts, 584, 585, 586,
+      587
+    To improve the Municipal Police, by extending the same Laws,
+      Penalties and Punishments to every part of the Metropolis, 599,
+      &c.
+    General View of all the Remedies proposed in this Work, against
+      the existing Evils which at present infest the Metropolis, Ch.
+      XX. p. 602, &c.
+
+  _Restraints_ imposed on Criminal People cannot affect the Liberty of
+  the Subject, 13
+    Those already established to obtain Revenue, severer, 14
+
+  _Revenue_ of the Customs greatly injured by River Plunder, 241, _n._
+
+  _Rewards_--To be given by Magistrates in order to enable them to
+  detect offenders--The utility explained, 509-511
+    Rewards necessary to all classes of Public Officers of Justice,
+      for the purpose of exciting vigilance, 409, 410
+    Rewards granted at present for ten specific Offences, detailed,
+      390, 391
+    Amount paid by Sheriffs from 1786 to 1797, £.94,430, 393, _n._
+    Rewards paid on Prosecutions at the Old Bailey from Sept. 1790 to
+      1791, 394, 395
+    Small Rewards recommended for detecting inferior Offences, 393, 394
+    The quantum of the Reward to be left to the discretion of the
+      Judge, and allowed according to the merit of the parties,
+      whether there is a conviction or not, 393, 396
+    Rewards proposed for the detection of Coiners and Utterers of Base
+      Money, 207
+    For the detection of Plunderers in the Dock-yards, 272
+
+  _River Plunder_, its amazing extent, probably not less than _Half a
+  Million per annum_, Cap. VIII., 215, 237, 238, 239
+    Yet not exceeding 15_s._ per Cent. on the value of the Property
+      exposed, 215, 216, & _table_
+    13,000 Vessels and more discharge and receive three millions of
+      Packages annually in the River, 217
+    Various classes of River Plunderers.
+    [Transcriber's Note: reference missing in original]
+
+  _River Pirates_, (particular instances of their audacious
+  Depredations), 218, 220
+    _Night Plunderers_, 220, 223
+    _Light Horsemen_, or nightly Plunderers of West India Ships,
+      223, 226
+    _Heavy Horsemen_, or Lumpers, 226, 227
+    _Game Watermen_, _ibid._
+    _Game Lightermen_, 228, 231
+    _Mud-Larks_, 230
+    _Revenue Officers_, 231, 232
+    _Scuffle-hunters_, 233, 234
+    _Copemen_, or Receivers, 235, 236
+    See further _Marine Police_.
+
+  _Robberies and Burglaries_--not prevented by the Police System of
+  1792, and the reason why, 509
+    Chiefly for want of giving small Rewards, 510
+
+  _Robbery_, defined, 54
+
+  _Roman Laws_, relative to Murder, Theft, 41, 51
+
+
+  S.
+
+  _Salaries_, proposed to be increased to the Servants of the Crown,
+  on the abolition of Perquisites, 282
+
+  _Sartine, M. de_, Minister of Police in Paris, two singular
+  Anecdotes of, 525, 526, &c.
+
+  _Saxon Laws_ relative to Murder, 44
+
+  _Schools_ in the Metropolis, 569
+
+  _Scuffle-hunters_, A class of Labourers who hunt after Work when
+  Ships are discharging, chiefly with a view to plunder, 233, 234
+
+  _Sequin_ of Turkey, counterfeited in London, 18, 184, 190
+
+  _Servants_--Corrupted by the temptations of the Metropolis, 12
+    Particularly by the Lottery, 153, 155
+
+  _Sewers_, their origin and great utility, the Acts relative to
+  them, 591
+
+  _Sharpers_, an account of noted Females concerned in different kinds
+  of Frauds, 127, 130
+
+  _Sharpers and Swindlers_, their various devices to defraud the
+  Public, 114, 115
+
+  ---- Ought to find security for their Good Behaviour, 135
+
+  _Ships_, in the River Thames, the Loss and Inconvenience arising
+  from the present mode of discharging, (See _River Plunder_)
+
+  _Silk Manufacturers_ of Spital-Fields, their Address of Thanks for
+  the Establishment of the Police System in 1792, 519, 520, _n._
+
+  _Societies_ in London for Morals, Arts, &c., 570, 571
+
+  _Society_ for the Relief of Persons imprisoned for small Debts, an
+  excellent Institution, 589
+
+  _Sodomy_, the Laws relative to it, and the Punishment, 46
+
+  ---- Introduced into England by the Lombards, _ibid._
+
+  _Soup Charities_, their peculiar excellence in relieving the Poor,
+  81, 82, _n._, 356
+
+  _Southwark_, the Acts relative to its Police, 594
+
+  _Spirituous Liquors_, the astonishing Consumption of, &c., 327, _n._
+
+  _Statutes_, See _Acts of Parliament_.
+
+  _Statute Law_--Necessity of its Revisal, and the steps taken for
+  that purpose, 7, _n._, 32
+
+  _Stolen Goods_, See _Receivers_.
+
+  _Stores_, Government, See _Embezzlement_; _Naval Embezzlements_;
+  _Acts_, 257
+
+  _Streets_ in the Metropolis, estimated at 8000, 411
+
+  _Sugars_, the Plunder of, estimated at £.97,000 a year, lost by the
+  Planters and Merchants, and £.25,000 by the Revenue, 241, _n._
+
+  ---- Annual losses by Samples, £.60,000 and upwards, 235, _n._
+
+  _Suicide_, the effect of Gambling in the Lottery, 144, _n._
+
+  _Summary View_ of the Causes of the Insufficiency of the Police,
+  under nine different heads, 24, 25, 26, 27
+
+  ---- Of Prisoners committed in one year, 429
+
+  _Superstition_ of the Jews, See _Jews_.
+
+  _Swindlers_, See _Sharpers_.
+
+
+  T.
+
+  _Tea Gardens_, Public Evils, 345
+
+  ---- Proposals for regulating them, 347
+
+  _Thames_ (River) See _River Plunder--Marine Police_.
+
+  _Thefts_ (_petty_) Causes and Progress of, Cap. III., 74, & _seq._
+
+  ---- By Persons not belonging to the Fraternity of Thieves,
+  estimated at £.700,000, 10
+
+  ---- From Ships in the River and upon the Wharfs, See _River
+  Plunder_.
+
+  ---- From Dock-yards, Ships of War, &c. See _Dock-yards_.
+
+  ---- Burglaries, Highway Robberies, &c., 93, 94, 103
+
+  _Theft._ First punished with Death by Henry I. 1108, 52
+    The Laws relative to Theft in this and other Nations, 51
+
+  _Thieves._ Professed Thieves not intimidated when put on their
+  Trial; reasons assigned, 424, 425, 426, 449, 450
+    The different classes of persons who resort to thieving and
+      robbing, 95, 96
+    Many Thieves taken off by the War, but many remain behind on
+      account of ruptures and other disabilities, which, however, do
+      not prevent their committing Crimes, 99, 100
+    The means used by them to accomplish their purposes, 100, 105, 291
+
+  _Tokens_, Provincial Coins, respecting which Regulations are
+  proposed, 198
+
+  _Transportation_, when first introduced as a Punishment, 454
+    Offences punishable in this way detailed, 440
+    Expence of the Transportation of Convicts to New South Wales, and
+      their Confinement in the Hulks, 460, 469
+
+  _Travelling Police_, A plan of hinted at, 109, _n._
+
+  _Treason_, The Laws relative to it explained, viz:
+    Of High Treason, 38, 39, 40
+    The great inaccuracy of the Act of Edward III. in blending
+      together Crimes disproportionate in their nature, 39
+    The Laws of China relative to High Treason, 40
+    Petty Treason, how punished, 41
+
+  _Twenty Thousand_ rise every morning in the Metropolis, without
+  knowing how they are to be subsisted through the day, 313, _n._
+
+  _Tyburn Ticket_, A premium given for apprehending and prosecuting
+  Burglars, House-Breakers and Horse-stealers, explained, 391, _n._
+
+
+  U.
+
+  _Useful Cautions_, to Tradesmen and others against the devices of
+  Cheats and Swindlers, and to prevent frauds and Impositions, 124, 131
+
+
+  V.
+
+  _Vagrants and Vagrancy._ A specification of what constitutes this
+  Offence:
+
+  ---- Idle and disorderly persons, how punished, 442, &c.
+
+  ---- Rogues and Vagabonds, 443
+
+  ---- Incorrigible Rogues, _ib._
+
+  _Vessels_, trading to the River Thames, nearly 13,500 in the course
+  of a year, 215-217
+
+  _Volunteers_, See Loyal Military Associations.
+
+
+  W.
+
+  _War_, The means of employing Criminals, 99, 100
+
+  ---- Civil Wars seldom waged from considerations of Virtue or the
+  security of Liberty, 37
+
+  _Watch-houses_ in the Metropolis, 414, _n._
+
+  _Watching_ the Metropolis, the Laws relating thereto, 411, 412
+
+  _Watchmen_ and Patroles to be placed under the control of the
+  Police, 106, 107
+
+  ---- Their miserable Establishment from 8-1/2_d._ to 2_s._ a night,
+  107
+
+  ---- How appointed and paid, 411, 412, 411 [Transcriber's Note: sic],
+  _n._
+
+  ---- Their general unfitness, 412, 413
+
+  ---- The abuses which arise from this source, _ib._
+
+  ---- The number in the Metropolis, 414
+
+  ---- Rewards proposed to excite vigilance, 415, 416
+
+  _Watchmakers_ to be registered, 108
+
+  _Water_ and Waterworks, 595
+
+  _Watermen_ on the Thames, Act 34 Geo. III. regulating their Fares,
+  &c., 596
+
+  _West India Produce_ pilfered in a year, 240, 241, _n._
+
+  _Westminster_, The Acts of Parliament relative to its Police,
+  411, _n._, 412, _n._
+
+  _Women and Children_ of late years regularly frequent the Tap rooms
+  of Public Houses a proof of the Corruption of Morals, 310-314
+
+  _Writs._ An extraordinary Statement of the astonishing expence of
+  small Law-suits, exemplified by an authentic Table of the number of
+  Writs issued in Middlesex in the course of a year, 587
+    The Subject further explained, 585, 588
+
+
+_FINIS._
+
+
+[_Printed by H. Baldwin and Son, New Bridge-street, London._]
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of A Treatise on the Police of the
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+<pre>
+
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of A Treatise on the Police of the Metropolis, by 
+Patrick Colquhoun
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: A Treatise on the Police of the Metropolis
+       Containing a Detail of the Various Crimes and Misdemeanors
+              by which Public and Private Property and Security are, at
+              Present, Injured and Endangered: and Suggesting Remedies
+              for their Prevention
+
+Author: Patrick Colquhoun
+
+Release Date: March 21, 2011 [EBook #35650]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A TREATISE ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Robert Connal, Linda Cantoni, and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This
+file was produced from images generously made available
+by the Bibliothèque nationale de France (BnF/Gallica)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+</pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+<div class="notes">
+<p><i>Transcriber's Note:</i> This book was published in 1800 and contains some
+inconsistent spelling, capitalization, hyphenation, and punctuation
+typical of that era. These have been retained as they appear in the
+original, including the inconsistent use of a period after the pound
+symbol (e.g., £.100 and £100). Inconsistent italicizing of <i>l.</i>, <i>s.</i>,
+and <i>d.</i> has been normalized to italics. Long-s (&#383;) has been normalized to
+s. Printer errors have been resolved with reference to a later and apparently corrected
+printing of the same edition, available at the Internet Archive,
+http://www.archive.org/details/atreatiseonpoli03colqgoog. Unresolved
+printer errors are indicated with red dotted underlining; hover the
+mouse over the underlined text to see a <span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note">Transcriber's Note</span>.
+A <a href="#ERRATA">list</a> of these notes also appears at the end of this e-book.</p>
+</div>
+
+<hr />
+<p class="center"><a href="#CONTENTS"><b>CONTENTS</b></a><br />
+<a href="#INDEX"><b>INDEX</b></a></p>
+
+
+<hr />
+<h1><span class="sm">A</span><br />
+<br />
+<span class="gesperrt">TREATISE</span><br />
+<br />
+<span class="xsm">ON THE</span><br />
+<br />
+POLICE OF THE METROPOLIS;</h1>
+
+
+<h2><span class="sm">CONTAINING A DETAIL OF THE</span><br />
+<br />
+VARIOUS CRIMES <span class="sm">AND</span> MISDEMEANORS<br />
+<br />
+<span class="sm"><i>By which Public and Private Property and Security are, at<br />
+present, injured and endangered:</i></span><br />
+<br />
+<span class="sm">AND</span><br />
+<br />
+<span class="gesperrt">SUGGESTING REMEDIES</span><br />
+<br />
+<span class="sm">FOR THEIR</span><br />
+<br />
+<span class="gesperrt">PREVENTION.</span></h2>
+
+<hr class="long" />
+<h3><span class="smcap">The SIXTH EDITION, Corrected and considerably Enlarged.</span></h3>
+<hr class="long" />
+
+<h2>BY P. COLQUHOUN, LL.D.<br />
+<br />
+<span class="sm"><i>Acting as a Magistrate for the Counties of Middlesex, Surry, Kent,
+and Essex.&mdash;<br />
+For the City and Liberty of Westminster, and for the
+Liberty of the Tower of London.</i></span></h2>
+
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>Meminerint legum conditores, illas ad proximum hunc finem
+accommodare; Scelera videlicet arcenda, refrænandaque vitia
+ac morum pravitatem.</p>
+
+<p>Judices pariter leges illas cum vigore, æquitate,
+integritate, publicæque utilitatis amore curent exequi; ut
+justitia etvirtus omnes societatis ordines pervadant.
+Industriaque simul et Temperantia inertiæ locum assumant et
+prodigalitatis.</p></div>
+
+<hr class="dbl1" />
+<hr class="dbl2" />
+<p class="center"><span class="gesplg"><i>LONDON:</i></span></p>
+
+<p class="center">PRINTED BY H. BALDWIN AND SON, NEW BRIDGE-STREET, BLACKFRIARS;</p>
+
+<p class="center"><b>FOR JOSEPH MAWMAN, IN THE POULTRY,</b></p>
+
+<p class="center"><b>SUCCESSOR TO MR. DILLY.</b></p>
+
+<hr class="short" />
+
+<p class="center">M.DCCC.</p>
+
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<p><span class="lg">TO THE SOVEREIGN,</span></p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Who has graciously condescended to approve of the Author's
+Efforts "To establish a System of Morality and good Order in
+The Metropolis:"</i></p></div>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 2em;"><span class="lg">AND TO HIS PEOPLE;</span></span></p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p><i>In every Part of the British Dominions; whose favourable
+Reception of these Labours, for the Good of their Country,
+has contributed, in a considerable degree, to the Progress
+which has been already made, towards the Adoption of the
+Remedies proposed for the Prevention of Crimes, the Comfort
+of Society, and the Security of the Peaceful Subject:</i></p></div>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 2em;">This Improved and Enlarged Edition of</span></p>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 8em;"><span class="smcap">The Treatise on the Police of the Metropolis,</span></span></p>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 12em;"><i>is humbly</i></span></p>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 14em;"><i>and respectfully</i></span></p>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 18em;"><span class="gesperrt">DEDICATED.</span></span></p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="gesperrt">LONDON,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Jan. 1, 1800.</span><br />
+</p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<h2>ADVERTISEMENT.</h2>
+
+<hr class="dbl1" />
+<hr class="dbl2" />
+
+<p><span class="dropcap">O</span>CCUPIED in a variety of laborious pursuits, which afford little time
+either for study or recreation, the Author once more presents this
+Work to the Public with an unfeigned Diffidence, arising from his
+consciousness, that under such circumstances it must require their
+indulgence. This, he trusts, will be granted when it is considered,
+that his employments are of a nature unfriendly to that critical
+accuracy and precision, the necessity of which is impressed on his
+mind, not less by a sense of his own personal character, than of his
+obligations to the long-experienced candour and liberality of his
+readers.</p>
+
+<p>In the present Edition much new matter has been brought forward, and
+considerable improvements have been attempted by the introduction of
+official facts, and authentic details calculated to elucidate and
+explain the general system first placed by the Author under the review
+of the Public. Their extensive approbation (although his only reward)
+is of a nature which can never be too highly estimated. That
+approbation has not only been confirmed by many of the first and most
+respectable characters in these kingdoms, not less conspicuous for
+talents and abilities than for that genuine patriotism which
+distinguishes the good subject, and the valuable member of Society;
+but also by several Foreigners eminent for learning and virtue.</p>
+
+<p>While we deplore the miserable condition of those numerous delinquents
+who have unfortunately multiplied with the same rapidity that the
+great wealth of the Metropolis has increased: while their errors and
+their crimes are exposed only for the purpose of amendment: while the
+tear of pity is due to their forlorn state, a prospect happily opens
+through the medium of <i>the Report of the</i> <span class="smcap">Select Committee</span> <i>of the</i>
+<span class="smcap">House</span> <i>of</i> <span class="smcap">Commons</span>, for the adoption of those remedies which will
+unquestionably give a seasonable check to immorality and delinquency;
+so as by their prevention not only to protect the rights of innocence,
+but also increase the number of the useful members of the community,
+and render punishments less frequent and necessary.</p>
+
+<p>To witness the ultimate completion of legislative arrangements,
+operating so favourably to the immediate advantage and security of the
+Metropolis, and extending also similar benefits to the country at
+large, will prove to the Author of this Work a very great and genuine
+source of happiness.</p>
+
+<p>To the Public, therefore, in general, and to the Legislature in
+particular, does he look forward with confidence for that singular
+gratification which, by giving effect to his well-meant endeavours for
+the prevention of Crimes, will ultimately crown with success the
+exertions he has used in the course of a very intricate and laborious
+investigation, in which his only object has been the good of his
+country.</p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="msm"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">LONDON,</span></span><br />
+<i>1st January</i>, 1800.<br />
+</p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<h2><span class="gesperrt">PREFACE.</span></h2>
+
+<hr class="dbl1" />
+<hr class="dbl2" />
+
+<p><span class="cap">P</span>OLICE in this Country may be considered as a <i>new Science</i>; the
+properties of which consist not in the Judicial Powers which lead to
+<i>Punishment</i>, and which belong to Magistrates alone; but in the
+<span class="smcap">Prevention</span> and <span class="smcap">Detection of Crimes</span>, and in those other Functions which
+relate to <span class="smcap">internal Regulations</span> for the well ordering and comfort of
+Civil Society.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">The Police of the Metropolis</span>, in every point of view, is a subject of
+great importance to be known and understood; since every innocent and
+useful Member of the Community has a particular interest in the
+correct administration of whatever relates to the Morals of the
+People, and to the protection of the Public against Fraud and
+Depredation.</p>
+
+<p>Under the present circumstances of insecurity, with respect to
+property and even life itself, this is a subject which cannot fail to
+force itself upon the attention of all:&mdash;All are equally concerned in
+the Information which this Work conveys; the chief part of the
+details in which are entirely novel, not to be found in books, and
+never laid before the Public through the medium of the Press, previous
+to the first Publication of this Treatise.</p>
+
+<p>It may naturally be imagined, that such an accumulation of delinquency
+systematically detailed, and placed in so prominent a point of view,
+must excite a considerable degree of astonishment in the minds of
+those Readers who have not been familiar with subjects of this nature;
+and hence a desire may be excited to investigate how far the amazing
+extent of the Depredations upon the Public here related, can be
+reconciled to reason and possibility.</p>
+
+<p>Four years have, however, elapsed, since these details have been
+before the Public, and they still stand on their original ground,
+without any attempt which has come to the Author's knowledge, to
+question the magnitude or the extent of the evil.&mdash;On the contrary,
+new sources of Fraud and Depredation have been brought forward,
+tending greatly to increase the general mass of Delinquency.<a name="FNanchor_1_1" id="FNanchor_1_1"></a><a href="#Footnote_1_1" class="fnanchor">[1]</a></p>
+
+<p>In revising the present Edition, the Author felt a strong impulse to
+reduce his estimates; but after an attentive review of the whole,
+excepting in the instances of the Depredations on Commercial Property,
+(which have been greatly diminished by the establishment of a <i>Marine
+Police</i>, applicable to that particular object,) he was unable to
+perceive any ground for materially altering his original
+calculations.&mdash;If some classes of Theft, Robbery, and Depredation,
+have been reduced, others have been augmented; still leaving the
+aggregate nearly as before.</p>
+
+<p>The causes of these extensive and accumulated wrongs being fully
+explained, and accounted for, in various parts of the Work; a very
+short recapitulation of them is, therefore, all that is necessary in
+this Preface.</p>
+
+<p>The enlarged state of Society, the vast extent of moving property, and
+the unexampled wealth of the Metropolis, joined to the depraved habits
+and loose conduct of a great proportion of the lower classes of the
+people; and above all, the want of an appropriate Police applicable to
+the object of prevention, will, after a careful perusal of this work,
+reconcile the attentive mind to a belief of the actual existence of
+evils which could not otherwise have been credited.&mdash;Let it be
+remembered also, that this Metropolis is unquestionably not only the
+greatest Manufacturing and Commercial City in the world, but also the
+general receptacle for the idle and depraved of almost every country;
+particularly from every quarter of the dominions of the Crown&mdash;Where
+the temptations and resources for criminal pleasures&mdash;Gambling, Fraud
+and Depredation almost exceed imagination; since besides being the
+seat of Government it is the centre of <i>fashion, amusements,
+dissipation and folly</i>.</p>
+
+<p>Under such peculiar circumstances, while immorality, licentiousness
+and crimes are known to advance in proportion to the excessive
+accumulation of wealth, it cannot fail to be a matter of deep regret,
+that in the progressive increase of the latter the means of checking
+the rapid strides of the former have not been sooner discovered and
+effectually applied.</p>
+
+<p>It is, however, earnestly to be hoped that it is not yet too
+late.&mdash;Patriots and Philanthropists who love their country, and glory
+in its prosperity, will rejoice with the Author in the prospect, that
+the great leading features of improvement suggested and matured in the
+present Edition of this Work will ultimately receive the sanction of
+the Legislature.</p>
+
+<p>May the Author be allowed to express his conviction that the former
+Editions of this book tended in no small degree, to remove various
+misconceptions on the subject of Police: and at the same time
+evidently excited in the public mind a desire to see such remedies
+applied as should contribute to the improvement of the Morals of the
+People, and to the removal of the danger and insecurity which were
+universally felt to exist?</p>
+
+<p>An impression it is to be hoped is generally felt from the example of
+the Roman Government, when enveloped in riches and luxury, that
+National prosperity must be of short duration when public Morals are
+too long neglected, and no effectual measures adopted for the purpose
+either of checking the alarming growth of depravity, or of guarding
+the rising generation against evil examples.</p>
+
+<p>It is by the general influence of good Laws, aided by the regulations
+of an energetic Police, that the blessings of true Liberty, and the
+undisturbed enjoyment of Property are secured.</p>
+
+<p>The sole object of the Author in pointing out the accumulated wrongs
+which have tended in so great a degree to abridge this Liberty, is to
+pave the way for the adoption of those practical remedies which he
+has suggested, in conformity with the spirit of the Laws, and the
+Constitution of the Country, for the purpose of bettering the state of
+Society, and improving the condition of human life.</p>
+
+<p>If in the accomplishment of this object the Morals of the People shall
+undergo a favourable change, and that species of comfort and security
+be extended to the inhabitants of this great Metropolis, which has not
+heretofore been experienced, while many evils are prevented, which in
+their consequences threaten to be productive of the most serious
+mischief, the Author of this Work will feel himself amply rewarded in
+the benefits which the System he has proposed shall be found to confer
+upon the Capital of the British Dominions, and on the Nation at
+large.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<p class="center"><i>Preparing for the Press, by the Author of this Work.</i></p>
+
+<hr class="short" />
+
+<p class="center">A TREATISE</p>
+
+<p class="center"><span class="sm">ON</span></p>
+
+<p class="center"><i>THE COMMERCE AND POLICE</i></p>
+
+<p class="center"><span class="sm">OF</span></p>
+
+<p class="center"><span class="gesperrt">THE RIVER THAMES:</span></p>
+
+<p class="center"><span class="sm">CONTAINING</span></p>
+
+<p class="center"><span class="sm">AN HISTORICAL VIEW OF</span></p>
+
+<p class="center"><i>THE TRADE OF THE PORT OF LONDON;</i></p>
+
+<p class="center"><span class="sm">THE DEPREDATIONS COMMITTED<br />
+ON ALL PROPERTY IMPORTED AND EXPORTED THERE;<br />
+THE REMEDIES HITHERTO APPLIED;<br />
+AND THE MEANS OF FUTURE PREVENTION,<br />
+BY A COMPLETE SYSTEM OF</span></p>
+
+<p class="center"><span class="gesperrt"><i>RIVER-POLICE;</i></span></p>
+
+<hr class="short" />
+
+<p class="center"><span class="sm">WITH AN ACCOUNT OF</span></p>
+
+<p class="center"><i>THE FUNCTIONS OF THE VARIOUS MAGISTRATES AND OTHERS</i></p>
+
+<p class="center"><span class="sm">EXERCISING OR CLAIMING JURISDICTION ON THE RIVER;</span></p>
+
+<p class="center"><span class="sm">AND OF THE</span></p>
+
+<p class="center"><i>PENAL STATUTES AGAINST MARITIME OFFENCES</i></p>
+
+<p class="center"><span class="sm">OF EVERY DESCRIPTION.</span></p>
+
+<hr class="short" />
+
+<p class="center">[<i>The above will be published in the course of the Spring, by</i><br />
+<span class="smcap">Jos. Mawman</span>, <i>in the Poultry.</i>]</p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_i" id="Page_i">-i-</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CONTENTS" id="CONTENTS"></a><span class="gesperrt"><i>CONTENTS.</i></span></h2>
+
+<hr class="dbl1" />
+<hr class="dbl2" />
+
+<p class="center"><a href="#CHAPTER_I"><span class="lg"><span class="gesperrt">CHAP.</span> I.</span></a></p>
+
+<p class="center">GENERAL VIEW OF EXISTING EVILS.</p>
+
+<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="contents">
+<tr>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="right"><span class="sm">PAGE</span></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td style="width: 85%"><i>Ineffective System of Criminal Jurisprudence.&mdash;Facility
+of eluding Justice.&mdash;Severity and inequality
+of Punishments.&mdash;Necessity of revising
+our Penal Code.&mdash;Certain dangerous Offences
+not punishable.&mdash;Receivers of Stolen Property.&mdash;Extent
+of Plunder in the Metropolis, &amp;c.&mdash;Proposed Restrictions
+on Receivers.&mdash;Coiners
+and Utterers of Base Money; the extent of
+their crimes.&mdash;Defects in the mode of prosecuting
+Offenders.&mdash;Pardons.&mdash;Periodical Discharges
+of Prisoners.&mdash;Summary of the causes
+of the present inefficacy of the Police, under
+nine different heads.</i></td>
+<td class="vabr"><a href="#Page_1">1</a></td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+
+<p class="center"><a href="#CHAP_II"><span class="lg"><span class="gesperrt">CHAP.</span> II.</span></a></p>
+
+<p class="center">ON THE SYSTEM OF PUNISHMENTS:<br />
+THEORETICALLY CONSIDERED.</p>
+
+<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="contents">
+<tr>
+<td style="width: 85%"><i>The mode of ascertaining the Degrees of Punishment.&mdash;The
+object to be considered in inflicting
+Punishments&mdash;Amendment, Example, and Retribution.&mdash;In
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_ii" id="Page_ii">-ii-</a></span>order to render Criminal
+Laws perfect, prevention ought to be the
+great object of the Legislature.&mdash;General Rules
+suggested for attaining this object.&mdash;Reflections
+on the Punishments authorised by the English
+Laws, and their disproportion.&mdash;The necessity
+of enforcing the observance of religious and
+moral Virtue.&mdash;The leading Offences made
+Capital by the Laws of England considered,
+with the Punishments allotted to each; compared
+with, and illustrated by, the Custom of
+other Countries; with Reflections.&mdash;The Code
+of the Emperor</i> <span class="smcap">Joseph</span> <i>the Second, shortly
+detailed.&mdash;Reflections thereon.</i></td>
+<td class="vabr"><span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: should be p. 28"><a href="#Page_28">29</a></span></td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+
+<p class="centertp"><a href="#CHAP_III"><span class="lg"><span class="gesperrt">CHAP.</span> III.</span></a></p>
+
+<p class="center">THE CAUSE AND PROGRESS OF SMALL THEFTS.</p>
+
+<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="contents">
+<tr>
+<td style="width: 85%"><i>The numerous Receivers of Stolen Goods, under
+the denomination of Dealers in Rags, Old Iron,
+and other Metals.&mdash;The great Increase of
+these Dealers of late years.&mdash;Their evil tendency,
+and the absolute necessity of restraining
+them by Law.&mdash;Petty Thefts in the Country
+round the Metropolis.&mdash;Workhouses the causes
+of Idleness.&mdash;Commons.&mdash;Cottagers.&mdash;Gypsies.&mdash;Labourers
+and Servants.&mdash;Thefts in Fields
+and Gardens.&mdash;Frauds in the Sale and Adulteration
+of Milk.</i></td>
+<td class="vabr"><a href="#Page_74">74</a></td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_iii" id="Page_iii">-iii-</a></span></p>
+
+
+<p class="centertp"><a href="#CHAP_IV"><span class="lg"><span class="gesperrt">CHAP.</span> IV.</span></a></p>
+
+<p class="center">ON BURGLARIES AND HIGHWAY ROBBERIES.</p>
+
+<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="contents">
+<tr>
+<td style="width: 85%"><i>These Crimes more peculiar to England than to
+Holland and Flanders, &amp;c.&mdash;A General View
+of the various classes of Criminals engaged in
+these pursuits, and with those discharged from
+Prisons and the Hulks, without the means of
+support.&mdash;The necessity of some antidote previous
+to the return of Peace.&mdash;Observations on
+the stealing Cattle, Sheep, Corn, &amp;c.&mdash;Receivers
+of Stolen Goods, the nourishers of every
+description of Thieves.&mdash;Remedies suggested, by
+means of detection and prevention.</i></td>
+<td class="vabr"><a href="#Page_93">93</a></td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+
+<p class="centertp"><a href="#CHAP_V"><span class="lg"><span class="gesperrt">CHAP.</span> V.</span></a></p>
+
+<p class="center">ON CHEATS AND SWINDLERS.</p>
+
+<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="contents">
+<tr>
+<td style="width: 85%"><i>A considerable check already given to the higher
+class of Forgeries, by shutting out all hopes of
+Royal Mercy.&mdash;Petty Forgeries have, however,
+encreased.&mdash;The qualifications of a Cheat,
+Swindler and Gambler.&mdash;The Common and
+Statute Law applicable to Offences of this
+nature, explained.&mdash;Eighteen different classes
+of Cheats and Swindlers, and the various tricks
+and devices they pursue.&mdash;Remedies proposed.</i></td>
+<td class="vabr"><a href="#Page_110">110</a></td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_iv" id="Page_iv">-iv-</a></span></p>
+
+
+<p class="centertp"><a href="#CHAP_VI"><span class="lg"><span class="gesperrt">CHAP.</span> VI.</span></a></p>
+
+<p class="center">ON GAMING AND THE LOTTERY.</p>
+
+<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="contents">
+<tr>
+<td style="width: 85%"><i>The great anxiety of the Legislature to suppress
+these Evils, which are however encouraged by
+high sounding names, whose houses are opened
+for purposes odious and unlawful.&mdash;The civil
+Magistrate called upon to suppress such mischiefs.&mdash;The
+danger arising from such Seminaries.&mdash;The
+evil tendency of such examples to
+Servants and others.&mdash;A particular statement
+of the proceedings of a confederacy of Persons
+who have set up Gaming-Houses as regular
+Partnership-Concerns, and of the Evils resulting
+therefrom.&mdash;Of Lottery Insurers of the
+higher class.&mdash;Of Lottery Offices opened for
+Insurance.&mdash;Proposed Remedies.&mdash;Three Plans
+for drawing the Lottery so as to prevent all
+Insurance.</i></td>
+<td class="vabr"><a href="#Page_133">133</a></td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+
+<p class="centertp"><a href="#CHAP_VII"><span class="lg"><span class="gesperrt">CHAP.</span> VII.</span></a></p>
+
+<p class="center">ON THE COINAGE OF COUNTERFEIT MONEY.</p>
+
+<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="contents">
+<tr>
+<td style="width: 85%"><i>The Causes of the enormous increase of this Evil
+of late years.&mdash;The different kinds of false coin
+detailed.&mdash;The process in fabricating each
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_v" id="Page_v">-v-</a></span>Species.&mdash;The immense profits arising therefrom.&mdash;The
+extensive Trade in sending base Coin to
+the Country.&mdash;Its universal circulation in the
+Metropolis.&mdash;The great grievance arising from
+it to Brewers, Distillers, Grocers, and all Retail
+Dealers, as well as to the Labouring Poor.&mdash;Counterfeit
+Foreign Money extremely productive
+to the Dealers.&mdash;A summary View of the Causes
+of the Mischief.&mdash;The Defects in the present
+Laws explained:&mdash;And a Detail of the Remedies
+proposed to be provided by the Legislature.</i></td>
+<td class="vabr"><a href="#Page_171">171</a></td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+
+<p class="centertp"><a href="#CHAP_VIII"><span class="lg"><span class="gesperrt">CHAP.</span> VIII.</span></a></p>
+
+<p class="center">ON RIVER PLUNDER.</p>
+
+<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="contents">
+<tr>
+<td style="width: 85%"><i>The magnitude of the Plunder of Merchandize
+and Naval Stores on the River Thames.&mdash;The
+wonderful extent and value of the Floating Property,
+laden and unladen, in the Port of London
+in the course of a year.&mdash;The modes heretofore
+pursued in committing depredations through
+the medium of various classes of Criminals, denominated
+River Pirates:&mdash;Night Plunderers:&mdash;Light
+Horsemen:&mdash;Heavy Horsemen:&mdash;Game
+Watermen:&mdash;Game Lightermen:&mdash;Mudlarks:&mdash;Game
+Officers of the Revenue:&mdash;And
+Copemen, or Receivers of Stolen Property.&mdash;The
+effects of the Marine Police Institution in
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_vi" id="Page_vi">-vi-</a></span>checking these Depredations.&mdash;The advantages
+which have already resulted to Trade and the
+Revenue from this system partially tried.&mdash;The
+further benefits to be expected from Legislative
+Regulations, extending the System to the whole
+Trade of the River.</i></td>
+<td class="vabr"><a href="#Page_213">213</a></td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+
+<p class="centertp"><a href="#CHAP_IX"><span class="lg"><span class="gesperrt">CHAP.</span> IX.</span></a></p>
+
+<p class="center">ON PLUNDER IN THE DOCK-YARDS, &amp;C.</p>
+
+<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="contents">
+<tr>
+<td style="width: 85%"><i>Reflections on the causes of this Evil.&mdash;Summary
+view of the means employed in its perpetration.&mdash;Estimate
+of the Public Property exposed to
+Hazard.&mdash;A Statement of the Laws at present
+in force for its protection:&mdash;Proofs adduced of
+their deficiency.&mdash;Remedies proposed and detailed,
+viz:&mdash;1st. A Central Board of Police.&mdash;2d.
+A Local Police for the Dock-yards.&mdash;3d.
+Legislative Regulations in aid thereof.&mdash;4th.
+Regulations respecting the sale of Old
+Stores.&mdash;5th. The Abolition of the Perquisite
+of Chips.&mdash;6th. The Abolition of Fees and
+Perquisites, and liberal Salaries in lieu thereof.&mdash;7th.
+An improved Mode of keeping Accounts.&mdash;8th.
+An annual Inventory of Stores
+in hand.&mdash;Concluding Observations.</i></td>
+<td class="vabr"><a href="#Page_249">249</a></td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_vii" id="Page_vii">-vii-</a></span></p>
+
+
+<p class="centertp"><a href="#CHAP_X"><span class="lg"><span class="gesperrt">CHAP.</span> X.</span></a></p>
+
+<p class="center">ON THE RECEIVERS OF STOLEN GOODS.</p>
+
+<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="contents">
+<tr>
+<td style="width: 85%"><i>Receivers more mischievous than Thieves.&mdash;The
+increase of their number to be attributed to the
+imperfection of the Laws, and to the disjointed
+state of the Police of the Metropolis.&mdash;Thieves
+in many instances, settle with Receivers before
+they commit Robberies&mdash;Receivers always benefit
+more than Thieves:&mdash;Their profit immense:&mdash;They
+are divided into two Classes:&mdash;The
+immediate Receivers connected with Thieves,
+and those who keep shops and purchase from
+Pilferers in the way of Trade:&mdash;The latter
+are extremely numerous.&mdash;The Laws are insufficient
+effectually to reach either class.&mdash;The
+existing statutes against Receivers examined
+and briefly detailed, with Observations thereon.&mdash;Amendments
+and Improvements suggested
+with means to ensure their due execution.</i></td>
+<td class="vabr"><a href="#Page_288">288</a></td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+
+<p class="centertp"><a href="#CHAP_XI"><span class="lg"><span class="gesperrt">CHAP.</span> XI.</span></a></p>
+
+<p class="center">ON THE ORIGIN OF CRIMINAL OFFENCES.</p>
+
+<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="contents">
+<tr>
+<td style="width: 85%"><i>The increase of Crimes imputed to deficient
+Laws and an ill-regulated Police:&mdash;To the
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_viii" id="Page_viii">-viii-</a></span>habits of the Lower Orders in feeding their
+families in Alehouses:&mdash;To the bad Education
+of Apprentices:&mdash;To the want of Industry:&mdash;To
+idle and profligate menial Servants
+out of Place:&mdash;To the Lower Orders of the
+Jews, of the Dutch and German Synagogues;
+To the depraved Morals of aquatic Labourers:&mdash;To
+the Dealers in Old Metals, Furniture,
+Clothes, &amp;c.&mdash;To disreputable Pawnbrokers:&mdash;And finally,
+to ill-regulated Public Houses.&mdash;Concluding
+Reflections.</i></td>
+<td class="vabr"><a href="#Page_310">310</a></td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+
+<p class="centertp"><a href="#CHAP_XII"><span class="lg"><span class="gesperrt">CHAP.</span> XII.</span></a></p>
+
+<p class="center">THE ORIGIN OF CRIMES CONTINUED:<br />
+FEMALE PROSTITUTION.</p>
+
+<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="contents">
+<tr>
+<td style="width: 85%"><i>The pitiable condition of the unhappy Females,
+who support themselves by Prostitution:&mdash;The
+progress from Innocence to Profligacy.&mdash;The
+morals of Youth corrupted by the multitude of
+Prostitutes in the streets.&mdash;The impossibility
+of preventing the existence of Prostitution in a
+great Metropolis.&mdash;The Propriety of lessening
+the Evil, by stripping it of its Indecency and
+much of its immoral tendency.&mdash;The advantages
+of the measure in reducing the mass of Turpitude.&mdash;Reasons
+offered why the interests of
+Morality and Religion will thus be promoted.&mdash;The
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_ix" id="Page_ix">-ix-</a></span>example of Holland, Italy, and the East-Indies
+quoted.&mdash;Strictures on the offensive
+manners of the Company who frequent Public
+Tea Gardens:&mdash;These places under a proper
+Police might be rendered beneficial to the
+State.&mdash;Ballad-Singers&mdash;Immoral Books and
+Songs&mdash;Necessity of Responsibility for the execution
+of the Laws attaching somewhere.</i></td>
+<td class="vabr"><span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: should be p. 333"><a href="#Page_333">334</a></span></td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+
+<p class="centertp"><a href="#CHAP_XIII"><span class="lg"><span class="gesperrt">CHAP.</span> XIII.</span></a></p>
+
+<p class="center">THE ORIGIN OF CRIMES CONTINUED:<br />
+STATE OF THE POOR.</p>
+
+<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="contents">
+<tr>
+<td style="width: 85%"><i>The System with respect to the Casual Poor
+erroneous.&mdash;The effect of Indigence on the
+Offspring of the Sufferers.&mdash;Estimate of the
+private and public Benevolence amounting to
+850,000l. a year.&mdash;The deplorable state of
+the Lower Ranks, attributed to the present
+System of the Poor Laws.&mdash;An Institution to
+inquire into the cause of Mendicity in the Metropolis
+explained.&mdash;A new System of Relief
+proposed with respect to Casual Poor, and
+Vagrants in the Metropolis.&mdash;The distinction
+between Poverty and Indigence.&mdash;The Poor
+divided into five classes, with suggestions applicable
+to each.&mdash;The evil Examples in Work-Houses.&mdash;The
+stat. of 43 Eliz. considered.&mdash;The
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_x" id="Page_x">-x-</a></span>defective system of Execution exposed.&mdash;A
+Public Institution recommended in the nature
+of a Pauper Police, under the direction of three
+Commissioners:&mdash;Their Functions.&mdash;A proposition
+for raising a fund of 5230l. from the
+Parishes for the support of the Institution,
+and to relieve them from the Casual Poor.&mdash;Reasons
+why the experiment should be tried.&mdash;Assistance
+which might be obtained from Gentlemen
+who have considered this subject fully.</i></td>
+<td class="vabr"><a href="#Page_351">351</a></td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+
+<p class="centertp"><a href="#CHAP_XIV"><span class="lg"><span class="gesperrt">CHAP.</span> XIV.</span></a></p>
+
+<p class="center">ON THE DETECTION OF OFFENDERS.</p>
+
+<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="contents">
+<tr>
+<td style="width: 85%"><i>The present state of the Police on this subject explained.&mdash;The
+necessity of having recourse to
+known Receivers.&mdash;The great utility of Officers
+of Justice.&mdash;The advantages of rendering
+them respectable in the opinion of the Public.&mdash;Their
+powers by the common and statute Law.&mdash;Rewards
+granted to Officers in certain cases
+of Conviction.&mdash;The Statutes quoted, applicable
+to such rewards.&mdash;The utility of parochial
+Constables, under a well-organized Police.&mdash;A
+Fund for this purpose might arise from the
+reduction of the expences of the Police, by the
+diminution of Crimes.&mdash;The necessity of a competent
+Fund.&mdash;A new System for prevention
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_xi" id="Page_xi">-xi-</a></span>and detection of Crimes proposed.&mdash;The functions
+of the different classes of Officers.&mdash;Salaries
+necessary to all.&mdash;Improvements in the
+system of Rewards suggested.&mdash;1040 Peace-Officers
+in the Metropolis and its vicinity, of
+whom only 90 are stipendiary Constables.&mdash;Defects
+and abuses in the system of the Watch explained.&mdash;A
+general Plan of Superintendance
+suggested.&mdash;A view of the Magistracy of the
+Metropolis.&mdash;The inconvenience of the present
+System.</i></td>
+<td class="vabr"><a href="#Page_381">381</a></td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+
+<p class="centertp"><a href="#CHAP_XV"><span class="lg"><span class="gesperrt">CHAP.</span> XV.</span></a></p>
+
+<p class="center">ON THE PROSECUTION OF OFFENDERS.</p>
+
+<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="contents">
+<tr>
+<td style="width: 85%"><i>The prevailing Practice when Offenders are
+brought before Magistrates.&mdash;The duty of Magistrates
+in such cases.&mdash;Professed Thieves seldom
+intimidated when put upon their Trial,
+from the many chances they have of escaping.&mdash;These
+Chances shortly detailed.&mdash;Reflections on
+false Humanity towards Prisoners.&mdash;The delays
+and expences of Prosecutions a great discouragement
+to Prosecutors.&mdash;An account of the different
+Courts of Justice, for the trial of Offences
+committed in the Metropolis.&mdash;Five inferior
+and two superior Courts.&mdash;A statement of
+Prisoners convicted and discharged in one year.&mdash;Reflections
+thereon.&mdash;The advantage which
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_xii" id="Page_xii">-xii-</a></span>would arise from the appointment of a Public
+Prosecutor, in remedying Abuses in the Trial
+of Offenders.&mdash;From 2500 to 3000 Persons
+committed for trial, by Magistrates, in the
+course of a year.&mdash;The chief part afterwards
+returned upon Society.</i></td>
+<td class="vabr"><span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: should be p. 421"><a href="#Page_421">422</a></span></td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+
+<p class="centertp"><a href="#CHAP_XVI"><span class="lg"><span class="gesperrt">CHAP.</span> XVI.</span></a></p>
+
+<p class="center">ON THE SYSTEM OF PUNISHMENTS:<br />
+CONSIDERED PRACTICALLY.</p>
+
+<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="contents">
+<tr>
+<td style="width: 85%"><i>The mode authorised by the Ancient Laws.&mdash;The
+period when Transportation commenced.&mdash;The
+principal Crimes enumerated which are punishable
+with Death.&mdash;Those punishable by Transportation
+and Imprisonment.&mdash;Number of Persons
+tried compared with those discharged.&mdash;The
+system of Pardons examined; and Regulations
+suggested.&mdash;An historical Account of
+the rise and progress of Transportation.&mdash;The
+system of the Hulks; and the Laws as to provincial
+and national Penitentiary Houses.&mdash;Number
+of the Convicts confined in the Hulks
+for twenty-two years.&mdash;The enormous expence
+of maintenance and inadequate produce of their
+Labour.&mdash;The impolicy of the System.&mdash;The
+system of Transportation to New South Wales
+examined, and Improvements suggested.&mdash;Erection
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_xiii" id="Page_xiii">-xiii-</a></span>of National Penitentiary Houses recommended.&mdash;The
+National Penitentiary House
+(according to the Proposal of</i> Jeremy Bentham,
+<i>Esq.) considered:&mdash;Its peculiar advantages
+with respect to Health, productive Labour,
+and Reformation of Convicts.&mdash;General Reflections
+on the means of rendering Imprisonment
+useful.</i></td>
+<td class="vabr"><span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: should be p. 434"><a href="#Page_434">435</a></span></td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+
+<p class="centertp"><a href="#CHAP_XVII"><span class="lg"><span class="gesperrt">CHAP.</span> XVII.</span></a></p>
+
+<p class="center">CRIMINAL POLICE OF THE METROPOLIS.</p>
+
+<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="contents">
+<tr>
+<td style="width: 85%"><i>The Police of the Metropolis examined, and its
+Organization explained.&mdash;The utility of the
+system, established in 1792 examined and explained.&mdash;Its
+great deficiency from the want of
+Funds to reward Officers for the detection and
+punishment of Offenders.&mdash;Suggestions relative
+to stipendiary Justices, and the benefits likely to
+result from their exertions in assisting the City
+Magistrates.&mdash;The vast labour and weight of
+duty attached to the chief Magistrate and
+Aldermen in London.&mdash;The benefits to result
+from Established Police Magistrates exemplified
+by the System already adopted under the
+Act of 1792.&mdash;The advantages which would
+arise from the various remedies proposed in the
+course of this Work, only of a partial nature,
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_xiv" id="Page_xiv">-xiv-</a></span>for want of a centre-point and superintending
+Establishment.&mdash;The ideas of Foreigners on
+the Police of the Metropolis.&mdash;Observations on
+the Old Police of Paris, elucidated by Anecdotes
+of the Emperor</i> <span class="smcap">Joseph II.</span> <i>and Mons. de</i>
+Sartine.&mdash;<i>A Central Board of Commissioners
+for managing the Police, peculiarly necessary
+on the return of Peace.&mdash;This measure recommended
+by the Finance Committee.</i></td>
+<td class="vabr"><a href="#Page_501">501</a></td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+
+<p class="centertp"><a href="#CHAP_XVIII"><span class="lg"><span class="gesperrt">CHAP.</span> XVIII.</span></a></p>
+
+<p class="center">PROPOSED SYSTEM OF CRIMINAL POLICE.</p>
+
+<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="contents">
+<tr>
+<td style="width: 85%"><i>A Proposition to consolidate the two Boards of
+Hawkers and Pedlars, and Hackney Coaches,
+into a Board of Police Revenue.&mdash;The whole
+Revenue of Police from Fees, Penalties, and
+Licence Duties, to make a common Fund.&mdash;Accounts
+to be audited.&mdash;Magistrates to distribute
+small Rewards.&mdash;A power to the Board
+to make Bye Laws.&mdash;A concurrent Jurisdiction
+recommended.&mdash;The Penitentiary House for
+reforming Convicts.&mdash;Measures proposed after
+the Board is established&mdash;namely, A Public
+Prosecutor for the Crown:&mdash;A Register of
+Lodging Houses&mdash;The Establishment of a
+Police Gazette&mdash;Two leading Objects: the
+prevention of Crimes; and raising a Revenue
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_xv" id="Page_xv">-xv-</a></span>for Police purposes.&mdash;The enumeration of the
+Dealers, who are proposed to be licenced.&mdash;A
+general View of the annual Expence of the
+present and proposed Police System.&mdash;Suggestions
+respecting a chain of connections with
+Magistrates in the Country.&mdash;The Functions of
+the proposed Central Board of Police.&mdash;Specification
+of the Trades to be regulated and
+licenced.&mdash;The advantages likely to result from
+the adoption of the Plan.</i></td>
+<td class="vabr"><span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: should be p. 535"><a href="#Page_535">536</a></span></td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+
+<p class="centertp"><a href="#CHAP_XIX"><span class="lg"><span class="gesperrt">CHAP.</span> XIX.</span></a></p>
+
+<p class="center">MUNICIPAL POLICE OF THE METROPOLIS.</p>
+
+<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="contents">
+<tr>
+<td style="width: 85%"><i>Extent and Opulence of the City of London, its
+Streets, Lanes, Allies, Courts and Squares estimated
+at 8000.&mdash;Churches, &amp;c. 400.&mdash;Seminaries
+for Education 4000.&mdash;The various Institutions
+and Societies for Learning, for the
+fine Arts, and for charitable and humane Purposes.&mdash;The
+Courts of Law.&mdash;The Prisons&mdash;Suggestions
+as to improving the System of Imprisonment
+for Debt, particularly as relates to
+Small Debts: and as to dividing the judicial
+and ministerial Labours among more Officers.&mdash;The
+internal or municipal Regulations established
+in the Metropolis by several Statutes;
+respecting Paving&mdash;Watching&mdash;Sewers&mdash;Hackney
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_xvi" id="Page_xvi">-xvi-</a></span>Coaches&mdash;Carts&mdash;Watermen&mdash;and
+Buildings.&mdash;Necessity of rendering these Laws
+uniform and coextensive, so as to consolidate the
+System of Municipal Police.&mdash;Expence calculated
+at 1,000,000l. a year.&mdash;Suggestions for
+reducing it.&mdash;The present Epoch calls for Improvements.</i></td>
+<td class="vabr"><span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: should be p. 565"><a href="#Page_565">567</a></span></td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+
+<p class="centertp"><a href="#CHAP_XX"><span class="lg"><span class="gesperrt">CHAP.</span> XX.</span></a></p>
+
+<p class="center">CONCLUSION.</p>
+
+<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="contents">
+<tr>
+<td style="width: 85%"><i>A summary View of the Evils detailed in the
+preceding Chapters.&mdash;Arguments in favour of
+a more energetic Police as the only means of
+remedying these Evils.&mdash;A general View of the
+estimated Depredations annually in the Metropolis
+and its Vicinity; amounting in all to Two
+Millions sterling.&mdash;A View of the Remedies
+proposed&mdash;1st. With respect to the Corruption
+of Morals.&mdash;2d. The means of preventing
+Crimes in general.&mdash;3d. Offences committed on
+the River Thames.&mdash;4th. Offences in the Public
+Arsenals and Ships of War.&mdash;5th. Counterfeiting
+Money and fabricating Bank Notes.&mdash;6th.
+Punishments.&mdash;7th. Further advantages
+of an improved System of Police.&mdash;Concluding
+Reflections.</i></td>
+<td class="vabr"><a href="#Page_602">602</a></td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_1" id="Page_1">-1-</a></span></p>
+<h2><span class="sm">A</span><br />
+<br />
+<span class="gesperrt">TREATISE</span>, &amp;c.</h2>
+
+<hr class="dbl1" />
+<hr class="dbl2" />
+
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_I" id="CHAPTER_I"></a>CHAPTER I.</h2>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p><i>A general view of the Evils existing in the Metropolis, and
+the causes from which they arise.&mdash;Necessity of a
+well-regulated Police.&mdash;Ineffective system of Criminal
+Jurisprudence.&mdash;Facility of eluding Justice. Severity and
+inequality of Punishments.&mdash;Necessity of revising our Penal
+Code.&mdash;Certain dangerous Offences not punishable.&mdash;Receivers
+of stolen property.&mdash;Extent of plunder in the Metropolis,
+&amp;c.&mdash;Proposed restrictions on Receivers.&mdash;Coiners and
+Utterers of Counterfeit Money; the extent of their
+crimes.&mdash;Defects in the mode of prosecuting
+Offenders.&mdash;Pardons.&mdash;Periodical discharges of
+Prisoners.&mdash;Summary of the causes of the present inefficacy
+of the Police, under nine different heads.</i></p></div>
+
+<hr class="dbl1" />
+<hr class="dbl2" />
+
+<p><span class="cap">N</span>EXT to the blessings which a Nation derives from an excellent
+Constitution and System of general Laws, are those advantages which
+result from a well-regulated and energetic plan of Police, conducted
+and enforced with purity, activity, vigilance, and discretion.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_2" id="Page_2">-2-</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Upon this depends, in so great a degree, the comfort, the happiness,
+and the true liberty and security of the People, that too much labour
+and attention cannot possibly be bestowed in rendering complete the
+domestic administration of Justice in all cases of criminal
+delinquency.</p>
+
+<p>That much remains to be done in this respect no person will deny; all
+ranks must bear testimony to the dangers which both life and property
+are at present subjected to by the number of criminal people, who,
+from various causes (which it is the object of the Writer of these
+pages to explain), are suffered with impunity to repeat acts of
+licentiousness and mischief, and to commit depredations upon
+individuals and the Public.</p>
+
+<p>In vain do we boast of those liberties which are our birthright, if
+the vilest and most depraved part of the Community are suffered to
+deprive us of the privilege of travelling upon the highways, or of
+approaching the Capital in any direction after dark, without risk of
+being assaulted, and robbed; and perhaps wounded or murdered.</p>
+
+<p>In vain may we boast of the security which our Laws afford us, if we
+cannot lie down to rest in our habitations, without the dread of a
+burglary being committed, our property invaded, and our lives exposed
+to imminent danger before the approach of morning.</p>
+
+<p>Imperfect must be either the plan or the execution, or both, of our
+Criminal Code, if crimes are found<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3">-3-</a></span> to increase; if the moral
+principle ceases to be a check upon a vast proportion of the lower
+ranks of the People; and if small thefts are known to prevail in such
+a degree, as to affect almost all ranks of the Community who have any
+property to lose, as often as opportunities occur, whereby pilfering
+in a little way can be effected without detection.</p>
+
+<p>If, in addition to this, the peace of Society can, on every specious
+pretence, be disturbed by the licentious clamours or turbulent
+effusions arising from the ill-regulated passions of vulgar life,
+surely it becomes an interesting inquiry, worthy the attention of
+every intelligent member of the Community, <i>from what source spring
+these numerous inconveniences; and where is a remedy to be found for
+so many accumulated evils</i>?</p>
+
+<p>In developing the causes which have produced that want of security,
+which it is believed prevails in no other civilised country in so
+great a degree as in England, it will be necessary to examine how far
+the System of Criminal Jurisprudence has been, hitherto, applicable to
+the prevention of crimes.</p>
+
+<p>If we look back to the measures pursued by our ancestors two centuries
+ago, and before that period, we shall find that many wholesome laws
+were made with a view to prevention, and to secure the good behaviour
+of persons likely to commit offences. Since that æra in our history, a
+different plan has been pursued. Few regulations have been established
+to restrain vice, or to render difficult the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4">-4-</a></span> commission of crimes;
+while the Statute Books have been filled with numerous Laws, in many
+instances doubtfully expressed, and whose leading feature has
+generally been severe punishment. These circumstances, aided by the
+false mercy of Juries in cases of slight offences, have tended to let
+loose upon Society a body of criminal individuals, who under a better
+Police&mdash;an improved system of Legislation, and milder
+punishments,&mdash;might, after a correction in Penitentiary Houses, or
+employment in out-door labour, under proper restraints, have been
+restored to Society as useful members.</p>
+
+<p>As the Laws are at present administered, it is a melancholy truth not
+to be contradicted, that the major part of the criminals who infest
+this Metropolis, although committed by magistrates for trial on very
+satisfactory proof, are returned upon the Public in vast numbers year
+after year; encouraged to renew their former practices, by the
+facility they experience in evading justice.</p>
+
+<p>But this is not all:&mdash;The adroit Thief and Receiver, availing
+themselves of their pecuniary resources, often escape, from their
+knowledge of the tricks and devices which are practised, through the
+medium of disreputable practitioners of the Law; while the novices in
+delinquency generally suffer the punishment attached to conviction.
+If, as is the case in some other countries, evidence were allowed to
+be received of the general character of persons, put upon their trial
+for offences, and the means by which they obtain their<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">-5-</a></span> subsistence,
+so as to distinguish the old reputed Thief and Receiver from the
+novice in crimes, the minds of Jurymen would be often enlightened, to
+the furtherance of substantial justice; and a humane and proper
+distinction might be made between the young pupil of depravity, and
+the finished villain; as well in the measure of punishment, as in the
+distribution of mercy.</p>
+
+<p>The severity of the punishment, which at present attaches to crimes
+regarded by mankind as of an inferior nature, and which affect
+property in a trivial manner, is also deserving the most serious
+attention. It is only necessary to be acquainted with the modern
+history of the <i>criminal prosecutions, trials, acquittals, and pardons
+in this country</i>, in order to be completely convinced that the
+progressive increase of delinquents, and the evils experienced by
+Society from the multitude of petty crimes, result in a great measure
+from this single circumstance.</p>
+
+<p>It will scarcely be credited by those, whose habits of life do not
+permit them to enter into discussions of this sort, that by the Laws
+of England, there are above <i>one hundred and sixty</i> different offences
+which subject the parties who are found guilty, to death without
+benefit of Clergy. This multiplicity of capital punishments must, in
+the nature of things, defeat those ends, the attainment of which ought
+to be the object of all Law, namely, <i>The Prevention of Crimes</i>.</p>
+
+<p>In consequence of this severity, (to use the words of an admired
+Writer,) "The injured, through<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">-6-</a></span> compassion, will often forbear to
+prosecute: Juries, through compassion, will sometimes forget their
+oaths, and either acquit the guilty or mitigate the nature of the
+offence: and Judges, through compassion, will respite one half the
+convicts, and recommend them to Royal Mercy."<a name="FNanchor_2_2" id="FNanchor_2_2"></a><a href="#Footnote_2_2" class="fnanchor">[2]</a></p>
+
+<p>The Roman Empire never flourished so much as during the æra of the
+Portian Law, which abrogated the punishment of death for all offences
+whatsoever. When severe punishments and an incorrect Police were
+afterwards revived, the Empire fell.</p>
+
+<p>It is not meant, however, to be insinuated that this would be,
+altogether, a proper system of Criminal Jurisprudence to be adopted in
+modern times.</p>
+
+<p>In the present state of society it becomes indispensably necessary,
+that offences, which in their nature are highly injurious to the
+Public, and where no mode of prevention can be established, should be
+punished by the forfeiture of life; but these dreadful examples should
+be exhibited as seldom as possible: for while on the one hand, such
+punishments often defeat the ends of Justice, by their not being
+carried into execution; so on the other, by being often repeated, they
+lose their effect upon the minds of the People.<a name="FNanchor_3_3" id="FNanchor_3_3"></a><a href="#Footnote_3_3" class="fnanchor">[3]</a></p>
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">-7-</a></span></p>
+<p>However much we glory (and we ought to glory) in the general
+excellence of our Criminal Law, yet there is no truth more clear and
+obvious than this:&mdash;"That this code exhibits too much the appearance
+of a heterogeneous mass, concocted too often on the spur of the
+occasion (as Lord Bacon expresses it):&mdash;and frequently without that
+degree of accuracy which is the result of able and minute discussion,
+or a due attention to the revision of the existing laws; or how far
+their provisions bear upon new and accumulated statutes introduced
+into Parliament; often without either consideration or knowledge, and
+without those precautions which are always necessary, when laws are to
+be made which may affect the property, the liberty, and perhaps even
+the lives of thousands."</p>
+
+<p>Some steps have indeed, been taken in Parliament, since this work
+first appeared, towards a general revision of our Statute Law;<a name="FNanchor_4_4" id="FNanchor_4_4"></a><a href="#Footnote_4_4" class="fnanchor">[4]</a> and
+which, it is hoped, will ere long be adopted. Whenever the time shall
+arrive that the existing laws, which form the present Criminal Code,
+shall be referred to able and intelligent men<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">-8-</a></span> effectually to revise,
+consolidate, and adjust the whole, in a manner best suited to the
+present state of Society and Manners, the investigation will
+unquestionably excite no little wonder and astonishment.</p>
+
+<p>Penal laws, which are either obsolete or absurd, or which have arisen
+from an adherence to rules of Common Law when the reasons have ceased
+upon which these rules are founded; and in short, all Laws which
+appear not to be consonant to the dictates of truth and justice, the
+feelings of Humanity, and the indelible rights of Mankind should be
+abrogated and repealed.<a name="FNanchor_5_5" id="FNanchor_5_5"></a><a href="#Footnote_5_5" class="fnanchor">[5]</a></p>
+
+<p>But the deficiency of the Criminal Code does not arise solely from an
+erroneous and undigested scale of penalties and punishments. While on
+the one hand, we have to lament the number of these applicable to
+certain offences of a slight nature; we have equally to regret, that
+there exist crimes of considerable enormity, for the punishment of
+which the Law has made no provision.</p>
+
+<p>Among the most prominent of these crimes, may be ranked the receiving
+<i>Cash or Specie, Bank-Notes</i> or <i>Bills, knowing them to be stolen</i>.</p>
+
+<p>To this very high offence, in its nature so productive of mischief in
+a Commercial Country, no punishment at all attaches; inasmuch as
+<i>Specie, Notes and Bills</i>, are not considered for this purpose<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">-9-</a></span> to be
+<i>Goods and Chattels</i>; and the law only makes it a crime to receive
+property so described.</p>
+
+<p>If therefore a notorious Receiver of stolen goods shall be convicted
+of purchasing a glass bottle or a pewter pot, he is liable to be
+punished severely; but if he receives ten or twenty thousand pounds in
+<i>Cash</i>, <i>Bank Notes</i>, or <i>Bills</i>, he escapes with impunity!<a name="FNanchor_6_6" id="FNanchor_6_6"></a><a href="#Footnote_6_6" class="fnanchor">[6]</a></p>
+
+<p>Innumerable almost are the other instances which could be collected
+from Reporters of Criminal Cases, shewing the deficiency of the
+Criminal Code; and in how many instances substantial justice is
+defeated, and public wrongs are suffered to go unpunished, through the
+objections and quibbles constantly raised in Courts of Justice; and
+which are allowed to prevail, principally, for want of that revision
+of our laws and those amendments which the present state of Society
+and Commerce requires.</p>
+
+<p>One of the chief nurseries of Crimes is to be traced to the Receivers
+of Stolen Property.</p>
+
+<p>Without that easy encouragement which these Receivers hold out, by
+administering immediately to the wants of criminals, and concealing
+what they purloin, a Thief, a Robber, or a Burglar, could not in fact,
+carry on his trade.</p>
+
+<p>And yet, conclusive and obvious, as this remark must be, it is a
+sorrowful truth, that in the Metropolis alone there are at present
+supposed to be<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">-10-</a></span> upwards of Three Thousand Receivers of various kinds
+of stolen Goods; and an equal proportion all over the Country, who
+keep open shop for the purpose of purchasing at an under-price&mdash;often
+for a mere trifle,&mdash;every kind of property brought to them; from a
+nail, or a glass bottle, up to the most valuable article either new or
+old; and this without asking a single question.</p>
+
+<p>It is supposed that the property, purloined and pilfered in a little
+way, from almost every family, and from every <i>house, stable, shop,
+warehouse, workshop, foundery, and other repository</i>, in and about the
+Metropolis, may amount to about £.700,000 in one year, exclusive of
+depredations on ships in the River Thames, which, before the
+establishment of the Marine Police System in June 1798, were estimated
+at half a million more, including the stores and materials!&mdash;When to
+this is also added the Pillage of his Majesty's stores, in ships of
+war, Dock-yards, and other public repositories, the aggregate will be
+found in point of extent, almost to exceed credibility!</p>
+
+<p>It is a melancholy reflection to consider how many individuals, young
+and old, who are not of the class or description of common or even
+repeated thieves, are implicated in this system of depredation; who
+would probably have remained honest and industrious, had it not been
+for the easy mode of raising money, which these numerous Receivers of
+stolen goods hold out in every bye-street and lane<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">-11-</a></span> in the Metropolis:
+In their houses, although a beggarly appearance of old iron, old rags,
+or second-hand clothes, is only exhibited, the back apartments are
+often filled with the most valuable articles of ship-stores,
+copper-bolts and nails, brass and other valuable metals, West-India
+produce, household goods and wearing apparel; purchased from
+artificers, labourers in the docks, lumpers, and others employed on
+the River Thames, menial servants, apprentices, journeymen, porters,
+chimney-sweepers, itinerant Jews, and others; who, thus encouraged and
+protected, go on with impunity, and without the least dread of
+detection, from the easiness of access, which their various
+employments give them, plundering every article not likely to be
+missed, in the houses or stables of men of property; or in the shops,
+ware-houses, founderies, or work-shops of manufacturers; or from new
+buildings; from ships in the river; nay even from his Majesty's
+stores, and other repositories, so that in some instances, the same
+articles are said to be sold to the Public Boards three or four times
+over.</p>
+
+<p>Thus the moral principle is totally destroyed among a vast body of the
+lower ranks of the People; for wherever prodigality, dissipation, or
+gaming, whether in the Lottery or otherwise, occasions a want of
+money, every opportunity is sought to purloin public or private
+property; recourse is then had to all those tricks and devices, by
+which even children are enticed to steal before they know that it is a
+crime; and to raise money at the pawnbrokers, or the old<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">-12-</a></span> iron or rag
+shops, to supply the unlawful desires of profligate parents.</p>
+
+<p>Hence also, Servants, Apprentices, Journeymen, and in short all
+classes of labourers and domestics, are led astray by the temptations
+to spend money, which occur in this Metropolis; and by the facility
+afforded through the numerous Receivers of stolen Goods, who
+administer to their pecuniary wants, on every occasion, when they can
+furnish them with any article of their ill-gotten plunder.</p>
+
+<p>The necessity of adopting some effectual regulations respecting the
+numerous class of Dealers in old metal, stores, and wearing apparel,
+is too obvious to require illustration; and the progressive
+accumulation of these pests of Society is proved, by their having
+increased, from about 300 to 3000, in the course of the last twenty
+years, in the Metropolis alone!</p>
+
+<p>Similar regulations should also be extended to all the more latent
+Receivers, who do not keep open shop; but secretly support the
+professed Robbers and Burglars, by purchasing their plunder the moment
+it is acquired: of which latter class there are some who are said to
+be extremely opulent.</p>
+
+<p>It would by no means be difficult to form such a plan of Police as
+should establish many useful restrictions, for the purpose of checking
+and embarrassing these criminal people; so as to render it extremely
+difficult, if not impracticable for them, in many instances, to carry
+on their business without the greatest hazard of detection.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">-13-</a></span></p>
+
+<p>But laws for this purpose must not be placed upon the Statute-Book as
+a kind of dead letter, only to be brought into action when accident
+may lead to the detection, perhaps of one in a thousand. If the evil
+is to be cured at all, it must be by the promotion and encouragement
+of an active principle, under proper superintendance, calculated to
+prevent every class of dealers, who are known to live partly or wholly
+by fraud, from pursuing those illegal practices; which nothing but a
+watchful Police, aided by a correct system of restraints, can possibly
+effect.</p>
+
+<p>Nor ought it to be argued, that the restraints, which may hereafter be
+proposed, will affect the liberty of the Subject. They will assist and
+protect the honest and fair dealer; and it is perfectly consistent
+with the spirit of our ancient laws, to restrain persons from doing
+evil, who are likely to commit offences; the restrictions can affect
+only a very few, comparatively speaking; and those too whose criminal
+conduct has been the principal, if not the sole cause, of abridging
+the general liberty; while it subjected the great mass of the people
+to the risk of their life and property.</p>
+
+<p>Whenever Dealers, of any description, are known to encourage or to
+support crimes, or criminal or fraudulent persons, it becomes the
+indispensable interest of the State, and the duty of the Legislators
+to prevent them from pursuing, at least, the mischievous part of their
+trade; and that provisions<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">-14-</a></span> should be made for carrying the laws
+strictly and regularly into execution.</p>
+
+<p>While restraints of a much severer nature than those which are
+hereafter proposed, attach to all trades upon which a revenue is
+collected; can it be considered as any infringement of freedom, to
+extend a milder system to those who not only destroy liberty but
+invade property?</p>
+
+<p>The present state of Society and Manners calls aloud for the adoption
+of this principle of regulation, as the only practicable means of
+preserving the morals of a vast body of the Community; and of
+preventing those numerous and increasing crimes and misdemeanors,
+which are ultimately attended with as much evil to the perpetrators as
+to the sufferers.</p>
+
+<p>If such a principle were once established, under circumstances which
+would insure a correct and regular execution; and if, added to this,
+certain other practicable arrangements should take place, (which will
+be discussed in their regular order in these pages,) we might soon
+congratulate ourselves on the immediate and obvious reduction of the
+number of Thieves, Robbers, Burglars, and other criminals in this
+Metropolis, being no longer able to exist, or to escape detection.
+Without the aid, the concealment, and the opportunities, afforded at
+present by the multitude of Receivers spread all over the Capital,
+they would be compelled to abandon their evil pursuits, as no less
+unprofitable and hazardous, than they are destructive to the best
+interests of Society.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">-15-</a></span></p>
+
+<p>This indeed is very different from what is said to have once prevailed
+in the Capital, when criminals were permitted to proceed from the
+first stage of depravity until they were worth forty pounds.&mdash;This is
+not the System which subjected the Public to the intermediate
+depredations of every villain from his first starting, till he could
+be clearly convicted of a capital offence.&mdash;Neither is it the System
+which encouraged public houses of rendezvous for Thieves, for the
+purpose of knowing where to apprehend them, when they became ripe for
+the punishment of death.</p>
+
+<p>The System now suggested, is calculated to prevent, if possible, the
+seeds of villainy from being sown; or, if sown, to check their growth
+in the bud, and never permit them to ripen at all.</p>
+
+<p>It is proposed to extend this system of prevention to the Coiners,
+Dealers, and Utterers of base Money; and to every species of theft,
+robbery, fraud, and depredation.</p>
+
+<p>The vast increase, and the extensive circulation of counterfeit Money,
+particularly of late years, is too obvious not to have attracted the
+notice of all ranks. It has become an enormous evil in the melancholy
+catalogue of Crimes which the Laws of the Country are called upon to
+assist the Police in suppressing.&mdash;Its extent almost exceeds
+credibility; and the dexterity and ingenuity of these counterfeiters
+have, (after considerable practice,) enabled them to finish the
+different kinds of base Money in so masterly a manner, that it has
+become extremely difficult for<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">-16-</a></span> the common observer to distinguish
+their spurious manufacture from the worn-out Silver of the Mint.&mdash;So
+systematic, indeed, has this nefarious traffic become of late, that
+the great dealers, who, in most instances are the employers of the
+Coiners, execute orders for the Town and Country, with the same
+regularity as manufacturers in fair branches of trade.</p>
+
+<p>Scarcely a waggon or coach departs from the Metropolis, which does not
+carry boxes and parcels of base Coin to the camps, sea-ports, and
+manufacturing towns. In London, regular markets, in various public and
+private houses, are held by the principal Dealers; where <i>Hawkers,
+Pedlars, fraudulent Horse-Dealers, Unlicensed Lottery-Office-Keepers,
+Gamblers at Fairs, Itinerant Jews, Irish Labourers, Servants of
+Toll-Gatherers, and Hackney-Coach Owners, fraudulent Publicans,
+Market-Women, Rabbit-Sellers, Fish-Cryers, Barrow-Women</i>, and many who
+would not be suspected, are regularly supplied with counterfeit Copper
+and Silver, with the advantage of nearly £.100 <i>per cent.</i> in their
+favour; and thus it happens, that through these various channels, the
+country is deluged with immense quantities of base Money, which get
+into circulation; while an evident diminution of the Mint Coinage is
+apparent to every common observer.</p>
+
+<p>It is impossible to reflect on the necessity to which all persons are
+thus reduced, of receiving and again uttering, Money which is known to
+be false and counterfeit, without lamenting, that by thus
+fami<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">-17-</a></span>liarizing the mind to fraud and deception, the same laxity of
+conduct may be introduced into other transactions of life:&mdash;The
+barrier being broken down in one part, the principle of common honesty
+is infringed upon, and infinite mischief to the very best interests of
+Society, is the result, in cases at first unthought of.</p>
+
+<p>To permit, therefore, the existence of an adulterated, and
+ill-regulated Silver and Copper Coinage, is in fact to tolerate
+general fraud and deception, to the ultimate loss of many individuals;
+for the evil must terminate at some period, and then thousands must
+suffer; with this aggravation, that the longer it continues the
+greater will be the loss of property.</p>
+
+<p>Nor has the mischief been confined to the counterfeiting the Coin of
+the Realm. The avarice and ingenuity of man is constantly finding out
+new sources of fraud; insomuch, that in London, and in Birmingham, and
+its neighbourhood, Louis d'Ors, Half Johannas, French Half Crowns and
+Shillings, as well as several coins of Flanders and Germany, and
+Dollars of excellent workmanship, in exact imitation of the Spanish
+Dollars issued from the Bank, in 1797, have been from time to time
+counterfeited apparently without suspicion, that under the act of the
+14th of Elizabeth, (cap. 3,) the offenders were guilty of misprision
+of High Treason.</p>
+
+<p>These ingenious miscreants have also extended their iniquitous
+manufacture to the coins of India; and a Coinage of the Star Pagoda of
+Arcot was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">-18-</a></span> established in London for years by one person.&mdash;These
+counterfeits, being made wholly of blanched copper, tempered in such a
+manner as to exhibit, when stamped, the cracks in the edges, which are
+always to be found on the real Pagoda, cost the maker only Three
+Half-pence each, after being double gilt.&mdash;When finished, they are
+generally sold to Jews at Five Shillings a dozen, who disposed of them
+afterwards at 2<i>s.</i> 3<i>s.</i> or even 5<i>s.</i> each; and through this medium,
+they have been introduced by a variety of channels into India, where
+they were mixed with the real Pagodas of the country, and passed at
+their full denominated value of Eight Shillings sterling.</p>
+
+<p>The Sequins of Turkey, another Gold Coin, worth about five or six
+shillings, have in like manner been counterfeited in London;&mdash;Thus the
+national character is wounded, and the disgrace of the British name
+proclaimed in Asia, and even in the most distant regions of India. Nor
+can it be sufficiently lamented that persons who consider themselves
+as ranking in superior stations of life, with some pretensions to
+honour and integrity, have suffered their avarice so far to get the
+better of their honesty, as to be concerned in this iniquitous
+traffic.</p>
+
+<p>It has been recently discovered that there are at least 120 persons in
+the Metropolis and the Country, employed principally in coining and
+selling base Money; and this, independent of the numerous horde<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">-19-</a></span> of
+Utterers, who chiefly support themselves by passing it at its full
+value.</p>
+
+<p>It will scarcely be credited, that of Criminals of this latter class
+who have either been detected, prosecuted, or convicted, within the
+last seven years, there stand upon the Register of the Solicitor to
+the Mint, more than 650 names!&mdash;And yet the mischief is not
+diminished. When the Reader is informed, that two persons can finish
+from £.200 to £.300 (nominal value,) in base silver in <i>six days</i>; and
+that three people, within the same period, will stamp the like amount
+in Copper, and takes into the calculation the number of known Coiners,
+the aggregate amount in the course of a year will be found to be
+immense.</p>
+
+<p>The causes of this enormous evil are, however, easily developed.&mdash;The
+principal laws relative to Counterfeit Coin having been made a Century
+ago, the tricks and devices of modern times are not sufficiently
+provided against;<a name="FNanchor_7_7" id="FNanchor_7_7"></a><a href="#Footnote_7_7" class="fnanchor">[7]</a> when it is considered also, that the offence of
+dealing in base Money, (which is the main spring of the evil,) is only
+punishable by a slight imprisonment; that several offences of a
+similar nature are not punishable at all, by any existing statute; and
+that the detection of actual Coiners, so as to obtain the proof
+necessary for conviction, required by Law, is, in many in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">-20-</a></span>stances,
+impracticable; it is not to be wondered at, where the profit is so
+immense, with so many chances of escaping punishment, that the coinage
+of, and traffic in, counterfeit Money has attracted the attention of
+so many unprincipled and avaricious persons.</p>
+
+<p>Having thus stated many prominent abuses which appear to arise from
+the imperfections in our Criminal Code, as well as the benefits which
+an improved system would extend to the country; it now remains to
+elucidate the further evils arising to Society, from the abuses
+practised in carrying the existing statutes into execution.&mdash;As the
+laws now stand, little or no energy enters into the system of
+detection, so as to give vigor and effect to that branch of Police
+which relates to the apprehension of persons charged with offences;
+and no sooner does a Magistrate commit a hacknied Thief or Receiver of
+stolen Goods, a Coiner, or Dealer in base Money, or a Criminal charged
+with any other fraud or offence punishable by law, than recourse is
+immediately had to some disreputable Attorney, whose mind is made up
+and prepared to practise every trick and device which can defeat the
+ends of substantial justice. Depraved persons, frequently accomplices,
+are hired to swear an <i>alibi</i>; witnesses are cajoled, threatened, or
+bribed either to mutilate their evidence, or to speak doubtfully on
+the trial, although they swore positively before the committing
+Magistrate.</p>
+
+<p>If bribes and persuasions will not do, the prosecu<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">-21-</a></span>tors are either
+intimidated by the expence,<a name="FNanchor_8_8" id="FNanchor_8_8"></a><a href="#Footnote_8_8" class="fnanchor">[8]</a> or softened down by appeals to their
+humanity; and under such circumstances, they neither employ counsel
+nor take the necessary steps to bring forward evidence: the result is,
+that the Bill is either returned <i>ignoramus</i> by the Grand Jury; or, if
+a trial takes place, under all the disadvantages of a deficient
+evidence, without a counsel for the prosecution, an advocate is heard
+for the prisoner, availing himself of every trifling inaccuracy which
+may screen his client from the punishment of the Law, the hardened
+villain is acquitted and escapes justice: while, as we before noticed,
+the novice in crimes, unskilled in the deficiencies of the Law, and
+unable, from the want of criminal connections, or that support which
+the professed thief receives from the Buyers of stolen goods, to
+procure the aid of counsel to defend him, <i>is often convicted</i>!</p>
+
+<p>The Registers of the Old Bailey afford a lamentable proof of the evils
+arising from the present mode of trying criminals without a public
+Prosecutor for the Crown.&mdash;In the course of seven years, previous to
+the Police Establishment, no less than 4262 prisoners, who had been
+actually put upon their trial by the Grand Jury, were let loose upon
+the Public by acquittals.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">-22-</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Since that period no material diminution has taken place, except what
+may be easily accounted for by the war; and when to this dreadful
+Catalogue of Human Depravity, is to be added, the vast number of
+criminals who are periodically discharged from the different gaols by
+proclamation, and of cheats, swindlers, gamblers, and others, who have
+never yet been discovered or known, we may state with certainty that
+there are at this time <i>many thousand</i> individuals, male and female,
+prowling about in this Metropolis, who principally support themselves
+by various depredations on the Public.</p>
+
+<p>Nor does the evil rest here; for even convicted felons, in too many
+instances, find means to escape without punishment; and to join that
+phalanx of villains, who are constantly engaged in objects of
+depredation and mischief.</p>
+
+<p>No sooner does the punishment of the law attach on a criminal, than
+false humanity becomes his friend. Pardons are applied for; and it is
+known that his Majesty's great goodness and love of mercy has been
+frequently abused by the tricks, devices, and frauds, too commonly
+resorted to, by convicts and agents equally depraved as themselves;
+who while they have recourse to every species of falsehood and
+forgery, for the purpose of attaining the object in view, at the same
+time plunder the friends and relatives of the prisoner, of their last
+guinea, as the wages of villainy and misrepresentation.</p>
+
+<p>By such nefarious practices, it is much to be<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">-23-</a></span> feared, that many a
+hardened villain has eluded the punishment of the Law, without any
+previous reference to the committing Magistrates, who may be supposed
+to have accurately examined into his character and connections; and
+what is still worse, without extending to the Community those benefits
+which might arise from important discoveries useful to Public Justice;
+such as convicted felons are always capable of making, and which, in
+conjunction with transportation, it should seem, ought to be one
+indispensable condition, upon which pardons should be granted to
+capital convicts.</p>
+
+<p>Instead of these precautions which appear to be absolutely requisite,
+it is to be lamented, that without reflecting that a common thief can
+seldom be restrained by military discipline, many of the worst class
+of convicts have received his Majesty's gracious pardon, on the simple
+condition of going into the Army or Navy: This has been no sooner
+granted, than the Royal Mercy has been abused, either by desertion, or
+by obtaining a discharge, in consequence of some real or pretended
+incapacity, which was previously concealed. Relieved in so easy a
+manner, from the heavy load of a capital punishment, the culprits
+return again to their old practices; and by this means, punishment not
+only ceases to operate as a prevention of crimes, by example, but
+becomes even an encouragement; while the labour of detection, and the
+expence of trial and conviction, are<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">-24-</a></span> fruitlessly thrown on an injured
+individual, and their effect is wholly lost to the Public.</p>
+
+<p>In addition to the enormous evil arising from the periodical discharge
+of so many criminals by proclamations, acquittals, and pardons; <i>the</i>
+<span class="smcap">Hulks</span> also send forth, at stated times, a certain number of convicts;
+who having <i>no asylum</i>, <i>no home</i>, <i>no character</i>, and <i>no means of
+subsistence</i>, seem to have only the alternative of starving, or
+joining their companions in iniquity; thus adding strength to the body
+of criminals, by the accession of men, who, polluted and depraved by
+every human vice, rendered familiar to their minds in those seminaries
+of profligacy and wickedness from whence they have come, employ
+themselves constantly in planning and executing acts of violence, and
+depredation upon the Public; and some of them, rendered desperate from
+an additional degree of depravity, feel no compunction in adding the
+crimes of murder to that of robbery, as has been too clearly
+manifested by many late instances.</p>
+
+<p>From what has been thus stated, is it not fair to conclude, that the
+want of security which the Public experiences with regard to life and
+property, and the inefficacy of the Police in preventing crimes, are
+to be attributed principally to the following causes?</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>1. <i>The imperfections in the Criminal Code; and in many
+instances, its deficiency, with respect to the mode of
+punishment; as well as to the want of many other<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">-25-</a></span>
+regulations, provisions, and restraints, applicable to the
+present of Society, for the purpose of preventing crimes.</i></p>
+
+<p>2. <i>The want of an active principle, calculated to
+concentrate and connect the whole Police of the Metropolis
+and the Nation; and to reduce the general management to
+system and method, by the interposition of a superintending
+agency, composed of able, intelligent, and indefatigable men,
+acting under the direction and controul of his Majesty's
+Principal Secretary of State for the Home Department.&mdash;On
+these persons, it is proposed, should devolve the subordinate
+care and direction of the general Police of the Metropolis;
+so as to obtain, by the introduction of order and
+arrangement, and by efforts of labour and exertion, a
+complete History of the connections, and pursuits of all or
+most of the criminal and fraudulent persons who resort to the
+Metropolis; (either natives or foreigners;) forming, from
+such materials, a Register of all known offenders, and
+thereby establishing a clue for their detection, as often as
+they are charged with committing depredations on the
+Public&mdash;with power to reward Officers of Justice, and all
+other persons whose services are found to be useful in the
+discovery or detection of delinquents of every
+description.&mdash;To keep an Account of property stolen, or
+procured by swindling or fraudulent transactions in the
+Metropolis, as well as in other parts of Great-Britain:&mdash;To
+establish a Correspondence with the Magistrates in Town and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">-26-</a></span>
+Country, so as to be able more effectually to watch the
+motions of all suspected persons; with a view to quick and
+immediate detection; and to interpose such embarrassments in
+the way of every class of offenders, as may diminish crimes
+by increasing the risk of detection: All this, under
+circumstances where a</i> centre-point would be formed, <i>and the
+general affairs of the Police conducted with method and
+regularity:&mdash;where Magistrates would find assistance and
+information; where the greater offences, such as the</i> Coinage
+of base Money, <i>and</i> Lottery Insurances, <i>would be traced to
+their source; the care and disposal of convicts, according to
+their different sentences, be minutely attended to; and the
+whole System conducted with that intelligence and benefit to
+the Country, which must arise from the attention of men of
+business being directed solely to these objects, distinct
+from all other affairs of State; and their exertions being
+confined principally to the preservation of the morals of the
+People, and the prevention of crimes.</i></p>
+
+<p>3. <i>The want of an Institution of Police Magistrates in the
+Dock Yards, and in all great Commercial and Manufacturing
+Towns, where there are no Corporations or Funds for the
+administration of Public Justice.</i></p>
+
+<p>4. <i>The want of a Public Prosecutor for the Crown, in all
+criminal cases, for the purpose of preventing fraud, delay
+and expence in the administration of Justice.</i><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">-27-</a></span></p>
+
+<p>5. <i>The want of a more correct and regular System, for the
+purpose of obtaining the fullest and most authentic
+information, to avoid deceptions in the obtaining of
+pardons.</i></p>
+
+<p>6. <i>The deficiency of the System of the</i> Hulks.</p>
+
+<p>7. <i>The want of an improved System with regard to the
+arrangements and disposal of Convicts&mdash;destined for hard
+labour or for transportation.</i></p>
+
+<p>8. <i>The want of national</i> Penitentiary Houses, <i>for the
+punishment and reformation of certain classes of Convicts.</i></p>
+
+<p>9. <i>The want of a more solemn mode of conducting Executions;
+whenever such dreadful examples are necessary for the
+furtherance of Public Justice.</i></p></div>
+
+<p>Having thus explained the general features of the actually existing
+<i>Crimes</i>, and their probable causes, we shall in the next place
+proceed to some considerations on the present principles of
+<i>Punishment</i> in this Country, as compared with those in other Nations
+and ages. It will then be requisite to enter into particular and
+minute details on both these subjects; and to offer some suggestions
+for the introduction of new and applicable laws to be administered
+with purity under a correct and energetic System of Police; which may
+be, in some degree, effectual in guarding the Public against those
+increasing and multifarious injuries and dangers, which are
+universally felt and lamented.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">-28-</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAP_II" id="CHAP_II"></a><span class="gesperrt">CHAP.</span> II.</h2>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Of Punishments in general.&mdash;The mode of ascertaining the
+degrees of Punishment.&mdash;The objects to be considered in
+inflicting Punishments&mdash;namely, Amendment&mdash;Example&mdash;and
+Retribution.&mdash;The Punishment of Death has little effect on
+hardened Offenders.&mdash;Examples of convicts exhibited in
+servile employments would make a greater
+impression.&mdash;Towards the rendering criminal laws perfect,
+Prevention ought to be the great object of the
+Legislature.&mdash;General Rules suggested for attaining this
+object, with illustrations.&mdash;The severity of our laws with
+respect to Punishments&mdash;not reconcileable to the principles
+of morality, and a free government&mdash;calculated in their
+operation to debase the human character.&mdash;General
+Reflections on the Punishments authorised by the English
+Law.&mdash;The disproportion of Punishments, exemplified in the
+case of an assault, opposed to a larceny.&mdash;In seduction and
+adultery, which are not punishable as criminal
+offences.&mdash;The laws severe in the extreme in political
+offences, while they are lax and defective with regard to
+moral Crimes.&mdash;The necessity of enforcing the observance of
+religious and moral Virtue by lesser Punishments.&mdash;General
+Reflections applicable to public and private Crimes.&mdash;The
+dangers arising from the progress of immorality to the
+safety of the State.&mdash;The leading offences made capital by
+the laws of England<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">-29-</a></span> considered, with the Punishment
+allotted to each; compared with, and illustrated by, the
+custom of other countries, in similar cases, both ancient
+and modern: namely, High Treason&mdash;Petit Treason:&mdash;Felonies
+against Life, viz. Murder, Manslaughter, Misadventure, and
+Self-defence:&mdash;against the Body, comprehending Sodomy, Rape,
+Forcible Marriage, Polygamy, and Mayhem.&mdash;Against Goods or
+Property, comprehending Simple Larceny, Mixt Larceny, and
+Piracy,&mdash;and against the Habitation, comprehending Arson and
+Burglary.&mdash;Concluding Reflections relative to the severity
+of the Laws, and their imperfections with regard to
+Punishment&mdash;The new Code of the</i> Emperor <span class="smcap">Joseph</span> the Second,
+<i>shortly detailed.&mdash;Reflections thereon.</i></p></div>
+
+<hr class="dbl1" />
+<hr class="dbl2" />
+
+<p><span class="cap">P</span>UNISHMENT, (says a learned and respectable author) <i>is an evil which
+a delinquent suffers, unwillingly, by the order of a Judge or
+Magistrate; on account of some act done which the Law prohibits, or
+something omitted which the Law enjoins.</i></p>
+
+<p>All Punishment should be proportioned to the nature of the offence
+committed; and the Legislature, in adjusting Punishment with a view to
+the public good, ought, according to the dictates of sound reason, to
+act on a comparison of the Crime under consideration, with other
+offences injurious to Society: and thus by comparing one offence with
+an<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">-30-</a></span>other, to form a scale, or gradation, of Punishments, as nearly as
+possible consistent with the strict rules of distributive justice.<a name="FNanchor_9_9" id="FNanchor_9_9"></a><a href="#Footnote_9_9" class="fnanchor">[9]</a></p>
+
+<p>It is the triumph of Liberty, says the great Montesquieu, when the
+criminal laws proportion punishments to the particular nature of each
+offence.&mdash;It may be further added, that when this is the case, it is
+also the triumph of Reason.</p>
+
+<p>In order to ascertain in what degree the Public is injured or
+endangered by any crime, it is necessary to weigh well and
+dispassionately the nature of the offence, as it affects the
+Community.&mdash;It is through this medium, that Treason and Rebellion are
+discovered to be higher and more dangerous offences than breaches of
+the peace by riotous assemblies; as such riotous meetings are in like
+manner considered as more criminal than a private assault.</p>
+
+<p>In punishing delinquents, two objects ought to be invariably kept in
+view.&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p>1. The Amendment of the Delinquent.</p>
+
+<p>2. The Example afforded to others.</p>
+</div>
+
+<p><i>To which may be added, in certain cases</i>,</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p>3. Retribution to the party injured.</p>
+</div>
+
+<p>If we attend to Reason, the <i>Mistress of all Law</i>, she will convince
+us that it is both unjust and injurious to Society to inflict Death,
+except for the highest offences, and in cases where the offender
+appears to be incorrigible.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">-31-</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Wherever the amendment of a delinquent is in view, it is clear that
+his punishment cannot extend to death: If expiating an offence by the
+loss of life is to be (as it certainly is at present) justified by the
+necessity of making examples for the purpose of preventing crimes, it
+is evident that the present System has not had that effect, since they
+are by no means diminished; and since even the dread of this
+Punishment, has, under present circumstances, so little effect upon
+guilty associates, that it is no uncommon thing for these hardened
+offenders to be engaged in new acts of theft, at the very moment their
+companions in iniquity are launching in their very presence into
+eternity.</p>
+
+<p>The minds of offenders, long inured to the practice of criminal
+pursuits, are by no means beneficially affected by the punishment of
+Death, which they are taught to consider as nothing but a momentary
+paroxysm which ends all their distress at once; nay even as a relief,
+which many of them, grown desperate, look upon with a species of
+indifference, bordering on a desire to meet that fate, which puts an
+end to the various distresses and anxieties attendant on a life of
+criminality.</p>
+
+<p>The effect of capital punishments, in the manner they are now
+conducted, therefore, as relates to example, appears to be much less
+than has been generally imagined.</p>
+
+<p>Examples would probably have much greater force, even on those who at
+present appear dead to shame<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">-32-</a></span> and the stigma of infamy, were convicts
+exhibited day after day, to their companions, occupied in mean and
+servile employments in Penitentiary Houses, or on the highways,
+canals, mines, or public works.&mdash;It is in this way only that there is
+the least chance of making retribution to the parties whom they have
+injured; or of reimbursing the State, for the unavoidable expence
+which their evil pursuits have occasioned.</p>
+
+<p>Towards accomplishing the desirable object of perfection in a criminal
+code, every wise Legislature will have it in contemplation rather to
+prevent than to punish crimes; that in the chastisement given, the
+delinquent may be restored to Society as an useful member.</p>
+
+<p>This purpose may possibly be best effected by the adoption of the
+following general rules.</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>1. That the Statute-Laws should accurately explain the
+enormity of the offence forbidden: and that its provisions
+should be clear and explicit, resulting from a perfect
+knowledge of the subject; so that, justice may not be
+defeated in the execution.</p>
+
+<p>2. That the Punishments should be proportioned and adapted,
+as nearly as possible, to the different degrees of offences;
+with a proper attention also to the various shades of
+enormity which may attach to certain crimes.</p>
+
+<p>3. That persons prosecuting, or compelled so to do, should
+not only be indemnified from expence; but also that
+reparation should be made, for losses sustained by the
+injured party, in all cases where it can be obtained from
+the labour, or property of the delinquent.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">-33-</a></span></p>
+
+<p>4. That satisfaction should be made to the State for the
+injury done to the Community; by disturbing the peace, and
+violating the purity of Society.</p></div>
+
+<p>Political laws, which are repugnant to the Law of nature and reason,
+ought not to be adopted. The objects above-mentioned seem to include
+all that can be necessary for the attention of Law-givers.</p>
+
+<p>If on examination of the frame and tendency of our criminal Laws, both
+with respect to the principles of reason and State Policy, the Author
+might be allowed to indulge a hope, that what he brings under the
+Public Eye on this important subject, would be of use in promoting the
+good of Mankind, he should consider his labours as very amply
+rewarded.</p>
+
+<p>The severity of the criminal Laws is not only an object of horror, but
+the disproportion of the punishments, as will be shewn in the course
+of this Work, breathes too much the spirit of <span class="smcap">Draco</span>,<a name="FNanchor_10_10" id="FNanchor_10_10"></a><a href="#Footnote_10_10" class="fnanchor">[10]</a> who boasted
+<i>that he punished all crimes with death; because small crimes deserved
+it, and he could find no higher punishment for the greatest</i>.</p>
+
+<p>Though the ruling principle of our Government is unquestionably,
+<i>Liberty</i>, it is much to be feared that the rigour which the Laws
+indiscriminately inflict on slight as well as more atrocious offences,
+can be ill reconciled to the true distinctions of Morality, and strict
+notions of Justice, which form the peculiar ex<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">-34-</a></span>cellence of those
+States which are to be characterised as free.</p>
+
+<p>By punishing smaller offences with extraordinary severity, is there
+not a risque of inuring men to baseness; and of plunging them into the
+sink of infamy and despair, from whence they seldom fail to rise
+capital criminals; often to the destruction of their fellow-creatures,
+and always to their own inevitable perdition?</p>
+
+<p>To suffer the lower orders of the people to be ill educated&mdash;to be
+totally inattentive to those wise regulations of State Policy which
+might serve to guard and improve their morals; and then to punish them
+for crimes which have originated in bad habits, has the appearance of
+a cruelty not less severe than any which is exercised under the most
+despotic Governments.</p>
+
+<p>There are two Circumstances which ought also to be minutely considered
+in apportioning the measure of Punishment&mdash;<i>the immorality of the
+action; and its evil tendency</i>.</p>
+
+<p>Nothing contributes in a greater degree to deprave the minds of the
+people, than the little regard which Laws pay to Morality; by
+inflicting more severe punishments on offenders who commit, what may
+be termed, <i>Political Crimes</i>, and crimes against property, than on
+those who violate religion and virtue.</p>
+
+<p>When we are taught, for instance, by the measure<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">-35-</a></span> of punishment that
+it is considered by the Law as a greater crime to coin a sixpence than
+to kill our father or mother, nature and reason revolt against the
+proposition.</p>
+
+<p>In offences which are considered by the Legislature as merely
+personal, and not in the class of public wrongs, the disproportionate
+punishment is extremely shocking.</p>
+
+<p>If, for example, a personal assault is committed of the most cruel,
+aggravated, and violent nature, the offender is seldom punished in any
+other manner than by fine and imprisonment: but if a delinquent steals
+from his neighbour secretly more than the value of twelve-pence, the
+Law dooms him to death. And he can suffer no greater punishment
+(except the ignominy exercised on his dead body,) if he robs and
+murders a whole family. Some private wrongs of a flagrant nature are
+even passed over with impunity: the seduction of a married woman&mdash;the
+destruction of the peace and happiness of families, resulting from
+alienating a wife's affections, and defiling her person, is not an
+offence punishable by the Criminal Law; while it is death to rob the
+person, who has suffered this extensive injury, of a trifle exceeding
+a shilling.</p>
+
+<p>The Crime of Adultery was punished with great severity both by the
+Grecian and the Roman Laws.&mdash;In England this offence is not to be
+found in the Criminal Code.&mdash;It may indeed be punished with fine and
+penance by the Spiritual Law; or indirectly<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">-36-</a></span> in the Courts of Common
+Law, by an action for damages, at the suit of the party injured. The
+former may now (perhaps fortunately) be considered as a dead letter;
+while the other remedy, being merely of a pecuniary nature, has little
+effect in restraining this species of delinquency.</p>
+
+<p>Like unskilful artists, we seem to have begun at the wrong end; since
+it is clear that the distinction, which has been made in the
+punishments between public and private crimes, is subversive of the
+very foundation it would establish.</p>
+
+<p>Private Offences being the source of public crimes, the best method of
+guarding Society against the latter is, to make proper provisions for
+checking the former.&mdash;A man of pure morals always makes the best
+Subject of every State; and few have suffered punishment as public
+delinquents, who have not long remained unpunished as private
+offenders. The only means, therefore, of securing the peace of
+Society, and of preventing more atrocious crimes, is, to enforce by
+lesser punishments, the observance of religious and moral duties:
+Without this, Laws are but weak Guardians either of the State, or the
+persons or property of the Subject.</p>
+
+<p>The People are to the Legislature what a child is to a parent:&mdash;As the
+first care of the latter is to teach the love of virtue, and a dread
+of punishment; so ought it to be the duty of the former, to frame Laws
+with an immediate view to the general improvement of morals.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">-37-</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"That Kingdom is happiest where there is most virtue," says an elegant
+writer.&mdash;It follows, of course, that those Laws are the best which are
+most calculated to promote Religion and Morality; the operation of
+which in every State, is to produce a conduct intentionally directed
+towards the Public Good.</p>
+
+<p>It seems that by punishing what are called public Crimes, with
+peculiar severity, we only provide against present and temporary
+mischiefs. That we direct the vengeance of the Law against effects,
+which might have been prevented by obviating their causes:&mdash;And this
+may be assigned in part as the cause of Civil Wars and
+Revolutions.&mdash;The Laws are armed against the <i>powers</i> of Rebellion,
+but are not calculated to oppose its <i>principle</i>.</p>
+
+<p>Few civil wars have been waged from considerations of Public Virtue,
+or even for the security of Public Liberty. These desperate
+undertakings are generally promoted and carried on by abandoned
+characters, who seek to better their fortunes in the general havoc and
+devastation of their country.&mdash;Those men are easily seduced from their
+Loyalty who are apostates from private virtue.</p>
+
+<p>To be secure therefore against those public calamities which, almost
+inevitably, lead to anarchy and confusion, it is far better to improve
+and confirm a nation in the true principles of natural justice, than
+to perplex them by political refinements.</p>
+
+<p>Having thus taken a general view of the principles applicable to
+Punishments in general, it may be<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">-38-</a></span> necessary, for the purpose of more
+fully illustrating these reflections, briefly to consider the various
+leading Offences, and their corresponding Punishments according to the
+present state of our Criminal Law; and to examine how far they are
+proportioned to each other.</p>
+
+<p>High Treason is the highest civil Crime which can be committed by any
+member of the Community.&mdash;After various alterations and amendments
+made and repealed in subsequent reigns, the definition of this offence
+was settled as it originally stood, by the Act of the 25th of Edward
+III. stat. 5, cap. 2. and may be divided into seven different heads:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>1. Compassing or imagining the Death of the King, Queen, or
+Heir Apparent.</p>
+
+<p>2. Levying War against the King, in his realm.</p>
+
+<p>3. Adhering to the King's enemies, and giving them aid, in
+the realm or elsewhere.<a name="FNanchor_11_11" id="FNanchor_11_11"></a><a href="#Footnote_11_11" class="fnanchor">[11]</a></p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">-39-</a></span></p>
+
+<p>4. Slaying the King's Chancellor or Judge in the execution
+of their offices.</p>
+
+<p>5. Violating the Queen, the eldest daughter of the King, or
+the wife of the Heir Apparent, or eldest Son.</p>
+
+<p>6. Counterfeiting the King's Great Seal, or Privy Seal.</p>
+
+<p>7. Counterfeiting the King's Money, or bringing false Money
+into the kingdom.</p></div>
+
+<p>This detail shews how much the dignity and security of the King's
+person is confounded with that of his officers, and even with his
+effigies imprest on his Coin.&mdash;To assassinate the servant, or to
+counterfeit the type, is held as criminal as to destroy the Sovereign.</p>
+
+<p>This indiscriminate blending of crimes, so different and
+disproportionate in their nature, under one common head, is certainly
+liable to great objections; seeing that the judgment in this offence
+is so extremely severe and terrible, <i>viz. That the offender be drawn
+to the gallows on the ground or pavement: That he be hanged by the
+neck, and then cut down alive: That his entrails be taken out and
+burned while<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">-40-</a></span> he is yet alive: That his head be cut off: That his body
+be divided into four parts: And that his head and quarters be at the
+King's disposal</i>.&mdash;Women, however, are only to be drawn and
+hanged:&mdash;though in all cases of treason, they were heretofore
+sentenced to be burned: a cruel punishment, which, after being
+alleviated by the custom of previous strangulation, was at length
+repealed, by the Act 30 Geo. III. <i>c.</i> 48.</p>
+
+<p>There are indeed some shades of difference with regard to coining
+money; where the offender is only drawn and hanged; and that part of
+the punishment which relates to being <i>drawn</i> and <i>quartered</i> is, to
+the honour of humanity, never practised. But even in cases of the most
+atrocious criminality, the execution of so horrid a sentence seems to
+answer no good political purpose.&mdash;Nature shudders at the thought of
+imbruing our hands in blood, and mangling the smoaking entrails of our
+fellow-creatures.</p>
+
+<p>In most Countries and in all ages, however, Treason has been punished
+capitally.&mdash;Under the Roman Laws, by the <i>Cornelia Lex</i>, of which
+Sylla, the Dictator, was the author, this Offence was created.&mdash;It was
+also made a capital Crime when the Persian Monarchy became despotic.</p>
+
+<p>By the Laws of China, Treason and Rebellion are punished with a rigour
+even beyond the severity of our judgment, for the criminals are
+ordained to be cut in <i>ten thousand</i> pieces.</p>
+
+<p>There is another species of Treason, called <i>Petty<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">-41-</a></span> Treason</i>,
+described by the Statute of the 25th of Edward the III. to be the
+offence of <i>a Servant killing his Master, a Wife killing her Husband</i>,
+or a <i>Secular or Religious slaying his Prelate</i>.&mdash;The Punishment is
+somewhat more ignominious than in other capital offences, inasmuch as
+a <i>hurdle</i> is used instead of a <i>cart</i>.&mdash;Here again occurs a very
+strong instance of the inequality of Punishments; for although the
+principle and essence of this Crime is breach of duty and obedience
+due to a superior slain, yet if a child murder his parents (unless he
+serve them for wages) he is not within the Statute; although it must
+seem evident to the meanest understanding that Parricide is certainly
+a more atrocious and aggravated offence, than either of those
+specified in the Statute.</p>
+
+<p>By the <i>Lex Pompeia</i> of the Romans, Parricides were ordained to be
+<span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: sewn">sown</span> in a sack with a <i>dog</i>, a <i>cock</i>, a
+<i>viper</i>, and an <i>ape</i>, and thrown into the sea, thus to perish by the
+most cruel of all tortures.</p>
+
+<p>The ancient Laws of all civilized nations punished the crime of
+Parricide by examples of the utmost severity.&mdash;The Egyptians put the
+delinquents to death by the most cruel of all tortures&mdash;mangling the
+body and limbs, and afterwards laying it upon thorns to be burnt
+alive.</p>
+
+<p>By the Jewish Law it was death for children to curse, or strike their
+parents; and in China, this crime was considered as next in atrocity
+to Treason and Rebellion, and in like manner punished by cutting the
+delinquent in <i>one thousand</i> pieces.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">-42-</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The Laws of England however make no distinction between this crime and
+common Murder; while it is to be lamented that offences far less
+heinous, either morally or politically considered, are punished with
+the same degree of severity; and it is much to be feared, that this
+singular inequality is ill calculated to inspire that filial awe and
+reverence, to parents, which all human Laws ought to inculcate.</p>
+
+<p>The offences next in enormity to Treason, are by the Laws of England,
+denominated Felonies, and these may be considered as of two kinds,
+<i>public</i> and <i>private</i>.</p>
+
+<p>Under the head of <i>Public Felonies</i> we shall class the following:
+having peculiar relation to the State.</p>
+
+<ul>
+<li>1. Felonies relative to the Coin of the Realm.</li>
+<li>2. &mdash;&mdash;&mdash;&mdash;&mdash;&mdash; to the King and his Counsellors, &amp;c.</li>
+<li>3. &mdash;&mdash;&mdash;&mdash;&mdash;&mdash; to Soldiers and Marines.</li>
+<li>4. &mdash;&mdash;&mdash;&mdash;&mdash;&mdash; to embezzling Public Property.</li>
+<li>5. &mdash;&mdash;&mdash;&mdash;&mdash;&mdash; to Riot and Sedition.</li>
+<li>6. &mdash;&mdash;&mdash;&mdash;&mdash;&mdash; to Escape from Prison.</li>
+<li>7. &mdash;&mdash;&mdash;&mdash;&mdash;&mdash; to Revenue and Trade, &amp;c.</li>
+</ul>
+
+
+<p>We consider as comprehended under <i>Private Felonies</i> the following
+crimes committed, 1. <i>Against the Life</i>, 2. <i>the Body</i>, 3. <i>The
+Goods</i>, 4. <i>The Habitation of the Subject</i>.</p>
+
+<table style="width: 50%" border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="private felonies">
+<tr>
+<td>Against Life.</td>
+<td class="lb">1. By Murder.<br />
+2. By Man-slaughter.<br />
+3. By Misadventure.<br />
+4. By Necessity.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan="2">&nbsp;</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>Against the Body.</td>
+<td class="lb">1. Sodomy.<br />
+2. Rape.<br />
+3. Forcible Marriage.<br />
+4. Polygamy.<br />
+5. Mayhem.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan="2">&nbsp;</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>Against Goods.</td>
+<td class="lb">1. Simple Larceny.<br />
+2. Mixt Larceny.<br />
+3. Piracy.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan="2">&nbsp;</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>Against the Dwelling<br />or Habitation.</td>
+<td class="lb">1. Arson.<br />
+2. Burglary.</td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">-43-</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Those Crimes which we have denominated <i>Public Felonies</i> being merely
+of a political nature, it would seem that the ends of justice would be
+far better answered, than at present, and convictions oftener
+obtained, by different degrees of Punishment short of Death.</p>
+
+<p>With regard to <i>Private Felonies</i>, it may be necessary to make some
+specific observations&mdash;&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>The first, in point of enormity, is <i>Murder</i>, which may be committed
+in two Ways:&mdash;first, upon <i>one's self</i>, in which case the offender is
+denominated <i>Felo de se</i> or a <i>Self-murderer</i>;&mdash;secondly, by killing
+another person.</p>
+
+<p>The Athenian Law ordained, that persons guilty of Self-murder should
+have the hand cut off which did the murder, and buried in a place
+separate from the body; but this seems of little consequence.&mdash;When
+such a calamity happens, it is a deplorable misfortune; and there
+seems to be a great cruelty in adding to the distress of the wife,
+children, or nearest kin of the deceased, by the forfeiture of his
+whole property; which is at present confiscated by Law.</p>
+
+<p>By the Law of England, the judgment in case of Murder is, that the
+person convicted shall suffer death and that his body shall be
+dissected.</p>
+
+<p>The Laws of most civilized nations, both ancient and modern, have
+justly punished this atrocious offence with death. It was so by the
+Laws of Athens, and also by the Jewish and Roman Laws.&mdash;By the Persian
+Law Murderers were pressed to death be<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">-44-</a></span>tween two stones; and in China,
+persons guilty of this offence are beheaded, except where a person
+kills his adversary in a duel, in which case he is
+strangled.&mdash;Decapitation, by the Laws of China, is considered the most
+dishonourable mode of execution.</p>
+
+<p>In the ruder ages of the world, and before the manners of mankind were
+softened by the arts of peace and civilization, Murder was not a
+capital crime: Hence it is that the barbarous nations which over-ran
+the Western Empire, either expiated this crime by private revenge, or
+by a pecuniary composition.&mdash;Our Saxon ancestors punished this high
+offence with a fine; and they too countenanced the exercise of that
+horrid principle of revenge, by which they added blood to blood.&mdash;But
+in the progress of civilization and Society, the nature of this crime
+became better understood; private revenge was submitted to the power
+of the Law; and the good King Alfred first made Murder a capital
+offence in England.</p>
+
+<p>In this case, as in that of Self-murder, the property of the murderer
+goes to the State; without any regard to the unhappy circumstances of
+the families either of the murdered or the guilty person, who may be
+completely ruined by this fatal accident.&mdash;A provision which seems not
+well to accord with either the justice or mildness of our Laws.</p>
+
+<p>Man-slaughter is defined to be <i>The killing another without malice,
+either express or implied: which may<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">-45-</a></span> be either, voluntarily, upon a
+sudden heat; or involuntarily, but in the commission of some unlawful
+Act</i>. And the Punishment is, <i>that the person convicted shall be burnt
+in the hand, and his goods forfeited</i>.&mdash;And offenders are usually
+detained in prison for a time not exceeding one year, under the
+Statutes regulating the Benefit of Clergy.</p>
+
+<p>Homicide by <i>Misadventure</i> is, when <i>one is doing a lawful act,
+without intent to hurt another</i>, and <i>death ensues</i>.&mdash;For this offence
+a pardon is allowed of course; but in strictness of Law the property
+of the person convicted is forfeited; the rigour of which, however, is
+obviated by a Writ of Restitution of his goods, to which the party is
+now, by long usage, entitled of right; only paying for suing out the
+same.</p>
+
+<p>Homicide <i>by necessity</i> or in <i>Self-defence</i>, is another shade of
+Murder, upon which no punishment is inflicted: and in this is included
+what the Law expresses by the word <i>Chance-medley</i>: which is properly
+applied to such killing as happens in self-defence upon a sudden
+rencounter. Yet, still by strictness of Law, the goods and chattels of
+the person charged and convicted are forfeited to the Crown; contrary,
+as it seems to many, to the principles of Reason and Justice.</p>
+
+<p>It should be recollected that in all cases where the Homicide does not
+amount to Murder or Man-slaughter, the Judges permit, nay even direct,
+a verdict of acquittal.&mdash;But it appears more consonant with the sound
+principles of Justice, that the Law it<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">-46-</a></span>self should be precise, than
+that the property of a man should, in cases of <i>Misadventure</i>,
+<i>Chance-medley</i>, and <i>Self-defence</i> depend upon the construction of a
+Judge, or the lenity of a Jury: Some alteration therefore, in the
+existing Laws, seems called for in this particular.</p>
+
+<p>Having thus briefly discussed what has occurred relative to the
+punishment of offences against life, we come next to make some
+observations on what we have denominated <i>Private Felonies against the
+Body of the Subject</i>.</p>
+
+<p>By the Grecian, Roman, and Jewish Laws, the abominable crime of
+<i>Sodomy</i> was punished with death.&mdash;In France, under the Monarchy, the
+offenders suffered death by burning.</p>
+
+<p>The Lombards were said to have brought this detestable vice into
+England, in the reign of Edward the Third.&mdash;In ancient times the men
+were hanged, and the women drowned: At length by the Act 25th of Henry
+the Eighth, cap. 6, it was made Felony without Benefit of Clergy.&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>It has been doubted, however, whether the severity of the punishment
+of a crime so unnatural, as even to appear incredible, does not defeat
+the object of destroying it, by rendering it difficult to convict an
+offender.</p>
+
+<p>The same objection has been made with respect to the crime of
+committing <i>a Rape</i>. A proper tenderness for life makes the Law
+require a strong evidence, and of course the proof is nice and
+difficult;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">-47-</a></span> whereas, were the punishment more mild, it might be more
+efficacious in preventing the violation of chastity.</p>
+
+<p>By the Law of Egypt, Rapes were punished by cutting off the offending
+parts;&mdash;The Athenian Laws compelled the ravisher of a virgin to marry
+her. It was long before this offence was punished capitally by the
+Roman Law: but at length the <i>Lex Julia</i> inflicted the pains of death
+on the Ravisher.&mdash;The Jewish Law also punished this crime with death;
+but if a virgin was deflowered without force, the offender was obliged
+to pay a fine, and marry the woman.</p>
+
+<p>By the 18th of Elizabeth, cap. 7, this offence was made Felony without
+Benefit of Clergy.</p>
+
+<p>It is certainly of a very heinous nature, and, if tolerated, would be
+subversive of all order and morality; yet it may still be questioned,
+how far it is either useful or politic to punish it with death; and is
+worth considering, whether, well knowing that it originates in the
+irregular and inordinate gratification of unruly appetite, the injury
+to Society may not be repaired without destroying the offender.</p>
+
+<p>In most cases, this injury might be repaired by compelling (where it
+could be done with propriety,) the criminal to marry the injured
+party; and it would be well for Society, if the same rule extended not
+only to all forcible violations of chastity, but even to instances of
+premeditated and systematic Seduction.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">-48-</a></span></p>
+
+<p>In cases, however, where marriage could not take place, on account of
+legal disability, or refusal on the part of the woman, the criminal
+ought to be severely punished, by pecuniary damages to the party
+injured, and by hard labour and confinement, or transportation for
+life.</p>
+
+<p>The offence considered as next in point of enormity to Rape, is
+<i>Forcible Marriage</i>, or <i>Defilement of Women</i>: but it is somewhat
+remarkable, that by confining the punishment to offences against women
+of estate only, the moral principles are made to yield to political
+considerations; and the security of property in this instance, is
+deemed more essential, than the preservation of female chastity.</p>
+
+<p>In short, the property of the woman is the measure of the crime; the
+statutes of the 3d of Henry the Seventh, cap. 2. and the 39th of
+Elizabeth, cap. 9, making it Felony without Benefit of Clergy, to take
+away, <i>for lucre</i>, any woman having lands or goods, or being an heir
+apparent to an estate, by force, or against her will, and to marry or
+to defile her. The forcible marriage and defilement of a woman without
+an estate is not punished at all; although, according to every
+principle of morality and reason, it is as criminal as the other. It
+is indeed an offence not so likely to be committed.</p>
+
+<p>However, it seems in every point of view, impolitic to punish such
+offences with death; it might be enough, to expiate the crime by
+alienating the estate from the husband&mdash;vesting it in the wife alone,
+and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">-49-</a></span> confining him to hard labour; or by punishing the delinquent, in
+very atrocious cases, by transportation.</p>
+
+<p>Polygamy stands next as an offence against the person:&mdash;It was first
+declared Felony by the statute of James the first, cap. 11, but not
+excluded from the Benefit of Clergy, and therefore not subject to the
+punishment of death.</p>
+
+<p>Though, in one view, the having a plurality of wives or husbands,
+appears only a political offence, yet it is undeniably a breach of
+religious and moral virtue, in a very high degree.&mdash;It is true,
+indeed, that in the early ages of the world, Polygamy was tolerated
+both in Greece and Rome, even after the People had arrived at a high
+pitch of refinement.&mdash;But since the institution of Matrimony under the
+present form, Polygamy must be considered as highly criminal, since
+marriage is an engagement which cannot be violated without the
+greatest injury to Society. The Public Interest, therefore, requires
+that it should be punished; and the Act 35th George III. cap. 67,
+which punishes this offence with transportation, is certainly not too
+severe.</p>
+
+<p>Mayhem, or Maiming, is the last in the Catalogue of <i>Offences against
+the Person</i>. It was first made Single Felony by the 5th of Henry the
+Fourth, cap. 5.&mdash;It is defined to be <i>maiming, cutting the tongue, or
+putting out the eyes of any of the King's liege people</i>. The statute
+of the 22d and 23d of Charles the Second, cap. 1. extends the
+description of this offence to slitting the nose, cutting off a nose
+or lip,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">-50-</a></span> or cutting off or disabling any limb or member, by malice
+forethought, and by lying in wait with an intention to maim and
+disfigure:&mdash;And this statute made the offence Felony, without Benefit
+of Clergy.</p>
+
+<p>To prove malice in this crime, it is sufficient that the act was
+voluntary, and of set purpose, though done on a sudden.</p>
+
+<p>Mayhem, as explained in the above statutes, is certainly a very
+atrocious offence; and as the punishment is not followed by corruption
+of blood, or the forfeiture of the property of the offender, it is,
+according to the present system, perhaps not too severe.</p>
+
+<p>One particular sort of Mayhem by cutting off the <i>ear</i>, is punishable
+by an Act 37 Hen. VIII. cap. 6. which directs that the offender shall
+forfeit treble damages to the party grieved, to be recovered by action
+of trespass; and £.10 by way of fine to the King.</p>
+
+<p>We next come to examine <i>Private Felonies</i> against the <i>Goods or
+Property of the Individual</i>, viz. <i>Simple Larceny</i>, <i>Mixt Larceny</i>,
+and <i>Piracy</i>.</p>
+
+<p>Simple Larceny is divided into two sorts;&mdash;1st, Grand Larceny, and 2d,
+Petit Larceny.&mdash;The first is defined to be <i>the felonious taking and
+carrying away the mere personal property or goods of another, above
+the value of twelve pence</i>.&mdash;This offence is capital, and punished
+with death, and the forfeiture of property.</p>
+
+<p>Petit Larceny is where the goods, taken in the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">-51-</a></span> above manner, are
+under the value of twelve pence; in which case, the punishment
+(according to the circumstances of atrocity attending the offence,) is
+imprisonment, whipping, or transportation, with forfeiture of goods
+and chattels.</p>
+
+<p>Thus it appears, that by the rigour of the Law, stealing the least
+trifle above 12<i>d.</i> subjects the offender to the loss of life; a
+punishment apparently repugnant to reason, policy, or justice: more
+especially when it is considered, that at the time this <i>Anglo Saxon
+Law</i> was made, in the reign of <i>Athelstan</i>, 860 years ago, <i>one
+shilling</i> was of more value, according to the price of labour, than
+<i>seventy-five shillings</i> are at the present period: the life of man
+therefore may be justly said to be seventy-five times cheaper than it
+was when this mode of punishment was first established.</p>
+
+<p>By the Athenian Laws, the crime of Theft was punished, by paying
+double the value of what was stolen, to the party robbed; and as much
+more to the public.&mdash;Solon introduced a law, enjoining every person to
+state in writing, by what means he gained his livelihood; and if false
+information was given, or he gained his living in an unlawful way, he
+was punished with death.&mdash;A similar law prevailed among the Egyptians.</p>
+
+<p>The <i>Lex Julia</i> of the Romans made Theft punishable at discretion; and
+it was forbidden, that any person should suffer death, or even the
+loss of a member, for this crime.&mdash;The greatest punishment<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">-52-</a></span> which
+appears to have been inflicted for this offence, in its most
+aggravated circumstances, was four-fold restitution.</p>
+
+<p>By the Jewish Law, Theft was punished in the same manner: with the
+addition of a fine according to the nature of the offence; excepting
+in cases where <i>men</i> were stolen, which was punished with death.</p>
+
+<p>In China, Theft is punished by the bastinadoe, excepting in cases of a
+very atrocious nature, and then the culprit is condemned to the
+knoutage&mdash;a contrivance not unlike the pillory in this country.</p>
+
+<p>The ancient Laws of this kingdom punished the crime of Theft
+differently.&mdash;Our Saxon ancestors did not at first punish it
+capitally.&mdash;The Laws of King Ina<a name="FNanchor_12_12" id="FNanchor_12_12"></a><a href="#Footnote_12_12" class="fnanchor">[12]</a> inflicted the punishment of
+death, but allowed the thief to redeem his life, <i>Capitis
+estimatione</i>, which was sixty shillings; but in case of an old
+offender, who had been often accused, the hand or foot was to be cut
+off.</p>
+
+<p>After various changes which took place under different Princes, in the
+rude and early periods of our history, it was at length settled in the
+9th of Henry the First, (A.D. 1108,) <i>that for theft and robbery,
+offenders should be hanged</i>; this has continued to be the law of the
+land ever since, excepting in the county palatine of Chester; where
+the ancient custom of beheading felons was practised<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">-53-</a></span> some time after
+the Law of Henry the First; and the Justices of the Peace of that
+county, received one shilling from the King, for every head that was
+cut off.</p>
+
+<p>Montesquieu seems to be of opinion that as thieves are generally
+unable to make restitution, it may be just to make theft a capital
+crime.&mdash;But would not the offence be atoned for in a more rational
+manner, by compelling the delinquent to labour, first for the benefit
+of the party aggrieved, till recompence is made, and then for the
+State?<a name="FNanchor_13_13" id="FNanchor_13_13"></a><a href="#Footnote_13_13" class="fnanchor">[13]</a></p>
+
+<p>According to the present system the offender loses his life, and they
+whom he has injured lose their property; while the State also suffers
+in being deprived of a member, whose labour, under proper controul,
+might have been made useful and productive.</p>
+
+<p>Observations have already been made on one consequence of the severity
+of the punishment for this offence; that persons of tender feelings
+conscientiously scruple to prosecute delinquents for inconsiderable
+Thefts. From this circumstance it is believed, that not one
+depredation in a hundred, of those actually committed, comes to the
+knowledge of Magistrates.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">-54-</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Mixed or <i>compound Larceny</i> has a greater degree of guilt in it than
+simple Larceny; and may be committed either by taking from a man, or
+from his house. If a person is previously put in fear or assaulted,
+the crime is denominated <i>Robbery</i>.</p>
+
+<p>When a Larceny is committed which does not put the party robbed in
+fear; it is done privately and without his knowledge, by picking his
+pocket, or cutting the purse, and stealing from thence above the value
+of twelve pence; or publicly, with the knowledge of the party, by
+stealing a hat or wig, and running away.</p>
+
+<p>With respect to <i>Dwelling Houses</i> the Common Law has been altered by
+various acts of Parliament; the multiplicity of which is apt to create
+confusion; but upon comparing them diligently, we may collect that the
+following domestic aggravations of Larceny are punishable with death,
+without Benefit of Clergy.</p>
+
+<p>First, <i>Larcenies above the value of twelve pence</i>; committed&mdash;1st. In
+a church or chapel, with or without violence or breaking the same; 23
+Henry VIII. cap. 1: 1 Edward VI. cap. 12.&mdash;2d. In a booth or tent, in
+a market or fair, in the day time or in the night, by violence or
+breaking the same; the owner or some of his family, being therein; 5
+and 6 Edward VI. cap. 9.&mdash;3d. By robbing a dwelling house in the day
+time, (which <i>robbing</i> implies a <i>breaking</i>,) any person being
+therein: 3 and 4 William and Mary, cap. 9.&mdash;4th. By the same Act, (and
+see the Act 23 Henry VIII. cap. 1.) in a dwelling house, by<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">-55-</a></span> day or by
+night; without breaking the same, any person being therein, and put in
+fear: which amounts in law to a Robbery; and in both these last cases
+the <i>Accessary before the fact</i> is also excluded from the benefit of
+Clergy.</p>
+
+<p>Secondly; <i>Larcenies to the value of five shillings</i>; committed&mdash;1st.
+By breaking any dwelling house, or any outhouse, shop, or warehouse
+thereunto belonging, in the day time; although no person be therein,
+which also now extends to aiders, abettors, and accessaries before the
+fact: 39 Elizabeth, cap. 15; see also 3 and 4 William and Mary, cap.
+9.&mdash;2d. By privately stealing goods, wares, or merchandise in any
+shop, warehouse, coach-houses, or stable, by day or night: though the
+same be not broken open, and though no person be therein: which
+likewise extends to such as assist, hire, or command the offence to be
+committed: 10 and 11 William III. cap. 23.</p>
+
+<p>Lastly; <i>Larcenies to the value of forty shillings</i> from a dwelling
+house, or its outhouses, although the same be not broken, and whether
+any person be therein or not; unless committed against their masters,
+by apprentices, under age of fifteen; 12 Anne, stat. 1. cap. 7.</p>
+
+<p>Piracy is felony against the goods of the Subject by a robbery
+committed at sea.&mdash;It is a capital offence by the civil law, although
+by Act of Parliament, it may be heard and determined, according to the
+rules of the common law, as if the offence had been committed on land.
+The mode of trial is regulated by the 28th of Henry VIII. cap. 15; and
+further by the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">-56-</a></span> Acts 11 and 12 William III. cap. 7. and 39 George III.
+cap. 37; which also extend to other offences committed on the High
+Seas.</p>
+
+<p>Felonies <i>against the Dwelling or Habitation of a man are of two
+kinds; and are denounced</i> Arson <i>and</i> Burglary.</p>
+
+<p><i>Arson</i> or <i>Arsonry</i> is a very atrocious offence&mdash;it is defined to be
+<i>the malicious burning of the House of another either by night or by
+day</i>. It is in this case a capital offence; but if a man burns his own
+house, without injuring any other, it is only a misdemeanor,
+punishable by fine, imprisonment, or the pillory.</p>
+
+<p>By the 23d of Henry the Eighth, cap. 1. the capital part of the
+offence is extended to persons, (whether principals or accessaries,)
+burning dwelling houses; or barns wherein corn is deposited; and by
+the 43d of Elizabeth, cap. 13, burning barns or stacks of corn in the
+four northern counties, is also made Felony without Benefit of Clergy.</p>
+
+<p>By the 22d and 23d of Car. II. cap. 7, it is made felony to set fire
+to any stack of corn, hay, or grain; or other outbuildings, or kilns,
+maliciously in the night time; punished with transportation for seven
+years.</p>
+
+<p>By the 1st George I. cap. 48, it is also made single felony to set
+fire to any wood, underwood, or coppice.</p>
+
+<p>Other burnings are made punishable with death, without Benefit of
+Clergy; <i>viz.</i> Setting fire to any house, barn, or outhouse, or to any
+hovel, cock, mow, or stack of corn, straw, hay, or wood: or the
+rescuing<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">-57-</a></span> any such offender: 9 George I. cap. 22.&mdash;Setting fire to a
+coal-mine: 10 George II. cap. 32.&mdash;Burning, or setting fire to any
+wind-mill, water-mill, or other mill: (as also pulling down the same:)
+9 George III. cap. 29; but the offender must be prosecuted within
+eighteen months.&mdash;Burning any ship; to the prejudice of the owners,
+freighters, or underwriters: 22 and 23 Charles II. cap. 11; 1 Anne,
+stat. 2. cap. 9; 4 George I. cap. 12.&mdash;Burning the King's ships of war
+afloat, or building: or the Dock-yards, or any of the buildings,
+arsenals, or stores therein: 12 George III. cap. 24.&mdash;And finally,
+<i>Threatening</i> by anonymous or fictitious letters to burn houses,
+barns, &amp;c. is by the Act 27 George II. cap. 15, also made felony
+without Benefit of Clergy.</p>
+
+<p>Burglary is a felony at common law; it is described to be <i>when a
+person, by night, breaketh into the mansion of another, with an intent
+to commit a felony; whether the felonious intent be executed or not</i>.</p>
+
+<p>By the 18th of Elizabeth, cap. 7, the Benefit of Clergy is taken away
+from <i>The Offence</i>; and by the 3d and 4th William and Mary, cap. 9,
+from <i>Accessaries before the fact</i>.&mdash;By the 12th of Anne, stat. 1,
+cap. 7, if any person shall enter into a mansion or dwelling house, by
+day or by night, without breaking into the same, with an intent to
+commit any felony; or being in such houses, shall commit any felony;
+and shall, in the night time, <i>break</i> the said house <i>to get out</i> of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">-58-</a></span>
+the same, he is declared guilty of the offence of burglary, and
+punished accordingly.</p>
+
+<p>It is, without doubt, highly expedient that this Offence should be
+punished more severely than any other species of theft; since, besides
+the loss of property, there is something very terrific in the mode of
+perpetration, which is often productive of dreadful effects.</p>
+
+<p>The ancient laws made a marked distinction in the punishment, between
+this Offence, which was called Hamsokne, (and which name it retains at
+present in the Northern parts of this kingdom) and robbing a house in
+the day time.</p>
+
+<p>There are many other felonies which have been made capital
+(particularly within the present century) which do not properly fall
+within the class above discussed;&mdash;for an account of these the reader
+is referred to the general Catalogue of offences specified in a
+subsequent Chapter.</p>
+
+<p>The number of these various capital Offences upon which the judgment
+of death must be pronounced, if the party is found guilty, has been
+already stated to amount to above one <i>hundred and sixty</i>.&mdash;And yet if
+a full consideration shall be given to the subject, it is believed
+that (excepting in cases of <i>Treason</i>, <i>Murder</i>, <i>Mayhem</i>, and some
+aggravated instances of Arsonry) it would be found that the punishment
+of death is neither politic nor expedient.</p>
+
+<p>At any rate, it must be obvious to every reasoning<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">-59-</a></span> mind, that such
+<i>indiscriminate rigour</i>, by punishing the petty pilferer with the same
+severity as the atrocious murderer, cannot easily be reconciled to the
+rights of nature or to the principles of morality.</p>
+
+<p>It is indeed true, in point of practice, that in most cases of a
+slight nature, the mercy of Judges, of Juries, or of the Sovereign,
+saves the delinquent; but is not the exercise of this mercy rendered
+so necessary on every occasion, "<i>a tacit disapprobation of the
+laws</i>?"<a name="FNanchor_14_14" id="FNanchor_14_14"></a><a href="#Footnote_14_14" class="fnanchor">[14]</a></p>
+
+<p>Cruelty, in punishment for slight Offences, often induces Offenders to
+pass on from the trifling to the most atrocious crime.&mdash;Thus are these
+our miserable fellow-mortals rendered desperate; whilst the laws,
+which ought to soften the ferocity of obdurate minds, tend to corrupt
+and harden them.</p>
+
+<p>What education is to an individual, the Laws are to Society. Wherever
+they are sanguinary, delinquents will be hard-hearted, desperate, and
+even barbarous.</p>
+
+<p>However much our ancestors were considered as behind us in
+civilization, yet their laws were infinitely milder, in many
+instances, than in the present age of refinement.</p>
+
+<p>The real good of the State, however, unquestionably requires that not
+only adequate punishments should be impartially inflicted, but that
+the injured should obtain a reparation for their wrongs.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">-60-</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Instead of such reparation, it has been already stated, and indeed it
+is much to be lamented, that many are induced to desist from
+prosecutions, and even to conceal injuries, because nothing but
+expence and trouble is to be their lot: as all the fruits of the
+conviction, where the criminal has any property, go to the
+State.&mdash;That the State should be the only immediate gainer by the
+fines and forfeitures of criminals, while the injured party suffers,
+seems not wholly consonant to the principles either of <i>justice</i>,
+<i>equity</i>, or <i>sound policy</i>.</p>
+
+<p>Having said thus much on the subject of severe and sanguinary
+Punishments, it may not be improper to mention a very recent and
+modern authority, for the total abolition of the Punishment of death.
+This occurred in the Imperial Dominion, where a new code of criminal
+law was promulgated by the late Emperor, <span class="smcap">Joseph</span> II. and legalised by
+his edict in 1787.</p>
+
+<p>This Code, formed in an enlightened age, by Princes, Civilians, and
+Men of Learning, who sat down to the deliberation assisted by the
+wisdom and experience of former ages, and by all the information
+possible with regard to the practice of civilized modern nations; with
+an impression also upon their minds, that sanguinary punishments, by
+death, torture, or dismemberment are not necessary, and ought to be
+abolished; becomes an interesting circumstance in the annals of the
+world.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">-61-</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p>"<span class="smcap">The Emperor</span> <i>in his edict signed at Vienna the 13th of
+January, 1787, declares his intention to have been to give a
+precise and invariable form to Criminal Judicature; to
+prevent arbitrary interpretations; to draw a due line
+between criminal and civil offences, and those against the
+state; to observe a just proportion between offences and
+punishments, and to determine the latter in such a manner as
+that they may make more than merely a transient
+impression.&mdash;Having promulgated this new code, he abrogates,
+annuls, and declares void all the ancient laws which
+formerly existed in his dominions</i>.&mdash;Forbidding at the same
+time every criminal Judge to exercise the functions of his
+office, on any but those who shall be brought before him,
+accused of a criminal offence expressed in the new code."</p>
+</div>
+
+<p>This system of criminal law is so concise as to be comprehended in
+less than one hundred octavo pages. It commences with laying down
+certain general principles, favourable in their nature both to
+humanity and public liberty.&mdash;In determining the Punishments (which
+will hereafter be very shortly detailed) the following rules are laid
+down for the Judges.</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p>"<i>The criminal Judge should be intent on observing the just
+proportion between a criminal Offence and the punishment
+assigned it, and carefully to compare every
+circumstance.&mdash;With respect to the</i> Offence, <i>his principal
+attention should be directed to the degree of malignity
+accompanying the bad action,&mdash;to the importance of the
+circumstance connected with the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">-62-</a></span> Offence,&mdash;to the degree of
+damage which may result from it,&mdash;to the possibility or
+impossibility of the precautions which might have been made
+use of to prevent it.&mdash;With respect to the</i> Criminal, <i>the
+attention of the Judge should be directed to his youth,&mdash;to
+the temptation or imprudence attending it,&mdash;to the
+punishment which has been inflicted for the same Offence,
+and to the danger of a relapse</i>."</p>
+</div>
+
+<table style="width: 90%" border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="offenses">
+<tr>
+<td>Those denominated<br />Criminal Offences, <i>viz.</i></td>
+<td class="lb">1. Offences against the Sovereign and the State; including High Treason.<br />
+2. Offences against human life and bodily safety.<br />
+3. Offences against honour and liberty.<br />
+4. Offences against possessions and rights.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan="2">&nbsp;</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>Those denominated<br />Civil Offences, <i>viz.</i></td>
+<td class="lb">5. Offences that endanger the life or health of the Citizens.<br />
+6. Offences that affect the fortunes or rights of the Citizens.<br />
+7. Offences that tend to the corruption of morals.</td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+<p>The offences are divided into seven different classes.</p>
+
+<p>It is impossible, within the narrow compass of this Work, to enter
+into a particular detail of the various subdivisions of the Crimes and
+Punishments explained in this Code; which must be perused, in order to
+form a clear and comprehensive view of the subject. The following
+Specification therefore contains merely the <i>heads</i> or outlines of the
+System; which it is hoped may be found, from the mode of its
+arrangement, to convey to the reader both amusement and instruction.</p>
+
+<hr class="med" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">-63-</a></span></p>
+
+<h3>ABSTRACT<br />
+<br />
+<span class="sm">OF</span><br />
+<br />
+<i>THE CRIMINAL CODE</i><br />
+<br />
+<span class="sm">OF THE</span><br />
+<br />
+<span class="gesperrt">EMPEROR JOSEPH</span> II.</h3>
+
+<hr class="dbl1" />
+<hr class="dbl2" />
+
+<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="10" cellspacing="0" summary="abstract">
+<tr>
+<td class="center" style="width: 45%"><span class="smcap">Crimes</span>.</td>
+<td class="center" style="width: 45%"><span class="smcap">Punishments</span>.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan="2" class="center"><i>High Treason.</i></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">1. Laying violent hands on
+the Sovereign, whether injury
+results from it or not.</td>
+<td class="vat">Confiscation of property; imprisonment
+for not less than 30
+years; and branding on each
+cheek with the mark of a gallows<a name="FNanchor_15_15" id="FNanchor_15_15"></a><a href="#Footnote_15_15" class="fnanchor">[15]</a>
+if the prisoner is remarkably depraved.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">2. Attacking the Sovereign
+by speeches or writings.</td>
+<td class="vat">Imprisonment 8 years, and not
+less than 5.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">3. Persons conspiring and
+taking up arms, or entering
+into alliance with an enemy,
+&amp;c. are guilty of <i>sedition and tumult</i>.</td>
+<td class="vat">Confiscation of Property and
+30 years' imprisonment, with
+branding as above.</td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+<hr class="dbl1" />
+<hr class="dbl2" />
+
+<p class="center"><i>Criminal Offences relative to the Sovereign and the State.</i></p>
+
+<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="10" cellspacing="0" summary="abstract">
+<tr>
+<td class="vat" style="width: 45%">4. He who enters the house
+or abode of another, and uses
+violence against his person,
+goods, or possession, is
+guilty of <i>open force</i>.</td>
+<td class="vat" style="width: 45%">Imprisonment, not less than
+1 month, nor more than 5 years,
+and condemnation to the public works.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">5. He who violently resists
+the authority of a Judge, or
+Officer of Justice, although
+no wound result, is guilty of
+<i>open violence</i>.</td>
+<td class="vat">Imprisonment not less than
+1 month, nor more than 5 years;
+but where there is an injury and
+wounds, not exceeding 8 nor less than 5.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">6. Breach of trust, in a
+Governor, or Chargé des
+Affaires; neglecting the
+interest of the State, or
+betraying his Country, &amp;c.</td>
+<td class="vat">Imprisonment not less than 8,
+nor more than 12 years, and condemnation
+to the public works,
+and in aggravated cases, the
+pillory.<a name="FNanchor_16_16" id="FNanchor_16_16"></a><a href="#Footnote_16_16" class="fnanchor">[16]</a><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">-64-</a></span></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">7. A Judge, who from
+corruption or passion is
+guilty of an <i>abuse of
+judicial authority</i>.</td>
+<td class="vat">Imprisonment not less than 8, nor
+more than 12 years, and condemnation
+to the public works, and in
+aggravated cases, the pillory.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">8. Accomplices attempting
+to corrupt a Judge.</td>
+<td class="vat">Imprisonment not less than 1
+month, nor more than 5 years; and
+condemnation to the public works.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">9. Forgery, by attempting to
+counterfeit public bills of
+the State which circulate as money.</td>
+<td class="vat">Imprisonment not less than
+30 years, and branding with a
+hot iron.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">10. Falsifying a public bill,
+by changing or altering it,
+or imitating the signatures.</td>
+<td class="vat">Imprisonment not less than 12,
+nor more than 15 years, and
+condemnation to the public works.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">11. Coining false money,
+resembling the Coin of the
+Hereditary Dominions, or
+foreign Coin current by law;
+even though of equal weight
+and quality, or superior to
+the current Coin.</td>
+<td class="vat">Imprisonment not less than 1
+month, nor more than 5 years,
+with condemnation to the public works.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">12. Coining false money, by
+using a bad alloy; and by
+fraud giving false money the
+quality of good.</td>
+<td class="vat">Imprisonment not less than 12,
+nor more than 15 years, and
+condemnation to the public works.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">13. Accomplices in
+fabricating tools for
+Coining.</td>
+<td class="vat">Imprisonment not less than 8,
+nor more than 12 years, and
+condemnation to the public works.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">14. Assisting in the escape
+of a prisoner.</td>
+<td class="vat">Imprisonment not less than 1
+month, nor more than 5 years; and
+condemnation to the public works.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">15. Magistrates granting
+indulgencies contrary to
+law, &amp;c.</td>
+<td class="vat">Imprisonment not less than 12,
+nor more than 15 years; and
+deprivation of authority.</td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+<hr class="dbl1" />
+<hr class="dbl2" />
+
+<p class="center"><i>Criminal Offences against Human Life and Bodily Safety.</i></p>
+
+<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="10" cellspacing="0" summary="abstract">
+<tr>
+<td class="vat" style="width: 45%">16. <i>Murder</i>,&mdash;by
+wounding a man so that death
+ensues, including all
+accomplices.</td>
+<td class="vat" style="width: 45%">Imprisonment not less than 15,
+nor more than 30 years; the latter
+in cases of consanguinity.<a name="FNanchor_17_17" id="FNanchor_17_17"></a><a href="#Footnote_17_17" class="fnanchor">[17]</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">17. Killing a man in
+self-defence, if the slayer
+exceed the bounds of necessity.</td>
+<td class="vat">Imprisonment not less than 1
+month, nor more than 5 years, and
+condemnation to the public works.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">-65-</a></span></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">18. <i>Murder</i>,&mdash;with an
+intention to rob or steal the
+property of the person, or
+other property intrusted to
+his care.</td>
+<td class="vat">Imprisonment not less than 30
+years, with the hot iron; in
+cruel cases, to be closely chained,
+with corporal punishment<a name="FNanchor_18_18" id="FNanchor_18_18"></a><a href="#Footnote_18_18" class="fnanchor">[18]</a>
+every year.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">19. Assassination by
+stratagem, arms, or poison.</td>
+<td class="vat">Condemnation to the Chain,<a name="FNanchor_19_19" id="FNanchor_19_19"></a><a href="#Footnote_19_19" class="fnanchor">[19]</a>
+not less than 30 years.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">20. Inducing another to commit
+Murder; by caresses, promises,
+presents, or threats; whether
+death is the result or not.</td>
+<td class="vat">Imprisonment not less than 5,
+nor more than 8 years, and
+condemnation to the public works.&mdash;If
+murder is committed, the criminal
+shall suffer as a murderer.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">21. <i>Duelling</i>,&mdash;or
+challenging another to combat
+with murderous weapons on
+whatever pretence the challenge
+be grounded.&mdash;The person
+accepting the challenge is
+equally guilty, after agreeing
+to combat with murderous weapons.</td>
+<td class="vat">If death ensues; condemnation to
+the chain for 30 years, where the
+survivor is the challenger. If
+the survivor be the party
+challenged, imprisonment, not
+more than 12, nor less than 8
+years, and condemnation to the
+public works. If neither fall,
+imprisonment to the challenger,
+not less than 1 month, nor more
+than 5 years; and hard labour in
+the public works.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">22. Accomplices acting as
+assistants and seconds.</td>
+<td class="vat">Imprisonment not less than 1,
+nor more than 5 years.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">23. A woman with child using
+means to procure abortion.</td>
+<td class="vat">Imprisonment not less than 15,
+nor more than 30 years; and
+condemnation to the public works:
+augmented when married women.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">24. Accomplices advising and
+recommending abortion.</td>
+<td class="vat">Imprisonment not less than 1
+month, nor more than 5 years,
+and condemnation to the public
+works.&mdash;Punishment increased
+when the accomplice is the father
+of the infant.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">25. Exposing a living infant,
+in order to abandon it to danger
+and death; or to leave its
+deliverance to chance; whether
+the infant, so exposed, suffers
+death or not.</td>
+<td class="vat">Imprisonment not less than 8,
+nor more than 12 years; to be<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">-66-</a></span>
+increased under circumstances of aggravation.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">26. Maiming by malignant
+assault.</td>
+<td class="vat">Imprisonment not less than 1
+month, nor more than 5 years.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">27. Suicide or self-murder,
+without any sign of insanity.</td>
+<td class="vat">The body to be thrown into
+the earth by the executioner, and
+the name of the person and crime
+to be publicly notified and fixed
+on a gallows.</td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+<hr class="dbl1" />
+<hr class="dbl2" />
+
+<p class="center"><i>Criminal Offences against Honour and Liberty.</i></p>
+
+<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="10" cellspacing="0" summary="abstract">
+<tr>
+<td class="vat" style="width: 45%"><a name="NO28" id="NO28"></a>28. <i>Calumny</i>&mdash;false
+accusation&mdash;injuring a man of
+his right, or robbing him of his
+good name unjustly and without
+proof (See post. <a href="#NO56">No. 56</a>.)</td>
+<td class="vat" style="width: 45%">Imprisonment not less than 1
+month, nor more than 5 years,
+and condemnation to the public
+works; with corporal punishment
+if the party receive injury.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">29. <i>Rape</i>,&mdash;or forcibly,
+by associates, threatnings, or
+shewing weapons, overpowering
+and forcing a woman to submit,
+and shamefully abusing her by
+rendering her incapable of
+opposition.</td>
+<td class="vat">Imprisonment not less than 3
+years, nor more than 12, and
+condemnation to the public works.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">30. Accomplices aiding in the
+commission of a rape.</td>
+<td class="vat">Imprisonment not less than 5,
+nor more than 8 years; and
+condemnation to the public works.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">31. <i>Forcibly carrying a
+person out of the State</i>
+without his will, or the
+consent of the Magistrate,
+enlisting men into foreign
+service, &amp;c.</td>
+<td class="vat">Imprisonment not less than 15
+years, nor more than 30 years;
+augmented if the criminal is a
+natural-born subject.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">32. <i>Forcibly, or by
+address, secretly carrying
+away a Minor</i> past the years
+of infancy, under the care of
+parents or guardians, &amp;c.</td>
+<td class="vat">Imprisonment not less than 1
+month, nor more than 5 years; if
+no injury result&mdash;otherwise
+imprisonment, not less than 8, nor
+more than 12 years, and condemnation
+to the public works.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">33. <i>Forcibly, and by
+address, getting possession of
+any woman</i> contrary to her
+will, obtaining her consent to
+marriage, or shameful debauchery,
+and carrying her from her abode; whether
+the design is accomplished or not.</td>
+<td class="vat">Imprisonment not less than 5
+years, and not more than 8; and
+condemnation to the public works.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">-67-</a></span></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">34. <i>Forcibly carrying away
+a woman known to be bound by
+lawful marriage</i>, or under
+protection of parents, and
+without her consent.</td>
+<td class="vat">Imprisonment not less than 1
+month, nor more than 5 years,
+and condemnation to the public works.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">35. Accomplices aiding and
+assisting.</td>
+<td class="vat">The same.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">36. <i>Unlawful Imprisonment</i>,
+or keeping a person in
+confinement against his will
+and of his own private authority.</td>
+<td class="vat">Imprisonment not less than 1
+month, nor more than 5 years;
+augmented in cases of damages.</td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+<hr class="dbl1" />
+<hr class="dbl2" />
+
+<p class="center"><i>Criminal Offences against Possessions and Rights.</i></p>
+
+<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="10" cellspacing="0" summary="abstract">
+<tr>
+<td class="vat" style="width: 45%">37. <i>Fraud.</i>&mdash;Obtaining the
+property of another by stratagem,
+with an evil design on his
+possessions, honour, or liberty;
+forging title deeds or contracts,
+or <i>altering</i> the same.</td>
+<td class="vat" style="width: 45%">Various, according to the degree
+of malignity&mdash;in general by
+imprisonment not less than 8,
+nor more than 12 years; and in
+smaller offences, not less than 5
+nor more than 8; and condemnation
+to the public works.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat"><i>Perjury</i> in a Court of
+Justice, assuming a false name,
+&amp;c. &amp;c. bearing false witness.</td>
+<td class="vat">The same.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat"><a name="NO38" id="NO38"></a>38. <i>Theft</i>, or taking a
+moveable from the possession of
+another by fraud, and without
+his consent. (See post. <a href="#NO47">No. 47</a>.)</td>
+<td class="vat">Imprisonment not less than 1
+month, nor more than 5 years, if
+unaccompanied by aggravating
+circumstances: but in aggravated
+cases, imprisonment not less than
+5 nor more than 8; or not less
+than 8, nor more than 12 years.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat"><a name="NO39" id="NO39"></a>39. <i>Accomplices in
+Theft</i>.&mdash;abettors and
+receivers, &amp;c.</td>
+<td class="vat">Imprisonment not less than 1
+month nor more than 5 years, and
+condemnation to the public works.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">40. <i>Robbery</i>&mdash;committed
+alone or in company, by using
+violence, or forcing a person
+to discover effects, on which
+the offender has felonious views.</td>
+<td class="vat">Imprisonment not less than 15
+years, nor more than 30; if wounds
+ensue, in consequence of the
+violence used. And if acts of
+cruelty or wounds, occasioning
+death, then the punishment of the
+chain additional.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">41. <i>Incendiary</i>&mdash;where one
+undertakes an action from which
+fire may ensue, or with intention
+to prejudice, or cause damage,
+with a view to profit by the
+disorder that takes place, he
+shall be considered as an
+<i>incendiary</i>, whether
+damage ensues or not.</td>
+<td class="vat">Imprisonment not less than 8
+nor more than 12 years; and
+condemnation to the public works:<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">-68-</a></span>
+when the flames have been stifled.
+Setting fire to a Camp, Magazine,
+Barn, Timber-yard, &amp;c.
+from 15 to 30 years; according
+to the circumstances of the case.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat"><a name="NO42" id="NO42"></a>42. <i>Bigamy</i>&mdash;where one
+bound by the tie of lawful
+matrimony, concludes a second
+marriage with another person,
+single or married.</td>
+<td class="vat">Imprisonment not less than 5
+nor more than 8 years, or condemnation
+to the public works; if the
+person with whom the offender
+contracts the second marriage was
+acquainted with the first.&mdash;If
+concealed, then imprisonment not
+exceeding 12 nor less than 8 years.</td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+<hr class="dbl1" />
+<hr class="dbl2" />
+
+<p class="center"><i>Civil Offences that endanger the Life or Health of the Citizen.</i></p>
+
+<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="10" cellspacing="0" summary="abstract">
+<tr>
+<td class="vat" style="width: 45%">43. <i>Misadventure</i>&mdash;where
+without any ill intention, by
+means of poisonous merchandize,
+or apothecaries selling
+adulterated drugs, any person
+suffers danger or injury.</td>
+<td class="vat" style="width: 45%">Imprisonment from 1 month
+to a year, or condemnation to the
+public works, if the offender has
+caused any immediate damage;
+but if the cause of damage be remote,
+imprisonment from a day to 1 month.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">44. Damage to man or child,
+occasioned by riding or driving
+carriages with too much speed;
+or injury received by persons
+incapable of guarding against
+danger, occasioning a wound or
+death, which might have been
+prevented by due vigilance.</td>
+<td class="vat">Imprisonment from 1 day to
+a month; to be augmented, in
+case death or wound should have
+resulted from the accident.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">45. Breaking Quarantine, &amp;c.
+and fabricating false bills of
+health.</td>
+<td class="vat">By a Military Court of
+Justice.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">46. Actions prejudicial to
+health, or nuisance, where the
+necessary precautions prescribed
+by the laws of health are
+neglected in cases of dead
+animals, distempers among
+cattle, &amp;c. &amp;c.</td>
+<td class="vat">Condemnation to the public
+works, with or without fetters;
+either from 1 day to a month, or
+from 1 month to a year.</td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+<hr class="dbl1" />
+<hr class="dbl2" />
+
+<p class="center"><i>Civil Offences that affect the Fortunes and Rights of Citizens.</i></p>
+
+<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="10" cellspacing="0" summary="abstract">
+<tr>
+<td class="vat" style="width: 45%"><a name="NO47" id="NO47"></a>47. Stealing to the value of
+25 crowns of any moveable,
+when not accompanied with
+aggravating circumstances:
+<i>Stealing Wood in a Forest&mdash;Poaching
+by an unqualified person&mdash;Stealing
+Fruit from Trees&mdash;or earth
+from open Fields</i>&mdash;though
+beyond the value of 25 crowns.
+(See ante, <a href="#NO38">No. 38</a>, <a href="#NO39">39</a>.)</td>
+<td class="vat" style="width: 45%">Confinement, corporal correction,
+and the augmentation of
+the punishment if requisite.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">-69-</a></span></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">48. Using Frauds in playing
+at Games allowed by Law.</td>
+<td class="vat">The pillory and condemnation
+to the public works, in atrocious
+cases; also imprisonment, from
+1 day to a month, and restitution.&mdash;In
+case of foreigners, the pillory and
+banishment.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">49. <i>Accomplices</i>
+co-operating in such Frauds.</td>
+<td class="vat">Imprisonment from 1 day to a
+month.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">50. <i>Playing at prohibited
+Games.</i></td>
+<td class="vat">A fine of 300 ducats, or imprisonment.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">51. <i>Persons selling
+Merchandize</i> at higher prices
+than fixed by the Police, or by
+false weight or measure.</td>
+<td class="vat">Imprisonment from 1 day to a
+month, which may be augmented.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">52. <i>Adultery.</i></td>
+<td class="vat">Corporal correction, or imprisonment
+from 1 day to a month.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">53. <i>Contracting illegal
+Marriages.</i> (See ante, <a href="#NO42">No. 42</a>.)</td>
+<td class="vat">Imprisonment from 1 day to a
+month, and condemnation to the
+public works.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">54. <i>Servants</i> receiving
+earnest, and engaging to serve
+more masters than one, or
+otherwise misbehaving.</td>
+<td class="vat">Corporal correction or imprisonment
+from 1 day to a month.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">55. <i>Masters</i> giving
+servants a false character.</td>
+<td class="vat">Imprisonment from 1 day to a month.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat"><a name="NO56" id="NO56"></a>56. <i>Libels</i> on another by
+writings or disgraceful prints
+or drawings, causing injury to
+another. (See ante, <a href="#NO28">No. 28</a>.)</td>
+<td class="vat">Condemnation to the public
+works; reserving the right to
+recompence to the party wronged.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">57. Distributing or publishing Libels.</td>
+<td class="vat">Condemnation to the public
+works; reserving the right of
+recompence to the party wronged.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">58. <i>Actions</i> by which
+danger by fire may be
+occasioned; such as smoking
+tobacco in a stable,
+timber-yard, &amp;c.</td>
+<td class="vat">Corporal correction.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">59. Acts of hasty petulance,
+leading to quarrels, assaults, and damages.</td>
+<td class="vat">Imprisonment various, or condemnation
+to the public works.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">-70-</a></span></td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+<hr class="dbl1" />
+<hr class="dbl2" />
+
+<p class="center"><i>Civil Offences that tend to the Corruption of Morals.</i></p>
+
+<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="10" cellspacing="0" summary="abstract">
+<tr>
+<td class="vat" style="width: 45%">60. Wickedly insulting the
+Supreme Being by words, deeds,
+or actions, in a public place,
+or in the presence of another person.</td>
+<td class="vat" style="width: 45%">Detention in the hospital destined
+for madmen; where the offender
+is to be treated like a man
+out of his senses, until his amendment
+be perfect and assured.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">61. Disturbing the exercise
+of Public Worship, &amp;c.</td>
+<td class="vat">Imprisonment from 1 day to a
+month; to be augmented by
+fasting and corporal correction.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">62. Writing or Preaching
+against the Christian Religion,
+and Catholick Faith, &amp;c. &amp;c.
+Heresies, &amp;c.</td>
+<td class="vat">Pillory and Imprisonment,
+from 1 day to a month, or to a year.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">63. Committing indecencies
+in any public street or place.</td>
+<td class="vat">Imprisonment from 1 day to a
+month, augmented by fasting.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">64. Attempting to seduce or
+insult women of reputation, by
+shameful debauchery, and using
+gestures, or discourses,
+tending to that purpose.</td>
+<td class="vat">Imprisonment from 1 day to a month.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">65. Carnal Commerce by
+Man with Beast, or with a person
+of the same sex,&mdash;<i>Sodomy</i>.</td>
+<td class="vat">Corporal Correction, and condemnation
+to the public works; and
+banishment from the place where the
+offence has been publicly scandalous.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">66. Consenting to shameful
+debauchery in his house;
+Keeping a <i>Bawdy House</i>.</td>
+<td class="vat">Condemnation to the public
+works, from 1 month to 1 year;
+to be augmented when an innocent
+person has been seduced;
+second offence, the pillory.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">67. Any person, man or woman,
+making a business of
+prostitution, and deriving
+profit from thence.</td>
+<td class="vat">Imprisonment from 1 month
+to a year; second offence, punishment
+double, and augmented by
+fasting and corporal correction.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">68. Dealing in Books, Pictures,
+or Prints which represent
+indecent actions.</td>
+<td class="vat">Imprisonment from 1 day to 1
+month.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">69. Disguising in masks, and
+obtaining admission into
+societies, and secret
+fraternities not notified to
+the Magistrate.</td>
+<td class="vat">The same.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">70. Harbouring in dwellings
+persons not known to have an
+honest mean of living.</td>
+<td class="vat">The same.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">71. Banished persons, from
+the whole of the Austrian
+Dominions&mdash;returning, &amp;c.</td>
+<td class="vat">Corporal correction, to be
+doubled at each successive return;
+and the offender to be banished
+from the Hereditary Dominions.</td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+<hr class="med" />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">-71-</a></span></p>
+
+<p>In contemplating the various component parts of this Code, it is easy
+to discover that although some features of it may be worthy of
+imitation, upon the whole it is not suited either to the English
+constitution or the genius of our people. It is, however, a curious
+and interesting document, from which considerable information may be
+drawn; if ever that period shall arrive when a revision of our own
+criminal Code (in many respects more excellent than this) shall become
+an object of consideration with the Legislature.&mdash;At all events it
+strongly evinces the necessity of adapting the laws to the
+circumstances and situation of the Government; and of the people whose
+vices are to be restrained.</p>
+
+<p>The total abolition of the Punishment of death (excepting in military
+offences cognizable by Courts Martial) is a very prominent feature in
+this Code; which appears to have been founded in a great measure on
+the principles laid down by the Marquis Beccaria, in his Essay on
+Crimes and Punishments: That able writer establishes it as a maxim,
+which indeed will scarcely be controverted&mdash;"That the severity of
+Punishment should just be sufficient to excite compassion in the
+spectators, as it is intended more for them than the criminal.&mdash;A
+punishment, to be just, should have only that degree of severity which
+is sufficient to deter others, and no more"&mdash;This authour further
+asserts, "That perpetual labour has in it all that is necessary to
+deter the most hardened and determined, as much<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">-72-</a></span> as the punishment of
+death, <i>where every example supposes a new crime</i>:&mdash;perpetual labour
+on the other hand, affords a frequent and lasting example."<a name="FNanchor_20_20" id="FNanchor_20_20"></a><a href="#Footnote_20_20" class="fnanchor">[20]</a></p>
+
+<p>Doubtless, the fundamental principle of good legislation is, rather to
+prevent crimes than to punish.&mdash;If a mathematical expression may be
+made use of, relative to the good and evil of human life, it is the
+art of conducting men to the <i>maximum</i> of happiness and the <i>minimum</i>
+of misery.</p>
+
+<p>But in spite of all the efforts of human wisdom, aided by the lights
+of Philosophy, and freed from the mist of prejudice or the bigotry of
+darker ages;&mdash;In spite of the best laws, and the most correct system
+of Police which the most enlightened Legislature can<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">-73-</a></span> form: it will
+not be altogether possible, amid the various opposite attractions of
+pleasure and pain, to reduce the tumultuous activity of mankind to
+absolute regularity:&mdash;We can only hope for a considerable reduction of
+the evils that exist.&mdash;<i>Let the Laws be clear and simple;&mdash;let the
+entire force of the Nation be united in their defence; let the Laws be
+feared, and the Laws only.</i></p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">-74-</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAP_III" id="CHAP_III"></a><span class="gesperrt">CHAP.</span> III.</h2>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p><i>The causes and progress of small Thefts in London explained
+and traced to the numerous Receivers of stolen Goods, under
+the denominations of Dealers in Rags, Old Iron, and other
+Metals.&mdash;The great increase of these Dealers of late
+years.&mdash;Their evil tendency, and the absolute necessity of
+Regulations, to prevent the extensive Mischiefs arising from
+the Encouragements they hold out, to persons of every age
+and description, to become Thieves, by the purchase of
+whatever is offered for sale.&mdash;A Remedy suggested.&mdash;Petty
+Thefts in the country round the Metropolis&mdash;Workhouses the
+causes of idleness&mdash;Commons&mdash;Cottagers&mdash;Gypsies&mdash;Labourers
+and Servants; their general bad character and propensity to
+thieving small articles from their Masters, encouraged by
+Receivers.&mdash;Thefts in Fields and Gardens&mdash;Their extent and
+amount throughout England&mdash;Frauds in the sale and
+adulteration of Milk in the Metropolis.</i></p></div>
+
+<hr class="dbl1" />
+<hr class="dbl2" />
+
+<p><span class="cap">I</span>N a <a href="#CHAPTER_I">preceding Chapter</a> the small thefts committed by persons not known
+to belong to the fraternity of Thieves, are estimated to amount to the
+enormous sum of £.700,000 a year.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">-75-</a></span></p>
+
+<p>This discovery (except what relates to embezzled silk, cotton, and
+worsted) was originally made through the medium of a considerable
+Dealer in Rags and Old Iron, and other Metals, who communicated to the
+Author much interesting information, respecting Receivers of stolen
+Goods, confirmed afterwards through other channels, the substance of
+which has been already alluded to; and of which the following are more
+ample details:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>That there exists in this Metropolis, (and also in all the
+towns where his Majesty's Dock-Yards are established) a
+class of Dealers, of late years become extremely numerous,
+who keep open shops for the purchase of <i>Rags, Old Iron, and
+other Metals</i>.</p>
+
+<p>"That these Dealers are universally, almost without a single
+exception, the Receivers of stolen Goods of every
+denomination; from a nail, a skewer, a key, or a glass
+bottle, up to the most valuable article of portable
+household goods, merchandize, plate, or jewels, &amp;c. &amp;c.</p>
+
+<p>"That they are divided into two classes:&mdash;<i>Wholesale</i> and
+<i>Retail Dealers</i>. That the Retail Dealers are generally
+(with some exceptions) the immediate purchasers in the first
+instance, from the pilferers or their agents; and as soon as
+they collect a sufficient quantity of iron, copper, brass,
+lead, tin, pewter, or other metals, worthy the notice of a
+large Dealer, they dispose of the same for ready<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">-76-</a></span> money; by
+which they are enabled to continue the trade.</p>
+
+<p>"That the increase of these old iron, rag, and store shops
+has been astonishing within the last twenty years.</p>
+
+<p>"That, as the least trifle is received, the vigilance of the
+parties, from whom the articles are stolen, is generally
+eluded; by the prevailing practice of taking only a small
+quantity of any article at a time.</p>
+
+<p>"That the articles thus received are generally purchased at
+about one-third of the real value, and seldom at more than
+half;&mdash;glass bottles in particular, are bought at one penny
+each, and no question asked:&mdash;they are afterwards sold to
+dealers in this particular branch, who assort and wash them,
+and again re-sell them to inferior wine-dealers at nearly
+the full value:&mdash;this has become, of late, an extensive line
+of trade.</p>
+
+<p>"That further facilities are afforded by the dealers in old
+iron, in the collection of metals, rags, and other articles
+purloined and stolen in the Country; which are conveyed to
+town by means of <i>single-horse carts</i>, kept by itinerant
+Jews, and other doubtful characters; who travel to
+Portsmouth, Chatham, Woolwich, Deptford, and places in the
+vicinity of London, for the purpose of purchasing metals
+from persons who are in the habit of embezzling the King's
+stores, or from dealers on the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">-77-</a></span> spot, who are the first
+receivers; from them, <i>copper-bolts, nails, spikes, iron,
+brass, lead, pewter</i>, and other ship articles of
+considerable value are procured.&mdash;These single-horse carts
+have increased greatly of late years, and have become very
+profitable to the proprietors.</p>
+
+<p>"That some of these dealers in old metals, notoriously keep
+men employed in knocking the broad Arrow, or King's mark,
+out of the copper-bolts, nails, and bar iron, whereon it is
+impressed, and also in cutting such bar iron into portable
+lengths, after which it is sold to the great dealers, who
+supply the Public Boards; and who are in some instances
+supposed by this means to sell the same Article to these
+boards even <i>two</i> or <i>three</i> times over.</p>
+
+<p>"That the trade thus carried on, is exceedingly productive
+both to the retail and wholesale dealers; many of whom are
+become extremely opulent, and carry on business to the
+extent of from ten to thirty, and in some few instances,
+fifty thousand a year in old metals alone.</p>
+
+<p>"That the quantity of new nails, taken from the public
+repositories, and from private workshops, and disposed of at
+the old iron shops exceeds all credibility.</p>
+
+<p>"And finally, that the retail dealers in old iron, with some
+exceptions, are the principal purchasers of the pewter pots
+stolen from the Publicans, which they instantly melt down
+(if not previously done) to elude detection."</p></div><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">-78-</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Thus are the lower ranks of Society assailed on all hands; and in a
+manner allured to be dishonest, by the ready means of disposing of
+property, unlawfully acquired, to satisfy <i>imaginary</i> and too
+frequently <i>criminal</i> wants, excited by the temptations which the
+amusements and dissipations of a great Capital, and the delusion of
+the Lottery, hold out.</p>
+
+<p>The rapid growth of this Evil within the last twenty years, and the
+effect it has upon the morals of menial servants and others, who must
+in the nature of things have a certain trust committed to them, is a
+strong reason why some effectual remedy should be administered as
+speedily as possible.</p>
+
+<p>It seems, under all circumstances, that the regulation of these
+Iron-shops, by licence, and by other restrictions connected with the
+public security, has become a matter of immediate necessity; for it is
+a dreadful thing to reflect that there should exist and grow up, in so
+short a period of time, such a body of criminal dealers, who are
+permitted to exercise all the mischievous part of the functions of
+Pawnbrokers; enjoying equal benefits, without any of the restrictions
+which have already been extended to this last class of dealers; who
+themselves also require further regulations, which will be hereafter
+discussed.</p>
+
+<p>But beside the dealers in <i>old iron</i>, it will be necessary to extend
+the regulation proposed, to dealers in <i>second-hand wearing apparel</i>,
+whether <i>stationary</i> or <i>itinerant</i>; for through this medium also, a
+vast quantity<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">-79-</a></span> of bed and table linen, sheets, wearing apparel, and
+other articles, pilfered in private families, is disposed of; and
+money is obtained, without asking questions, with the same facility as
+at the iron shops.</p>
+
+<p>To prevent metals from being melted by Receivers of stolen Goods, and
+other persons keeping crucibles and melting vessels, by which means
+the most infamous frauds are committed, to the evasion of justice, by
+immediately melting plate, pewter pots, and every kind of metal that
+can be identified; it may be also necessary to regulate, by licence,
+all <i>Founders of metal</i>, and also the horse and truck carts used for
+the purpose of conveying old metals from place to place: so as, upon
+the whole, to establish a <i>mild, but complete System of Prevention</i>;
+by limiting the dealers in old metals and second-hand wearing apparel,
+to the honest and fair part of their trade, and by restraining them
+with regard to that which is fraudulent and mischievous.</p>
+
+<p>At present these respective dealers may truly be said to be complete
+pests of Society.&mdash;They are not, like Pawnbrokers, restrained, as to
+the hours of receiving or delivering goods.&mdash;Their dealings are often
+in the night time, by which means they enjoy every opportunity of
+encouraging fraud and dishonesty.</p>
+
+<p>It is impossible to contemplate the consequences arising from the
+seduction of so many individuals, young and old, who must be
+implicated in the crimes which these abominable receptacles encourage,
+with<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">-80-</a></span>out wishing to see so complicate and growing a mischief engage
+the immediate attention of the Legislature, that a remedy may be
+applied as early as possible.<a name="FNanchor_21_21" id="FNanchor_21_21"></a><a href="#Footnote_21_21" class="fnanchor">[21]</a></p>
+
+<p>This System of petty thievery and general depredation is, however, by
+no means confined to the precincts of the Metropolis: it is extended
+in a peculiar manner through the different Counties in its
+Vicinity.&mdash;The following particulars, extracted from Mr. <i>Middleton's</i>
+View of the Agriculture of <i>Middlesex</i>, will enable the Reader to form
+some judgment of the extent of the mischief, and the causes from which
+it originates; producing and increasing that band of plunderers, of
+which the Metropolis itself has ultimately been at once the Nurse and
+the Victim.</p>
+
+<p>"The funds raised for supporting the <i>Idle Poor of this country</i> (says
+this intelligent writer) are so numerous, efficient, and comfortable,
+as to operate against the general industry of the <i>Labouring Poor</i>.</p>
+
+<p>"Lodging and diet in the workhouses, in every instance, are superior
+to what the industrious labourer can provide for his family. It is
+obvious that this must have an influence over their minds, and become
+most injurious to the interests of society; it holds out encouragement
+to prefer the workhouse to labour; and, by filling the poor houses
+with improper inhabitants, it reduces the amount of industry."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">-81-</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The annual expence of each pauper is calculated by the same Writer at
+about <i>Fifteen Guineas</i>; a stout healthy labourer in husbandry, with a
+wife and three children, earns only Thirty for the support of five
+persons.</p>
+
+<p>"The want of prudence is increased, and general industry lessened, on
+the part of the poor, by the facility with which voluntary
+contributions are raised during every temporary inconvenience, such as
+a few weeks' frost, or an extraordinary advance in the price of
+provisions.<a name="FNanchor_22_22" id="FNanchor_22_22"></a><a href="#Footnote_22_22" class="fnanchor">[22]</a> And also by the constantly cloathing<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">-82-</a></span> upwards of ten
+thousand children of the labouring Poor in this Country.</p>
+
+<p>"Every institution which tends to make the poor depend on any other
+support than their own industry does them great disservice, and is
+highly injurious to society, by diminishing the quantity of labour
+which annually produces consumable goods, the only wealth of a
+nation."</p>
+
+<p>Although these suggestions may appear harsh, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">-83-</a></span> some of them may
+admit of more extended discussion, yet they certainly deserve very
+serious consideration; as do also the following observations on the
+Commons and Waste Lands with which this kingdom still abounds; and on
+the general character of Servants and Labourers; the latter of which
+afford but too melancholy a confirmation of many opinions which the
+author of this treatise has thought it his duty to bring forward to
+the Public eye.</p>
+
+<p>"On estimating the value of the Commons in Middlesex, including every
+advantage that can be derived from them in pasturage, locality of
+situation, and the barbarous custom of turbary, it appears that <i>they
+do not produce to the Community, in their present state, more than
+four shillings per Acre</i>! On the other hand, they are, in many
+instances, of real injury to the Public, by holding out a lure to the
+poor man; by affording him materials wherewith to build his cottage,
+and ground to erect it upon; together with firing, and the run of his
+poultry and pigs for nothing. This is, of course, temptation
+sufficient to induce a great number of poor persons to settle upon the
+borders of such Commons. But the mischief does not end here; for
+having gained these trifling advantages, through the neglect or
+connivance of the Lord of the Manor, it unfortunately gives their
+minds an improper bias, and inculcates a desire to live, from that
+time forward, without labour, or at least with as little as possible.</p>
+
+<p>"The animals kept by this description of persons,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">-84-</a></span> it is soon
+discovered by their owners, are not likely to afford them much
+revenue, without better feed than the scanty herbage on a Common;
+hence they are tempted to pilfer corn, &amp;c. towards their support; and
+as they are still dependant on such a deceptious supply, to answer the
+demands of their consumption, they are in some measure constrained to
+resort to various dishonest means, so as to make up the deficiency.</p>
+
+<p>"It is a notorious fact, that in all cases cottages not having any
+ground belonging to them promote thieving to a great extent; as their
+inhabitants constantly rob the neighbouring farms and gardens of root
+and pulse sufficient for their own consumption, and which they would
+have no temptation to do, if they had the same articles growing of
+their own." Hence Mr. Middleton suggests the evil admits of an easy
+remedy, namely, the allotting to each cottager a piece of ground.</p>
+
+<p>"Another very serious evil which the Public suffers from these Commons
+is, that they are the constant rendezvous of Gypsies, Strollers, and
+other loose persons, living under tents which they carry with them
+from place to place, according to their conveniency. Most of these
+persons have asses, many of them horses, nay, some of them have even
+covered carts, which answer the double purpose of a caravan for
+concealing and carrying off the property they have stolen, and also of
+a house for sleeping in at night. They usually stay a week or two at a
+place;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">-85-</a></span> and the cattle which they keep serve to transport their few
+articles of furniture from one place to another. These, during the
+stay of their owners, are turned adrift to procure what food they can
+find in the neighbourhood of their tents, and the deficiency is made
+up from the adjacent hay-stacks, barns and granaries. They are known
+never to buy any hay or corn, and yet their cattle are supplied with
+these articles of good quality. The women and children beg and pilfer,
+and the men commit greater acts of dishonesty. <i>In short, the Commons
+of this Country are well known to be the constant resort of footpads
+and highwaymen, and are literally and proverbially a public
+nuisance.</i>"&mdash;&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"<i>The Labourers of this country are ruined in morals and constitution
+by the public houses.</i> It is a general rule, that the higher their
+wages, the less they carry home, and consequently the greater is the
+wretchedness of themselves and their families. Comforts in a cottage
+are mostly found where the man's wages are low, at least so low as to
+require him to labour six days a week. For instance, a good workman at
+nine shillings per week, if advanced to twelve will spend a day in the
+week at the alehouse, which reduces his labour to five days, or ten
+shillings; and as he will spend two shillings in the public house, it
+leaves but eight for his family, which is one less than they had when
+he earned only nine shillings.</p>
+
+<p>"If by any means he be put into a situation of earning eighteen
+shillings in six days, he will get<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">-86-</a></span> drunk Sunday and Monday, and go to
+his work stupid on Tuesday; and should he be a mechanical journeyman
+of some genius, who by constant labour could earn twenty-four
+shillings or thirty shillings per week, as some of them can, he will
+be drunk half the week, insolent to his employer, and to every person
+about him.</p>
+
+<p>"If his master has business in hand that requires particular dispatch,
+he will then, more than at any other time, be absent from his work,
+and his wife and children will experience the extreme of hunger, rags
+and cold.</p>
+
+<p>"The low <i>Inns on the road sides</i> are, in general, receiving houses
+for the corn, hay, straw, poultry, eggs, &amp;c. which the farmers' men
+pilfer from their masters.</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Gentlemen's Servants</i> are mostly a bad set, and the great number
+kept in this county, is the means of the rural labourers acquiring a
+degree of idleness and insolence unknown in places more remote from
+the Metropolis.</p>
+
+<p>"The poor children who are brought up on the borders of commons and
+copses, are accustomed to little labour, but too much idleness and
+pilfering. Having grown up, and these latter qualities having become a
+part of their nature, they are then introduced to the farmers as
+servants or labourers; and very bad ones they make.</p>
+
+<p>"The children of small farmers, on the contrary, have the picture of
+industry, hard labour, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">-87-</a></span> honesty, hourly before them, in the
+persons of their <i>parents</i>, and daily hear the complaints which <i>they</i>
+make against idle and pilfering servants, and comparisons drawn highly
+in favour of honesty. In this manner honesty and industry become, as
+it were, a part of the nature of such young folks. The father's
+property is small, and his means few; he is therefore unable to hire
+and stock a farm for each of his children; they consequently become
+servants on large farms, or in gentlemen's families, and in either
+situation are the most faithful part of such establishments."&mdash;&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"One great hindrance to comfort in a life of agriculture, and which
+drives liberal minded men, who are always the best friends to
+improvement, out of the profession, is the want of laws to put a total
+stop to the Receivers of stolen goods. These are the wretches who
+encourage servants in agriculture, and others to pilfer, by holding
+out the lure of buying every article, which such servants can bring
+without asking them any questions. Most things which are usually
+produced on a farm, from so small an article as an egg, to hay, straw
+and grain of all sorts are daily stolen,<a name="FNanchor_23_23" id="FNanchor_23_23"></a><a href="#Footnote_23_23" class="fnanchor">[23]</a> and sold on the sides of
+every principal road in this county. Among the Receivers are to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">-88-</a></span> be
+reckoned Millers, Cornchandlers, Dealers in eggs, butter and poultry,
+and the Keepers of Chandlers' shops.</p>
+
+<p>"The Drivers of Gentlemen's carriages are intrusted to buy hay, straw,
+and corn, for their horses; in the doing which, they generally cheat
+their masters of 5<i>s.</i> in each load of hay, of 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> in each
+load of straw, and 1<i>s.</i> in every quarter of corn. This gives them an
+interest in the consumption, makes them extremely wasteful, and brings
+on habits of dishonesty.</p>
+
+<p>"The Ostlers at the Inns on the sides of the roads, purchase stolen
+hay, straw, corn, eggs, and poultry. A person who kept a horse several
+weeks at one of these inns, in attending occasionally to see the
+animal, discovered him to be fed with wheat, barley and oats mixed
+together, which could only happen by the farmers' servants robbing
+their Master, and selling the corn to the Ostler."&mdash;&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"The fields near London are never free from men strolling about in
+pilfering pursuits by day, and committing great crimes by night. The
+depredations every Sunday are astonishingly great. There are not many
+gardens within five miles of London, that escape being visited in a
+marauding way, very early on a Sunday morning, and the farmers' fields
+are plundered all day long of fruit, roots, cabbages, pulse and corn.
+Even the ears of wheat are cut from the sheaves, and carried away in
+the most daring manner<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">-89-</a></span> in open day, in various ways, but mostly in
+bags containing about half a bushel each. It has been moderately
+estimated, that 20,000 bushels of all the various sorts are thus
+carried off every Sunday morning, and 10,000 more during the other six
+days of the week; or one million and a half of bushels in a year,
+which, if valued at so small a sum as sixpence each, would amount to
+£37,500.</p>
+
+<p>"The occupiers of many thousand acres round London, lose annually in
+this manner to the amount of much more than 20<i>s.</i> an acre.</p>
+
+<p>"A Miller near London being questioned as to small parcels of wheat
+brought to his mill to be ground, by a suspected person, soon after
+several barns had been robbed, answered, that any explanation on that
+head would put his mills in danger of being burnt. Well may the
+<i>farmers</i> say, 'Their <i>property is not protected like that of other
+men</i>.'"</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Middleton calculates that the depredations committed on the landed
+interest probably amount to 4<i>s.</i> an acre per annum, on all the
+cultivated lands in England, or to eight millions of pounds sterling
+per annum: and including the injuries done by game and vermin, he
+supposes, that the farmers' property suffers to the amount of 10<i>s.</i>
+an acre, or nearly twenty millions annually.</p>
+
+<p>The following curious circumstances relative to the adulteration of
+<i>Milk</i> in the Metropolis, ought to be added to the list of petty
+frauds, which not merely<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">-90-</a></span> affect the pockets but the health of the
+inhabitants of London. The number of milch cows kept for the purpose
+of supplying the Metropolis with this article, is stated by Mr.
+<i>Middleton</i>, after very diligent inquiry, at 8,500; and each cow is
+supposed to afford on an average nine quarts of milk per day.&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"When the families of fashion are in London for the winter season, the
+consumption, and consequent deterioration of milk are at the highest;
+during the summer months, when such families are for the most part in
+the country, the milk may probably be of rather a better quality.</p>
+
+<p>"The milk is always given in its genuine state to the retail dealers;
+and as it is sold to them by the Cow-keepers after the rate of
+twopence and 1-8th of a penny per quart, and is retailed by them at
+threepence halfpenny per quart, the profit is surely so large as ought
+to prevent even the smallest adulteration. But when it is considered
+how greatly it is reduced <i>by water</i>, and impregnated with <i>worse</i>
+ingredients, it is much to be lamented that no method has yet been
+devised to put a stop to the many scandalous frauds and impositions in
+general practice, with regard to this very necessary article of human
+sustenance.</p>
+
+<p>"It is certainly an object well deserving the particular consideration
+of the Legislature. It cannot be doubted, that many persons would be
+glad to make some addition to the price now paid for it (high<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">-91-</a></span> as that
+price is) provided they could, for such increased price, procure so
+useful an article in domestic &#339;conomy perfectly genuine.<a name="FNanchor_24_24" id="FNanchor_24_24"></a><a href="#Footnote_24_24" class="fnanchor">[24]</a></p>
+
+<p>"Five or six men only are employed in attending near three hundred
+cows. As one woman cannot milk above eight or nine cows twice a day,
+that part of the business would necessarily be attended with
+considerable expence to the Cow-keeper, were it not that the Retailer
+agrees for the produce of a certain number of cows, and takes the
+labour and expence of milking on himself.</p>
+
+<p>"Every Cow-house is provided with a milk-room (where the milk is
+measured and served out by the Cow-keeper) and this room is mostly
+furnished with <i>a pump</i>, to which the Retail Dealers apply in
+rotation; not secretly, but openly before any person that may be
+standing by, from which they pump water into the milk vessels at their
+discretion. The pump is placed there expressly for that purpose, and
+indeed is very<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">-92-</a></span> seldom used for any other. A considerable Cow-keeper
+in Surrey has a pump of this kind, which goes, by the name of the
+<i>Famous Black Cow</i> (from the circumstance of its being painted black)
+<i>and is said to yield more than all the rest put together</i>.</p>
+
+<p>"Where such a pump is not provided for them things are much worse, for
+in that case the Retailers are not even careful to use <i>clean</i> water.
+Some of them have been seen to dip their pails in a common
+horse-trough. And what is still more disgusting, though equally true,
+one cow-house happens to stand close to the edge of a stream, into
+which runs much of the dung, and most of the urine of the cows, and
+even in this stream, so foully impregnated, they have been observed to
+dip their milk-pails.</p>
+
+<p>"A Cow-keeper informs me, that the Retail Milk Dealers are for the
+most part the refuse of other employments, possessing neither
+character, decency of manners, nor cleanliness.</p>
+
+<p>"No person could possibly drink of the milk, were they fully
+acquainted with the filthy manners of these dealers in it.</p>
+
+<p>"The same person suggests, <i>as a remedy for these abuses, that it
+would be highly proper for every Retail Milk Dealer to be obliged to
+take out an Annual Licence from the Magistrates</i>; which licence should
+be granted only to such as could produce a certificate of good
+conduct, signed by the Cow-keeper and a certain number of their
+customers; and also on their being sworn to sell the milk pure and
+unadulterated."</p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">-93-</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAP_IV" id="CHAP_IV"></a><span class="gesperrt">CHAP.</span> IV.</h2>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p><i>General Reflections arising from the perpetration of the
+higher and more atrocious crimes of Burglary, Highway
+Robbery, &amp;c.&mdash;These crimes more peculiar to England than to
+Holland and Flanders, &amp;c.&mdash;The Reason explained.&mdash;A general
+View of the various classes of Criminals engaged in
+Robberies and Burglaries and of those discharged from Prison
+and the Hulks.&mdash;Their miserable situation as Outcasts of
+Society, without the means of Support.&mdash;The necessity of
+some Antidote previous to the return of Peace.&mdash;The means
+used at present by Thieves in accomplishing their nefarious
+Purposes.&mdash;Observations on the stealing Cattle, Sheep, Corn,
+&amp;c.&mdash;Receivers of Stolen Goods shewn to be the Nourishers of
+every description of Thieves.&mdash;Remedies suggested, by means
+of Detection and Prevention.</i></p></div>
+
+<hr class="dbl1" />
+<hr class="dbl2" />
+
+<p><span class="cap">I</span>T is impossible to reflect upon the outrages and acts of violence
+continually committed, more particularly in and near the Metropolis by
+lawless ravagers of property, and destroyers of lives, in disturbing
+the peaceful mansion, <i>the Castle of every Englishman</i>, and also in
+abridging the liberty of travelling upon the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">-94-</a></span> Public Highways, without
+asking&mdash;<i>Why are these enormities suffered in a Country where the
+Criminal Laws are supposed to have arrived at a greater degree of
+perfection than any other?</i></p>
+
+<p>This is an important inquiry, interesting in the highest degree, to
+every member of the Body Politic.</p>
+
+<p>If, in pursuing such an inquiry, the situation of Holland, Flanders,
+and several of the Northern States on the Continent, be examined, it
+will be found that this terrific evil had (alluding to these States
+previous to the present war) there scarcely an existence: and, that
+the precaution of bolting doors and windows during the night, was even
+seldom used; although, in these Countries, from the opulence of many
+of the inhabitants, there were great temptations to plunder property.</p>
+
+<p>This security did not proceed from <i>severer punishments</i>, for in very
+few Countries are they more sanguinary than in England.&mdash;It is to be
+attributed to a more correct and energetic system of Police, joined to
+an early and general attention to the employment, education, and
+morals of the lower orders of the people; a habit of industry and
+sobriety is thus acquired, which, universally imbibed in early life,
+"grows with their growth, and strengthens with their strength."</p>
+
+<p>Idleness is a never-failing road to criminality. It originates
+generally in the inattention and the bad example of profligate
+parents.&mdash;And when it has unfortunately taken hold of the human mind,
+unneces<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">-95-</a></span>sary wants and improper gratifications, not known or thought
+of by persons in a course of industry, are constantly generated: hence
+it is, that crimes are resorted to, and every kind of violence,
+hostile to the laws, and to peace and good order, is perpetrated.</p>
+
+<p>The criminal and unfortunate individuals, who compose the dismal
+catalogue of Highwaymen, Footpad-Robbers, Burglars, Pick-Pockets, and
+common Thieves, in and about this Metropolis, may be divided into the
+three following classes:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>1. Young men of some education, who having acquired idle
+habits by abandoning business, or by being bred to no
+profession, and having been seduced by this idleness to
+indulge in gambling and scenes of debauchery and
+dissipation, at length impoverished and unable to purchase
+their accustomed gratifications, have recourse to the
+highway to supply immediate wants.</p>
+
+<p>2. Tradesmen and others, who having ruined their fortunes
+and business by gaming and dissipation, sometimes as a
+desperate remedy, go upon the road.</p></div>
+
+<p>But these two classes are extremely few in number, and bear no
+proportion to the lower and more depraved part of the fraternity of
+thieves, who pursue the trade systematically; who conduct their
+depredations under such circumstances of caution, as to render
+detection extremely difficult; and whose knowledge of all the weak
+parts of the Criminal Law is generally so complete, as to enable them
+to elude justice, and obtain acquittals, when detected and put upon
+their trial:&mdash;<i>Namely</i><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">-96-</a></span>&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>3. 1st. Servants, Ostlers, Stable and Post-Boys out of
+place, who, preferring what they consider as idleness, have
+studied the profession of Thieving.&mdash;2d. Persons who being
+imprisoned for debts, assaults, or petty offences, have
+learned habits of idleness and profligacy in gaols.&mdash;3d.
+Idle and disorderly mechanics and labourers, who having on
+this account lost the confidence of their masters or
+employers, resort to thieving, as a means of support; from
+all whom the notorious and hacknied thieves generally select
+the most trusty and daring to act as their associates.&mdash;4th.
+Criminals tried and acquitted of offences charged against
+them, of which class a vast number is annually let loose
+upon Society.&mdash;5th. Convicts discharged from prison and the
+Hulks, after suffering the sentence of the Law: too often
+instructed by one another in all the arts and devices which
+attach to the most extreme degree of human depravity, and in
+the perfect knowledge of the means of perpetrating Crimes,
+and of eluding Justice.</p></div>
+
+<p>To form some judgment of the number of persons in this great
+Metropolis who compose at least a part of the Criminal Phalanx engaged
+in depredations and acts of violence, it is only necessary to have
+recourse to the following Statement of the number of prisoners
+discharged, during a period of four years, from the eight different
+Gaols in the Metropolis, and within the Bills of Mortality.</p>
+
+<table style="width: 80%" border="0" cellpadding="10" cellspacing="0" summary="convicts">
+<tr><td>1. Discharged by proclamation and gaol-deliveries; having been committed in consequence of being charged with various offences for which bills were not found by the Grand Jury, or where the prosecutors did not appear to maintain and support the charges</td><td class="vabr">5592<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">-97-</a></span></td></tr>
+<tr><td>2. Discharged by acquittals, in the different Courts; (frequently from having availed themselves of the defects of the Law,&mdash;from frauds in keeping back evidence, and other devices)</td><td class="vabr">2962</td></tr>
+<tr><td>3. Convicts discharged from the different gaols, after suffering the punishment of imprisonment, &amp;c. inflicted on them for the several offences</td><td class="vabr">2484</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="right">Total</td><td class="rtl">11038</td></tr>
+</table>
+
+<p>The following is a Statement of the number of these discharges from
+the year 1792 to 1799 inclusive:&mdash;</p>
+
+
+<table style="width: 80%" border="0" cellpadding="10" cellspacing="0" summary="convicts">
+<tr><td>1. Discharged by Proclamations and Gaol-deliveries</td><td class="right">8650</td></tr>
+<tr><td>2. Discharged by Acquittals</td><td class="right">4935</td></tr>
+<tr><td>3. Discharged after punishment: or by being bailed or pardoned</td><td class="right">6925</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="right">Total</td><td class="rtbl">20,510</td></tr>
+</table>
+
+<p>If to this deplorable Catalogue shall be added the Convicts which have
+been returned on the Public from the Hulks within the same period,
+namely, from 1792 to 1799 inclusive, either from pardons, escapes, or
+the expiration of their punishment, the numbers will stand thus:<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">-98-</a></span></p>
+
+
+<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="released convicts">
+<tr><td>Enlarged in</td><td>1792</td><td class="right">303</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&mdash; &mdash;</td><td>1793</td><td class="right">435</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&mdash; &mdash;</td><td>1794</td><td class="right">62</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&mdash; &mdash;</td><td>1795</td><td class="right">67</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&mdash; &mdash;</td><td>1796</td><td class="right">38</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&mdash; &mdash;</td><td>1797</td><td class="right">39</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&mdash; &mdash;</td><td>1798</td><td class="right">93</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&mdash; &mdash;</td><td>1799</td><td class="right">346</td></tr>
+<tr><td colspan="2">&nbsp;</td><td class="rtbl">1383</td></tr>
+<tr><td colspan="2">Total from Gaols and from the Hulks</td><td class="right">21,893</td></tr>
+</table>
+
+<p>Humanity shudders at the contemplation of this interesting part of the
+discussion, when it is considered, who these our miserable
+fellow-mortals are! and what is to be expected from the extreme
+depravity which attaches to the chief part of them!</p>
+
+<p>And here a prominent feature of the imperfect state of the Police of
+the Metropolis and the Country is too evident to escape notice.</p>
+
+<p><i>Without friends, without character, and without the means of
+subsistence</i>, what are these unhappy mortals to do?&mdash;They are no
+sooner known or suspected, than they are avoided.&mdash;No person will
+employ them, even if they were disposed to return to the paths of
+honesty; unless they make use of fraud and deception, by concealing
+that they have been the inhabitants of a <i>Prison</i>, or of the <i>Hulks</i>.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">-99-</a></span></p>
+
+<p>At large upon the world, without food or raiment, and with the
+constant calls of nature upon them for both, without a home or any
+asylum to shelter them from the inclemency of the weather, <i>what is to
+become of them</i>?</p>
+
+<p>The Police of the Country has provided no place of industry, in which
+those who were disposed to reform might find subsistence in return for
+voluntary labour; which, in their present situation, becomes useless
+to them, because no person will purchase it by employing them.<a name="FNanchor_25_25" id="FNanchor_25_25"></a><a href="#Footnote_25_25" class="fnanchor">[25]</a>
+Under all these circumstances it is to be feared, indeed it is known,
+that many Convicts, from dire necessity, return to their old
+courses.&mdash;And thus, through the medium of these miserable outcasts of
+Society, crimes are increased and become a regular trade, because many
+of them can make no other election.</p>
+
+<p>It is indeed true, that during the first three years of the present
+war, many Convicts and idle and disorderly persons were sent to the
+Army and Navy: but still a vast number remained behind, who could not
+be accepted on account of ruptures, fits, or some<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">-100-</a></span> other disability or
+infirmity; which, although they incapacitate them from serving his
+Majesty, do not prevent them from committing crimes.</p>
+
+<p>While it must be evident, that the resource afforded by the present
+war, gives employment, for a time only, to many depraved characters
+and mischievous members of the community; how necessary is it to be
+provided with antidotes, previous to the return of peace; when, to the
+multitude of thieves now at large, there will be added numbers of the
+same class, who may be discharged from the Navy and Army?&mdash;If some
+plan of employment is not speedily devised, to which all persons of
+this description may resort, who cannot otherwise subsist themselves
+in an honest way; and if the Police of the Metropolis is not greatly
+improved, by the introduction of more energy, and a greater degree of
+System and Method in its administration; it is much to be feared, that
+no existing power will be able to keep them within bounds.</p>
+
+<p>It is in vain to say the Laws are sufficient.&mdash;They are indeed
+abundantly voluminous, and in many respects very excellent, but they
+require to be revised, consolidated, modernized, and adapted in a
+greater degree to the prevention of existing evils, with such
+regulations as would ensure their due execution not only <i>in every
+part of the Capital</i>, but also in all parts of the Kingdom.</p>
+
+<p>The means these depredators at present use in accomplishing their
+nefarious purposes are complicated and various; and of late years have
+become as much<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">-101-</a></span> diversified as it is possible for the ingenuity of men
+to devise, who frequently join good natural abilities to all the
+artifices of the finished villain.</p>
+
+<p>It is no uncommon thing for the more daring and strong-minded to form
+themselves into gangs or societies; to the exclusion of those of their
+fraternity whose hearts are likely to fail them, and who are supposed
+not to be sufficiently firm, so as to secure their accomplices against
+the hazard of discovery in case of detection.</p>
+
+<p>Robbery and theft, as well in houses as on the roads, have long been
+reduced to a regular System. Opportunities are watched, and
+intelligence procured, with a degree of vigilance similar to that
+which marks the conduct of a skilful General, eager to obtain an
+advantage over an enemy.</p>
+
+<p>Houses, intended to be entered during the night, are previously
+reconnoitred and examined for days preceding. If one or more of the
+servants are not already associated with the gang, the most artful
+means are used to obtain their assistance; and when every previous
+arrangement is made, the mere operation of robbing a house becomes a
+matter of little difficulty.</p>
+
+<p>By the connivance and assistance of immediate, or former servants,
+they are led to the places where the most valuable, as well as the
+most portable, articles are deposited, and the object is speedily
+attained.</p>
+
+<p>In this manner do the principal Burglars and House-breakers proceed:
+and let this information<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">-102-</a></span> serve as a caution to every person in the
+choice both of their male and female servants; since the latter as
+well as the former are not seldom accomplices in very atrocious
+robberies.</p>
+
+<p>The same <i>generalship</i> is manifested in the nocturnal expeditions of
+those criminal associates upon the highways.</p>
+
+<p>A perfect knowledge is obtained every evening of the different routes
+and situations of the patroles:&mdash;they are narrowly watched, and their
+vigilance (wherever they are vigilant) is in too many instances
+defeated.</p>
+
+<p>Infinite pains are bestowed in procuring intelligence of persons
+travelling upon the road with money, bank-notes, or other valuable
+effects; and when discovered, the most masterly pains are concerted to
+waylay and rob them of their property: Nor have the measures pursued
+by those atrocious villains, the Footpads, exhibited less skill in the
+plans adopted; while their outrages are too often marked with those
+acts of cruelty and barbarity which justly render them objects of
+peculiar terror.</p>
+
+<p>The same adroitness also marks the conduct of those who turn their
+attention chiefly to picking of pockets, and other smaller robberies.</p>
+
+<p>It would almost fill a volume to detail the various artifices which
+are resorted to, in carrying on this species of thieving; by which
+even the most cautious, and those who are generally upon their guard,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">-103-</a></span>
+are not exempted from the ravages of these inferior pests of Society.</p>
+
+<p>In addition to the injuries or losses arising from burglaries,
+highway-robberies and lesser thefts, it is to be lamented that
+extensive and increasing depredations are made upon horses, cattle and
+sheep, and also upon flour, corn, potatoes, provender, and poultry;
+stolen from the drovers, millers, corn-factors, and farmers in the
+vicinity of the Metropolis. These have been stated more at large in a
+<a href="#CHAP_III">preceding Chapter</a>.</p>
+
+<p>It cannot be too often repeated that the great facility experienced,
+in the immediate disposal of every article obtained by dishonesty, is
+one of the chief encouragements to all the acts of outrage and
+depredation enumerated in the course of this Work.</p>
+
+<p>It frequently happens that the Burglars, the Highwaymen, and Footpad
+robbers, make their contracts with the Receivers, on the evening
+before the plunder is obtained; so as to secure a ready admittance
+immediately afterwards, and before day-break, for the purpose of
+effectual concealment by melting plate, obliterating marks, and
+securing all other articles so as to place them out of the reach of
+discovery. This has long been reduced to a regular system which is
+understood and followed as a trade.</p>
+
+<p>Nor do those Thieves who steal horses,<a name="FNanchor_26_26" id="FNanchor_26_26"></a><a href="#Footnote_26_26" class="fnanchor">[26]</a> cattle and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">-104-</a></span> sheep
+experience more difficulty in finding purchasers immediately for
+whatever they can obtain:&mdash;they too, generally, make a previous
+bargain with the Receivers, who are ready at an appointed hour to
+conceal the animals, to kill them immediately, and to destroy the
+skins for the purpose of eluding detection.</p>
+
+<p>It sometimes happens also, that the persons who perpetrate these
+robberies are journeymen-butchers, by trade; who kill whatever they
+steal, and often afterwards sell their plunder in the Public Markets.</p>
+
+<p>If, by wise regulations, it were possible to embarrass and disturb the
+extensive trade carried on by all the <i>concealed Receivers</i>, who are
+the particular class having connection with the professed thieves, a
+very great check would be given to public depredations.</p>
+
+<p>In suggesting Remedies, this of all other appears, at first view, to
+be the most difficult; because of the apparent impossibility of
+regulating any class of Dealers who have no shop, or visible trade,
+and who transact all their business under concealment:&mdash;but still the
+object is to be obtained by a combination of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">-105-</a></span> different legislative
+regulations, carried into execution by a consolidated, vigilant and
+well-regulated Police.</p>
+
+<p>The detail, however, of the means of detecting Receivers will, of
+course, be discussed hereafter, in a <a href="#CHAP_X">subsequent Chapter</a>; at present
+the following Hints will suffice.</p>
+
+<p>A register of lodging-houses and lodgers in every parish, liberty,
+hamlet, and precinct, where the rent does not exceed a certain sum
+(suppose ten shillings) weekly, would prove one great means of
+embarrassment to Thieves of every class; and of course would tend,
+with other regulations, to the prevention of Crimes.</p>
+
+<p>Night-Coaches also promote, in an eminent degree, the perpetration of
+burglaries and other felonies: Bribed by a high reward, many hackney
+coachmen eagerly enter into the pay of nocturnal depredators, and wait
+in the neighbourhood until the robbery is completed, and then draw up,
+at the moment the watchmen are going their rounds, or off their
+stands, for the purpose of conveying the plunder to the house of the
+Receiver, who is generally waiting the issue of the enterprise. Above
+one half of the present Hackney Coachmen, in London, are said to be
+(in the cant phrase) <i>Flashmen</i> designed to assist thieves.</p>
+
+<p>It being certain that a vast deal of mischief is done which could not
+be effected, were it not for the assistance which night coaches afford
+to Thieves of every description, it would seem, upon the whole,
+advan<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">-106-</a></span>tageous to the Public, that no Hackney Coaches should be
+permitted to take fares after twelve o'clock at night; or, if this is
+impracticable, that the coach-hire for night service should be
+advanced, on condition that all coachmen going upon the stands after
+twelve o'clock, should be licensed by a Board of Police. By this means
+the night-coachmen, by being more select, would not be so open to
+improper influence; and they might even become useful to Public
+Justice in giving informations, and also in detecting Burglars, and
+other Thieves.</p>
+
+<p>Watchmen and Patroles, instead of being, as now, comparatively of
+little use, from their <i>age, infirmity, inability, inattention</i>, or
+<i>corrupt practices</i>, might almost at the present expence, by a proper
+selection, and a more correct mode of discipline, by means of a
+general superintendance over the whole to regulate their conduct, and
+keep them to their duty, be rendered of great utility in preventing
+Crimes, and in detecting Offenders.<a name="FNanchor_27_27" id="FNanchor_27_27"></a><a href="#Footnote_27_27" class="fnanchor">[27]</a></p>
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">-107-</a></span></p>
+<p>At present the System of the nightly watch is without energy,
+disjointed, and governed by almost as many different Acts of
+Parliament, as there are Parishes, Hamlets, Liberties, and Precincts
+within the Bills of Mortality; and where the payment is as various,
+running from 8&frac12;<i>d.</i> up to 2<i>s.</i> a night.</p>
+
+<p>The Act of the 14th of George IIId. (<i>cap.</i> 90.) entituled, <i>An Act
+for the better regulation of the Nightly Watch within the City and
+Liberty of Westminster, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">-108-</a></span> parts adjacent</i>, contains many excellent
+Regulations, but they do not extend to the eastern part of the
+Metropolis; and for want of an active and superintending agency,
+superior to beadles, it is believed and felt that they are not, (even
+within the district included in the Act,) correctly carried into
+execution: and that no small portion of those very men who are paid
+for protecting the public, are not only instruments of oppression in
+many instances, by extorting money most unwarrantably; but are
+frequently accessaries in aiding, abetting or concealing the
+commission of crimes, which it is their duty to detect and suppress.</p>
+
+<p>If as an improvement to the preventive System, and as a check upon the
+improper conduct of parochial Watchmen, a body of honest, able, and
+active Officers, in the character of Police Patroles, were attached to
+each Public Office, or to a General Police System with a sufficient
+fund to defray the expences, to follow up informations for the
+detection of negligent servants of the Public, and liberally to reward
+those who were active and useful in apprehending delinquents, and in
+making discoveries, tending either to the recovery of property stolen,
+or to the detection of the offenders, little doubt need be
+entertained, under the guidance of a Central Board and vigilant
+Police, aided by zealous and active Magistrates, that such a System
+would soon be established, as would go very far towards the prevention
+of many atrocious crimes.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">-109-</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Among the various advantages which may thus be expected to result to
+the Community from the arrangements recommended in this work, would be
+<i>the suppression of Highway Robberies</i>. A desideratum impracticable in
+the present state of the Police, although easy and certain under a
+Police Board; having a general superintendance competent to look at
+every point of danger, and with pecuniary resources equal to an object
+so interesting to the inhabitants of this Metropolis.<a name="FNanchor_28_28" id="FNanchor_28_28"></a><a href="#Footnote_28_28" class="fnanchor">[28]</a> Upon the
+adoption of this important measure, therefore, (a measure so strongly
+recommended by the Select Committee of the House of Commons on
+Finance<a name="FNanchor_29_29" id="FNanchor_29_29"></a><a href="#Footnote_29_29" class="fnanchor">[29]</a>) depends in a great degree, that security to travellers on
+the highways in the vicinity of the Metropolis; the want of which, and
+of many other valuable regulations, for the prevention of crimes, has
+long been a reproach to the Criminal Jurisprudence, as well as the
+Police, of the Country.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">-110-</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAP_V" id="CHAP_V"></a><span class="gesperrt">CHAP.</span> V.</h2>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Reasons assigned why forgeries and frauds must prevail in a
+certain degree, wherever the interchange of property is
+extensive.&mdash;A considerable check already given to the higher
+class of Forgeries, by shutting out all hopes of Royal
+Mercy:&mdash;Petty Forgeries have however increased:&mdash;The Reason
+assigned.&mdash;The qualifications of a Cheat, Swindler, and
+Gambler explained.&mdash;This mischievous class of men extremely
+numerous in the Metropolis.&mdash;The Common and Statute Law
+applicable to offences of this nature explained.&mdash;The
+different classes of Cheats and Swindlers, and the various
+tricks and devices they pursue, to enable them to live in
+idleness, by their wits.&mdash;Sharpers, Cheats, and Swindlers,
+divided into eighteen different Classes&mdash;1st. Sharpers who
+become Pawnbrokers.&mdash;2d. Sharpers who obtain Licence as
+Hawkers and Pedlars.&mdash;3d. Swindlers who open shops as
+Auctioneers.&mdash;4th. Swindlers who pretend to discount
+Bills.&mdash;5th. Itinerate Jews.&mdash;6th. Cheats who sell by false
+Weights and Measures.&mdash;7th. Swindlers who defraud Tradesmen
+of Goods.&mdash;8th. Cheats who take Genteel Lodgings with false
+Names, &amp;c.&mdash;9th. Cheats who personate former Masters to
+defraud their Tradesmen.&mdash;10th. Cheats who personate
+Footmen, and order Goods from Tradesmen.&mdash;11th. Cheats and
+Sharpers who deceive Persons from the Country.&mdash;12th. Cheats
+and Sharp<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">-111-</a></span>ers who trick Shopmen and Boys out of
+Parcels.&mdash;13th. Sharpers who attend Inns to pick up Parcels
+by various tricks and devices.&mdash;14th. Cheats who go from
+door to door, begging on false Pretences.&mdash;15th. Sharpers
+selling smuggled Goods; known by the name of Duffers.&mdash;16th.
+Female Sharpers, who attend Court and Public Places.&mdash;17th.
+Female Bankers who lend money to Barrow-Women at 6d. a day
+for Five Shillings.&mdash;18th. Cheats who pretend to tell
+Fortunes.&mdash;Various Remedies suggested.</i></p></div>
+
+<hr class="dbl1" />
+<hr class="dbl2" />
+
+<p><span class="cap">I</span>N a great Metropolis, like London, where trade and commerce have
+arrived at such an astonishing height, and where from the extensive
+transactions in the Funds, and the opulence of the People, the
+interchange of property is so expanded, it ceases to be a matter of
+wonder that Forgeries and Frauds should prevail, in a certain
+degree:&mdash;the question of difficulty is, <i>why the Laws and the means of
+prevention, have not kept pace with the progressive advancement of the
+Country; so as to check and keep within bounds those nefarious
+practices</i>?</p>
+
+<p>Forgeries of the higher class, so dangerous in a commercial country,
+have by the wise policy of the Executive Government, in shutting out
+all hopes of the extension of the Royal Mercy to the guilty, received
+a most severe check: beneficial in the highest degree to the country,
+and clearly manifested by the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">-112-</a></span> records of the Old Bailey, where trial
+for offences of this nature certainly do not increase in number.</p>
+
+<p>But it is to be lamented, that, with regard to petty forgeries and
+frauds, this is by no means the case, for they seem to multiply and
+advance with the opulence and luxury of the country; and to branch out
+into innumerable different shades, varying as the fashions of the
+year, and as the resources for the perpetration of this species of
+fraud change their aspect.</p>
+
+<p>When those depraved people who (to use a vulgar phrase) <i>live entirely
+by their wits</i>&mdash;find that any tricks which they have practised for a
+certain length of time become stale, (such as <i>pricking the belt for a
+wager</i>, or <i>dropping the ring</i>) they abandon these; and have recourse
+to other devices more novel, and more likely to be effectual in
+cheating and defrauding the unwary.</p>
+
+<p>One of the most prevailing and successful of these, is the fraud
+practised upon shop-keepers, tradesmen, publicans, and others, by the
+circulation of forged copper-plate notes and bills for small sums, of
+£5. and £10. the latter purporting to be drawn, by bankers in the
+manufacturing and sea-port towns, on different banking-houses in
+London.</p>
+
+<p>This species of forgery has been carried to a considerable extent
+suggested no doubt by the confidence which is established from the
+extensive circulation of country bankers' notes and bills, now made
+payable in London; by which the deception is, in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">-113-</a></span> some degree,
+covered, and detection rendered more difficult.</p>
+
+<p>The great qualifications, or leading and indispensable attributes of a
+<i>Sharper</i>, a <i>Cheat</i>, a <i>Swindler</i>, or a <i>Gambler</i>, are, to possess a
+genteel exterior, a demeanor apparently artless, and a good address.</p>
+
+<p>Like the more violent depredators upon the public, this class (who are
+extremely numerous) generally proceed upon a regular system, and study
+as a <i>trade</i> all those infamous tricks and devices by which the
+thoughtless, the ignorant, and the honest are defrauded of their
+property.</p>
+
+<p>The common law has defined the offence of cheating&mdash;to be <i>a deceitful
+practice in defrauding, or endeavouring to defraud, another of his own
+right, by means of some artful device, contrary to the plain rules of
+common honesty</i>.</p>
+
+<p>The Statute of the 33d of Henry the Eighth, <i>cap.</i> 1. entered into a
+more specific explanation of what might constitute such an offence,
+and fixed the mode of punishment; by declaring, "<i>that if any persons
+shall falsely or deceitfully obtain, or get into his hands or
+possession, any money, goods, &amp;c. of any other person</i>, by colour or
+means of any false privy token, or counterfeit letter, <i>&amp;c.&mdash;he shall,
+on conviction, be punished by imprisonment, the pillory, or
+whipping&mdash;saving to the party aggrieved the same power of recovering
+the property as he might have had at Common Law, &amp;c.</i>"</p>
+
+<p>From this remote period, until the 30th of George<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">-114-</a></span> the Second, the
+Legislature does not appear to have seen the necessity of enacting any
+new Law, applicable to this species of offence.</p>
+
+<p>In the progress however of Society and Commerce, joined to the
+consequent influx of riches, producing luxury and extravagance, a
+larger field opened for cheats and sharpers of every description;
+insomuch, that the evil became so great, and the existing Laws were
+found so insufficient, as to render it necessary to provide a
+legislative remedy.</p>
+
+<p>In applying this remedy, it seems that the great increase of a new
+species of cheating, practised by persons known in modern times by the
+name of <i>Swindlers</i>, had suggested the propriety of defining the
+offence, in a more applicable and specific manner, and of rendering
+the punishment more severe. By the act of 30 Geo. II. <i>cap.</i> 24. it is
+declared, "<i>that all persons obtaining money, goods, wares, or
+merchandise</i>, by false pretences, <i>shall be deemed offenders against
+the Law and the public peace; and the Court, before whom any such
+offender shall be tried, shall on conviction, order them to be put in
+the pillory, or publicly whipped, or transported for seven years</i>."</p>
+
+<p>Thus stand the Laws at present with regard to Swindlers.<a name="FNanchor_30_30" id="FNanchor_30_30"></a><a href="#Footnote_30_30" class="fnanchor">[30]</a> They
+ought certainly to embrace a wider<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">-115-</a></span> field, so as to reach those
+artifices by which sharpers and persons of depraved minds, obtain
+money from the ignorant and unwary, by assuming false characters,
+taking genteel lodgings, and cheating innocent tradesmen, who lose
+large sums annually by such depredations.</p>
+
+<p>We shall next proceed to particularize the various classes of Sharpers
+who thus prey upon the public: reserving all that relates to those
+more immediately connected with <i>Gaming Houses</i> and <i>Lottery
+Insurances</i> to the <a href="#CHAP_VI">subsequent chapter</a>.</p>
+
+<p>I. <i>Sharpers who obtain Licences to become Pawnbrokers</i>,<a name="FNanchor_31_31" id="FNanchor_31_31"></a><a href="#Footnote_31_31" class="fnanchor">[31]</a> and bring
+disgrace upon the reputable part of the trade, by every species of
+fraud which can add to the distresses of those who are compelled to
+raise money in this way; for which purpose there are abundance of
+opportunities.&mdash;Swindling Pawnbrokers, of this Class, are uniformly
+receivers of stolen<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">-116-</a></span> goods; and under the cover of their licence do
+much mischief to the Public. The evil arising from them might, in a
+great measure, be prevented by placing the power of granting licences
+in a general Board of Police; and rendering it necessary for all
+persons to produce a Certificate of character, before they can obtain
+such licence; and also to enter into recognizance for good
+behaviour.<a name="FNanchor_32_32" id="FNanchor_32_32"></a><a href="#Footnote_32_32" class="fnanchor">[32]</a></p>
+
+<p>II. <i>Sharpers and Swindlers who obtain Licences to be Hawkers and
+Pedlars</i>; under the cover of which every species of villainy is
+practised upon the country people, as well as upon the unwary in the
+Metropolis, and all the great towns in the kingdom.&mdash;The artifices by
+which they succeed, are various, as for example;&mdash;By fraudulent
+raffles, where plated goods are exhibited as silver, and where the
+chances are exceedingly against the adventurers;&mdash;By selling and
+uttering base money, and frequently forged Bank Notes, which make one
+of the most profitable branches of their trade;&mdash;By dealing in
+smuggled goods,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">-117-</a></span> thereby promoting the sale of articles injurious to
+the Revenue, besides cheating the ignorant with regard to the
+value;&mdash;By receiving stolen goods to be disposed of in the country, by
+which discoveries are prevented, and assistance afforded to common
+thieves and stationary receivers;&mdash;By purchasing stolen horses in one
+part of the country, and disposing of them in another, in the course
+of their journies; in accomplishing which, so as to elude detection,
+they have great opportunities;&mdash;By gambling with EO Tables at Fairs
+and Horse-races.</p>
+
+<p>A number of other devices might be pointed out, which render this
+class of men great nuisances in Society; and shew the necessity of
+either suppressing them totally, (for in fact they are of little use
+to the Public;) or of limiting the licences only to men of good
+character; to be granted by a general Board of Police under whose
+controul they should be placed, while they enter at the same time into
+a recognizance in a certain sum, with one surety for good behaviour;
+by which the honest part would be retained, to the exclusion of the
+fraudulent.</p>
+
+<p>III. <i>Swindlers who take out Licences as Auctioneers</i>, and open shops
+in different parts of the Metropolis, with persons at the doors,
+usually denominated <i>Barkers</i>, inviting strangers to walk in. In these
+places, various articles of silver plate and household goods are
+exposed to sale, made up on a slight principle, and of little
+intrinsic value; associates, generally denominated <i>Puffers</i>, are in
+waiting to bid up<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">-118-</a></span> the article to a sum greatly beyond its value,
+when, upon the first bidding of the stranger, it is knocked down to
+him, and the money instantly demanded; the goods, however, on being
+carried home and examined, are generally found to be very different in
+reality, from what their appearance exhibited, and upon a close
+examination the fraud is discovered.</p>
+
+<p>Neither the common Law, nor the Act of the 30th George II. cap. 24,
+seem to be sufficiently <i>broad</i> and explanatory to include this
+species of offence; and hence it is, that this mode of selling goods
+continues with impunity, and seems to increase. It is not, however,
+meant here to insinuate that all petty auctions are fraudulent.&mdash;It is
+to be hoped there may be some exceptions, although probably, they are
+not numerous. A licence from a general Board of Police, and to be
+subject to certain restrictions only burdensome to the dishonest, and
+obliging the parties to find security, would, in a great measure,
+regulate this kind of business, in a proper manner.</p>
+
+<p>IV. <i>Swindlers who raise money, by pretending to be Discounters of
+Bills, and Money Brokers</i>; These chiefly prey upon young men of
+property, who have lost their money at play, or spent it in expensive
+amusements, and are obliged to raise more upon any terms, until their
+rents or incomes become payable; or who have fortunes in prospect, as
+being heirs apparent to estates, but who require assistance in the
+mean time.</p>
+
+<p>Availing themselves of the credit, or the ultimate responsibility, of
+such thoughtless and giddy young<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">-119-</a></span> men, in the eager pursuit of
+criminal pleasures, and under the influence of those allurements which
+the Faro Tables, and other places of fashionable resort hold
+out&mdash;these Swindlers seldom fail to obtain from them securities and
+obligations for large sums; upon the credit of which they are enabled,
+perhaps, at usurious interest, to borrow money, or discount bills; and
+thus supply their unfortunate customers upon the most extravagant
+terms.</p>
+
+<p>Another class, having some capital, advance money upon bonds,
+title-deeds, and other specialities, or upon the bond of the parties
+having estates in reversion: by these and other devices too tedious to
+detail, large sums of money are, most unwarrantably and illegally,
+wrested from the dissipated and thoughtless: and misery and distress
+are thus entailed upon them, as long as they live; or they are driven,
+by utter ruin, to acts of desperation or to crimes.</p>
+
+<p>A Law seems absolutely necessary to be pointed at this particular
+mischief, which is certainly an increasing evil.&mdash;Humanity pleads for
+it; and <i>Policy</i> points out the necessity of some effectual guard
+against those miseries which it generates; and which could not exist
+in so great a degree, were it not for the opportunities held out by
+these blood-suckers, in affording money to the young and
+inexperienced, to be expended in scenes of gambling and debauchery.</p>
+
+<p>V. <i>A Class of Cheats of the Society of Jews, who are to be found in
+every street, lane and alley in and near the Metropolis, under the
+pretence of purchasing<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">-120-</a></span> old clothes, and metals of different sorts</i>;
+Their chief business really is to prowl about the houses and stables
+of men of rank and fortune, for the purpose of holding out temptations
+to the servants to pilfer and steal small articles, not likely to be
+missed, which these Jews purchase at about one third of the real
+value.&mdash;It is supposed that upwards of fifteen hundred of these
+depraved people are employed in diurnal journies of this kind; by
+which, through the medium of bad money, and other fraudulent dealings,
+many of them acquire property, and then set up shops and become
+Receivers of stolen Goods.</p>
+
+<p>It is estimated that there are from fifteen to twenty thousand Jews in
+the city of London, besides, perhaps, about five or six thousand more
+in the great provincial and sea-port towns; (where there are at least
+twenty synagogues, besides six in the Metropolis;) most of the lower
+classes of those distinguished by the name of German or Dutch Jews,
+live chiefly by their wits, and establish a system of mischievous
+intercourse all over the country, the better to carry on their
+fraudulent designs in the circulation of base money,&mdash;the sale of
+stolen goods, and in the purchase of metals of various kinds; as well
+as other articles pilfered from the Dock-Yards, and stolen in the
+provincial towns, which they bring to the Metropolis to elude
+detection,&mdash;and <i>vice versâ</i>.</p>
+
+<p>Educated in idleness from their earliest infancy, they acquire every
+debauched and vicious principle<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">-121-</a></span> which can fit them for the most
+complicated arts of fraud and deception; to which they seldom fail to
+add the crime of perjury, whenever it can be of use, in shielding
+themselves or their associates from the punishment of the law.&mdash;From
+the orange boy, and the retailer of seals, razors, glass, and other
+wares, in the public streets, to the shop-keeper, dealer in wearing
+apparel, or in silver and gold, the same principles of conduct too
+generally prevail.</p>
+
+<p>The itinerants utter base money to enable them, by selling cheap, to
+dispose of their goods; while those that are stationary, with very few
+exceptions, receive and purchase, at an under-price, whatever is
+brought them, without asking questions.</p>
+
+<p>VI. <i>Cheats who sell provisions and other articles by means of false
+weights and measures.</i> Nothing requires the assistance of the
+Legislature in a greater degree than this evil; to shield the Poor
+against the numerous tricks thus practised upon them, by low and
+inferior shop-keepers and itinerants.</p>
+
+<p>The ancient System of regulating this useful branch of Police by the
+Juries of the Court-Leet, having been found ineffectual, and in many
+respects inapplicable to the present state of Society, an act passed
+the 35th of his present Majesty, (<i>cap.</i> 102,) to remedy the
+inconvenience with regard to fraudulent weights; but difficulties
+having occurred on account of the expence of carrying it into
+execution, certain amendments were made by another act, (37 Geo. III.
+<i>c.</i> 143,) and the Magistrates in Petty<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">-122-</a></span> Sessions have now power to
+appoint Examiners of weights, and to authorize them to visit shops,
+seize false weights, &amp;c.</p>
+
+<p>This plan, if pursued as steadily as that which already prevails in
+regulating Bakers, promises to produce very valuable benefits to the
+lower ranks of people at a very small expence.</p>
+
+<p>VII. <i>Cheats and Swindlers who associate together, and enter into a
+conspiracy for the purpose of defrauding Tradesmen of their
+goods.</i>&mdash;One of these sharpers generally assumes the character of a
+Merchant;&mdash;hires a genteel house, with a counting-house, and every
+appearance of business.&mdash;One or two associates take upon them the
+appearance of Clerks, while others occasionally wear a livery: and
+sometimes a carriage is set up, in which the ladies of the party visit
+the shops, in the stile of persons of fashion, ordering goods to their
+apartments.&mdash;Thus circumstanced, goods are obtained on credit, which
+are immediately pawned or sold, and the produce used as a means of
+deception to obtain more, and procure recommendations, by offering to
+pay ready money,&mdash;or discount bills.</p>
+
+<p>When confidence is once established in this way, notes and bills are
+fabricated by these conspirators, as if remitted from the country, or
+from foreign parts; and application is made to their newly acquired
+friends, the tradesmen, to assist in discounting them. Sometimes money
+and bills upon one another are lodged at the bankers for the purpose
+of extending<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">-123-</a></span> their credit, by referring to some respectable name for
+a character.</p>
+
+<p>After circulating notes to a considerable amount, and completing their
+system of fraud by possessing as much of the property of others as is
+possible, without risk of detection, they move off; assume new
+characters; and when the bills and notes are due, the parties are not
+to be found.</p>
+
+<p>Offences of this sort, where an actual conspiracy cannot be proved,
+which is generally very difficult, are not easily punished; and it
+seems of importance that frauds and impositions of this sort, and
+others of the same nature, where the confidence of tradesmen and
+manufacturers is abused by misrepresentation and falsehood, should be
+defined, so as to render it difficult for the parties to escape
+punishment.</p>
+
+<p>VIII. <i>Cheats who take genteel Lodgings, dress elegantly, assume false
+names</i>:&mdash;pretend to be related to persons of credit and
+fashion&mdash;produce letters familiarly written to prove an
+intimacy,&mdash;enter into conversation, and shew these letters to
+tradesmen and others, upon whom they have a design&mdash;get into their
+good graces, purchase wearing apparel and other articles, and
+disappear with the booty.</p>
+
+<p>This species of offence would be very difficult to reach by any
+existing Law, and yet it is practised in various shapes in the
+Metropolis, whereby tradesmen are defrauded to a very considerable
+extent.&mdash;Some legislative guards would certainly be very desirable to
+define and punish these offences also.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">-124-</a></span></p>
+
+<p>IX. <i>Cheats, who have been formerly in the service of Milliners,
+Mantua-Makers, Taylors, and other Traders, who have occasion to send
+to shop-keepers and warehousemen for goods</i>;&mdash;These, after being
+discharged from their service, getting into the company of sharpers
+and thieves, while out of place, teach them how to personate their
+former employers; in whose names they too frequently succeed in
+obtaining considerable quantities of goods before the fraud is
+discovered.</p>
+
+<p>It would certainly be a good rule at no time to deliver goods upon a
+verbal message; and it would be useful if all persons discharging
+servants, would give notice of it to every tradesmen with whom they
+deal.</p>
+
+<p>X. <i>Cheats who personate Gentlemen's footmen</i>; These order goods to be
+sent to a genteel lodging, where the associate is waiting, who draws
+upon some banker in a distant part of the town for the money; or, if
+the check is refused, a country bank-note (the gentleman just being
+arrived in town) is offered to be changed, which, although a forgery,
+often succeeds: if this should also fail, this mischievous class of
+people, from habit and close attention to the means of deception, are
+seldom at a loss in finding out some other expedient; and before the
+fraud is discovered, the parties are off; and the master transformed
+into the livery-servant, to practise in his turn the same trick upon
+some other person.</p>
+
+<p>XI. <i>Cheats who associate systematically together,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">-125-</a></span> for the purpose of
+finding out and making a prey of every person from the country, or any
+ignorant person who is supposed to have money, or who has come to
+London for the purpose of selling goods.</i>&mdash;It is usual in such cases
+for one of them to assume the character of a young 'Squire, just come
+to his estate; to appear careless and prodigal, and to shew handfuls
+of bank-notes, all of which are false and fabricated for the purpose.</p>
+
+<p>Another personates the guardian of the 'Squire, while a part of the
+associates pretend to sit down to play, and having won money of the
+young spendthrift, who appears extremely ignorant and profuse, the
+stranger's avarice gets the better of his prudence, and he is induced
+at length to try his luck,&mdash;the result is that he is soon left without
+a penny.</p>
+
+<p>XII. <i>Cheats who prowl about in all the streets and lanes of the
+trading part of the Metropolis, where shopmen and boys are carrying
+parcels</i>: These, by means of various stratagems, find out where the
+parcels are going, and regulating their measures accordingly, seldom
+fail by some trick or other, (such as giving the lad a shilling to run
+and call a coach,) to get hold of the property.&mdash;Porters and young men
+from the country should be particularly cautious never to quit any
+property intrusted to their care, until delivered (not at the door)
+but within the house to which it is directed.</p>
+
+<p>XIII. <i>Cheats who attend Inns, at the time that coaches and waggons
+are loading or unloading.</i> These by personating <i>porters</i> with aprons
+and knots, or <i>clerks</i><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">-126-</a></span> with pens stuck in their wigs or hair, and by
+having recourse to a variety of stratagems, according to the peculiar
+circumstances of the case, aided by their having previously noticed
+the address of several of the parcels, seldom fail of success, in the
+general hurry and confusion which prevails at such places. This proves
+how necessary it is at all times to have one or two intelligent
+officers of justice, who know the faces of thieves, in attendance,
+while goods are receiving and delivering.</p>
+
+<p>XIV. <i>Cheats who go from door to door collecting money; under pretence
+of soliciting for a charitable establishment</i>, for the benefit of poor
+children, and other purposes. But the money, instead of being so
+applied, is generally spent in eating and drinking; and the most
+infamous imposition is thus practised upon the charitable and humane,
+who are the dupes of this species of fraud in too many instances.</p>
+
+<p>XV. <i>Sharpers who are known by the name of Duffers.</i> These go about
+from house to house, and attend public houses, inns, and fairs,
+pretending to sell smuggled goods, such as India handkerchiefs,
+waistcoat patterns, muslins, &amp;c. By offering their goods for sale,
+they are enabled to discover the proper objects, who may be
+successfully practised upon in various ways; and if they do not
+succeed in promoting some gambling scheme, by which the party is
+plundered of his money, they seldom fail passing forged country bank
+notes, or base silver and copper in the course of their dealings.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">-127-</a></span></p>
+
+<p>XVI. <i>Female Sharpers who dress elegantly, personate women of fashion,
+attend masquerades, and even go to St. James's.</i> These, from their
+effrontery, actually get into the circle; where their wits and hands
+are employed in obtaining diamonds, and whatever other articles of
+value, capable of being concealed, are found to be most accessible.</p>
+
+<p>The wife of a well-known sharper, lately upon the town, is said to
+have appeared at Court, dressed in a stile of peculiar elegance: while
+the sharper himself is supposed to have gone in the dress of a
+clergyman.&mdash;According to the information of a noted receiver, they
+pilfered to the value of £1700. on the King's birth-day (1795,)
+without discovery or suspicion.</p>
+
+<p>Houses are kept where female Cheats dress and undress for public
+places.&mdash;Thirty or forty of these sharpers generally attend all
+masquerades, in different characters, where they seldom fail to get
+clear off with a considerable booty.</p>
+
+<p>XVII. <i>Among the classes of Cheats may be ranked a species of Female
+Bankers.</i> These accommodate barrow-women and others, who sell fish,
+fruit, vegetables, &amp;c. in the streets, with five shillings a day; (the
+usual diurnal stock in trade in such cases;) for the use of which, for
+twelve hours, they obtain a premium of <i>six-pence</i>, when the money is
+returned in the evening, receiving thereby at this rate, about <i>seven
+pounds ten shillings a year</i> for every five shillings they lend out!</p>
+
+<p>The Author, in the course of his Magisterial duty,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">-128-</a></span> having discovered
+this extraordinary species of fraud, attempted to explain to a
+barrow-woman on whom it was practised, that by saving up a single
+<i>five shillings</i>, and not laying any part of it out in gin, but
+keeping the whole, she would save £7. 10<i>s.</i> a year, which seemed to
+astonish her, and to stagger her belief.&mdash;It is to be feared, however,
+that it had no effect upon her future conduct, since it is evident
+that this improvident and dissolute class of females have no other
+idea than that of making the day and the way alike long.&mdash;Their
+profits (which are often considerably augmented by dealing in base
+money, as well as fruit, vegetables, &amp;c.) seldom last over the day,
+for they never fail to have a luxurious dinner and a hot supper, with
+abundance of gin and porter:&mdash;looking in general no farther than to
+keep whole the original stock, with the <i>six-pence</i> interest, which is
+paid over to the female banker in the evening; and a new loan obtained
+on the following morning, of the same number of shillings again to go
+to market.</p>
+
+<p>In contemplating this curious system of Banking, (trifling as it seems
+to be) it is impossible not to be forcibly struck with the immense
+profits that arise from it. It is only necessary for one of these
+female sharpers to possess a capital of <i>seventy shillings</i>, or three
+pounds ten shillings, with fourteen steady and regular customers, in
+order to realize an income of <span class="smcap">one hundred guineas</span> a year!</p>
+
+<p>XVIII. <i>Cheats who pretend to tell fortunes.</i> These impose on the
+credulity of the public, by advertise<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">-129-</a></span>ments and cards; pretending a
+power, from their knowledge of astrology, to foretell future events,
+to discover stolen property, lucky numbers in the Lottery, &amp;c.</p>
+
+<p>The extent to which this mischief goes in the Metropolis is almost
+beyond belief; particularly during the drawing of the Lottery.&mdash;The
+folly and phrenzy which prevail in vulgar life, lead ignorant and
+deluded people into the snare of adding to the misfortunes which the
+Lottery occasions, by additional advances of money (obtained generally
+by pawning goods or apparel) paid to pretended astrologers for
+suggesting <i>lucky numbers</i>, upon which they are advised to make
+insurances; and under the influence of this unaccountable delusion,
+they are too often induced to increase their risks, and ruin their
+families.</p>
+
+<p>One of these impostors who lived long in the Curtain-Road, Shoreditch,
+is said, in conjunction with his associates, to have made near £300. a
+year by practising upon the credulity of the lower orders of the
+people.&mdash;He stiled himself (in his circulating cards) an <i>Astronomer
+and Astrologer</i>; and stated, <i>That he gave advice to Gentlemen and
+Ladies on business, trade, contracts, removals, journies by land or
+water, marriages, children, law-suits, absent friends, &amp;c.</i> And
+further, that <i>he calculated nativities accurately</i>,&mdash;His fee was
+half-a-crown.</p>
+
+<p>An instance of mischievous credulity, occasioned by consulting this
+impostor, once fell under the re<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">-130-</a></span>view of the Author. A person having
+property stolen from him, went to consult the conjuror respecting the
+thief; who having described something like the person of a man whom he
+suspected, his credulity and folly so far got the better of his reason
+and reflection, as to induce him upon the authority of this impostor
+<i>actually to charge his neighbour with a felony</i>, and to cause him to
+be apprehended. The Magistrate settled the matter by discharging the
+prisoner; reprimanding the accuser severely, and ordering the conjuror
+to be taken into custody, according to law, <i>as a Rogue and Vagabond</i>.</p>
+
+<p>But the delusion with regard to Fortune-tellers is not confined to
+vulgar life, since it is known, that ladies of rank, fashion, and
+fortune, contribute to the encouragement of this fraudulent profession
+in particular, by their visits to a pretended Astrologer of their own
+sex in the neighbourhood of Tottenham-Court Road: This woman, to the
+disgrace of her votaries, whose education ought to have taught them
+the folly and weakness of countenancing such gross impositions, found
+the practice of it extremely productive.<a name="FNanchor_33_33" id="FNanchor_33_33"></a><a href="#Footnote_33_33" class="fnanchor">[33]</a></p>
+
+<p>The act of the 9th George the Second, <i>cap.</i> 5, <i>punishes all persons
+pretending skill in any crafty science; or telling fortunes, or where
+stolen goods may be found;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">-131-</a></span> with a year's imprisonment, and standing
+four times in the pillory</i> (once every quarter) <i>during the term of
+such imprisonment. The act called the Vagrant Act, made the 17th year
+of the same reign, (cap. 5,) declares such persons to be rogues and
+vagabonds, and liable to be punished as such.</i></p>
+
+<p>It is sincerely to be hoped that those at least who are convinced from
+having suffered by the gross imposition practised upon the credulity
+of the people by these pests of Society, will enable the civil
+Magistrate, by proper informations, to suppress so great an evil.</p>
+
+<p>Innumerable almost are the other tricks and devices which are resorted
+to by the horde of Cheats, Swindlers, and Sharpers, who infest the
+Metropolis.</p>
+
+<p>The great increase of commerce, and the confidence resulting from an
+intercourse so wide and extended, frequently lays men of property and
+tradesmen open to a variety of frauds; credit is obtained by
+subterfuges and devices contrary to the plain rules of common honesty,
+against which, however, there is no remedy but by an action of common
+law.</p>
+
+<p>If it were possible to look accurately at the different evils arising
+from fraudulent and swindling practices, so as to frame a statute that
+would generally reach all the cases that occur, whenever the barrier
+of common honesty is broken down, it would certainly be productive of
+infinite benefit to the community; for, in spite of the laudable
+exertions of the Society established for prosecuting swindlers,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">-132-</a></span> it is
+to be lamented that the evil has not diminished. On the contrary, it
+has certainly encreased, and must continue to do so, until the
+Legislature, by applicable Laws and an improved System of Police,
+either directly or collaterally attaching to these offences, shall
+find the means of suppressing them.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">-133-</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAP_VI" id="CHAP_VI"></a><span class="gesperrt">CHAP.</span> VI.</h2>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p><i>The great anxiety of the Legislature to suppress the evils
+of Gaming:&mdash;The Misery and Wretchedness entailed on many
+respectable Families from this fatal propensity:&mdash;Often
+arising from the foolish vanity of mixing in what is stiled,
+Genteel Company; where Faro is introduced.&mdash;Games of Chance,
+though stigmatized by the Legislature, encouraged by
+high-sounding names, whose houses are opened for purposes
+odious and unlawful:&mdash;The Civil Magistrate called upon by
+his public duty, as well as by the feelings of humanity, to
+suppress such mischiefs.&mdash;The danger arising from such
+seminaries&mdash;No probability of any considerations of their
+illegality, or inhumanity, operating as a check, without the
+efforts of the Magistracy.&mdash;The evil tendency of such
+examples to servants in fashionable Families, who carry
+these vices into vulgar life; and many of whom, as well as
+persons of superior education, become Sharpers, Cheats, and
+Swindlers, from the habits they acquire.&mdash;A particular
+Statement of the proceedings of persons who have set up
+Gaming Houses as regular Partnership-Concerns; and of the
+Evils resulting therefrom.&mdash;Of Lottery Insurers of the
+Higher Class.&mdash;Of Lottery Offices opened for
+Insurance&mdash;Proposed Remedies.&mdash;Three Plans suggested to the
+Author by Correspondents.</i></p></div>
+
+<hr class="dbl1" />
+<hr class="dbl2" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">-134-</a></span></p>
+
+
+<p><span class="cap">G</span>AMING is the source from which has sprung up all that race of cheats,
+swindlers, and sharpers, some of whose nefarious practices have
+already been noticed, and the remainder of which it is the object of
+the Author to develope in this chapter.</p>
+
+<p>Such has been the anxiety of the Legislature to suppress this evil,
+that so early as the reign of Queen Anne, this abandoned and
+mischievous race of men seems to have attracted its notice in a very
+particular degree; for the act of the 9th year of that reign (cap. 14.
+§§ 6, 7,) after reciting, "<i>that divers lewd and dissolute persons
+live at great expences, having no visible estate, profession, or
+calling, to maintain themselves; but support these expences by Gaming
+only</i>; Enacts, <i>that any two Justices may cause to be brought before
+them, all persons within their limits whom they shall have just cause
+to suspect to have no visible estate, profession, or calling, to
+maintain themselves by; but do for the most part support themselves by
+Gaming; and if such persons shall not make it appear to such Justices
+that the principal part of their expences is not maintained by gaming,
+they are to be bound to their good behaviour for a twelve-month; and
+in default of sufficient security, to be committed to prison, until
+they can find the same; and if security shall be given, it will be
+forfeited on their playing or betting at any one time, for more than
+the value of twenty shillings</i>."</p>
+
+<p>If, in conformity to the <i>spirit</i> of this wise statute,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">-135-</a></span> sharpers of
+every denomination, who support themselves by a variety of cheating
+and swindling practices, without having any visible means of living,
+were in like manner to be called upon to find security for their good
+behaviour, in all cases where they cannot shew they have the means of
+subsisting themselves honestly, the number of these Pests of Society,
+under a general Police and an active and zealous Magistracy, would
+soon be diminished, if not totally annihilated.</p>
+
+<p>By the 12th of George the Second, (cap. 28. § 2, 3,) "<i>the Games of
+Faro, Hazard, &amp;c. are declared to be Lotteries, subjecting the persons
+who keep them to a penalty of two hundred pounds, and those who play
+to fifty pounds</i>."&mdash;<i>One</i> witness only is necessary to prove the
+offence before any Justice of the Peace; <i>and the Justice forfeits ten
+pounds if he neglects to do his duty under the Act</i>:&mdash;and under this
+Act, which is connected with the statute 8th of George I. cap. 2, it
+seems that "<i>the keeper of a Faro Table may be prosecuted even for a
+penalty of five hundred pounds</i>."</p>
+
+<p>Notwithstanding these salutary laws, to the reproach of the Police of
+the Metropolis, houses have been opened, even under the sanction of
+high-sounding names, where an indiscriminate mixture of all ranks was
+to be found, from the <i>finished sharper</i> to the <i>raw inexperienced
+youth</i>. And where all those evils existed in full force, which it was
+the object of the Legislature to remove.</p>
+
+<p>Though it is hoped that this iniquitous System of plunder, has of late
+been somewhat restrained by<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">-136-</a></span> the wholesome administration of the Laws,
+under the excellent Chief Justice who presides in the High Criminal
+Department of the Country, in consequence of the detection of
+Criminals, through the meritorious vigilance and attention of the
+Magistrates; to which the Author of this work, by bringing the evil so
+prominently under the view of the Public, may flatter himself in
+having been in some small degree instrumental: Still it is much to be
+feared, that the time is not yet arrived which would induce him to
+withhold the following narrative.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Gaming</span>, although at all times an object highly deserving attention,
+and calling for the exertions of Magistrates, never appeared either to
+have assumed so alarming an aspect, or to have been conducted upon the
+methodized system of <i>Partnership-Concerns</i>, wherein pecuniary
+capitals were embarked, till about the years 1777 and 1778, when the
+vast licence which was given to those abominable engines of fraud, EO
+Tables, and the great length of time which elapsed before a check was
+given to them by the Police, afforded a number of dissolute and
+abandoned characters, who resorted to these baneful subterfuges for
+support, an opportunity of acquiring property: This was afterwards
+increased in low Gaming Houses, and by following up the same system at
+Newmarket, and other places of fashionable resort, and in the Lottery;
+until at length, without any property at the outset, or any visible
+means of lawful support, a sum of money, little short of <i>One Million
+Sterling</i>, is said to have been acquired by a class of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">-137-</a></span> individuals
+originally (with some few exceptions) of the lowest and most depraved
+order of Society. This enormous mass of wealth (acquired no doubt by
+entailing misery on many worthy and respectable Families, and driving
+the unhappy victims to acts of desperation and suicide,) is said to
+have been afterwards engaged as a great and an efficient capital for
+carrying on various illegal Establishments; particularly
+Gaming-Houses, and Shops for fraudulent Insurances in the Lottery;
+together with such objects of dissipation as the Races at Newmarket
+and other places of <i>fashionable</i> resort, held out: all which were
+employed as the means of increasing and improving the ill-gotten
+wealth of the parties engaged in these nefarious pursuits.</p>
+
+<p>A System, grown to such an enormous height, had, of course, its rise
+by progressive advances. Several of those who now roll in their gaudy
+carriages, and associate with some men of high rank and fashion, may
+be found upon the Registers of the Old Bailey; or traced to the
+vagrant pursuit of turning, with their own hands, EO Tables in the
+open streets; These mischievous Members of Society, through the wealth
+obtained by a course of procedure diametrically opposite to Law, are,
+by a strange perversion, sheltered from the operation of that Justice,
+which every act of their lives has offended: they bask in the
+sun-shine of prosperity; while thousands, who owe their distress and
+ruin to the horrid designs thus <i>executed</i>, <i>invigorated</i> and
+<i>extended</i>, are pining in misery and want.</p>
+
+<p>Certain it is, that the mischiefs arising from the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">-138-</a></span> rapid increase,
+and from the vast extent of capital employed in these Systems of ruin
+and depravity, have become great and alarming beyond calculation; as
+will be evinced by developing the nature of the very dangerous
+Confederacy which systematically moves and directs this vast Machine
+of destruction&mdash;composed in general of men who have been reared and
+educated under the influence of every species of depravity which can
+debase the human character.</p>
+
+<p>Wherever Interest or resentment suggests to their minds a line of
+conduct calculated to gratify any base or illegal propensity; it is
+immediately indulged. Some are taken into this iniquitous Partnership
+for their dexterity in securing the dice; or in dealing cards at
+Faro.&mdash;Informers are apprehended and imprisoned upon writs, obtained,
+by perjury, to deter others from similar attacks. Witnesses are
+suborned&mdash;officers of justice are bribed, wherever it can be done, by
+large sums of money<a name="FNanchor_34_34" id="FNanchor_34_34"></a><a href="#Footnote_34_34" class="fnanchor">[34]</a>&mdash;ruffians and blud<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">-139-</a></span>geon-men are employed to
+resist the Civil Power, where pecuniary gratuities fail&mdash;and houses
+are barricadoed and guarded by armed men: thereby offering defiance to
+the common exertions of the Laws, and opposing the regular authority
+of Magistrates.</p>
+
+<p>It is impossible to contemplate a Confederacy thus circumstanced, so
+powerful from its immense pecuniary resources, and so mischievous and
+oppressive from the depravity which directs these resources, without
+feeling an anxiety to see the strong arm of the Law still further and
+unremittingly exerted for the purpose of effectually destroying it.</p>
+
+<p>Whilst one part of the immense property by which this confederacy was
+so strongly fortified was employed in the establishment of
+<i>Gaming-Houses</i>, holding out the most fascinating allurements to giddy
+young <i>men of fortune</i>, and others, having access to money, by means
+of splendid entertainments,<a name="FNanchor_35_35" id="FNanchor_35_35"></a><a href="#Footnote_35_35" class="fnanchor">[35]</a> and regular suppers, with abundance of
+the choicest wines, so as to form a genteel lounge for the dissipated
+and unwary; another part of the capital was said to form the stock
+which composes the various Faro-Banks which were to be found at the
+routes of <i>Ladies of Fashion</i>: Thus drawing into this vortex of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">-140-</a></span>
+iniquity and ruin, not only the <i>males</i>, but also the <i>females</i> of the
+thoughtless and opulent part of Society; who too easily became a prey
+to that idle vanity which frequently overpowers reason and reflection;
+and the delusion of which is seldom terminated till it is too late.</p>
+
+<p>Evil example, when thus sanctioned by apparent respectability, and by
+the dazzling blandishment of rank and fashion, is so intoxicating to
+those who have either suddenly acquired riches, or who are young and
+inexperienced, that it almost ceases to be a matter of wonder that the
+fatal propensity to Gaming should become universal; extending itself
+over all ranks in Society in a degree scarcely to be credited, but by
+those who will attentively investigate the subject.</p>
+
+<p>At the commencement of the troubles in France, and before this Country
+was visited by the hordes of Emigrants of all descriptions, who fixed
+a temporary or permanent residence in this Metropolis, the number of
+Gaming-Houses (exclusive of those that are select, and have long been
+established by Subscription,) did not exceed above <i>four</i> or <i>five</i>:
+In the year 1797, not less than <i>thirty</i> were said to be actually
+open; where, besides <i>Faro</i> and <i>Hazard</i>, the foreign games of
+<i>Roulet</i>, and <i>Rouge et Noir</i>, were introduced, and where there
+existed a regular gradation of establishment, accommodating to all
+ranks; from the man of fashion, down to the thief, the burglar, and
+the pick-pocket&mdash;where immense sums of money<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">-141-</a></span> were played for every
+evening, for eight months in the year.<a name="FNanchor_36_36" id="FNanchor_36_36"></a><a href="#Footnote_36_36" class="fnanchor">[36]</a></p>
+
+<p>In a commercial Country, and in a great Metropolis, where from the
+vast extent of its trade and manufactures, and from the periodical
+issue of above Twenty Millions annually, arising from dividends on
+funded security, there must be an immense circulation of property, the
+danger is not to be conceived, from the allurements which are thus
+held out to young men in business, having the command of money, as
+well as to the clerks of merchants, bankers, and others concerned in
+different branches of trade: In fact, it is well known, that too many
+of this class resort at present to these destructive scenes of vice,
+idleness, and misfortune.<a name="FNanchor_37_37" id="FNanchor_37_37"></a><a href="#Footnote_37_37" class="fnanchor">[37]</a></p>
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">-142-</a></span></p>
+<p>The mind shrinks with horror at the existence of a System in the
+Metropolis, unknown to our ancestors, even in the worst periods of
+their dissipation; when a <i>Ward</i>, a <i>Waters</i>, and a <i>Chartres</i>,
+insulted public morals by their vices and their crimes: for then no
+regular Establishments&mdash;no systematic concerns for carrying on this
+nefarious trade, were known.&mdash;No Partnerships in Gaming-Houses, were
+conducted with the regularity of Commercial Houses.</p>
+
+<p>But these Partnerships have not been confined to Gaming-Houses alone.
+A considerable proportion of the immense capital which the conductors
+of the System possess, is employed periodically in the <i>two
+Lotteries</i>, in <i>Fraudulent Insurances</i>, where, like the Faro Bank, the
+chances are so calculated as to yield about 30 per cent. profit to the
+Gambling proprietors; and from the extent to which these transactions
+have been, and we fear still are carried, no doubt can be entertained
+that the annual gains must be immense.&mdash;It has, indeed, been stated,
+with an appearance of truth, that a single individual acquired no less
+than £.60,000 during one English Lottery!</p>
+
+<p>Although it is impossible to be perfectly accurate in any estimate
+which can be formed; for in this, as in all other cases where
+calculations are introduced in this Work, accuracy to a point is not
+to be expected; yet when all circumstances are considered, there
+ap<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">-143-</a></span>pear just grounds to suppose that the following Statement, placing
+the whole in one connected point of view, may convey to the Reader no
+very imperfect idea of the vast and unparalleled extent to which this
+horrid mischief had arrived; and to which, if not closely watched, it
+may yet rise once more.</p>
+
+
+<h3><span class="gesperrt">GAMING.</span></h3>
+
+<table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="gaming">
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="center" style="width: 10%">Persons attached.</td><td class="center" style="width: 10%">Money played for nightly.</td><td class="center" style="width: 10%">Yearly aggregate lost and won.</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="right">&nbsp;</td><td class="center">£.</td><td class="center">£.</td></tr>
+<tr><td>1. 7 Subscription Houses open one-third of the Year, or 100 nights</td><td><i>suppose</i></td><td class="right">1000</td><td class="right">2000</td><td class="right">1,400,000</td></tr>
+<tr><td>2. 15 Houses of a superior class one-third of the Year, or 100 nights</td><td>&mdash;&mdash;</td><td class="right">3000</td><td class="right">2000</td><td class="right">3,000,000</td></tr>
+<tr><td>3. 15 Houses of an inferior class one-half of the Year, or 150 Nights</td><td>&mdash;&mdash;</td><td class="right">3000</td><td class="right">1000</td><td class="right">2,225,000</td></tr>
+<tr><td>4. 6 Ladies' Gaming Houses 50 Nights</td><td>&mdash;&mdash;</td><td class="right">1000</td><td class="right">2000</td><td class="right">600,000</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="right">&nbsp;</td><td class="right">&nbsp;</td><td class="rtl">7,215,000</td></tr>
+</table>
+
+
+<h3>FRAUDULENT INSURANCES IN THE LOTTERY.</h3>
+
+<table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="lottery">
+<tr><td>350 Insurance Offices at 100<i>l.</i> a day average, during the 33 days of the Irish Lottery</td><td class="right">1,155,000</td><td class="right">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>400 Insurance Offices at 150<i>l.</i> a day average, during the 33 days<a name="FNanchor_38_38" id="FNanchor_38_38"></a><a href="#Footnote_38_38" class="fnanchor">[38]</a> of the English Lottery</td><td class="rbl">1,980,000</td><td class="right">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="right">&nbsp;</td><td class="right">3,135,000</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="right">Total</td><td class="rtbl">10,460,000</td></tr>
+</table>
+
+<p>This aggregate is only to be considered as shewing the mere
+interchange of property from one hand to another; yet when it is
+recollected that the operation<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">-144-</a></span> must progressively produce a certain
+loss, with not many exceptions, to all the innocent and unsuspecting
+adventurers either at Pharo or the Lottery, with an almost uniform
+gain to the proprietors; the result is shocking to reflect upon.&mdash;To
+individual families in easy circumstances where this unfortunate mania
+prevails, as well as to the mass of the people who are fascinated by
+the delusion of the Lottery Insurances, it is the worst of all
+misfortunes.&mdash;By seizing every opportunity to take advantage of this
+unhappy bias, it is no uncommon thing to see the pennyless miscreant
+of to-day become the opulent gambler of to-morrow: leaving the unhappy
+sufferers often no alternative but exile, beggary, or a prison; or
+perhaps, rendered desperate by reflecting on the folly of their
+conduct, to end their days by suicide,<a name="FNanchor_39_39" id="FNanchor_39_39"></a><a href="#Footnote_39_39" class="fnanchor">[39]</a> while wives, children, and
+dependants are suddenly reduced from affluence to the lowest abyss of
+misery.</p>
+
+<p>In contemplating these vast establishments of regular and systematic
+fraud and depredation upon the Public, in all the hideous forms which
+they assume, nothing is so much to be lamented as the unconquerable
+spirit which draws such a multitude of the lower ranks of Society into
+the vortex of the Lottery.</p>
+
+<p>The agents in this iniquitous System, availing themselves of the
+existence of the delusion, spare no pains to keep it alive; so that
+the evil extends far and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">-145-</a></span> wide, and the mischiefs, distresses, and
+calamities resulting from it, were it possible to detail them, would
+form a catalogue of sufferings of which the opulent and luxurious have
+no conception.</p>
+
+<p>Of how much importance therefore is it to the Public at large, to see
+these evils suppressed; and above all, to have this novel System
+completely annihilated, by which Gambling Establishments have been
+formed upon commercial principles of methodical arrangements, with
+vast capitals employed for the most infamous and diabolical purposes.</p>
+
+<p>Let those who have acquired wealth in this way be satisfied with what
+they have gotten, and with the misery their gains have occasioned to
+ruined thousands: let them abstain from employing it in channels
+calculated to extend these evils. The Law is generally slow in its
+operations: but it seldom fails to overtake the guilty at last.</p>
+
+<p>To this Confederacy, powerful in wealth, and unrestrained by those
+considerations of moral rectitude, which govern the conduct of other
+men engaged in the common pursuits of life, is to be attributed those
+vast additional hazards to which the young and inexperienced have been
+subjected&mdash;Hazards, which not only did not exist before these
+establishments were matured and moulded into System; but which were
+considerably increased, from its becoming a part of the general
+arrangements to employ men of genteel exterior, (and it is to be
+feared too, in many instances of good connections) who, having been
+ruined by the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">-146-</a></span> delusion, descended as a means of subsistence, to
+accept the degrading office of seeking out those customers, whose
+access to money rendered them proper objects to be ensnared.&mdash;For such
+was the nature of this new System of destruction, that while a young
+man entering upon life, conceived himself honoured by the friendship
+and acquaintance of those who were considered to be men of fashion,
+and of good connections, he was deluded by splendid entertainments
+into the snare, which afterwards robbed him of his property and peace
+of mind.</p>
+
+<p>Such were the arrangements of this alarming and mischievous
+Confederacy, for the purpose of plundering the thoughtless and
+unwary.&mdash;The evidence given in the Court of King's Bench, in an
+action, tried for Gaming, on the 29th November, 1796, served pretty
+fully to develope the shocking System of fraud pursued, after the
+inexperienced and unwary were entrapped into these receptacles of ruin
+and destruction.<a name="FNanchor_40_40" id="FNanchor_40_40"></a><a href="#Footnote_40_40" class="fnanchor">[40]</a></p>
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">-147-</a></span></p>
+<p>While a vice, ruinous to the morals and to the fortunes of the younger
+part of the Community who move in the middle and higher ranks of life
+is suffered to be pursued in direct opposition to <i>positive
+statutes</i>,&mdash;surely, blame must attach somewhere!<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">-148-</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The idle vanity of being introduced into what is generally, but
+erroneously, termed genteel society, where a fashionable name
+announces an intention of seeing company, has been productive of more
+<i>domestic misery</i> and more <i>real distress</i>, <i>poverty</i>, and
+<i>wretchedness</i> to <i>families</i> in this great City (who but for their
+folly might have been easy and comfortable,) than many volumes could
+detail.</p>
+
+<p>A mistaken sense of what constitutes human happiness, fatally leads
+the mass of the People who have the means of moving in any degree
+above the middle ranks of life, into circles where Faro Tables and
+other games at hazard are introduced in private families:&mdash;Where the
+least recommendation (and Sharpers spare no pains to obtain
+recommendations) is a passport to all who can exhibit a genteel
+exterior; and where the young and the inexperienced are initiated in
+every propensity tending to debase human character; while they are
+taught to view with contempt every acquirement, connected with the
+duties which lead to domestic happiness, or to those qualifications
+which can render either sex respectable in the world.</p>
+
+<p>When such infamous practices are encouraged and sanctioned by
+high-sounding names,&mdash;when sharpers and black-legs find an easy
+introduction into the houses of persons of fashion, who assemble in
+multitudes together, for the purpose of playing at those most odious
+and detestable games of hazard, which the Legislature has stigmatised
+with such marks of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">-149-</a></span> reprobation, it is time for the Civil Magistrate
+to step forward:&mdash;It is time for him to feel, that, in doing that duty
+which the Laws of his Country impose on him, he is perhaps saving
+hundreds of families from ruin and destruction; and preserving to the
+infants of thoughtless and deluded parents that property which is
+their birth-right: but which, for want of an energetic Police in
+enforcing the Laws made for their protection, is now too frequently
+squandered; and the mind is tortured with the sad reflection, that
+with the loss of fortune, all opportunities (in consequence of idle
+habits) are also lost, of fitting the unfortunate sufferer for any
+reputable pursuit in life, by which an honest livelihood could be
+obtained.</p>
+
+<p>In this situation, the transition from the plain gamester to the
+fraudulent one, and from that to every other species of criminality,
+is easily conceived: and it is by no means an unfair conclusion, that
+this has been the fate of not a few who have been early introduced
+into these haunts of idleness and vice; and who, but for such an
+education, might have become useful members of the State.</p>
+
+<p>The accumulated evils, arising from this source, are said to have been
+suffered to continue, from a prevailing idea, that Persons of Rank and
+their immediate associates were beyond the reach of being controlled,
+by laws made for the mass of the People; and that nothing but capital
+offences could attach to persons of this condition in life.</p>
+
+<p>If these evils were, in fact, merely confined to Per<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">-150-</a></span>sons of rank and
+fortune, and did not extend beyond that barrier where no general
+injury could accrue to Society, there might be a shadow of excuse (and
+it would be but a shadow) for not hazarding an attack upon the
+amusements of the Great, where the energy of the Laws to controul
+their &#339;conomy may be doubtful: but surely in the present case,
+where the mischief spreads <i>broad</i> and <i>wide</i>, no good Magistrate can
+or ought to be afraid to do his duty, because persons in high life may
+dare to sanction and promote offences of a nature the most mischievous
+to Society at large, as well as to the peace, comfort, and happiness
+of families.</p>
+
+<p>If the exertions of the Magistracy are to be suspended until the
+Higher Ranks see the frivolity, the shameful profligacy and the horrid
+waste of useful time, as well as the cruel destruction of decent and
+respectable families in that point of view which will operate as an
+antidote to the evil, it is much to be feared that it must, under such
+circumstances, become incurable.</p>
+
+<p>But there are other inducements, more nearly allied to the occurrences
+in humble life, which render it in a particular degree incumbent on
+Magistrates to make trial, at least, whether there is not sufficient
+energy in the law to control the hurtful vices of the higher, as well
+as the middling, and inferior ranks of the People: The examples of the
+great and opulent, operate most powerfully among the tribe of <i>menial
+servants</i> they employ; and these carry with them<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">-151-</a></span> into the lower ranks
+that spirit of gambling and dissipation which they have practised in
+the course of their servitude; thus producing consequences of a most
+alarming nature to the general interests of the Community. To the
+contagion of such examples, is owing in a great measure the number of
+persons attached to pursuits of this kind, who become the Swindlers,
+Sharpers, and Cheats, of an inferior class, described in the <a href="#CHAP_V">preceding
+Chapter</a>: and from the same source spring up those Pests of Society,
+<i>The Lottery Insurers</i>, whose iniquitous proceedings we shall in the
+next place lay before the Reader.</p>
+
+<p>These, with some exceptions, are composed of persons, in general very
+depraved or distressed: the depredations committed on the Public by
+their means are so ruinous and extensive as to require a consideration
+peculiarly minute: in order to guard the ignorant and unwary, as much
+as possible, against the fatal effects of that fraud and delusion,
+which, if not soon checked, bid fair to destroy all remains of honesty
+and discretion.&mdash;These Classes consist of</p>
+
+<p><i>Sharpers, who take Lottery Insurances</i>, by which means gambling,
+among the higher and middling ranks, is carried on, to an extent which
+exceeds all credibility; producing consequences to many private
+families, otherwise of great worth and respectability, of the most
+distressing nature; and implicating in this misery, the innocent and
+amiable branches of such families, whose sufferings, arising from this
+source, while they claim the tear of pity, would re<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">-152-</a></span>quire many volumes
+to recount; but silence and shame throw a veil over the calamity: and,
+cherished by the hopes of retrieving former losses, or acquiring
+property, in an easy way, the evil goes on, and seems even yet to
+increase, in spite of every guard which the Legislature has repeatedly
+endeavoured to establish.</p>
+
+<p>With a very few exceptions all who are or have been proprietors of the
+Gambling Houses are also concerned in the fraudulent Insurance
+Offices; and have a number of Clerks employed during the drawing of
+the two Lotteries, who conduct the business without risk in
+counting-houses, where no insurances are taken, but to which books are
+carried, not only from all the different Offices in every part of the
+town, but also from the Morocco-Men; so called, from their going from
+door to door with a book covered with red leather for the purpose of
+taking insurances, and enticing the poor and the middle ranks to
+become adventurers.</p>
+
+<p><i>Several of the Keepers of Insurance Offices, during the interval of
+the drawing of the English and Irish Lotteries</i> have invented and set
+up private Lotteries, or Wheels, called by the nick-name of <i>Little
+Go's</i>, containing Blanks and Prizes, which are drawn for the purpose
+of establishing <i>a ground for Insurance</i>; the fever in the minds of
+the lower order of the people is thus kept up, in some measure, all
+the year round, and produces incalculable mischiefs; and hence the
+spirit of gambling becomes so rooted from habit, that no<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">-153-</a></span> domestic
+distress, no consideration, arising either with the frauds that are
+practised, or the number of chances that are against them, will
+operate as a check upon their minds.</p>
+
+<p>In spite of the high price of provisions, and of the care and
+attention of the Legislature in establishing severe checks and
+punishments for the purpose of preventing the evil of Lottery
+Insurances, these criminal agents feel no want of customers; their
+houses and offices are not only extremely numerous all over the
+Metropolis; but in general <i>high-rented</i>; exhibiting the appearance of
+considerable expence, and barricadoed in such a manner, with iron
+doors and other contrivances, as in many instances to defy the arm of
+the Law to reach them.</p>
+
+<p>In tracing all the circumstances connected with this interesting
+subject, with a view to the discovery of the cause of the great
+encouragement which these Lottery Insurers receive, it appears that a
+considerable proportion of their emolument is derived from <i>menial
+servants</i> in general, all over the Metropolis; but particularly from
+the pampered male and female domestics in the houses of men of fashion
+and fortune; who are said, almost without a single exception, to be in
+the constant habit of insuring in the English and Irish Lotteries.</p>
+
+<p>This class of <i>menials</i>, being in many instances cloathed as well as
+fed by their masters, have not the same calls upon them as labourers
+and mechanics,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">-154-</a></span> who must appropriate at least a part of their earnings
+to the purpose of obtaining both food and raiment.</p>
+
+<p>With a spirit of gambling, rendered more ardent than prevails in
+vulgar life, from the example of their superiors, and from their idle
+and dissipated habits, these servants enter keenly into the Lottery
+business; and when ill luck attends them, it is but too well known
+that many are led, step by step, to that point where they lose sight
+of all moral principle; impelled by a desire to recover what they have
+lost, they are induced to raise money for that purpose, by selling or
+pawning the property of their masters, wherever it can be pilfered in
+a little way, without detection; till at length this species of
+peculation, by being rendered familiar to their minds, generally
+terminates in more atrocious crimes.</p>
+
+<p>Upon a supposition that one hundred thousand families in the
+Metropolis keep two servants upon an average, and that one servant
+with another insures only to the extent of twenty-five shillings each,
+in the English, and the same in the Irish Lottery, the aggregate of
+the whole will amount to <span class="smcap">Half a Million Sterling</span>.</p>
+
+<p>Astonishing as this may appear at first view, it is believed that
+those who will minutely examine into the Lottery transactions of their
+servants, will find the calculation by no means exaggerated; and when
+to this are added the sums drawn from persons in the middle ranks of
+life, as well as from the numerous<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">-155-</a></span> classes of labourers and artisans
+who have caught the mania; it ceases to be a matter of wonder, that so
+many Sharpers, Swindlers, and Cheats, find encouragement in this
+particular department.</p>
+
+<p>If servants in general, who are under the control of masters, were
+prevented from following this abominable species of gambling; and if
+other expedients were adopted, which will be hereafter detailed, a
+large proportion of the present race of rogues and vagabonds who
+follow this infamous trade, would be compelled to become honest; and
+the poor would be shielded from the delusion which impels them to
+resort to this deceitful and fraudulent expedient; at the expence
+sometimes of pledging every article of household goods, as well as the
+last rag of their own, and their children's wearing apparel, not
+leaving even a single change of raiment!</p>
+
+<p>This view of a very prominent and alarming evil, known to exist from a
+variety of facts well established and evinced, among others, by the
+pawnbrokers' shops overflowing with the goods of the labouring poor,
+during the drawing of the three Lotteries, ought to create a strong
+desire on the part of all masters of families, to exert their utmost
+endeavours to check this destructive propensity; and to prevent, as
+far as possible, those distresses and mischiefs which every person of
+humanity must deplore. The misery and loss of property which springs
+from this delusive source of iniquity, is certainly very far beyond
+any<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">-156-</a></span> idea that can be formed of it by the common observer.<a name="FNanchor_41_41" id="FNanchor_41_41"></a><a href="#Footnote_41_41" class="fnanchor">[41]</a></p>
+
+<p>A general Association, or perhaps an act of Parliament, establishing
+proper regulations, applicable to this and other objects, with regard
+to menial servants, would be of great utility.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">-157-</a></span></p>
+
+<p>If a Legislative regulation could also be established, extending
+certain restrictions to the members of the different <i>Friendly
+Societies</i> situated within the Bills of Mortality, with regard to
+Fraudulent Lottery Insurances, above <i>seventy thousand families</i> would
+be relieved from the consequences of this insinuating evil; which has
+been so fatal to the happiness and comfort of a vast number of
+tradesmen and artisans, as well as inferior classes of labourers.<a name="FNanchor_42_42" id="FNanchor_42_42"></a><a href="#Footnote_42_42" class="fnanchor">[42]</a></p>
+
+<p>Such prohibitions and restraints would have a wonderful effect in
+lessening the profits of the Lottery-Office Keepers; which, perhaps,
+is the very best mode of suppressing the evil.&mdash;At present, the
+temptation to follow these fraudulent practices is so great, from the
+productive nature of the business, that unless some new expedient be
+resorted to, no well-grounded hope can be entertained of lessening the
+evil in any material degree.</p>
+
+<p>In addition, therefore, to what has already been suggested on the
+subject, other expedients have occurred to the Author; and some have
+been suggested by persons well informed on this subject.</p>
+
+<p>The Lottery in itself, if the poorer classes could be exempted from
+its mischiefs, has been considered by<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">-158-</a></span> many good Writers and Reasoners
+as a fair resource of Revenue; by taxing the vices or follies of the
+People, in a country where such a considerable proportion of the
+higher and middling ranks are possessed of large properties in money,
+and may be induced, through this medium to contribute to the
+assistance of the State, what would (probably to the same extent) be
+otherwise squandered and dissipated, in idle amusements.</p>
+
+<p>It is a means also of benefit to the Nation, by drawing considerable
+sums of money annually from foreign Countries, which are laid out in
+the purchase of tickets.</p>
+
+<p>In many respects therefore, it might be desirable to preserve this
+source of Revenue if it can be confined to the purchase of Tickets,
+and to persons of such opulence, as upon the abolition of the Lottery
+could not probably be restrained from squandering their money in
+another way, from which the State would derive no benefit.</p>
+
+<p>The Lottery, on the plan upon which it is at present conducted, has
+not yet ceased to be an evil of the utmost magnitude, and perhaps one
+of the greatest nurseries of crimes that ever existed in any
+country.&mdash;At the close of the English Lottery drawn in 1796, the Civil
+Power was trampled upon and put to defiance in a most alarming and
+shameful manner, disgraceful to the Police of the Metropolis. The
+means used for this purpose have been already fully detailed; <i>ante</i>
+<a href="#Page_156"><i>p.</i> 156</a> <i>in the note</i>.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">-159-</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The profits of these Cheats and Swindlers were said to be immense
+beyond all former example, during the Lottery drawn in the spring both
+of 1796 and 1797; and of course, the Poor were never in a greater
+degree plundered.</p>
+
+<p>In calculating the chances upon the whole numbers in the wheels, and
+the premiums which are paid, there is generally about 33 1-3d per
+cent. in favour of the Lottery Insurers; but when it is considered
+that the lower ranks, from not being able to recollect or comprehend
+high numbers, always fix on low ones, the chance in favour of the
+insurer is greatly increased, and the deluded Poor are plundered, to
+an extent which really exceeds all calculation.</p>
+
+<p>At no period is there ever so much occasion for the exertions of the
+Magistracy, as during the drawing of the English and Irish Lotteries;
+but it is to be feared, that even by this energy, opposed as it always
+undoubtedly will be, by a System as well of corruption as of force
+unexampled in former times, no proper check can be given, until by new
+Legislative regulations, some more effectual remedy is applied.</p>
+
+<p>The following expedients with the assistance of a superintending,
+energetic, and well-regulated Police, it is to be hoped, might be the
+means of greatly abridging this enormous evil, and of securing to
+Government the same annual revenue, which is at present obtained, or
+nearly so.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">-160-</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"1. That the numbers of the Tickets to be placed in the
+Lottery Wheels shall not be <i>running numbers</i>, as heretofore
+used; but shall be <i>intermediate</i> and <i>broken</i>; thereby
+preventing insurances from being made on specific numbers,
+from the impossibility of its being known, to any but the
+<i>holders of tickets, or the Commissioners</i>, what particular
+ticket at anytime remains in the wheel.</p>
+
+<p>"2. That all persons taking out licences to sell Lottery
+Tickets, shall (instead of the bond with two sureties for
+one thousand pounds, now entered into under the act of the
+22d George 3. cap. 47,) enter into a bond, with two sureties
+also, for £.50,000&mdash;which sum shall be forfeited, on due
+proof that any person, so licensed, shall have been,
+directly or indirectly, concerned in taking insurances
+contrary to law; or in setting up, or being connected in the
+profit or loss arising from any illegal insurance-office: or
+in employing itinerant Clerks, to take insurances on account
+of persons so licensed.</p>
+
+<p>"3. That besides the above-mentioned bond, all licensed
+Lottery Office Keepers shall, previous to the drawing of
+each Lottery, make oath before a Magistrate, that they will
+not, in the course of the ensuing Lottery, be concerned,
+either directly or indirectly, in setting up any illegal
+offices for the sale of tickets, or insurance of numbers,
+contrary to law: Which affidavit shall be recorded, and a
+certificate thereof shall be indorsed on the licence<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">-161-</a></span>
+without which it shall not be valid. And that the affidavit
+may be produced in evidence, against persons convicted of
+illegally insuring; who shall in that event be liable to the
+punishment attached to perjury, and of course, to the
+ignominy of the pillory and imprisonment.</p>
+
+<p>"4. That all peace-officers, constables, headboroughs, or
+others, lawfully authorised to execute the warrants of
+Magistrates, who shall receive any gratuity, or sum of money
+from illegal Lottery Insurers, or from any person or
+persons, in consideration of any expected services in
+screening such offenders from detection or punishment,
+shall, on conviction, be rendered infamous, and incapable of
+ever serving any public office; and be punished by fines,
+imprisonment, or the pillory, as the Court, before whom the
+offence is tried, shall see proper.</p>
+
+<p>"5. That all persons who shall be convicted of <i>paying
+money</i> on any contract for the benefit arising from the
+drawing of any Lottery Ticket, insured upon any contingency
+(not being in possession of the original ticket, or a legal
+share thereof) shall forfeit £.20 for every offence, to be
+levied by distress, &amp;c.</p>
+
+<p>"6. That an abstract of the penalties inflicted by law on
+persons insuring, or taking illegal insurances in the
+Lottery, shall be read every Sunday, in all churches,
+chapels, meeting-houses, and other places of public worship,
+during the drawing<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">-162-</a></span> of the Irish and English Lotteries
+respectively; with a short exhortation, warning the people
+of the consequences of offending against the law: And that a
+copy of the same shall be pasted up in different parts of
+Guildhall, and constantly replaced during the drawing of the
+Lottery; and also at all the licensed Lottery Offices within
+the Metropolis.</p>
+
+<p>"7. That a reward, not exceeding £.50 be paid to any person
+employed as a clerk or servant in any illegal Lottery
+Office, who shall be the means of convicting the actual or
+principal proprietor or proprietors of the said office, who
+shall not appear themselves in the management; also a sum
+not exceeding £.40 on conviction of a known and acting
+proprietor; and a sum not exceeding £.10 on conviction of
+any clerk or manager, not being partners.</p>
+
+<p>"8. That the punishment to be inflicted on offenders shall
+be fine, imprisonment, or the pillory; according to the
+atrocity of the offence, in the discretion of the Court
+before which such offenders shall be tried."</p></div>
+
+<p>The following Plans have also been transmitted to the Author by
+Correspondents who appear to be well-wishers to Society. They are here
+made public, in hopes that from the whole of the suggestions thus
+offered, some regulations may ultimately be adopted by the Legislature
+towards effectually remedying this peculiarly dangerous and
+still-increasing evil.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">-163-</a></span></p>
+
+
+<h3><a name="PLAN_I" id="PLAN_I"></a><span class="gesperrt">PLAN</span> I.</h3>
+
+<p>"<span class="smcap">It</span> is proposed, that the <i>Prizes only</i> should be drawn, and that
+Seven Hours and a Half per Day should be the time of drawing, instead
+of Five Hours, by which means a lottery of the same number of tickets
+now drawn in thirty-five days, would be drawn in seven days and a
+half; and each adventurer would have exactly the same chance as he has
+by the present mode of drawing; since it is evidently of no
+consequence to him whether all the blanks remain in the Number Wheel
+undrawn, or an equal number of Blanks are drawn from a blank and prize
+wheel; the chance of blank or prize on <i>each ticket</i> being in either
+case exactly the same.</p>
+
+<p>"According to the usual mode of drawing, 50,000 tickets take about
+thirty-five days in drawing, which is 1,420-6/7 per day.&mdash;By
+increasing the time of each day's drawing, from five hours to seven
+and a half, 2,131 tickets would be drawn each day; but as the reading
+prizes above £.20 <i>thrice</i>, causes some little delay, I reckon only
+2000 per day; at which rate 15,000 tickets, the usual proportion of
+prizes in a Lottery of 50,000 tickets, would be drawn in seven days
+and a half. Thus the <i>Period</i> of Insurance would be nearly reduced to
+one-fifth part of its present duration, and the <i>daily</i> insurance on
+<i>Blanks</i>, and <i>Blank and Prize</i>, which opens the most extensive field
+for<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">-164-</a></span> gambling, would be <i>entirely abolished</i>. Reducing, therefore, the
+time of Insurance to one-fifth, and the numbers drawn to less than
+one-third of what they have hitherto been, there could scarce remain
+in Lotteries thus drawn, one-fifteenth part of the insurance as in
+former Lotteries of an equal number of Tickets.&mdash;It is also worthy of
+remark, that as all the late Lotteries have been thirty-five days at
+least in drawing, the Insurance Offices had thirty-four to one in
+their favour the first day, by which circumstance they were enabled to
+tempt chiefly that class of people who can only gamble on the lowest
+terms, and to whom gambling is most extensively pernicious, with a
+very moderate premium, (<i>e.g.</i> about twelve shillings to return twenty
+pounds) which increases daily by almost imperceptible degrees, and
+thus insensibly leads them on to misery, desperation, and guilt.</p>
+
+<p>"But in the proposed Plan, the Insurance Offices would have only six
+days and a half to one in their favour the first day; so that they
+must begin with a much higher premium than the generality of the
+common people can advance, which premium must each day be very
+considerably increased.&mdash;These considerations would undoubtedly
+operate as an absolute prohibition, on far the greatest part of
+Lottery Insurers; beside which, the great probability of numbers
+insured being drawn each day, would deter even the Office Keepers from
+venturing to insure so deeply, or extensively, as they have been
+accustomed to do.</p>
+
+<p>"Should it be objected, that if Insurance is thus<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">-165-</a></span> abridged, or
+prohibited, tickets will not sell, and the Lottery, as a source of
+Revenue, must be abandoned: the following expedient may, it is
+apprehended, effectually obviate such an objection.&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Let Tickets, which cannot now be legally divided below a sixteenth,
+be divisible down to a <i>Sixty-fourth</i> share, properly stamped; which
+regulation, while it would greatly benefit and encourage Licensed
+Offices, would equally discountenance illegal Gamblers; and whilst it
+permitted to the lower orders of the Community a fair chance of an
+adventure in the Lottery on moderate terms, would co-operate with the
+restrictions on Insurance to advance the intrinsic value, as well as
+the price of tickets, which every illegal <i>Scheme</i> evidently tends to
+depreciate."</p>
+
+<hr class="med" />
+
+<p>The preceding Plan appeared in the Appendix to the fifth edition of
+this Treatise; in consequence of which the Author received the
+following observations and which therefore he presents as&mdash;</p>
+
+
+<h3><span class="gesperrt">PLAN</span> II.</h3>
+
+<p>"<span class="smcap">The</span> Suggestions as far as they extend and relate to the shortening
+the duration of the drawing are highly useful, but they fall short of
+the object, and the Plan, if executed, would nearly prevent the sale
+of tickets, and totally so that of shares, and consequently abolish
+Lotteries altogether;&mdash;a consummation devoutly to be wished by every
+friend to the public, but under the pecuniary influences, which<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">-166-</a></span>
+perhaps too much affect political considerations, little to be
+expected.</p>
+
+<p>"It will be necessary to exhibit only a plain Statement of the
+proportionate chances in the wheel during the 7&frac12; days of drawing on
+the Scheme of 50,000 Tickets, viz.&mdash;</p>
+
+<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="prizes">
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="center">&nbsp;</td><td class="right"><i>Prizes.</i></td><td class="center">&nbsp;</td><td class="right"><i>Blanks.</i></td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>1st.</td><td class="center">Day</td><td class="right">15,000</td><td class="center">to</td><td class="right">35,000</td><td>2<span title="1/3">&#8531;</span> to a Prize</td></tr>
+<tr><td>2d.</td><td class="center">&mdash;</td><td class="right">13,000</td><td class="center">&mdash;</td><td class="right">35,000</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>3d.</td><td class="center">&mdash;</td><td class="right">11,000</td><td class="center">&mdash;</td><td class="right">35,000</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>4th.</td><td class="center">&mdash;</td><td class="right">9,000</td><td class="center">&mdash;</td><td class="right">35,000</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>5th.</td><td class="center">&mdash;</td><td class="right">7,000</td><td class="center">&mdash;</td><td class="right">35,000</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>6th.</td><td class="center">&mdash;</td><td class="right">5,000</td><td class="center">&mdash;</td><td class="right">35,000</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>7th.</td><td class="center">&mdash;</td><td class="right">3,000</td><td class="center">&mdash;</td><td class="right">35,000</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>last.</td><td class="center">&mdash;</td><td class="right">1,000</td><td class="center">&mdash;</td><td class="right">35,000</td><td>35 to a Prize.</td></tr>
+</table>
+
+<p>"Hence it is evident, that on supposition the value of the Prizes
+diminish by an equal ratio, every day of drawing, still the actual
+value of the Prizes in proportion to the permanent number of the
+Blanks will be diminished by the relative proportion increasing at the
+rate of about 4666 Blanks every day after the first. Consequently it
+must follow, that the premiums of insurance, as well as the price of
+Shares and Tickets, instead of acquiring in their value <i>a very
+considerable increase</i>, must be subject to a very considerable
+diminution.</p>
+
+<p>"To maintain the foregoing <a href="#PLAN_I">Plan, No. I.</a> which is a good ground-work
+for lessening the evil, I take the liberty (says my Correspondent) of
+suggesting the following improvement.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">-167-</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"After the Prizes are drawn each day, let the proportion of the
+Blanks, namely, 4666 be drawn also. Let there be a suspension likewise
+of five or seven days between each drawing for the sale of Tickets and
+Shares, and to give time for insurance. It may be objected, that the
+time being thus prolonged the inconvenience will remain the same; to
+avoid which, the blank numbers so drawn, must be done secretly and
+sealed up by the Commissioners, or, they may be drawn openly but not
+unfolded or declared, and if necessary, made public after the drawing;
+by which means the insurance against Blanks or Blank and Prize will be
+equally abolished."</p>
+
+<hr class="med" />
+
+<h3><span class="gesperrt">PLAN</span> III.</h3>
+
+<p>"<span class="smcap">The</span> Evils of a Lottery are many.&mdash;The Advantages might, if well
+regulated, be as numerous. According to the Schemes that have hitherto
+prevailed the <i>principle</i> has been wrong. Since the bait held out has
+been the obtaining of an immense fortune, and the risk has been
+proportionably great&mdash;Insurance has reigned unchecked by all penalties
+and punishments that could be devised to the ruin and misery of
+thousands. The price of tickets has been fluctuating, and fortunes
+have been won and lost on the chance of the great Prizes keeping in
+the Wheel: the £.20 prizes have always proved dissatisfactory, as
+though there are only 2&frac12; prizes <i>on an average</i> to a blank, yet
+such is the uncertainty, that many have<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">-168-</a></span> scores of tickets without
+obtaining the proportionate advantage even from these low prizes. It
+is thought, therefore, that a scheme which should offer considerably
+more chances for prizes of and above £.50, and which should ensure a
+return on all blanks, would be acceptable. If also it could be made to
+prevent insuring of tickets and capitals, it seems to be the grand
+desideratum in this branch of financeering.</p>
+
+<p>"The principle on which these benefits may be obtained is this. There
+should be a considerable number of moderate prizes, such as might be
+fortunes, if obtained by the inferior ranks, and of consequence
+sufficient to answer the risk of the rich. The tickets to be drawn
+each day should be previously specified which may be done by
+appropriating a certain share of the prizes to a certain number of
+tickets. All the tickets not drawn prizes of £.50 or upwards shall be
+entitled to a certain return, which would be superior to a chance for
+a £.20 prize.</p>
+
+
+<h4>"<span class="gesperrt">SCHEME.</span></h4>
+
+<table style="width: 70%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="prizes">
+<tr><td><i>Number of Prizes.</i></td><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="right"><i>Value of each.</i></td><td class="right"><i>Total Value.</i></td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="center">£.</td><td class="center">£.</td></tr>
+<tr><td><span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">25</span></td><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="right">5,000</td><td class="right">125,000</td></tr>
+<tr><td><span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">25</span></td><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="right">1,000</td><td class="right">25,000</td></tr>
+<tr><td><span style="margin-left: 1em;">100</span></td><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="right">500</td><td class="right">50,000</td></tr>
+<tr><td><span style="margin-left: 1em;">250</span></td><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="right">100</td><td class="right">25,000</td></tr>
+<tr><td><span style="margin-left: 1em;">600</span></td><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="right">50</td><td class="right">30,000</td></tr>
+<tr><td style="border-top: solid black 1px"><span style="margin-left: .5em;">1,000</span></td><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="right">&nbsp;</td><td class="right" style="border-top: solid black 1px">255,000</td></tr>
+<tr><td>49,000</td><td>&mdash;£.5 returned on each.</td><td class="right">&nbsp;</td><td class="right">245,000</td></tr>
+<tr><td style="border-top: solid black 1px">50,000</td><td>Tickets.</td><td class="right">&nbsp;</td><td class="right" style="border-top: solid black 1px">500,000</td></tr>
+</table>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">-169-</a></span></p>
+
+<h4>"SCHEME OF DRAWING.</h4>
+
+<p>"Let 2000 Tickets from No. 1, to 1999 inclusive, (with Number 50,000)
+be put into a Wheel the first day, and proceed in the same manner
+numerically for 25 days. In the other Wheel, each day let there be put
+the following proportion of Prizes, viz.</p>
+
+<table style="width: 70%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="prizes">
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="center">£.</td><td class="center">£.</td></tr>
+<tr><td><span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">1</span></td><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="right">5,000</td><td class="right">5000</td></tr>
+<tr><td><span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">1</span></td><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="right">1,000</td><td class="right">1000</td></tr>
+<tr><td><span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">4</span></td><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="right">500</td><td class="right">2000</td></tr>
+<tr><td><span style="margin-left: 1em;">10</span></td><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="right">100</td><td class="right">1000</td></tr>
+<tr><td><span style="margin-left: 1em;">24</span></td><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="right">50</td><td class="right">1200</td></tr>
+<tr><td style="border-top: solid black 1px"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">40</span></td><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="right">&nbsp;</td><td class="right" style="border-top: solid black 1px">10,200</td></tr>
+<tr><td>1960.</td><td>&mdash;£.5 to be returned on each.</td><td class="right">&nbsp;</td><td class="right">9800</td></tr>
+<tr><td style="border-top: solid black 1px">2000</td><td>Tickets.</td><td class="right">&nbsp;</td><td class="right" style="border-top: solid black 1px">20,000</td></tr>
+</table>
+
+<p>"In Lotteries where the lowest prizes have been of £.20 the blanks
+have been the proportion of 2&frac12; to a prize. If therefore a person
+had seven tickets they were entitled to expect only two £.20 prizes or
+£.40. In this, however, they were frequently disappointed, and their
+chance for a prize of £.50 or upwards has been as about 200 to 50,000.
+By the above Scheme, if a person has seven tickets they are sure of a
+return of £.35, and have the chance of 40 to 2000, or 1000 to 50,000
+for a superior prize. The certainty of the numbers and the prizes to
+be drawn each day would prevent insurance on those events, and every
+ticket<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">-170-</a></span> being a prize there could be no insurance against blanks.</p>
+
+<p>"In fact, the Lottery might be drawn in one day,&mdash;thus: Let there be
+twenty-five bags containing each 2000 numbers, either promiscuously
+chosen or of stated thousands. Let there be also 25 bags each
+containing the 40 prizes above appropriated to each day's drawing. Let
+the Commissioners empty one bag of numbers and one of prizes into two
+wheels. Let them draw 40 numbers out of the Number Wheel, and the 40
+prizes out of the other. The remaining 1960 numbers to be entitled to
+£.5 each.&mdash;Then let them proceed with other 2000 numbers in the same
+way."</p>
+
+<hr class="dbl1" />
+<hr class="dbl2" />
+
+<p>At all events, whether these Plans for reforming this enormous evil,
+are or are not superior to others which have been devised, it is clear
+to demonstration, that the present System is founded on a principle
+not less erroneous than mischievous; and, therefore, it cannot too
+soon be abandoned; especially since it would appear that the Revenue
+it produces might be preserved, with the incalculable advantage to the
+nation of preserving, at the same time, the morals of the people, and
+turning into a course of industry and usefulness the labour of many
+thousand individuals, who, instead of being, as at present, pests in
+Society, might be rendered useful members of the State.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">-171-</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAP_VII" id="CHAP_VII"></a><span class="gesperrt">CHAP.</span> VII.</h2>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p><i>The Frauds arising from the manufacture and circulation of
+base Money:&mdash;The Causes of its enormous increase of late
+years.&mdash;The different kinds of false Coin detailed:&mdash;The
+Process in fabricating each species explained:&mdash;The immense
+Profits arising therefrom:&mdash;The extensive Trade in sending
+base Coin to the Country.&mdash;Its universal Circulation in the
+Metropolis.&mdash;The great Grievance arising from it to Brewers,
+Distillers, Grocers, and Retail Dealers, in particular, as
+well as the Labouring Poor in general.&mdash;The principal
+Channels through which it is uttered in the Country and in
+the Metropolis.&mdash;Counterfeit foreign Money extremely
+productive to the dealers.&mdash;A summary View of the Causes of
+the mischief.&mdash;The Defects in the present Laws
+explained:&mdash;And a Detail of the Remedies proposed to be
+provided by the Legislature.</i></p></div>
+
+<hr class="dbl1" />
+<hr class="dbl2" />
+
+<p><span class="cap">T</span>HE frauds committed by the fabrication of base Money, and by the
+nefarious practices, in the introduction of almost every species of
+Counterfeit Coin into the circulation of the Country, are next to be
+discussed.</p>
+
+<p>The great outlines of this enormous evil having been stated in the
+<a href="#CHAPTER_I">first Chapter</a>, it now remains to elu<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">-172-</a></span>cidate that part of the subject
+which is connected with <i>specific detail</i>.</p>
+
+<p>One of the greatest sources of these multiplied and increasing frauds
+is to be traced to the various ingenious improvements which have taken
+place of late years, at Birmingham, and other manufacturing towns, in
+mixing metals, and in stamping and <i>colouring</i> ornamental buttons.</p>
+
+<p>The same ingenious process is so easily applied to the coinage and
+colouring of false money, and also to the mixing of the metals of
+which it is composed, that it is not to be wondered at, that the
+avarice of man, urged by the prospect of immense profit, has
+occasioned that vast increase of counterfeit money of every
+description, with which the Country is at present deluged.</p>
+
+<p>The false coinages which have been introduced into circulation, of
+late years, are <i>Guineas, Half-Guineas and Seven Shilling Pieces,
+Crowns and Half-Crowns, Shillings, Sixpences, Pence, Halfpence, and
+Farthings</i>, of the similitude of the coin of the realm: of foreign
+coin, <i>Half Johannas, Louis d'ors, Spanish Dollars, French
+Half-Crowns, Shillings and Sixpences, 30 Sol pieces, Prussian and
+Danish Silver money, and other continental coins</i>; to which may be
+added, <i>Sequins of Turkey, and Pagodas of India</i>. These foreign coins
+except in the instance of the <i>Spanish Dollars</i><a name="FNanchor_43_43" id="FNanchor_43_43"></a><a href="#Footnote_43_43" class="fnanchor">[43]</a> issued<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">-173-</a></span> by the
+Bank of England in 1797, have generally been sold as articles of
+commerce for the purpose of being fraudulently circulated in the
+British Colonies or in Foreign Countries.</p>
+
+<p>So dexterous and skilful have Coiners now become, that by mixing a
+certain proportion of pure gold with a compound of base metal, they
+can fabricate guineas that shall be full weight, and of such perfect
+workmanship as to elude a discovery, except by persons of skill; while
+the intrinsic value does not exceed thirteen or fourteen shillings,
+and in some in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">-174-</a></span>stances is not more than eight or nine. Of this coinage
+considerable quantities were circulated some years since, bearing the
+impression of George the Second: and another coinage of counterfeit
+guineas of the year 1793, bearing the impression of his present
+Majesty, has been for some years in circulation, finished in a
+masterly manner, and nearly full weight, although the intrinsic value
+is not above eight shillings: half guineas are also in circulation of
+the same coinage: and lately a good imitation of the seven-shilling
+pieces. But as the fabrication of such coin requires a greater degree
+of skill and ingenuity than generally prevails, and also a greater
+capital than most coiners are able to command, it is to be hoped it
+has gone to no great extent; for amidst all the abuses which have
+prevailed of late years, it is unquestionably true, that the guineas
+and half-guineas which have been counterfeited in a style to elude
+detection, have borne no proportion in point of extent to the coinage
+of base <i>Silver</i>. Of this latter there are <i>five</i> different kinds at
+present counterfeited; and which we shall proceed to enumerate.</p>
+
+<p><i>The first of these are denominated</i> Flats, from the circumstance of
+this species of money being cut out of flatted plates, composed of a
+mixture of silver and blanched copper. The proportion of silver runs
+from one-fourth to one-third, and in some instances to even one-half:
+the metals are mixed by a chemical preparation, and afterwards rolled
+by flatting mills, into the thickness of <i>shillings</i>, <i>half-crowns</i>,
+or <i>crowns</i>, ac<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">-175-</a></span>cording to the desire of the parties who bring the
+copper and silver, which last is generally stolen plate. It is not
+known that there are at present above one or two rolling mills in
+London, although there are several in the Country, where all the
+dealers and coiners of this species of base money resort, for the
+purpose of having these plates prepared; from which, when finished,
+<i>blanks</i> or round pieces are cut out, of the sizes of the money meant
+to be counterfeited.</p>
+
+<p>The artisans who stamp or coin these blanks into base money are seldom
+interested themselves. They generally work as mechanics for the large
+dealers who employ a capital in the trade;&mdash;and who furnish the
+plates, and pay about eight per cent. for the coinage, being at the
+rate of one penny for each shilling, and twopence-halfpenny for each
+half-crown.</p>
+
+<p>This operation consists first in turning the blanks in a lathe;&mdash;then
+stamping them, by means of a press, with dies of the exact impression
+of the coin intended to be imitated:&mdash;they are afterwards rubbed with
+sandpaper and cork; then put into aquafortis to bring the silver to
+the surface; then rubbed with common salt; then with cream of tartar;
+then warmed in a shovel or similar machine before the fire; and last
+of all rubbed with <i>blacking</i>, to give the money the appearance of
+having been in circulation.</p>
+
+<p>All these operations are so quickly performed, that two persons (a man
+and his wife for instance,) can completely finish to the nominal
+amount of fifty<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">-176-</a></span> pounds in shillings and half-crowns in two days, by
+which they will earn each two guineas a day.</p>
+
+<p>A shilling of this species, which exhibits nearly the appearance of
+what has been usually called a Birmingham shilling, is intrinsically
+worth from <i>twopence to fourpence</i>; and crowns and half-crowns are in
+the same proportion. The quantity made of this sort of counterfeit
+coinage is very considerable: it requires less ingenuity than any of
+the other methods of coining, though at the same time it is the most
+expensive, and of course the least profitable to the Dealer; who for
+the most part disposes of it to the utterers, vulgarly called
+<i>Smashers</i>, at from 28<i>s.</i> to 40<i>s.</i> for a guinea, according to the
+quality; while these <i>Smashers</i> generally manage to utter it again to
+the full import value.</p>
+
+<p><i>The Second Species of counterfeit Silver money</i> passes among the
+dealers by the denomination of Plated Goods; from the circumstance of
+the shillings and half-crowns being made of copper of a reduced size,
+and afterwards plated with silver, so extended as to form a rim round
+the edge. This coin is afterwards stamped with dies so as to resemble
+the real coin; and, from the circumstance of the surface being pure
+silver, is not easily discovered except by ringing the money on a
+table: but as this species of base money requires a knowledge of
+<i>plating</i> as well as a great deal of ingenuity, it is of course
+confined to few hands. It is however extremely profitable to those who
+carry<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">-177-</a></span> it on, as it can generally be uttered, without detection, at
+its full import value.</p>
+
+<p><i>The Third Species of base Silver-money is called</i> Plain Goods, and is
+totally confined to shillings. These are made of copper blanks turned
+in a lathe, of the exact size of a Birmingham shilling, afterwards
+silvered over by a particular operation used in colouring metal
+buttons; they are then rubbed over with cream of tartar and blacking,
+after which they are fit for circulation.</p>
+
+<p>These shillings do not cost the makers above one halfpenny each: they
+are sold very low to the <i>Smashers</i> or <i>Utterers</i>, who pass them where
+they can, at the full nominal value; and when the silver wears off,
+which is very soon the case, they are sold to the Jews as bad
+shillings, who generally resell them at a small profit to customers,
+by whom they are recoloured, and thus soon brought again into
+circulation. The profit is immense, owing to the trifling value of the
+materials; but the circulation, on account of the danger of discovery,
+it is to be hoped is not yet very extensive. It is, however, to be
+remarked, that it is a species of coinage not of a long standing.</p>
+
+<p><i>The Fourth Class</i> of counterfeit silver-money is known by the name of
+<span class="smcap">Castings</span> or <span class="smcap">Cast Goods</span>. This species of work requires great skill and
+ingenuity, and is therefore confined to few hands; for none but
+excellent artists can attempt it, with any prospect of great success.</p>
+
+<p>The process is to melt blanched copper, and to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">-178-</a></span> cast it in moulds,
+having the impression, and being of the size of a <i>crown</i>, a
+<i>half-crown</i>, a <i>shilling</i>, or a <i>sixpence</i>, as the case may be; after
+being removed from the moulds, the money thus formed is cleaned off,
+and afterwards neatly silvered over by an operation similar to that
+which takes place in the manufacture of buttons.</p>
+
+<p>The counterfeit money made in imitation of shillings by this process,
+is generally cast so as to have a <i>crooked appearance</i>; and the
+deception is so admirable, that although intrinsically not worth <i>one
+halfpenny</i>, by exhibiting the appearance of a <i>thick crooked
+shilling</i>, they enter into circulation without suspicion, and are
+seldom refused while the surface exhibits no part of the copper; and
+even after this the itinerant Jews will purchase them at threepence
+each though six times their intrinsic value, well knowing that they
+can again be recoloured at the expence of half a farthing, so as to
+pass without difficulty for their nominal value of twelve pence.&mdash;A
+vast number of the sixpences now in circulation is of this species of
+coinage.</p>
+
+<p>The profit in every view, whether to the original maker, or to the
+subsequent purchasers (after having lost their colour,) is <i>immense</i>.</p>
+
+<p>In fabricating Cast Money, the workmen are always more secure than
+where presses and dies are used; because upon the least alarm, and
+before any officer of justice can have admission, the counterfeits are
+thrown into the crucible; the moulds are destroyed;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">-179-</a></span> and nothing is to
+be found that can convict, or even criminate the offender: on this
+account the present makers of cast money have reigned long, and were
+they careful and frugal, they might have become extremely rich; but
+prudence rarely falls to the lot of men who live by acts of
+criminality.</p>
+
+<p>The <i>Fifth and last Species</i> of base coin made in imitation of
+silver-money of the realm is called Figs or Fig Things. It is a very
+inferior sort of counterfeit money, of which composition, however, a
+great part of the sixpences now in circulation are made. The
+proportion of silver is not, generally speaking, of the value of one
+farthing in half a crown; although there are certainly some
+exceptions, as counterfeit sixpences have been lately discovered, some
+with a mixture, and some wholly silver; but even these did not yield
+the makers less than from 50 to 80 per cent. while the profit on the
+former is not less than from five hundred to one thousand per cent.
+and sometimes more.</p>
+
+<p>It is impossible to estimate the amount of this base money which has
+entered into the circulation of the Country during the last twenty
+years; but it must be very great, since one of the principal Coiners
+of stamped money, who some time since left off business, and made some
+important discoveries, acknowledged to the Author, that he had coined
+to the extent of <i>two hundred thousand pounds</i> sterling in counterfeit
+<i>half-crowns</i>, and other base silver money, in a period<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">-180-</a></span> of seven
+years. This is the less surprising, as two persons can stamp and
+finish to the amount of from 200<i>l.</i> to 300<i>l.</i> a week.<a name="FNanchor_44_44" id="FNanchor_44_44"></a><a href="#Footnote_44_44" class="fnanchor">[44]</a></p>
+
+<p>Of the Copper Money made in imitation of the current coin of the
+realm, there are many different sorts sold at various prices,
+according to the size and weight; but in general they may be divided
+into two kinds, namely, the stamped and the plain halfpence, of both
+which kind immense quantities have been made in London; and also in
+Birmingham, Wedgbury, Bilston, and Wolverhampton, &amp;c.<a name="FNanchor_45_45" id="FNanchor_45_45"></a><a href="#Footnote_45_45" class="fnanchor">[45]</a></p>
+
+<p>The plain halfpence are generally made at Birmingham; and from their
+thickness, afford a wonderful deception. They are sold, however, by
+the coiners to the large dealers at about a farthing each, or 100 per
+cent. profit in the tale or aggregate number. These dealers are not
+the <i>utterers</i>; but sell<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">-181-</a></span> them again by retail in <i>pieces</i>, or
+<i>five-shilling papers</i>, at the rate of from 28<i>s.</i> to 31<i>s.</i> for a
+guinea; not only to the Smashers, but also to persons in different
+trades, as well in the Metropolis as in the Country Towns, who pass
+them in the course of their business at the full import value.</p>
+
+<p>Farthings are also made in considerable quantities, chiefly in London,
+but so very thin that the profit upon this species of coinage is much
+greater than on the halfpence, though these counterfeits are not now,
+as formerly, made of base metal. The copper of which they are made is
+generally pure. The advantage lies in the weight alone, where the
+<i>coiners</i>, <i>sellers</i>, and <i>utterers</i>, do not obtain less than 200 per
+cent. A well known coiner has been said to finish from sixty to eighty
+pounds sterling a week. Of halfpence, two or three persons can stamp
+and finish to the nominal amount of at least two hundred pounds in six
+days.</p>
+
+<p>When it is considered that there are seldom less than between forty
+and fifty coinages or private mints, almost constantly employed in
+London and in different country towns; in stamping and fabricating
+base silver and copper money, the evil may justly be said to have
+arrived at an enormous height. It is indeed true that these people
+have been a good deal interrupted and embarrassed from time to time,
+by detections and convictions; but while the laws are so inapplicable
+to the new tricks and devices they have resorted to, these convictions
+are only <i>a drop in the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">-182-</a></span> bucket</i>: while such encouragements are held
+out the execution of one rogue only makes room for another to take up
+his customers; and indeed as the offence of selling is only a
+misdemeanor it is no unusual thing for the wife and family of a
+culprit, or convicted <i>seller</i> of <i>base money</i> to carry on the
+business, and to support him luxuriously in Newgate, until the
+expiration of the <i>year</i> and <i>day's</i> imprisonment, which is generally
+the punishment inflicted for this species of offence.</p>
+
+<p>It has been already stated [<a href="#Page_16"><i>page</i> 16</a>, &amp;c.] that trading in base money
+has now become as regular and systematic as any fair branch of
+trade.&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>Certain it is, that immense quantities have been regularly sent from
+London to the Camps during the summer season; and to persons at the
+sea-ports and manufacturing towns, who again sell in retail to the
+different tradesmen and others who pass them at the full <i>import</i>
+value.</p>
+
+<p>In this nefarious traffic a number of the lower order of the German
+Jews in London assist the dealers in an eminent degree, particularly
+in the circulation of bad halfpence.</p>
+
+<p>It has not been an unusual thing for several of these dealers to hold
+a kind of market every morning, where from forty to fifty of these
+German Jew boys are regularly supplied with counterfeit halfpence;
+which they dispose of in the course of the day in different streets
+and lanes of the Metropolis, for <i>bad shillings</i>, at about 3<i>d.</i> each.
+Care is always taken that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">-183-</a></span> the person who cries bad shillings shall
+have a companion near him who carries the halfpence, and takes charge
+of the purchased shillings (which are not cut:) so as to elude the
+detection of the Officers of the Police, in the event of being
+searched.</p>
+
+<p>The bad shillings thus purchased, are received in payment by the
+employers of the boys, for the bad halfpence supplied them, at the
+rate of four shillings a dozen; and are generally resold to
+<i>Smashers</i>, at a profit of two shillings a dozen; who speedily
+re-colour them, and introduce them again into circulation, at their
+full nominal value.</p>
+
+<p>The boys will generally clear from five to seven shillings a day, by
+this fraudulent business; which they almost uniformly spend, during
+the evening, in riot and debauchery; returning pennyless in the
+morning to their old trade.</p>
+
+<p>Thus it is that the frauds upon the Public multiply beyond all
+possible conception, while the tradesman, who, unwarily at least if
+not improperly, sells his counterfeit shillings to Jew boys at
+threepence each, little suspects that it is for the purpose of being
+returned upon him again at the rate of twelve-pence; or 300 per cent.
+profit to the purchasers and utterers.</p>
+
+<p>But these are not the only criminal devices to which the coiners and
+dealers, as well as the utterers of base money, have had recourse, for
+answering their iniquitous purposes.</p>
+
+<p>Previous to the Act of the 37 Geo. 3. cap. 126,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">-184-</a></span> counterfeit French
+crowns, half-crowns, and shillings, of excellent workmanship, were
+introduced with a view to elude the punishment of the then deficient
+Laws relative to Foreign Coin.</p>
+
+<p>Fraudulent die-sinkers are to be found both in the Metropolis and in
+Birmingham, who are excellent artists; able and willing to copy the
+exact similitude of any coin, from the British guinea to the sequin of
+Turkey, or to the Star Pagoda of Arcot. The delinquents have therefore
+every opportunity and assistance they can wish for; while their
+accurate knowledge of the deficiency of the laws, (particularly
+relative to British Coin) and where the point of danger lies, joined
+to the extreme difficulty of detection, operates as a great
+encouragement to this species of treason, felony, and fraud; and
+affords the most forcible reason why these pests of society still
+continue to afflict the honest part of the community.</p>
+
+<p>An opinion prevails, founded on information obtained through the
+medium of the most intelligent of these coiners and dealers, that of
+the counterfeit money now in circulation, not above one third part is
+of the species of <i>Flats</i> or <i>composition money</i>; which has been
+mentioned as the most intrinsically valuable of counterfeit silver,
+and contains from one fourth to one third silver; the remainder being
+blanched copper.&mdash;The other two thirds of the counterfeit money being
+<i>cast</i> or <i>washed</i>, and intrinsically worth little or nothing, the
+imposition upon the public is obvious.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">-185-</a></span> Taking the whole upon an
+average, the amount of the injury may be fairly calculated at within
+ten per cent. of a total loss upon the mass of the base silver money
+now in circulation; which, if a conclusion may be drawn from what
+passes under the review of any person who has occasion to receive
+silver in exchange, must considerably exceed <i>one million sterling</i>!
+To this we have the miserable prospect of an accession every year,
+until some effectual steps shall be taken to remedy the evil.</p>
+
+<p>Of the Copper Coinage, the quantity of counterfeits at one time in
+circulation might be truly said to equal three fourth parts of the
+whole, and nothing is more certain than that a very great proportion
+of the actual counterfeits passed as Mint halfpence, from their size
+and appearance, although they yielded the coiners a large profit.</p>
+
+<p>Even at present the state both of the silver and copper coinage of
+this kingdom (the copper pence only excepted) deserves very particular
+attention, for at no time can any person minutely examine either the
+one coin or the other, which may come into his possession, without
+finding a considerable proportion counterfeit.</p>
+
+<p>Until, therefore, a new coinage of halfpence and farthings takes place
+upon the excellent plan adopted by Government, with respect to the
+pence now partially in circulation, what must be the situation of the
+retail dealers, the brewers, distillers, and many<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">-186-</a></span> other classes of
+industrious traders, who in the course of their business, are
+compelled to receive depreciated counterfeit money?<a name="FNanchor_46_46" id="FNanchor_46_46"></a><a href="#Footnote_46_46" class="fnanchor">[46]</a></p>
+
+<p>The burden is not only grievous beyond expression, to those who have
+no alternative but to take such base money in payment; but extends
+indirectly to <i>the Poor</i>: in as much as the diminished value of such
+coin, arising from its reduced or base quality taken in connection
+with the quantities thrown into circulation, tends to enhance the
+price of the first articles of necessity.</p>
+
+<p>The labourer, the handicraftsman, and the working manufacturer, being
+generally paid their weekly wages, partly in copper money of
+depreciated value;&mdash;it is obvious that they must obtain less than they
+would otherwise receive, were the coin of a higher standard; for the
+retail dealers who furnish the poor with food, must shield themselves,
+at least in part,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">-187-</a></span> against the unavoidable losses arising from base
+money; by advancing the prices of their various commodities.</p>
+
+<p>Nor are such advances made upon a principle which cannot be defended;
+since it is evident that the relative value <i>even of the old copper
+coin of the Mint</i> to gold or silver, is nearly <i>twice its intrinsic
+value</i>; and while such copper money cannot be paid into the receipt of
+his Majesty's Exchequer, or received in payment by the officers of the
+revenue, the burden and loss of a diminished coin fall entirely upon
+the traders, (who are compelled to receive such money,) and upon the
+labourers and mechanics through whose medium it is chiefly circulated.</p>
+
+<p>While the disproportion thus stated between the denominative value of
+copper and silver money is so very great, it is evident that the legal
+coinage of copper must produce an immense profit; as <i>one pound</i> of
+copper estimated at 15 <i>pence</i><a name="FNanchor_47_47" id="FNanchor_47_47"></a><a href="#Footnote_47_47" class="fnanchor">[47]</a> will make as many halfpence, of the
+legal coinage, as pass for <i>two shillings</i>.</p>
+
+<p>This fact plainly shews the vast temptation which is held out to those
+who carry on the counterfeit coinage, where the profit from the coiner
+to the dealers, and from these dealers to the utterers, at the full
+de<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">-188-</a></span>nominative value, must be in many instances from two to three
+hundred per cent. When to this circumstance is added the security
+which the deficiencies in the present laws hold out, the whole
+operates as a kind of bounty to these fraudulent people, who cannot
+resist the prosecution of a trade where the profit is so immense, and
+where a coinage equally <i>pure and heavy</i> as the old mint standard
+would even be extremely productive.<a name="FNanchor_48_48" id="FNanchor_48_48"></a><a href="#Footnote_48_48" class="fnanchor">[48]</a></p>
+
+<p>In every view the evil at present arising from base money of every
+denomination appears to be of the greatest magnitude&mdash;while its extent
+will scarce be credited by any but those who have turned their
+attention very minutely to the subject.</p>
+
+<p>The trade of dealing in counterfeit coin acquires its greatest vigour
+towards the end of March; for then the Lotteries are over, when
+<i>Swindlers</i>, <i>Gamblers</i>, <i>Pretended Dealers in Horses</i>, <i>Travellers
+with EO Tables</i>, and <i>Hawkers</i> and <i>Pedlars</i> go into the country,
+carrying with them considerable quantities of base silver and copper
+money; by which they are enabled, in a great degree, to extend the
+circulation, by cheating and defrauding ignorant country people.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">-189-</a></span></p>
+
+<p>In the spring season too, the dealers in counterfeit coin begin to
+make up their orders for the different country towns; and it is
+supposed, upon good grounds, that there is now scarcely a place of any
+consequence all over the kingdom where they have not their
+correspondents; it is also a fact well established, that many of these
+correspondents come regularly to the <i>Metropolis</i>, and also go to
+Birmingham and the neighbouring towns once or twice a year for the
+purpose of purchasing base money, where the evil is said to be
+increasing even more than in London.</p>
+
+<p>It very seldom happens, on account of the great demand, (especially of
+late years) that the dealers have ever any considerable stock on hand.
+The base money is no sooner finished, than it is packed up and sent to
+customers in town and country; and with such rapidity has it been
+fabricated, on occasions of pressing emergency, that a single dealer
+has been known to procure from the coiners who worked for him, from
+£.300 to £.500 for country orders, in the course of the week!</p>
+
+<p>The lower ranks among the Irish, and the German Jews, are the chief
+supporters of the trade of circulating base money in London;&mdash;there is
+said to be scarce an Irish labourer who does not exchange his week's
+wages for base money; taking a mixture of shillings, sixpences, and
+copper.</p>
+
+<p>The Jews principally confine themselves to the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">-190-</a></span> coinage and
+circulation of copper; while the Irish women are the chief utterers
+and colourers of base silver. A vast number of these low females have
+acquired the mischievous art of colouring the bad shillings and
+sixpences, which they purchase from the employers of Jew-boys, who cry
+<i>bad shillings</i>.</p>
+
+<p>It is somewhat singular that among the Jews, although many cases occur
+where they appear to be coiners of copper money and dealers to a great
+extent, yet scarce an instance can be adduced of their having any
+concern in the coinage of base silver: neither are they extensive
+dealers in any other base money than copper.</p>
+
+<p>The Jews, however, deal largely in foreign coin, counterfeited in this
+country; having been the chief means by which <i>Louis d'Ors</i>, <i>Half
+Johannas</i>, as well as various silver coins, (particularly <i>Dollars</i>)
+made of base metal, have been sent out of this country. It is through
+the same channel that the Sequins of Turkey have been exported; and
+also the Pagodas of India.<a name="FNanchor_49_49" id="FNanchor_49_49"></a><a href="#Footnote_49_49" class="fnanchor">[49]</a></p>
+
+<p>In contemplating and in developing the causes of the vast accumulation
+and increase of base money, which has thus deluged the country of late
+years, the evil will be found to have proceeded chiefly from the want
+of <i>a new coinage:&mdash;of laws, applicable to the new tricks and devices
+practised by the coiners:&mdash;of proper checks upon fraudulent
+Circulation:&mdash;of rewards for<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">-191-</a></span> the detection and apprehension of
+Offenders;&mdash;and of a sufficient fund to ensure the prompt execution of
+the law; by a vigorous and energetic Police</i>, directed not only to the
+execution of apposite laws in the detection and punishment of
+offenders, but also to the means of prevention.</p>
+
+<p>The vigour and energy requisite to put good and apposite laws in
+execution for the suppression of crimes of every kind, but
+particularly that of the coinage and circulation of base money, depend
+much on the zeal and activity of the Magistrate: and on the affording
+an adequate pecuniary resource, to enable him to reward men who may
+undertake to risk their persons in the company of desperate and daring
+offenders, in order to obtain that species of evidence which will
+produce a conviction. Without such pecuniary resource, the law, as
+well as the exertions of the Magistrate, becomes a dead letter: and
+his efforts for the purpose of promoting the ends of public justice,
+are crippled and lost to the Community.</p>
+
+<p>In suppressing great evils, strong and adequate powers must be
+applied, and nothing can give force and activity to these powers, but
+the ability to reward liberally all persons engaged in the public
+service, either as police officers, or as temporary agents for the
+purpose of detecting atrocious offenders. The following ideas are
+therefore suggested with a view to the important subject at present
+under discussion.</p>
+
+<p>The Coinage Laws (except those relating to cop<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">-192-</a></span>per money) which
+contain the most important regulations in the way of prevention,
+having been made a century ago, it is not to be wondered at, in
+consequence of the regular progress of the evil, and the new
+contrivances and artifices resorted to, in that period, that many
+obvious amendments have become necessary. A consolidation of the whole
+laws from the 25th of Edward the Third, to the 14th of his present
+Majesty, would, perhaps, be the most desirable object; as it would
+afford a better opportunity of correcting every deficiency, and of
+rendering this branch of the criminal code, <i>concise</i>, <i>clear</i>,
+<i>explicit</i>,&mdash;applicable to the existing evils, and to the means of
+prevention.</p>
+
+<p>For the purpose, however, of more fully elucidating this proposition,
+it will be necessary to state the existing laws, and what are
+considered as the most apparent deficiencies therein.</p>
+
+<p>We will begin by giving a short <i>Summary</i> of the existing Laws.</p>
+
+<table style="width: 90%" border="0" cellpadding="10" cellspacing="0" summary="laws">
+<tr>
+<td class="vat" style="width: 50%">25 Edw. III. <i>stat.</i> 5, <i>cap.</i> 2.<br />
+1 Mary, <i>stat.</i> 2, <i>c.</i> 6.<br />
+1 &amp; 2 Ph. &amp; Mary, <i>cap.</i> 11.<br />
+5 Eliz. <i>cap.</i> 11.<br />
+14 Eliz. <i>cap.</i> 3.<br />
+18 Eliz. <i>cap.</i> 1.</td>
+<td class="vat" style="width: 50%">These acts make counterfeiting
+the gold and silver coin of the
+realm&mdash;counterfeiting foreign money,
+current within the realm&mdash;knowingly
+bringing false money
+into the realm counterfeit to the
+money of England; or bringing in
+<i>any</i> false and counterfeit money,
+current within the realm; in order
+to utter the same here;&mdash;diminish<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">-193-</a></span>ing
+or lightening any current (gold
+or silver) coin&mdash;<i>High Treason</i>.&mdash;Counterfeiting
+foreign money, not
+current in the kingdom&mdash;<i>Misprision</i>
+<i>of Treason</i>.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">8 &amp; 9 Will. III. <i>cap.</i> 26<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">(<i>made perpetual by</i> 7 Anne, <i>c.</i> 25)&mdash;</span><br />
+9 &amp; 10 Will. III. <i>c.</i> 21.</td>
+<td class="vat">These Acts contain a detail of
+the principal offences and punishments,
+upon which prosecutions
+are founded at present.
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">7th of Queen Anne, <i>cap.</i> 24.</td>
+<td class="vat">Allows 400<i>l.</i> a year for prosecuting
+offenders; increased by 15
+Geo. II. <i>c.</i> 28. § 10, to 600<i>l.</i>
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">15th of George II. <i>cap.</i> 28.</td>
+<td class="vat">Amends some of the above laws,
+and establishes new regulations relative
+to the Copper Coinage.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">11th George III. <i>cap.</i> 40.</td>
+<td class="vat">Makes further regulations respecting
+the Copper Coinage;
+which, however, have not been at
+all effectual.</td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+<p>Since the last edition of this work the following additions have been
+made to the Statute Law on this subject.</p>
+
+<p>By 37 Geo. III. <i>c.</i> 126, so much of 15 Geo. II. <i>c.</i> 28, as relates
+to <i>halfpence and farthings</i>, and the statute 11 Geo. III. <i>c.</i> 40,
+and all other acts relating to the copper money of this realm, are
+extended to all such copper money as shall be coined and issued, by
+the King's Proclamation.&mdash;This was for the pur<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">-194-</a></span>pose of protecting the
+Coinage of <i>penny</i> and <i>twopenny</i> pieces made for Government by Mr.
+Boulton, of Birmingham; and which it is believed have not yet been
+counterfeited, at least to any great extent.</p>
+
+<p>By the same statute, 37 Geo. III. <i>c.</i> 126, persons counterfeiting any
+<i>foreign gold or silver coin</i>, tho' not current in this realm, are
+made guilty of felony, punishable by seven years' transportation; as
+are also persons bringing the same into the realm, with intent to
+utter it.&mdash;A penalty is imposed on persons tendering <i>such</i>
+counterfeit coin in payment, <i>or exchange</i>; for the first offence, six
+months' imprisonment: for the second, two years; and on the third,
+they are declared guilty of felony without Clergy.&mdash;Persons having
+more than <i>five</i> pieces of such counterfeit coin in their possession,
+shall forfeit the same, and also a penalty of not more than £.5, nor
+less than 40<i>s.</i> for each piece; or suffer three months'
+imprisonment.&mdash;Justices are impowered to grant warrants for searching
+suspected places, <i>for such counterfeit foreign coin</i>; which with the
+tools and materials may be seized and carried before a Justice, who
+shall secure the same as evidence: to be afterwards destroyed.</p>
+
+<p>By statute 38 Geo. III. <i>c.</i> 59, the act 14 Geo. III. <i>c.</i> 42,
+prohibiting the importation of light silver coin of this realm, was
+revived and continued till June 1, 1799.&mdash;And by statute 39 Geo. III.
+<i>c.</i> 75, it was made perpetual.</p>
+
+<p>By statute 38 Geo. III. <i>c.</i> 67, <i>Copper Coin</i> not being the legal
+Copper Coin of this realm, and <i>all<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">-195-</a></span> counterfeit gold or silver coin
+whatever</i>, exported, or shipped for exportation, to Martinique or any
+of the British Colonies in the West Indies or America, is declared to
+be forfeited, and may be seized as under the laws respecting the
+Customs.&mdash;And a penalty is imposed on persons exporting it, of £.200
+and double the value of the coin.</p>
+
+<p>We next proceed to state the deficiencies which still remain
+unremedied.</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>1. The punishment inflicted on the different offences
+specified in the Coinage Laws, do not seem to be adequate to
+the degree of enormity, in some instances; while in others,
+from being too severe, the law is not always put in
+execution. The sale of base Money (for instance) under the
+value it imports, is only punishable by a year's
+imprisonment; although in point of fact, it is well known,
+that the Sellers are the <i>Employers of the Coiners</i>; that
+with them this high offence originates, and but for them it
+would not have been committed: while the actual Coiners, who
+work for these Dealers merely as Journeymen, subject
+themselves to the punishment of Death.</p>
+
+<p>2. Prosecutions under the stat. 8 &amp; 9 W. III. <i>c.</i> 26, are
+at present limited to commence within three months. This may
+often defeat justice, as offences committed in the country
+frequently cannot be tried in less than four, five, and in
+some cases nearly six months. <span class="hand" title="pointing hand">&#9758;</span> <i>The limitation to
+twelve months would remove the difficulty.</i> [There<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">-196-</a></span> is no
+such limitation in the statutes of 37 &amp; 38 of Geo. III. just
+alluded to.]</p>
+
+<p>3. The words <i>Milled Money</i> seemed necessary, in the minds
+of the makers of the act of 8 &amp; 9 William III. <i>cap.</i> 26, to
+form the description of coin similar to the current Coin of
+the Realm; and that Act declares it to be felony to take,
+receive, pay, or put off <i>counterfeit milled Money</i>.&mdash;A
+considerable portion of counterfeit Coin is <i>cast</i>, and <i>not
+milled</i>. <span class="hand" title="pointing hand">&#9758;</span> <i>The words</i> counterfeit Money, Milled <i>or</i>
+not Milled, <i>would remove the ambiguity.</i></p>
+
+<p>4. It does not appear that any provision is clearly made, or
+punishment inflicted, for the offence of <i>uttering base
+silver Money in exchange</i>, as well as in payment: except
+under <i>stat.</i> 8 and 9 Will. III. <i>cap.</i> 26, where the
+expression of <i>counterfeited milled money</i> is used, the
+ambiguity of which has already been noticed. The words in
+the <i>stat.</i> 15 Geo. II. <i>c.</i> 28. are, "any person who shall
+utter or tender in payment," and it seems that the word
+<i>utter</i> cannot be detached from the subsequent words, "in
+payment." [The partial remedy applied in this particular in
+the instance of counterfeit <i>foreign gold and silver coin</i>,
+under 37 Geo. III. <i>c.</i> 126, should be extended to <i>all</i>
+cases of counterfeit money.]</p>
+
+<p>5. The laws peculiarly relating to the <i>Copper Coinage</i>,
+although more modern, have also been found to be extremely
+defective, and totally inadequate to their object. The Act
+of the 11th of his present<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">-197-</a></span> Majesty, <i>cap.</i> 40, indeed,
+makes it felony to sell Copper Money of the similitude <i>of
+the current Money of the Realm</i> at a less value than the
+denomination doth import; but the benefit of Clergy not
+being taken away, and no specific punishment being
+mentioned, the offenders are generally subjected only to a
+year's inprisonment, which proves no check whatever, as
+their families carry on business in the mean time; and if
+they sell <i>plain or evasive Halfpence</i>, or what are called
+<i>Irish Harps</i>, or mix them with <i>stamped Half-pence</i>,
+similar to the current Coin of the Realm, so that the
+stamped Coin does not exceed the value of what the
+denomination imports, it is doubtful whether the prosecution
+will not fail.</p></div>
+
+<p><span class="hand" title="pointing hand">&#9758;</span> It is submitted, that a statute ought to be framed, declaring it
+<i>Felony</i>, punishable by seven years' transportation: 1st. For any
+person to make or manufacture any piece of Copper or other metal, with
+or without any device whatsoever, with an intent that it shall pass as
+the <i>Copper Monies of the Kingdoms of Great Britain or Ireland</i>. 2nd.
+For any smith, engraver, founder, &amp;c. or any person, except those
+employed in the Mint, or authorized by the Treasury, to make or mend,
+buy or sell, conceal or have in their possession, without a lawful
+excuse, any puncheon, stamp, die, mould, &amp;c. on which shall be
+impressed, or with intent that there shall be impressed on the same,
+any resemblance whatever, in part or in the whole, of such <i>Copper
+Monies</i>. 3d. For any person<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">-198-</a></span> to buy or sell, or offer to buy or sell,
+or to utter or tender in payment, or to give or offer to give in
+exchange, <i>thirty or more pieces of Copper</i> in any one day; such piece
+resembling or being intended to resemble, or passing or being intended
+to pass as the current Copper Money of the said kingdoms.</p>
+
+<p>That such proposed statute should also make it a misdemeanor
+(punishable by a fine of 40<i>s.</i> for the first offence, £5. for the
+second, and £10. for every subsequent offence) for any person to buy,
+sell, utter, &amp;c. any number <i>less than thirty</i> of such pieces of
+Copper, resembling or intended to resemble or pass, &amp;c. as such
+current Copper Money. The fines to be recoverable in a summary way
+before one magistrate. This would reach Turnpike-men and others, who
+wilfully pass bad Halfpence at one gate which are refused at another:
+and would generally check the circulation of base Copper Money, which
+has become an evil of great magnitude.</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>6. The laws, as they now stand, are silent regarding
+Provincial Copper Coin, or what are called <i>Tokens</i>,
+representing an Halfpenny. It might perhaps be useful to
+legalize <i>Tokens</i> or <i>Provincial Coins</i> on three conditions.
+<span class="hand" title="pointing hand">&#9758;</span> <i>1. That the Copper of which they are made shall be
+pure.&mdash;2. That this Coin shall be at least 10 per cent.
+heavier than Mr. Boulton's new Coinage.&mdash;3. That the parties
+circulating such Coin be responsible to the holders, for the
+value in Gold or Silver, when demanded: and shall stamp
+their names and an obligation to that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">-199-</a></span> purpose on the Coins,
+Tokens, or Medals so issued by them.</i>&mdash;It would be necessary
+under such circumstances that every person, issuing Tokens
+or Medals, should take out a Licence for that purpose from
+the principal Officers of the Mint, as an authority for such
+Coinage: giving security at the same time to observe the
+above Conditions.</p></div>
+
+<p>It may, however, be worthy consideration, whether these tokens should
+not be wholly suppressed, and the offence of fabricating any Copper
+pieces passing, or intended to pass "<i>as, for, or in lieu of</i>" the
+lawful Copper Coin, be made felony: and that such tokens should in all
+respects be considered as actual Counterfeit Coin, and treated
+accordingly: or, at all events, that persons issuing and circulating
+such tokens should be liable to a severe penalty; and bound to pay the
+holder, on demand, the full denominated value.</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>7. The mischievous agents of the Dealers in base Money, <i>the
+persons who keep Flatting-mills, and other machinery, for
+preparing, and rolling their metals, for being coined into
+base Money</i>, are not at present within the reach of
+punishment by any existing law. Although by preparing the
+metal for the subsequent process of stamping, they are in
+fact parties concerned, without whose aid the Coinage of
+what are called <i>Flats</i>, or milled money, could not be
+carried on.&mdash;The chief difficulty is in punishing persons
+for producing an article which may<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">-200-</a></span> be turned into coach and
+harness ornaments, buttons, and many purposes as well as
+base Money.</p></div>
+
+<p><span class="hand" title="pointing hand">&#9758;</span> With respect to this whole tribe of dangerous manufacturers,
+whose trade and abilities are so liable to be perverted to iniquitous
+purposes, it has been under consideration to regulate them, by
+legislative measures, to the following effect: viz. "That no person,
+except those employed in the mints, shall erect, set up, or use, or
+knowingly have in possession any <i>cutting engine for cutting round
+blanks by the force of a screw out of fatted bars or sheets of Copper,
+or other metal</i>; or any <i>stamping press, fly, rolling mill, flatting
+mill, or other instrument for stamping, flatting, or marking metals</i>,
+or <i>which, with the assistance of any matrix, Stamp, or dye, will
+stamp or mark Copper or other metals, or prepare the same for stamping
+or marking</i>, without first giving notice thereof in writing to persons
+authorized to keep an entry and registry thereof, containing the
+Christian and Surnames of the owners of such instruments, and
+describing the use thereof, and the house or other place in which the
+same is intended to be erected, set up, used or kept; and to give the
+like notice on any removal, under a certain penalty, recoverable as in
+the case of Hair Powder, and other revenue laws."&mdash;It is believed, on
+the best authority, that the Licence here proposed (especially as it
+would subject the parties to no pecuniary burden) would meet the
+approbation of the principal manufacturers, on account of the
+facilities which it<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">-201-</a></span> would afford in detecting and in embarrassing
+those who set up machinery for unlawful purposes.</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>8. No provision is made in any Act against, and consequently
+no punishment is inflicted on, the offence of <i>buying base
+money to recolour it</i>&mdash;<span class="hand" title="pointing hand">&#9758;</span> This is a modern device, and
+may be remedied, as it seems, by enacting&mdash;"That every
+person who shall buy, take or receive any blank or round
+piece of blanched copper, mixed metal, or metal of any sort
+whatsoever, for the purpose of colouring the same, or
+causing the same to be coloured, or with intent or knowledge
+that the same shall or will be coloured, or which shall have
+been coloured, so as to pass for the current Gold or Silver
+Coins of Great Britain or Ireland, shall be punishable by a
+fine of £.20 and one month's imprisonment; and that any
+person who shall buy or sell, or offer to buy or sell any
+piece of blanched Copper, &amp;c. which may formerly have passed
+as or for such current Gold or Silver Coin, shall be
+punishable by a fine of 40<i>s.</i> recoverable in a summary way;
+or by one month's imprisonment."&mdash;This last penalty will
+reach the Jew Boys, who cry bad shillings, and will prove,
+it is hoped, an effectual check by means of a very mild
+punishment upon shopkeepers, tradesmen, and others, who
+inadvertently sell defaced counterfeit shillings without
+reflecting that although they obtain 3<i>d.</i> in this traffick
+for what is not intrinsically worth one farthing, that the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">-202-</a></span>
+same counterfeits are again coloured, and received by them
+at the full value of 12<i>d.</i></p>
+
+<p>9. No existing law gives any power to Magistrates upon
+information on oath, to search for, or seize Counterfeit
+Coin of this realm in the custody or possession of <i>known
+Dealers</i> or <i>reputed Utterers</i>; although these Dealers and
+Utterers are now the persons (and not the actual Coiners)
+who keep the base money: neither is there any power to seize
+base money conveying in coaches or waggons going into the
+country. Under this shelter the Dealers are enabled to hold
+markets for sale in their houses, where they frequently keep
+large stocks; and base money is also sent into the country
+without the least hazard of detection or seizure.</p></div>
+
+<p><span class="hand" title="pointing hand">&#9758;</span> Here again the partial remedy introduced by 37 Geo. III. c. 126,
+should be extended and applied.</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>10. No power is directly given by any existing law, (not
+even by the modern Act last mentioned) though upon the most
+pointed information, to search the houses or workshops of
+coiners <i>in the night time</i>. Hence it is that <i>detection</i>
+becomes so difficult, and the evil increases, because the
+law in some measure shields the offenders from discovery.
+Since in Lottery offences (which are certainly greatly
+inferior in their enormity to Coining) a power is granted to
+break open houses in the night-time, surely no reason can be
+assigned why treasonable<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">-203-</a></span> offences, in Coining base Money,
+should not in this respect be on the same footing. Unless a
+positive power is given to search in the night, and suddenly
+to force open doors or windows, it will be impossible to
+detect the Makers of Cast Money.</p>
+
+<p>11. The act 11 Geo. III. cap. 40. gives a power to
+Magistrates to issue their warrants to search for tools and
+implements used in the <i>Copper Coinage</i>, (with regard to
+Silver or Gold Coinage of this realm no such power is
+given); but, what is very singular, <i>no punishment whatever
+can be inflicted by any existing law</i> on the owner or
+proprietor of such tools for making Copper Money, nor upon
+the person in whose house they are found; and if when such
+search is made, there should be found only <i>plain</i>
+Halfpence, or <i>Irish Harps</i>, or <i>evasive Halfpence</i> or
+<i>Farthings, varying in the Stamp</i> in any degree from the
+current Coin of the Realm, so as not to be of the exact
+similitude, (a practice which has now for some time very
+much prevailed) the act in question is defeated; inasmuch as
+the crime of felony does not attach to offences short of
+Coining <i>Copper Money of the similitude of the current Coin
+of the Realm</i>. The Coinage of base Copper therefore goes on
+with impunity; because it is owing to the carelessness of
+the parties themselves if ever they permit the law to reach
+them.</p>
+
+<p>12. The laws now in being give no power to seize Counterfeit
+Halfpence; either in the hands of the Dealers, who keep a
+kind of open market at their<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">-204-</a></span> own houses every morning to
+supply Jew Boys, who cry bad Shillings, or in those of many
+others in various trades, who become the channels of
+circulation to a vast extent without risk or inconvenience.
+Neither does the statute law authorize the apprehension of
+Jew Boys, who go out every morning loaded with counterfeit
+Copper, which they exchange for bad shillings.</p></div>
+
+<p><span class="hand" title="pointing hand">&#9758;</span> To remedy this part of the evil, it is proposed, "That on
+complaint made to any one Justice of Peace upon oath, that there is
+just cause to suspect that any person is concerned in making or using,
+or has in their custody any unlawful puncheon, stamp, die, mould, &amp;c.
+made for the purpose, or which may be applied to the purpose, of
+counterfeiting the Gold, Silver, or Copper Coin of the Kingdoms of
+Great Britain or Ireland; or of making or manufacturing any pieces of
+metal intended to pass as such coin, or any cutting engine for cutting
+round blanks by means of force applied to a screw, or flatted bars of
+metal, &amp;c. or any wash or material which will produce the colour of
+Gold or silver, or copper, or any round blank of base metal or mixed
+metal, or of brass copper, or lead, so as to resemble such coin; or
+who hath been concerned in buying, selling, taking in exchange,
+receiving, or putting off any Gold, Silver, or Copper Money, not
+melted or cut, at a lower rate or value than the same doth import,
+such Justice may, by a warrant under his hand, cause the house,
+out-house, and other places occupied by<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">-205-</a></span> such suspected person to be
+searched, <i>either by night or by day</i>; and if any of the articles
+hereinbefore mentioned, or any counterfeit or pretended coin, blanks,
+or round pieces of metal be found, the parties to be seized, and, with
+the said articles, brought before a Justice, and such articles may be
+afterwards used in evidence, and then broken, defaced, and disposed of
+as the Court or Justices shall direct.</p>
+
+<p>"That any Constable, Headborough, or Beadle, and every Watchman, while
+on duty, may apprehend and detain all and every person or persons who
+may be reasonably suspected of having and carrying, or any ways
+conveying for the purpose of selling or trafficking in the same, any
+counterfeited or forged Gold, Silver, or Copper Money, whether the
+same shall resemble or be intended to resemble, or shall pass or be
+intended to pass as and for the coin of the said kingdoms, or of any
+foreign Country or State; or having in their possession, without
+lawful excuse, any round blanks of base metal or mixed metal, &amp;c. or
+any pieces of Gold, Silver, Brass, Copper, or Lead, of a fit size and
+figure to be coined, coloured, or converted into Counterfeit Money;
+with power also to seize and detain the said Counterfeit Money,
+blanks, &amp;c. and convey the same, with the person or persons
+apprehended, before one or more Justices; and if the party shall not
+give a satisfactory account how the same came into their possession,
+or shall not produce the party from whom it was received, he shall be
+deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, pu<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">-206-</a></span>nishable by fine and imprisonment
+in a summary manner."</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>13. The statute 37 Geo. III. cap. 126. (see <a href="#Page_194">p. 194</a>) has
+restrained the evil pointed out in former editions of this
+Treatise, respecting the counterfeiting of Foreign Gold and
+Silver Coin. It is to be wished, however, that the penalties
+imposed on the <i>exportation</i> of such counterfeit Coin by 38
+Geo. III. cap. 67, could be further extended and enforced.</p>
+
+<p>14. It must here be repeated, that the great cause of the
+defect in the execution of the Laws against Coiners, is the
+want of a proper fund for Prosecutions and Rewards, and
+other expences for detecting Offenders.&mdash;The acts 7 Anne,
+cap. 24, and 15 Geo. II. cap. 28, allow only £.600 for the
+expence of prosecutions, which has never been increased for
+above half a century; although the offences, as well as the
+expence of detection and prosecutions, have increased, at
+least, six fold.</p>
+
+<p>15. The reward of £.40, given under the Acts 6 and 7 William
+III. cap. 17; 15 Geo. II. cap. 28, is construed to be
+limited only to the Conviction of actual Coiners and
+Clippers of Gold and Silver; and is not allowed to extend to
+colouring and finishing, as well as a number of other
+offences connected with <i>making</i>, <i>counterfeiting</i>, and
+<i>uttering base</i> Money:&mdash;the reward for Copper Coin is by the
+said Act of 15 Geo. II. cap. 28, limited to £.10, and is by
+no means a sufficient encouragement to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">-207-</a></span> Officers to do their
+duty. <i>It would be a great improvement if a liberal sum were
+allowed by Parliament for detections, prosecutions, and
+rewards; to be paid on the report of the Judges who try the
+offenders, according to the merit and trouble of the
+apprehenders, prosecutors, and witnesses; whether there is a
+conviction or not.</i></p></div>
+
+<p>The following rewards have been suggested as proper to make part of a
+Bill now in a state of preparation, for the general Regulation of the
+Coinage: and which is meant to include all the remedies before hinted
+at and pointed out: a Legislative measure which must do honour to the
+Minister who will carry it into execution.</p>
+
+<table style="width: 80%" border="0" cellpadding="10" cellspacing="0" summary="rewards">
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="right">£.</td><td class="right"><i>s.</i></td><td class="right"><i>d.</i></td></tr>
+<tr><td>To persons contributing to the conviction of <i>Coiners of British or Foreign Coin, or persons plating with Gold or Silver</i>, or <i>persons colouring with wash</i> or <i>materials to produce the colour of Gold or Silver</i>, any blanks or flats of metal, base or mixed, to resemble the said current Coin</td><td class="vabr">40</td><td class="vabr">0</td><td class="vabr">0</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Convicting, &amp;c. persons guilty of counterfeiting Copper money of these Kingdoms or of Foreign States, or colouring such Copper money to resemble the same</td><td class="vabr">20</td><td class="vabr">0</td><td class="vabr">0</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Convicting, &amp;c. persons guilty of uttering counterfeit Gold and Silver Coin, and selling it at a lower rate than it imports</td><td class="vabr">10</td><td class="vabr">0</td><td class="vabr">0<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">-208-</a></span></td></tr>
+<tr><td>Convicting, &amp;c. persons guilty of buying or selling Counterfeit Copper money of Foreign States at a lower rate than it imports</td><td class="vabr">10</td><td class="vabr">0</td><td class="vabr">0</td></tr>
+</table>
+
+<p>To be paid without deduction or fee, within one month after such
+conviction, on tendering a certificate to the Sheriff.</p>
+
+<p>It is also proposed that the Treasury shall have power to issue out of
+the Duties of Customs a sufficient sum of money for prosecuting
+offenders against the Mint laws.</p>
+
+<p>Whatever might be the effect of these amendments in the Mint laws, and
+necessary as they appear to be, it is still to be feared that until a
+new coinage of Silver money and Copper halfpence and farthings shall
+take place, no legislative restrictions, regulations, or punishments,
+can produce an effectual cure to this enormous evil; although, from
+the many deficiencies which have been detailed, it is evident a great
+deal of good may be done immediately in this way.</p>
+
+<p>A coinage of Silver money is a great State question, which may require
+a fuller consideration; but no doubt can be entertained of the
+indispensable necessity of such a measure, as soon as circumstances
+will admit.</p>
+
+<p>If to a new coinage of <i>shillings</i> and <i>sixpences</i>, should be added an
+extensive coinage of silver money of the value of <i>four pence</i> and
+<i>three pence</i>, according<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">-209-</a></span> to ancient usage, it would prove a great
+convenience to the public, and remedy much of the inconvenience which
+arises from the ponderous nature of Copper money; while a smaller
+quantity would be required for circulation.</p>
+
+<p>No doubt can be entertained of the nation deriving considerable
+advantages from having increased the weight of copper coin, so as to
+bring it as near as possible to the <i>intrinsic</i> value of the metal of
+which it is composed.</p>
+
+<p>This arrangement will, it is hoped, ultimately prove the means of
+effectually preventing counterfeits; and the copper, being a native
+article produced in the country, may in time, through the medium of
+<i>coined money</i>, become a profitable branch of commerce with foreign
+nations; where even an extensive circulation may be insured, in
+consequence of the <i>intrinsic</i> and <i>denominative</i> value being the
+same, or nearly so.</p>
+
+<p>This is exemplified in the policy of Sweden, where the copper dollar
+being so heavy as to answer to sixpence sterling, has long been
+exported; and forms a considerable, and even a profitable branch of
+commerce to that nation.</p>
+
+<p>In Russia the <i>Three Copee Piece</i> is very nearly of the weight of six
+English halfpence, yet its current value is only a small fraction
+above one penny sterling;&mdash;and thus by issuing no copper coin where
+the <i>denominative</i> is not in proportion to the <i>intrinsic</i> value,
+every class of dealers who vend the necessaries of life are shielded
+against loss; and every<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">-210-</a></span> unnatural rise in the price of provisions for
+the subsistence of the poor is of course prevented.</p>
+
+<p>This principle seems to have been admitted by the Legislature; for
+when the subject of Copper Money was under the consideration of the
+House of Commons, at a period not very remote, the Journals shew that
+an opinion then prevailed, "<i>that the most effectual means to secure
+the Copper Coin from being counterfeited, was, that the denominative
+value of such Coin should bear as near a proportion as possible to the
+intrinsic</i> value of the metal of which it was formed."<a name="FNanchor_50_50" id="FNanchor_50_50"></a><a href="#Footnote_50_50" class="fnanchor">[50]</a></p>
+
+<p>In fine, it is a question worthy of attention, whether in order to
+prevent clamour, and to shut out at once all pretence for circulating
+any of the old Copper money, <i>good or bad</i>, after the period when Mr.
+Boulton shall be able to furnish a sufficient quantity of halfpence
+and farthings for circulation, it might not be proper to consider how
+far it would be practicable as a measure of State policy, to introduce
+a clause into the proposed Bill, empowering the Treasury, within a
+given time, to receive all the old Copper Coin, good and bad, at a
+certain price per ton, allowing a <i>bonus</i> to the honest holders of it
+of 20 per cent. above the current price of Copper.&mdash;This would at once
+clear the country of counterfeit halfpence and farthings, and would
+reconcile the holders to the loss; while the pecuniary sacrifice to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">-211-</a></span>
+Government would be more than compensated an hundred-fold by a
+compleat and instant renovation of this species of coinage.&mdash;As the
+chief part of the bad halfpence are good copper, they could be
+recoined, or sold, as might appear most beneficial.</p>
+
+<p>It is earnestly to be hoped that the further regulations proposed will
+be adopted; and followed up, by an extensive coinage of Silver money,
+so as to shield the honest part of the Community against a system of
+fraud, rapid beyond all example in its growth, and unparalleled as to
+its extent.<a name="FNanchor_51_51" id="FNanchor_51_51"></a><a href="#Footnote_51_51" class="fnanchor">[51]</a></p>
+
+<p>Certain it is, that base money contributes more to the support as well
+as to the <i>increase</i> of the number of those mischievous and abandoned
+members of the community, who exist <i>wholly</i> by different kinds of
+fraud, than any other device which they pursue to enable them to live
+in their present state of idleness and debauchery, and to indulge in
+luxury and extravagance.</p>
+
+<p>The increase is certainly astonishing, since it is known that in
+London and the Country, there were some time since fifty-four actual
+Coiners, and fifty-six large Dealers, besides, at least, ten Die
+sinkers, whose <i>names</i>, <i>characters</i>, and pursuits, were perfectly
+known; but these bear no proportion to the horde<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">-212-</a></span> of smaller dealers
+and utterers of base money in the Metropolis, and in most of the
+commercial and manufacturing towns in the kingdom. Their numbers must
+amount to several thousands. From being at present nuisances to
+society, in the constant habit of defrauding the Public, they might be
+rendered (through the application of the remedies proposed) useful
+members of the State; by changing a life of idleness and crimes, for a
+course of useful labour and industry.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">-213-</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAP_VIII" id="CHAP_VIII"></a><span class="gesperrt">CHAP.</span> VIII.</h2>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p><i>The magnitude of the Plunder of Merchandize and Naval
+Stores on the River Thames.&mdash;The wonderful extent and value
+of the Floating Property, laden and unladen in the Port of
+London in the course of a year.&mdash;Reasons assigned for the
+rise and progress of the excessive Pillage which had so long
+afflicted the Trade of the River Thames.&mdash;The modes pursued
+in committing Depredations as the result of a regular
+System, which had been established through the medium of
+various classes of Criminal Delinquents, denominated&mdash;River
+Pirates&mdash;Night Plunderers&mdash;Light Horsemen&mdash;Heavy
+Horsemen&mdash;Game Watermen&mdash;Game Lightermen&mdash;Mudlarks&mdash;Game
+Officers of the Revenue&mdash;And Copemen, or Receivers of Stolen
+Property.&mdash;The devices practised by each Class in carrying
+on their criminal designs.&mdash;General Observations on the
+extent of the Plunder and number of Individuals implicated
+in this Species of Criminality.&mdash;The effects of the Marine
+Police in checking these Depredations.&mdash;The advantages which
+have resulted to Trade and Revenue from the partial
+experiment which has been made.&mdash;The further benefits to be
+expected when, by apposite Legislative Regulations, the
+System of Protection is extended to the whole Trade of the
+River.&mdash;General Reflections arising from the Subject.</i></p></div>
+
+<hr class="dbl1" />
+<hr class="dbl2" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">-214-</a></span></p>
+
+<p><span class="cap">T</span>HE immense depredations committed on every species of Commercial
+Property in the River Thames, but particularly on West India produce,
+had long been felt as a grievance of the greatest magnitude;
+exceedingly hurtful to the Commerce and Revenue of the port of London,
+and deeply affecting the interest of the Colonial Planters, as well as
+every description of Merchants and Ship-Owners concerned in the Trade
+of the River Thames.</p>
+
+<p>The subject of this Chapter will therefore be chiefly confined to a
+detail of the causes, which produced these extraordinary and extensive
+depredations, and the various means by which they were perpetrated;
+and also to the remedies which have been successfully applied since
+the publication of the preceding editions of this Work, for the
+purpose of reducing within bounds, and keeping in check, this enormous
+and growing evil; for certain it is, that previous to the
+establishment of the Marine Police System, in the Month of July 1798,
+the increase had been regular and progressive, while the easy manner
+in which this species of property was obtained, generated an accession
+of plunderers every year.</p>
+
+<p>To those whose habits of life afford no opportunities of attending to
+subjects of this nature, the details which are now to be given will
+appear no less novel than extraordinary; and with respect to the
+extent of the mischief in some instances perhaps in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">-215-</a></span>credible. The
+West India Planters alone have estimated their losses by depredations
+upon the River and in the Warehouses at the enormous sum of £.250,000
+a year. It cannot be unreasonable then to suppose, that the extent of
+the plunder on the other branches of Commerce, which form nearly 5-6th
+parts of the whole value of Imports and Exports, could not be less
+than £.250,000 more, making an aggregate upon the whole of Half a
+Million sterling!<a name="FNanchor_52_52" id="FNanchor_52_52"></a><a href="#Footnote_52_52" class="fnanchor">[52]</a></p>
+
+<p>Surprising as this may appear at first view, yet when, by a cool
+investigation of the subject, it comes to be measured by the scale of
+the astonishing Commerce which centers in the port of London,
+(according to the annexed <a href="#TABLE">Abstract</a>) and the vast extent of Floating
+Property moving constantly upon the River Thames, and the adjacent
+Wharfs and Quays subject to depredations; when by calculation it is
+also found, that the whole amount of the aggregate plunder, great and
+extensive as it appears to be, does not much exceed <i>three quarters
+per cent.</i> on the value of the whole property exposed to danger: the
+Reader will be reconciled to an estimate, which from the elucidations
+contained in this chapter, will ultimately appear by no means to be
+exaggerated.</p>
+
+<hr class="med" />
+
+<h3><a name="TABLE" id="TABLE"></a><span class="gesperrt">ABSTRACT</span><br />
+<br />
+<span class="sm">OF THE <i>IMPORTS</i> INTO, AND THE <i>EXPORTS</i> FROM, THE <i>PORT OF LONDON</i>;</span></h3>
+
+<p class="hang"><i>Made up from the Public Accounts for one year, ending the 5th day of
+January, 1798; but differing with regard to the value, from those
+accounts; in which the price is estimated on data established many
+years ago, when the articles of commerce imported and exported were
+not rated at above half the sum they now fetch,</i> exclusive <i>of duty.</i></p>
+
+<p class="hang" style="padding-bottom: 1em"><i>It is, therefore, to be understood that the following Estimate of
+Foreign Articles is made up according to the</i> present value, <i>as
+nearly as it has been possible to ascertain it, by the payment of the
+Convoy-duties, under the Act 38 Geo. 3. cap. 76&mdash;It exhibits a very
+astonishing picture of the immense opulence and extent of the commerce
+of the Metropolis; and accounts in a very satisfactory manner for the
+vast resources of the Country, which have been manifested in so
+eminent a degree in the course of the present and former wars.</i></p>
+
+<table style="padding-top: 0em; padding-bottom: 0em" border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="imports and exports">
+<tr><td class="center">From whence arrived.</td><td class="center">Number of vessels including repeated voyages.</td><td class="center">Average Tonnage.</td><td colspan="3" class="center">Value of Goods Imported.</td><td colspan="3" class="center">Value of Goods Exported.</td><td colspan="3" class="center">Total Value of Goods imported and exported.</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="right">&nbsp;</td><td class="right">&nbsp;</td><td class="center">£.</td><td class="right"><i>s.</i></td><td class="right"><i>d.</i></td><td class="center">£.</td><td class="right"><i>s.</i></td><td class="right"><i>d.</i></td><td class="center">£.</td><td class="right"><i>s.</i></td><td class="right"><i>d.</i></td></tr>
+<tr><td>East Indies</td><td class="right">53</td><td class="right">41,456</td><td class="right">6,544,402</td><td class="right">10</td><td class="right">2</td><td class="right">3,957,905</td><td class="right">5</td><td class="right">1</td><td class="right">10,502,307</td><td class="right">15</td><td class="right">3</td></tr>
+<tr><td>West Indies</td><td class="right">346</td><td class="right">101,484</td><td class="right">7,118,623</td><td class="right">12</td><td class="right">8</td><td class="right">3,895,313</td><td class="right">18</td><td class="right">7</td><td class="right">11,013,937</td><td class="right">11</td><td class="right">3</td></tr>
+<tr><td>British Continental Colonies</td><td class="right">68</td><td class="right">13,986</td><td class="right">290,894</td><td class="right">4</td><td class="right">10</td><td class="right">1,347,250</td><td class="right">1</td><td class="right">7</td><td class="right">1,638,144</td><td class="right">6</td><td class="right">5</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Africa and Cape of Good Hope</td><td class="right">17</td><td class="right">4,336</td><td class="right">82,370</td><td class="right">15</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">449,077</td><td class="right">19</td><td class="right">3</td><td class="right">531,446</td><td class="right">15</td><td class="right">1</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Southern Fishery</td><td class="right">29</td><td class="right">7,461</td><td class="right">250,689</td><td class="right">3</td><td class="right">2</td><td class="right">54</td><td class="right">16</td><td class="right">4</td><td class="right">250,743</td><td class="right">19</td><td class="right">6</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Greenland Fishery</td><td class="right">16</td><td class="right">4,769</td><td class="right">64,142</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">8</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">64,142</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">8</td></tr>
+<tr><td>United States of America</td><td class="right">140</td><td class="right">32,213</td><td class="right">1,517,386</td><td class="right">2</td><td class="right">8</td><td class="right">3,898,864</td><td class="right">12</td><td class="right">9</td><td class="right">5,416,250</td><td class="right">15</td><td class="right">5</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Mediterranean and Turkey</td><td class="right">72</td><td class="right">14,757</td><td class="right">390,794</td><td class="right">19</td><td class="right">10</td><td class="right">118,914</td><td class="right">3</td><td class="right">7</td><td class="right">509,709</td><td class="right">3</td><td class="right">5</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Spain</td><td class="right">121</td><td class="right">16,509</td><td class="right">776,686</td><td class="right">12</td><td class="right">2</td><td class="right">171,073</td><td class="right">4</td><td class="right">6</td><td class="right">947,759</td><td class="right">17</td><td class="right">8</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Portugal</td><td class="right">180</td><td class="right">27,670</td><td class="right">414,359</td><td class="right">7</td><td class="right">2</td><td class="right">438,877</td><td class="right">16</td><td class="right">2</td><td class="right">853,237</td><td class="right">3</td><td class="right">4</td></tr>
+<tr><td>France</td><td class="right">56</td><td class="right">5,573</td><td class="right">15,951</td><td class="right">17</td><td class="right">8</td><td class="right">859,974</td><td class="right">16</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">875,926</td><td class="right">13</td><td class="right">8</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Austrian Flanders</td><td class="right">66</td><td class="right">5,104</td><td class="right">21,027</td><td class="right">3</td><td class="right">2</td><td class="right">118,064</td><td class="right">2</td><td class="right">2</td><td class="right">139,091</td><td class="right">5</td><td class="right">4</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Holland</td><td class="right">329</td><td class="right">19,166</td><td class="right">673,241</td><td class="right">17</td><td class="right">4</td><td class="right">1,538,120</td><td class="right">3</td><td class="right">6</td><td class="right">2,211,362</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">10</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Germany</td><td class="right">235</td><td class="right">37,647</td><td class="right">2,658,011</td><td class="right">8</td><td class="right">2</td><td class="right">8,014,260</td><td class="right">3</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">10,672,271</td><td class="right">11</td><td class="right">2</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Prussia</td><td class="right">608</td><td class="right">56,955</td><td class="right">220,827</td><td class="right">14</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">211,662</td><td class="right">12</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">432,490</td><td class="right">6</td><td class="right">0</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Poland</td><td class="right">69</td><td class="right">17,210</td><td class="right">207,477</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">35,468</td><td class="right">18</td><td class="right">3</td><td class="right">242,945</td><td class="right">18</td><td class="right">3</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Sweden</td><td class="right">109</td><td class="right">14,252</td><td class="right">152,707</td><td class="right">6</td><td class="right">10</td><td class="right">169,293</td><td class="right">18</td><td class="right">4</td><td class="right">322,001</td><td class="right">5</td><td class="right">2</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Denmark and Norway</td><td class="right">202</td><td class="right">48,469</td><td class="right">94,821</td><td class="right">3</td><td class="right">6</td><td class="right">711,082</td><td class="right">10</td><td class="right">8</td><td class="right">805,903</td><td class="right">14</td><td class="right">2</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Russia</td><td class="right">230</td><td class="right">56,131</td><td class="right">1,565,118</td><td class="right">7</td><td class="right">6</td><td class="right">452,106</td><td class="right">16</td><td class="right">7</td><td class="right">2,017,225</td><td class="right">4</td><td class="right">1</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Foreign Coasting<br />
+(Including repeated voyages.)<br />
+Guernsey, Jersey and Alderney</td>
+<td class="vabr">46</td><td class="vabr">5,344</td><td class="vabr">218,916</td><td class="vabr">12</td><td class="vabr">8</td><td class="vabr">83,281</td><td class="vabr">12</td><td class="vabr">1</td><td class="vabr">302,198</td><td class="vabr">4</td><td class="vabr">9</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Ireland</td><td class="vabr">276</td><td class="vabr">32,824</td><td class="vabr">1,878,971</td><td class="vabr">7</td><td class="vabr">2</td><td class="vabr">659,922</td><td class="vabr">14</td><td class="vabr">1</td><td class="vabr">2,538,894</td><td class="vabr">1</td><td class="vabr">3</td></tr>
+<tr><td>British Coasting<a name="FNanchor_53_53" id="FNanchor_53_53"></a><a href="#Footnote_53_53" class="fnanchor">[53]</a><br />
+(Including repeated voyages.)<br />
+Coal Trade</td><td class="vabr">3676</td><td class="vabr">650,000</td><td class="vabr">1,700,000</td><td class="vabr">0</td><td class="vabr">0</td><td class="vabr">10,000</td><td class="vabr">0</td><td class="vabr">0</td><td class="vabr">1,710,000</td><td class="vabr">0</td><td class="vabr">0</td></tr>
+<tr><td>English Coasting incl. Wales</td><td class="right">5816</td><td class="right">500,000</td><td class="right">3,900,000</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">2,200,000</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">6,100,000</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">0</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Scotch Coasting</td><td class="right">684</td><td class="right">60,000</td><td class="right">300,000</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">300,000</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">500,000</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">0</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="right">13,444</td><td class="right">1,779,326</td><td class="right">30,957,421</td><td class="right">8</td><td class="right">2</td><td class="right">29,640,568</td><td class="right">4</td><td class="right">6</td><td class="right">60,597,989</td><td class="right">12</td><td class="right">8</td></tr>
+</table>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">-216-</a></span></p>
+
+<h3 class="tp">RECAPITULATION.</h3>
+
+<table style="width: 90%" border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="recapitulation">
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td>Ships and Vessels.</td><td>Tonnage.</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Foreign and Coasting Trade as stated in the foregoing <a href="#TABLE">Table</a></td><td>13,268</td><td>1,773,326</td></tr>
+</table>
+
+<table style="width: 90%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="recapitulation">
+<tr><td>Value of Merchandize imported</td><td class="right">£.30,957,421</td><td class="right">8</td><td class="right">2</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Value of Merchandize exported</td><td class="right">29,640,568</td><td class="right">4</td><td class="right">6</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Total imported and exported</td><td class="rtl">60,597,989</td><td class="rtl">12</td><td class="rtl">8</td></tr>
+<tr><td>To which add the Local Trade within the limits of the Port, in the Upper and Lower Thames, and the River Lea</td><td class="right">235,000</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">0</td></tr>
+<tr><td><i>With a view to give the mind of the Reader a competent idea of the whole of the property upon the River Thames, which is exposed to hazard, the following estimate is added</i>, viz.&mdash;</td><td class="right">&nbsp;</td><td class="right">&nbsp;</td><td class="right">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>1. Value of the Hull, Tackle, Apparel and Stores of 2144 British, and Coasting vessels, trading to the port of London, without including, as above, the repeated voyages</td><td class="right">8,825,000</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">0</td></tr>
+<tr><td>2. Value of the Hull, Tackle, and Stores of 3507 Lighters, Barges, Punts, Hoys, Sloops, &amp;c. employed in the Trade of the Thames, River Lea, &amp;c.</td><td class="right">350,000</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">0</td></tr>
+<tr><td>3. Value of 3349 Wherries, Bumboats, and Police Boats employed on the River, &amp;c.</td><td class="right">25,000</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">0</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="rtl">70,032,989</td><td class="rtl">12</td><td class="rtl">8</td></tr>
+<tr><td>4. Value of Goods, including Coals, exposed in Craft and upon the Quays, to the risque of pillage on an average each day in the year; (Exclusive of the Public Arsenals, Ships of War, Gunboats, Transports, and Hoys, for conveying Navy, Victualing, and Ordnance Stores, nearly equal to five Millions more)</td><td class="right">235,000</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">0</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="right">General Total</td><td class="rtbl">70,267,989</td><td class="rtbl">12</td><td class="rtbl">8</td></tr>
+</table>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">-217-</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Let the mind only contemplate this proud view of the Commerce of a
+Single River, unparalleled in point of extent and magnitude in the
+whole world; where 13,444 ships and vessels discharge and receive in
+the course of a year above three <i>Millions of Packages</i>, many of which
+contain very valuable articles of merchandize, greatly exposed to
+depredations, not only from the criminal habits of many of the aquatic
+labourers and others who are employed, but from the temptations to
+plunder, arising from the confusion unavoidable in a crowded port, and
+the facilities afforded in the disposal of stolen property.&mdash;It will
+then be easily conceived, that the plunder must have been excessive,
+especially where from its analogy to smuggling, at least in the
+conceptions of those who were implicated; and from its gradual
+increase, the culprits seldom were restrained by a sense of the moral
+turpitude of the offence; and where for want of a <i>Marine Police</i>
+applicable to the object, no means existed whereby offenders could be
+detected on the River.<a name="FNanchor_54_54" id="FNanchor_54_54"></a><a href="#Footnote_54_54" class="fnanchor">[54]</a>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">-218-</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The fact is, that the system of River depredations grew, and ramified
+as the Commerce of the Port of London advanced, until at length it
+assumed the different forms, and was conducted by the various classes
+of delinquents, whose nefarious practices are now to be explained
+under their respective heads.</p>
+
+<p>1st. <i>River Pirates.</i>&mdash;This class was generally composed of the most
+desperate and depraved characters,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">-219-</a></span> who followed aquatic pursuits.
+Their attention was principally directed to ships, vessels, and craft
+in the night, which appeared to be unprotected; and well authenticated
+instances of their audacity are recounted, which strongly prove the
+necessity of a vigorous and energetic Police. Among many other
+nefarious exploits performed by these miscreants, the following may
+suffice to shew to what extent their daring and impudent conduct
+carried them.</p>
+
+<p>An American vessel lying at East-lane Tier, was boarded in the night,
+while the Captain and crew were asleep, by a gang of River Pirates,
+who actually weighed the ship's anchor, and hoisted it into their boat
+with a complete new cable, with which they got clear off.&mdash;The Captain
+hearing a noise, came upon deck at the moment the villains had secured
+their booty, with which they actually rowed away in his presence,
+impudently telling him, they had taken away his anchor and cable, and
+bidding him good morning. Their resources afforded them means of
+immediate concealment. No Police then existed upon the River, and his
+property was never recovered.</p>
+
+<p>A similar instance of atrocity occurred about the same time, where the
+bower anchor of a vessel from Guernsey was weighed, and, with the
+cable, plundered and carried off in the same manner.</p>
+
+<p>Although only these two instances of extraordinary audacity are
+specified, others equally bold and daring could be adduced if the
+limits of this Work would admit of it. When vessels first arrive in
+the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">-220-</a></span> river, particularly those from the West Indies, they are
+generally very much lumbered. Ships in this situation were considered
+as the harvest of the River Pirates, with whom it was a general
+practice to cut away bags of <i>Cotton</i>, <i>Cordage</i>, <i>Spars</i>, <i>Oars</i>, and
+other articles from the quarter of the vessels, and to get clear off,
+even in the day time as well as in the night. Before a Police existed
+upon the River all classes of aquatic labourers having been themselves
+more or less implicated in the same species of criminality, generally
+connived at the delinquency of each other, and hence it followed, that
+few or none were detected while afloat and the evil became so
+extensive.</p>
+
+<p>It was frequently the practice of these River Pirates to go armed, and
+in sufficient force to resist, and even to act offensively if they met
+with opposition.&mdash;Their depredations were extensive among craft
+wherever valuable goods were to be found; but they diminished in
+number after the commencement of the war; and now since the
+establishment of the Marine Police they have almost totally
+disappeared.</p>
+
+<p>On the return of peace, however, if a system of watchful energy is not
+maintained, these miscreants must be expected (as on former occasions
+on the termination of wars) to renew their iniquitous depredations in
+great force, as numbers of depraved characters may then be expected to
+be discharged from the Army and Navy.</p>
+
+<p>2d. <i>Night Plunderers.</i>&mdash;These were composed chiefly of the most
+depraved class of watermen, who associ<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">-221-</a></span>ated together in gangs of four
+or five in number, for the purpose of committing depredations on the
+cargoes of lighters and other craft employed in conveying goods to the
+quays and wharfs. Their practice was to associate themselves with one
+or more of the watchmen who were employed to guard these lighters
+while cargoes were on board, and by the connivance of these faithless
+guardians of the night, to convey away in lug boats every portable
+article of merchandize, to which, through this medium, they often had
+too easy access.</p>
+
+<p>These corrupt watchmen did not always permit the lighters under their
+own charge to be pillaged.&mdash;Their general practice was, to point out
+to the leader of the gang those lighters that were without any guard,
+and lay near their own, and which, on this account, might be easily
+plundered. An hour was fixed on for effecting the object in view. The
+Receiver (generally a man of some property) was applied to, to be in
+readiness at a certain hour before day-light to warehouse the goods. A
+lug boat was seized on for the purpose. The articles were removed into
+it out of the lighter, and conveyed to a landing-place nearest the
+warehouse of deposit. The watchmen in the streets leading to this
+warehouse were bribed to connive at the villainy, often under pretence
+that it was a smuggling transaction, and thus the object was effected.</p>
+
+<p>In this precise manner was a quantity of ashes and hemp conveyed in
+1798, to the house of an opulent<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">-222-</a></span> Receiver. Several other cargoes of
+hemp, obtained in the same manner, were conveyed up the river, and
+afterwards carted in the day-time to the repositories of the
+purchaser, till by the vigilance of the Police Boats, a detection took
+place, and the whole scene of mischief was laid open.</p>
+
+<p>This species of depredation went to a great extent, and when it was
+considered that the very men who Were appointed to guard property in
+this situation were themselves associates in the criminality, and
+participated in the profit arising from the booty; and that matters
+were so arranged as to secure the connivance of all those who were
+appointed to situations with a view to detect and apprehend
+delinquents; it ceases to be a matter of wonder, that the plunder in
+this particular line was excessive.</p>
+
+<p>In many instances where goods could not be plundered through the
+connivance of watchmen, it was no uncommon thing to cut lighters
+adrift, and to follow them to a situation calculated to elude
+discovery where the pillage commenced. In this manner have whole
+lighter loads even of coals been discharged at obscure landing places
+upon the river, and carted away during the night.</p>
+
+<p>Even the article of Tallow from Russia, which, from the unwieldiness
+of the packages, appears little liable to be an object of plunder, has
+not escaped the notice of these offenders: large quantities have been
+stolen, and an instance has been stated to the Author, where a lighter
+loaded with this article was cut from a ship in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">-223-</a></span> the Pool, and found
+next morning with six large casks of tallow stolen, and two more
+broken open, and the chief part plundered and carried away. In short,
+while the river remained unprotected nothing escaped these marauders.</p>
+
+<p>3d. <i>Light-Horsemen</i>, or Nightly Plunderers of West India ships.&mdash;This
+class of depredators for a long period of time had carried on their
+nefarious practices with impunity, and to an extent in point of value,
+that almost exceeds credibility; by which the West India planters and
+merchants sustained very serious and extensive losses.</p>
+
+<p>The practice seems to have originated in a connection which was formed
+between the Mates of West India ships<a name="FNanchor_55_55" id="FNanchor_55_55"></a><a href="#Footnote_55_55" class="fnanchor">[55]</a> and the criminal Receivers,
+residing near the river, who were accustomed to assail them under the
+pretence of purchasing what is called <i>sweepings</i>, or in other words,
+the spillings or drainings of sugars, which remained in the hold and
+between the decks after the cargo was discharged. These sweepings were
+claimed as a perquisite by a certain proportion of the Mates, contrary
+to the repeated and express rules established by the Committee of
+Merchants, who early saw the evils to which such indulgences would
+lead, and in vain attempted to prevent it. The connivance, however, of
+the Revenue officers became necessary to get these sweepings on<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">-224-</a></span>
+shore, and the quantity of spillings were gradually increased year
+after year by fraudulent means, for the purpose of satisfying the
+rapacity of all whose assistance and collusion was found necessary to
+obtain the object in view.</p>
+
+<p>The connection thus formed, and the necessary facilities obtained,
+from the sale of sweepings, recourse was at length had to the disposal
+of as much of the cargo as could be obtained by a licence to nightly
+plunderers, composed of Receivers, Coopers, Watermen, and Aquatic
+Labourers, who having made a previous agreement with the Mate and
+Revenue Officers, were permitted, on paying from thirty to fifty
+guineas, to come on board in the night,&mdash;to open as many hogsheads of
+sugar as were accessible,&mdash;and to plunder without controul. For this
+purpose, a certain number of bags dyed black, and which went under the
+appellation of <i>Black Strap</i>, were provided.&mdash;The Receivers, Coopers,
+Watermen, and Lumpers, went on board at the appointed time, for all
+these classes were necessary. The hogsheads of sugar and packages of
+coffee, &amp;c. were opened; the black bags were filled with the utmost
+expedition and carried to the Receivers, and again returned to be
+refilled until daylight, or the approach of it, stopped the pillage
+for a few hours. On the succeeding night the depredations were again
+renewed; and thus, on many occasions, from fifteen to twenty hogsheads
+of sugar and a large quantity of coffee, and also in some instances
+rum (which was removed by means of a small<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">-225-</a></span> pump called a Jigger, and
+filled into bladders with nozzels,) were plundered in a single ship,
+in addition to the excessive depredations which were committed in the
+same ships by the Lumpers or labourers who were employed during the
+day in the discharge of the cargo.&mdash;Instances have been adduced, and
+judicially proved, of various specific ships having been plundered in
+an excessive degree in this manner; and it has been estimated upon
+credible authority, that previous to the establishment of the Marine
+Police, above one-fifth of the whole fleet suffered by nightly
+plunder.&mdash;The ships subject to this species of depredation were
+generally known from the characters of the Mates or Revenue Officers
+who were on board, and were denominated <i>Game Ships</i>, where the
+aquatic labourers, called Lumpers, would on every occasion agree to
+work without wages, and even solicit their employers to be preferred
+on these terms, trusting to a general licence to plunder for their
+remuneration.</p>
+
+<p>This nefarious traffic had long been reduced to a regular system. The
+mode of negociation necessary to obtain all the requisite advantages
+for carrying into execution these iniquitous designs, was not only
+perfectly understood, but in most cases, where new Officers were to be
+practised upon, a plan of seduction was resorted to which seldom
+failed to succeed, when one or more of the old practitioners in this
+species of criminality happened to be stationed in the ship.&mdash;In this
+particular line of aquatic depredations, (which certainly was the most
+mischievous,) scenes<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">-226-</a></span> of iniquity have been developed, which, from
+their extent and magnitude, could not have been credited had they
+stood on any other foundation than that of regular judicial proofs.</p>
+
+<p>4th.&mdash;<i>Heavy Horsemen</i>, otherwise denominated Lumpers of the most
+criminal class, who generally selected ships where plunder was most
+accessible, either from the criminal connivance of the Mates and
+Revenue Officers, in permitting nightly plunder, or from the
+carelessness or inattention of these Officers.</p>
+
+<p>This class, many of whom occasionally assisted in the depredations
+committed during the night, were exceedingly audacious and depraved.
+They generally went on board of West India ships, furnished with
+habiliments made on purpose to conceal sugar, coffee, cocoa, pimento,
+ginger, and other articles, which they conveyed on shore in great
+quantities, by means of an under waistcoat, containing pockets all
+round, denominated a <i>Jemie</i>; and also by providing long bags,
+pouches, and socks, which were tied to their legs and thighs under
+their trowsers.</p>
+
+<p>It is a well-established fact, which does not admit even of the shadow
+of a doubt, that these miscreants, during the discharge of what they
+called a <i>Game Ship</i>, have been accustomed to divide from three to
+four guineas a-piece every night from the produce of their plunder,
+independent of the hush-money paid to Officers and others, for
+conniving at their nefarious practices.</p>
+
+<p>Long habituated to this species of depredation,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">-227-</a></span> they became at length
+so audacious, that it was found extremely difficult to controul them
+where a disposition existed to protect the cargo from pillage, and
+where no seduction had taken place.&mdash;And indeed, so adroit had this
+class of Lumpers become, that no ship escaped plunder in a certain
+degree, wherever they were employed, in spite of the greatest
+vigilance and attention on the part of many of the shipmasters.</p>
+
+<p>5th. <i>Game Watermen</i>, so denominated from the circumstance of their
+having been known to hang upon West India ships under discharge for
+the whole of the day, in readiness to receive and instantly convey on
+shore <i>bags of sugar</i>, <i>coffee</i> and <i>other articles</i>, pillaged by the
+Lumpers and others in the progress of the delivery of the cargo, by
+which they acquired a considerable booty; as they generally on such
+occasions were employed to dispose of the stolen articles, under
+pretence of their being a part of the private adventures of the crew,
+for which service they usually pocketed one moiety of the price
+obtained.&mdash;It was by such assistance that Mates, Boatswains,
+Carpenters, Seamen, and Ship Boys, have been seduced, and even taught
+to become plunderers and thieves, who would otherwise have remained
+honest and faithful to the trust reposed in them. Many of the watermen
+of this class were accustomed to live in a style of expence by no
+means warranted, from the fair earnings of honest industry in the line
+of their profession.&mdash;An instance has been known of an apprentice lad
+in this line having kept both a mistress<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">-228-</a></span> and a riding horse out of
+the profits of his delinquency.</p>
+
+<p>6th. <i>Game Lightermen.</i>&mdash;This class, which is composed of the working,
+or Journeymen Lightermen, who navigate the craft which convey West
+India produce and other merchandize from the ships to the quays, are,
+with some exceptions, extremely loose in their morals, and are ever
+ready to forward depredations by the purchase or concealment of
+articles of considerable value, until an opportunity offers of
+conveying the property on shore. Many of these Lightermen, previous to
+the establishment of the Marine Police, were in the constant habit of
+concealing in the lockers of their lighters, <i>sugar</i>, <i>coffee</i>,
+<i>pimento</i>, <i>ginger</i>, &amp;c. which they received from Mates, and other
+persons on board of West India ships.&mdash;These lockers are generally
+secured by a padlock; they are calculated to hold and conceal
+considerable quantities of goods, whether stolen or smuggled, which
+were seldom taken out until after the discharge of the lighter, unless
+in certain instances where skiffs attended them.&mdash;When completely
+unladen, the practice has been to remove to the road where empty craft
+usually lies a-breast of the Custom-house quay, and then carry away
+the stolen or smuggled articles&mdash;and it has not seldom happened that
+many of these Lightermen have, under pretence of watching their own
+lighters while laden at the quays, or in connivance with the Watchmen
+selected by themselves, actually plundered the goods under their<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229">-229-</a></span>
+charge to a very considerable amount, without detection.</p>
+
+<p>Nor does it appear that the nefarious practices of these Lightermen
+have been confined to West Indian produce alone. Their criminal
+designs were directed to almost every species of merchandize placed
+under their charge; and the tricks and devices to which they were
+accustomed to resort, clearly evinced that their plans for obtaining
+pillage had long been systematized, and that they seldom permitted any
+opportunity whereby they could profit by making free with property
+under their charge to escape their attention. As a proof that this
+assertion is well grounded, the following authenticated case, among
+others which could be detailed, is stated as an instance of the
+extreme rapacity of this class of men.&mdash;A Canada merchant, who had
+been accustomed to ship quantities of oil annually to the London
+market, finding (as indeed almost every merchant experiences) a
+constant and uniform deficiency in the quantity landed, greatly
+exceeding what could arise from common leakage, which his
+correspondents were quite unable to explain; having occasion to visit
+London, was resolved to see his cargo landed with his own eyes; so as,
+if possible, to develope a mystery heretofore inexplicable, and by
+which he had regularly lost a considerable sum for several years.
+Determined therefore to look sharp after his property, he was in
+attendance at the wharf in anxious expectation of a lighter which had
+been laden with his oil<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230">-230-</a></span> on the preceding day; and which, for reasons
+that he could not comprehend, did not get up for many hours after the
+usual time.</p>
+
+<p>On her arrival at the wharf, the proprietor was confounded to find the
+whole of his casks stowed in the lighter with their bungs downwards.
+Being convinced that this was the effect of design, he began now to
+discover one of the causes at least, of the great losses he had
+sustained; he therefore attended the discharge of the lighter until
+the whole of the casks were removed, when he perceived a great
+quantity of oil leaked out, and in the hold of the vessel, which the
+Lightermen had the effrontery to insist was their perquisite. The
+proprietor ordered casks to be brought, and filled no less than nine
+of them with the oil that had thus leaked out. He then ordered the
+ceiling of the lighter to be pulled up, and found between her timbers
+as much as filled five casks more; thus recovering from a single
+lighter-load of his property, no less than fourteen casks of oil,
+that, but for his attendance, would have been appropriated to the use
+of the Lightermen; who, after attempting to rob him of so valuable a
+property, complained very bitterly of his ill usage in taking it from
+them.</p>
+
+<p>7th. <i>Mud-Larks</i>, so called from their being accustomed to prowl
+about, at low water, under the quarters, of West India ships; (or at
+least that class which were denominated <i>Game</i>, these being mostly the
+objects of pillage;) under pretence of grubbing in the mud for <i>old
+ropes</i>, <i>iron</i>, and <i>coals</i>, &amp;c. but whose<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231">-231-</a></span> chief object, when in such
+situations, was to receive and conceal small bags of sugar, coffee,
+pimento, ginger, and other articles, and sometimes bladders containing
+rum, which they conveyed to such houses as they were directed, and for
+which services they generally received a share of the booty.&mdash;These
+auxiliaries in this species of pillage were considered as the lowest
+cast of thieves; but from a general knowledge of the Receivers in the
+vicinity, they frequently afforded considerable assistance to the
+Lumpers, Coopers and others, who collected plunder in the progress of
+the ships' delivery.</p>
+
+<p>8th. <i>Revenue Officers.</i>&mdash;Notwithstanding the laudable severity of the
+Commissioners of his Majesty's Customs and Excise, in making examples
+of their inferior servants by immediate dismission, on proof made of
+any offence, or even neglect of duty; a certain class of these
+officers, who are denominated <i>Game</i>, have found means to promote
+pillage to a very extensive degree, not only in West India ships, but
+also in ships from the East Indies, and in every ship and vessel
+arriving and departing from the River Thames, of which it is to be
+lamented, that too many proofs have been adduced. This class of
+officers generally make a point of at least having the appearance of
+being punctual and regular in their attendance upon their duty, and by
+never being found absent by their superior officers obtain
+preferences, where such can be given, with respect to those
+par<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232">-232-</a></span>ticular ships which afford the best harvest, either from being
+under the charge of Mates or others, with whom they have had criminal
+transactions in former voyages, or from the cargo being of a nature
+calculated to afford a resource for plunder. They are also generally
+acquainted with the <i>Copemen</i> or Receivers, with whom and the other
+officers, after seducing the Mate, (if not already seduced) they
+negociate for the purchase of whatever can be plundered.</p>
+
+<p>In those seasons of the year, when the crouded state of the port
+renders it necessary to have recourse to <i>extra</i> and <i>Glut Officers</i>,
+the general distress of this class of men, and the expectations most
+of them have formed of advantages by being placed on board ships of a
+certain description, render it an easy matter to seduce them; and by
+such means had every obstruction been removed to the perpetration of
+these excessive robberies, in all their ramifications, which had so
+long afflicted the port of London.<a name="FNanchor_56_56" id="FNanchor_56_56"></a><a href="#Footnote_56_56" class="fnanchor">[56]</a>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233">-233-</a></span></p>
+
+<p>9th. <i>Scuffle-Hunters</i>&mdash;so denominated probably from their resorting
+in numbers to the quays and wharfs where goods are discharging, under
+pretence of finding employment as labourers upon the landing places
+and in the warehouses, and from the circumstance, of <i>disputes</i> and
+<i>scuffles</i> arising about who should secure most plunder from broken
+packages. This class of men, who may fairly be considered as the very
+scum of society, frequently prowl about with long aprons, not so much
+with a view to obtain employment, as for the purpose of availing
+themselves of the confusion which the crowded state of the quays often
+exhibits, and the opportunity of obtaining plunder; in which object
+they have too frequently been successful, particularly when admitted
+into the warehouses as labourers, where they have found means to
+pilfer and carry away considerable quantities of sugar and other
+articles, in which they were not a little countenanced, by similar
+offences committed by journeymen coopers and others, who, under the
+colour of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234">-234-</a></span> sanctioned perquisites, abstract considerable quantities of
+sugar, thereby subjecting the proprietors to an accumulated loss: for,
+in addition to the first cost or price of the article, the duties
+which have been paid form no inconsiderable part of the ultimate
+value. It is only necessary to resort to the Journals of the House of
+Commons, and the Appendix to the Report of the Dock Committee in 1796,
+in order to be satisfied, that the plunder in the warehouses has been
+excessive. And if credit is to be given to the evidence then brought
+forward, and also to the affidavits of persons, who have worked for
+many years in the sugar warehouses, the loss sustained on an
+importation of 140,000<a name="FNanchor_57_57" id="FNanchor_57_57"></a><a href="#Footnote_57_57" class="fnanchor">[57]</a> casks of sugar has not fallen much short of
+£.100,000 a year.<a name="FNanchor_58_58" id="FNanchor_58_58"></a><a href="#Footnote_58_58" class="fnanchor">[58]</a></p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235">-235-</a></span></p>
+
+<p>10th. <i>Copemen or Receivers of Stolen Commercial Property.</i>&mdash;This
+mischievous class of men may be considered as the chief movers and
+supporters of the extensive scene of iniquity which has been developed
+and explained in the preceding pages of this Chapter. They were
+heretofore extremely numerous, and divided into various classes.<a name="FNanchor_59_59" id="FNanchor_59_59"></a><a href="#Footnote_59_59" class="fnanchor">[59]</a>
+Those denominated <i>Copemen</i> formed the junto of wholesale dealers, who
+were accustomed to visit ships on their arrival, for the purpose of
+entering into contract with such Revenue Officers or Mates as they had
+formerly known or dealt with, and such others as they could by means
+of friendly officers seduce to their views.</p>
+
+<p>Their negociations were carried on in a language and in terms peculiar
+to themselves; and commenced by settling the price of</p>
+
+<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="goods">
+<tr><td><i>Sand</i></td><td class="center">by which, in their cant language, was meant</td><td><i>Sugar</i>.</td></tr>
+<tr><td><i>Beans</i></td><td class="center">or</td><td><i>Coffee</i>.</td></tr>
+<tr><td><i>Pease</i></td><td class="center">&mdash;</td><td><i>Pimento</i> or <i>Pepper</i>.</td></tr>
+<tr><td><i>Vinegar</i></td><td class="center">&mdash;</td><td><i>Rum</i> and <i>other Liquors</i>.</td></tr>
+<tr><td><i>Malt</i></td><td class="center">&mdash;</td><td><i>Tea</i>.</td></tr>
+</table>
+
+<p>It was their custom to afford assistance wherever such articles were
+to be procured by providing <i>Black<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236">-236-</a></span> Straps</i>, (<i>i.e.</i>, the long black
+bags already mentioned) to contain sugar, and calculated to stow
+easily in the bottom of boats, without being discovered on account of
+the colour. They also procured bladders with wooden nozels for the
+purpose of containing rum, brandy, geneva, and other liquors, and
+furnished boats to convey the plunder from the ships during the night.</p>
+
+<p>Some of these Receivers had acquired considerable sums of money by
+their nefarious traffic, and were able to tempt and seduce those who
+would permit them to plunder the cargo, by administering to their
+wants by considerable advances of money which, however, rarely
+amounted to a moiety of the value of the goods obtained, and
+frequently not 1-4th part, particularly in the article of Coffee.</p>
+
+<p>Other classes of Receivers purchased from the Lumpers, Coopers, &amp;c.
+after the property was landed, and being generally engaged in business
+as small grocers or keepers of chandlers' shops, and old iron and junk
+warehouses, they were accustomed to protect it in its transit, from
+one criminal dealer to another, by means of false bills of parcels.</p>
+
+<p>It would fill a volume to recount the various ramifications of this
+nefarious traffic, and the devices used to defeat Justice and elude
+the punishment of the Law.<a name="FNanchor_60_60" id="FNanchor_60_60"></a><a href="#Footnote_60_60" class="fnanchor">[60]</a>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237">-237-</a></span></p>
+
+<p>It extended to almost every article imported into, and exported from,
+the port of London. But the dealings in stolen West India produce were
+by far the most extensive; at the same time it appears from recent
+investigation, that the <i>East India Company</i> and the <i>Russian</i> and
+<i>American Merchants</i>, as well as the Importers of <i>Timber</i>, <i>Ashes</i>,
+<i>Furs</i>, <i>Skins</i>, <i>Oil</i>, <i>Provisions</i> and <i>Corn</i>, were also
+considerable sufferers. The<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238">-238-</a></span> Coal Merchants have likewise sustained
+losses to a great amount annually, while every species of goods
+imported have been more or less subject to depredations.</p>
+
+<p>Nor has the Export Trade on the River Thames been in any respect
+secured against the rapacity of this phalanx of plunderers. Many
+well-authenticated cases have recently been developed, which prove
+that Hamburgh vessels outward bound, have been plundered to a
+considerable amount,<a name="FNanchor_61_61" id="FNanchor_61_61"></a><a href="#Footnote_61_61" class="fnanchor">[61]</a> particularly those which were laden with
+sugar, coffee, and other West India produce. Outward-bound ships to
+every part of the world have also been more or less objects of
+plunder, to the numerous herds of delinquents who were employed upon
+the River, aided by their associates in iniquity, the Receivers.</p>
+
+<p>To enter <i>into particulars</i>, or to detail specific instances, would
+far exceed the limits prescribed for this branch of the general
+catalogue of delinquency exhibited in this Work. Suffice it to say,
+that the most satisfactory evidence can be adduced, that the system of
+depredation which had so long prevailed, and which had advanced with
+the growing Commerce of the Port, had pervaded every species of
+Merchan<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239">-239-</a></span>dize laden or discharged, as well as the Tackle, Apparel and
+Stores of almost every ship and vessel arriving in, and departing
+from, the River Thames.</p>
+
+<p>Nor can it be a matter of wonder, that such pervading mischiefs should
+have prevailed when it is known, that above 5000 individuals, employed
+in various stationary situations upon the River, have, with a very few
+exceptions, been nursed from early life in acts of delinquency of this
+nature.</p>
+
+<p>In a group so extensive there are unquestionably many different shades
+of turpitude; but certain it is, that long habit, and general example,
+had banished from the minds of the mass of the culprits implicated in
+these offences, that sense of the criminality of the action, which
+attaches to every other species of theft.</p>
+
+<hr class="dbl1" />
+<hr class="dbl2" />
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Such</span> was the situation of things in the Port of London, in the month
+of July 1798, when the <span class="smcap">Marine Police Institution</span>, a wise and salutary
+measure of Government, arose from the meritorious exertions of the
+West India Merchants.</p>
+
+<p>The object of this Establishment was to counteract these mischievous
+proceedings, and by salutary arrangements <i>in the Science of Police</i>
+to prevent in future a repetition of those crimes which had so long
+contaminated the morals of the people, and operated as an evil of no
+small weight and magnitude on the Trade of the River Thames.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240">-240-</a></span></p>
+
+<p>How far this System, <i>planned</i> and adapted to the exigencies of the
+case, and carried into effort by the Author of these pages, assisted
+by a very able and indefatigable Magistrate, and by many zealous and
+active Officers, has been productive of the benefits which were in
+contemplation, must be determined by an accurate examination of the
+state of delinquency, among the aquatic labourers and others, employed
+at present in ships and vessels in the River Thames; compared with
+what existed previous to this Establishment, as detailed in the
+preceding pages of this Chapter.</p>
+
+<p>Although much yet remains to be done to prevent the renewal of those
+criminal proceedings, which have by great exertions been happily in
+many instances suppressed.&mdash;Although the Marine Police<a name="FNanchor_62_62" id="FNanchor_62_62"></a><a href="#Footnote_62_62" class="fnanchor">[62]</a> has been
+unquestionably crippled by the want of those apposite <i>Legislative</i>
+Regulations, upon which its energy and utility, as a <i>permanent
+Establishment</i>, must, in a great measure depend, yet the proofs of the
+advantages which have resulted from it, not only to the West India
+Trade<a name="FNanchor_63_63" id="FNanchor_63_63"></a><a href="#Footnote_63_63" class="fnanchor">[63]</a> (for the protection of which it was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241">-241-</a></span> originally instituted)
+but also to the whole Commerce and Navigation of the Port of London,
+are so decided and irrefragable, that specific details are
+unnecessary, especially since Deputations of the most respectable
+Merchants from the whole Commercial Body, sensible of the benefits
+derived from the system have solicited the sanction of Government, for
+the purpose of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242">-242-</a></span> passing a Bill to extend the design, so as to afford
+the same protection to the general Trade of the Port, which has been
+experienced by the West India Planters and Merchants;<a name="FNanchor_64_64" id="FNanchor_64_64"></a><a href="#Footnote_64_64" class="fnanchor">[64]</a> and
+requesting to be permitted to defray the expence by an annual
+assessment upon the Trade.</p>
+
+<p>It may only be necessary in this place to state, that under all the
+disadvantages and difficulties attending the execution of this design,
+it may truly be said to have worked wonders in reforming the shocking
+abuses which prevailed.&mdash;<i>The River Pirates do not now exist in any
+shape.&mdash;The Nightly Plunderers, denominated Light Horsemen, have not
+dared in a single instance to pursue their criminal designs.&mdash;The
+Working Lumpers, denominated Heavy Horse, are no longer to be found
+loaded with Plunder.</i>&mdash;Watermen are<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243">-243-</a></span> not now as <i>formerly to be
+recognized in clusters hanging upon the bows and quarters of West
+India ships under discharge to receive plunder</i>.&mdash;Lightermen, <i>finding
+nothing to be procured by attending their craft, are accustomed to
+desert them until the period when they are completely
+laden.&mdash;Journeymen Coopers do not wilfully demolish casks and packages
+as heretofore, since no advantage is to be reaped from the spillings
+of sugar, coffee, or other articles.&mdash;The Mud-Larks find it no longer
+an object to prowl about ships at low water while under discharge,
+since the resource for that species of iniquitous employment, which
+they were accustomed to solicit, is no longer in existence.&mdash;The
+criminal class of Revenue Officers, who had long profited (in many
+instances to an enormous extent) by the nefarious practices which
+prevailed, have not been able to suppress their rage against the New
+Police, by the vigilance of which they feel themselves deprived of the
+means of profiting by the system of plunder, which they had so
+perfectly organized, and which, in collusion with the Revenue
+Watermen, they were so well able to cover by availing themselves of
+their official situations, on many occasions, in protecting to the
+houses of the Receivers articles which were both stolen and smuggled</i>.</p>
+
+<p>By means of a Police Guard upon the Quays, which forms a collateral
+branch of the General System, <i>the Scuffle-hunters and Long-apron-men,
+who were accustomed to prowl about for the purpose of pillage, have in
+a great measure deserted the quays and landing-places; while the
+Copemen and Receivers, find<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244">-244-</a></span>ing from several examples which have been
+made, that their former infamous pursuits cannot be continued without
+the most imminent hazard, have, in many instances, declined business,
+while not a few of these mischievous members of society have quitted
+their former residences, and disappeared</i>.</p>
+
+<p>Such has been the effect of the remedy which has been applied towards
+the core of the enormous evil of River Plunder.</p>
+
+<p>It is not, however, to be understood that this System has entirely
+eradicated the pillage which prevailed, a circumstance not to be
+expected, since the design was partial and limited in its nature, and
+only intended for the protection of West India property, although very
+extensive benefits have unquestionably arisen from its collateral
+influence, and its energy, in terrifying thieves of every description
+upon the River, and diminishing their depredations, which, but for the
+dread of detection by means of the Police Boats in the night, would
+unquestionably have been committed.</p>
+
+<p>But while it is readily admitted that amidst the opposite attractions
+of pleasure and pain, it is impossible to reduce the tumultuous
+activity of such a phalanx of individuals to absolute order and
+purity, who have been in many instances reared up in habits of
+delinquency. And while it is a vain hope to expect that crimes can be
+totally annihilated, where temptations assail the idle and the
+dissolute, and religion and morality, or even in many instances, the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245">-245-</a></span>
+fear of punishment, does not operate as a restraint;&mdash;yet is it,
+notwithstanding, clear to demonstration, from the effects produced by
+the limited experiment which has been made, that the General Police
+for the River Thames which is in contemplation, aided by the apposite
+Legislative regulations which experience has suggested to be
+necessary,<a name="FNanchor_65_65" id="FNanchor_65_65"></a><a href="#Footnote_65_65" class="fnanchor">[65]</a> must in its operation, under the guidance of an able
+and active Magistracy, so far diminish and keep down the depredations
+which were committed, as to prove scarce a drop in the bucket, when
+compared to the extensive and enormous evils which it has been the
+object of the promoters of this new System to suppress.</p>
+
+<p>Although in this arduous pursuit, the Author of this work has
+experienced infinite difficulties and discouragements, yet is he
+rewarded by the consciousness that he was engaged in an undertaking in
+which the best interests of Society were involved:&mdash;that independent
+of the pecuniary benefits derived by the State, and the Proprietors of
+Commercial Property (which already have unquestionably been very
+extensive,) he has been instrumental in bringing forward a great
+preventive System, and by administering the Laws in conjunction with a
+very zealous,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246">-246-</a></span> able, and humane Magistrate,<a name="FNanchor_66_66" id="FNanchor_66_66"></a><a href="#Footnote_66_66" class="fnanchor">[66]</a> in a manner rather
+calculated to <i>restrain</i> than to <i>punish</i>,<a name="FNanchor_67_67" id="FNanchor_67_67"></a><a href="#Footnote_67_67" class="fnanchor">[67]</a> a multitude of
+individuals, together with a numerous offspring, are likely to be
+rendered useful members of the Body Politic, instead of nuisances in
+Society.&mdash;The advantages thus gained (although his labours have been
+in other respects gratuitous,) will abundantly compensate the
+<i>dangers</i>, the <i>toils</i>, and the anxieties which have been experienced.
+In the accomplishment of this object, both the interests of <i>humanity</i>
+and <i>morality</i>, have been in no small degree promoted: unquestionably,
+there cannot be a greater act of benevolence to mankind, in a course
+of <i>criminal delinquency</i>, than that which tends to <i>civilize their
+manners</i>;&mdash;<i>to teach them obedience to the</i> Laws;&mdash;<i>to screen
+themselves and their families from the evils and distress attendant on
+punishment, by preventing the commission of crimes</i>; and <i>to lead them
+into the paths of honest industry, as the only means of securing that
+real comfort and happiness which a life of criminality, however
+productive of occasional supplies of money, can never bestow</i>.&mdash;If it
+shall be considered (as it certainly is) a glorious atchievement to
+subdue a powerful Army or Navy, and thereby secure the tranquillity of
+a State&mdash;is not the triumph in some degree<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247">-247-</a></span> analogous, where a
+numerous army of delinquents, carrying on a species of warfare no less
+noxious, if not equally hostile, shall not only be subdued by a mild
+and systematic direction of the powers of the Law; but that the
+conquered enemy shall be converted into an useful friend, adding
+strength instead of weakness to the Government of the country?</p>
+
+<p>Such has been, at least, the result of the partial operations of the
+Marine Police; and such will unquestionably be the issue of the
+general measures which have been planned and arranged, when the
+<i>Key-stone</i> shall be finally laid to the fabric, by passing into a Law
+the Bill which has been prepared for the extension of this design to
+the protection of the whole trade of the port of London.<a name="FNanchor_68_68" id="FNanchor_68_68"></a><a href="#Footnote_68_68" class="fnanchor">[68]</a></p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_249" id="Page_249">-<span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: p. 248 contains only the continuation of Footnote 68">249</span>-</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAP_IX" id="CHAP_IX"></a><span class="gesperrt">CHAP.</span> IX.</h2>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Reflections on the Causes of the Existence and Continuance
+of the Frauds, Embezzlements, Peculation, and Plunder in his
+Majesty's Dock-Yards and other Public Repositories, and in
+the Naval Department in general.&mdash;Reasons why the Evil has
+not been suppressed.&mdash;A summary View of the Means employed
+in committing Offences of this Nature.&mdash;Reasons assigned why
+the Defalcation of this Species of Property must be
+extensive.&mdash;Illustrated by the immense Value, and by an
+Estimate, and general View, of the Public Property exposed
+to Hazard.&mdash;A summary View of the Laws which relate to
+Offences on Public Property; proofs adduced of their
+Deficiency.&mdash;Remedies proposed and detailed under the
+respective Heads of&mdash;1st. A Central Board of Police&mdash;2d. A
+Local Police for the Dock-Yards&mdash;3d. Legislative Regulations
+proposed in Aid of the Police System&mdash;4th. Regulations
+respecting the Sale of Old Stores&mdash;5th. The Abolition of the
+Perquisites of Chips&mdash;6th. The Abolition of Fees and
+Perquisites, and liberal Salaries in lieu thereof&mdash;7th. An
+improved Mode of keeping Accounts&mdash;8th. An annual Inventory
+of Stores in Hand&mdash;Concluding Observations.</i></p></div>
+
+<hr class="dbl1" />
+<hr class="dbl2" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_250" id="Page_250">-250-</a></span></p>
+
+<p><span class="cap">U</span>NDER the pressure of those accumulated wrongs, which constitute the
+extensive frauds, embezzlements, pillage, and plunder, known and
+acknowledged to exist in the Dock-Yards and other Public Repositories,
+it is not easy, at first view, to assign a reason for that apparent
+supineness, on the part of men of known honour and integrity, who have
+heretofore presided, and who now preside at the Public Boards, in not
+using the means necessary to remedy so great an evil.</p>
+
+<p>This may possibly be accounted for, by the extreme difficulty which
+men, constantly occupied in a laborious business, find in pursuing
+inquiries, or forming arrangements, out of their particular sphere;
+more especially when such arrangements require those powers of
+business, and that species of legal and general information, which do
+not usually attach to men whose education and habits of life have run
+in a different channel.</p>
+
+<p>Under such circumstances, it is scarcely to be wondered at, that
+greater efforts have not been used, (for great efforts are
+unquestionably necessary,) to correct those abuses, which have long
+existed; and which have been progressively increasing; by means of
+which, not only the property of the Public suffers a vast annual
+diminution by frauds and embezzlements, but the foundation of all
+morals is sapped; and the most baneful practices extend even to men<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_251" id="Page_251">-251-</a></span>
+in the upper and middle ranks of Society, who are too seldom
+restrained by any correct principle of rectitude in transactions,
+where the interest of Government only is concerned; either in the
+supplying, or afterwards in the taking charge of the custody of Public
+Stores.</p>
+
+<p>When the object in view is to acquire money, the power of example,
+sanctioned by usage and custom, will reconcile men by degrees, to
+enormities and frauds which at first could not have been
+endured.&mdash;Acting under this influence, it too often happens that a
+distinction is made, as regards moral rectitude, in the minds of many
+individuals, between <i>the property of the Nation</i>, and <i>private
+property</i>.&mdash;While the most scrupulous attention to the rules of honour
+prevails in the latter case, principles, the most relaxed, are yielded
+to in the former.</p>
+
+<p>And thus it is, that in such situations, inferior agents also, induced
+by example, become insensibly reconciled to every species of fraud,
+embezzlement, and peculation.</p>
+
+<p>It is no inconsiderable source of the evil, that large gratuities are
+given, under the colour of fees,<a name="FNanchor_69_69" id="FNanchor_69_69"></a><a href="#Footnote_69_69" class="fnanchor">[69]</a> to those who can assist in
+promoting the views of the fraudulent, or in guarding them against
+detec<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_252" id="Page_252">-252-</a></span>tion.&mdash;What was at first considered as the wages of turpitude,
+at length assumes the form, and is viewed in the light of a fair
+perquisite of office.</p>
+
+<p>In this manner abuses multiply, and the ingenuity of man is ever
+fertile in finding some palliative.&mdash;Custom and example sanction the
+greatest enormities: which at length become fortified by immemorial
+and progressive usage: it is no wonder, therefore, that the superior
+Officers find it an Herculean labour to cleanse the Augean stable.</p>
+
+<p>A host of interested individuals opposes them. The task is irksome and
+ungracious. The research involves in it matter of deep concern,
+affecting the peace, comfort, and happiness of old servants of the
+Crown or the Public, and their families; who have not perhaps been
+sufficiently rewarded for their services; and who, but for such
+perquisites, could not have acquired property, or even supported
+themselves with decency.</p>
+
+<p>It is an invidious task to make inquiries, or to impose regulations
+which may ultimately affect the interest or the character of
+dependants, who have heretofore, perhaps, been regarded as objects of
+partiality or affection. Those whose duty it is to superintend the
+departments, knowing their own purity, are unwilling to believe that
+the same principle of rectitude does not regulate the conduct of
+others in inferior situations: and matters, of apparently greater
+importance, constantly forcing themselves upon their attention, the
+consideration of such<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_253" id="Page_253">-253-</a></span> abuses is generally postponed: while those who
+detect or complain of their existence, seldom meet with much
+encouragement; unless some specific act of criminality is stated, and
+then it is referred, as a matter of course, to the proper Law
+Officers.</p>
+
+<p>These circumstances, however, only prove the necessity of some other
+and more effectual agency to remove an evil, which (if the assertions
+of those whose efficient situations give them access to the very best
+information as to its extent and enormity are correct) <i>is of the
+greatest magnitude</i>, and calls aloud for immediate attention.</p>
+
+<p>To understand how this is to be accomplished, it will be necessary in
+the first instance to develope the means which are employed to commit
+these <i>abuses</i>, <i>frauds</i>, and <i>embezzlements</i>.&mdash;Then to take a general
+view of the property exposed to depredation, and afterwards to examine
+the nature and effect of the Laws and regulations now in being for the
+purpose of preventing these evils; and last of all, to suggest
+remedies.</p>
+
+<p>The abuses, frauds, and embezzlements, are multifarious, and are
+perpetrated through the medium of a vast variety of agencies, which
+naturally divide themselves into two distinct branches.</p>
+
+<p>The first relates to frauds committed by the connivance and assistance
+of Clerks, Store-keepers, and inferior officers in the Dock-yards, and
+other repositories, and in ships of war and transports; in <i>receiving
+and delivering Naval, Victualling, and Ordnance<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_254" id="Page_254">-254-</a></span> stores;&mdash;in
+surveys;&mdash;in returns of unserviceable stores;&mdash;in</i> what is called
+<i>solving off stores;&mdash;in fraudulent certificates;&mdash;in the sale of old
+stores</i>; and innumerable other devices; by which a number of
+individuals are enriched at the Public expence; and a system of
+plunder is supported by fraudulent documents and vouchers of articles
+which have no existence but upon paper.</p>
+
+<p>The second branch relates to the actual pillage of <i>new and old
+Cordage, Bolts of Canvas, Sails, Bunting, Twine of all sorts,
+Fearnought and Kersey, Leather and Hides, old and new Copper, Locks,
+Hinges and Bolts, Copper Bolts and Nails in immense quantities,
+Bar-Iron, old Iron, Lead and Solder, Ship's-Plank, Oars, Timber of
+small sizes, Blocks, Quarterstuff, Candles, Tallow, Oil, Paint, Pitch,
+Tar, Turpentine, Varnish, Rosin, Beer and Water Casks, Iron Hoops,
+Biscuit Bags, Beer, Bread, Wine, Brandy, Rum, Oil, Vinegar, Butter,
+Cheese, Beef, Pork, &amp;c.</i>&mdash;All these articles suffer a vast annual
+diminution, by means of that plunder which has become habitual to a
+number of the inferior servants of the Crown, who have in their
+respective situations, access to such stores.<a name="FNanchor_70_70" id="FNanchor_70_70"></a><a href="#Footnote_70_70" class="fnanchor">[70]</a></p>
+
+<p>This species of plunder is much encouraged by the difficulty of
+detection: Vast quantities are con<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_255" id="Page_255">-255-</a></span>stantly provided, and the
+store-houses are generally full; it happens therefore as a matter of
+course, that the articles which were recently deposited are issued
+first; and hence many valuable stores, it is said, have remained
+untouched and unseen for forty or fifty years, until a number of
+articles perish or become unserviceable from length of time.&mdash;An
+annual inventory, upon the plan suggested at the close of this
+Chapter, rendered practicable by more extensive store-houses, would
+remove this obvious inconvenience.</p>
+
+<p>All stores being delivered under the authority of warrants signed by
+the Commissioners and proper officers, the clerks, or in their absence
+the foreman of the warehouses, where the articles stated in the
+warrants are deposited, deliver the stores; and, if opportunities
+offer, large additional quantities are said to be frequently sent out,
+by the connivance of the inferior officers; sometimes stores are even
+delivered two or three times over, under colour of the same warrant,
+without discovery.</p>
+
+<p>A similar System prevails with regard to stores sent to the public
+repositories from dismantled ships of war and transports.</p>
+
+<p>Many vessels in the coasting trade, and even ships of foreign nations,
+it is said, touch at Portsmouth and Plymouth, merely for the purpose
+of purchasing <i>cheap stores</i>;&mdash;and it is well known, that many dealers
+in naval stores in the neighbourhood of the Dock-Yards are chiefly
+supplied in this way.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_256" id="Page_256">-256-</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The plan which prevails at present with regard to the sale of old
+stores, not only proves a kind of safeguard to these fraudulent
+dealers; but is also in itself subject to great abuses, from the
+delivery of larger quantities than are actually included in the public
+sales, by which the parties concerned are said frequently to pocket
+considerable sums of money.<a name="FNanchor_71_71" id="FNanchor_71_71"></a><a href="#Footnote_71_71" class="fnanchor">[71]</a></p>
+
+<p>The artificers in the Dock-yards, availing themselves of their
+perquisite of Chips, not only commit great frauds, by often cutting up
+useful timber, and wasting time in doing so; but also in frequently
+concealing, within their bundles of chips, copper bolts, and other
+valuable articles, which are removed by their wives and children,
+(and, as has appeared in judicial evidence, by boys retained for the
+purpose) and afterwards sold to itinerant Jews, or to the dealers in
+old iron and stores, who are always to be found in abundance wherever
+the Dock-yards are situated.<a name="FNanchor_72_72" id="FNanchor_72_72"></a><a href="#Footnote_72_72" class="fnanchor">[72]</a></p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_257" id="Page_257">-257-</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The Naval, Victualing, and Ordnance Stores pillaged in the Dock-yards
+and other public Repositories, and also from ships of war, transports,
+and navy and victualing hoys, in the River Thames, and Medway, must
+amount to a very large sum annually. The detections, particularly in
+the victualing hoys and transports, since the establishment of the
+Marine Police, prove the existence of the evil, and the wide field
+which it embraces.</p>
+
+<p>The vicinity of the Metropolis;&mdash;the assistance afforded by old iron
+and store shops on the spot;&mdash;by carts employed <i>in this trade alone</i>,
+constantly going and coming from and to the Capital;&mdash;by the advantage
+of an easy and safe conveyance for ponderous and heavy articles, in
+lighters and other craft pas<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_258" id="Page_258">-258-</a></span>sing up and down the River; and the
+extensive chain of criminal connection, at every town and village on
+the Thames and Medway, which a course of many years has formed, joined
+to the ease with which frauds are committed, have combined to render
+this nefarious traffic a very serious and alarming evil.</p>
+
+<p>Among the multitude of persons concerned in it, some are said to keep
+men constantly employed in untwisting the cordage, for the purpose of
+removing the King's mark, or coloured stran, which is introduced into
+it as a check against fraud; while others (as has been already
+noticed) are, in like manner, employed in knocking the Broad Arrow out
+of copper bolts, nails, bar iron, and other articles, on which it is
+impressed, so as to elude detection.</p>
+
+<p>It is scarcely to be credited, to what an extent the sale of the
+cordage, sail-cloth, and other Naval articles, including victualing
+stores, thus plundered, is carried, in supplying coasting vessels and
+smaller craft upon the River Thames, at a cheap rate.<a name="FNanchor_73_73" id="FNanchor_73_73"></a><a href="#Footnote_73_73" class="fnanchor">[73]</a></p>
+
+<p>If the actual value of stores deposited at the different Dock-yards
+and public Repositories in the course of a year, is to be considered
+as a rule whereby a judgment may be formed of the extent of the losses
+sustained by frauds, plunder, and embezzlement, it<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_259" id="Page_259">-259-</a></span> will be found to
+be very erroneous, since a large proportion of what forms the great
+aggregate loss sustained annually by Government, does not arise from
+the actual stealing of stores, but from frauds committed in
+fabricating documents both at home and abroad.</p>
+
+<p>Reasons have already been assigned, why many individuals reconcile
+their minds to devices, whereby they may be suddenly enriched at the
+Public expence, who would be shocked at the idea of over-reaching an
+individual. For the purpose, therefore, of estimating truly the
+probable extent of the evil, a general view must not only be taken of
+the Naval, Victualing, Ordnance, and other Stores at all times
+deposited in the Public Arsenals, but also the stores and provisions
+on board of the numerous ships of war, and transports, constantly
+consuming and replacing in all quarters of the Globe; and to measure
+the whole by the great annual expence, which is incurred in this
+necessary service, <i>The Bulwark of Britain, and the Glory and Pride of
+the Nation</i>.</p>
+
+<p>Looking at the subject in this point of view, where the ramifications
+are so extensive, and the opportunities so numerous, whereby in the
+hurry and confusion of carrying on a most important public service,
+frauds and embezzlements may be committed with impunity, the question
+is, Whether measures are not practicable, whereby the public loss, by
+the rapacity of individuals, may not lie greatly diminished, and what
+system would be best adapted to the attainment of this object?<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_260" id="Page_260">-260-</a></span></p>
+
+<p>To illustrate this proposition it may be necessary to form an
+estimate, in the first instance, of the stationary and floating
+property belonging to his Majesty, in the different Public Arsenals
+and ships of War.&mdash;The following statement is hazarded with this
+particular view, not as an accurate detail of facts; for accuracy to a
+point under the present circumstances is neither practicable nor
+absolutely necessary. It is sufficient if it tends to elucidate and
+explain an important point, on the subject of the frauds and
+depredations committed on the public stores, which would not be
+otherwise intelligible or useful to the public, to the extent which
+the Author contemplates.&mdash;</p>
+
+
+<p class="centertp"><i>Estimate of Floating Naval, Victualing and Ordnance Stores, in<br />
+the different Repositories and Ships of War.</i></p>
+
+<table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="stores">
+<tr><td>Naval, Victualing and Ordnance Stores at</td><td>Deptford and Red House</td><td class="right">£.1,800,000</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="center">&mdash;&mdash;</td><td>Woolwich</td><td class="right">150,000</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="center">&mdash;&mdash;</td><td>Sheerness</td><td class="right">100,000</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="center">&mdash;&mdash;</td><td>Chatham</td><td class="right">200,000</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="center">&mdash;&mdash;</td><td>Portsmouth</td><td class="right">1,300,000</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="center">&mdash;&mdash;</td><td>Plymouth</td><td class="right">900,000</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="center">&mdash;&mdash;</td><td>Ireland, Leith, and other parts</td><td class="right">50,000</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="center">&mdash;&mdash;</td><td>in the Arsenals at Halifax, and the East and West Indies</td><td class="right">150,000</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="center">&mdash;&mdash;</td><td>Gibraltar, Minorca, &amp;c.</td><td class="right">50,000</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="center">&mdash;&mdash;</td><td>in 900 Ships of War and Transports in Commission</td><td class="right">2,300,000</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="right">Total</td><td class="rtbl">£.7,000,000</td></tr>
+</table>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_261" id="Page_261">-261-</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The annual pecuniary Supplies for the Navy may be estimated at
+<i>Thirteen Millions a year</i> during war; of which sum about <i>Six
+Millions</i> may be applicable to the pay of the Officers and Seamen, and
+<i>Seven Millions</i> to <i>Ships-Stores, Provisions, &amp;c.</i> The last two,
+namely, the stores and provisions being in a constant state of
+movement, both at home and abroad, furnish abundant resource for
+frauds and depredations, which may certainly be greatly diminished,
+though perhaps impracticable to be eradicated entirely.</p>
+
+<p>The object, therefore, is to devise means whereby this <i>diminution</i>
+may be accomplished: and in pursuing this important inquiry, it will
+be necessary to precede it by the following general view of the Laws
+now in being, which relate to offences committed in the Naval and
+other Public Departments.</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>The Acts of the 31st of Elizabeth, (cap. 4.) and the 22d of
+Charles II. (cap. 5.) made it felony, without Benefit of
+Clergy, to steal or embezzle any of his Majesty's Military
+or Naval Stores or Provisions, above the value of Twenty
+Shillings.</p>
+
+<p>By the 9 and 10 of William III. (cap. 41.) the Receivers of
+embezzled stores, or such as should have the same in their
+custody, are subject to a penalty of £.200.</p>
+
+<p>From this period, till the 1st of George the First, the
+attention of the Legislature does not seem to have been
+directed to this object; when by the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_262" id="Page_262">-262-</a></span> statute, 1st Geo. I.
+stat. 2. cap. 25, the principal Officers or Commissioners of
+the Navy were authorized to issue warrants to search for
+Public Property stolen or embezzled, and to punish the
+Offenders by fine or imprisonment.</p>
+
+<p>A succeeding Act, (9 Geo. I. cap. 8.) empowered the Judges
+to mitigate the fine of £.200 imposed on persons having in
+their possession public stores, and to punish the offenders
+corporally, by causing them to be publicly whipped, or kept
+at hard labour for six months in the House of Correction;
+which certainly was a great improvement.</p>
+
+<p>By the Act 17 Geo. II. c. 40. jurisdiction was given to the
+Judges of Assize, and the General Quarter Sessions, to try
+the Offenders, and punish them by a fine not exceeding
+£.200, imprisonment for three months, and other corporal
+punishment.</p>
+
+<p>The Laws on this subject were further amended by the 9th of
+his present Majesty, cap. 35; by which the <i>Treasurer,
+Comptroller, Surveyor, Clerk of the Acts</i>, or any
+Commissioner of the Navy, are empowered to act as Justices,
+in causing Offenders to be apprehended and prosecuted. These
+powers were given with a view to establish a greater degree
+of energy in detections; but experience has shewn that the
+purpose has not been answered.</p>
+
+<p>The last Act which relates to the protection of the Public
+Stores, was made the 12th year of his present Majesty's
+reign (cap. 24.) and related solely<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_263" id="Page_263">-263-</a></span> to burning ships,
+warehouses, and naval, military, or victualing stores, in
+any of the dominions of the Crown; which offence is made
+felony without Benefit of Clergy.</p></div>
+
+<p>A very superficial view of the above Laws will demonstrate their
+insufficiency to the object of <i>Prevention</i>. And even if they were
+complete, the task imposed on the public officers, who are on every
+occasion to act as Justices, has proved from experience to be a
+measure ill calculated to attain the object in view, namely, the
+detection of offenders; otherwise the evil would not have
+increased.&mdash;Other <i>remedies</i> must therefore be applied. It is not,
+however, by any single act of the Legislature, that the enormous
+frauds and depredations in the Navy and Victualing Departments of his
+Majesty's service, which the Commissioners and chief Officers, under
+whose management they are placed, are so anxious to suppress,<a name="FNanchor_74_74" id="FNanchor_74_74"></a><a href="#Footnote_74_74" class="fnanchor">[74]</a> can
+be remedied: This important object<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_264" id="Page_264">-264-</a></span> must be obtained by a combination
+of various salutary measures, calculated to afford collateral aid to
+specific Legislative Regulations, and to secure their effectual
+execution, by means which are now to be explained under their
+respective heads.&mdash;</p>
+
+
+<h3>I. <span class="smcap">A General Police System.</span></h3>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">By</span> the Establishment of a Central Board of Police, on the Plan
+strongly recommended by the Select Committee of the House of Commons
+on Finance, in their 28th Report, ordered to be printed in June
+1798:&mdash;It is there proposed to bring under regulations by licences,
+all those classes of dealers in <i>old and second-hand ships'
+stores&mdash;old iron and other metals</i>, and several other dangerous and
+suspicious trades, the uncontrolled exercise of which, by persons of
+loose conduct, is known to contribute to the concealment and
+multiplication of crimes.&mdash;Infinite embarrassments would, through this
+collateral me<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_265" id="Page_265">-265-</a></span>dium, be placed in the way of those particular Dealers,
+who reside in the vicinity of the Dock-yards, and who, by a variety of
+criminal devices, while they are instrumental in doing much mischief,
+have been able, in many instances, to elude Justice, and to carry on
+their nefarious practices with impunity.</p>
+
+<p>A Board of Police so organized, by means of Licences and subordinate
+Officers, as to keep the conduct of these classes of delinquents in
+view who, by giving facilities to the embezzlers and stealers of naval
+and other stores, are the chief sources from whence the evil springs;
+and with power to refuse Licences to those who are known to have been
+guilty of criminal conduct; would operate very powerfully in limiting
+these classes of dealers to the honest part of their trade, by which
+infinite mischief would be prevented.</p>
+
+
+<h3>II. <span class="smcap">A Local Police for the Dock-yards.</span></h3>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Salutary</span> as the Central Board, recommended by the Select Committee on
+Finance, must certainly be in controlling and checking the Naval
+plunder, in common with the general delinquency of the whole country,
+it would seem indispensably necessary, under circumstances where the
+moving property is so extensive, and where there exists so many
+resources and temptations leading to the commission of crimes, to fix
+on some one person the responsi<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_266" id="Page_266">-266-</a></span>bility of carrying the Laws into
+effect, and of controlling and overawing the various classes of
+Delinquents, whose attention is directed to the Dock-yards, as a means
+of obtaining plunder: That for this purpose, one able and intelligent
+Magistrate should preside in a Police Office, to be established by
+Law, at or near the Dock-yards, at <i>Chatham</i>, <i>Portsmouth</i>, and
+<i>Plymouth</i>, with an establishment consisting of <i>one Clerk, two House
+and four Boat Constables</i>, with <i>two Police Boats</i> attached to each
+Office. One Magistrate would be sufficient at each Office, as
+assistance from the neighbouring Justices could always be procured in
+case of sickness, or absence, or where any judicial proceeding would
+require two Magistrates.</p>
+
+<p>No establishment would be necessary for the Dock-yards, and Public
+Arsenal, at Deptford and Woolwich, as the great civil force, and the
+number of boats attached to the Marine Police Office at Wapping, when
+strengthened, extended, and improved in the manner which is proposed,
+would be competent to carry into effect the Laws now in being, and
+such as may hereafter be enacted, for the prevention and detection of
+offences in every part of the River Thames, from London Bridge to the
+Hope Point.</p>
+
+<p>The Magistrate proposed to be established at Chatham, could
+occasionally administer justice at Sheerness, while the Boat Officers
+belonging to the Institution, might be employed advantageously in
+traversing the River Medway, and in keeping a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_267" id="Page_267">-267-</a></span> watchful eye on the
+various Receivers of stolen goods, who reside in the vicinity of that
+River, between the two Dock-yards.</p>
+
+<p>At Portsmouth and Plymouth there would be regular employment for the
+respective Magistrates, and the Boat and other Officers on these
+establishments.</p>
+
+<p>These three Institutions may be conducted at an expence not exceeding
+one thousand pounds a year each, viz:&mdash;</p>
+
+<table style="width: 90%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="salaries">
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="right">£.</td><td class="right"><i>s.</i></td><td class="right"><i>d.</i></td></tr>
+<tr><td>To the responsible resident Magistrate</td><td class="right">300</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">0</td></tr>
+<tr><td>To his Clerk</td><td class="right">100</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">0</td></tr>
+<tr><td>To the Constables, 6 in number, 50<i>l.</i> each</td><td class="right">300</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">0</td></tr>
+<tr><td>To House Rent, Coal, Candles, Stationary, tear and wear of Boats, and Rewards for meritorious Services</td><td class="vabr">300</td><td class="vabr">0</td><td class="vabr">0</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="right">Total</td><td class="rtbl">1000</td><td class="rtbl">0</td><td class="rtbl">0</td></tr>
+</table>
+
+<p>Towards defraying this expence, the fees which would be received, and
+the penalties inflicted for minor offences, under the Legislative
+regulations hereafter to be proposed, would go a certain length in
+reducing the expences of the three Police Institutions. But
+considering the advantages likely to result from those Establishments,
+were the expence to be incurred even <i>fifty times</i> the amount of what
+is estimated, it would in all probability be much more than
+compensated by the savings to the Public, which will result from the
+preservation of the Public property, independent of the advantages<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_268" id="Page_268">-268-</a></span>
+which must arise from an improvement in the morals of a numerous class
+of delinquents, who have long been in a course of criminal turpitude.</p>
+
+<p>A Police System thus organized under the direction of a Magistrate in
+each situation, whose attention would be solely confined <i>to this one
+object</i>, could not fail to be productive of the greatest good,
+especially when aided by officers, well selected and encouraged to be
+<i>vigilant</i> and <i>pure</i> in their conduct, from the advantages they would
+derive from a moiety of the pecuniary penalties, when offenders were
+convicted, in addition to their salaries, thereby rendering their
+situations comfortable and desirable, and fortifying them against
+seduction and connivance with Receivers and Thieves, as too often has
+been discovered to take place, with respect to parochial Constables
+resident near the Dock-yards, by which Public Justice has been
+frequently defeated. The terror which such a System would excite, and
+the extensive evils a Boat Police are likely to prevent, can only be
+conceived by those who have witnessed the effect of the Marine Police
+on the River Thames.</p>
+
+<p>But still apposite Legislative regulations will be necessary to give
+full effect to this design, and the following heads are suggested as
+likely to be productive of infinite public advantage, when passed into
+a Law.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_269" id="Page_269">-269-</a></span></p>
+
+
+<h3>III. <span class="smcap">Legislative Regulations proposed in aid<br />
+of the general and local Police System.</span></h3>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>1st. That persons having possession of <i>New Naval Stores</i>;
+or <i>Naval Stores not more than one-third worn</i>, with the
+King's mark thereon, shall be deemed guilty of receiving
+goods, knowing them to have been stolen, and on conviction
+may be transported for 14 years; with power, however, to the
+Court to reduce it to seven years, or to impose a fine, or
+punish the offender corporally at its discretion.</p>
+
+<p>2d. Defacing the King's Mark, on any of his Majesty's
+Stores, to be deemed felony, and punished by transportation
+for 7 or 14 years.</p>
+
+<p>3d. The powers and provisions of the Act of 2 Geo. 3. cap.
+28. <i>commonly called, The Bumboat Act</i>; and also, the
+general powers and provisions of the Thames Police Act, when
+it shall pass into a Law, to be extended to all his
+Majesty's Dock-yards, and to the Rivers and Creeks leading
+thereto, within the distance of 20 miles.</p>
+
+<p>4th. In all cases where the Crown or its Agents shall
+decline to prosecute persons, in whose possession the King's
+Stores shall be found, any one Justice before whom the
+offender is carried, may proceed as for an offence under the
+<i>Bumboat Act</i>, or the <i>Thames Police Act</i> (by which maritime
+offences are to be more minutely explained) and if the party
+shall not give an account to the satisfaction<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_270" id="Page_270">-270-</a></span> of the
+Justice, how the said goods came into his possession, to be
+convicted of a misdemeanor, and subject to a fine of 40<i>s.</i>
+or such other minor punishment as these Acts direct.</p>
+
+<p>5th. That all Marine Police Constables (whether the <i>Thames
+Police</i>, the <i>Medway Police</i>, or the <i>Police Offices</i> at
+Portsmouth and Plymouth) shall have power to board all hoys
+and craft in the service of his Majesty, while employed in
+conveying stores, or in returning after such stores are
+delivered, for the purpose of searching the same; and in all
+cases, where stores are found which appear to have been
+abstracted from the cargo, or otherwise unlawfully obtained,
+to seize and convey the same, with the offender or
+offenders, (without prejudice to the service) before a
+Justice; and in case the Solicitor for the Crown, (on due
+notice given, shall decline to prosecute for the major
+offence) the parties in whose custody the stores were found,
+not giving a satisfactory account of obtaining the same,
+shall be convicted of a misdemeanor, and punished by fine or
+imprisonment.</p>
+
+<p>6th. The act of having <i>jiggers or small pumps, or bladders
+with or without nozzles, or casks for drawing off liquor in
+hoys or craft; of throwing goods over board when pursued to
+elude detection; of fabricating false bills of parcels, to
+cover suspected goods, and defeat the ends of Justice; of
+having goods in possession, suspected to be King's stores,
+and not giving a good account of the same</i>; of refusing<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_271" id="Page_271">-271-</a></span> to
+assist Marine Police Constables in the execution of their
+duty; of obstructing the said Officers; of damaging Police
+Boats, to be punished as misdemeanors, under the authority
+of the said Bumboat Act, and the proposed Thames Police Act;
+namely, by fine or imprisonment.</p>
+
+<p>7th. <i>Boats, craft, carts, carriages</i>, or <i>horses</i>, &amp;c. from
+which stolen or embezzled King's stores shall be seized, to
+be forfeited, and disposed of as directed by the said Marine
+Police Bill.</p>
+
+<p>8th. In all cases where, in seizing stores, articles not
+having the King's mark shall be found intermixed with stores
+having such mark, the party in whose possession they are
+found shall be obliged to give an account, to the
+satisfaction of the Justice, by what means he obtained the
+unmarked stores, otherwise the same to be forfeited, and
+sent to his Majesty's Repositories.</p>
+
+<p>9th. Power to be granted to the Commissioners of the Navy,
+or any one Justice, to issue warrants, on proper information
+upon oath to Peace Officers, to search for King's stores,
+<i>without any proof of such stores being actually stolen,
+taken</i>, or <i>carried away</i>. The power of the Commissioners in
+this case to extend to all Counties in England.</p>
+
+<p>10th. The Laws relating to falsifying, erasing, or
+fabricating <i>documents, vouchers, books, accounts</i>, or
+<i>writings</i>, of any kind, with an intent to defraud his
+Majesty, to be revised and amended, so as to apply more
+pointedly to offences of this nature.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_272" id="Page_272">-272-</a></span></p>
+
+<p>11th. Persons in his Majesty's service in any of the
+Dock-yards or Public Arsenals, having King's stores in their
+possession, to the amount of 5<i>l.</i> value, and not being
+authorised to keep such stores, to be conclusive evidence of
+embezzlement, and to be punished by transportation.</p>
+
+<p>12th. As an encouragement to excite vigilance in Officers of
+Justice, it is humbly proposed, that the Commissioners of
+his Majesty's <i>Navy, Victualing, and other Departments</i>,
+should be authorised, and required by Law, to pay the
+following rewards for the conviction of offenders, on the
+certificate of Judges and Magistrates, before whom such
+convictions took place&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>40<i>l.</i> on Conviction for any Capital Offence.</p>
+
+<p>20<i>l.</i> on Conviction for Felony, punished&mdash;Transportation,
+Fine or Imprisonment, or Whipping, before a Superior Court.</p>
+
+<p>10<i>l.</i> for Misdemeanors, by Indictment before the Quarter or
+General Sessions of the Peace.</p>
+
+<p>2<i>l.</i> for Convictions before Justices for Minor Offences.</p></div>
+
+<p>From such <i>Legislative Regulations</i> infinite would be the advantages
+which might reasonably be expected, when by the establishment of a
+Naval Police System, their due and proper execution would be rendered
+certain; and also, in all cases, where the evidence against offenders,
+although perfectly conclusive as to the fact, may be deficient in some
+points of legal nicety, by putting the <i>onus probandi</i> on the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_273" id="Page_273">-273-</a></span>
+offender, and treating it as a minor offence: the ends of Public
+Justice will, in a great measure, be answered by inflicting some
+punishment on the offender, and however inferior it may be to what he
+deserves, it will still have an excellent effect, since it is not so
+much by severe punishments, as by the certainty of <i>some punishment</i>
+being inflicted, and the obloquy of a conviction when offences are
+committed, that Delinquents of this class are deterred from the
+commission of crimes.</p>
+
+<p>Having thus traced the outlines of such remedies, for the protection
+of his Majesty's <i>Naval</i>, <i>Victualing</i>, Ordnance and other stores, as
+certainly require Legislative Regulations; it remains now to consider,
+what other measures may appear necessary, within the limits of the
+authority with which the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty are
+invested, for the purpose of rendering the Preventive System complete.</p>
+
+<p>Those which have occurred to the Author of this Work will be classed
+under the following Heads:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>IV. <i>Regulations respecting the Sale of Old Stores.</i></p>
+
+<p>V. <i>The Abolition of the Perquisite of Chips.</i></p>
+
+<p>VI. <i>The Abolition of Fees and Perquisites of every
+description; to be recompensed by a liberal increase of
+Salaries.</i></p>
+
+<p>VII. <i>An improved Mode of keeping Accounts.</i></p>
+
+<p>VIII. <i>An annual Inventory of Stores on hand.</i></p></div><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_274" id="Page_274">-274-</a></span></p>
+
+
+<h3>IV. <span class="smcap">Old Stores.</span></h3>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">The</span> mode at present practised in disposing of unserviceable Naval and
+Victualing Stores by Auction, in the Public Arsenals and Repositories,
+is productive of infinite evils, independent of the cover which is
+thereby afforded to many purchasers, of loose conduct, in protecting
+them, by means of the certificates they obtain against the penalties
+of the Law, as Receivers of stolen and embezzled goods of the same
+species and quality; thereby not only defeating the ends of Public
+Justice, but operating as an encouragement to these criminal dealers
+to extend the iniquitous part of their trade, by holding out
+facilities and incitements to those who have access to commit
+depredations on the Public Property, which possibly would never have
+otherwise taken place.</p>
+
+<p>The Public Sales at the Dock-yards and other Repositories, draw
+together men of loose and depraved morals; who, in order to obtain
+bargains, do not hesitate (wherever it can be done) to seduce, by
+means of pecuniary gratuities, the inferior officers and labourers
+into the evil practice of mixing superior stores with unserviceable
+articles, ordered to be made up in lots, so as to elude discovery. New
+and valuable cordage has been detected coiled<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_275" id="Page_275">-275-</a></span> within old cables,<a name="FNanchor_75_75" id="FNanchor_75_75"></a><a href="#Footnote_75_75" class="fnanchor">[75]</a>
+while frauds also are practised as to the weight, and in the delivery
+of greater quantities than are actually sold.&mdash;Such practices have
+taken place in spite of the vigilance and attention of the superior
+officers, by which a two-fold mischief arises,&mdash;in the immediate loss
+which is sustained by the frauds thus practised, and in the cover
+which is thus afforded for the protection of additional stores
+purchased clandestinely; perhaps from the persons who have been thus
+corrupted.&mdash;An evil so prominent, in the view of a very able and
+penetrating Judge now upon the bench, as to induce him to declare
+publicly in Court, immediately after a trial, where a notorious
+offender (as many notorious offenders do) escaped Justice, under the
+cover of his certificates: "That <i>Government had better burn their old
+Stores than suffer them to be the means of generating so many
+offences</i>"&mdash;or to the same effect.</p>
+
+<p>It is however humbly presumed that a remedy may be applied without the
+destruction of such valuable materials; and the following suggestions
+are offered with a view to this object.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_276" id="Page_276">-276-</a></span></p>
+
+
+<h4><i>Plan for an improved mode of disposing of unserviceable Naval and
+Victualing Stores.</i></h4>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>1st. That instead of selling those stores upon the spot
+where the criminal connections are formed, the Naval
+articles shall be made up in assorted lots suitable to the
+<i>London, Bristol, Liverpool, Whitehaven, Glasgow, Newcastle,
+and Hull</i> Markets. That a responsible Agent should be
+appointed to conduct the sales at each of these
+<i>Ports</i>.&mdash;That they shall be men of the first respectability
+in the commercial line, who can give ample security for
+their fidelity in the execution of the trust reposed in
+them.&mdash;That they shall receive the stores at the yards or
+repositories where they are made up, and convey them to
+their respective Warehouses at their own expence: on having
+an allowance of <i>6 per Cent. for Freight-charges,
+Warehouse-rent, Insurance</i> against <i>Sea-risk and Fire</i>, and
+all other expences; <i>and 4 per Cent. for commission on the
+amount of the Sales</i>.</p></div>
+
+<p>That the said stores shall not on any pretence be sold to dealers, but
+only to the <i>actual consumers</i>, or Rope Spinners to convert into small
+cordage; <i>nor shall any certificate be granted to purchasers on any
+pretence whatsoever</i>.</p>
+
+<p>That accounts of sales shall be furnished monthly, and such sales
+shall be accompanied by <i>a full remit<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_277" id="Page_277">-277-</a></span>tance for the amount</i>, it being
+always understood that no credit is to be allowed.</p>
+
+<p>That at the end of each year, an inventory shall be transmitted on a
+specific day to be fixed, of the whole stores on hand, and a general
+account current shall be then furnished; in which shall be exhibited,
+agreeable to a form to be prescribed, a complete view of the whole
+transactions which have occurred during the preceding year, with a
+full remittance for the balance due on the said account.</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>2d. That the <i>Metalic Stores</i> which are deemed unserviceable
+shall be deposited in a commodious Magazine in London, under
+the charge of a responsible Agent, competent to such a
+trust.&mdash;That it shall be his duty to employ proper
+Artificers to convert all that are capable of being
+converted into serviceable Stores, and when so renovated, to
+be returned to Deptford Yard.&mdash;And such Metalic Stores as
+are incapable of being converted into useful purposes at a
+moderate expence, so as clearly to demonstrate a saving to
+Government, shall be disposed of to founders and others, at
+the best price that can be obtained.</p></div>
+
+<p>The Agent for Metalic Stores to be allowed 10 per Cent. on the value
+as ascertained, by the original Invoice, founded on a survey and
+valuation upon oath, and this to be in full of <i>Freight, Carriage,
+Warehouse-rent, Insurance from fire, and all other expences,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_278" id="Page_278">-278-</a></span>
+including Commission for his trouble</i>, on all Stores that are again
+converted to useful purposes; and 7&frac12; per cent. on the value of such
+as are sold, in consequence of their being incapable of being rendered
+useful; so as to make it the interest of the Agent to render as large
+a portion useful as possible.</p>
+
+<p>It is presumed that by an arrangement of this kind, an immense sum
+will be saved to the Public annually; who would retain the
+Contractor's profit in all cases where Old Stores are received back at
+the price of old Metal, and again returned at the full contract price,
+after a small expence is incurred in converting them into serviceable
+Stores.</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>3d. That in consequence of the superior resource for the
+consumption of <i>Provisions, Casks</i>, &amp;c. in London, the whole
+of the unserviceable Victualing Stores (except such as from
+their small value and bulky nature will not defray the
+expences of conveyance) shall be collected in a large
+repository in London, under the charge of an able and
+intelligent Agent, who shall give proper security for his
+faithful management; and conduct the sales upon the
+principles already explained <i>for ready money only</i>,
+rendering an account <i>and making his payments monthly</i>, and
+a final Account and Inventory at the end of the year; to be
+at the whole expence of removing the goods from the
+different Repositories to the Magazine in London; to be
+allowed 4 per Cent. Commission on the sales, and 6 per Cent.
+in lieu of all charges.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_279" id="Page_279">-279-</a></span></p>
+
+<p>4th. That the attention of the respective Boards may not be
+diverted from other objects by attending to the details,
+which will arise in the management of those establishments,
+a superintending Agent shall be appointed, who shall receive
+the directions of the different Boards, and correspond with
+the local Agents.&mdash;He shall moreover be the <i>Receiver
+General of the monthly remittances</i>, and shall immediately
+pay the same as directed by the Lords Commissioners of the
+Admiralty.&mdash;It will be his duty to arrange the shipping of
+Old Stores from the different Yards, in conformity to the
+wants or demands of the respective Agents, so as to keep up
+their several assortments, by conveying to each not only
+such articles, (as far as it can be done) as are most in
+demand, but also such as comparatively fetch the best
+price.&mdash;He shall receive the monthly and yearly accounts,
+and lay an abstract of the same before the Lords of the
+Admiralty, and the Navy and Victualing Board respectively,
+as they apply to their different departments, and shall be
+the general medium of communication from the respective
+Boards to the local Agents.&mdash;The superintending Agent shall
+transmit a regular invoice to the local Agents of all goods
+shipped:&mdash;Shall keep regular books and accounts of all
+transactions under his charge, and shall receive for his
+trouble <i>1 per cent.</i> on the Remittances or Payments which
+he may make, under the directions of the Lords of the
+Admiralty.</p></div><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_280" id="Page_280">-280-</a></span></p>
+
+<p>By this arrangement it will be the interest of all the parties
+concerned, to render the sale as productive as possible; and as the
+stores in question will constantly be exposed to sale, where the
+demand for such articles is most extensive, the probability is, that
+higher prices will be obtained than at present; and that upon the
+whole, after paying all expences, a larger aggregate sum will be
+received annually by Government, since, as the sales are only to be
+made to the actual Containers, the Dealer's profit will make a part of
+the Sale Price, and will be thereby secured to the Public. As men of
+the first character and respectability may be expected to solicit for
+such Commissions, no doubt can be entertained, either of the purity of
+their conduct, or their exertions to sell to the best advantage. Their
+credit and interest, and also the emulation between one Agent and
+another, as to who shall make the best sales, will prove a powerful
+stimulus and a strong ground of security.&mdash;Above all, the plan is easy
+and practicable:&mdash;It imposes no trouble upon the superior or inferior
+officers in the different Naval Departments, and no doubt can be
+entertained, that while it shuts up all the avenues to fraud and
+peculation, which at present operate so powerfully in facilitating the
+stealing and embezzling of Naval and Victualing Stores, in the result
+it will prove highly beneficial to Government.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_281" id="Page_281">-281-</a></span></p>
+
+
+<h3>V. <span class="smcap">The Perquisite of Chips.</span></h3>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">The</span> extensive evils arising from the permission granted to Artificers
+in the Dock-yards, to convert chips to their own use, and to remove
+them in bundles from the Dock-yards, having already been noticed, it
+may only be necessary to add, that on the abolition of this
+perquisite, which the Author has reason to believe is now in
+contemplation, a liberal increase of wages should be made to the
+Artificers in lieu thereof; and that hereafter Chips should not be
+sold in the Yards by Public Auction, but removed to a place of deposit
+at some small distance, and disposed of, not to the highest bidder,
+but at such price as should be offered above the estimated value, and
+by no means by contract.</p>
+
+<p>By adopting this mode, the saving of <i>useful Timber, Time, and
+Property</i>, which, through the medium of the existing practice, is
+<i>purloined, lost and stolen</i>, would probably exceed any estimate that
+has been formed from a view of the present abuses.</p>
+
+<p>This measure, while it forms an important Link in the preventive
+Chain, would appear to be easy and practicable.</p>
+
+<p>If necessary the superintending Agent for unserviceable stores, whose
+functions have already been explained, could take upon him the sole
+management of the disposal of the chips at the different Yards, by<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_282" id="Page_282">-282-</a></span>
+which a handsome sum might be obtained annually in aid of the
+resources of the State, perhaps more than would be sufficient to pay
+the additional wages of the Artificers, while no existing arrangement
+in the Yards would be disturbed, nor any trouble given to the
+Officers, who at present fill the respective Departments in those
+Arsenals.</p>
+
+
+<h3>VI. <span class="smcap">The Abolition of Fees and Perquisites,<br />
+and an Increase of Salaries.</span></h3>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">The</span> total Abolition of Fees guarded by the severest penalties, is an
+important object in the preventive System: Until this is effected, it
+will be in vain to expect purity of conduct. Under this pretext, men
+of loose principles, in transactions with Government, seldom fail to
+seduce from the strict line of their duty, <i>avaricious, extravagant,
+or indigent Officers</i>, whose business it is to check and control the
+receipt and delivery of property, and to <i>arrange, settle, and adjust
+Accounts</i>, or <i>to form Public Documents</i>. The delusion and seduction
+of these Officers is not seldom effected by the supposed liberality of
+those whose business must pass through their hands; and they are not
+at all times perfectly aware of the injury that is done to the Public.</p>
+
+<p>It has already been observed, and it is a circumstance much to be
+lamented, that in too many instances, where individuals have pecuniary
+transactions with any of the Departments of Government, a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_283" id="Page_283">-283-</a></span> dereliction
+of principle is apparent which does not extend to the general
+intercourse of society, and hence arises the necessity of <i>stronger
+guards</i>, where the Public interest is concerned; and nothing appears
+to be better calculated to counteract this baneful propensity in the
+human mind than <i>the total abolition of fees and perquisites</i>.</p>
+
+<p>It is said to be no uncommon thing to pay 300<i>l.</i> for a Clerk's
+situation in the Dock-yards, where the salary does not exceed 30<i>l.</i>
+or 40<i>l.</i> a year; and it is known that some who hold such situations
+live very expensively. It may be fairly asked, in what manner a person
+so situated is to reimburse himself? the conclusion is obvious, and
+the result has been already explained, which may perhaps be still
+farther elucidated by stating the following fact:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>An Officer of Justice having discovered some instances of pillage and
+peculation going forward in the course of the removal of old copper
+and other articles, from a dismantled ship of war, complained to the
+Store-keeper in the Dock-yard, whose province it was to have received
+those articles into his charge, which were conveyed elsewhere.&mdash;He
+replied thus: "D&mdash;n it, mind your own business.&mdash;Such things have
+always been done, and will continue in spite of you and me; it will,
+at any rate, last our time."</p>
+
+<p>While the resources of Government are fully commensurate to the
+liberal remuneration of its servants, so as to place them above all
+temptations to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_284" id="Page_284">-284-</a></span> abuse the trust reposed in them: and while such
+remuneration is in itself no less politic than just, the object and
+view of the Author of these pages differs widely from this faithless
+servant of the Crown. The suggestions now offered, lead to measures,
+which he now trusts to the honour and credit of those respectable
+characters, at the head of the different departments, are in the best
+train of being adopted, by the total abolition of Fees and
+Perquisites, and a liberal Increase of Salary, in lieu of the
+reduction of income, which such an arrangement will occasion: Such
+salaries as will secure to the Nation those inestimable advantages,
+which always result from <i>rectitude of conduct</i>, <i>zeal</i>, <i>accuracy</i>,
+and <i>fidelity</i>, in the discharge of Public trusts committed to
+subordinate Officers. It is by this and other wise and practicable
+arrangements, that a confidence is to be established, "that the
+resources of the State <i>will not only last our time</i>," but extend to
+many generations; while the improvement of Public morals will
+contribute, in an eminent degree, to the happiness and prosperity of
+the country.</p>
+
+
+<h3>VII. <span class="smcap">An improved Mode of Keeping Accounts.</span></h3>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Under</span> an impression, that very few improvements have been introduced,
+since the establishment of the original System, for keeping the Navy
+and Victualing Accounts, brought forward by <span class="smcap">King James II.</span> when Duke
+of York; while the frauds which have<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_285" id="Page_285">-285-</a></span> been committed by various
+devices, prove some imperfections in the mode of accomptantship as now
+practised, since no means appear to exist, whereby deficiencies can be
+checked and discovered; it may be worthy of inquiry, whether many of
+the modern improvements, which the vast extent of our Commerce has
+introduced, might not be rendered useful in establishing new Checks,
+by means of a System of Book-keeping, which would have the same effect
+in detecting frauds, and discovering inaccuracies, as prevails in
+arranging and closing the accounts of well-regulated Commercial
+Establishments; adopting at the same time in the general detail,
+particularly in the transit of stores, some of these excellent
+regulations, which have been found so salutary and useful in the
+system of the Excise. Of the practicability of improvements of this
+nature there can be little doubt, since it merely depends on the
+exercise of that <i>knowledge, attention</i>, and <i>assiduity</i>, which, when
+properly exerted, has generally accomplished objects, which have often
+appeared impracticable to minds uninformed, or not enlarged by an
+extensive intercourse with the world, or a knowledge of the general
+affairs of life:&mdash;But as this observation can in no respect apply to
+the respectable and intelligent Individuals, who superintend the Great
+Public Concerns, which have been subject to the various abuses, which
+they feel so anxious to remedy, sanguine hopes are entertained, that
+an improvement in the mode of keeping the Official Accounts may be
+speedily carried into effect.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_286" id="Page_286">-286-</a></span></p>
+
+
+<h3>VIII. <span class="smcap">An annual Inventory of Stores.</span></h3>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Supposing</span> an accurate System of Book-keeping to be adopted, and to be
+followed as a part of the proposed System of Accuracy, indispensably
+necessary, <i>by an annual account of Stores</i>; the advantages resulting
+from it are not to be estimated by the most sanguine mind. Independent
+of the benefits which would arise from the general accuracy, which
+would thus incircle the whole &#339;conomy of the design, discoveries
+would be made wherever frauds or embezzlements took place, while the
+labour and expence, which such a task might impose, would be
+compensated one hundred fold, in the National advantages which it
+would produce.</p>
+
+<hr class="dbl1" />
+<hr class="dbl2" />
+
+<p>Thus has the Author briefly gone over the whole ground, which he had
+assigned to himself, as comprehending every object on the subject of
+the depredations on his Majesty's Stores, which appeared likely to
+render his suggestions useful to his country, whether they relate to
+improved Legislative Regulations requiring the aid of Parliament, or
+to Measures competent for the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to
+carry into effect. In the prosecution of this task he has been
+stimulated in a particular degree, by the laudable and patriotic
+disposition, which has been manifested to promote improvements in
+Naval Police,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_287" id="Page_287">-287-</a></span> and the honourable proofs he has received of a desire
+to render his suggestions useful.</p>
+
+<p>If the period should indeed arrive (and it is to be hoped it may soon
+arrive) when these suggestions, or even a part of them, shall be acted
+upon, in a manner calculated to promote the National Interest, the
+Author of these pages will then feel himself gratified, and rewarded
+by the pleasing reflection, that his well-meant labours, in placing an
+important branch of the political &#339;conomy of the country in this
+particular point of view, have not been in vain.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_288" id="Page_288">-288-</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAP_X" id="CHAP_X"></a><span class="gesperrt">CHAP.</span> X.</h2>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Receivers of stolen Goods more mischievous than
+Thieves;&mdash;the latter could not exist without the assistance
+of the former:&mdash;the Suppression therefore of Receivers would
+restore to Society, and to honest Industry, a great number
+who at present live by crimes.&mdash;The increase of Receivers of
+stolen Goods to be attributed to the imperfection of the
+Laws, and to the disjointed state of the Police of the
+Metropolis.&mdash;The number of common Receivers does not exceed
+sixty; of whom not above ten are persons of property able to
+purchase valuable articles.&mdash;Thieves, in many instances,
+settle with receivers before they commit
+robberies:&mdash;Receivers always benefit more than
+Thieves:&mdash;Their profit immense:&mdash;They are divided into two
+classes.&mdash;The immediate Receivers connected with Thieves,
+and those who keep shops and purchase from Pilferers in the
+way of trade:&mdash;The latter are extremely numerous.&mdash;The Laws
+are insufficient effectually to reach either class.&mdash;The
+existing statutes examined and briefly detailed, namely, the
+3d and 4th of William and Mary, cap. 9; the 1st Anne, cap.
+9; the 5th of Anne, cap. 31; 4 George I. cap. 11; 29 George
+II. cap. 30; 30 George II. cap. 24; 2 George III. cap. 28;
+10 George III. cap. 48; 21 George III. cap. 69; 22 George
+III. cap. 58.&mdash;Observations on these respective
+statutes.&mdash;Amendments and improvements suggested.&mdash;Means
+proposed to ensure the due execution of these improvements.</i></p></div>
+
+
+<hr class="dbl1" />
+<hr class="dbl2" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_289" id="Page_289">-289-</a></span></p>
+
+
+<p><span class="cap">H</span>AVING in the preceding Chapters completed the proposed explanation of
+the various depredations and frauds upon the Public: It remains now,
+in the order of the plan, to examine and follow up the progress of
+this property, from the hands of <i>Thieves</i>, <i>Robbers</i>, <i>Cheats</i>, and
+<i>Swindlers</i>, to that of <i>Receivers</i>, or first Purchasers of Goods
+stolen or fraudulently obtained.</p>
+
+<p>In contemplating the characters of all these different classes of
+delinquents, there can be little hesitation in pronouncing the
+<i>Receivers</i> to be the most <i>mischievous of the whole</i>; inasmuch as
+without the aid they afford, in purchasing and concealing every
+species of property stolen or fraudulently obtained, Thieves, Robbers,
+and Swindlers, as has already been frequently observed, must quit the
+trade, as unproductive and hazardous in the extreme.</p>
+
+<p>Nothing therefore can be more just than the old observation, "<i>that if
+there were no Receivers there would be no Thieves</i>."&mdash;Deprive a thief
+of a sale and ready market for his goods, and he is undone.</p>
+
+<p>Let the strong arm of the law, and the vigour and energy of the Police
+be directed in a particular manner against <i>Receivers</i>; and the chief
+part of those robberies and burglaries, which are so much dreaded, on
+account of the acts of violence which attend them, <i>would absolutely
+cease to exist</i>:&mdash;and the resource for plunder being thus narrowed in
+so great a degree, robberies on the highway would <i>alone</i> seldom
+answer the purpose of the adventurer; where the risk would<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_290" id="Page_290">-290-</a></span> be so
+exceedingly multiplied, while the advantages were in the same
+proportion diminished;&mdash;the result therefore would be, that in <i>the
+suppression of the Receivers</i>, the encouragement to become Thieves and
+Robbers would be taken away: and the present Depredators upon the
+Public must either return to honest labour as useful members of the
+State, or submit to be starved.</p>
+
+<p>Obvious and desirable however as a measure of this sort would be, it
+has never hitherto been put in practice. This has proceeded from a
+variety of causes; one of the principal of which is the disjointed
+state of the Police of the Metropolis, occasioned by a number of
+jurisdictions clashing with each other, and preventing the full
+operation of a proper system of vigilance and energy; which, with the
+aid of apposite and improved laws and a superintending agency, could
+not fail, either to root out all the Receivers of stolen Goods of any
+consequence, or compel them to abandon their mischievous trade.</p>
+
+<p>These observations apply to that class of Receivers alone, who are in
+immediate connection with the thieves, burglars, and highway
+robbers;&mdash;and who aid and assist them in the purchase and concealment
+of whatever is stolen.&mdash;From the best information that can be
+obtained, their number does not exceed <i>fifty</i> or <i>sixty in all</i>; of
+whom not more than ten, (whose names and places of abode are well
+known) can be said to be persons of property who can raise money to
+purchase articles of considerable value.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_291" id="Page_291">-291-</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Aided by a well-regulated and energetic system of Police that might
+pervade the whole Metropolis, how easy would it be, to compel these
+large dealers to abandon the trade? The measure of watching their
+houses day and night, would cost no great sum, and would embarrass the
+thieves and burglars, more than any other system that could be
+pursued.</p>
+
+<p>It rarely happens that thieves go upon the highway, or commit
+burglaries, until the money they have previously acquired is
+exhausted. Having laid their plans for new depredations, negociation
+is frequently entered upon with the most favourite Receiver, who (to
+use their own language) is likely to be <i>staunch</i>, and to keep their
+secrets.&mdash;The plan is explained.&mdash;Some liquor is drunk to the good
+luck of the enterprize, and the hour fixed when they are to return
+with the booty: if plate is expected, the crucible is ready in a small
+furnace, built for the purpose, instantly to melt it, and arrangements
+are made for the immediate concealment of the other articles.&mdash;Of the
+nature of these previous arrangements, something has already been said
+in <a href="#CHAP_IV">Chap. IV.</a> on Burglary and Highway Robbery.</p>
+
+<p>There are, however, exceptions to this rule, where the Receivers are
+not trusted till the booty is acquired; and where it is in the first
+instance removed to the houses of the thieves, or to those of some of
+their friends; but it seldom remains longer than may be necessary to
+obliterate the marks: for money must be procured. Most thieves are
+improvident; their<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_292" id="Page_292">-292-</a></span> wants are therefore pressing&mdash;they <i>must</i>
+sell&mdash;the Receiver knows this and makes his own terms;&mdash;and he of
+course enjoys by far the largest share of the profit.</p>
+
+<p>The plunder thus purchased, finds a ready vent through the extensive
+connections of the Jew dealers, both in this Country and upon the
+Continent: and from the facts already stated in the course of this
+Work, it may easily be conceived that the trade is not only extensive,
+but that the profit is immense, since it rarely happens (except in the
+articles of plate,) that thieves receive to the amount of above
+one-third; or one-fourth of the value of what is stolen.</p>
+
+<p>The mass of the Receivers of stolen property in and near the
+Metropolis, (exclusive of those more immediately concerned in
+River-plunder, as stated in <a href="#CHAP_VIII">Chapter VIII.</a> on that subject,) may be
+classed in two divisions:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"1. The Dealers already mentioned, as immediately connected
+with professed and notorious thieves, and who are their
+principal supporters, especially when apprehended and under
+prosecution. Many of these have themselves been originally
+thieves upon the town, <i>acquitted, pardoned, or discharged
+from the hulks</i>: who prefer the trade of a Receiver as less
+hazardous and more profitable, than that of a thief; and to
+conceal the fraud frequently set up <i>Chandlers-Shops</i>,
+<i>Coal-Sheds</i>, <i>Potatoe-Warehouses</i>, or <i>Old Iron-Shops</i>, and
+not seldom become <i>Masters of Public Houses</i>, that they may
+appear to have some <i>visible</i><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_293" id="Page_293">-293-</a></span> means of obtaining a
+livelihood. Those who have not been originally thieves
+generally keep shops in different branches of trade, some of
+whom are very opulent.</p>
+
+<p>"2. The Dealers in <i>Old Iron and other Metal&mdash;Rags&mdash;Old
+Wearing Apparel&mdash;Buyers, Refiners, and Workers of Gold and
+Silver&mdash;Dealers in Second-hand Furniture, and Building
+Materials, and that Class of Sharping Pawnbrokers who have
+connections with criminal people</i>.</p>
+
+<p>"The Dealers last mentioned are extremely numerous, and
+amount to several thousands in the Metropolis alone, some of
+whom are <i>innocent Receivers</i>, not aware that they are
+purchasing stolen articles;&mdash;others, <i>careless Receivers</i>,
+asking no questions, and purchasing every thing that is
+offered:&mdash;but a large proportion of <i>criminal Receivers</i>,
+who purchase every thing that is offered <i>in the way of
+trade</i>; well knowing, from the price and other
+circumstances, that the property was originally stolen."</p></div>
+
+<p>As the Laws now stand, (numerous, and pointed as they appear to be) it
+has been found from experience, that neither of these classes can be
+easily reached; and hence it is that they have multiplied in so great
+a degree, (particularly the small Receivers) within the last twenty
+years, and may even be said to have reigned with impunity.</p>
+
+<p>For the purpose of suggesting an effectual legisla<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_294" id="Page_294">-294-</a></span>tive Remedy, it
+will be necessary to examine shortly the laws now in being, which are
+applicable to this peculiar offence.&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>By the Statute of the 3d and 4th of William and Mary, cap. 9, it is
+enacted, "<i>that Receivers of stolen Goods, knowing them to be stolen,
+shall be deemed Accessaries after the fact</i>."</p>
+
+<p>But this offence being dependent on the fate of the Principal&mdash;a
+Receiver, thus circumstanced, could not be tried till after the
+conviction of such Principal; so that, however strong and conclusive
+the evidence might be, the Receiver was still safe, unless the Thief
+could be apprehended&mdash;and even if apprehended and put upon his trial,
+if acquitted through any defect of evidence, the Receiver, (although
+he had actually confessed the crime, and the goods found in his
+possession, could be proved to have been stolen,) must be
+acquitted:&mdash;this offence also, even if completely proved, applied only
+to capital felonies, and <i>not to petty larceny</i>.</p>
+
+<p>These defects were discovered, and partly remedied by the Statutes 1
+Anne, cap. 9; and 5 Anne, cap. 31, which enact, "<i>That Buyers and
+Receivers of stolen Goods, knowing them to be stolen, may be
+prosecuted for a misdemeanor, and punished by fine and imprisonment;
+though the Principal be not previously convicted of felony</i>."</p>
+
+<p>This Act, 5 Anne, c. 31, also greatly improved the Laws applicable to
+this species of offence by <i>empowering the Court to substitute a
+corporal punish<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_295" id="Page_295">-295-</a></span>ment instead of fine and imprisonment; and by
+declaring, that if the felony shall be proved against the Thief, then
+the Receiver shall be taken as Accessary, and shall receive judgment
+of death; but the benefit of Clergy is reserved</i>.</p>
+
+<p>The Laws being still found insufficient, the Statute of the fourth of
+George the First, cap. 11, enacted, "<i>That Receivers of stolen Goods,
+knowing them to be stolen, should, on conviction, be transported for
+fourteen years; and that buying at an under value should be
+presumptive evidence of such knowledge</i>:&mdash;and the same statute <i>makes
+it felony (according to the nature of the felony committed in stealing
+the Goods) for any person directly or indirectly to take a reward for
+helping any person to stolen Goods; unless such person bring the felon
+to his trial, and give evidence against him</i>."</p>
+
+<p>But these amendments also proving ineffectual, and not being found to
+apply immediately to persons receiving stolen <i>lead, iron, copper,
+brass, bell-metal or solder</i> taken from buildings, or from ships,
+vessels, wharfs, or quays&mdash;It was enacted by the 29th of George the
+Second, cap. 30, "<i>That every person who shall buy or Receive such
+articles, knowing the same to be stolen, or who shall privately
+purchase these respective metals by suffering any door, window, or
+shutter, to be left open between sun-setting and sun-rising, or shall
+buy or receive any of the said metals in any clandestine manner,
+shall, on conviction, be transported for fourteen years, although the
+principal felon has not been convicted</i>." Sec. 1.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_296" id="Page_296">-296-</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The same Act <i>empowers one Justice to grant a warrant to search in the
+day time for such metals suspected to be stolen, as by the oath of one
+witness may appear to be deposited or concealed in any house or
+place</i>; and if goods are found, the Act goes so far as <i>to empower two
+Justices to adjudge the person having the custody of the same, guilty
+of a misdemeanor, if he cannot produce the party from whom he
+purchased, or give a satisfactory account how they came into his
+possession; and the offender shall, for the first offence forfeit
+40s. for the second 4l. and for every subsequent offence 6l.</i>
+Sec. 2; 6.</p>
+
+<p>This Act also <i>empowers officers of justice (and watchmen while on
+duty) to apprehend all persons suspected of conveying any stolen
+metals, as already described, after sun-set or before sun-rise; and if
+such persons cannot give a good account of the manner in which they
+were obtained, two Magistrates are in like manner authorized to
+adjudge them guilty of a misdemeanor, and they forfeit forty
+shillings, &amp;c.</i> Sec. 3; 6.</p>
+
+<p><i>The persons also to whom such articles are offered for sale or to be
+pawned, where there is reasonable ground to suppose they were stolen,
+are empowered to apprehend and secure the parties and the materials,
+to be dealt with according to law. And if it shall appear even on the
+evidence of the thief, corroborated by other testimony, that there was
+cause to suspect the goods were stolen, and that the person to whom
+they were offered, did not do his duty in apprehending the person
+offering the same, he shall be adjudged guilty of a mis<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_297" id="Page_297">-297-</a></span>demeanor, and
+forfeit twenty shillings for the first offence: forty shillings for
+the second, and four pounds for every subsequent offence</i>, Sec. 5, 6.
+And so anxious has the Legislature been to suppress the evil of
+stealing and receiving metals, that the 8th Section <i>entitles the
+actual Thief to a pardon, on the discovery and conviction of two or
+more of the Receivers</i>. And the 9th Section <i>screens from prosecution
+any person stealing such metals, who shall discover the Receiver to
+whom the same were delivered, so as a conviction may follow</i>.&mdash;In
+spite, however, of these numerous and apparently effectual checks, it
+is to be lamented that the evil has continued to increase.</p>
+
+<p>In the following year it was provided by the Act 30th of George the
+Second, cap. 24, <i>that it shall be lawful for any Pawnbroker, or any
+other dealer, their servants or agents, to whom any goods shall be
+offered to be pawned, exchanged, or sold, which shall be suspected to
+be stolen, to seize and detain the persons offering the same, for the
+purpose of being examined by a Justice; who is empowered, if he sees
+any grounds to apprehend that the goods have been illegally obtained,
+to commit the persons, offering the same, to prison for a period not
+exceeding six days; and if on further examination, the Justice shall
+be satisfied that the goods were stolen, he shall commit the offender
+to prison, to be dealt with according to Law; and although it may,
+under such circumstances, afterwards appear that the goods in question
+were fairly obtained, yet the parties who seized the supposed offender
+shall be indemnified</i>.&mdash;Sec. 7, 8.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_298" id="Page_298">-298-</a></span></p>
+
+<p>It would have been useful if the principles of the first of these
+excellent acts had extended to every kind of goods and chattels,
+<i>horses</i>, <i>cattle</i>, <i>money</i>, and <i>Bank-notes</i>,<a name="FNanchor_76_76" id="FNanchor_76_76"></a><a href="#Footnote_76_76" class="fnanchor">[76]</a> as well as to the
+metals therein described. Indeed it is to be lamented, that the System
+has not been to look at great features of abuse in <i>the gross</i>, so as
+to meet every existing evil at once. Thus another partial Statute was
+made, 2 George III. <i>c.</i> 28, extending the provisions of the 29th Geo.
+II. <i>c.</i> 30. to goods, stores, or materials taken from ships in the
+River Thames, by enacting, "<i>that all persons purchasing such goods,
+knowing them to be stolen, or receiving the same in a concealed or
+clandestine manner between sun-setting and sun-rising, shall be
+transported for fourteen years, although the principal felon be not
+convicted</i>:" but by the wording of this Act, it is doubtful if it
+applies to receiving goods stolen from vessels not afloat in the
+river.<a name="FNanchor_77_77" id="FNanchor_77_77"></a><a href="#Footnote_77_77" class="fnanchor">[77]</a></p>
+
+<p>The next Statute applicable to the Receivers of stolen goods, is the
+10th of George III. cap. 48, by which it is enacted, "<i>that every
+person who shall buy or receive any jewels, gold, silver, plate or
+watches, knowing the same to be stolen, where such stealing was
+accompanied by a burglary or highway robbery, may be<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_299" id="Page_299">-299-</a></span> tried as well
+before as after the principal felon is convicted; and whether he be
+in, or out of custody; and if found guilty, shall be transported for
+fourteen years</i>."</p>
+
+<p>Eleven years after passing of the above mentioned Statute, the
+Legislature, appearing to be impressed with the great extent of the
+depredations committed by persons stealing <i>pewter pots</i>, and desirous
+to punish the Receivers, the Statute of the 21st of George the Third,
+cap. 69, enacts, "<i>that every person who shall buy or receive any
+pewter pot or other vessel, or any pewter in any form or shape
+whatsoever, knowing the same to be stolen, or who shall privately buy
+or receive stolen pewter, in a clandestine manner, between sun-setting
+and sun-rising, shall on conviction, be transported for seven years,
+or detained in the House of Correction, at hard labour for a term not
+exceeding three years, nor less than one; and may be whipped not more
+than three times; although the principal felon has not been
+convicted</i>."</p>
+
+<p>In the following Session of Parliament, the Statute 22 George III. c.
+28. (said to have been framed by an able and experienced Lawyer and
+Magistrate),<a name="FNanchor_78_78" id="FNanchor_78_78"></a><a href="#Footnote_78_78" class="fnanchor">[78]</a> removed many of the imperfections of former Statutes,
+and particularly that which respected Petty Larceny; by enacting,
+"<i>that where any goods (except lead, iron, copper, brass, bell-metal,
+or solder, the Receivers of which are punishable under the</i> 29th<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_300" id="Page_300">-300-</a></span>
+George II. c. 30. <i>noticed before, <a href="#Page_295">p. 295</a>.) have been stolen, whether
+the offence amount to Grand Larceny, or some greater offence, or to
+Petty Larceny only; (except where the offender</i> has been convicted <i>of
+Grand Larceny, or some greater offence; when the Receiver must be
+prosecuted as an Accessary, and under the 4th</i> George I. c. 11, <i>may
+be transported for fourteen years</i>; see <a href="#Page_295">page 295</a>.)&mdash;<i>Every person who
+shall buy or receive the same, knowing them to be stolen, shall be
+guilty of a misdemeanor, and punished by fine, imprisonment, or
+whipping, as the Quarter Sessions, who are empowered to try offenders,
+or any other Court before whom they shall be tried, shall think fit,
+although the Principal be not convicted; and if the felony amounts to
+Grand Larceny, or some greater offence, and the person committing such
+felony has not been before convicted, such offender shall be exempted
+from being punished as Accessary, if the principal shall be afterwards
+convicted</i>."&mdash;Sect. 1.</p>
+
+<p>This Act also empowers <i>one Justice to grant a warrant to search for
+stolen goods in the day time, on oath being made that there are just
+grounds of suspicion; and the person concealing the said goods, or in
+whose custody they are found, shall in like manner be guilty of a
+misdemeanor, and punished in the manner before-mentioned</i>.&mdash;Sect. 9.</p>
+
+<p>The same Act extended the powers granted by former Acts relative to
+metals, <i>to any other kind of goods: by authorizing peace officers
+(and also watchmen while on duty) to apprehend all persons suspected<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_301" id="Page_301">-301-</a></span>
+of carrying stolen goods after sun-setting and before sun-rising, who
+shall, on conviction, be adjudged guilty of a misdemeanor, and
+imprisoned, not exceeding six, nor less than three months</i>.&mdash;Sec. 3.</p>
+
+<p>Power is also given by this Act <i>to any person to whom goods,
+suspected to be stolen, shall be offered to be sold or pawned, to
+apprehend the person offering the same, and to carry him before a
+Justice</i>.&mdash;Sec. 4.</p>
+
+<p>And as an encouragement to young Thieves to discover the Receivers,
+the same Act provides, <i>That if any person or persons being out of
+custody, or in custody, if under the age of 15 years, upon any charge
+of felony, within benefit of Clergy, shall have committed any felony,
+and shall discover two Receivers, so as that they shall be convicted,
+such Discoverer shall have pardon for all felonies by him committed
+before such discovery</i>.</p>
+
+<p>These various Acts of Parliament prove how very prominent the evil of
+receiving stolen goods has been in the view of the Legislature.&mdash;It is
+to be lamented however, that a more general and comprehensive view has
+not been taken of the subject, by substituting, instead of the
+piece-meal System which has been from time to time adopted, on
+suggestions applicable only to particular cases, <i>one general law that
+should have embraced every object</i>, and remedied every defect in the
+existing Statutes, on this important subject of criminal
+jurisprudence.</p>
+
+<p>That these Laws, numerous as they are, and applicable as many of them
+appear to be, have not been<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_302" id="Page_302">-302-</a></span> in any degree effectual, is clearly
+manifested by the unquestionable increase of the evil, even to an
+extent beyond all calculation.</p>
+
+<p>Under such circumstances, where the Receiver is in reality the
+greatest offender, and even the source from whence most of the
+burglaries and highway robberies have their origin, the Thief being
+not seldom his pupil&mdash;<i>Why should not the Receipt of Stolen Goods be
+made an original offence?<a name="FNanchor_79_79" id="FNanchor_79_79"></a><a href="#Footnote_79_79" class="fnanchor">[79]</a>&mdash;Why should not the rewards for
+detection, and the punishment on conviction, be the same, in the case
+both of the Receiver and the Thief?</i></p>
+
+<p>In contemplating the best means of preventing depredations upon the
+public, the simplest and perhaps the most effectual mode would be to
+<i>make a stand at this particular point</i>; by bending the attention
+<i>wholly</i> to the means of destroying effectually <i>the trade of
+Receiving stolen goods</i>; under the fullest conviction that by
+accomplishing so valuable a purpose, thieving and swindling in all its
+branches would also be, in a great measure, destroyed.</p>
+
+<p>It is believed, that this object (difficult as it may appear) is
+attainable, by well digested applicable laws, containing and enforcing
+such regulations as would ensure a full and energetic execution.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_303" id="Page_303">-303-</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The importance of a measure of this kind is so immense, that if even a
+considerable part of one Session of Parliament were employed in
+devising and legalizing a proper System, it would be time well and
+usefully spent for the benefit of the Country.</p>
+
+<p>The obvious means of remedy seem to lie within a narrow compass. The
+first point to be obtained is the <i>Licensing</i> all those dealers (some
+of them already particularized in pages <a href="#Page_292">292</a>, <a href="#Page_293">293</a>), whose various
+branches of trade are friendly to the encouragement of depredations;
+and the putting them under the control of the <i>Central Board of
+Police</i>, in the manner stated more fully in the concluding part of
+this Work.&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>The next step must be to consolidate and improve the Laws now in
+being, relative to <i>Receivers of stolen goods</i>; by an arrangement
+which shall render the whole <i>clear</i> and <i>explicit</i>, and applicable to
+all the evils which have been felt to exist.</p>
+
+<p>And lastly to make the following additions to these Laws:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"1. To make the receiving stolen goods an <i>original
+offence</i>; punishable in the same manner, in all cases, as
+the principal felony is punishable by Law.</p>
+
+<p>"2. The offence of receiving <i>money, bank notes, horses,
+cattle, poultry</i>, or <i>any matter</i> or thing whatsoever, to be
+the same as receiving goods and chattels.</p>
+
+<p>"3. The persons committing any felony or larceny to be
+competent to give evidence against the Re<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_304" id="Page_304">-304-</a></span>ceiver, and <i>vice
+versa</i>; Provided that the testimony and evidence of such
+Principal Felon against the Receiver, or the evidence of the
+Receiver against the Principal Felon, shall not be of itself
+sufficient to convict, without other concurrent evidence:
+and that the offenders so giving evidence shall be entitled
+to his Majesty's pardon, and also to a reward of from 10<i>l.</i>
+to 50<i>l.</i> as hereafter mentioned; unless they shall be found
+guilty of wilful and corrupt perjury.&mdash;<i>By this means the
+Thief will be set against the Receiver, and the Receiver
+against the Thief.</i></p>
+
+<p>"4. That rewards be paid for the detection and apprehension
+of Receivers as well as Thieves, in all cases whatsoever,
+according to the discretion of the Judge; <i>whether there
+shall be a conviction or not</i>; which reward shall not be
+less than <i>ten</i> and may extend to <i>fifty pounds</i>.</p>
+
+<p>"5. That the various classes of dealers to be licensed shall
+enter into recognizance for their good behaviour: and that
+no licences be granted to persons having been convicted of
+felony or perjury, nor to any but such as can obtain and
+produce a certificate of good character.</p>
+
+<p>"6. That all such licensed dealers, as also <i>Publicans</i>,
+<i>Pawnbrokers</i>, &amp;c. shall be subject to a penalty for
+concealing any stolen goods which may come into their
+possession, after the same are advertised;&mdash;or punished with
+transportation, if it can be made appear that such goods
+were purchased at an under value, being known to be stolen.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_305" id="Page_305">-305-</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"7. That all drivers of Hackney-Coaches, employed to take
+fares after twelve o'clock at night, shall be licensed by
+the Magistrates of the division; and shall enter into
+recognizance for their good behaviour, themselves and one
+surety in 50<i>l.</i> at least; and that every such coachman
+shall be obliged, whenever he carries any goods or
+valuables, to make a report of the same, on the following
+morning, to the Magistrate of his district, if no suspicion
+arises as to any improper or felonious intention; but in all
+cases where a felonious intention shall appear, the coachman
+to be authorized and required to call the assistance of the
+watchmen and patroles, and to seize and apprehend the
+parties, and lodge them and the goods in the nearest
+watch-house; there to be kept until brought before a
+justice, at the Public-Office of the district, on the
+following morning: And although it may ultimately appear
+that the coachman was mistaken and the parties innocent, yet
+where it shall be manifest to the Justice that he hath acted
+<i>bona fide</i>, he shall not be liable to any prosecution:<a name="FNanchor_80_80" id="FNanchor_80_80"></a><a href="#Footnote_80_80" class="fnanchor">[80]</a>
+and if it shall appear that the goods so conveyed <i>were</i>
+stolen property, then the coachman shall be entitled,
+whether a conviction shall follow or not, to a reward of
+<i>two guineas</i>; and in all cases where a prosecution shall
+follow, he shall be entitled to such further reward as the
+Court shall think proper.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_306" id="Page_306">-306-</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"8. That all watchmen or patroles who shall appear upon
+proper proof to connive at the commission of felonies<a name="FNanchor_81_81" id="FNanchor_81_81"></a><a href="#Footnote_81_81" class="fnanchor">[81]</a> in
+the night time, or while they are on duty; or shall
+knowingly conceal any felonious removal of stolen goods, or
+goods suspected to be stolen, and conveying to Receivers'
+houses, shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and liable
+to be <i>imprisoned</i>, <i>whipt</i>, or <i>put in the pillory</i>.&mdash;And
+in <i>all cases</i> where such watchmen or patroles shall observe
+any goods or other articles conveyed in Hackney-coaches, or
+in any other manner, while they are upon duty, from one
+place to another, they shall report the same to the Justices
+at the nearest Public Office, in the morning: But if they
+shall have good grounds to suspect a felonious intention,
+and that the property is stolen, the goods and all the
+parties concerned shall be conveyed to the nearest
+watch-house, for the purpose of being brought before a
+Magistrate; and such watchmen (acting <i>bona fide</i>) shall not
+be liable to any prosecution in case of a mistake; and if a
+felony shall have been actually committed, they shall each
+be entitled to one guinea, besides their proportion of any
+future reward which may be<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_307" id="Page_307">-307-</a></span> ordered by the Court who shall
+try the offenders.<a name="FNanchor_82_82" id="FNanchor_82_82"></a><a href="#Footnote_82_82" class="fnanchor">[82]</a>"</p>
+</div>
+
+<p>In the formation of such a System, it is absolutely necessary that
+care should be taken to secure a <i>regular</i> and perfect <i>execution</i>, by
+means of a proper superintendance and inspection:&mdash;without this, the
+best laws will remain a <i>dead letter</i>.&mdash;Such has, in fact, been the
+case in a great measure with respect to several of the very excellent
+Statutes, now in force, relative to Receivers of stolen Goods; and
+such also would be the case with regard to the laws relative to the
+<i>Revenue</i>, if a System had not been established to secure their
+execution.</p>
+
+<p>If it be allowed that the prevention of crimes is at least of as much
+importance to Society, as any consideration connected with partial
+revenue:&mdash;if experience has shewn that, after the skill and ingenuity
+of the ablest lawyers and the most profound thinkers have been
+exhausted in framing laws to meet offences, which are daily committed;
+these offences are progressively increasing:&mdash;Is it not clear to
+demonstration, that some <i>active principle</i> is wanting, which does not
+at present exist, for the purpose of rendering these laws effectual?</p>
+
+<p>This principle of activity is, (it is humbly apprehended,) only to be
+established by the introduction of such a System of <i>regulation</i>, as
+shall attach to all classes of dealers, who, in their intercourse
+with<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_308" id="Page_308">-308-</a></span> Society, are in the train of encouraging either directly or
+collaterally, transactions of <i>an immoral</i>, <i>a fraudulent</i>, or a
+<i>mischievous nature</i>.</p>
+
+<p>The idea is not new in the System of jurisprudence of the
+country;&mdash;Publicans have long been under regulations prescribed by
+Magistrates; Pawnbrokers also have been of late years regulated to a
+certain extent by Statute.&mdash;Let the same principle be extended to the
+other dealers alluded to; and let the Legislature, profiting by that
+experience which has manifested the cause of the inefficacy of a vast
+number of penal Statutes, establish such a system of <i>regulation</i>,
+<i>inspection</i>, and <i>superintendance</i>, as will insure to the Public the
+full benefits arising from good laws, administered with activity,
+purity, and discretion.</p>
+
+<p>Nothing can evince in a greater degree the necessity of <i>inspecting</i>
+the execution of all <i>laws of regulation</i> where the well-being of
+Society is concerned, than the abuses which occur with regard to the
+two classes just mentioned, namely, Public-houses and
+Pawnbrokers.&mdash;Many excellent rules are established by the Legislature,
+and the Magistrates; but while it is seldom the interest of the
+depraved or dishonest part of these two classes to adhere to such
+rules, by what means is the execution to be insured, so as to operate
+as a complete protection to the Public?&mdash;surely not by the operation
+of the law through the medium of common informers; since independent
+of the invidious nature of the office, experience has<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_309" id="Page_309">-309-</a></span> shewn that the
+public good rarely enters into the consideration of persons of this
+description; who look merely to their own emolument, frequently
+holding up the penalties as a rod by which money is privately
+extorted, and the parties laid under contribution, for the purpose of
+allowing them to continue in the practice of those abuses, which the
+engine used for this nefarious purpose was meant to prevent.</p>
+
+<p>The System of Inspection, thus strongly and repeatedly recommended,
+while it remedied these corrupt practices, by preventing the existence
+of the evil, could only be disagreeable to <i>Fraudulent Dealers</i>.</p>
+
+<p>The honest and fair Tradesmen, as things are at present circumstanced,
+are by no means on an equal footing with men who carry on business by
+fraudulent devices.&mdash;Such fair traders who have nothing to dread,
+would therefore rejoice at the System of inspection which is proposed,
+and would submit to it cheerfully; as having an immediate tendency to
+shield them from fraudulent competition, and to protect the Public
+against knavery and dishonesty.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_310" id="Page_310">-310-</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAP_XI" id="CHAP_XI"></a><span class="gesperrt">CHAP.</span> XI.</h2>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p><i>The prominent Causes of the increase of Crimes reviewed and
+considered:&mdash;Imputable in the first instance to deficient
+Laws and an ill-regulated Police:&mdash;To the unfortunate habits
+of the lower orders of the People in feeding their families
+in Ale-houses.&mdash;To the bad and immoral Education of
+Apprentices.&mdash;To the number of individuals broke down by
+misfortunes arising from want of Industry.&mdash;To idle and
+profligate Menial Servants out of place.&mdash;To the deplorable
+state of the lower orders of the Jews of the Dutch and
+German Synagogue.&mdash;To the depraved morals of Aquatic
+Labourers.&mdash;To the Dealers in old Metals&mdash;Second-hand Ships'
+Stores&mdash;Rags&mdash;Old Furniture&mdash;Old Building Materials&mdash;Old
+Apparel: and Cart-keepers for removing these articles.&mdash;To
+disreputable Pawnbrokers.&mdash;And finally to ill-regulated
+Public-houses, and to the Superabundance of these
+receptacles of idleness and vice.&mdash;Concluding Reflections on
+the evils to the State and the Individual, which arise from
+the excesses of the Labouring People.</i></p></div>
+
+<hr class="dbl1" />
+<hr class="dbl2" />
+
+<p><span class="cap">I</span>N contemplating the mass of turpitude which is developed in the
+preceding Chapters, and which exhibit afflicted Society, groaning
+under a pressure of evils and Public wrongs, which, but for the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_311" id="Page_311">-311-</a></span>
+different views which have been taken of the subject, could not have
+been conceived to exist; it may be truly affirmed in the first
+instance, that much is to be imputed to deficient and ill-executed
+Laws, arising chiefly from the want of a proper System of Police.</p>
+
+<p>Offences of every description have their origin in the vicious and
+immoral habits of the people, and in the facilities which the state of
+manners and society, particularly in vulgar life, afford in generating
+vicious and bad habits.</p>
+
+<p>In tracing the progress of those habits which are peculiar to the
+lower orders of the Community in this great Metropolis, from infancy
+to the adult state, the cause will be at once discovered, why that
+<i>almost universal</i> profligacy prevails, which, by being productive of
+so much evil to the unfortunate Individuals as well as the Community
+at large, cannot be sufficiently deplored.</p>
+
+<p>Before a child is perhaps able to lisp a sentence, it is carried by
+its ill-fated mother to the tap-room of an ale-house;<a name="FNanchor_83_83" id="FNanchor_83_83"></a><a href="#Footnote_83_83" class="fnanchor">[83]</a> in which are
+assembled multitudes of low company, many of whom have been perhaps
+reared in the same manner. The vilest and most profane and polluted
+language, accompanied by oaths and imprecations, is uttered in these
+haunts of idleness and dissipation.&mdash;Children follow their parents
+during their progress to maturity, and are al<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_312" id="Page_312">-312-</a></span>most the constant
+witnesses of their besotted courses.&mdash;Reduced, from their unfortunate
+habits, to the necessity of occupying a miserable half furnished
+lodging from week to week, there is no comfort at home.&mdash;No knowledge
+of frugal cookery exists, by which a nourishing and palatable meal can
+be provided, and frequently a sufficiency of fuel for that purpose is
+not accessible.&mdash;A succedaneum is found in the ale-house at three
+times the expence.&mdash;A common fire is provided for the guests,
+calculated to convey that warmth which could not be obtained at home;
+and food<a name="FNanchor_84_84" id="FNanchor_84_84"></a><a href="#Footnote_84_84" class="fnanchor">[84]</a> and liquor is furnished at an expence which too seldom
+leaves any part of the weekly earning for cloathing, and none at all
+for education.&mdash;In this manner is a large proportion of what may be
+denominated the lowest classes of the people reared in the
+Metropolis;<a name="FNanchor_85_85" id="FNanchor_85_85"></a><a href="#Footnote_85_85" class="fnanchor">[85]</a> and the result is, that while<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_313" id="Page_313">-313-</a></span> many of the adults are
+lost to the state by premature death, from sottishness and
+irregularity, not a few of their offspring are never raised to
+manhood: But this is not all:&mdash;when by means of strong constitutions,
+they survive the shocks which nature has sustained in its progress to
+maturity under the influence of habits so exceedingly depraved, they
+are restrained by no principle of morality or religion,<a name="FNanchor_86_86" id="FNanchor_86_86"></a><a href="#Footnote_86_86" class="fnanchor">[86]</a> (for<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_314" id="Page_314">-314-</a></span> they
+know nothing of either,) and only wait for opportunities, to plunge
+into every excess and every crime.</p>
+
+<p>Profligate and depraved as the lower orders of the People appear to
+have been for several centuries in this great Metropolis, it would
+seem that the practice of married females resorting to Public-houses,
+and mixing generally in tap-rooms with the idle and dissolute, is an
+evil habit of a very modern date; for the period is not even too
+remote to be recollected, since it was considered as disgraceful for
+Females who pretended to any degree of modesty to be seen in a
+Public-house.&mdash;It is however now to be lamented that the obloquy of
+thus exposing themselves has as little influence, as the rude and
+obscene language they uniformly hear uttered.</p>
+
+<p><i>Another cause</i> of the increase of crimes, may be traced to the bad
+and immoral education of Apprentices to Mechanical employments.</p>
+
+<p>Although many of their Masters may not be, and certainly are not,
+composed of the class whose manners have just been depicted, yet their
+habits lead them too generally to Public-houses, where no
+inconsiderable proportion of their earnings are expended;&mdash;where low
+gaming is introduced, producing ruin and distress to many families
+even among the inferior<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_315" id="Page_315">-315-</a></span> ranks, who might otherwise have moved through
+life with credit and reputation.</p>
+
+<p>The force of such an example on young minds is obvious.&mdash;No sooner
+does an apprentice advance towards the last year of his time than he
+thinks it incumbent upon him to follow the example of his master, by
+learning to <i>smoke</i>.&mdash;This accomplishment acquired (according to his
+conception), he is a fit associate for those who frequent
+Public-houses. He resorts at first to those of a lower class, to avoid
+his master or his relations.&mdash;There he meets with depraved company;
+while he conceives he is following only the example of those whose
+manners and habits he has been taught, by example, to imitate, he is
+insensibly ensnared.&mdash;Having arrived at the age of puberty, and
+meeting profligate females in those haunts of idleness, his passions
+become inflamed.&mdash;The force of evil example overpowers him.&mdash;He too
+becomes depraved.&mdash;Money must be procured to administer to the new
+wants which are generated by depravity.&mdash;Aided by the facilities held
+out by Old Iron Shops, he pilfers from his master to supply those
+wants, or associates himself with Thieves, whose acquaintance he made
+in progress of his seduction.<a name="FNanchor_87_87" id="FNanchor_87_87"></a><a href="#Footnote_87_87" class="fnanchor">[87]</a></p>
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_316" id="Page_316">-316-</a></span></p>
+<p>Under the circumstances thus stated, where so many temptations assail
+the young and inexperienced, the transition from innocence to guilt is
+easy to be conceived.&mdash;And in a Metropolis where there are seldom
+fewer than 150,000 apprentices bound to mechanical employments, the
+crimes which spring from this source must be very extensive.&mdash;That
+there are, however, many good and virtuous young men among the class
+of apprentices, who, from a better education, or being under the
+control of reputable masters, and attentive parents, escape the snare,
+or resist these temptations, is <i>certain</i>; and fortunate too for the
+best interests of Society. It is to be lamented, however, that the
+major part, and particularly parish apprentices, have not always these
+advantages; and hence it is that so many become disorderly, and
+require the interference of legal authority and punishment for the
+purpose of compelling obedience and good conduct.<a name="FNanchor_88_88" id="FNanchor_88_88"></a><a href="#Footnote_88_88" class="fnanchor">[88]</a></p>
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_317" id="Page_317">-317-</a></span></p>
+<p><i>Another cause</i> of the increase of crimes, arises from the number of
+individuals in various occupations among the lower and middling ranks
+of life, (and which must naturally be expected in a large Metropolis)
+who, from their own mismanagement and want of industry, or attention
+to their business, are suddenly broke down, and in some degree
+excluded from the regular intercourse with Society. Unable to find
+employment, from want of character, or want of friends, with constant
+demands upon them for the means of subsistence to themselves and
+families, they resort to Public-houses, under the influence of
+despondency, or to kill time which hangs heavy upon them.</p>
+
+<p>In these haunts of depravity they meet persons who perhaps have been
+in the like circumstances; but who have resorted to illegal Lottery
+Insurances,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_318" id="Page_318">-318-</a></span> and other swindling devices for subsistence, under whose
+banners they inlist; and thus strengthen the phalanx of low gamblers,
+swindlers, and cheats, whose various pursuits have been developed in
+this Work.&mdash;From one vice to another the transition is easy when the
+mind becomes depraved, and the pursuits which are ultimately followed,
+depend in a considerable degree on the persons with whom this class of
+men associate.&mdash;If at the low gaming-houses, to which from idle habits
+they are led to resort, they meet with highwaymen and footpads, they
+are easily persuaded to become associates in their iniquitous
+pursuits; or if in the wide range of their acquaintance, by living
+chiefly in Public-houses, they become acquainted with venders of base
+money, they enter with equal facility into their views, as a means of
+supplying their pecuniary wants.</p>
+
+<p>In cases where they have been bred to ingenious mechanical
+employments, they embrace, wherever a proper opportunity offers, such
+propositions as may be made them, to become forgers of Bank Bills and
+Notes, and Coiners of Counterfeit Money.</p>
+
+<p>Such is the lamentable progress of vice in the human mind, that by
+degrees it embraces eagerly what could not have been indured at the
+commencement of the career.</p>
+
+<p><i>Another cause</i> of the increase of Crimes in the Metropolis and its
+environs, may be traced to the situation of idle and profligate menial
+servants out of place, and destitute of the means of obtaining
+situa<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_319" id="Page_319">-319-</a></span>tions from the loss of character.&mdash;These too, seek for resources
+in Public-houses, where they soon become the associates of Thieves,
+Pickpockets, Burglars, and Highwaymen; and it is believed to be
+chiefly from this class, particularly <i>Riding Footmen</i>, and
+<i>Postillions</i>, that the corps of Highway Robbers is constantly
+recruited.&mdash;While others less skilled in horsemanship become Footpads,
+Burglars, and Pickpockets.</p>
+
+<p>With the major part of this class the transition is easy&mdash;depravity
+had previously taken hold of their minds&mdash;every other resource has
+failed them, and to this they resort, as soon as they can find means,
+to enlist in any gang that will receive them, where, to those who
+confine themselves chiefly to burglaries, their knowledge of the
+interior of the houses of their former masters, and their probable
+acquaintance with some of the female servants, will be a considerable
+recommendation, and even a ground of seduction.</p>
+
+<p><i>Another Cause</i>, and no inconsiderable one, of the progress and
+increase of crimes may be developed, by contemplating the deplorable
+state and condition of the lower order of the Jews in the Metropolis,
+who are of the Society of the Dutch Synagogue.<a name="FNanchor_89_89" id="FNanchor_89_89"></a><a href="#Footnote_89_89" class="fnanchor">[89]</a><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_320" id="Page_320">-320-</a></span>&mdash;Totally without
+education, and very seldom trained to any trade or occupation by which
+they can earn<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_321" id="Page_321">-321-</a></span> their livelihood by manual labour:&mdash;their youths
+excluded from becoming apprentices, and their females from hiring
+themselves generally as servants, on account of the superstitious
+adherence to the mere ceremonial of their persuasion, as it respects
+meat not killed by Jews, nothing can exceed their melancholy
+condition, both with regard to themselves and Society. Thus excluded
+from these resources, which other classes of the Community possess,
+they seem to have no alternative but to resort to those tricks and
+devices, which ingenuity suggests, to enable persons without an honest
+means of subsistence to live in idleness.</p>
+
+<p>The habits they thus acquire are the most mischievous and noxious to
+the Community that can be conceived.&mdash;Having connexions wherever the
+Dock-yards are situated, as well as in several other large trading
+towns in the Kingdom, they become in many respects the medium through
+which stolen goods are conveyed to and from the Metropolis; and as
+their existence depends on this nefarious traffick, they keep alive a
+System of Fraud and Depredation which, perhaps, is generated in a
+greater degree by their peculiar situation in respect to Society, than
+by any actual disposition on their parts to pursue these nefarious
+practices.</p>
+
+<p>Even the system of supporting the poor of this Community, by lending
+them small sums of money by which they may support themselves by a
+species of petty traffick, contributes in no small degree to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_322" id="Page_322">-322-</a></span> the
+commission of crimes; since in order to render it productive to an
+extent equal to the wants of families who do not acquire any material
+aid by manual labour, they are induced to resort to unlawful means by
+dealing in stolen goods and in counterfeit money, by which they become
+public nuisances in the Countries where they receive an asylum.</p>
+
+<p>As there appears in reality to be no distinction made by the rational
+part of the Jewish persuasion, between the Portuguese and the Dutch
+Synagogues, it is earnestly to be hoped that the opulent and
+respectable of the former Community will lend a helping hand in
+devising some means of rescuing this part of the Nation of the Jews
+who reside in England, from the reproach, which it is to be feared,
+has been too justly cast upon them. Policy dictates the measure, while
+humanity ardently pleads for it.&mdash;In so good a work every man of
+feeling, be his religious persuasion what it may, will join in
+promoting and carrying into effect a measure so beneficial to the
+Community at large, by devising some means to render their labour
+productive; since it is clear to demonstration that to the idle habits
+of this numerous class of people, is to be ascribed a considerable
+proportion of the petty crimes, as well as some of the more atrocious
+offences by which the Metropolis and the Country is afflicted.</p>
+
+<p><i>Another cause</i> of the increase and multiplication of crimes has
+arisen from the depraved morals of the Aquatic labourers and others,
+employed on the wharfs and quays, and in ships, vessels, and craft,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_323" id="Page_323">-323-</a></span>
+upon the River Thames; and from the want, <i>until lately</i>, of an
+appropriate Preventive System to check these depredations.</p>
+
+<p>The analogy between actual pillage and smuggling in the conception of
+nautical labourers, and the uncontrolled habit of plunder which too
+long existed, trained up myriads of delinquents who affixed in their
+minds no degree of moral turpitude to the offence; which of course
+extended itself both with respect to Commercial and Public Property
+beyond all bounds, until a remedy was imperiously called for, and at
+length applied by means of an experimental System of Police applicable
+to that object.</p>
+
+<p><i>Another cause, and certainly none of the least</i>, which has tended to
+facilitate the commission of crimes, has been the want of a proper
+control over persons of loose conduct and dishonest habits, who have
+opened shops for the purchase and sale of <i>Old iron</i>, and <i>other
+metals&mdash;Old stores&mdash;Rags&mdash;Old furniture&mdash;Old building materials, and
+second-hand wearing apparel, and other goods</i>;&mdash;and <i>also
+cart-keepers</i> for the collection and removal of these articles from
+place to place.</p>
+
+<p>The easy and concealed mode of disposing of pilfered articles, through
+the medium of these receptacles, has tended more to the corruption of
+the morals of youth, and to the multiplication of crimes, than it is
+possible to conceive; nor has the mode of Licensing <i>Pawnbrokers</i>,
+without a due regard to character and a more effectual control, been
+in many respects less mischievous to the Community.&mdash;To<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_324" id="Page_324">-324-</a></span> the reputable
+part of this class of dealers it is degrading and even cruel that the
+reproach and stigma, arising from the nefarious practices of the
+fraudulent, should unavoidably in the public mind, attach upon those
+that are blameless, and fair in their dealings.&mdash;While the law admits
+of no power of discrimination, and no means of excluding improper
+characters exist, the evil must continue; and while it remains on the
+present footing, it must also be considered as no inconsiderable
+medium, by which both petty and more atrocious crimes are produced.</p>
+
+<p><i>But perhaps the greatest source of delinquency and crimes is to be
+ascribed to ill-regulated Public Houses</i>, conducted by men of loose
+conduct and depraved morals&mdash;Since it is in these receptacles that the
+corruption of morals originates.&mdash;It is here that the minds of youth
+are contaminated, and the conspiracies for the purpose of committing
+frauds and depredations on the Public formed and facilitated.</p>
+
+<p>A disorderly and ill-regulated Public-house, therefore, is one of the
+greatest nuisances that can exist in civil Society.&mdash;Innumerable are
+the temptations which are to be found in these haunts of idleness to
+seduce the innocent, and to increase the resources of the
+evil-disposed to do mischief.</p>
+
+<p>Whatever tends to promote vice and dissipation, whether arising from
+low gaming, by means of cards, dice, dominós, shuffleboard, and other
+sedentary games; or fraudulent insurances in the lottery, calculated
+to fascinate and seduce the unwary, and to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_325" id="Page_325">-325-</a></span> poison the minds of all
+ranks in the humble walks of vulgar life, is here to be found; in
+spite of every laudable precaution, exercised by Magistrates, under
+the present System of Police applicable to this object.&mdash;Even
+Prostitutes of the lowest cast are not seldom introduced, where the
+gains of the landlord are thereby to be promoted.</p>
+
+<p>It is in these receptacles that Thieves and Robbers of every
+description hold their orgies, and concert and mature their plans of
+depredation on the peaceful Subject; and here too it not unfrequently
+happens, that their booty is deposited and concealed.</p>
+
+<p>It is here also that markets are held for the sale of Base Money,
+where every facility is afforded for the purpose of concealment, and
+assistance in escaping justice.</p>
+
+<p>In fact, there is scarce any moral evil by which <i>Society is
+afflicted&mdash;the mind debauched&mdash;the virtuous parent</i> and <i>master
+distressed</i>, and the <i>ruin of families and individuals affected</i>,
+which is not generated in Public-houses.</p>
+
+<p>At present, in the Metropolis and its environs, there are at least
+five thousand of these receptacles, of which it is computed that about
+one thousand change tenants from once to three times a year.&mdash;Hence it
+follows that not less than two thousand individuals are in a floating
+state, either from one Public-house to another, or perhaps, more
+frequently, from the Alehouse to a Gaol.</p>
+
+<p>When a depraved character loses his licence in one division of the
+Metropolis, he generally finds<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_326" id="Page_326">-326-</a></span> means to obtain admission in another
+where he is not known. The separation of jurisdictions without a
+centre point, and the numerous changes which are constantly taking
+place, preclude the possibility of detection; while the facility, with
+which the worst characters obtain the certificates required by law,
+(which are too often signed, without the least previous inquiry, by
+the Clergyman and Parish Officers as a matter of course,) enable them
+to effect their purpose; and such houses being generally of the
+inferior class in point of trade, every species of disorder is
+permitted for the purpose of obtaining custom. This is soon discovered
+by those who have criminal objects in view; and to such houses they
+generally resort, where it has sometimes been discovered that the
+Landlord himself belongs to the gang; <i>and</i> that he has become a
+Publican the better to facilitate its designs. That the Ale-houses are
+yet by far too numerous, is incontestibly proved by the frequent
+changes which take place in so large a proportion in the course of a
+year, while the irregularities which prevail render it equally clear
+that a more general control is necessary to prevent the mischiefs
+which have been detailed.</p>
+
+<p>It is chiefly in houses where the trade is inadequate to the support
+of the establishment that the greatest disorders prevail, as in such
+cases every lure is held out to invite customers, and to entice them
+to expend money.&mdash;And in return for this, where the Landlord is not
+himself of the fraternity of Thieves or Receivers, he is induced at
+least to afford them his assistance, as a medium of concealment.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_327" id="Page_327">-327-</a></span></p>
+
+<p>If a plan could be devised, with equal advantage to the Revenue, by
+the introduction of more innocent and less noxious gratifications,
+whereby the lower ranks of the people could be gradually led into
+better habits, much benefit would arise to the State, both with
+respect to health and morals.</p>
+
+<p>The quantity of Beer, Porter, Gin, and Compounds, which is sold in
+Public-houses in the Metropolis and its environs, has been estimated,
+after bestowing considerable pains in forming a calculation, at nearly
+3,300,000<i>l.</i> a year.<a name="FNanchor_90_90" id="FNanchor_90_90"></a><a href="#Footnote_90_90" class="fnanchor">[90]</a></p>
+
+<p>This immense sum, equal to double the Revenue of some of the Kingdoms
+and States of Europe, independent of other evil consequences in
+producing indigence and promoting crimes, must in a certain degree
+debilitate manhood&mdash;in lessening the powers of animal life, and in
+shortening its duration long before the period arrives, when an<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_328" id="Page_328">-328-</a></span> adult
+ceases to contribute by his labours to the resources of the State. In
+this point of view, independent of considerations of a moral tendency,
+and of all the other train of evils which have been detailed, it would
+seem of importance, as a political measure, to check the growing
+propensity to consume a greater quantity of Porter, Beer, and ardent
+Spirits, than is necessary to health.&mdash;To the State, indeed, it
+creates a Revenue; but it is a Revenue too dearly purchased if it
+wastes the human species&mdash;if it deprives the nation, prematurely, of
+the benefit of their labour, and occasions infinitely greater
+pecuniary pressures in the support of an indigent and helpless
+offspring, who must be reared again to manhood at the expence of the
+Public; not to speak of the grain, labour, fuel, &amp;c. unnecessarily
+consumed in creating this poison to the health, the morals, and
+comforts of the poor.<a name="FNanchor_91_91" id="FNanchor_91_91"></a><a href="#Footnote_91_91" class="fnanchor">[91]</a>&mdash;However unpopular it may appear in the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_329" id="Page_329">-329-</a></span>
+view of those who have not fully considered the subject, it may be
+clearly demonstrated that a triple duty on Malt Spirits, and a much
+higher duty on Strong Beer and Porter would be an act of the greatest
+humanity on the part of the Legislature.&mdash;The present Revenue might
+thus be secured, while that which is even of more importance to a
+State than any other consideration would be preserved&mdash;<i>the health and
+morals of the labouring people</i>. It is a mistaken notion, that a very
+large quantity of Malt Liquor is necessary to support labourers of any
+description.&mdash;After a certain moderate quantity is drank, it enervates
+the body, and stupefies the senses.&mdash;A Coal-heaver who drinks from 12
+to 16 pots of Porter in the course of a day, would receive more real
+nourishment, and perform his labour with more ease and a greater
+portion of athletic strength, if only one-third of the quantity were
+consumed. He would also enjoy better health, and be fitter for his
+labour the following day. On a supposition that the excesses in which
+perhaps 200,000 of the labouring people in the Metropolis <i>indulge</i>,
+shortens the natural period of their existence only five years each on
+an average, the labour of one million of years is lost in the lives<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_330" id="Page_330">-330-</a></span>
+of this class of men, after the expence is incurred in rearing them to
+maturity, which, during a period of 36 years of adult labour, at
+25<i>l.</i> a year, establishes a deficiency to the Community of
+<i>Twenty-five Millions sterling</i>: independent of the numerous other
+train of evils, which arise to a nation from idle, dissolute and
+immoral habits, by which the rising generation is contaminated, and
+great inconvenience imposed on the innocent and peaceful subject, from
+the increase of crimes which are generated through this medium.</p>
+
+<p>It is to be lamented, that in pursuing this subject, new sources
+giving origin and progress to crimes press upon the mind in the course
+of the inquiry. To the catalogue already detailed may be added,
+<i>Gaming-Houses</i> of every description, particularly <i>houses of the
+lower cast</i>; but as this subject has been very fully handled in a
+<a href="#CHAP_VI">preceding Chapter</a>, it will be unnecessary to do more than place it in
+the general list of causes, which have contributed exceedingly to the
+evils, which have afflicted Society in this Metropolis, and which can
+only be remedied by a <i>Responsible Police</i>, attaching particularly
+upon this baneful propensity by appropriate regulations.</p>
+
+<p>Next to Gaming, Illicit Trade or Smuggling may be mentioned as a very
+productive source of criminality. The vast extent of the Trade and
+Revenues of the Country; its insular situation, and the temptations
+arising from the magnitude of the duties, contribute exceedingly to
+the corruption of morals, not only of these engaged in illicit
+pursuits, but it is to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_331" id="Page_331">-331-</a></span> be lamented also of the inferior officers
+themselves, whose duty it is to prevent this evil.</p>
+
+<p>Severe and pointed as the laws unquestionably are with an immediate
+view to the prevention of this evil, experience proves how ineffectual
+they have been, since every idle and profligate character becomes a
+smuggler. But it is not merely the offence of smuggling as it relates
+to the revenue, which is to be deplored as a grievance to the Public,
+since those on the Sea Coasts of the kingdom, concerned in such
+pursuits, are generally of ferocious habits, which produce such
+excesses and depredations upon the unfortunate, when suffering the
+calamity of shipwreck, as would disgrace the rudest savages.</p>
+
+<p>With contaminated minds, depraved hearts, men given up to such warfare
+upon helpless humanity, become fit instruments for every species of
+criminality.&mdash;<i>Vagabonds by trade</i>, the transition from one offence to
+another is easy, and hence through this medium many culprits are added
+to the general catalogue of delinquency, which nothing can check or
+prevent but a System of Police, attaching responsibility <i>some-where
+instead of no-where as at present</i>.</p>
+
+<p>Crimes are also generated in no inconsiderable degree, by the evil
+examples exhibited in <i>Prisons</i>, and by the length of time persons
+charged with offences are suffered to remain in gaols previous to
+their trial, particularly in the counties adjoining the Metropolis,
+where they frequently are in confinement five and six months before
+the assizes.&mdash;If they were novices in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_332" id="Page_332">-332-</a></span> villainy before, the education
+they receive in these seminaries, in the event of their escaping
+justice, returns them upon society, completely proselyted and
+instructed in the arts of mischief and depredation.</p>
+
+<p>Nor have the unequal scale of punishments, and the ultimate
+unconditional pardons, dictated no doubt by the purest motives of
+humanity, a less tendency to generate new crimes. Encouraged by the
+chances of escaping free, <i>even after conviction</i>, many delinquents
+pursue their evil courses, trusting ultimately to this resource, if
+other devices shall fail.</p>
+
+<p>To shew mankind that crimes are sometimes wholly pardoned, and that
+punishment is not the necessary consequence, is to nourish the
+flattering hope of impunity, and is the cause of their considering
+every punishment which is actually inflicted, as an act of injustice
+and oppression.</p>
+
+<p>Let the Legislator be <i>tender</i>, <i>indulgent</i>, and <i>humane</i>; but let the
+Executors of the Laws be inexorable in punishing;&mdash;at least to a
+certain extent.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_333" id="Page_333">-333-</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAP_XII" id="CHAP_XII"></a><span class="gesperrt">CHAP.</span> XII.</h2>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p><i>The Consideration of the causes of the progress and
+increase of Crimes pursued.&mdash;The condition of the unhappy
+Females, who support themselves by Prostitution&mdash;Their
+pitiable Case.&mdash;The progress from Innocence to Profligacy
+explained.&mdash;The morals of Youth corrupted by the multitudes
+of Prostitutes in the streets.&mdash;These temptations excite
+desires which suggest undue means of obtaining
+money.&mdash;Apprentices and Clerks are seduced&mdash;Masters are
+robbed&mdash;Parents are afflicted.&mdash;The miserable consequences
+of Prostitution explained.&mdash;The impossibility of preventing
+its existence in a great Metropolis.&mdash;The propriety of
+lessening the Evil:&mdash;By stripping it of its indecency and
+much of its immoral tendency.&mdash;The shocking indecency which
+has lately been suffered by Prostitutes at the
+Theatres.&mdash;The number of Prostitutes in the Metropolis
+estimated&mdash;Suggestions for rendering the consequences
+arising from Female Prostitution less noxious to
+Society.&mdash;The advantages of the measure in reducing the mass
+of turpitude.&mdash;Reasons offered why the interests of Morality
+and Religion will be promoted by prescribing Rules with
+respect to Prostitutes.&mdash;The example of Holland, Italy, and
+the East Indies quoted.&mdash;Strictures on the offensive manners
+of the Company who frequent Public Gardens:&mdash;Imputable to
+the want of a proper Police.&mdash;Tea Gardens under a proper
+Police might<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_334" id="Page_334">-334-</a></span> be rendered beneficial to the State.&mdash;The
+Ballad Singers might also be rendered instruments in giving
+a right turn to the minds of the Vulgar.&mdash;Crimes generated
+by immoral Books and Songs.&mdash;Responsibility as it relates to
+the execution of the Laws rests no where at present.&mdash;The
+nature and advantages of the Police System explained.</i></p></div>
+
+<hr class="dbl1" />
+<hr class="dbl2" />
+
+<p><span class="cap">I</span>N addition to the prominent causes, which contribute to the origin
+and the increase of crimes, which have been developed in the <a href="#CHAP_XI">preceding
+Chapter</a>, there are other sources of a minor nature still to be traced,
+from which infinite evils to the Community spring.</p>
+
+<p>Among these the most important is, the state and condition of the
+unhappy Females, who support themselves by Prostitution in this great
+Metropolis.</p>
+
+<p>In contemplating their case, it is impossible to avoid dropping a tear
+of pity.&mdash;Many of them perhaps originally seduced from a state of
+innocence, while they were the joy and comfort of their unhappy
+parents. Many of them born and educated to expect a better fate, until
+deceived by falsehood and villainy, they see their error when it is
+too late to recede. In this situation, abandoned by their relations
+and friends; deserted by their seducers, and at large upon the world;
+loathed and avoided by those who formerly held them in estimation,
+what are<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_335" id="Page_335">-335-</a></span> they to do? In the present unhappy state of things they seem
+to have no alternative, but to become the miserable instruments of
+promoting and practising that species of seduction and immorality, of
+which they themselves were the victims.<a name="FNanchor_92_92" id="FNanchor_92_92"></a><a href="#Footnote_92_92" class="fnanchor">[92]</a> And what is the
+result?&mdash;It is pitiable to relate.&mdash;They are compelled of necessity to
+mingle with the abandoned herd, who have long been practised in the
+walks of infamy, and they too become speedily polluted and
+depraved.&mdash;Oaths, imprecations, and obscene language, by degrees,
+become familiar to their ears, and necessity compels them to indure,
+and at length to imitate, and practise in their turn, upon the unwary
+youth, who too easily falls into the snare.</p>
+
+<p>Thus it is from the multitudes of those unhappy Females, that assemble
+now in all parts of the Town, that the morals of the youth are
+corrupted. That unnecessary expences are incurred; and undue, and too
+often criminal, means are resorted to, for the purpose of gratifying
+passions, which but for these temptations, which constantly assail
+them in almost every street in the Metropolis, would not have been
+thought of. Through this medium <i>Apprentices, Clerks and other persons
+in trust</i> are seduced from the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_336" id="Page_336">-336-</a></span> paths of honesty&mdash;Masters are
+plundered, and Parents are afflicted; while many a youth, who might
+have become the pride of his family&mdash;a comfort to the declining years
+of his Parents, and an ornament to Society, exchanges a life of Virtue
+and Industry, for the pursuits of the Gambler, the Swindler, and the
+Vagabond. Nor is the lot of these poor deluded females less
+deplorable. Although some few of them may obtain settlements, while
+others bask for a while in the temporary sun-shine of ease and
+splendour, the major part end a short life in misery and wretchedness.</p>
+
+<p>What has become of the multitudes of unfortunate females, elegant in
+their persons, and sumptuous in their attire, who were seen in the
+streets of the Metropolis, and at places of public Amusement twenty
+years ago? Alas! Could their progress be developed, and their ultimate
+situations or exit from the world disclosed, it would lay open a
+catalogue of sufferings and affliction, beyond what the most romantic
+fancy could depict or exhibit to the feeling mind.</p>
+
+<p>Exposed to the rude insults of the inebriated and the vulgar:&mdash;the
+impositions of brutal officers and watchmen, and to the chilling
+blasts of the night, during the most inclement weather, in thin
+apparel, partly in compliance with the fashion of the day, but more
+frequently from the pawnbroker's shop rendering their necessary
+garments inaccessible&mdash;diseases, where their unhappy vocation does not
+produce them, are generated. No pitying hand appears to help<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_337" id="Page_337">-337-</a></span> them in
+such situations. The feeling parent or relation is far off. An
+abandoned monster of the same sex, inured in the practice of infamy
+and seduction, instead of the consolation which sickness requires,
+threatens to turn the unhappy victim out of doors, when the means of
+subsistence are cut off, and the premium for shelter is no longer
+forth-coming; or perhaps the unfeeling landlord of a miserable
+half-furnished lodging afflicts the poor unhappy female, by
+declarations equally hostile to the feelings of humanity, till at
+length turned out into the streets, she languishes and ends her
+miserable days in an hospital or a workhouse, or perhaps perishes in
+some inhospitable hovel alone, without a friend to console her, or a
+fellow-mortal to close her eyes in the pangs of dissolution.</p>
+
+<p>If no other argument could be adduced in favour of some arrangements,
+calculated to stop the progress of Female Prostitution, Compassion for
+the sufferings of the unhappy victims would be sufficient; but other
+reasons occur equally powerful, why this evil should be controlled.</p>
+
+<p>To prevent its existence, even to a considerable extent, in so great a
+Metropolis as London, is as impossible as to resist the torrent of the
+tides. It is an evil therefore which must be endured while human
+passions exist: but it is at the same time an evil which may not only
+be lessened, but rendered less noxious and dangerous to the peace and
+good order of society: it may be stript of its indecency, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_338" id="Page_338">-338-</a></span> also of
+a considerable portion of the danger attached to it, to the youth of
+both sexes.</p>
+
+<p>The lures for the seduction of youth passing along the streets in the
+course of their ordinary business, may be prevented by a Police,
+applicable to this object, without either infringing upon the feelings
+of humanity or insulting distress; and still more is it practicable to
+remove the noxious irregularities, which are occasioned by the
+indiscreet conduct, and the shocking behaviour of Women of the Town,
+and their still more blameable paramours, in openly insulting Public
+Morals; and rendering the situation of modest women at once irksome
+and unsafe, either in places of Public Entertainment, or while passing
+along the most public streets of the Metropolis, particularly in the
+evening.</p>
+
+<p>This unrestrained licence given to males and females, in the Walks of
+Prostitution, was not known in former times at places of public
+resort, where there was at least an affectation of decency. To the
+disgrace, however, of the Police the evil has been suffered to
+increase; and the Boxes of the Theatres often exhibit scenes, which
+are certainly extremely offensive to modesty, and contrary to that
+decorum which ought to be maintained, and that protection to which the
+respectable part of the Community are entitled, against indecency and
+indecorum, when their families, often, composed of young females,
+visit places of public resort.</p>
+
+<p>In this instance, the induring such impropriety of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_339" id="Page_339">-339-</a></span> conduct, so
+contrary to good morals, marks strongly the growing depravity of the
+age. To familiarize the eyes and ears of the innocent part of the sex
+to the scenes which are often exhibited in the Theatres, is tantamount
+to carrying them to a school of vice and debauchery&mdash;</p>
+
+<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem">
+<tr>
+<td>
+Vice is a monster of such frightful mien,<br />
+That to be hated needs but to be seen;<br />
+Yet seen too oft&mdash;familiar with her face,<br />
+We first endure&mdash;then pity&mdash;then embrace.
+</td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+<p>For the purpose of understanding more clearly, by what means it is
+possible to lessen the evils arising from Female Prostitution in the
+Metropolis, it may be necessary to view it in all its ramifications.</p>
+
+<p>In point of extent it certainly exceeds credibility: but although
+there are many exceptions,&mdash;the great mass, (whatever their exterior
+may be,) are mostly composed of women who have been in a state of
+menial servitude, and of whom not a few, from the love of idleness and
+dress, with (in this case) <i>the misfortune of good looks</i>, have partly
+from inclination, not seldom from previous seduction and loss of
+character, resorted to Prostitution as a livelihood.</p>
+
+<p>They are still, however, objects of compassion, although under the
+circumstances incident to their situation they cannot be supposed to
+experience those poignant feelings of distress, which are peculiar to
+women who have moved in a higher sphere and who have been better
+educated.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_340" id="Page_340">-340-</a></span>&mdash;</p>
+
+<p class="center"><i>The whole may be estimated as follows:</i></p>
+
+<table style="width: 90%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="prostitutes">
+<tr><td>1. Of the class of Well Educated women it is earnestly hoped the number does not exceed</td><td class="vabr">2,000</td></tr>
+<tr><td>2. Of the class composed of persons above the rank of Menial servants perhaps</td><td class="vabr">3,000</td></tr>
+<tr><td>3. Of the class who may have been employed as Menial Servants, or seduced in very early life, it is conjectured in all parts of the town, including Wapping, and the streets adjoining the River, there may not be less, who live wholly by Prostitution, than</td><td class="vabr">20,000</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="rtl">25,000</td></tr>
+<tr><td>4. Of those in different ranks in Society, who live partly by Prostitution, including the multitudes of low females, who cohabit with labourers and others without matrimony, there may be in all, in the Metropolis, about</td><td class="vabr">25,000</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="right">Total</td><td class="rtbl">50,000</td></tr>
+</table>
+
+<p>When a general survey is taken of the Metropolis&mdash;The great numbers
+among the higher and middle classes of life, who live unmarried&mdash;The
+multitudes of young men yearly arriving at the age of puberty&mdash;The
+strangers who resort to the Metropolis&mdash;The seamen and nautical
+labourers employed in the Trade of the River Thames, who amount at
+least to 40,000&mdash;And the profligate state of Society in vulgar life,
+the intelligent mind will soon be reconciled to the statement, which
+at first view would seem to excite doubts, and require investigation.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_341" id="Page_341">-341-</a></span></p>
+
+<p>But whether the numbers of these truly unfortunate women are a few
+thousands less or more is of no consequence in the present discussion,
+since it is beyond all doubt, that the evil is of a magnitude that is
+excessive, and imperiously calls for a remedy.&mdash;Not certainly a remedy
+against the possibility of Female Prostitution, for it has already
+been stated, that it is a misfortune that must be endured in large
+societies.&mdash;All that can be attempted is, to divest it of the faculty
+of extending its noxious influence beyond certain bounds, and restrain
+those excesses and indecencies which have already been shewn to be so
+extremely noxious to society, and unavoidably productive of depravity
+and crimes.</p>
+
+<p>The Author is well aware, that he treads on tender ground, when in
+suggesting any measure, however salutary it may be in lessening the
+Calendars of Delinquency, <i>it</i> shall have the appearance of giving a
+Public sanction to Female Prostitution.</p>
+
+<p>Under the influence of strong prejudices long rooted in the human
+mind, it may be in vain to plead <i>plus apud me ratio valebit quàm
+vulgi Opinio</i>.</p>
+
+<p>If however the political maxim be true&mdash;<i>Qui non vetat peccare, cum
+possit, jubet</i>&mdash;it certainly follows, that by suffering an evil to
+continue, when we have it in our power, in a great measure, to lessen
+or prevent it, we do <i>violence to reason</i> and <i>to humanity</i>.&mdash;That a
+prudent and discreet regulation of Prostitutes in this great
+Metropolis, would operate powerfully, not only in gradually
+diminishing their numbers, but also<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_342" id="Page_342">-342-</a></span> in securing public morals against
+the insults to which they are exposed, both in the open streets and at
+places of public entertainment, cannot be denied.</p>
+
+<p>That young men in pursuit of their lawful business in the streets of
+this Metropolis, would be secured against that ruin and infamy, which
+temptations thus calculated to inflame the passions, have brought upon
+many, who might otherwise have passed through life as useful and
+respectable members of Society, is equally true:&mdash;While <i>frauds</i>,
+<i>peculations</i> and <i>robbery</i>, often perpetrated for the purpose of
+supporting those unhappy women, with whom connections have been at
+first formed in the public streets (and in which they themselves are
+not seldom the chief instruments) would be prevented.</p>
+
+<p>Were such proper regulations once adopted, the ears and eyes of the
+wives and daughters of the modest and unoffending citizens, who cannot
+afford to travel in carriages, would no longer be insulted by gross
+and polluted language, and great indecency of behaviour, while walking
+the streets. Indeed it is to be feared, that the force of evil
+example, in unavoidably witnessing such scenes, may have debauched
+many females, who might otherwise have lived a virtuous and useful
+life.</p>
+
+<p>Whatever consequences might be derived from a total removal of
+Prostitutes (if such a measure could be conceived practicable) with
+respect to the wives and daughters, who compose the decent and
+respectable families in the Metropolis, this apprehension is<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_343" id="Page_343">-343-</a></span> allayed
+by the proposed measure. While virtue is secured against seduction,
+the misery of these unhappy females will also be lessened. Their
+numbers will be decreased, and a check will be given, not only to
+female seduction by the force of evil example, but to the extreme
+degree of depravity, which arises from the unbounded latitude which is
+at present permitted to take place, from the unavailing application of
+the laws, made for the purpose of checking this evil. If it were
+either politic or humane to carry them into effect, the state of
+society where such members are congregated together render it
+impossible.</p>
+
+<p>Although by the arrangement proposed, a kind of sanction would, in
+appearance, be given to the existence of Prostitution, no ground of
+alarm ought to be excited, if it shall be proved, that it is to lessen
+the mass of turpitude which exists; that it is to produce a solid and
+substantial good to the Community, which it is not possible to obtain
+by any other means.</p>
+
+<p>What therefore can rationally be opposed to such an arrangement? Not
+surely Religion, for it will tend to advance it: Not Morality, for the
+effect of the measure will increase and promote it; not that it will
+sanction and encourage what will prove offensive and noxious in
+society, since all that is noxious and offensive is by this
+arrangement to be removed.&mdash;Where then lies the objection?&mdash;<i>In vulgar
+prejudice only.</i>&mdash;By those of inferior education, whose peculiar
+habits and pursuits have generated strong prejudices, this excuse may
+be pleaded; but by the intelligent and well-<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_344" id="Page_344">-344-</a></span>informed it will be
+viewed through a more correct medium.</p>
+
+<p>Ingenuous minds are ever open to conviction; and it is the true
+characteristic of virtuous minds, where they cannot overcome or
+destroy, to lessen as much as possible the evils of human life.</p>
+
+<p>To the numerous unhappy females in the Metropolis who live by
+Prostitution, this observation peculiarly applies.&mdash;The evil is such
+as must be endured to a certain extent&mdash;because by no human power can
+it be overcome; but it can certainly be very much diminished&mdash;perhaps
+only in one way&mdash;namely, <i>by prescribing rules</i>&mdash;"Thus far shall you
+go, and no farther"&mdash;the rules of decorum shall be strictly preserved
+in the streets and in public places. In such situations Women of the
+Town shall no longer become instruments of seduction and debauchery.</p>
+
+<p>It may be asked, will not all this promote the cause of religion and
+morality:&mdash;admitted; but could not this be done without giving the
+sanction of the Legislature to pursuits of infamy. The answer is
+obvious:&mdash;the Legislature has done every thing already short of this,
+to effect the object; but instead of promoting good, the evil has
+increased; and it is to be lamented <i>that it is daily
+increasing</i>.&mdash;Instead of the walks of Prostitutes being confined as
+formerly, to one or two leading streets in Westminster, they are now
+to be found in every part of the Metropolis&mdash;even within the
+jurisdiction of the city of London; where the dangers arising from
+seduc<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_345" id="Page_345">-345-</a></span>tion are the greatest, they abound the most of all of late
+years.</p>
+
+<p>In adopting the proposed measure, the example of Holland may be
+quoted, where, under its former Government, the morals of the people
+in general were supposed the purest of any in Europe, while the Police
+System was considered as among the best. Italy has also long shown an
+example, where Prostitutes were actually Licensed, with a view to
+secure Chastity against the inroads of violence, and to prevent the
+Public eye from being insulted by scenes of lewdness and indecorum.</p>
+
+<p>Female Chastity, which is highly regarded by the natives of India, is
+preserved by rearing up a certain class of females, who are under the
+conduct of discreet Matrons, in every town and village; and with whom,
+under certain circumstances, an indiscriminate intercourse is
+permitted&mdash;a measure of political necessity. Their morals, however, in
+other respects are strictly guarded, and their minds are not
+susceptible of that degree of depravity which prevails in Europe. They
+are taught the accomplishments of singing and dancing&mdash;they exhibit at
+public entertainments, and are even called upon to assist at religious
+ceremonies.</p>
+
+<p>The unrestrained latitude which is permitted to unfortunate females in
+this Metropolis, is certainly an inlet to many crimes.</p>
+
+<p>The places of resort in Summer, and particularly the Public Gardens,
+which were formerly an innocent relaxation to sober and discreet
+families, can now no<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_346" id="Page_346">-346-</a></span> longer be attended with comfort or satisfaction,
+from the offensive manners of the company who frequent such places.</p>
+
+<p>It is not that the Gardens are in themselves a nuisance, or that to
+the inferior exhibitions any blame is to be imputed; for both might be
+rendered the medium of that rational recreation so necessary both for
+the health and comfort of the middling or lower ranks of the people,
+to whom <i>policy</i> and <i>reason</i> must admit occasional amusements are
+necessary.&mdash;If so, what can be more innocent, or better calculated for
+health and occasional recreation than the assemblage of decent people
+in a Tea Garden?&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>Many of them, however, have been shut up, and this recreation denied
+to the people, because Prostitutes resorted to those places; insulted
+public morals,&mdash;promoted lewdness and debauchery, and banished modest
+and decent families.</p>
+
+<p>This, if the true cause was developed, is not to be imputed to the
+place, which in itself was favourable to the innocent amusement of the
+people, but to a deficiency in the Police System.&mdash;It was not the
+Gardens nor their Keepers that offended.&mdash;The evil arose from the want
+of proper regulations, to restrain these excesses and to keep them
+within bounds.</p>
+
+<p>Such places of resort under appropriate Police regulations, might be
+rendered a considerable source of revenue to the State, while they
+added greatly to the comfort and innocent recreation of the
+People.&mdash;By shutting up the Gardens the People are driven to the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_347" id="Page_347">-347-</a></span>
+Ale-houses, where both air and exercise, so necessary to health, are
+denied them, and where the same excesses often prevail, tending in a
+still greater degree, to the corruption of morals.</p>
+
+<p>Wherever multitudes of people are collected together, as in a great
+Metropolis like London, amusements become indispensably
+necessary.&mdash;And it is no inconsiderable feature in the science of
+Police to encourage, protect, and controul such as tend to innocent
+recreation, to preserve the good humour of the Public, and to give the
+minds of the People a right bias.</p>
+
+<p>This is only attainable through the medium of a well-regulated
+Police.&mdash;It is perfectly practicable to render Public Gardens as
+innocent and decorous as a Private Assembly: although under the
+present deficient System they are the greatest of all
+nuisances.&mdash;Decent and respectable families are compelled to deny
+themselves the privilege of visiting them, because no restraint is put
+upon indecency, and vice reigns triumphant.</p>
+
+<p>It is because things are either done by halves, or nothing is done at
+all to secure the privileges of innocence, that the sober and harmless
+part of the community are compelled to forego those recreations which
+contributed to their comfort: while the young and thoughtless,
+heedless of the consequences and inexperienced as to the effect, rush
+into the vortex of dissipation, and unable to discriminate, become
+victims to the licentiousness which is suffered to prevail.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_348" id="Page_348">-348-</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Since recreation is necessary to Civilized Society, all Public
+Exhibitions should be rendered subservient to the improvement of
+morals, and to the means of infusing into the mind a love of the
+Constitution, and a reverence and respect for the Laws.&mdash;How easy
+would it be under the guidance of an appropriate Police, to give a
+right bias through the medium of Public amusements to the dispositions
+of the People.&mdash;How superior this to the odious practice of besotting
+themselves in Ale-houses, hatching seditious and treasonable designs,
+or engaged in pursuits of the vilest profligacy, destructive to health
+and morals.</p>
+
+<p>Even the common Ballad-singers in the streets might be rendered
+instruments useful under the controul of a well-regulated Police, in
+giving a better turn to the minds of the lowest classes of the
+People.&mdash;They too must be amused, and why not, if they can be amused
+innocently.&mdash;If through this medium they can be taught loyalty to the
+Sovereign, love to their Country, and obedience to the Laws, would it
+not be wise and politic to sanction it?</p>
+
+<p>If in addition to this, moral lessons could occasionally be conveyed,
+shewing in language familiar to their habits, the advantages of
+<i>Industry and Frugality</i>&mdash;The pleasure of living independent of the
+Pawnbroker and the Publican&mdash;The disgrace and ruin attached to
+drunkenness and dishonesty, and the glory and happiness of a <i>good
+Husband</i>, a <i>good Father</i>, and <i>an honest Man</i>, might it not
+reasonably be expected, that in a religious as well as a moral point
+of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_349" id="Page_349">-349-</a></span> view, advantages would be gained, while the people were both
+instructed and amused?</p>
+
+<p>Crimes have been generated in a considerable degree both by immoral
+and seditious books and songs.&mdash;It is true the laws are open to
+punishment. The road however to justice, with respect to the former,
+is circuitous and difficult, while in the latter case their execution
+is felt to be <i>harsh</i>, <i>severe</i>, and <i>ultimately ineffectual</i>: hence
+licentious and mischievous Publications prevail, and Ballad-singers
+are suffered often to insult decency, and to disseminate poison in
+every street in the Metropolis.</p>
+
+<p>Like many other evils they remain in spite of the statutes made to
+prevent them.&mdash;They were evils suffered centuries ago where the laws
+proved equally unavailing: but the state of society and manners
+rendered them less dangerous.</p>
+
+<p>In the Machine of Government there are many component parts where
+responsibility attaches;&mdash;<i>but with respect to objects of Police, it
+would seem at present to rest no where</i>, and hence is explained at
+once, the want of energy in the execution of our laws, and why so many
+excellent Statutes remain a dead letter.&mdash;To live encircled by <i>fears</i>
+arising from uncontrolled excesses of the human passions, either
+leading to turpitude or terminating in the commission of crimes, <i>is
+to live in misery</i>.&mdash;Police is an improved state of Society, which
+counteracts these excesses by giving energy and effect to the law. It
+is like the Mechanical power applied to an useful Machine, devoid of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_350" id="Page_350">-350-</a></span>
+which, it remains without motion, or action, and without benefit.</p>
+
+<p>"Government," <i>says the benevolent Hanway</i>, "originates from the love
+of order.&mdash;Watered by Police it grows up to maturity, and in course of
+time spreads a luxuriant comfort and security.&mdash;Cut off its branches,
+and the mere trunk, however strong it may appear, can afford no
+shelter."</p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_351" id="Page_351">-351-</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAP_XIII" id="CHAP_XIII"></a><span class="gesperrt">CHAP.</span> XIII.</h2>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Indigence a cause of the increase of Crimes.&mdash;The System
+with respect to the Casual Poor erroneous.&mdash;The miserable
+condition of many who seek for an Asylum in the
+Metropolis.&mdash;The unhappy State of broken-down Families, who
+have seen better days.&mdash;The effect of Indigence on the
+Offspring of the Sufferers.&mdash;The discovery of the Children
+of unfortunate Families applying for Soup at the
+Establishments.&mdash;The unparalleled Philanthropy of the
+opulent Part of the Community.&mdash;Estimate of the Private and
+Public Benevolence amounting to 850,000l. a year.&mdash;The
+noble Munificence of the Merchants.&mdash;An Appeal to the
+exalted virtue of the Opulent, who have come forward in acts
+of Humanity.&mdash;The deplorable State of the Lower Ranks
+attributed to the present System of the Poor Laws.&mdash;An
+Institution to inquire into the Causes of Mendicity in the
+Metropolis explained.&mdash;The State of the Casual Poor
+resumed.&mdash;The abuses and inefficacy of the relief
+received.&mdash;A new System proposed with respect to them and
+Vagrants in the Metropolis.&mdash;Its advantages explained.&mdash;The
+distinction between Poverty and Indigence explained.&mdash;The
+Poor divided into five Classes, with suggestions applicable
+to each.&mdash;The evil Examples in Workhouses a great cause of
+the Corruption of Morals.&mdash;The Statute of 43 Elizabeth
+considered.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_352" id="Page_352">-352-</a></span>&mdash;The defective System of Execution
+exposed&mdash;Confirmed by the opinion of Lord Hale.&mdash;A partial
+Remedy proposed in respect to Vagrant and Casual Poor.&mdash;A
+Public Institution recommended for the care of this class of
+Poor, under the direction of three Commissioners.&mdash;Their
+Functions explained.&mdash;A Proposition for raising a Fund of
+5230l. from the Parishes for the support of the
+Institution, and to relieve them from the Casual
+Poor.&mdash;Reasons why the Experiment should be tried.&mdash;The
+assistance of Sir Frederick Eden, and other Gentlemen of
+talents, who have turned their thoughts to the Poor,
+attainable.&mdash;The advantages which would result to the
+Community, from the united Efforts of men of investigation
+and judgment, previous to any final Legislative
+Regulation.&mdash;Conclusion.</i></p></div>
+
+<hr class="dbl1" />
+<hr class="dbl2" />
+
+<p><span class="cap">I</span>NDIGENCE, in the present state of Society, may be considered as a
+principal cause of the increase of Crimes.</p>
+
+<p>The System which prevails in the Metropolis, with respect to these
+unfortunate individuals who are denominated the <i>Casual Poor</i>, will be
+found on minute inquiry to be none of the least considerable of the
+causes, which lead to the corruption of morals, and to the
+multiplication of minor offences in particular.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_353" id="Page_353">-353-</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The number of persons, who with their families, find their way to the
+Metropolis, from the most remote quarters of Great Britain and
+Ireland, is inconceivable. In hopes of finding employment they incur
+an immediate and constant expence, for lodging and subsistence, until
+at length their little all is in the Pawnbrokers' shops, or sold to
+raise money for the necessaries of life. If they have been virtuously
+brought up in the country, despondency seizes upon their minds, in
+consequence of the disappointments and hardships, their adventurous or
+incautious conduct has doomed them to suffer; which as it applies to
+the most deserving of this class, who will not steal, and are ashamed
+to beg, often exceeds any thing that the human mind can conceive.</p>
+
+<p>Their Parochial Settlements are either at a great distance, or perhaps
+as natives of Scotland or Ireland, they are without even this
+resource. The expence of removing, as the Law directs, is too serious
+a charge to be incurred by the parish where accident has fixed them.
+They are treated with neglect and contumely by the parochial Officers;
+and even occasionally driven to despair. Willing to labour, but bereft
+of any channel or medium through which the means of subsistence might
+be procured. It is assigned to no person to hear their mournful tale,
+who might be able to place them in a situation, where they might gain
+a subsistence; and under such circumstances it is much to be feared,
+that not a few of them either actually perish for want, or contract<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_354" id="Page_354">-354-</a></span>
+diseases which ultimately terminate in premature death.</p>
+
+<p>Such is frequently the situation of the more decent and virtuous class
+of the labouring people, who come to seek employment in the
+Metropolis. The more profligate who pursue the same course have
+generally other resources. Where honest labour is not to be procured,
+they connect themselves with those who live by petty or more atrocious
+offences, and contribute in no small degree to the increase of the
+general phalanx of delinquents. The young female part of such families
+too often become prostitutes, while the males pursue acts of
+depredation upon the Public, by availing themselves of the various
+resources, which the defects in the Police System allow.</p>
+
+<p>In addition to the families who thus resort to the Capital, young men
+frequently wander up who have become liable to the penalties of the
+laws, in consequence of being unable to find security for the support
+of a natural Child in their own parish; or who perhaps have incurred
+the punishment due to some other offence.&mdash;Without money, without
+recommendations, and bereft of friends, and perhaps afraid of being
+known, they resort to low public houses, where they meet with thieves
+and rogues, who not unfrequently in this way recruit their gangs, as
+often as the arm of Justice diminishes their numbers.</p>
+
+<p>But it is to be lamented, that in contemplating the mass of indigence,
+which, in its various ramifications,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_355" id="Page_355">-355-</a></span> produces distresses more
+extensive and more poignant than perhaps in any other spot in the
+world, (Paris excepted) its origin is to be traced in almost every
+rank of Society; and though sometimes the result of unavoidable
+misfortune, is perhaps more frequently generated by idleness,
+inattention to business, and indiscretion. But at all events, the tear
+of pity is due to the helpless and forlorn offspring of the criminal
+or indolent, who become objects of compassion, not only as it relates
+to their immediate subsistence; but much more with respect to their
+future situations in life. It is in the progress to the adult state,
+that the infants of parents, broken down by misfortunes, almost
+unavoidably learn, from the pressure of extreme poverty, to resort to
+devices which early corrupt their morals, and mar their future success
+and utility in life. Under the influence of these sad examples, and
+their necessary consequences, do many females become Prostitutes, who
+in other circumstances, might have been an ornament to their sex,
+while the males, by contracting early in life habits that are
+pernicious, become, in many instances, no less noxious to Society.
+Familiarized in infancy to the Pawnbroker's shop, and to other even
+less reputable means of obtaining temporary subsistence, they too soon
+become adepts in falsehood and deceit. Imperious necessity has given
+an early spring to their ingenuity. They are generally full of
+resource, which in good pursuits might render them useful and valuable
+members of the Community: but unhappily<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_356" id="Page_356">-356-</a></span> their minds have acquired a
+wrong bias, and they are reared insensibly in the walks of vice,
+without knowing, in many instances, that they are at all engaged in
+evil pursuits.</p>
+
+<p>In all these points of view, from indigence is to be traced the great
+Origin and the Progress of Crimes.</p>
+
+<p>In attending the different <i>Soup Establishments</i> (where 50,000
+indigent families, at the expence of one halfpenny per head, have a
+meal furnished every day during the winter)<a name="FNanchor_93_93" id="FNanchor_93_93"></a><a href="#Footnote_93_93" class="fnanchor">[93]</a> the Author has
+observed, with a mixture of pain and satisfaction, particularly at one
+of them, the children of unfortunate and reduced families, who, from
+their appearance, have moved in a higher sphere, the humble suitors
+for this frugal and nourishing aliment.</p>
+
+<p>To have contributed in any degree to the relief of distress rendered
+painful in the extreme from the recollection of better days, is an
+ample reward to those benevolent individuals, who have joined in the
+support and conduct of an undertaking, of all others the most
+beneficial that perhaps was ever devised, for the purpose of assisting
+and relieving suffering humanity.</p>
+
+<p>While the wretchedness, misery and crimes, which have been developed,
+and detailed in this work, cannot be sufficiently deplored, it is a
+matter of no little exultation, that in no country or nation in the
+world, and certainly in no other Metropolis, does there exist<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_357" id="Page_357">-357-</a></span> among
+the higher and middle ranks of Society, an equal portion of
+Philanthropy and Benevolence.&mdash;Here are to be discovered the extremes
+of vice and virtue, strongly marked by the existing turpitude on one
+hand, and the noble instances of charitable munificence, displayed by
+the opulent part of the Community, on the other.</p>
+
+<p>Nothing can place this in a stronger point of view, and perhaps
+nothing will astonish strangers more than the following summary
+Estimate of the various Institutions, supported chiefly by Voluntary
+Contributions, in addition to the legal Assessments, all tending to
+ameliorate and better the condition of human life, under the
+afflicting circumstances of indigence and disease.<a name="FNanchor_94_94" id="FNanchor_94_94"></a><a href="#Footnote_94_94" class="fnanchor">[94]</a></p>
+
+<h3>ESTIMATE.</h3>
+
+<table style="width: 90%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="estimate">
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="center">£.</td></tr>
+<tr><td>1. Asylums for the Relief of Objects of Charity and Humanity</td><td class="vabr">30,000</td></tr>
+<tr><td>2. Asylums and Hospitals, for the Sick, Lame, and Diseased</td><td class="vabr">50,000</td></tr>
+<tr><td>3. Institutions for Benevolent, Charitable, and Humane Purposes</td><td class="vabr">205,000</td></tr>
+<tr><td>4. Private Charities</td><td class="vabr">150,000</td></tr>
+<tr><td>5. Charity Schools for Educating the Poor</td><td class="vabr">10,000</td></tr>
+<tr><td>6. To which add the annual Assessments for the Poor Rates, paid by the Inhabitants of the Metropolis and its Environs</td><td class="vabr">255,000</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Total estimated amount of the annual Sums paid for the support and benefit of the Poor in the Metropolis, &amp;c.</td><td class="rtl" style="vertical-align: bottom">£.700,000<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_358" id="Page_358">-358-</a></span></td></tr>
+<tr><td>7. Besides the endowed Establishments, for which the Poor are chiefly indebted to our Ancestors</td><td class="vabr">150,000</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="right">Total</td><td class="rtl">£.850,000</td></tr>
+</table>
+
+<p>In addition to this, it is highly proper to mention the noble
+benevolence, which has been displayed by the Opulent of all ranks, but
+particularly the Merchants, in the very large sums which have been, at
+various times, subscribed for the relief of the brave men, who have
+been maimed and wounded, and for the support of the widows, orphans,
+and relations of those who have meritoriously lost their lives in
+fighting the battles of their country.</p>
+
+<p>Such exalted examples of unbounded munificence the history of no other
+nation records.</p>
+
+<p>It is to this source of elevated virtue, and nobleness of mind, that
+an appeal is made, on the present occasion, in behalf of those unhappy
+fellow-mortals; who, in spite of the unexampled liberality which has
+been displayed, still require the fostering hand of Philanthropy.</p>
+
+<p>The cause of these distresses has been explained; and also the evils
+which such a condition in human life entails upon Society. It is not
+pecuniary aid that will heal this <i>gangrene</i>: this <i>Corruption of
+Morals</i>. There must be the application of a correct System of Police,
+calculated to reach the root and origin of the evil.&mdash;Without
+<i>System</i>, <i>Intelligence</i>, <i>Talents</i>, and <i>Industry</i>, united in all
+that re<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_359" id="Page_359">-359-</a></span>lates to the affairs of the Poor, millions may be wasted as
+millions have already been wasted, without bettering their condition.
+In all the branches of the Science of Political &#338;conomy, there is
+none which requires so much skill and knowledge of men and manners, as
+that which relates to this particular object: and yet, important as it
+is to the best interests of the Community, the management of a
+concern, in which the very foundation of the national prosperity is
+involved, is suffered to remain, as in the rude ages, when Society had
+not assumed the bold features of the present period,&mdash;in the hands of
+changeable, and in many instances, unlettered agents; wholly
+incompetent to a task at all times nice and difficult in the
+execution, and often irksome and inconvenient.</p>
+
+<p>One great feature of this evil, on which it is deplorable to reflect,
+is, that nearly one million of the inhabitants of a country, the
+utmost population of which is supposed to be short of nine millions,
+should be supported in part or in whole by the remaining eight.</p>
+
+<p>In spite of all the ingenious arguments which have been used in favour
+of a System admitted to be wisely conceived in its origin, the effects
+it has produced incontestably prove, that with respect to the mass of
+the Poor, there is something radically wrong in the execution.</p>
+
+<p>If it were not so, it is impossible that there could exist in the
+Metropolis such an inconceivable portion<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_360" id="Page_360">-360-</a></span> of human misery, amidst
+examples of munificence and benevolence unparalleled in any age or
+country in the world.</p>
+
+<p>Impressed with these sentiments, so far as they apply to the state of
+indigence in the Metropolis, a design has been sanctioned by the
+<i>Benevolent Society for bettering the Condition of the Poor</i>, the
+object of which is to establish a department for inquiring into the
+history, life, and the causes of the distress of every person who asks
+relief in any part of the Metropolis: not with a view to support these
+unfortunate persons in idleness and vice; but to use those means which
+talents, attention, and humanity can accomplish&mdash;(means which are
+beyond the reach of parochial officers), for the purpose of enabling
+them to assist themselves.<a name="FNanchor_95_95" id="FNanchor_95_95"></a><a href="#Footnote_95_95" class="fnanchor">[95]</a></p>
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_361" id="Page_361">-361-</a></span></p>
+<p>In the Metropolis the Magistrates interfere very little in parochial
+relief, except when appeals are made to them in particular cases, or
+when called upon to sign orders of removal, which is generally done as
+a matter of course. Hence it is that the poor are left almost entirely
+to the management of the Parochial Officers for the time being, who
+frequently act under the influence of ignorance or caprice, or are
+irritated by the impudent importunity of the profligate Gin-drinking
+poor. These Officers also, it is to be remembered, have private
+affairs which necessarily engage the chief part of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_362" id="Page_362">-362-</a></span> their attention,
+and are frequently no less incapable than unwilling to enter on those
+investigations which might enable them to make the proper
+discriminations: the modest and shame-faced poor are thus frequently
+shut out from relief, while the vociferous and idle succeed in
+obtaining pecuniary assistance, which is soon improvidently
+dissipated.</p>
+
+<p>The distress which is thus shewn to prevail, by no means arises from
+the want of competent funds:&mdash;the misfortune is, that from the nature
+of the present mode of management it is not possible to apply these
+funds beneficially for the proper relief of those for whom they were
+intended. A much more moderate assessment, under a regular and proper
+management, would remove great part of the evil.</p>
+
+<p>The expence of the class of persons denominated <i>Casual Poor</i>, who
+have no settlement in any parish in the Metropolis, amounts to a large
+sum annually.&mdash;In the united parishes of St. Giles in the Fields, and
+St. George, Bloomsbury, this expence amounted to 2000<i>l.</i> in the year
+1796. It arose from the support of about 1200 poor natives of Ireland,
+who but for this aid must have become vagrants. The shocking abuse of
+the vagrant passes previous to the year 1792, produced the Act of the
+32 Geo. III. cap. 45. which requires that Rogues and Vagabonds should
+be first publicly whipt, or confined seven days in the House of
+Correction, (females to be imprisoned only, and in no case whipped)
+before they are passed, as directed by the Act of the 17 Geo. II. c.
+5. Hence it is that so many who are either on the brink of va<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_363" id="Page_363">-363-</a></span>grancy
+or have actually received alms, are permitted to remain a burden on
+the parishes; the Magistrates being loth to incur the charge of
+inhumanity, by strictly following the letter of the Act, in whipping
+or imprisoning poor miserable wretches, whose indigence have rendered
+relief necessary.</p>
+
+<p>In all the 146 parishes within and without the walls, including the
+Bills of Mortality, &amp;c. it is not improbable that the casual charity
+given in this way may amount to 10,000<i>l.</i> a year.</p>
+
+<p>The loose manner in which it is given, and the impossibility either of
+a proper discrimination, or of finding in the distributing these
+resources, that time for investigation which might lead to the solid
+benefit of the Pauper, by restoring him to a capacity of earning his
+own livelihood, makes it highly probable that instead of being useful,
+this large sum is perhaps hurtful, to the major part of the poor who
+receive it. The trifle they receive, from being injudiciously given,
+and frequently to get rid of the clamour and importunity of the most
+profligate, is too often spent immediately in the Gin-shop.&mdash;No
+inquiry is made into the circumstances of the family&mdash;No measures are
+pursued to redeem the apparel locked up in the Pawnbrokers' shop,
+although a small sum would frequently recover the habiliments of a
+naked and starving family&mdash;no questions are asked respecting the means
+they employ to subsist themselves by labour; and no efforts are used
+to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_364" id="Page_364">-364-</a></span> procure employment for those who are willing to labour, but have
+not the means of obtaining work.</p>
+
+<p>Hence it is that poverty, under such circumstances, contributes in no
+small degree to the multiplication of crimes. The profligate thus
+partly supported, too often resorts to pilfering pursuits to fill up
+the chasm, and habits of idleness being once obtained, labour soon
+becomes irksome.</p>
+
+<p>Why should not the whole nation, but particularly the Metropolis, be
+considered, so far at least as regards the vagrant and casual Poor, as
+one family, and be placed under the review of certain persons who
+might be considered as worthy of the trust, and might devote their
+time sedulously to that object?&mdash;Were such an establishment,
+instituted, and supported in the first instance by a sum from each
+parish, equal to the casual relief they have each given on an average
+of the five preceding years, with power to employ this fund in
+establishing Houses of Industry, or Work-rooms, in various parts of
+the Metropolis, where the Poor should receive the whole of their
+earnings and a comfortable meal besides:&mdash;it is highly probable that
+while the expence to the parishes would gradually diminish, beggary
+would be annihilated in the Metropolis&mdash;the modest and deserving Poor
+would be discovered and relieved, while the idle and profligate, who
+resorted to begging as a trade, would be compelled to apply to honest
+labour for their subsistence.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_365" id="Page_365">-365-</a></span></p>
+
+<p>This is a point in the political &#339;conomy of the Nation highly
+important, whether it relates to the cause of humanity or to the
+morals of the people, upon which all good Governments are
+founded.&mdash;That such an institution is practicable is already proved
+from the partial experiments that have been made. That the advantages
+resulting from it would be great beyond all calculation, is too
+obvious to require elucidation.</p>
+
+<p>While it operated beneficially to the lower classes of the people and
+to the State, it would relieve Parochial Officers of a very irksome
+and laborious task, perhaps the most disagreeable that is attached to
+the office of an Overseer in the Metropolis.</p>
+
+<p>To give this branch of Police vigor and effect, the aid of the
+Legislature would be necessary; which would be easily obtained when
+the measure itself was once thoroughly understood, and it could not
+then fail to be as popular as it would unquestionably be useful.</p>
+
+<p>They who from their habits of life have few opportunities of
+considering the state of the Poor, are apt to form very erroneous
+opinions on the subject.</p>
+
+<p>By <i>the Poor</i> we are not to understand the whole mass of the people
+who support themselves by labour; for those whose necessity compels
+them to exercise their industry, become by their poverty the actual
+pillars of the State.</p>
+
+<p>Labour is absolutely requisite to the existence of all Governments;
+and as it is from the Poor only that labour can be expected, so far
+from being an<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_366" id="Page_366">-366-</a></span> evil they become, under proper regulations, an
+advantage to every Country, and highly deserve the fostering care of
+every Government. It is not <i>Poverty</i> therefore, that is in itself an
+evil, while health, strength, and inclination, afford the means of
+subsistence, and while work is to be had by all who seek it.&mdash;The evil
+is to be found only in <i>Indigence</i>, where the strength fails, where
+disease, age, or infancy, deprives the individual of the means of
+subsistence, or where he knows not how to find employment when willing
+and able to work.</p>
+
+<p>In this view <i>the Poor</i> may be divided into five Classes:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p><i>The first Class</i> comprehends what may be denominated <i>the
+useful Poor</i>, who are able and willing to work&mdash;who have
+already been represented as the pillars of the State, and
+who merit the utmost attention of all Governments, with a
+direct and immediate view of preventing their <i>poverty</i> from
+descending unnecessarily into <i>indigence</i>. As often as this
+evil is permitted to happen, the State not only loses an
+useful subject, but the expence of his maintenance must be
+borne by the Public.&mdash;The great art, therefore, in managing
+the affairs of the Poor, is to establish Systems whereby the
+poor man, verging upon indigence, may be propped up and kept
+in his station. Whenever this can be effected, it is done
+upon an average at one-tenth of the expence at most that
+must be incurred by<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_367" id="Page_367">-367-</a></span> permitting a family to retrograde into
+a state of indigence, where they must be wholly maintained
+by the Public, and where their own exertions cease in a
+great measure to be useful to the Country.</p>
+
+<p><i>The second Class</i> comprehends the <i>vagrant Poor</i>, who are
+able but not willing to work, or who cannot obtain
+employment in consequence of their bad character. This class
+may be said to have descended from poverty into beggary, in
+which state they become objects of peculiar attention, since
+the State suffers not only the loss of their labour, but
+also of the money which they obtain by the present
+ill-judged mode of giving charity. Many of them, however,
+having become mendicants, more from necessity than choice,
+deserve commiseration and attention, and nothing can promote
+in a greater degree the cause of humanity, and the real
+interest of the Metropolis, than an establishment for the
+employment of this class of indigent Poor, who may be said
+at present to be in a very deplorable state, those only
+excepted who make begging a profession. It is only by a
+plan, such as has been recommended, that the real indigent
+can be discovered from the vagrant, and in no other way is
+it possible to have that distinct and collected view of the
+whole class of beggars in the Metropolis, or to provide the
+means of rendering their labour (where they are able to
+labour) productive to themselves and the State.&mdash;And it may
+be further added with great truth, that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_368" id="Page_368">-368-</a></span> in no other way is
+it possible to prevent the offspring of such mendicants from
+becoming <i>Prostitutes</i> and <i>Thieves</i>.</p>
+
+<p>If, therefore, it is of importance to diminish crimes, and
+to obstruct the progress of immorality, this part of the
+Community ought to be the peculiar objects of a branch of
+the National Police, where responsibility would secure an
+accurate execution of the System. This measure ought to
+begin in the Metropolis as an experiment, and when fully
+matured might be extended with every advantage to the
+Country.</p>
+
+<p><i>The third Class</i> may be considered under the denomination
+of the <i>Indigent Poor</i>, who from want of employment,
+<i>sickness, losses</i>, insanity or disease, are unable to
+maintain themselves.</p>
+
+<p>In attending to this description of Poor, the first
+consideration ought to be to select those who are in a state
+to re-occupy their former station among the labouring Poor;
+and to restore them to the first class as soon as possible,
+by such relief as should enable them to resume their former
+employments, and to help themselves and families.</p>
+
+<p>Where insanity, or temporary disease, or infirmity actually
+exist, such a course must then be pursued as will enable
+such weak and indigent persons, while they are supported at
+the expence of the Public, to perform such species of
+labour, as may be suited to their peculiar situations,
+without operating as a hardship, but rather as an<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_369" id="Page_369">-369-</a></span>
+amusement. In this manner it is wonderful how productive the
+exertions of even the most infirm might be rendered.&mdash;But it
+must be accomplished under a management very different,
+indeed, from any thing which prevails at present.</p>
+
+<p><i>The fourth Class</i> comprehends the <i>aged and infirm</i>, who
+are entirely past labour, and have no means of
+support.&mdash;Where an honest industrious man has wasted his
+strength in labour and endeavours to rear a family, he is
+well entitled to an asylum to render the evening of his life
+comfortable. For this class the gratitude and the humanity
+of the Community ought to provide a retreat separate from
+the profligate and vagrant Poor. But, alas! the present
+System admits of no such blessing.&mdash;The most deserving most
+submit to an indiscriminate intercourse in Workhouses with
+the most worthless: whose polluted language and irregular
+conduct, render not a few of those asylums as great a
+punishment to the decent part of the indigent and infirm as
+a common prison.</p>
+
+<p><i>The fifth Class</i> comprises the <i>Infant Poor</i>, who from
+extreme indigence, or the death of parents, are cast upon
+the public for nurture. One fifth part of the gross number
+in a London Workhouse is generally composed of this class.
+Their moral and religious education is of the last
+importance to the Community. They are the children of the
+Public, and if not introduced into life, under circumstances
+favourable to the interest of the State,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_370" id="Page_370">-370-</a></span> the error in the
+System becomes flagrant.&mdash;Profligate or distressed parents
+may educate their children ill; but when those under the
+charge of Public Institutions are suffered to become
+depraved in their progress to maturity, it is a dreadful
+reproach on the Police of the Country.&mdash;And yet what is to
+be expected from children reared in Workhouses, with the
+evil examples before them of the multitudes of depraved
+characters who are constantly admitted into those
+receptacles? Young minds are generally more susceptible of
+evil than of good impressions; and hence it is that the
+rising generation enter upon life with those wicked and
+dangerous propensities, which are visible to the attentive
+observer in all the walks of vulgar life in this great
+Metropolis.</p></div>
+
+<p>The limits of this Treatise will not permit the Author to attempt more
+than a mere outline on the general subject of the Poor; a System of
+all others the most difficult to manage and arrange with advantage to
+the Community; but which is at present unhappily entrusted to the care
+of those least competent to the task.</p>
+
+<p>The principle of the Statute of the 43d of Elizabeth is certainly
+unobjectionable; but the execution, it must be repeated, is defective.
+In short, no part of it has been effectually executed, but that which
+relates to raising the assessments. It is easy to make Statutes; but
+omnipotent as Parliament is said to be,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_371" id="Page_371">-371-</a></span> it cannot give <i>knowledge</i>,
+<i>education</i>, <i>public spirit</i>, <i>integrity</i> and <i>time</i>, to those
+Changeable Agents whom it has charged with the execution of the Poor
+Laws.</p>
+
+<p>In the management of the affairs of the State, the Sovereign wisely
+selects men eminent for their talents and integrity:&mdash;Were the choice
+to be made on the principle established by the Poor Laws, the Nation
+could not exist even a single year.</p>
+
+<p>In the private affairs of life, the success of every difficult
+undertaking depends on the degree of abilities employed in the
+management. In the affairs of the Poor, the most arduous and intricate
+that it is possible to conceive, and where the greatest talents and
+knowledge is required, the least portion of either is supplied. How
+then can we expect success?&mdash;The error is not in the original design,
+which is wise and judicious. The 43d of Elizabeth authorizes an
+assessment to be made for three purposes.</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>1st. To purchase Raw Materials to set the Poor to work, who
+could not otherwise dispose of their labour.</p>
+
+<p>2d. To usher into the world, advantageously, the Children of
+poor people, by binding them apprentices to some useful
+employment.</p>
+
+<p>3d. To provide for the lame, impotent and blind, and others,
+being poor and not able to work.</p></div>
+
+<p>Nothing can be better imagined than the measures in the view of the
+very able framers of this act: but they did not discover that to
+execute such a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_372" id="Page_372">-372-</a></span> design required powers diametrically opposite to those
+which the law provided. The last two centuries have afforded a series
+of proof of the total inefficacy of the application of these powers,
+not only by the effects which this erroneous superintendence has
+produced; but also from the testimony of the most enlightened men who
+have written on the subject, from the venerable Lord Hale to the
+patriotic and indefatigable Sir Frederick Eden. But the strongest
+evidence of the mischiefs arising from this defective execution of a
+valuable System, is to be found in the Statute Books themselves.<a name="FNanchor_96_96" id="FNanchor_96_96"></a><a href="#Footnote_96_96" class="fnanchor">[96]</a></p>
+
+<p>"The want of a due provision," says Lord Hale, "for the relief and
+education of the Poor in the way of <i>industry</i>, is what fills the
+gaols with Malefactors, the Country with idle and unprofitable
+persons, that consume the stock of the Kingdom without improving it;
+and that will daily increase even to a desolation in time&mdash;and this
+error, in the first concoction, is never remediable but by gibbets and
+whipping."</p>
+
+<p>That this will continue to be the case under any species of changeable
+management, however apparently correct in theory the System may be,
+must<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_373" id="Page_373">-373-</a></span> appear self-evident to every man of business and observation,
+whose attention has been practically directed to the general operation
+of the present mode in various parishes, and who has reflected deeply
+on the subject.</p>
+
+<p>But to return to the immediate object of inquiry, namely, the means of
+more effectually preventing the numerous evils which arise from
+indigence and mendicity in the Metropolis, whether excited by idleness
+or extreme and unforeseen pressures: Under every circumstance it would
+seem impracticable without any burthen upon the Public, to provide for
+all such at least as are denominated Casual Poor (from whom the
+greatest part of this calamity springs) by adopting the following or
+some similar plan, under the sanction of Government, and the authority
+of the Legislature.</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p><span class="smcap">That</span> a Public Institution shall be established in the
+Metropolis, with <i>three Chief Officers</i>, who shall be
+charged with the execution of that branch of the Police,
+which relates to <span class="smcap">Street Beggars</span>, and those classes of Poor
+who have no legal settlements in the Metropolis, and who now
+receive casual relief from the different Parishes, where
+they have fixed their residence for the time;&mdash;and that
+these principal Officers, (who may be stiled <i>Commissioners
+for inquiring into the Cases and Causes of the Distress of
+the Poor in the Metropolis</i>) should exercise the following<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_374" id="Page_374">-374-</a></span></p>
+
+<p class="center">FUNCTIONS:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>1st. To charge themselves with the relief and management of
+the whole of the <i>Casual Poor</i>, who at present receive
+temporary aid from the different Parishes, or who ask alms
+in any part of the Metropolis or its Suburbs.</p>
+
+<p>2d. To provide Work-rooms in various central and convenient
+situations in the Metropolis, where persons destitute of
+employment may receive a temporary subsistence for labour.
+To superintend these work-houses, and become responsible for
+the proper management.</p>
+
+<p>3d. To be empowered to give temporary relief to prop up
+sinking families, and to prevent their descending from
+poverty to indigence, by arresting the influence of
+despondency, and keeping the spirit of industry alive.</p>
+
+<p>4th. To assist in binding out the Children of the Poor, or
+the Unfortunate, who have seen better days, and preventing
+the females from the danger of becoming Prostitutes, or the
+males from contracting loose and immoral habits, so as if
+possible to save them to their parents, and to the state.</p>
+
+<p>5th. To open offices of inquiry in different parts of the
+Metropolis, where all classes of indigent persons, who are
+not entitled to parochial relief, will be invited to resort,
+for the purpose of being exa<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_375" id="Page_375">-375-</a></span>mined, and relieved according
+to the peculiar circumstances of the case.</p>
+
+<p>6th. To exercise the legal powers, through the medium of
+Constables, for the purpose of compelling all Mendicants,
+and idle destitute Boys and Girls who appear in the streets,
+to come before the Commissioners for examination; that those
+whose industry cannot be made productive, or who cannot be
+put in a way to support themselves without alms, may be
+passed to their Parishes, while means are employed to bind
+out destitute Children to some useful occupation.</p>
+
+<p>7th. To keep a distinct Register of the cases of all
+Mendicants or distressed individuals, who may seek advice
+and assistance, and to employ such means for alleviating
+misery, as the peculiar circumstances may suggest&mdash;never
+losing sight of indigence, until an asylum is provided for
+the helpless and infirm, and also until the indigent, who
+are able to labour, are placed in a situation to render it
+productive.</p>
+
+<p>8th. That these Commissioners shall report their proceedings
+annually, to his Majesty in Council, and to Parliament; with
+abstracts, shewing the numbers who have been examined&mdash;How
+disposed of&mdash;The earning of the persons at the different
+Work-rooms&mdash;The annual expence of the Establishment;
+together with a general view of the advantages resulting
+from it; with the proofs of these advantages.</p></div><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_376" id="Page_376">-376-</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Towards defraying the whole expence of this Establishment it is
+proposed, that (in lieu of the Casual Charity, paid at present by all
+the Parishes in the Metropolis, which under this System will cease,
+together with the immense trouble attached to it,) each Parish in the
+Metropolis shall pay into the hands of the Receiver of the Funds of
+this <i>Pauper Police Institution</i>, a sum equal to what was formerly
+disbursed in casual relief, which for the purpose of elucidation, is
+estimated as follows:&mdash;</p>
+
+<table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="parishes">
+<tr><td class="right">&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="right">£.</td><td class="right"><i>s.</i></td><td class="right"><i>d.</i></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="right">97</td><td>Parishes within the Walls, average 10<i>l.</i> each</td><td class="right">970</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">0</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="right">16</td><td>Parishes without the Walls, in London and Southwark, average 60<i>l.</i> each</td><td class="right">960</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">0</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="right">&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="rtl">£.1,930</td><td class="rtl">0</td><td class="rtl">0</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="right">23</td><td>Out-parishes in Middlesex and Surry, average 100<i>l.</i> each</td><td class="right">2,300</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">0</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="right">10</td><td>Parishes in Westminster, average 100<i>l.</i> each</td><td class="right">1,000</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">0</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="rtbl">146</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="rtbl">£.5,230</td><td class="rtbl">0</td><td class="rtbl">0</td></tr>
+</table>
+
+<p>This sum (which is supposed to be not much above one half of the
+average Annual disbursements of the 146 Parishes above-mentioned;
+especially since it has been shewn, that the expence in St. Giles' and
+St. George Bloomsbury alone, has been 2000<i>l.</i> in one year) will
+probably, with &#339;conomy and good management, be found sufficient for
+all the relief that is required; more especially as the object is not
+to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_377" id="Page_377">-377-</a></span> maintain the indigent, but to put them in a way of supporting
+themselves by occasional pecuniary aids well and judiciously applied.</p>
+
+<p>The experiment is certainly worth trying. In its execution some of the
+most respectable and intelligent individuals in the Metropolis, would
+gratuitously assist the Commissioners, who as taking responsibility
+upon them, in the direction of a most important branch of Police,
+ought undoubtedly to be remunerated by Government, especially as it is
+scarcely possible to conceive any mode in which the Public money could
+be applied, that would be productive of such benefit to the State.</p>
+
+<p>If that utility resulted from the design, which may reasonably be
+expected, it would of course extend to other great towns, as the
+private <i>Soup Establishments</i> have done, and the condition of the poor
+would undergo a rapid change. The destitute and forlorn would then
+have some means of communicating their distress, while information and
+facts of the greatest importance, to the best interests of Society,
+would spring from this source.</p>
+
+<p>With respect to the general affairs of the poor, much good would arise
+from consolidating the funds of all the parishes in the Metropolis.</p>
+
+<p>The poor for instance, who are supported from the parochial funds of
+Bethnal Green, and other distressed parishes in the eastern parts of
+the Metropolis, are the labourers of the citizens and inhabitants of
+the 97 Parishes within the Walls, who, although opulent<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_378" id="Page_378">-378-</a></span> pay little or
+nothing to the Poor, since the city affords no cottages to lodge them.</p>
+
+<p>Why, therefore, should not the inhabitants of the rich parishes
+contribute to the relief of the distresses of those who waste their
+strength in contributing to their <i>ease</i>, <i>comfort</i>, and <i>profit</i>? In
+several of the most populous Parishes and Hamlets in the eastern part
+of the Town, the Poor may actually be said to be assessed to support
+the indigent. In the very populous Hamlet of Mile-End New Town, where
+there is scarcely an inhabitant who does not derive his subsistence
+from some kind of labour, the rates are treble the assessments in
+Mary-le-bone, where opulence abounds. Nothing can exceed the
+inequality of the weight for the support of the Poor in the
+Metropolis; since where the demand is greatest, the means of supply
+are always most deficient and inadequate.</p>
+
+<p>Certain it is that the whole system admits of much improvement, and
+perhaps at no period, since the Poor Laws have attracted attention,
+did there exist so many able and intelligent individuals as at
+present, who have been excited by motives of patriotism and
+philanthropy, to devote their time to the subject.</p>
+
+<p>At the head of this most Respectable Group stands Sir <span class="smcap">Frederick Eden</span>;
+a gentleman, whose entrance into life, has been marked by a display of
+the most useful talents, manifested by an extent of labour and
+perseverance, in his elaborate work on the Poor, which may be said to
+be unparalleled in point of in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_379" id="Page_379">-379-</a></span>formation, while it unquestionably
+exhibits the respectable Author as a character in whose patriotism and
+abilities the State will find a considerable resource, in whatever
+tends to assist his Country, or to improve the condition of Human
+Life.</p>
+
+<p>To the Lord Bishop of Durham, the Earl of Winchelsea, Count Rumford,
+Sir William Young, Thos. Ruggles, Esq. William Morton Pitt, Esq.
+Jeremy Bentham, Esq. Robert Saunders, Esq. Thomas Bernard, Esq.
+William Wilberforce, Esq. Rowland Burdon, Esq. the Rev. Dr. Glasse,
+the Rev. Thomas Gisburn, the Rev. Mr. Howlet, Mr. Davis, Mr. Townsend,
+Arthur Young, Esq. and William Sabatier, Esq. as well as several other
+respectable living characters, who have particularly turned their
+thoughts to the subject of the Poor, the Public are not only already
+much indebted, but from this prolific resource of judgment, talents,
+and knowledge, much good might be expected, if ever the period shall
+arrive when the revision of the Poor Laws shall engage the attention
+of the Legislature.</p>
+
+<p>The measure is too complicated to be adjusted by men, who have not
+opportunities or leisure to contemplate its infinite ramifications.</p>
+
+<p>It is a task which can only be executed with accuracy by those, who
+completely understand the subject as well in practice as in theory,
+and who can bestow the time requisite for those laborious
+investigations, which must be absolutely necessary to form a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_380" id="Page_380">-380-</a></span> final
+opinion, and to report to Parliament what is most expedient, under all
+circumstances, to be done in this important National Concern.</p>
+
+<p>Happy is it for the country, that a resource exists for the attainment
+of this object, than which nothing can contribute, in a greater
+degree, to the prevention of Crimes, and to the general improvement of
+Civil Society.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_381" id="Page_381">-381-</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAP_XIV" id="CHAP_XIV"></a><span class="gesperrt">CHAP.</span> XIV.</h2>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p><i>The state of the Police, with regard to the detection of
+different classes of offenders, explained.&mdash;The necessity,
+under the present circumstances, of having recourse to the
+known Receivers of stolen Goods, for the purpose of
+discovering Offenders, as well as the property stolen.&mdash;The
+great utility of Officers of Justice as safeguards of the
+Community.&mdash;The advantages to be derived from rendering them
+respectable in the opinion of the Public. Their powers, by
+the common and statute law, are extensive.&mdash;The great
+antiquity of the Office of Constable, exemplified by
+different Ancient Statutes.&mdash;The authority of Officers and
+others explained, in apprehending persons accused of
+felony.&mdash;Rewards granted in certain cases as encouragements
+to Officers to lie vigilant:&mdash;The statutes quoted,
+applicable to such rewards, shewing that they apply to ten
+different offences.&mdash;The utility of parochial Constables,
+under a well-organized Police, explained.&mdash;A fund for this
+purpose would arise from the reduction of the expences of
+the Police by the diminution of Crimes.&mdash;The necessity of a
+competent fund explained.&mdash;The deficiency of the present
+System exemplified in the effect of the presentments by
+Constables to the Grand Inquest.&mdash;A new System
+proposed.&mdash;The functions of the different classes of
+Officers, explained.&mdash;Salaries necessary to all.&mdash;The System
+of rewards, as now established, shewn to be<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_382" id="Page_382">-382-</a></span> radically
+deficient; exemplified by the circumstance, that in 1088
+prisoners, charged at the Old Bailey in one year, with 36
+different offences, only 9 offences entitled the
+apprehenders to any gratuity:&mdash;Improvements suggested for
+the greater encouragement of Officers of Justice.&mdash;1043
+Peace Officers in the Metropolis and its vicinity, of whom
+only 90 are stipendiary Constables.&mdash;Little assistance to
+be expected from Parochial Officers, while there exists no
+fund for rewarding extraordinary services.&mdash;Great advantages
+likely to result from rewarding all Officers for useful
+services actually performed.&mdash;The utility of extending the
+same gratuities to Watchmen and Patroles.&mdash;Defects and
+abuses in the System of the Watch explained.&mdash;The number of
+Watchmen and Patroles in the Metropolis estimated at
+2044:&mdash;A general System of superintendance suggested.&mdash;A
+view of the Magistracy of the Metropolis.&mdash;The efficient
+duty shewn to rest with the City and Police
+Magistrates.&mdash;The inconvenience of the present
+System.&mdash;Concluding Observations.</i></p></div>
+
+<hr class="dbl1" />
+<hr class="dbl2" />
+
+<p><span class="cap">A</span>S it must be admitted, that the evils arising from the multiplied
+crimes detailed in the preceding Chapters, render a correct and
+energetic System of Police with regard to the <i>detection</i>,
+<i>discovery</i>, and <i>apprehension</i> of offenders, indispensably necessary
+for the safety and well-being of Society; it follows of course, in
+the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_383" id="Page_383">-383-</a></span> order of this Work, to explain <i>how this branch of the public
+service is conducted at present, the defects which are apparent,&mdash;and
+the means of improving the System</i>.</p>
+
+<p>When robberies or burglaries have been committed in or near the
+Metropolis, where the property is of considerable value, the usual
+method at present, is to apply to the City Magistrates, if in London;
+or otherwise, to the Justices at one of the Public Offices,<a name="FNanchor_97_97" id="FNanchor_97_97"></a><a href="#Footnote_97_97" class="fnanchor">[97]</a> and to
+publish an Advertisement offering a reward on the recovery of the
+articles stolen, and the conviction of the offenders.<a name="FNanchor_98_98" id="FNanchor_98_98"></a><a href="#Footnote_98_98" class="fnanchor">[98]</a></p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_384" id="Page_384">-384-</a></span></p><p>In many cases of importance, to the reproach of the Police, recourse
+is had to noted and known Receivers of stolen Goods for their
+assistance in discovering such offenders, and of pointing out the
+means by which the property may be recovered: this has on many
+occasions been productive of success to the parties who have been
+robbed; as well as to the ends of public justice; for however
+lamentable it is to think that Magistrates are compelled to have
+recourse to such expedients, yet while the present System continues,
+and while robberies and burglaries are so frequent, without the means
+of prevention, there is no alternative on many occasions <i>but to
+employ a thief to catch a thief</i>.</p>
+
+<p>It is indeed so far fortunate, that when the influence of Magistrates
+is judiciously and zealously employed in this way, it is productive in
+many instances of considerable success, not only in the recovery of
+property stolen, but also in the detection and punishment of atrocious
+offenders.</p>
+
+<p>Wherever activity and zeal are manifested on the part of the
+Magistrates, the Peace Officers, under their immediate direction,
+seldom fail to exhibit a similar desire to promote the ends of public
+justice. And when it is considered that these Officers, while<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_385" id="Page_385">-385-</a></span> they
+conduct themselves with purity, are truly <i>the safeguards of the
+Community</i>, destined to protect the Public against the outrages and
+lawless depredations of a set of miscreants, who are the declared
+enemies of the State, by making war upon all ranks of the body
+politic, who have property to lose;&mdash;they have a fair claim, while
+they act properly, to be esteemed as "<i>the civil defenders of the
+lives and properties of the People</i>."</p>
+
+<p>Every thing that can heighten in any degree the respectability of the
+office of <i>Constable</i>, adds to the security of the State, and the
+safety of the life and property of every individual.</p>
+
+<p>Under such circumstances, it cannot be sufficiently regretted that
+these useful constitutional officers, destined for the protection of
+the Public, have been (with a very few exceptions) so little regarded,
+so carelessly selected, and so ill supported and rewarded for the
+imminent risques which they run, and the services they perform in the
+execution of their duty.</p>
+
+<p>The common Law, as well as the ancient Statutes of the kingdom, having
+placed extensive powers in the hands of <i>Constables</i> and <i>Peace
+Officers</i>;&mdash;they are, in this point of view, to be considered as
+<i>respectable</i>;&mdash;and it is the interest of the Community, that they
+should support that rank and character in society, which corresponds
+with the authority with which they are invested.&mdash;If this were
+attended to, men of credit and discretion would not be so averse to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_386" id="Page_386">-386-</a></span>
+fill such situations; and those pernicious prejudices, which have
+prevailed in vulgar life, and in some degree among the higher ranks in
+Society, with regard to <i>thief-takers</i>, would no longer operate; for
+it is plain to demonstration, "<i>that the best laws that ever were made
+can avail nothing, if the Public Mind is impressed with an idea, that
+it is a matter of infamy, to become the casual or professional agents
+to carry them into execution</i>."</p>
+
+<p>This absurd prejudice against the office of Constable, and the small
+encouragement which the major part receive, is one of the chief
+reasons why unworthy characters have filled such situations; and why
+the public interest has suffered by the increase of crimes.</p>
+
+<p>The office of Constable is as old as the Monarchy of England;&mdash;and
+certainly existed in the time of the Saxons.<a name="FNanchor_99_99" id="FNanchor_99_99"></a><a href="#Footnote_99_99" class="fnanchor">[99]</a>&mdash;The law requires
+that he should be <i>idoneus homo</i>: or in other words, <i>to have honesty
+to execute the office without malice, affection, or partiality;
+knowledge to understand what he ought to do; and ability, as well in
+substance or estate, as in body</i>, to enable him to conduct himself
+with utility to the public.</p>
+
+<p>The Statute of Winchester, made in the 13th year of Edward the First
+(anno 1285) appoints two Constables to be chosen in every Hundred; and
+such seems to have been the attention of the Legislature to the Police
+of the Country at that early period of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_387" id="Page_387">-387-</a></span> our history, "<i>that suspicious
+night-walkers are ordered to be arrested and detained by the
+watch</i>."<a name="FNanchor_100_100" id="FNanchor_100_100"></a><a href="#Footnote_100_100" class="fnanchor">[100]</a></p>
+
+<p>The Statute of 5 Edward III. <i>cap.</i> 14, (anno 1332) empowers
+Constables "<i>to arrest persons suspected of man-slaughter, felonies,
+and robberies, and to deliver them to the Sheriff, to be kept in
+prison till the coming of the Justices</i>:" and another Act of the 34th
+of the same reign, <i>cap.</i> 1, (made anno 1361,) empowers Justices,
+(<i>inter alia</i>) "<i>to inquire after wanderers, to arrest and imprison
+suspicious persons, and to oblige persons of evil fame to give
+security for good behaviour; so that the People may not be troubled by
+rioters, nor the peace blemished; nor Merchants and others travelling
+on the highways be disturbed or put in peril by such offenders</i>."</p>
+
+<p>By the common law, every person committing a felony may be arrested by
+any person whomsoever present at the fact, who may secure the prisoner
+in gaol, or carry him before a Magistrate,<a name="FNanchor_101_101" id="FNanchor_101_101"></a><a href="#Footnote_101_101" class="fnanchor">[101]</a>&mdash;and if a prisoner
+thus circumstanced, resists and refuses to yield, those who arrest
+will be justified in the beating him,<a name="FNanchor_102_102" id="FNanchor_102_102"></a><a href="#Footnote_102_102" class="fnanchor">[102]</a> or, in case of absolute
+necessity, even killing him.<a name="FNanchor_103_103" id="FNanchor_103_103"></a><a href="#Footnote_103_103" class="fnanchor">[103]</a></p>
+
+<p>In arresting persons on suspicion of a felony, actually committed,
+<i>common fame</i> has been adjudged to be a reasonable cause.<a name="FNanchor_104_104" id="FNanchor_104_104"></a><a href="#Footnote_104_104" class="fnanchor">[104]</a></p>
+
+<p>There are four methods, known in law, by which<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_388" id="Page_388">-388-</a></span> Officers of Justice,
+as well as private individuals, may arrest persons charged with
+felony.&mdash;1. <i>By the warrant of a Magistrate.</i>&mdash;2. <i>By an Officer
+without a warrant.</i>&mdash;3. <i>By a Private Person without a warrant.</i>&mdash;And
+4. <i>By Hue-and-Cry.</i><a name="FNanchor_105_105" id="FNanchor_105_105"></a><a href="#Footnote_105_105" class="fnanchor">[105]</a></p>
+
+<p>When a warrant is received by an Officer, he is bound to execute it,
+so far as the jurisdiction of the Magistrate and himself extends.&mdash;But
+the <i>Constable</i> having great original and inherent authority, may,
+<i>without warrant</i>, apprehend any person for a breach of the Peace: and
+in case of felony, <i>actually committed</i>, he may, on probable
+suspicion, arrest the felon: and for that purpose (as upon the warrant
+of a Magistrate,) he is authorised to break open doors, and even
+justified in killing the felon, if he cannot otherwise be taken.<a name="FNanchor_106_106" id="FNanchor_106_106"></a><a href="#Footnote_106_106" class="fnanchor">[106]</a></p>
+
+<p>All persons present, when a felony is committed, are bound to arrest
+the felon, on pain of fine and imprisonment, if he escapes through
+negligence of the by-standers; who will (the same as a constable) in
+such case be justified in breaking open doors, to follow such felon,
+and even to kill him if he cannot be taken otherwise.<a name="FNanchor_107_107" id="FNanchor_107_107"></a><a href="#Footnote_107_107" class="fnanchor">[107]</a></p>
+
+<p>The other species of arrest is called <i>Hue-and-Cry</i>, which is an
+<i>alarm raised in the country</i> upon any felony being committed. This
+was an ancient practice in use as far back as the reign of Edward the
+First, (1285) by which, in the then infant state of society,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_389" id="Page_389">-389-</a></span> it
+became easy to discover criminal persons flying from justice.</p>
+
+<p>However doubtful the utility of this ancient method of detecting
+offenders may be, in a great Metropolis, in the present extended state
+of Society, it is plain, that it has been considered as an important
+regulation of Police so late as the 8th George II. (1735;) since it
+was enacted in that year, (stat. 8, George II. cap. 16.) that the
+Constable who neglects making <i>hue-and-cry</i>, shall forfeit five
+pounds; and even the district is liable to be fined (according to the
+law of Alfred) if the felony be committed therein, and the felon
+escapes.<a name="FNanchor_108_108" id="FNanchor_108_108"></a><a href="#Footnote_108_108" class="fnanchor">[108]</a> This, however, applies more particularly to the country,
+and where the practice cannot fail to be useful in a certain degree.</p>
+
+<p>When a <i>hue-and-cry</i> is raised, every person, by command of the
+Constable, must pursue the felon, on pain of fine and imprisonment.</p>
+
+<p>In this pursuit also, Constables may search suspected houses if the
+doors be open: <i>but unless the felon is actually in the house</i>, it
+will not be justifiable to use force; nor even then, except where
+admittance has been demanded and refused.</p>
+
+<p>A Constable, even without any warrant, may break open a door for the
+purpose of apprehending a felon; but to justify this measure, he must
+not only shew that the felon was in the house, but also that access
+was denied after giving notice that he was a Con<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_390" id="Page_390">-390-</a></span>stable, and demanding
+admittance in that capacity.<a name="FNanchor_109_109" id="FNanchor_109_109"></a><a href="#Footnote_109_109" class="fnanchor">[109]</a> In the execution of the warrant of a
+Magistrate, the Officer is certainly authorized to break open the
+doors of the felon, or of the house of any person where he is
+concealed.&mdash;The first is lawful under all circumstances; but forcibly
+entering the house of a stranger may be considered as a trespass, if
+the felon should not be there.<a name="FNanchor_110_110" id="FNanchor_110_110"></a><a href="#Footnote_110_110" class="fnanchor">[110]</a></p>
+
+<p>Such are the powers with which Constables are invested,&mdash;and which
+are, in many instances, enforced by penalties; that public justice may
+not be defeated.<a name="FNanchor_111_111" id="FNanchor_111_111"></a><a href="#Footnote_111_111" class="fnanchor">[111]</a></p>
+
+<p>In addition to this, the wisdom of the Legislature, as an
+encouragement to officers and others to do their duty in apprehending
+and prosecuting offenders, has granted rewards in certain cases;
+<i>Namely</i>,</p>
+
+<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="10" cellspacing="0" summary="rewards">
+<tr>
+<td style="width: 25%">&nbsp;</td>
+<td style="width: 65%">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="vabr">£.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">4 Will. &amp; Mary, c. 8;
+and 6 Geo. I. c. 23.</td>
+<td class="vat">1. For apprehending, and prosecuting
+to conviction, every robber, on the
+highway, including the streets of the
+Metropolis, and all other towns, a reward
+of 40<i>l.</i> besides the <i>horse</i>, <i>furniture</i>,
+<i>arms</i>, and <i>money</i>, of the said robber,
+if not stolen property: to be paid
+to the person apprehending, or if killed
+in the endeavour, to his Executors.</td>
+<td class="vabr">40</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td>And the Stat. 8 Geo. II. c. 16. superadds
+10<i>l.</i> to be paid by the Hundred
+indemnified by such taking.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_391" id="Page_391">-391-</a></span></td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">6 &amp; 7 Will. and Mary, c. 17;
+and 15 &amp; 16 Geo. II. c. 28.</td>
+<td class="vat">2. For apprehending, and prosecuting
+to conviction every person who
+shall have counterfeited, clipped, washed,<a name="FNanchor_112_112" id="FNanchor_112_112"></a><a href="#Footnote_112_112" class="fnanchor">[112]</a>
+filed, or diminished the current
+coin; or who shall gild silver to make
+it pass as gold, or copper, as silver,&mdash;or
+who shall utter false money, (being
+the third offence) or after being once
+convicted of being a common utterer,
+&amp;c. a reward of</td>
+<td class="vabr">40</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td>3. For apprehending, and prosecuting
+to conviction, every person counterfeiting
+copper money, a reward of</td>
+<td class="vabr">10</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">10 and 11 Will. III.
+c. 23.</td>
+<td class="vat">4. For apprehending, and prosecuting
+to conviction, every person privately
+stealing to the value of 5<i>s.</i> from any
+<i>shop</i>, <i>warehouse</i>, or <i>stable</i>, a Tyburn
+ticket,<a name="FNanchor_113_113" id="FNanchor_113_113"></a><a href="#Footnote_113_113" class="fnanchor">[113]</a> average value, about</td>
+<td class="vabr">20</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">10 &amp; 11 Will. III. c. 23.
+5 Ann. c. 32.</td>
+<td class="vat">5. For apprehending, and prosecuting
+to conviction, every person charged
+with a burglary, a reward of 40<i>l.</i> (to
+the apprehender, or if killed, to his executors)
+in money, and a Tyburn
+ticket, 20<i>l.</i></td>
+<td class="vabr">60</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="vat">6. For apprehending, and prosecuting
+to conviction, every person charged
+with house-breaking in the day-time,
+40<i>l.</i> in money, and a Tyburn ticket</td>
+<td class="vabr">60</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="vat">7. For apprehending, and prosecuting
+to conviction, any person charged
+with horse-stealing, a Tyburn Ticket</td>
+<td class="vabr">20</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">6 Geo. I. c. 23.</td>
+<td class="vat">8. For apprehending, and prosecuting
+with effect, a person charged with
+the offence of compounding a felony,
+by taking money to help a person to
+stolen goods, without prosecuting and
+giving evidence against the felon</td>
+<td class="vabr">40<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_392" id="Page_392">-392-</a></span></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">14 Geo. II. c. 6.
+15 Geo. II. c. 34.</td>
+<td class="vat">9. For apprehending, and prosecuting
+with effect, a person charged with
+stealing, or killing to steal, any sheep,
+lamb, bull, cow, ox, steer, bullock,
+heifer, or calf</td>
+<td class="vabr">10</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">16 Geo. II. c. 15.
+8 Geo. III. c. 15.</td>
+<td class="vat">10. For apprehending, and prosecuting
+with effect, persons returning from transportation</td>
+<td class="vabr">20</td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+<p>These rewards apply to ten different offences, and ought, no doubt, to
+be a considerable spur to Officers to do their duty; but it may be
+doubted whether this measure has not, in some degree, tended to the
+increase of a multitude of smaller crimes which are pregnant with the
+greatest mischiefs to Society.&mdash;It is by deterring men from the
+commission of <i>smaller</i> crimes (says the Marquis Beccaria) that
+<i>greater</i> ones are prevented.</p>
+
+<p>If small rewards were given in cases of <i>Grand Larceny</i>, (now very
+numerous,) as well as of several other felonies, frauds, and
+misdemeanors, a species of activity would enter into the system of
+detection, which has not heretofore been experienced.</p>
+
+<p>While rewards are limited to higher offences, and <span class="smcap">conviction</span> <i>is the
+indispensable condition upon which they are granted</i>, it is much to be
+feared that lesser crimes are overlooked; and the Public subjected, in
+many instances, to the intermediate depredations of a rogue, from his
+first starting upon the town until he shall be worth 40<i>l.</i></p>
+
+<p>This system of giving high rewards only on conviction, also tends to
+weaken evidence: since it is obvious that the Counsel for all
+Prisoners, whose offences entitle the Prosecutors and Officers to a
+re<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_393" id="Page_393">-393-</a></span>ward, generally endeavour to impress upon the minds of the Jury an
+idea, that witnesses, who have a pecuniary interest in the conviction
+of any offender standing upon trial, are not, on all occasions,
+deserving of full credit, unless strongly corroborated by other
+evidence; and thus many notorious offenders often escape justice.</p>
+
+<p>By altering the system entirely, and leaving it in the breast of the
+Judge who tries the offence, to determine what reward shall be
+allowed, with a power to <i>grant</i> or <i>withhold</i>, or to <i>limit</i> and
+<i>increase the same</i>, according to circumstances connected with the
+trouble and risk of the parties, <i>whether there is a conviction or
+not</i>, a fairer measure of recompence would be dealt out;&mdash;the public
+money would be more beneficially distributed,<a name="FNanchor_114_114" id="FNanchor_114_114"></a><a href="#Footnote_114_114" class="fnanchor">[114]</a> so as to excite
+general activity in checking every species of criminality;&mdash;and the
+objections, now urged against Officers and Prosecutors as interested
+witnesses, would, by this arrangement, be completely obviated.</p>
+
+<p>For the purpose of elucidating these suggestions, it may be useful to
+examine the different offences<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_394" id="Page_394">-394-</a></span> which constitute the aggregate of the
+charges made against criminals arraigned at the Old Bailey, in the
+course of a year.</p>
+
+<p>With this view the following statement is offered to the consideration
+of the Reader.&mdash;It refers to a period of profound peace (as most
+likely to exhibit a true average) and contains a register of the
+trials, published by authority, including eight sessions from
+September 1790 to 1791. From this it appears that 1088 prisoners were
+tried for different offences in that year, and that 711 were
+<i>discharged</i>! and yet, striking as this may appear, it may be asserted
+on good grounds, that the following melancholy Catalogue (extensive as
+it seems to be) does not probably contain even <i>one-tenth part</i> of the
+offences which are actually committed!</p>
+
+<table style="width: 80%" border="0" cellpadding="10" cellspacing="0" summary="rewards">
+<tr>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="vabr">£.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vatr">6</td>
+<td>For Treason in making false money<br />
+<i>A reward in money on conviction amounting for each to</i></td>
+<td class="vabr">40</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vatr">81</td>
+<td>Highway Robberies<br />
+<i>A reward (besides the highwayman's property) for each</i></td>
+<td class="vabr">40</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vatr">41</td>
+<td>Burglaries<br />
+<i>A reward 40l. besides a Tyburn ticket worth 20l.</i></td>
+<td class="vabr">60</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vatr">10</td>
+<td>House Breaking in the day time<br />
+<i>A reward 40l. besides a Tyburn ticket worth 20l.</i></td>
+<td class="vabr">60</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vatr">23</td>
+<td>Stealing goods to the value of 5<i>s.</i> from a shop, &amp;c.<br />
+<i>A Tyburn ticket value as above, average</i></td>
+<td class="vabr">20</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vatr">3</td>
+<td>Coining Copper Money<br />
+<i>A reward in money</i></td>
+<td class="vabr">10</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vatr">17</td>
+<td>Horse stealing<br />
+<i>A reward in a Tyburn ticket, average value</i></td>
+<td class="vabr">20<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_395" id="Page_395">-395-</a></span></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vatr">10</td>
+<td>For Stealing Cattle and Sheep<br />
+<i>A reward in money</i></td>
+<td class="vabr">10</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vatr">2</td>
+<td>Returning from Transportation<br />
+<i>A reward in money</i></td>
+<td class="vabr">20</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="rtbl">193</td>
+<td colspan="2">Prisoners tried for offences entitling the apprehenders to
+rewards on conviction; and 895 also tried, for which
+no rewards are allowed, <i>viz.</i></td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+
+<table style="width: 60%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="no rewards">
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="right">10</td><td>for Murders</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="right">4</td><td>Arson</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="right">10</td><td>Forgeries</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="right">2</td><td>Piracies</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="right">4</td><td>Rapes</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="right">642</td><td>Grand Larcenies<a name="FNanchor_115_115" id="FNanchor_115_115"></a><a href="#Footnote_115_115" class="fnanchor">[115]</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="right">32</td><td>Stealing privately from persons</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="right">13</td><td>Shop-lifting under 5<i>s.</i></td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="right">16</td><td>Ripping and stealing Lead</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="right">12</td><td>Stealing Pewter Pots</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="right">22</td><td>Stealing from furnished Lodgings</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="right">1</td><td>Stealing Letters</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="right">1</td><td>Stealing a Child</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="right">22</td><td>Receiving Stolen Goods</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="right">9</td><td>for Dealing in and uttering base Money</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="right">1</td><td>Sodomy</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="right">7</td><td>Bigamy</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="right">6</td><td>Perjuries</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="right">6</td><td>Conspiracies</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="right">3</td><td>Fraudulent Bankrupts</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="right">15</td><td>Frauds</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="right">9</td><td>Misdemeanors</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="right">1</td><td>Assaulting, and cutting Clothes</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="right">1</td><td>Smuggling</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="right">7</td><td>Obstructing Revenue Officers</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="right">1</td><td>Wounding a Horse maliciously</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="right">38</td><td>Assaults</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="rtl">89,</td><td>Total.</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="right">193</td><td>For which rewards were paid.</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="right">445</td><td>Prisoners from the late Sheriffs.</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Aggregate number</td><td class="rtl">1533</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+</table>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_396" id="Page_396">-396-</a></span></p>
+
+<p><i>Disposed of as follows, viz.</i></p>
+
+<table style="width: 60%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="disposed of">
+<tr><td>Executed</td><td class="right">32</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Died</td><td class="right">25</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Sent to the Hulks</td><td class="right">2</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Transported</td><td class="right">517</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Removed to other Prisons</td><td class="right">95</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Transferred to the new Sheriffs</td><td class="right">151</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Discharged upon the town</td><td class="right">711</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="rtl">1533</td></tr>
+</table>
+
+<p>Thus it appears that murders, as well as several other very atrocious
+crimes, are committed, where officers of justice are not entitled to
+any reward for their trouble and risque in apprehending the offenders.</p>
+
+<p>Receivers of stolen Goods in particular, who, as has been repeatedly
+stated, are <i>the nourishers and supporters of thieves</i>, and who, of
+all other offenders, are of that class where the greatest benefit to
+the public is to arise from their discovery and apprehension, seem to
+be totally overlooked.</p>
+
+<p>If it should be thought too loose a system to allow rewards <i>not
+exceeding a certain sum in any one case</i>, to be distributed according
+to the discretion of the Judges who try the offence; perhaps it might
+be possible <i>to form a scale of premiums</i> from <i>one guinea up to fifty
+pounds</i>, which, by holding out certain encouragement <i>in all cases
+whatsoever</i>, might not only excite a desire on the part of men of some
+property and respectability to become Officers of Justice: but would
+create that species of <i>constant vigilance and attention</i> to the means
+of apprehending every class of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_397" id="Page_397">-397-</a></span> offenders, which cannot be expected at
+present, while the rewards are so limited.</p>
+
+<p>The <i>Officers of Justice</i>, (parochial and stipendiary) who are
+appointed to watch over the Police of the Metropolis and its environs,
+in keeping the peace, and in detecting and apprehending offenders,
+amount at present (as near as possible) to 1040 individuals, under
+five separate jurisdictions, <i>and are arranged as follows</i>:</p>
+
+<p class="center"><span class="smcap">Officers</span>, &amp;c.</p>
+
+<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="officers">
+<tr>
+<td class="vat" rowspan="3"><i>London, 1st.</i></td>
+<td class="vat" rowspan="3">The City of London in
+25 Wards, exclusive of
+Bridge Without.</td>
+<td>City Marshals</td>
+<td class="right">2</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>Marshals' Men</td>
+<td class="right">6</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>Beadles</td>
+<td class="right">36</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td rowspan="4">&nbsp;</td>
+<td rowspan="4" class="vatr">Parochial Constables</td>
+<td>Principals</td>
+<td class="right">98</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>Substitutes</td>
+<td class="right">145</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="rtl">243</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>Extra Officers</td>
+<td class="right">32</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan="3">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="rtl">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="right">319</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat" rowspan="2"><i>Westminster, 2d.</i></td>
+<td class="vat" rowspan="2">The City and Liberty
+of Westminster, 9
+parishes and 2 precincts</td>
+<td>High Constable</td>
+<td class="right">1</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>Parochial Constables</td>
+<td class="vabr">70</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan="3">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="rtl">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="right">71</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat" rowspan="2"><i>Middlesex, 3d.</i></td>
+<td class="vat" rowspan="2">The Division of
+Holborn, in Middlesex,
+joining the Metropolis,
+in 13 parishes,
+liberties, and manors</td>
+<td>High Constable</td>
+<td class="right">1</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>Parochial Constables &amp; Headboroughs</td>
+<td class="vabr">78</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan="3">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="rtl">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="right">79</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat" rowspan="2">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="vat" rowspan="2">The Division of
+Finsbury, in Middlesex,
+joining the Metropolis
+4 parishes and
+1 liberty
+</td>
+<td>High Constable</td>
+<td class="right">1</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>Parochial Constables &amp; Headboroughs</td>
+<td class="vabr">68</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan="3">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="rtl">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="right">69</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat" rowspan="2">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="vat" rowspan="2">The Division called
+the Tower Hamlets,
+including the eastern
+part of the Metropolis,
+and comprehending 10
+parishes, 4 hamlets, 1
+liberty, and 2 precincts</td>
+<td>High Constable</td>
+<td class="right">1</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>Parochial Constables &amp; Headboroughs</td>
+<td class="vabr">217</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan="3">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="rtl">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="right">218<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_398" id="Page_398">-398-</a></span></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat" rowspan="2"><i>Tower Liberty, 4th.</i></td>
+<td class="vat" rowspan="2">The liberty of the
+Tower of London,
+being a separate
+jurisdiction</td>
+<td>High Constable</td>
+<td class="right">1</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>Constables &amp; Headboroughs</td>
+<td class="vabr">16</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan="3">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="rtl">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="right">17</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat" rowspan="2">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="vat" rowspan="2">The Division of
+Kensington, Chelsea, &amp;c.
+comprehending 2 parishes
+and 3 hamlets</td>
+<td><span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: no figure in original">High Constable</span></td>
+<td class="right">&nbsp;</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: no figure in original">Parochial Constables &amp; Headboroughs</span></td>
+<td class="vabr">&nbsp;</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan="3">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="rtl">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="right">22</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat" rowspan="2"><i>Surry, 5th.</i></td>
+<td class="vat" rowspan="2">The Borough of
+Southwark, &amp;c.
+comprehending 9 Parishes.</td>
+<td>High Constable</td>
+<td class="right">1</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>Constables</td>
+<td class="vabr">87</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan="3">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="rtl">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="right">88</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan="4" class="right">Total Parochial Officers</td>
+<td class="rtl">883</td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>To which are to be added the stated Officers of Police,
+specially appointed for the purpose of preventing crimes,
+and of detecting and apprehending offenders.</p></div>
+
+<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="officers">
+<tr><td colspan="2">1. The establishment at Bow-Street, under the direction of the three Magistrates presiding at that Office, viz. Constables</td><td class="vabr">6</td><td class="right">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td colspan="2">and (under the direction of Sir W. <span class="smcap">Addington</span>, Knt.) Patroles for the Road</td><td class="vabr">68</td><td class="right">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="rtl">&nbsp;</td><td class="right">74</td></tr>
+<tr><td colspan="2">2. The establishment of seven Public Offices by the Act of the 32d of his present Majesty, cap. 53, under the direction of three Magistrates at each Office, viz.</td><td class="right">&nbsp;</td><td class="right">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="center">Constables at the Public Office,</td><td>Queen-Square</td><td class="right">6</td><td class="right">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="center">&mdash;</td><td>Marlborough-St.</td><td class="right">6</td><td class="right">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="center">&mdash;</td><td>Hatton Garden</td><td class="right">6</td><td class="right">&nbsp;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_399" id="Page_399">-399-</a></span></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="center">&mdash;</td><td>Worship-Street</td><td class="right">6</td><td class="right">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="center">&mdash;</td><td>Whitechapel</td><td class="right">6</td><td class="right">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="center">&mdash;</td><td>Shadwell</td><td class="right">6</td><td class="right">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="center">&mdash;</td><td>Union Hall, Southw.</td><td class="right">6</td><td class="right">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="rtl">&nbsp;</td><td class="right">42</td></tr>
+<tr><td colspan="2" class="right">Total Civil Force in the Metropolis</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="rtl">999</td></tr>
+<tr><td colspan="2">To which add the Civil Force of the Thames Police Establishment;<a name="FNanchor_116_116" id="FNanchor_116_116"></a><a href="#Footnote_116_116" class="fnanchor">[116]</a> established in July 1798, under the sanction of Government</td><td class="right">&nbsp;</td><td class="vabr">41</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="right">Total</td><td class="rtl">1040</td></tr>
+</table>
+
+<p>Of these 1040 Officers the Reader will observe, that only 89
+(exclusive of the thirty-two extra officers in the City of London; and
+the sixty-eight patroles at Bow-street; making in the whole no more
+than 189,) <i>are Stipendiary Officers</i>, particularly pledged to devote
+their whole time to the service of the Public:&mdash;and hence a question
+arises, Whether so small a number are sufficient for the purpose of
+watching and detecting the hordes of villains who infest the
+Metropolis, and who must be considerably increased on the return of
+peace?<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_400" id="Page_400">-400-</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Little assistance can be expected under the present System from
+parochial officers; who, depending on their daily labour principally
+for their support, can afford to devote no more time than is
+absolutely necessary for their indispensable duties, during the 12
+months they are in office: and more especially since Magistrates have
+no power, or funds, to remunerate such parochial officers for
+extraordinary exertions in the Public service, however meritorious
+they may be;&mdash;hence it is, that their zeal and activity are checked in
+many instances; when under proper regulations (such as are hereafter
+suggested) and subject to a certain degree of control and discipline,
+and properly remunerated for their services they might be rendered
+extremely useful. These facts, joined to the further elucidation of
+this particular branch of the subject, it is earnestly to be hoped,
+may produce an arrangement of more <i>energy</i> and <i>effect</i> than exists
+under the present system.</p>
+
+<p>Officers of Justice, who are subjected not only to considerable risks,
+but also to want of rest, and to the inconvenience of being exposed
+much in the night-time, ought certainly to be liberally paid; so as to
+make it an object to <i>good</i> and <i>able men</i> even to look up to such
+situations.</p>
+
+<p>It having been thus shewn that the Stipendiary Constables are so
+inconsiderable in point of numbers, and their duty confined to
+particular objects, it follows that on the parochial officers the
+Public ought, in a considerable degree, to depend for the general
+prevention of offences, and particularly for defeating<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_401" id="Page_401">-401-</a></span> the crafty and
+iniquitous devices which are resorted to for the purpose of evading
+the operation of justice.&mdash;These men also from their local knowledge
+are, or ought to be, best qualified to procure accurate information,
+and to supply what may be necessary to enable Magistrates to discharge
+their duty with advantage to the Community, and by this means they
+might be rendered useful auxiliaries to the existing Police.</p>
+
+<p>It would seem, therefore, of the highest importance that arrangements
+should be formed, calculated to give to these constitutional
+safe-guards of the peaceful subject, that utility, energy, and effect,
+which originally resulted from the exercise of their functions,&mdash;which
+the present state of Society imperiously calls for, and without which
+the preventive System of Police can never be effectual.</p>
+
+<p>On looking accurately into the nature and effect of the institution of
+Constables, it will be found that the vigor and efficacy of the Civil
+Power, the security of innocence,&mdash;the preservation of good order, and
+the attainment of justice, depend in a great measure on the accuracy
+of the System, with respect to these Officers assigned to keep the
+peace in the respective parishes of the Metropolis; and it is because
+the original spirit of the design has been, in so many instances,
+abandoned that crimes have multiplied, and that the public are so
+insecure.</p>
+
+<p>The evil, however, admits of practicable remedies, which the
+Superintending Board of Police, recom<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_402" id="Page_402">-402-</a></span>mended by the Select Committee
+of the House of Commons, might considerably facilitate, by methodizing
+the general design, and giving strength, intelligence, and uniformity
+to the whole.</p>
+
+<p>Preparatory to this object, however, the System in the respective
+parishes must be greatly improved, before a co-operation can be
+expected that will prove extensively beneficial to the Public.</p>
+
+<p>The first step to be pursued, is to establish a fund for the
+remuneration of Constables of every description. It will not be
+difficult to demonstrate that a resource may be found for this
+purpose, which will not impose any new burden on the Country, provided
+these Officers do their duty.</p>
+
+<p>The enormous expence at present incurred, and which is either defrayed
+from the County Rates, or the general Revenue of the Country, arises
+chiefly after offenders are detected and punished. Out of 234,153<i>l.</i>
+a year stated by the Committee on Finance, to be the annual amount of
+the Police expences, only 26,183<i>l.</i> is incurred previous to
+detection.&mdash;By diminishing crimes, therefore, the chief part of the
+burden upon the Country will be taken away; and hence in this saving
+will be established a resource for the remuneration of those who may
+contribute to so important an object.</p>
+
+<p>The present expenditure of the County Rates for criminal offences, is
+estimated to amount to 50,000<i>l.</i> a year. In proportion as offences
+diminish, through the medium of a well-organized and energetic
+Po<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_403" id="Page_403">-403-</a></span>lice, will this burden upon the Poor Rates also be diminished.</p>
+
+<p>Independent, therefore, of the policy of improving the system with
+respect to parochial Constables, by attaching a greater degree of
+responsibility to their situation, and introducing that discipline and
+systematic activity, which can alone render their services
+effectual&mdash;the plan may even be recommended as a proper arrangement in
+point of &#339;conomy.</p>
+
+<p>It is in vain to expect energy or attention in the execution of any
+Public duty, unless there be that personal responsibility which is not
+to be obtained without emolument. To render Officers of Justice,
+therefore, useful to the Public, they must be stimulated by
+interest:&mdash;they must, in fact, be paid for devoting a portion of their
+time to the comfort and security of others. The Law may inflict, and,
+indeed, has inflicted, penalties for the neglect of specific duties;
+but this will not establish that sort of Police which the present
+state of Society requires.&mdash;This is strongly exemplified in what may
+not be improperly called the <i>Mockery of Police</i>, which is exhibited
+in the periodical presentments by Constables, of public grievances and
+nuisances, before the Grand Inquest, four times a year at
+Westminster-hall, and twice before the Magistrates of the Sessions
+held at Guildhall in the City of Westminster. These presentments,
+although in themselves of the highest importance, have degenerated
+into what may now be considered as an useless and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_404" id="Page_404">-404-</a></span> burdensome
+formality; at best it is a tedious, expensive, and circuitous, mode of
+removing nuisances and inconveniences, and so ill-suited to the
+present state of Society, that several modern parochial Acts have
+given relief in a summary way before Magistrates.</p>
+
+<p>The fact is, that in a great majority of instances where presentments
+are made, the evils they describe, though often highly prejudicial,
+are suffered to accumulate with increasing malignity, at the same time
+frequently generating other mischiefs and pressures of a tendency
+equally pernicious to the Community.</p>
+
+<p>It is admitted, that the proper Officer of the Crown notifies to the
+parties implicated in the presentment, the determination of the
+Inquest; but a prosecution seldom ensues. The Constable has neither
+money nor time to follow it up; and the matter is discharged when the
+customary term expires, on the payment of a Fee of 16<i>s.</i> 9<i>d.</i> or
+more, according to the length of the presentment; and thus the
+business terminates in the emolument of an individual, and in the
+continuance of the abuse.</p>
+
+<p>The same system prevails at the Sessions at Westminster. When Juries
+make presentments of nuisances or evils in their respective districts,
+the Constables have general orders to prosecute, which is not done;
+and, indeed, to compel an Officer serving gratuitously, to incur an
+expence for the Public interest which he cannot afford, would be an
+act of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_405" id="Page_405">-405-</a></span> manifest injustice; and unless a fund be provided in numerous
+cases, he must be under the necessity of declining such prosecutions.</p>
+
+<p>But would it not be far better to bring such minor offences at once
+under the cognizance of Magistrates, with the power of appeal to the
+Quarter Sessions?&mdash;This is already the case in Spitalfields, under a
+parochial Act, where nuisances and annoyances are in consequence
+instantly removed. Matters of much greater importance are submitted to
+the same authority. The advantage in this case would be, that justice
+would be promptly administered at a small expence, and the evil would
+be put an end to, instead of remaining as at present a reproach to the
+Police, arming at the same time every noxious and bad member of
+Society, with a kind of licence to do offensive acts to the
+neighbourhood, and the Public at large, with impunity.</p>
+
+<p>To render parochial Constables useful, rules must be established to
+compel every qualified person to serve in his turn, or pay a fine. No
+person should be empowered to offer a Substitute.&mdash;It is of the
+highest importance that an Office invested with so much power should
+be executed by reputable men, if possible of pure morals, and not with
+hands open to receive bribes.&mdash;This important office in the Metropolis
+at least, has too long been degraded by the introduction, in many
+instances, of men of loose principles, undeserving of public
+confidence. The reason is obvious:&mdash;A man in the more reputable
+classes on<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_406" id="Page_406">-406-</a></span> whom the lot may fall, surrenders his functions to a
+Substitute who probably makes the office a trade;&mdash;performs the
+service of the year for four or five Guineas, trusting to other
+emoluments, many of which are obtained by corruption, to enable him to
+subsist.</p>
+
+<p>To render this branch of Police pure and efficient, an Act of
+Parliament should enforce the following or similar regulations:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>1st. To assign a competent number of local Constables to
+each parish, in proportion to the number of inhabited
+houses; to be chosen by the whole number of qualified
+inhabitants paying parish Rates&mdash;to be presented to the
+Court Leet, or to the Magistrates of the Division, according
+to a prescribed rule, which shall preclude the possibility
+of exemptions or preferences; for which purposes the
+qualifications shall be clearly defined in the Act.&mdash;Thus
+might the abuses which at present prevail, in the selection
+and choice of Constables, cease to be felt and complained
+of: an equal distribution of the burden would take place,
+and the duty be confined to men sufficiently respectable, to
+establish in the Public mind a confidence that it would be
+executed with fidelity, and an attention to the Public
+interest.</p>
+
+<p>2d. That with a view to that necessary discipline, and
+knowledge of the duty to be performed, without which
+Officers of Justice can be of little use,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_407" id="Page_407">-407-</a></span> and may often be
+converted into instruments of oppression by an abuse of
+power; the High-Constable of the Division shall become <i>a
+responsible permanent Officer</i>, with a competent Salary; and
+shall have under his direction certain subordinate Officers,
+not exceeding <i>one for a large Parish</i>, and <i>one for every</i>
+25 <i>Constables in any number of smaller Parishes, Hamlets,
+Precincts, and Liberties</i>, who shall be stiled <i>the
+Parochial Chief Constable</i>, whose situation shall also <i>be
+permanent</i>, with a moderate Salary, and who shall each be
+<i>responsible</i> for the execution of the regular duty which
+may be assigned to the petty Constables, either by the Act
+of Parliament, or by the Commissioners of Police, having
+powers for that purpose granted by law.&mdash;That a certain
+stipend or gratuity for trouble, shall also be paid to each
+of the petty Constables, in consideration of the ordinary
+duty they are bound to perform, besides 5<i>s.</i> a day for all
+extraordinary duty. That among other things it shall be the
+business of the parochial Chief Constable to instruct the
+petty Constables in their duty&mdash;to attend them in their
+perambulations, and to marshal them on receiving a precept
+from the High-Constable, or an order from two Magistrates,
+in case of any tumult or disorder requiring their
+interference&mdash;to impress upon their minds the necessity of
+purity, vigilance, and attention to orders&mdash;and of being
+humane, prudent and vigorous, in the execution of such
+duties as belong to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_408" id="Page_408">-408-</a></span> their functions.&mdash;That they shall
+instantly assemble on any alarm of Fire.&mdash;That the
+Public-houses, in the parish or district, shall be visited
+regularly; and also the Watchmen while upon duty, and
+regular returns made to the Police Magistrates of the
+District, stating the occurrences of the night. That
+wherever suspicious characters reside in the parish, who
+have no visible means of supporting themselves, the utmost
+vigilance shall be exercised in watching their conduct, to
+prevent as much as possible the commission of crimes, and to
+preserve peace and good order in the parish; and wherever
+the execution of any specific law depends on Constables, the
+utmost attention to be manifested in giving it effect, and
+preventing it from remaining a dead Letter.&mdash;That care be
+taken to make regular, impartial, and accurate returns of
+Jurors; and of persons eligible to serve in the
+Militia;&mdash;and that immediate cognizance be also taken of all
+nuisances and annoyances, and timely notice given to
+Magistrates of all occurrences threatening to disturb the
+Public peace, or to overturn the established Government of
+the Country.</p>
+
+<p>3d. That the different High Constables should return to the
+Commissioners of Police annually, after a change of Officers
+has taken place, a list of the number of persons who compose
+the Civil Force, under their direction in their respective
+divisions; and regularly, every quarter, a list of the
+Publicans, with such facts as have occurred, re<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_409" id="Page_409">-409-</a></span>specting
+their orderly or disorderly conduct in the management of
+their Houses.&mdash;The state of the Division with respect to
+Prostitutes&mdash;to the situation of the Poor for the preceding
+quarter, and their resource for employment.&mdash;The number and
+nature of the offences committed in the District during the
+preceding quarter, and the detections of the delinquents,
+shewing how many offenders have been discovered, and how
+many have escaped justice, and stating the means used and
+using to detect such as are at large, charged with specific
+offences within the division: so as to bring under the
+review of the Central Board a clear statement of the
+criminal Police in every part of the Metropolis on the first
+day of each quarter, with such other information as the
+Commissioners may require.</p>
+
+<p>4th. It is humbly suggested, that the Salaries and
+allowances to be paid to the <i>High Constables</i> and
+<i>parochial Chief Constables</i> should be paid out of the
+General Police Fund, under the Management of the Board, and
+the gratuities and allowances to the petty Constables out of
+the County Rate.</p></div>
+
+<p>It might be expedient that the Stipend of the petty Constables should
+be very moderate, and that their remunerations should, partly at
+least, arise from <i>premiums</i> and <i>gratuities</i>, granted by the Judges
+and Magistrates, for meritorious services to the Public,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_410" id="Page_410">-410-</a></span> <i>actually
+performed</i>; for which there would so many opportunities occur, that no
+fit man, acting as a Constable under such a system, and doing his duty
+conscientiously, need be under any apprehension of obtaining a very
+comfortable livelihood.</p>
+
+<p>The invariable rule of rewarding, in every case where it can be made
+appear that any useful Public service has been performed, would have a
+most wonderful effect in preventing crimes: The expence, if
+judiciously and &#339;conomically managed, need not exceed, in any
+material degree, <i>the present aggregate</i> of what is disbursed in
+different ways, in all the branches of the Police and Criminal
+Establishment; it might, in fact, be defrayed, as well as every other
+charge, <i>by the Police itself</i>, under the direction of the <i>Central
+Board</i>, hereafter more particularly alluded to, from the produce of
+the <i>Licences</i> proposed to be granted for regulating particular
+classes of Dealers, by whose aid and assistance, in supporting Thieves
+and Pilferers, such a system is rendered necessary.</p>
+
+<p>Nor should the rewards be wholly confined to Officers of Justice,
+either <i>parochial or stipendiary</i>. The Public Good requires, that they
+should extend also to Watchmen and Patroles, who should have every
+reasonable encouragement held out to them to be honest and vigilant,
+by small premiums paid down immediately, for every service they may
+render the Public; either in detecting or apprehending persons who are
+guilty of felonies, or other offences against the public peace.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_411" id="Page_411">-411-</a></span></p>
+
+<p>At present, the watchmen destined to guard the lives and properties of
+the inhabitants residing in near <i>eight thousand</i> streets, lanes,
+courts, and alleys, and about 160,000 houses, composing the whole of
+the Metropolis and its environs, are under the direction of no less
+than above seventy different Trusts; regulated by perhaps double the
+number of local acts of Parliament, (varying in many particulars from
+one another,) under which the <i>directors</i>, <i>guardians</i>, <i>governors</i>,
+<i>trustees</i>, or <i>vestries</i>, according to the title they assume, are
+authorised to act,&mdash;each attending only to their own particular
+<i>Ward</i>, <i>Parish</i>, <i>Hamlet</i>, <i>Liberty</i>, or <i>Precinct</i>; and varying the
+payment according to local circumstances, and the opulence of the
+particular district, from 8&frac12;<i>d.</i> up to 2<i>s.</i> each night.<a name="FNanchor_117_117" id="FNanchor_117_117"></a><a href="#Footnote_117_117" class="fnanchor">[117]</a></p>
+
+<p>The encouragement being, in many instances, so<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_412" id="Page_412">-412-</a></span> small, few candidates
+appear for such situations, who are really, in point of character and
+age, fit for the duty which ought to be performed; the managers have
+therefore no alternative but to accept of such aged, and often
+superannuated, men, living in their respective districts, as may offer
+their services; this they are frequently induced to do from motives of
+humanity, to assist old inhabitants who are unable to labour at any
+mechanical employment, or perhaps with a view to keep them out of the
+workhouse, and to save the expence of maintaining them.</p>
+
+<p>Thus circumstanced, and thus encouraged, what can be expected from
+such watchmen?&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>Aged in general;&mdash;often feeble:&mdash;and almost, on every occasion, half
+starved, from the limited allowance they receive; without any claim
+upon the Public, or the least hope of reward held out, even if they
+perform any meritorious service, by the <i>detection of Thieves and
+Receivers of stolen Goods</i>, or idle and disorderly persons: and above
+all, <i>making so many separate parts of an immense system, without any
+general superintendance, disjointed from the nature of its
+organization</i>, it is only a matter of wonder, that the protection
+afforded is what <i>it really is</i>.<a name="FNanchor_118_118" id="FNanchor_118_118"></a><a href="#Footnote_118_118" class="fnanchor">[118]</a>&mdash;Not only is<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_413" id="Page_413">-413-</a></span> there small
+encouragement offered for the purpose of insuring fidelity, but as has
+been already shewn innumerable temptations are held out to dishonesty,
+by Receivers of stolen Goods, to the watchmen and patroles in their
+vicinity; as well as by thieves and housebreakers in all situations
+where they contemplate the commission of a burglary.</p>
+
+<p>Money is also received from disorderly persons in the night, to permit
+them to escape from the just punishment of the Laws; while on the
+other hand, unfortunate females are often cruelly oppressed and laid
+under contribution, for permission to infringe the very laws, which it
+is the duty of these nocturnal guardians of the Police to put in
+execution.</p>
+
+<p>Excepting in the city of London, under the jurisdiction of the Lord
+Mayor and Aldermen, (where there are, in the 25 wards, 765 watchmen,
+and 38 patroles) and the parishes and liberties combined by the act of
+the 14th Geo. III. cap. 90, it will not be easy to ascertain the exact
+number of watchmen, &amp;c. employed by the great variety of different
+Trusts, in every part of the Metropolis; more especially, as in
+several instances they vary in their numbers according to the season
+of the year, and other circumstances; but the following statement is
+believed to be very near truth:<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_414" id="Page_414">-414-</a></span>&mdash;</p>
+
+<table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="beadles etc.">
+<tr><td class="right" colspan="3"><i>Beadles, Watchmen, and Patroles.</i></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="right">25</td><td>Wards in the City of London</td><td class="right">803</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="right">11</td><td>Parishes, &amp;c. in the City and Liberty of Westminster</td><td class="right">302</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="right">13</td><td>Parishes, &amp;c. in the Division of Holborn</td><td class="right">377</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="right">5</td><td>Parishes, &amp;c. in that part of the Division of Finsbury which joins the Metropolis</td><td class="right">135</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="right">7</td><td>Parishes, &amp;c. in the Division of the Tower Hamlets</td><td class="right">268</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="right">1</td><td>Liberty of the Tower of London</td><td class="right">14</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="right">5</td><td>Parishes and Hamlets, being part of the Division of Kensington, near the Metropolis</td><td class="right">66</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="right">9</td><td>Parishes in the Borough of Southwark</td><td class="right">79</td></tr>
+<tr><td colspan="2" class="right">Total Beadles, Watchmen, and Patroles<a name="FNanchor_119_119" id="FNanchor_119_119"></a><a href="#Footnote_119_119" class="fnanchor">[119]</a></td><td class="rtbl">2044</td></tr>
+</table>
+
+<p>Nothing can certainly be better calculated for <i>complete protection</i>
+against acts of violence in the streets, than <i>the System of a
+well-regulated Stationary Watch</i>;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_415" id="Page_415">-415-</a></span> composed of fit and able-bodied
+men, properly controlled and superintended: and from the number of
+persons already employed, independent of private Watchmen, it would
+seem only to be necessary to lay down apposite legislative rules, with
+respect to <i>age or ability</i>, <i>character</i>, <i>wages</i>, <i>rewards for useful
+services</i>, and <i>general superintendance</i>, in order to establish that
+species of additional security, which would operate as a more
+effectual means of preventing crimes within the Metropolis.</p>
+
+<p>Let the same system of moderate rewards also be extended to
+beadles,<a name="FNanchor_120_120" id="FNanchor_120_120"></a><a href="#Footnote_120_120" class="fnanchor">[120]</a> for useful Public service <i>actually performed</i>, as is
+proposed with regard to officers of justice, watchmen, and patroles;
+and much good will arise to the community, without any great
+additional expence.</p>
+
+<p>It is in vain to expect that the Public can be well served, unless the
+emolument becomes an object to good and able men; but these
+extraordinary rewards (as has already been observed) should always
+depend upon the vigilance and exertion of the parties themselves, in
+detecting offenders of every description: and should be paid, on its
+appearing to the Magistrate, that no <i>impropriety</i> or <i>indiscretion</i>
+has marked their conduct. If, on the contrary, they should be proved
+to have acted oppressively or improperly, a power of immediate
+dismission and punishment<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_416" id="Page_416">-416-</a></span> should, in all instances, be lodged in
+Justices of the Peace, to be exercised according to the nature of the
+offence.</p>
+
+<p>Having thus stated the civil force of the Metropolis, in
+peace-officers, watchmen and patroles, making an aggregate of 3084
+men&mdash;it may be necessary and useful to give such information relative
+to the Magistracy, as may tend to shew the present state of the
+Police, and to illustrate what remains to be further suggested on the
+subject of its improvement; for the preservation of the Public peace,
+and the <i>detection</i> and <i>apprehension</i> of every class of offenders.</p>
+
+<hr class="med" />
+
+<p>There exist at present no less than <i>five</i> separate jurisdictions
+within the limits of the Metropolis&mdash;namely,&mdash;</p>
+
+<table style="width: 90%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="magistrates">
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="right"><i>Magistrates.</i></td></tr>
+<tr><td>1. The City of London, where there are, including the Lord Mayor, 26 Aldermen, who have an exclusive jurisdiction within the ancient limits</td><td class="vabr">26</td></tr>
+<tr><td>2. The City and Liberty of Westminster&mdash;where there are upwards of 100 Justices of the Peace, who have jurisdiction only in that particular District; but where the Magistrates of the County of Middlesex have an equal jurisdiction.&mdash;The number resident, of those who are not Magistrates of Middlesex, is supposed to be about</td><td class="vabr">50</td></tr>
+<tr><td>3. That part of the Metropolis, which is situated in the county of Middlesex, where there are about 800 Justices, including the Princes of the Royal Family&mdash;many<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_417" id="Page_417">-417-</a></span> of the Nobility&mdash;Great Officers of State&mdash;Members of Parliament&mdash;and other Gentlemen of respectability;&mdash;of those in the commission about 200 have qualified; and of these who have taken out their <i>Dedimus</i> <i>Potestatum</i>, only about 150 reside in or near the Metropolis</td><td class="vabr">150</td></tr>
+<tr><td>4. That district of the Metropolis lying near, or particularly belonging anciently to the Tower of London, comprehending about 750 houses&mdash;where the Magistrates (52 in number) have an exclusive jurisdiction, and hold separate Sessions of the Peace.&mdash;The number who are not Magistrates in Middlesex, is</td><td class="vabr">31</td></tr>
+<tr><td>5. The Borough of Southwark, and that part of the Metropolis adjoining thereto, within the Bills of Mortality&mdash;where the City Magistrates have jurisdiction, besides the whole of the Magistrates of the County of Surry&mdash;namely&mdash;132, but of whom not more than 28 reside in Southwark, and 15 in London, &amp;c. (in all)</td><td class="vabr">43</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Total about</td><td class="rtbl">300</td></tr>
+</table>
+
+<p>But, notwithstanding the great number of respectable names, which are
+in the different commissions in and near the Metropolis; and although
+all who have qualified have equal jurisdiction with the Police
+Justices, within their respective districts; yet the efficient duty
+for the whole of the Metropolis, so far as it relates to the detection
+of offenders, is principally limited to two classes of
+Magistrates&mdash;namely,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_418" id="Page_418">-418-</a></span>&mdash;</p>
+
+<table style="width: 80%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="magistrates">
+<tr><td>1. The 26 Aldermen of London, whose jurisdiction is confined to the ancient limits of the City, comprehending 25 Wards, in which are 21,642 houses on the London side, and Bridge Ward without, in the Borough</td><td class="right">&nbsp;</td><td class="vabr">26</td></tr>
+<tr><td colspan="2">2. The established Magistrates, three of whom preside at each of the seven Public Offices, appointed by the Act of the 32d of his present Majesty, cap. 53. viz.&mdash;</td><td class="right">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>1. Public Office, Queen's-Square, Westminster</td><td class="right">3</td><td class="right">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>2. Public Office, Marlborough-Street</td><td class="right">3</td><td class="right">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>3. Public Office, Hatton-Garden</td><td class="right">3</td><td class="right">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>4. Public Office, Worship-Street, Shoreditch</td><td class="right">3</td><td class="right">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>5. Public Office, Whitechapel</td><td class="right">3</td><td class="right">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>6. Public Office, Shadwell</td><td class="right">3</td><td class="right">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>7. Public Office, Union-Street, Southwark</td><td class="right">3</td><td class="right">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="rtl">21</td><td class="right">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>8. Existing (previous to the Act) at the Public Office, Bow-Street</td><td class="right">3</td><td class="right">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="rtl">24</td><td class="right">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>9. The Thames Police Institution at Wapping, for the River only</td><td class="right">2</td><td class="right">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="rtl">&nbsp;</td><td class="right">26</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="right">Total efficient Magistrates who sit in rotation, daily, in the Metropolis</td><td class="right">&nbsp;</td><td class="rtbl">52</td></tr>
+</table>
+
+<p>The jurisdiction of the Magistrates presiding at the seven Public
+Offices, not only extends to Westminster and Middlesex; (and, in most
+instances, lately, to the liberty of the Tower:) but also to the
+counties of Surry, Kent, and Essex, from which considerable advantages
+in the prompt detection and ap<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_419" id="Page_419">-419-</a></span>prehension of offenders have accrued to
+the Public: The only difficulty that now remains to be removed, with
+respect to the clashing of jurisdictions, is that which regards the
+city of London; where, from its contiguity, and immediate and close
+connection with every other part of the Metropolis, considerable
+inconveniences and injuries to the public are felt, not only from the
+circumstance of the jurisdiction of the City Magistrates not being
+extended over the <i>whole</i> of the Metropolis, as well as the four
+adjoining counties; but also from the Police Magistrates having no
+authority quickly to follow up informations, by issuing warrants to
+search for property, and to apprehend persons charged with offences in
+the City. The whole difficulty resolves itself into a mere matter of
+<i>punctilio</i>, founded perhaps on ill-grounded jealousy, or
+misapprehension, which a little explanation would probably remove.</p>
+
+<p>Where the object is to do good;&mdash;and where not even the shadow of harm
+can arise, no limits should be set to local jurisdictions; especially
+where privileges are proposed to be given; (as in this case, to the
+city of London;)&mdash;and where none are to be taken away.</p>
+
+<p>For the purpose of establishing a complete and well-connected System
+of <i>detection</i>, some means ought certainly to be adopted, more closely
+to unite the City and Police Magistrates,<a name="FNanchor_121_121" id="FNanchor_121_121"></a><a href="#Footnote_121_121" class="fnanchor">[121]</a> that they may, in a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_420" id="Page_420">-420-</a></span>
+greater degree, go hand in hand in all matters regarding the general
+interest of the Metropolis and its environs; making the suppression of
+crimes one common cause, and permitting no punctilio, regarding
+jurisdiction, to prevent the operation of their united energy in the
+prompt detection of offenders; This, from the extended state of
+Commerce and Society, and the great increase of property, is now
+rendered a measure in which the inhabitants of the whole Metropolis,
+as well as the adjacent villages, have a common interest. It is an
+evil, which affects all ranks, and calls aloud for the speedy adoption
+of some effectual remedy.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_421" id="Page_421">-421-</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAP_XV" id="CHAP_XV"></a><span class="gesperrt">CHAP.</span> XV.</h2>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p><i>The prevailing practice explained, when offenders are
+brought before Magistrates.&mdash;The necessary caution, as well
+as the duty of Magistrates in such cases
+explained.&mdash;Professed thieves seldom intimidated when put
+upon their trial, from the many chances they have of
+escaping.&mdash;These chances shortly detailed.&mdash;Reflections on
+the false humanity exercised by prosecutors towards
+prisoners.&mdash;Their rudeness and cruelty, when engaged in acts
+of criminality.&mdash;The delays and expences of prosecutions, a
+great discouragement, inducing sufferers to put up with
+their loss, in silence.&mdash;How the inconvenience may be
+remedied.&mdash;An account of the different Courts of Justice,
+appointed for the trial of offences committed in the
+Metropolis.&mdash;Five inferior and two superior Courts.&mdash;A
+statement, shewing the number of prisoners convicted and
+discharged during the last year.&mdash;Reflections on this sad
+catalogue of depravity.&mdash;A radical defect somewhere.&mdash;The
+great purity of the Judges of England.&mdash;The propriety of a
+co-operation with them, in whatever shall tend to promote
+the ends of Public Justice.&mdash;This object to be attained, in
+the greatest possible degree, by means of an authorised
+Public Prosecutor.&mdash;The advantages of such an institution,
+in remedying many abuses which prevail in the trial of
+offenders.&mdash;From 2500 to 3000 persons committed<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_422" id="Page_422">-422-</a></span> for
+trial, by Magistrates, in the Metropolis, in the course of a
+Year.&mdash;The chief part afterwards returned upon Society.</i></p></div>
+
+<hr class="dbl1" />
+<hr class="dbl2" />
+
+<p><span class="cap">A</span>RRIVING at that <i>point</i> in the progress of this Work, where persons
+accused of offences are detected and brought before Magistrates for
+examination, ultimately to be committed for trial, if the evidence
+shall be sufficient:&mdash;It is proper to explain the prevailing practice
+under such circumstances.</p>
+
+<p>The task, in this case imposed upon the Magistrate, is arduous and
+important; requiring not only great purity of conduct, a profound
+knowledge of mankind, and of the common affairs of life; but in a more
+peculiar manner those powers of discrimination which may enable him to
+discover how far criminality attaches to the party accused; and
+whether there are grounds sufficient to abridge for a time, or
+ultimately to deprive the prisoner of his liberty, until a Jury of his
+country shall decide upon his fate.</p>
+
+<p>It frequently happens that persons accused of crimes are apprehended
+under circumstances where no doubt can rest on the mind of the
+Magistrates as to the guilt of the prisoner; but where the legal
+evidence is nevertheless insufficient to authorize an immediate
+commitment for trial.</p>
+
+<p>In these instances, (while he commits <i>pro tempore</i>,) he is called
+upon in a particular manner to exert the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_423" id="Page_423">-423-</a></span> whole powers of his mind, by
+adopting such judicious measures as shall be the means of detecting
+the offenders; by discovering the goods or property stolen, or by
+admitting such evidence for the Crown as may, with other corroborating
+testimony, prevent the ends of justice from being defeated.</p>
+
+<p>Where a Magistrate proceeds with indefatigable zeal and attention, and
+at the same time exercises good judgment, he will seldom fail of
+success; for in this case a similar spirit will animate the officers
+under his controul, whose activity and industry are generally in
+proportion to that manifested by their superiors.</p>
+
+<p>Much as every active Magistrate must regret that deficiency of
+pecuniary resource, which, under the present system, prevents him from
+rewarding those who must occasionally be employed to detect notorious
+offenders, this circumstance ought not to abate this zeal in any
+respect; since by perseverance it generally happens, that every good
+and proper arrangement for the immediate advantage of the Public, may
+be ultimately obtained.</p>
+
+<p>The Magistrate having done his duty by committing an offender for
+trial, satisfied of his guilt and the sufficiency of the evidence to
+convict him: and having also bound over the prosecutor and the
+witnesses as the Law directs, to attend the Grand Jury, and (if a bill
+be found) to prosecute and give evidence upon the indictment; it might
+appear to the common observer, that the culprit's case becomes
+hopeless and forlorn.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_424" id="Page_424">-424-</a></span></p>
+
+<p>This, however, is by no means a stage in the progress that intimidates
+a professed thief; he feels and knows that, although guilty of the
+crime laid to his charge, he has many chances of escaping; and these
+chances unquestionably operate as encouragements to the commission of
+crimes.</p>
+
+<p>His first hope is, that he shall intimidate the Prosecutor and
+Witnesses, by the threatenings of the gang with whom he is
+connected;&mdash;his next that he may compound the matter; or bribe or
+frighten material witnesses, so as to keep back evidence; or induce
+them to speak doubtfully at the trial, though positive evidence was
+given before the Magistrate; or if all should fail, recourse is had to
+perjury, by bringing the Receiver, or some other associate, to swear
+an <i>alibi</i>.</p>
+
+<p>Various other considerations also operate in strengthening the hopes
+of acquittal; partly arising from the vast numbers who are discharged
+or acquitted at every Session of gaol-delivery; and partly from the
+carelessness and inattention of Prosecutors, who are either unable or
+unwilling to sustain the expence of Counsel to oppose the arguments
+and objections which will be offered in behalf of the prisoner: or are
+soured by loss of valuable time, experienced, perhaps in former
+prosecutions;<a name="FNanchor_122_122" id="FNanchor_122_122"></a><a href="#Footnote_122_122" class="fnanchor">[122]</a>&mdash;or<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_425" id="Page_425">-425-</a></span> ultimately from a dread entertained by timid
+persons, who foolishly and weakly consider themselves as taking away
+the life of a fellow-creature, merely because they prosecute or give
+evidence; not reflecting that it is the <i>Law</i> only that can punish
+offenders, and <i>not</i> the individual prosecutor or witnesses.</p>
+
+<p>False Humanity, exercised in this manner, is always cruelty to the
+public, and not seldom to the prisoners themselves.&mdash;All depredations
+upon property are <i>public wrongs</i>, in the suppression and punishment
+of which it is the duty of every good man to lend his assistance; a
+duty more particularly incumbent upon those who are the immediate
+sufferers: through their means only can Public Justice operate in
+punishing those miscreants, by whom the innocent are <i>put in fear,
+alarmed and threatened with horrid imprecations&mdash;with loss of life by
+means of loaded<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_426" id="Page_426">-426-</a></span> pistols</i>; or bodily injury, from being hacked with
+cutlasses, or beaten with bludgeons&mdash;under circumstances where neither
+age nor sex is spared.&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>Yet experience has shewn that these arguments, powerful as they are,
+are insufficient to awaken in the mind of men that species of Public
+spirit which shall induce sufferers in general, by robberies of
+different kinds, to become willing prosecutors, under the various
+trying delays of Courts of Justice; and frequently with the trouble of
+bringing a number of witnesses from the country, who are kept in
+attendance on the court perhaps several days together, at a very
+considerable expence.</p>
+
+<p>Such a burden imposed upon the subject, in addition to the losses
+already sustained, in a case too where the offence is of a public
+nature, is certainly not easily reconcileable with that spirit of
+justice, and attention to the rights of individuals, which forms so
+strong a general feature in the Jurisprudence of the Country.</p>
+
+<p>From all these circumstances it happens that innumerable felonies are
+concealed, and the loss is suffered in silence as the least of two
+evils; by which means thieves are allowed to reign with impunity,
+undisturbed, and encouraged to persevere in their evil practices.</p>
+
+<p>Nothing, it is to be feared, can cure this evil, and establish a
+general system of protection, but a vigorous Police; strengthened and
+improved by the appointment of Deputy-Prosecutors for the Crown,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_427" id="Page_427">-427-</a></span>
+acting under the Attorney-General for the time being. An establishment
+of this sort, even at a very small salary, would be considered as an
+honourable <i>entré</i> to many young Counsel; who, in protecting the
+Public against the frauds, tricks, and devices of old and professed
+thieves, by which at present they escape punishment, might keep the
+stream of justice pure, and yet allow no advantage to be taken of the
+prisoner.<a name="FNanchor_123_123" id="FNanchor_123_123"></a><a href="#Footnote_123_123" class="fnanchor">[123]</a></p>
+
+<p>As it must be admitted on all hands, that it is the interest of the
+Public that no guilty offender should escape punishment;&mdash;it seems to
+be a position equally clear and incontrovertible, that wherever, from
+a defect in the system of prosecutions, or any other cause, a prisoner
+escapes the punishment due to his crimes, substantial justice is
+wounded, and public wrongs are increased.</p>
+
+<p>It has been already stated in the <a href="#CHAP_XIV">preceding Chapter</a>, that there are
+five separate Jurisdictions in the Metropolis, where Magistrates
+exercise limited authority.&mdash;Of course, there are five inferior Courts
+of Justice, where lesser offences, committed in London and its
+vicinity, are tried by Justices of the Peace.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_428" id="Page_428">-428-</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>1. The general and Quarter Sessions of the Peace; held eight
+times a year, by the Lord Mayor and Aldermen, at
+Guildhall&mdash;<i>for the trial of small Offences committed in
+London</i>.</p>
+
+<p>2. The Quarter Sessions of the Peace; held four times a year
+at Guildhall, Westminster, by the Justices acting for that
+City and Liberty&mdash;<i>for the trial of small Offences committed
+in Westminster only</i>.</p>
+
+<p>3. The General and Quarter Sessions of the Peace; held eight
+times a year, at the New Sessions House on
+Clerkenwell-Green, (commonly called Hicks's Hall) by the
+Justices only of the County of Middlesex&mdash;<i>for the trial of
+small Offences committed in Middlesex and Westminster</i>.</p>
+
+<p>4. The General Quarter Sessions of the Peace; held in the
+Sessions-House in Well-Close-Square, by the Justices for the
+Liberty of the Tower of London&mdash;<i>for the trial of small
+Offences committed within the Royalty</i>.</p>
+
+<p>5. The Quarter Sessions of the Peace; held by the Justices
+for the County of Surry, at the New Sessions House at
+Newington, Surry, in January;&mdash;At Reigate, in April;&mdash;At
+Guildhall, in July;&mdash;and Kingston-upon-Thames, in October,
+each year;&mdash;<i>where small Offences committed in Southwark and
+the Neighbourhood are tried</i>.</p></div>
+
+<p>These five inferior Courts of Justice take cognizance of <i>Petty
+Larcenies, Frauds, Assaults, Misdemeanors, and other offences
+punishable by fine, imprisonment, whipping, and the pillory</i>:&mdash;and in
+certain cases, the power of the Justices extends to transportation.</p>
+
+<p>The higher and more atrocious offences committed in London and
+Middlesex, are tried at the Justice-Hall, in the Old Bailey; by a
+special com<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_429" id="Page_429">-429-</a></span>mission of Oyer and Terminer to the Lord Mayor, and a
+certain number of the Judges, with the Recorder and Common Serjeant of
+the City of London.</p>
+
+<p>Offences of this latter degree of atrocity, perpetrated in that part
+of the Metropolis which is situated in the Borough of Southwark and
+County of Surry, are tried at the assizes, held twice a year at
+<i>Kingston-upon-Thames</i>, <i>Croydon</i>, or <i>Guildford</i>.<a name="FNanchor_124_124" id="FNanchor_124_124"></a><a href="#Footnote_124_124" class="fnanchor">[124]</a></p>
+
+<p>Thus it appears, that five inferior and two superior Tribunals of
+Justice are established for trying the different crimes committed in
+the Metropolis.</p>
+
+<p>As it may be useful, for the purpose of elucidating the suggestions
+already offered upon this branch of the subject, that a connected view
+of the result of these <i>Trials</i> should make a part of this Work;&mdash;the
+following <a href="#SUMMARY">Abstract</a>, (including the discharges of Prisoners by
+Magistrates) has been made up for this immediate purpose: from
+authentic documents obtained from the keepers of the eight different
+prisons and houses of correction in the city of London, and in the
+counties of Middlesex and Surry.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_430" id="Page_430">-430-</a></span></p>
+
+<p>It applies to the period, from September, 1794, till September, 1795,
+which is chosen as a sort of medium between Peace and War.</p>
+
+<p>It is impossible to contemplate this collected aggregate of the
+prisoners annually discharged upon the Public, without feeling a
+strong anxiety to remedy an evil rendered extremely alarming, from the
+number which composes the dismal catalogue of Human Depravity.</p>
+
+<p>Every inquiry in the progress of this Work proves a radical defect
+somewhere.</p>
+
+<p>While the public tribunals are filled with Judges, the purity of whose
+conduct adds lustre to their own and the national character, why
+should not every subordinate part of the Criminal Jurisprudence of the
+Country be so organized, as to co-operate, in the greatest possible
+degree, with the efforts of those higher orders of the Magistracy in
+accomplishing the purposes of substantial justice?</p>
+
+<p>Nothing could tend more to promote this object, than the appointment
+already proposed of a Public Prosecutor for the Crown.</p>
+
+<p>An institution of this kind would terrify the hordes of miscreants now
+at open war with the peaceable and useful part of the Community, in a
+greater degree than any one measure that could possibly be adopted.</p>
+
+<p>It would be the means of destroying those hopes and chances which
+encourage criminal people to persevere in their depredations upon the
+Public.</p>
+
+<hr class="med" />
+
+<h3><a name="SUMMARY" id="SUMMARY"></a>A Summary View of the Prisoners <i>committed</i>, <i>tried</i>, <i>punished</i>,
+<i>disposed of</i>, and <i>discharged</i> in the
+Metropolis, in <i>One Year</i>, ending in October, 1795.</h3>
+
+<h4><i>Number of prisoners, punished and disposed of.</i></h4>
+
+<div class="wide">
+<table style="font-size: 80%; padding-top: 0em; padding-bottom: 0em" border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="prisoners">
+<tr>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td>Names of Prisons.</td>
+<td>Died</td>
+<td>Capitally convicted</td>
+<td>Sentenced to Transportation</td>
+<td>Imprisoned in Newgate</td>
+<td>Imprisoned in Bridewell Hospital</td>
+<td>Imprisoned in the House of Correction of Middlesex</td>
+<td>Imprisoned in Tothil-Fields Bridewell</td>
+<td>Imprisoned in Surry Gaols</td>
+<td>Sent to the Philanthropic and Marine Societies</td>
+<td>Sent to serve his Majesty in the Navy and Army</td>
+<td>Passed to Parishes</td>
+<td>Sent to Hospitals</td>
+<td>Total</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat" rowspan="4">London</td>
+<td>Newgate</td>
+<td class="right">7</td>
+<td class="right">51</td>
+<td class="right">153</td>
+<td class="right">85</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="right">54</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="right">20</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="right">39</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="right">409</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>Poultry Compter</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="right">334</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="right">10</td>
+<td class="right">44</td>
+<td class="right">72</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="right">460</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>Giltspur Compter</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="right">249</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="right">75</td>
+<td class="right">125</td>
+<td class="right">44</td>
+<td class="right">493</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>Bridewell Hospital</td>
+<td class="right">4</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="right">835</td>
+<td class="right">44</td>
+<td class="right">883</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat" rowspan="3">Middlesex</td>
+<td>New Prison Clerkenwell</td>
+<td class="right">5</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="right">3</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="right">58</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="right">66</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>House of Correction, in Cold Bath Fields</td>
+<td class="right">4</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="right">128</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="right">132</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>Tothil Fields Bridewell</td>
+<td class="right">2</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="right">7</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="right">37</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="right">122</td>
+<td class="right">26</td>
+<td class="right">194</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">Surry</td>
+<td>New Gaol, Southwark</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="right">10</td>
+<td class="right">11</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="right">16</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="right">3</td>
+<td class="right">38</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td rowspan="2">&nbsp;</td>
+<td rowspan="2">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="right">22</td>
+<td class="right">61</td>
+<td class="right">174</td>
+<td class="right">85</td>
+<td class="right">583</td>
+<td class="right">54</td>
+<td class="right">37</td>
+<td class="right">36</td>
+<td class="right">10</td>
+<td class="right">216</td>
+<td class="right">1282</td>
+<td class="right">115</td>
+<td class="right">2675</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td>16 executed</td>
+<td>106 transported</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+
+<h4 class="tp"><i>Number of Prisoners discharged by the Magistrates, and from the Eight
+Gaols, in One Year.</i></h4>
+
+<table style="font-size: 80%; padding-top: 0em; padding-bottom: 0em" border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="prisoners">
+<tr>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td>Names of Prisons.</td>
+<td>Discharged by Magistrates for want of Proof</td>
+<td>Discharged by Proclamation and Gaol delivery</td>
+<td>Discharged by <span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: Acquittals">Acquitals</span></td>
+<td>Discharged after being whipt</td>
+<td>Discharged after being fined</td>
+<td>Discharged after suffering imprisonment</td>
+<td>Apprentices discharged</td>
+<td>Offenders bailed out of Prison</td>
+<td>Discharged by Pardon</td>
+<td>Total discharged</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat" rowspan="4">London</td>
+<td>Newgate</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="right">134</td>
+<td class="right">272</td>
+<td class="right">12</td>
+<td class="right">11</td>
+<td class="right">20</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="right">129</td>
+<td class="right">578</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>Poultry Compter</td>
+<td class="right">199</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="right">27</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="right">226</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>Giltspur Compter</td>
+<td class="right">287</td>
+<td class="right">10</td>
+<td class="right">10</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="right">45</td>
+<td class="right">11</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="right">114</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="right">477</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>Bridewell Hospital</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="right">249</td>
+<td class="right">38</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="right">287</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat" rowspan="3">Middlesex</td>
+<td>New Prison Clerkenwell</td>
+<td class="right">237</td>
+<td class="right">170</td>
+<td class="right">35</td>
+<td class="right">9</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="right">9</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="right">127</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="right">587</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>House of Correction, in Cold Bath Fields</td>
+<td class="right">568</td>
+<td class="right">231</td>
+<td class="right">60</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="right">353</td>
+<td class="right">111</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="right">1323</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>Tothil Fields Bridewell</td>
+<td class="right">253</td>
+<td class="right">274</td>
+<td class="right">6</td>
+<td class="right">1</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="right">27</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="right">154</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="right">715</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">Surry</td>
+<td>New Gaol, Southwark</td>
+<td class="right">130</td>
+<td class="right">74</td>
+<td class="right">35</td>
+<td class="right">2</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="right">28</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="right">269</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td rowspan="2">&nbsp;</td>
+<td rowspan="2">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="right">1674</td>
+<td class="right">893</td>
+<td class="right">418</td>
+<td class="right">24</td>
+<td class="right">56</td>
+<td class="right">697</td>
+<td class="right">149</td>
+<td class="right">422</td>
+<td class="right">129</td>
+<td class="right">4462</td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+</div>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p class="tp">N.B. Although the Author has been at infinite pains to
+render this Summary as exact as possible, yet from the
+different modes adopted in keeping the accounts of Prisons,
+he is not thoroughly satisfied in his own mind that the View
+he has here given is accurate, to a point.&mdash;He is, however,
+convinced that it will be found sufficiently so for the
+purpose.</p></div>
+
+<p class="center">[To face <a href="#Page_430">page 430</a>.]</p>
+
+
+<hr class="med" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_431" id="Page_431">-431-</a></span></p>
+
+<p>It would not only remove that aversion which Prosecutors manifest on
+many occasions, to come forward, for the purpose of promoting the ends
+of public justice; but it would prevent, in a great measure, the
+possibility of compounding felonies, or of suborning witnesses.<a name="FNanchor_125_127" id="FNanchor_125_127"></a><a href="#Footnote_125_127" class="fnanchor">[125]</a></p>
+
+<p>It would also be the means of counteracting the various tricks and
+devices of old thieves; and occasion an equal measure of Justice to be
+dealt out to them, as to the novices in crimes:&mdash;It would do more,&mdash;It
+would protect real innocence,&mdash;for in such cases the Public Prosecutor
+would never fail to act as the friend of the prisoner.</p>
+
+<p>The prevailing practice in criminal trials, in the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_432" id="Page_432">-432-</a></span> true spirit of
+mildness and humanity, induces the Judge to act in some degree as
+counsel for the prisoner.&mdash;Without a Prosecutor for the Crown,
+therefore, every trifling inaccuracy in the indictment is allowed to
+become a fatal obstacle to conviction;<a name="FNanchor_126_128" id="FNanchor_126_128"></a><a href="#Footnote_126_128" class="fnanchor">[126]</a> circumstances which would
+frequently throw great light upon the charges, are not brought under
+the review of the jury, and thus public justice is defeated.</p>
+
+<p>Upon an average, the Magistrates of the Metropolis commit annually,
+(out of many times that number who are equally objects of punishment,)
+from about 2500 to 3000 persons, male and female, for trial, at the
+seven different Courts of Justice in and near the Metropolis; charged
+with a variety of felonies, misdemeanors, and other petty offences.
+But after fully convincing their own minds, from a careful, and in
+many instances, a most laborious investigation, that the parties are
+guilty, they are obliged,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_433" id="Page_433">-433-</a></span> from experience, to prepare themselves for
+the mortification of seeing their labour and exertions in a great
+measure lost to the Community: the major part of these criminals being
+returned upon Society, without any effectual steps adopted for their
+reformation, or any means used for the prevention of a repetition of
+their crimes. A considerable proportion of this wretched number may
+have suffered perhaps a slight punishment for their demerits; but
+which produces no effect that is not ultimately mischievous to the
+Community; since it serves merely to initiate them, in a greater
+degree, in the knowledge and means of committing new acts of fraud and
+villainy.</p>
+
+<p>To establish a System calculated to prevent criminals from returning
+to their evil practices after punishment is the very essence of good
+Police; but notwithstanding its importance to the Community, no
+measures have ever yet been adopted, calculated to attain so desirable
+an object.&mdash;It is however ardently to be hoped, that the period is
+fast approaching, when this great desideratum will be in a certain
+degree obtained; and that the suggestions offered in the subsequent
+Chapters, may tend to accelerate the renovation of this forlorn and
+miserable class of outcasts, by means of an appropriate <i>Penitentiary
+System</i>.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_434" id="Page_434">-434-</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAP_XVI" id="CHAP_XVI"></a><span class="gesperrt">CHAP.</span> XVI.</h2>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p><i>On Punishments.&mdash;The mode authorized by the ancient
+laws.&mdash;The period when Transportation commenced.&mdash;The
+principal crimes enumerated which are punishable by
+Death.&mdash;Those punishable by Transportation and
+Imprisonment.&mdash;The courts appointed to try different degrees
+of crimes.&mdash;Capital punishments, extending to so many
+offences of an inferior nature, defeat the ends of
+justice.&mdash;The system of Pardons examined:&mdash;their evil
+tendency.&mdash;New regulations suggested with regard to Pardons
+and Executions.&mdash;An historical account of the rise and
+progress of Transportation.&mdash;The expedients resorted to,
+after the American War put a stop to that mode of
+punishment.&mdash;The System of the Hulks then adopted.&mdash;Salutary
+Laws also made for the erection of Provincial and National
+Penitentiary Houses.&mdash;The nature and principle of these Laws
+briefly explained.&mdash;An account of the Convicts confined in
+the Hulks for twenty-two years.&mdash;The enormous expence of
+maintenance and inadequate produce of their labour.&mdash;The
+impolicy of the system exposed by the Committee on
+Finance.&mdash;The system of Transportation to New South Wales
+examined.&mdash;Great expence of this mode of
+punishment.&mdash;Improvements suggested, calculated to reduce
+the expence in future.&mdash;Erection of one or more National
+Penitentiary Houses recommended.&mdash;A general view of the
+County Penitentiary Houses<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_435" id="Page_435">-435-</a></span> and Prisons:&mdash;their inefficacy
+in reforming Convicts.&mdash;The labour obtained uncertain, while
+the expence is enormous.&mdash;The National Penitentiary House
+(according to the proposal of Jeremy Bentham, Esq.)
+considered.&mdash;Its peculiar advantages over all others which
+have been suggested, with respect to health, productive
+labour, and reformation of Convicts.&mdash;General reflections on
+the means of rendering imprisonment useful in reforming
+Convicts.&mdash;Concluding observations.</i></p></div>
+
+<hr class="dbl1" />
+<hr class="dbl2" />
+
+<p><span class="cap">I</span>MPERFECT in many respects as the criminal Law appears, from what has
+been detailed and stated in the preceding Chapters, and much as the
+great increase of capital offences, created during the last and
+present Century, is to be lamented:&mdash;it cannot be denied that several
+changes have taken place in the progress of Society, favourable to the
+cause of humanity, and more consonant to reason and justice, in the
+appropriation and the mode of inflicting punishments.</p>
+
+<p>The Benefit of Clergy, which for a long period exempted clerical
+people only, from the punishment of death in cases of felony, was by
+several statutes<a name="FNanchor_127_131" id="FNanchor_127_131"></a><a href="#Footnote_127_131" class="fnanchor">[127]</a> extended to <i>peers</i>, <i>women</i>, and all persons
+<i>able to read</i>;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_436" id="Page_436">-436-</a></span> who, pleading their Clergy, suffered only a corporal
+punishment, or a year's imprisonment; and those men who <i>could not
+read</i>, if under the degree of peerage, were hanged.<a name="FNanchor_128_132" id="FNanchor_128_132"></a><a href="#Footnote_128_132" class="fnanchor">[128]</a></p>
+
+<p>This unaccountable distinction was actually not removed until the 5th
+of Queen Anne, cap. 6, which extended the benefit of clergy to all who
+were intitled to ask it, <i>whether they could read or not</i>.<a name="FNanchor_129_133" id="FNanchor_129_133"></a><a href="#Footnote_129_133" class="fnanchor">[129]</a></p>
+
+<p>In the course of the present century, several of the old sanguinary
+modes of punishment have been either, very properly, abolished by acts
+of parliament, or allowed, to the honour of humanity, to fall into
+disuse:&mdash;such as <i>burning alive (particularly women) cutting off hands
+or ears, slitting nostrils, or branding in the hand or face</i>; and
+among lesser punishments, fallen into disuse, may be mentioned <i>the
+ducking-stool</i>.</p>
+
+<p>The punishment of death for felony (as has already been observed) has
+existed since the reign of Henry I. nearly 700 years.&mdash;Transportation
+is commonly understood to have been first introduced, anno 1718, by
+the act of the 4th George I. cap. 11; and afterwards enlarged by the
+Act 6th of George I. c. 23, which allowed the court a discretionary
+power to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_437" id="Page_437">-437-</a></span> order felons who were by law entitled to their clergy, to be
+transported to the American plantations for seven or fourteen years,
+according to circumstances.<a name="FNanchor_130_134" id="FNanchor_130_134"></a><a href="#Footnote_130_134" class="fnanchor">[130]</a></p>
+
+<p>Since that period the mode of punishment has undergone several other
+alterations; and many Crimes which were formerly considered of an
+inferior rank, have been rendered capital: which will be best
+elucidated by the following Catalogue of Offences, divided into six
+classes according to the Laws now in force.</p>
+
+<hr class="dbl1" />
+<hr class="dbl2" />
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>1. <span class="smcap">Crimes</span> <i>punishable by the</i> Deprivation of Life; <i>and
+where, upon the Conviction of the Offenders the sentence of
+Death must be pronounced by the Judge.&mdash;Of these, it has
+been stated, the whole, on the authority of Sir William
+Blackstone, including all the various shades of the same
+offence, is about 160 in number.</i></p>
+
+<p class="center"><i>The principal are the following:</i></p>
+
+<p>Treason, and Petty Treason; <i>See</i> <a href="#Page_38"><i>page</i> 38</a>, &amp;c. Under the
+former of these is included the Offence of Counterfeiting
+the Gold and Silver Coin, <i>See page</i> <a href="#Page_191">191</a>-<a href="#Page_211">211</a>.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_438" id="Page_438">-438-</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Murder, <i>See</i> <a href="#Page_44"><i>page</i> 44</a>, &amp;c.</p>
+
+<p>Arson, or wilfully and maliciously burning a House, Barns
+with Corn, &amp;c. <i>See</i> <a href="#Page_56"><i>page</i> 56</a>.</p>
+
+<p>Rape, or the forcible violation of chastity, &amp;c. <i>See</i>
+<a href="#Page_46"><i>page</i> 46</a>.</p>
+
+<p>Stealing an Heiress, <i>See</i> <a href="#Page_48"><i>page</i> 48</a>.</p>
+
+<p>Sodomy, a crime against nature, committed either with man or
+beast, <i>See</i> <a href="#Page_46"><i>page</i> 46</a>.</p>
+
+<p>Piracy, or robbing ships and vessels at sea: under which is
+included, the Offences of sailors forcibly hindering their
+captains from fighting, <i>See</i> <i>page</i> <a href="#Page_55">55</a>, <a href="#Page_56">56</a>.</p>
+
+<p>Forgery of Deeds, Bonds, Bills, Notes, Public Securities,
+&amp;c. &amp;c. Clerks of the Bank embezzling Notes, altering
+Dividend Warrants: Paper Makers, unauthorised, using moulds
+for Notes, &amp;c.</p>
+
+<p>Destroying Ships, or setting them on Fire, <i>See</i> <a href="#Page_57"><i>page</i> 57</a>.</p>
+
+<p>Bankrupts not surrendering, or concealing their Effects</p>
+
+<p>Burglary, or House Breaking in the night time, <i>See</i>
+<a href="#Page_57"><i>page</i> 57</a>.</p>
+
+<p>Highway Robbery</p>
+
+<p>House Breaking in the day time, <i>See</i> <i>page</i> <a href="#Page_54">54</a>, <a href="#Page_55">55</a>.</p>
+
+<p>Privately Stealing or Picking Pockets above one Shilling</p>
+
+<p>Shop Lifting above Five Shillings, <i>See</i> <a href="#Page_55"><i>page</i> 55</a>.</p>
+
+<p>Stealing Bonds, Bills, or Bank Notes</p>
+
+<p>Stealing Bank Notes, or Bills from Letters</p>
+
+<p>Stealing above 40<i>s.</i> in any House, <i>See</i> <a href="#Page_55"><i>page</i> 55</a>.</p>
+
+<p>Stealing above 40<i>s.</i> on a River</p>
+
+<p>Stealing Linen, &amp;c. from Bleaching Grounds, &amp;c. or
+destroying Linen therein</p>
+
+<p>Maiming or Killing Cattle maliciously. <i>See</i> the Black Act,
+9 Geo. I. cap. 22.</p>
+
+<p>Stealing Horses, Cattle or Sheep</p>
+
+<p>Shooting at a Revenue Officer; or at any other person, <i>See</i>
+the Black Act</p>
+
+<p>Pulling down Houses, Churches, <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_439" id="Page_439">-439-</a></span>&amp;c.</p>
+
+<p>Breaking down the head of a Fish-Pond, whereby Fish may be
+lost, (<i>Black Act</i>)<a name="FNanchor_131_135" id="FNanchor_131_135"></a><a href="#Footnote_131_135" class="fnanchor">[131]</a></p>
+
+<p>Cutting down Trees in an Avenue, Garden, &amp;c.</p>
+
+<p>Cutting down River or Sea Banks.</p>
+
+<p>Cutting Hop Binds</p>
+
+<p>Setting fire to coal mines</p>
+
+<p>Taking a Reward for helping another to Stolen Goods, in
+certain cases, <i>See</i> <a href="#Page_295"><i>page</i> 295</a></p>
+
+<p>Returning from Transportation; or being at large in the
+Kingdom after Sentence</p>
+
+<p>Stabbing a Person unarmed, or not having a weapon drawn, if
+he die in six months</p>
+
+<p>Concealing the death of a Bastard Child</p>
+
+<p>Maliciously maiming or disfiguring any person, &amp;c. lying in
+wait for the purpose, <i>See</i> <a href="#Page_50"><i>page</i> 50</a>.</p>
+
+<p>Sending Threatening Letters (Black Act)</p>
+
+<p>Riots by twelve or more, and not dispersing in an hour after
+proclamation</p>
+
+<p>Being accessaries to Felonies deemed capital</p>
+
+<p>Stealing Woollen Cloth from Tenter Grounds</p>
+
+<p>Stealing from a Ship in Distress</p>
+
+<p>Government Stores, embezzling, burning or destroying in
+Dock-Yards; in certain cases, <i>See</i> <i>pages</i> <a href="#Page_261">261</a>-<a href="#Page_263">263</a></p>
+
+<p>Challenging Jurors above 20 in capital felonies; or standing
+mute</p>
+
+<p>Cottons selling with forged Stamps</p>
+
+<p>Deer-Stealing, second offence; or even first offence, under
+Black Act, not usually enforced<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_440" id="Page_440">-440-</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Uttering counterfeit Money, third offence</p>
+
+<p>Prisoners under Insolvent Acts guilty of perjury</p>
+
+<p>Destroying Silk or Velvet in the loom; or the Tools for
+manufacturing thereof; or destroying Woollen Goods, Racks or
+Tools, or entering a House for that purpose</p>
+
+<p>Servants purloining their Masters' Goods, value 40<i>s.</i></p>
+
+<p>Personating Bail; or acknowledging fines or judgments in
+another's name</p>
+
+<p>Escape by breaking Prison, in certain cases</p>
+
+<p>Attempting to kill Privy Counsellors, &amp;c.</p>
+
+<p>Sacrilege</p>
+
+<p>Smuggling by persons armed; or assembling armed for that
+purpose</p>
+
+<p>Robbery of the Mail</p>
+
+<p>Destroying Turnpikes or Bridges, Gates, Weighing Engines,
+Locks, Sluices, Engines for Draining Marshes, &amp;c.</p>
+
+<p>Mutiny, Desertion, &amp;c. by the Martial and Statute Law</p>
+
+<p>Soldiers or Sailors enlisting into Foreign Service</p></div>
+
+<hr class="dbl1" />
+<hr class="dbl2" />
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>2. <span class="smcap">Crimes</span> <i>denominated</i> Single Felonies; <i>punishable by
+Transportation, Whipping, Imprisonment, the Pillory, and
+Hard Labour in Houses of Correction, according to the Nature
+of the offence.</i></p>
+
+<p class="center"><i>The principal of which are the following:</i></p>
+
+<p>Grand Larceny, which comprehends every species of Theft
+above the value of One Shilling, not otherwise distinguished</p>
+
+<p>Receiving or buying Stolen Goods, Jewels and Plate. <i>See</i>
+<a href="#Page_299"><i>page</i> 299</a></p>
+
+<p>Ripping and stealing Lead, Iron, Copper, &amp;c. or buying or
+receiving, <i>See</i> <a href="#Page_295"><i>page</i> 295</a><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_441" id="Page_441">-441-</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Stealing (or receiving when stolen) Ore from Black Lead
+Mines</p>
+
+<p>Stealing from Furnished Lodgings</p>
+
+<p>Setting fire to Underwood</p>
+
+<p>Stealing Letters, or destroying a Letter or Packet,
+advancing the Postage, and secreting the Money</p>
+
+<p>Embezzling Naval Stores, in certain cases, <i>See</i>
+<i>pages</i> <a href="#Page_261">261</a>-<a href="#Page_263">263</a></p>
+
+<p>Petty Larcenies, or Thefts under one Shilling</p>
+
+<p>Assaulting with an intent to Rob</p>
+
+<p>Aliens returning after being ordered out of the kingdom</p>
+
+<p>Stealing Fish from a Pond or River&mdash;Fishing in inclosed
+Ponds, and buying stolen Fish</p>
+
+<p>Stealing Roots, Trees, or Plants, of the value of 5<i>s.</i> or
+destroying them</p>
+
+<p>Stealing Children with their apparel</p>
+
+<p>Bigamy, or Marrying more Wives or Husbands than one (now
+punishable with transportation)</p>
+
+<p>Assaulting and Cutting, or Burning Clothes</p>
+
+<p>Counterfeiting the Copper Coin, &amp;c.&mdash;<i>See</i> <i>page</i> <a href="#Page_191">191</a>-<a href="#Page_211">211</a></p>
+
+<p>Marriage, solemnizing clandestinely</p>
+
+<p>Manslaughter, or killing another without Malice, &amp;c. <i>See</i>
+<a href="#Page_44"><i>page</i> 44</a></p>
+
+<p>Cutting or Stealing Timber Trees, &amp;c. &amp;c. &amp;c.</p>
+
+<p>Stealing a Shroud out of a Grave</p>
+
+<p>Watermen carrying too many passengers in the Thames, if any
+drowned</p></div>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_442" id="Page_442">-442-</a></span></p>
+
+<hr class="dbl1" />
+<hr class="dbl2" />
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>3. <span class="smcap">Offences</span> <i>denominated</i> Misdemeanors, <i>punishable by Fine,
+Imprisonment, Whipping, and the Pillory.</i></p>
+
+<p class="center"><i>The principal of which are the following:</i></p>
+
+<p>Perjury, or taking a false Oath in a judicial proceeding,
+&amp;c.</p>
+
+<p>Frauds, by Cheating, Swindling contrary to the rules of
+common honesty, &amp;c. &amp;c.</p>
+
+<p>Conspiracies, for the purpose of injuring or defrauding
+others</p>
+
+<p>Assaults by striking or beating another person, &amp;c.</p>
+
+<p>Stealing Dead Bodies</p>
+
+<p>Stealing Cabbages, Turnips, &amp;c. growing</p>
+
+<p>Cutting and stealing Wood and Trees</p>
+
+<p>Robbing Orchards and Gardens</p>
+
+<p>Stealing Deer from Forests</p>
+
+<p>Stealing Dogs</p>
+
+<p>Setting fire to a House to defraud the Insurance Office</p>
+
+<p>Making and selling Fire-Works and Squibs</p>
+
+<p>Throwing the same when on fire about the streets</p>
+
+<p>Uttering Base Money</p>
+
+<p>Selling Base Money under its denominated value</p>
+
+<p>Embezzlement in the Woollen, Silk, and other Manufactures</p>
+
+<p>Offences by Artificers and Servants in various Trades</p>
+
+<p>Combinations and Conspiracies for raising the price of
+Wages, &amp;c. (<i>See stat.</i> 39 <i>Geo.</i> III. <i>c.</i> 81)</p>
+
+<p>Smuggling Run Goods, and other Frauds relative to the Excise
+and Customs</p>
+
+<p>Keeping Bawdy Houses and other Disorderly Houses</p></div>
+
+<hr class="dbl1" />
+<hr class="dbl2" />
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>4. <span class="smcap">Idle</span> and Disorderly Persons <i>described by the Act of the
+17th Geo. II. cap. 5. and subsequent Acts</i>; punishable with
+one Month's Imprisonment&mdash;<i>namely</i>,</p>
+
+<p>1. Persons threatening to run away and leave their wives and
+children on the Parish<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_443" id="Page_443">-443-</a></span></p>
+
+<p>2. Persons who tipple in Ale Houses, and neglect their
+Families, &amp;c. as described in the 3d Geo. III. cap. 45</p>
+
+<p>3. Persons who shall unlawfully return to the Parish or
+place from which they have been legally removed, without
+bringing a Certificate</p>
+
+<p>4. Persons, who not having wherewithal to maintain
+themselves, live idly without employment, and refuse to work
+for the usual Wages</p>
+
+<p>5. Persons begging in the streets, highways, &amp;c.</p></div>
+
+<hr class="dbl1" />
+<hr class="dbl2" />
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>5th. <span class="smcap">Rogues</span> and <span class="smcap">Vagabonds</span> <i>described by the said Act of the
+17th Geo. II. cap. 5. and subsequent Acts</i>; punishable by
+Six Months' Imprisonment&mdash;namely,</p>
+
+<p>1. Persons going about as Patent Gatherers or Gatherers of
+Alms, under pretence of Loss by Fire, or other casualty.</p>
+
+<p>2. Fencers, Bearwards, Strolling Players of Interludes, or
+other Entertainments</p>
+
+<p>3. Minstrels, (except those licensed by the Lord Dutton in
+Cheshire)</p>
+
+<p>4. Persons pretending to be, and wandering in the habit of,
+Gypseys</p>
+
+<p>5. Fortune-Tellers, pretending Skill in Physiognomy,
+Palmistry, &amp;c. or using any subtle craft to deceive and
+impose on others</p>
+
+<p>6. Persons playing or betting at any unlawful Games or Plays</p>
+
+<p>7. Persons who run away, and leave their Wives and Children
+upon the Parish</p>
+
+<p>8. Petty Chapmen and Pedlars wandering abroad without a
+Licence</p>
+
+<p>9. Persons wandering abroad, and lodging in Ale-Houses,
+Out-Houses, or the open Air, and not giving a good account
+of themselves<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_444" id="Page_444">-444-</a></span></p>
+
+<p>10. Persons wandering abroad, and pretending to be Soldiers
+or Sailors, without proper Certificates from their Officers,
+or Testimonials from Magistrates</p>
+
+<p>11. Persons wandering abroad, pretending to go to work in
+Harvest, without a proper Certificate from the Parish</p>
+
+<p>12. Persons having Implements of House-breaking or Offensive
+Weapons, with a Felonious intent</p>
+
+<p>13. Persons concerned in illegal Lottery Transactions, as
+described in the Lottery Acts, 27th, 33d, 34th, and 35th
+Geo. III.</p></div>
+
+<hr class="dbl1" />
+<hr class="dbl2" />
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>6th. <span class="smcap">Incorrigible Rogues</span>, <i>punishable with Two Years'
+Imprisonment and Whipping, or Transportation for Seven
+Years, if they break out of Prison&mdash;namely</i>,</p>
+
+<p>1. Persons stiled End-Gatherers, buying, collecting, or
+receiving Ends of Yarn in the Woollen Branch, against the
+stat. 13 Geo. I. cap. 23.</p>
+
+<p>2. Persons, who being Rogues and Vagabonds, have escaped
+after being apprehended, or who shall refuse to be examined
+by a Magistrate, or who shall give a false account of
+themselves after being warned of their punishment</p>
+
+<p>3. Persons who shall escape out of any House of Correction
+before the period of their imprisonment empires</p>
+
+<p>4. Persons, who being once punished as Rogues and Vagabonds,
+shall again commit the same offence.</p>
+
+<p><span class="hand" title="pointing hand">&#9758;</span> <i>There are a great many other trivial Offences
+denominated Misdemeanors, subject to pecuniary Fines, which
+it is not easy to enumerate. Since almost every statute,
+whether public or private, which passes in the course of a
+Session of Parliament, creates new offences&mdash;the shades vary
+as Society advances, and their number is scarcely within the
+reach of calculation.</i></p></div>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_445" id="Page_445">-445-</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The crimes mentioned in the first and second classes of the foregoing
+Enumeration (except Petty Larceny) are always tried by the Superior
+Courts:&mdash;The offences specified in the third class, as also Petty
+Larceny, and every species of misdemeanor and vagrancy, are generally
+tried, (with some few exceptions) by the Justices in their General and
+Quarter Sessions, where, in certain cases in Middlesex, they act under
+a commission of Oyer and Terminer. The Magistrates in Petty Sessions,
+and in several instances a <i>single Magistrate</i>, have also the power of
+convicting in a summary way, for a variety of small misdemeanors, and
+acts of vagrancy: and of punishing the delinquents with fine and
+imprisonment.</p>
+
+<p>It generally happens in the Metropolis, that out of from 2000 to 2500
+prisoners who are tried for different crimes, in the various Courts of
+Justice, above 5-6th parts are for larcenies, acts of vagrancy, and
+smaller offences; where the Benefit of Clergy, either attaches, or
+does not apply at all. The major part are, of course, returned upon
+Society, after a short imprisonment, or some corporal punishment, too
+frequently to renew their depredations on the public.&mdash;But a vast
+proportion (as has already been shewn) are always acquitted.<a name="FNanchor_132_136" id="FNanchor_132_136"></a><a href="#Footnote_132_136" class="fnanchor">[132]</a></p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_446" id="Page_446">-446-</a></span></p><p>In order to form a judgment of the proportion of the more atrocious
+offenders tried at the Old Bailey: the number acquitted; and the
+specific punishments inflicted on the different offences in case of
+conviction, one year has been selected; a year in which it was natural
+to expect from the immense, and indeed, unparalleled bounties which
+were given for seamen and soldiers, that the number of thieves and
+criminals would be greatly reduced,&mdash;namely&mdash;<i>from the month of
+April</i>, 1793, <i>to the month of April</i>, 1794,&mdash;including eight Sessions
+at the Old Bailey&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>The following Table shews in what manner 1060 prisoners, put on their
+trials during that period, were disposed of.<a name="FNanchor_133_138" id="FNanchor_133_138"></a><a href="#Footnote_133_138" class="fnanchor">[133]</a></p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_447" id="Page_447">-447-</a></span></p>
+
+<p class="center">The Crimes for which the different Offenders were tried, were these
+following:</p>
+
+<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="crimes">
+<tr><td>Murder</td><td class="right">46</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Arson</td><td class="right">5</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Burglary</td><td class="right">101</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Robbery</td><td class="right">58</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Horse and Cattle stealing</td><td class="right">108</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Forgery</td><td class="right">16</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Coining</td><td class="right">17</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="rtl">351</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="right">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Felony</td><td class="right">315</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Larceny</td><td class="right">998</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Receiving stolen Goods</td><td class="right">61</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Frauds and Misdemeanors</td><td class="right">101</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Rogues and Vagabonds</td><td class="right">21</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="rtl">1496</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="right">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Manslaughter</td><td class="right">29</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Bigamy</td><td class="right">3</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Beastiality</td><td class="right">2</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Rape</td><td class="right">9</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Perjury</td><td class="right">2</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Sedition</td><td class="right">2</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="rtl">47</td></tr>
+</table>
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_448" id="Page_448">-448-</a></span></p>
+
+<h3><i>A</i> TABLE, <i>shewing the Prisoners tried at the Old Bailey, from April
+1793, to March 1794, inclusive.</i></h3>
+
+<div class="wide">
+<table style="width: 100%; padding-top: 0em; padding-bottom: 0em" border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="prisoners tried">
+<tr>
+<td colspan="3">&nbsp;</td>
+<td colspan="9" class="center">Prisoners convicted, and their Punishments.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>London, Middlesex, and Westminster.</td>
+<td>Persons comitted for trial.</td>
+<td>Of whom acquitted and discharged.</td>
+<td>Death.</td>
+<td>Transported for 14 years.</td>
+<td>Transported for 7 years.</td>
+<td>Whipt &amp; imprisoned.</td>
+<td>Imprisoned 6 months and upwards.</td>
+<td>Imprisoned 3 months &amp; otherwise disposed of.</td>
+<td>Sent to serve the King.</td>
+<td>Judgment respited.</td>
+<td>Total punished.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>London Sessions</td>
+<td class="right">199</td>
+<td class="right">70</td>
+<td class="right">6</td>
+<td class="right">1</td>
+<td class="right">50</td>
+<td class="right">10</td>
+<td class="right">29</td>
+<td class="right">20</td>
+<td class="right">8</td>
+<td class="right">5</td>
+<td class="right">129</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>Middlesex and Westminster</td>
+<td class="right">861</td>
+<td class="right">497</td>
+<td class="right">62</td>
+<td class="right">1</td>
+<td class="right">117</td>
+<td class="right">38</td>
+<td class="right">51</td>
+<td class="right">49</td>
+<td class="right">30</td>
+<td class="right">16</td>
+<td class="right">364</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="right">1060</td>
+<td class="right">567<a name="FNanchor_134_139" id="FNanchor_134_139"></a><a href="#Footnote_134_139" class="fnanchor">[134]</a></td>
+<td class="right">68</td>
+<td class="right">2</td>
+<td class="right">167</td>
+<td class="right">48</td>
+<td class="right">80</td>
+<td class="right">69</td>
+<td class="right">38</td>
+<td class="right">21</td>
+<td class="right">493</td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+</div>
+
+<p class="tp"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_449" id="Page_449">-449-</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Thus it appears, that in London only, of 1060 prisoners, tried in the
+course of a year, only 493 were punished; of whom 197, after a
+temporary confinement, would return upon the Public, with little
+prospect of being better disposed to be useful to Society, than
+before.&mdash;It may be estimated that in all England, including those
+offenders who are tried at the County Sessions, upwards of five
+thousand individuals, charged with criminal offences, are thrown back
+upon Society every year.&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>But this is not all,&mdash;for according to the present System, out of
+about <i>two hundred</i> and upwards who are, upon an average every year,
+doomed to suffer the punishment of death, <i>four-fifths</i> or more are
+generally pardoned<a name="FNanchor_135_140" id="FNanchor_135_140"></a><a href="#Footnote_135_140" class="fnanchor">[135]</a> either on condition of being transported, or
+of going into His Majesty's service, and not seldom without any
+condition at all.</p>
+
+<p>Hence it is, that, calculating on all the different chances,
+encouragements to commit crimes actually arise out of the System
+intended for their prevention:&mdash;<i>first, from the hope of avoiding
+detection and apprehension;&mdash;secondly, of escaping conviction, from<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_450" id="Page_450">-450-</a></span>
+the means used to vitiate and suborn the evidence;&mdash;thirdly, from the
+mercy of the Jury, in considering the punishment too severe;&mdash;and
+fourthly, from the interest of persons of rank or consideration,
+applying (under circumstances where humanity becomes the friend of
+every person doomed to die), for the interference of Royal Mercy, by
+Pardons</i>.</p>
+
+<p>God forbid that the Author of these pages should do so much violence
+to his own feelings, as to convey an idea hostile to the extension of
+that amiable Prerogative vested in the Sovereign; and which His
+Majesty has exercised with a benevolent regard to the feelings of
+Humanity, and a merciful disposition truly characteristic of the mind
+of a great and good King.</p>
+
+<p>These animadversions are by no means pointed against the exercise of a
+privilege so benign, and even so necessary, in the present state of
+the Criminal Law;&mdash;they regard only the impositions which have been
+practised upon so many well-intentioned, respectable, and amiable
+Characters, who have, from motives of humanity, interested themselves
+in obtaining <i>free pardons for Convicts</i>, or <i>pardons on condition of
+going into the Army or Navy</i>.</p>
+
+<p>If these humane individuals, who exert themselves in applications of
+this sort, were to be made acquainted with one half of the gross
+impositions practised upon their credulity, or the evil consequences
+arising to Society from such pardons, (particularly unconditional
+pardons) they would shudder at the extent<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_451" id="Page_451">-451-</a></span> of the cruelty exercised
+towards the Public, and even, in many instances, to the Convicts
+themselves, by this false humanity.</p>
+
+<p>In a Country, where, from the great caution which mingles in that part
+of the Criminal Jurisprudence which relates to the trial of
+Offenders,&mdash;it is scarcely possible that an honest or an innocent
+person can be convicted of a capital offence.<a name="FNanchor_136_141" id="FNanchor_136_141"></a><a href="#Footnote_136_141" class="fnanchor">[136]</a>&mdash;It would seem to
+be a good criterion, that the Royal Mercy should only be extended on
+two indispensable conditions.</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>1. <i>That the Convict under sentence of death should, for the
+sake of Public Justice, (and to deter others from the
+commission of crimes) discover all his accomplices, and the
+robberies, or other crimes he has committed.</i></p>
+
+<p>2. <i>That he should be transported; or make retribution to
+the parties he has injured by being kept at hard labour for
+life; or until ample security shall be given for good
+behaviour after such retribution is made.</i></p></div>
+
+<p>The precaution not having been used of knowing <i>for certain</i>, before
+pardons were granted, whether the parties were fit for His Majesty's
+service or not; the Convicts themselves carefully concealing every
+kind of bodily infirmity;&mdash;and the pardons containing no eventual
+condition of ultimate Transportation, in case the persons should be
+found unfit for the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_452" id="Page_452">-452-</a></span> Army or Navy;&mdash;the result has been, that many
+Convicts, who have been since actually Thieves upon the Town, were
+almost instantly thrown back upon the Public.&mdash;Some, even before they
+were attested by the Magistrate, in consequence of the discovery of
+bodily incapacity; and others, in a very short time after they had
+gone into His Majesty's Service, from the like unfitness being
+discovered; from some artful device practised to procure a
+discharge&mdash;or from desertion.&mdash;A professed Thief is never deficient in
+that species of artifice and resource which is necessary to rid him of
+any incumbrance.</p>
+
+<p>This, however, is seldom taken into the calculation when Humanity
+urges philanthropic Characters to interest themselves in behalf of
+Criminals; nor could it perhaps otherwise have been known, or
+believed, that so many of these outcasts of Society have found means
+again to mingle with the mass of the people.</p>
+
+<p>What impression must these facts make on the intelligent mind!&mdash;will
+they not warrant the following conclusion?</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>1. That every individual, restored to Society in this way,
+is the means of affording a species of encouragement,
+peculiarly calculated to bring others into the same dreadful
+situation, from which the unhappy Convict is thus rescued.</p>
+
+<p>2. That for this reason every pardon granted, without some
+lesser punishment, or removing the convicts from Society, is
+a link broken in the chain of justice, by annihilating that
+united strength which binds the whole together.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_453" id="Page_453">-453-</a></span></p>
+
+<p>3. That by removing the terror of punishments by frequent
+pardons, the design of the Law is rendered in a great
+measure ineffectual; the lives of persons <i>executed</i> are
+thrown away, being sacrificed rather to the vengeance of the
+Law than to the good of the Public; and no other advantage
+is received than by getting rid of one thief, whose place,
+(under present circumstances,) will speedily be supplied by
+another.<a name="FNanchor_137_142" id="FNanchor_137_142"></a><a href="#Footnote_137_142" class="fnanchor">[137]</a></p></div>
+
+<p>Nothing can sanction the punishment of death for crimes short of
+murder, <i>but the terror of the example operating as the means of
+prevention</i>.&mdash;It is upon this principle alone that one man is
+sacrificed to the preservation of thousands.&mdash;Executions, therefore,
+being exhibited as seldom as a regard to the public interest really
+required, ought to be rendered as <i>terrific</i> and <i>solemn</i> to the eyes
+of the people as possible.</p>
+
+<p>The punishment now in use, considered in point<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_454" id="Page_454">-454-</a></span> of law to be next to
+that of deprivation of life, is <i>Transportation</i>.</p>
+
+<p>It has been already mentioned that Parliament authorized this species
+of punishment in the year 1718&mdash;when the general plan of sending
+Convicts to the American Plantations was first adopted. This System
+continued for 56 years; during which period, and until the
+commencement of the American War in 1775, great numbers of Felons were
+sent chiefly to the Province of Maryland. The rigid discipline which
+the colonial Laws authorized the masters<a name="FNanchor_138_143" id="FNanchor_138_143"></a><a href="#Footnote_138_143" class="fnanchor">[138]</a> to exercise over
+servants, joined to the prospects which agricultural pursuits, after
+some experience was acquired, afforded to these <i>Outcasts</i>, tended to
+reform the chief part; and after the expiration of their servitude,
+they mingled in the Society of the Country, under circumstances highly
+beneficial to themselves and even to the Colony. Possessed in general
+(as every adroit thief must be) of good natural abilities, they
+availed themselves of the habits of industry they acquired in the
+years of their servitude&mdash;became farmers and planters on their own
+account; and many of them, succeeding in these pursuits, not only
+acquired that degree of respectability which is attached to property
+and industry; but also in their turn<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_455" id="Page_455">-455-</a></span> became masters, and purchased
+the servitude of future Transports sent out for sale.<a name="FNanchor_139_144" id="FNanchor_139_144"></a><a href="#Footnote_139_144" class="fnanchor">[139]</a></p>
+
+<p>The Convicts having accumulated greatly in the year 1776, and the
+intercourse with America being shut up, it became indispensably
+necessary to resort to some other expedient; and in the choice of
+difficulties the System of the <i>Hulks</i> was suggested, and first
+adopted under the authority of an Act of the 16th of his present
+Majesty.</p>
+
+<p>The Legislature, uncertain with regard to the success of this new
+species of punishment, and wishing to make other experiments, by an
+Act of the same Session,<a name="FNanchor_140_145" id="FNanchor_140_145"></a><a href="#Footnote_140_145" class="fnanchor">[140]</a> empowered the Justices of every county
+in England to prepare Houses of Correction for the reception of
+Convicts under sentence of death, to whom his Majesty should extend
+his Royal Mercy, to be kept at hard labour for a term not exceeding
+ten years.</p>
+
+<p>The same Act, among many other excellent regulations, ordered the
+Convicts to be kept separate, and not allowed to mix with any
+offenders convicted of crimes less than Larceny&mdash;and that they should<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_456" id="Page_456">-456-</a></span>
+be fed with coarse inferior food, water, and small beer, without
+permission to have any other food, drink, or cloathing, than that
+allowed by the Act, under certain penalties:&mdash;they were to be clothed
+at the public expence.</p>
+
+<p>And as an encouragement to these delinquents, while such as refused to
+work were to receive corporal punishment, those who behaved well had
+not only the prospect held out of shortening the period of their
+confinement, but also were to receive decent clothes, and a sum of
+money not less than <i>forty shillings</i>, nor more than <i>five pounds</i>,
+when discharged.</p>
+
+<p>This well-intentioned Act<a name="FNanchor_141_146" id="FNanchor_141_146"></a><a href="#Footnote_141_146" class="fnanchor">[141]</a> (which certainly admits of many
+improvements), was followed up, three years afterwards, by another
+Statute, (19 Geo. III.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_457" id="Page_457">-457-</a></span> cap. 74,) which had two very important objects
+in view.</p>
+
+<p>The first was to erect, in some convenient common or waste ground, in
+either of the counties of <i>Middlesex</i>, <i>Essex</i>, <i>Kent</i>, or <i>Surry</i>,
+<i>Two large Penitentiary Houses</i>, the one to hold 600 <i>male</i>, and the
+other 300 <i>female Convicts</i>, with proper <i>storehouses</i>, <i>workhouses</i>,
+and <i>lodging-rooms</i>; an <i>infirmary</i>, <i>chapel</i>, and <i>burying-ground</i>; a
+<i>prison</i>, <i>kitchen</i>, <i>garden</i>, and <i>air-grounds</i>: with proper
+<i>offices</i>, and other <i>necessary apartments</i>.</p>
+
+<p>The expence of these grounds and erections was to be paid out of the
+treasury; and his Majesty was empowered to appoint three persons as a
+Committee of Management for regulating the Establishment; under the
+controul of the Justices of the Peace of the County, and Judges of
+Assize, with power to appoint a <i>clerk</i>, <i>governor</i>, <i>chaplain</i>,
+<i>surgeon</i>, or <i>apothecary</i>, <i>store-keepers</i>, and <i>task-masters</i>; and
+also a <i>matron</i> for the females;&mdash;and to allow salaries to each, which
+were to be paid out of the profits of the work, to be performed by the
+Convicts.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as the buildings should be completed, the Court, before whom
+any person was convicted for a transportable offence, might, in lieu
+thereof, order the prisoner to be punished by confinement, in any of
+these Penitentiary Houses, there to be kept to hard labour in the
+proportion of 5 <i>years</i> instead of 7 <i>years' transportation</i>, and not
+exceeding 7 years in lieu of 14 <i>years' transportation</i>; limiting at
+the same<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_458" id="Page_458">-458-</a></span> time the number of Convicts to be sent annually from the
+Circuits in the Country, and from the different Sessions in the
+Metropolis.</p>
+
+<p>This Act lays down various specific rules for the government of the
+Establishment, and for the employment of the Prisoners; and the
+following works, as being of the most servile kind and least liable to
+be spoiled by ignorance, neglect, or obstinacy, are selected, namely&mdash;</p>
+
+<ul>
+<li>1. Treading in a wheel for moving machinery.</li>
+<li>2. Drawing in a capstan, for turning a mill or engine.</li>
+<li>3. Sawing stone</li>
+<li>4. Polishing marble</li>
+<li>5. Beating hemp</li>
+<li>6. Rasping logwood</li>
+<li>7. Chopping rags</li>
+<li>8. Making cordage</li>
+<li>9. Picking oakum</li>
+<li>10. Weaving sacks</li>
+<li>11. Knitting nets, &amp;c. &amp;c.</li>
+</ul>
+
+
+<p>The food of the different offenders, as in the former Act, was limited
+to bread and any coarse meat, with water and small beer; and the
+Prisoners were to be cloathed in uniform apparel, with badges affixed,
+agreeable to the Institution.</p>
+
+<p>Certain other rules were established for the discipline of the house,
+under the direction of the Committee to be appointed by his Majesty;
+who were to attend every fortnight, and to have power to reward such
+offenders as should appear most diligent and meritorious, by giving
+them a part of their earnings, to be applied for the use of themselves
+end families.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_459" id="Page_459">-459-</a></span></p>
+
+<p>And when an offender should be discharged, decent clothing was to be
+delivered to him; with a sum of money for present subsistence, not
+less than <i>twenty shillings</i>, nor more than <i>three pounds</i>.</p>
+
+<p>The second purpose of this Act (and which is the only part of it which
+was ever carried into effect), regards <i>the continuation of the System
+of the Hulks</i>.</p>
+
+<p>It declares that for the more effectual punishment of atrocious male
+offenders liable to be transported, the Court may order such Convicts
+as are of proper age, and free from bodily infirmity, to be punished
+by being kept on board ships or vessels; and employed in hard labour
+in raising sand, soil, and gravel, and cleansing the River Thames, or
+any other river, or port, approved by the Privy Council; or in any
+other works upon the banks or shores of the same, under the direction
+of superintendants approved of by the Justices, for a term not less
+than <i>one</i> year, nor more than <i>five</i>; except an offender be liable to
+transportation for 14 years, in which case his punishment may be
+commuted for 7 years on board the Hulks.</p>
+
+<p>The mode of feeding is the same as already explained, and the clothing
+is to be at the discretion of the superintendant. A similar
+discipline, varied only by local circumstances, is also established;
+and on the discharge of any of the convicts, they are to receive for
+present subsistence from 20<i>s.</i> to 3<i>l.</i> according to circumstances.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_460" id="Page_460">-460-</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The concluding part of the Act obliges the governors and
+superintendants of the two Establishments to make annual returns to
+the Court of King's Bench: and also authorizes his Majesty <i>to appoint
+an Inspector of the two Penitentiary Houses, of the several vessels or
+hulks on the River Thames, and of all the other gaols and places of
+criminal confinement within the City of London and County of
+Middlesex</i>; these Inspectors are personally to visit every such place
+of confinement at least once a quarter, to examine into the
+particulars of each, and to make a return to the Court of King's
+Bench, of the <i>state of the buildings&mdash;the conduct of the
+officers&mdash;treatment of the prisoners&mdash;state of their earnings and
+expences</i>&mdash;and to follow up this by a report to both Houses of
+Parliament, at the beginning of each Session.</p>
+
+<p>It is much to be lamented that neither of these two salutary Acts, so
+far as regarded <i>National Penitentiary Houses</i>, which seemed to hold
+out so fair a prospect of employing convicts, in pursuits connected
+with <i>productive labour</i>, <i>industry</i>, and ultimate <i>reformation</i>,
+without sending them out of the kingdom, have been carried into
+execution. In the year 1784, the System of Transportation was again
+revived, by the Act of the 24th Geo. III. Stat. 2. cap. 56; "which
+empowers the Court, before whom a male Felon shall be convicted, to
+order the prisoner to be transported beyond seas, either within his
+Majesty's dominions or elsewhere; and his service to be assigned to
+the contractor who shall undertake such transportation."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_461" id="Page_461">-461-</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The same Act continues the System of the Hulks for a further length of
+time; by directing the removal of Convicts, under sentence of death,
+and reprieved by his Majesty, and also such as are under sentence of
+Transportation (being free from infectious disorders) to other places
+of confinement, either inland, or on board of any ship or vessel in
+the river Thames, or any other navigable river; and to continue them
+so confined until transported according to law, or until the
+expiration of the term of the sentence should otherwise entitle them
+to their liberty.</p>
+
+<p>This plan of Transportation, through the medium of contractors,
+although some Felons were sent to Africa,<a name="FNanchor_142_147" id="FNanchor_142_147"></a><a href="#Footnote_142_147" class="fnanchor">[142]</a> does not appear to have
+answered; from the great difficulty of finding any situation, since
+the Revolution in America, where the service of Convicts could be
+rendered productive or profitable to Merchants, who would undertake to
+transport them; and hence arose the idea of making an Establishment
+for these outcasts of Society in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_462" id="Page_462">-462-</a></span> the infant colony of New South
+Wales, to which remote region it was at length determined to transport
+atrocious offenders.&mdash;Accordingly, in the year 1787, an Act passed,
+(27 Geo. III. cap. 2,) authorizing the establishment of a Court of
+Judicature for the trial of offenders who should be transported to New
+South Wales.</p>
+
+<p>Another Act of the following year, (28 Geo. III. cap. 24,) empowered
+his Majesty, under his Royal Sign Manual, to authorize any person to
+make contracts for the Transportation of offenders, and to direct to
+whom security should be given for the due performance of the contract.</p>
+
+<p>By the Act of 30 George III. cap. 47, the Governor of the Settlement
+may remit the punishment of offenders there: and on a certificate from
+him their names shall be inserted in the next General Pardon.</p>
+
+<p>Under these various legislative regulations, the two Systems of
+Punishment, namely, the <i>Hulks</i> and <i>Transportation</i> to New South
+Wales, have been authorized and carried into execution.</p>
+
+<p>The System of the Hulks commenced on the 12th day of July, in the year
+1776; and from that time until the 12th of December 1795,
+comprehending a period of nineteen years, 7999 Convicts were ordered
+to be punished by hard labour on the river Thames, and Langston and
+Portsmouth harbours, which are accounted for in the following manner:<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_463" id="Page_463">-463-</a></span></p>
+
+<table style="width: 80%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="convicts">
+<tr><td>1. Convicts ordered to hard labour on the River Thames, from 12th July 1776, to the 12th January, 1778</td><td class="right">&nbsp;</td><td class="right">&nbsp;</td><td class="vabr">2024</td></tr>
+<tr><td>2. Convicts, <i>under sentence of Transportation</i>, put on board the Hulks on the River Thames, from 11th January, 1783, to 12th December, 1795</td><td class="right">&nbsp;</td><td class="vabr">4775</td><td class="right">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>3. <i>Deduct</i>, under sentence of Transportation, put on board the Hulks in Langston and Portsmouth Harbours, received from the Hulks at Woolwich, on the 20th of June, 1791</td><td class="right">&nbsp;</td><td class="vabr">466</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="rtl">&nbsp;</td><td class="right">4309</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Additional Convicts sent from different prisons to Portsmouth and Langston from 1791, to 1st December, 1795</td><td class="right">&nbsp;</td><td class="vabr">1200</td><td class="right">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>To which, add those from Woolwich as above</td><td class="right">&nbsp;</td><td class="right">466</td><td class="right">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="right">&nbsp;</td><td class="rtl">&nbsp;</td><td class="right">1666</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="right">&nbsp;</td><td class="right">Total</td><td class="rtl">7999</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Of the above convicts there have been</td><td class="right">&nbsp;</td><td class="right">&nbsp;</td><td class="right">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Discharged</td><td class="right">1610</td><td class="right">&nbsp;</td><td class="right">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Pardoned</td><td class="right">790</td><td class="right">&nbsp;</td><td class="right">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Escaped</td><td class="right">130</td><td class="right">&nbsp;</td><td class="right">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="rtl">&nbsp;</td><td class="right">2530</td><td class="right">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Removed to other Gaols</td><td class="right">&nbsp;</td><td class="right">17</td><td class="right">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Transported to New South Wales</td><td class="right">&nbsp;</td><td class="right">2207</td><td class="right">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Died<a name="FNanchor_143_149" id="FNanchor_143_149"></a><a href="#Footnote_143_149" class="fnanchor">[143]</a></td><td class="right">&nbsp;</td><td class="right">1946</td><td class="right">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="right">&nbsp;</td><td class="rtl">6700</td><td class="right">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>And there remain in the Hulks on the Thames</td><td class="right">523</td><td class="right">&nbsp;</td><td class="right">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>And at Langston Harbour</td><td class="right">776</td><td class="right">&nbsp;</td><td class="right">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="rtl">&nbsp;</td><td class="right">1299</td><td class="right">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td colspan="3" class="right">Total as above</td><td class="right">7999</td></tr>
+</table>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_464" id="Page_464">-464-</a></span></p>
+
+<p>By a subsequent account laid before the Select Committee of the House
+of Commons on Finance, and stated in Appendix, M. of their 28th
+Report, dated the 26th of June, 1798, it appears that the number of
+Convicts stood thus:</p>
+
+<table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="convicts">
+<tr><td>In the Hulks on the Thames, at Woolwich</td><td class="right">501</td></tr>
+<tr><td>At Portsmouth</td><td class="right">948</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="right">Total</td><td class="rtl">1449</td></tr>
+</table>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>Besides 415 under Sentence of Transportation in the
+different Gaols, making in all 1864.</p></div>
+
+<p>From the same authentic Documents, (pages 115, 116,) it appears, that
+of these Convicts, the following numbers will be discharged upon
+Society in the succeeding 13 years:<a name="FNanchor_144_150" id="FNanchor_144_150"></a><a href="#Footnote_144_150" class="fnanchor">[144]</a></p>
+
+<table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="discharged convicts">
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>Portsmouth.</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>Woolwich.</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>In</td><td class="right">1800</td><td class="right">140</td><td class="right">&nbsp;</td><td class="right">115</td><td class="left">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="right">1801</td><td class="right">106</td><td class="right">&nbsp;</td><td class="right">43</td><td class="left">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="right">1802</td><td class="right">127</td><td class="right">&nbsp;</td><td class="right">26</td><td class="left">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="right">1803</td><td class="right">107</td><td class="right">&nbsp;</td><td class="right">46</td><td class="left">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="right">1804</td><td class="right">149</td><td class="right">&nbsp;</td><td class="right">77</td><td class="left">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="right">1805</td><td class="right">33</td><td class="right">&nbsp;</td><td class="right">3</td><td class="left">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="right">1806</td><td class="right">1</td><td class="right">&nbsp;</td><td class="right">1</td><td class="left">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="right">1807</td><td class="right">1</td><td class="right">&nbsp;</td><td class="right">1</td><td class="left">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="right">1808</td><td class="right">1</td><td class="right">&nbsp;</td><td class="right">1</td><td class="left">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="right">1809</td><td class="right">1</td><td class="right">&nbsp;</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="left">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="right">1810</td><td class="right">1</td><td class="right">&nbsp;</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="left">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="right">1811</td><td class="right">10</td><td class="right">&nbsp;</td><td class="right">4</td><td class="left">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="right">1812</td><td class="right">1</td><td class="right">&nbsp;</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="left">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="right">&nbsp;</td><td class="right">&nbsp;</td><td class="right">678</td><td class="right">&nbsp;</td><td class="left">317</td></tr>
+<tr><td>For life</td><td class="right">&nbsp;</td><td class="rtl">76</td><td class="right">&nbsp;</td><td class="rtl">22</td><td class="left">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+</table>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_465" id="Page_465">-465-</a></span></p>
+
+<h3>RECAPITULATION.</h3>
+
+<table style="width: 80%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="convicts">
+<tr><td>Convicts discharged from the Hulks, from 1792 to 1799 inclusive (<i>See <a href="#Page_98">page 98</a> of this Treatise</i>)</td><td class="vabr">1383</td></tr>
+<tr><td>To be discharged from the Hulks at Langston chiefly in 6 years</td><td class="right">678</td></tr>
+<tr><td>From Woolwich, chiefly within the same period</td><td class="right">317</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="right">Total</td><td class="rtl">2378</td></tr>
+</table>
+
+<p>In the same authentic Documents, namely the Appendix (L. 1 &amp; 2) page
+103 of the 28th Report of the Select Committee on Finance, a Statement
+is given of the Expence which has been incurred by Government, "for or
+in respect of the Conviction, Confinement, and Maintenance of
+Convicts, from the 1st January, 1775, to the year ending the 31st
+December, 1797," of which the following is an abstract:</p>
+
+<table style="width: 85%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="expenses">
+<tr><td class="center">1 Jan.</td><td>1775</td><td class="center">to 1 Jan.</td><td>1776</td><td class="center">paid at the Exchequer</td><td class="right">£. 8,660</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">0</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="center">&mdash;</td><td>1776</td><td class="center">&mdash;</td><td>1777</td><td class="center">&mdash;</td><td class="right">7,950</td><td class="right">16</td><td class="right">10</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="center">&mdash;</td><td>1777</td><td class="center">&mdash;</td><td>1778</td><td class="center">&mdash;</td><td class="right">13,676</td><td class="right">14</td><td class="right">5</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="center">&mdash;</td><td>1778</td><td class="center">&mdash;</td><td>1779</td><td class="center">&mdash;</td><td class="right">17,939</td><td class="right">18</td><td class="right">0</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="center">&mdash;</td><td>1779</td><td class="center">&mdash;</td><td>1780</td><td class="center">&mdash;</td><td class="right">22,292</td><td class="right">11</td><td class="right">1&frac12;</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="center">&mdash;</td><td>1780</td><td class="center">&mdash;</td><td>1781</td><td class="center">&mdash;</td><td class="right">21,034</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">1&frac12;</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="center">&mdash;</td><td>1781</td><td class="center">&mdash;</td><td>1782</td><td class="center">&mdash;</td><td class="right">18,686</td><td class="right">19</td><td class="right">0</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="center">&mdash;</td><td>1782</td><td class="center">&mdash;</td><td>1783</td><td class="center">&mdash;</td><td class="right">22,320</td><td class="right">10</td><td class="right">9</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="center">&mdash;</td><td>1783</td><td class="center">&mdash;</td><td>1784</td><td class="center">&mdash;</td><td class="right">17,669</td><td class="right">3</td><td class="right">11</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="center">&mdash;</td><td>1784</td><td class="center">&mdash;</td><td>1785</td><td class="center">&mdash;</td><td class="right">31,555</td><td class="right">18</td><td class="right">11</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="center">&mdash;</td><td>1785</td><td class="center">&mdash;</td><td>1786</td><td class="center">&mdash;</td><td class="right">32,343</td><td class="right">17</td><td class="right">7</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="center">&mdash;</td><td>to 7 March</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>1786</td><td class="center">&mdash;</td><td class="right">9,353</td><td class="right">17</td><td class="right">0<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_466" id="Page_466">-466-</a></span></td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td>To 31 December</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>1786</td><td class="center">&mdash;</td><td class="right">22,282</td><td class="right">18</td><td class="right">4</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="center">&mdash;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>1787</td><td class="center">&mdash;</td><td class="right">33,927</td><td class="right">9</td><td class="right">7</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="center">&mdash;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>1788</td><td class="center">&mdash;</td><td class="right">34,059</td><td class="right">14</td><td class="right">8</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="center">&mdash;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>1789</td><td class="center">&mdash;</td><td class="right">62,656</td><td class="right">15</td><td class="right">5</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="center">&mdash;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>1790</td><td class="center">&mdash;</td><td class="right">46,865</td><td class="right">4</td><td class="right">6</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="center">&mdash;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>1791</td><td class="center">&mdash;</td><td class="right">43,840</td><td class="right">9</td><td class="right">0</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="center">&mdash;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>1792</td><td class="center">&mdash;</td><td class="right">22,300</td><td class="right">12</td><td class="right">7</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="center">&mdash;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>1793</td><td class="center">&mdash;</td><td class="right">25,403</td><td class="right">16</td><td class="right">0</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="center">&mdash;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>1794</td><td class="center">&mdash;</td><td class="right">25,751</td><td class="right">3</td><td class="right">7&frac12;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="center">&mdash;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>1795</td><td class="center">&mdash;</td><td class="right">14,195</td><td class="right">7</td><td class="right">4&frac12;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="center">&mdash;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>1796</td><td class="center">&mdash;</td><td class="right">36,174</td><td class="right">7</td><td class="right">9</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="center">&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>1797}</td><td class="center">&mdash;</td><td class="right">{19,506</td><td class="right">15</td><td class="right">11</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="center">&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>1797}</td><td class="center">&mdash;</td><td class="right">{12,574</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">0</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="right" colspan="5">Total Expence of Convicts in the<br />Hulks, from the Commencement<br />of the System to 1 January 1798</td><td class="rtl" style="vertical-align: bottom">£.623,022</td><td class="rtl" style="vertical-align: bottom">14</td><td class="rtl" style="vertical-align: bottom">5</td></tr>
+</table>
+
+<p>The Contractors for the Convicts at Woolwich and Langston Harbour, (as
+appear from documents laid before the House of Commons) entered into
+an agreement with the Lords of the Treasury obliging themselves for
+<i>the consideration of 1s. 3d. per day</i>, (being 22<i>l.</i> 16<i>s.</i> 3<i>d.</i>
+a year <i>for each Convict</i>,) to provide at their own cost or charge,
+<i>one</i> or more <i>Hulks</i>, to keep the same in proper repair, to provide
+proper Ship's Companies for the safe Custody of such Convicts; and
+sufficient <i>meat</i>, <i>drink</i>, <i>clothing</i> and <i>medical assistance</i>, for
+the Convicts; as also to sustain all other charges (excepting the
+expence of the <i>Chaplain</i>, <i>Coroner</i>, and bounties to discharged
+Convicts;<a name="FNanchor_145_151" id="FNanchor_145_151"></a><a href="#Footnote_145_151" class="fnanchor">[145]</a>) obeying,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_467" id="Page_467">-467-</a></span> at the same time, all the orders of his
+Majesty's Principal Secretary of State for the Home Department,
+respecting the Convicts. A subsequent contract was made at 14&frac12;<i>d.</i>
+which reduced the expence to 22<i>l.</i> 1<i>s.</i> 0&frac12;<i>d.</i> per man: and which
+is the allowance made to the present Contractors.</p>
+
+<p>The terms of these contracts appear to be as favourable for Government
+as could reasonably be expected, under all circumstances; and it would
+appear, that some advantages are reaped by the Public, as the
+documents laid before the House of Commons in 1792 and 1798, shew that
+the labour performed by the Convicts is productive in a certain
+degree.&mdash;The following Statements explain how their labour is
+valued:&mdash;</p>
+
+<table style="width: 80%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="labor value">
+<tr><td>From the 1st of January 1789 to the 1st of January 1792, it appears that 653,432 days' work had been performed at Langston Harbour, Portsmouth, and Woolwich Warren; which being estimated at 9<i>d.</i> a day, is</td><td class="vabr">£.24,503</td><td class="vabr">14</td><td class="vabr">0</td></tr>
+<tr><td colspan="4" class="center">and</td></tr>
+<tr><td>From the 1st of January 1789 to the 1st of January 1792, it also appears that 260,440 days' work had been performed at the Dock yard at Woolwich; which being partly performed by artificers in a more productive species of labour, is estimated at 1<i>s.</i> a day</td><td class="vabr">13,022</td><td class="vabr">0</td><td class="vabr">0</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="right">Total value of Convicts' labour in 3 years</td><td class="rtbl">£.37,525</td><td class="rtbl">14</td><td class="rtbl">0</td></tr>
+</table>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_468" id="Page_468">-468-</a></span></p>
+
+<p>It appears from the 28th Report of the Select Committee on Finance,
+Appendix, No. 7 and 8&mdash;</p>
+
+<table style="width: 80%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="labor value">
+<tr><td>That the work done by Convicts confined on board the Hulks in Langston Harbour, during the year 1797, was performed by about 421 convicts upon a daily average, and computing the labour of each artificer at 19<i>l.</i> 8<i>s.</i> 9<i>d.</i> per annum, and each labourer at 11<i>l.</i> 13<i>s.</i> 3<i>d.</i> it will amount to</td><td class="vabr">£.5,997</td><td class="vabr">18</td><td class="vabr">3</td></tr>
+<tr><td>The work performed in the same year by about 250 convicts, confined on board the Hulks at Portsmouth, computed as above will amount to</td><td class="vabr">3,226</td><td class="vabr">15</td><td class="vabr">0</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="rtl">9,224</td><td class="rtl">13</td><td class="rtl">3</td></tr>
+<tr><td>From which is to be deducted, to make the amount correspond with the valuation made by the Ordnance Board</td><td class="vabr">1,440</td><td class="vabr">5</td><td class="vabr">3</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="rtl">£.7,784</td><td class="rtl">8</td><td class="rtl">0</td></tr>
+<tr><td>The work done by convicts, confined on board the <i>Prudentia</i> and <i>Stanislaus</i> Hulks at Woolwich Dock-yards and Warren, performed by 359 convicts, rated at 1<i>s.</i> and 1<i>s.</i> 2<i>d.</i> for labourers, and 1<i>s.</i> 5<i>d.</i> per day for artificers, is calculated to amount to</td><td class="vabr">6,578</td><td class="vabr">4</td><td class="vabr">7</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="rtl">£.14,362</td><td class="rtl">12</td><td class="rtl">7</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Deduct allowances made, and articles supplied, by the Board of Ordnance</td><td class="vabr">1,498</td><td class="vabr">14</td><td class="vabr">10&frac12;</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="right">Total Estimate of the value of the labour of Convicts in 1797</td><td class="rtbl">£.12,863</td><td class="rtbl">17</td><td class="rtbl">8&frac12;</td></tr>
+</table>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_469" id="Page_469">-469-</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Upon this last statement the Select Committee on Finance (whose
+various elaborate Reports on the State of the Nation, do them immortal
+honour as Patriots and Legislators) very justly observe, that it is
+extremely difficult to calculate the value of labour, performed under
+such circumstances, with any degree of accuracy; and after several
+views of the subject a conclusion is drawn, that the net expence to
+the Public, for the maintenance of 1402 convicts in 1797, after
+deducting the estimated value of labour, amounted to 20,878<i>l.</i> 14<i>s.</i>
+10&frac12;<i>d.</i> being at the rate of 14<i>l.</i> 17<i>s.</i> 9&frac12;<i>d.</i> per man.</p>
+
+<p>It appears, however, that out of the whole number of 1402 maintained
+in 1797, only 1030 were actually employed. The labour of the remaining
+370 was, therefore, in a great measure, lost to the Community.</p>
+
+<p>At any rate, the value of this species of labour must be precarious,
+and the advantages resulting from it problematical.</p>
+
+<p>Since the mere "possession of so many idle hands will sometimes be a
+temptation to engage in works, which but for this inducement, would
+not recommend themselves by their intrinsic utility."<a name="FNanchor_146_152" id="FNanchor_146_152"></a><a href="#Footnote_146_152" class="fnanchor">[146]</a></p>
+
+<p>While it is admitted, that considerable improvements have been made
+with regard to the reduction of the expence; that provision has also
+been made for religious and moral instruction, by established
+sa<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_470" id="Page_470">-470-</a></span>laries to chaplains;&mdash;and that the contractors have honourably
+performed their part of the undertaking; it is much to be lamented,
+that this experiment has not been attended with more beneficial
+consequences to the Public; not only in rendering the labour of the
+convicts productive in a greater degree, so as at least to be equal to
+the expence; but also in amending the morals of these miserable
+out-casts; so that on their return to Society, they might, in some
+respect, atone for the errors of their former lives, by a course of
+honest industry, useful to themselves and to their country. On the
+contrary, experience has shewn, that although an expence exceeding
+623,000<i>l.</i> has been incurred by Government in the course of 22 years,
+most of them, instead of profitting by the punishment they have
+suffered (forgetting they were under sentence of death, and undismayed
+by the dangers they have escaped) immediately rush into the same
+course of depredation and warfare upon the public: nay, so hardened
+and determined in this respect have some of them been, as even to make
+proposals to their old friends, the Receivers, previous to the period
+of their discharge, to purchase their newly acquired plunder. It has
+already been shewn, that those few also, who are less depraved, and
+perhaps disposed to amend their conduct, can find no resource for
+labour; and are thus, too frequently, compelled, by dire necessity, to
+herd with their former associates in iniquity, and it is<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_471" id="Page_471">-471-</a></span> much to be
+feared, that the chief part of the multitudes, who have been
+periodically discharged, have either suffered for new offences, or are
+actually at present afflicting Society by reiterated
+depredations.<a name="FNanchor_147_153" id="FNanchor_147_153"></a><a href="#Footnote_147_153" class="fnanchor">[147]</a></p>
+
+<p>After maturely considering the enormous expence, and the total
+inefficacy of the System of the Hulks, aided by the new lights which
+have been thrown upon the subject by the important documents called
+for by the Select Committee on Finance, it appears clear to
+demonstration, that it would be for the interest of the Country to
+abandon the present System; and the Author heartily joins in the
+opinion expressed by those respectable members of the
+Legislature,&mdash;"<i>That our principal places of Confinement, and modes of
+Punishment, so far from the Conversion and Reformation of the
+Criminal, tend to send him forth at the expiration of the period of
+his imprisonment more confirmed in vice; and that the general tendency
+of our &#339;conomical arrangements upon this subject, is ill calculated
+to meet the accumulating burdens, which are the infallible result of
+so much error in the System of Police</i>."</p>
+
+<p>Having thus explained the nature and effect of the punishment
+inflicted on convicts, through the medium of the Hulks, and also the
+expence attending these establishments; it will be necessary in the
+next place, to examine the authentic documents, as they<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_472" id="Page_472">-472-</a></span> relate to the
+transportation of Felons to New South Wales.</p>
+
+<p>From the Appendix, page 122, of the 28th Report of the Select
+Committee on Finance, printed the 26th of June 1798, it appears that
+the number of Convicts sent to New South Wales and Norfolk Island<a name="FNanchor_148_154" id="FNanchor_148_154"></a><a href="#Footnote_148_154" class="fnanchor">[148]</a>
+from the year 1787 to the year 1797 inclusive, stood thus:&mdash;</p>
+
+<table style="width: 50%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="transported convicts">
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="right">Men and<br />Women.</td><td class="right">Children.</td><td class="right"><span class="smcap">Total</span>.</td></tr>
+<tr><td>1787</td><td class="right">778</td><td class="right">17</td><td class="right">795</td></tr>
+<tr><td>1789</td><td class="right">1251</td><td class="right">22</td><td class="right">1273</td></tr>
+<tr><td>1790</td><td class="right">2029</td><td class="right">9</td><td class="right">2038</td></tr>
+<tr><td>1791</td><td class="right">408</td><td class="right">11</td><td class="right">419</td></tr>
+<tr><td>1792</td><td class="right">412</td><td class="right">6</td><td class="right">418</td></tr>
+<tr><td>1794</td><td class="right">82</td><td class="right">2</td><td class="right">84</td></tr>
+<tr><td>1795</td><td class="right">133</td><td class="right">3</td><td class="right">136</td></tr>
+<tr><td>1796</td><td class="right">279</td><td class="right">13</td><td class="right">292</td></tr>
+<tr><td>1797</td><td class="right">393</td><td class="right">10</td><td class="right">403</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="rtbl">5765</td><td class="rtbl">93</td><td class="rtbl">5858</td></tr>
+</table>
+
+<p class="bp">It appears also from another document in the same Report (being the
+last return of Convicts in the two Settlements) that their numbers
+stood as stated in the following Table,&mdash;</p>
+
+<table style="padding-top: 0em; padding-bottom: 0em" border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="transported convicts">
+<tr>
+<td rowspan="2">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="center" colspan="2">Convicts</td>
+<td class="center" colspan="2">Convicts Victualled</td>
+<td class="center" colspan="2">Convicts Emancipated</td>
+<td class="center" colspan="2">Total</td>
+<td class="center" rowspan="2">Total Men and Women</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="center">Men</td>
+<td class="center">Women</td>
+<td class="center">Men</td>
+<td class="center">Women</td>
+<td class="center">Men</td>
+<td class="center">Women</td>
+<td class="center">Men</td>
+<td class="center">Women</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>In New South Wales on the 31 Aug. 1796.</td>
+<td class="right">1633</td>
+<td class="right">755</td>
+<td class="right">78</td>
+<td class="right">5</td>
+<td class="right">20</td>
+<td class="right">9</td>
+<td class="right">1731</td>
+<td class="right">769</td>
+<td class="right">2500</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>In Norfolk Island on the 22 Oct. 1796.</td>
+<td class="right">379</td>
+<td class="right">167</td>
+<td class="right">53</td>
+<td class="right">0</td>
+<td class="right">12</td>
+<td class="right">3</td>
+<td class="right">444</td>
+<td class="right">170</td>
+<td class="right">614</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="right">2012</td>
+<td class="right">922</td>
+<td class="right">131</td>
+<td class="right">5</td>
+<td class="right">32</td>
+<td class="right">12</td>
+<td class="right">2175</td>
+<td class="right">939</td>
+<td class="right">3114</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan="9" class="right">To which add the Convicts sent in 1796 and 1797, including Children</td>
+<td class="right">695</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan="9" class="right">Total</td>
+<td class="right">3809</td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+<p class="tp"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_473" id="Page_473">-473-</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The diminution of Convicts from 5858 to 3809 is to be accounted for,
+by a certain proportion leaving the Settlement after the expiration of
+their time, and also by deaths,<a name="FNanchor_149_155" id="FNanchor_149_155"></a><a href="#Footnote_149_155" class="fnanchor">[149]</a> which in the natural course of
+things must be expected.</p>
+
+<p>In resorting to this mode of disposing of Convicts, which at the time
+must be considered as a choice of difficulties, a very large sum of
+money has been expended.&mdash;Certainly much more than could have been
+foreseen at the commencement: Since it appears from the 28th Report of
+the Select Committee on Finance, who certainly have bestowed infinite
+pains in the investigation, that the total amount exceeds <i>One Million
+Sterling</i>, as will be seen from the following Statement, extracted
+from page 120 of that 28th Report, viz:</p>
+
+<p class="centertp">Disbursed for 5858 Convicts including 93 Children, transported<br />
+to New South Wales</p>
+
+<table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="disbursed for transported convicts">
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="center">£.</td><td class="center"><i>s.</i></td><td class="center"><i>d.</i></td></tr>
+<tr><td><span style="margin-left: .3em;">In 1786</span></td><td class="right">28,346</td><td class="right">3</td><td class="right">6</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&mdash; 1787</td><td class="right">29,242</td><td class="right">11</td><td class="right">10&frac12;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&mdash; 1788</td><td class="right">18,008</td><td class="right">9</td><td class="right">2</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&mdash; 1789</td><td class="right">88,057</td><td class="right">18</td><td class="right">2</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&mdash; 1790</td><td class="right">44,774</td><td class="right">4</td><td class="right">6&frac14;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&mdash; 1791</td><td class="right">129,019</td><td class="right">19</td><td class="right">10&frac34;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&mdash; 1792</td><td class="right">104,588</td><td class="right">2</td><td class="right">3&frac34;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&mdash; 1793</td><td class="right">69,961</td><td class="right">16</td><td class="right">6&frac12;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&mdash; 1794</td><td class="right">79,381</td><td class="right">13</td><td class="right">11&frac12;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&mdash; 1795</td><td class="right">75,280</td><td class="right">19</td><td class="right">0&frac34;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&mdash; 1796</td><td class="right">83,854</td><td class="right">18</td><td class="right">0</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&mdash; 1797</td><td class="right">120,372</td><td class="right">4</td><td class="right">8&frac34;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_474" id="Page_474">-474-</a></span></td></tr>
+<tr><td>To which add the total Naval Expences</td><td class="right">166,341</td><td class="right">4</td><td class="right">11</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Total Expences in 12 Years</td><td class="rtbl">£.1,037,230</td><td class="rtbl">6</td><td class="rtbl">7&frac34;</td></tr>
+</table>
+
+<p>Specification of the heads of Expences above stated&mdash;</p>
+
+<table style="width: 80%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="expenses">
+<tr><td>Expences of the first Establishment of the Settlement and Transportation of Convicts</td><td class="vabr">264,433</td><td class="vabr">11</td><td class="vabr">0</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Expences of Victualing Convicts and the Settlement from hence</td><td class="vabr">186,270</td><td class="vabr">1</td><td class="vabr">3&frac14;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Expences of Cloathing, Tools, and Sundry Articles</td><td class="vabr">116,658</td><td class="vabr">15</td><td class="vabr">3</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Bills drawn for the purchase of Provisions, &amp;c. for the use of the Colony</td><td class="vabr">138,225</td><td class="vabr">9</td><td class="vabr">8&frac34;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Expence of the Civil Establishment</td><td class="right">48,134</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">2&frac14;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Expence of the Military Establishment</td><td class="right">94,993</td><td class="right">11</td><td class="right">3</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Expence of the Marine Establishment</td><td class="right">22,173</td><td class="right">13</td><td class="right">0&frac12;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Naval Expences as above</td><td class="right">166,341</td><td class="right">4</td><td class="right">11</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Total</td><td class="rtbl">£.1,037,230</td><td class="rtbl">6</td><td class="rtbl">7&frac34;</td></tr>
+</table>
+
+<p>Thus it appears, that in executing the sentence of the Law on 5765
+Convicts more than One Million Sterling has been expended, nearly
+equal to 180<i>l.</i> for each Convict, exclusive of the expence incurred
+by the Counties, and by Government in the maintenance at home; and
+without taking into the account the very considerable charge, which
+must have been borne by the private Prosecutors in bringing these
+Offenders to Justice.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_475" id="Page_475">-475-</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The Select Committee in their laborious investigation of the effects
+of this System, very justly observe, "that the numbers of the Convicts
+do not appear to have kept pace with the increase of the
+expence."&mdash;They proceed to state (page 27 of the Report) "that after a
+trial of twelve years, it seems not too early to inquire whether the
+peculiar advantages likely to arise from this plan are such as may be
+considered as compensating for its probable expence. The security held
+out by the difficulty of return on the part of the convicts is the
+only advantage that strikes the eye: but the nature of this advantage,
+the amount of it, and the certainty of it, seem not altogether
+undeserving of inquiry; nor whether a security of the same sort more
+at command, and more to be depended on, might not be purchased on less
+exceptionable terms. It may be also worthy of inquiry (add the
+Committee) whether the advantages looked for, from this establishment
+may not be dependent on its weakness? and whether as it grows less
+disadvantageous in point of finance, it will not be apt to grow less
+advantageous in the character of an instrument of Police? The more
+thriving the Settlement the more frequented: The more frequented the
+less difficulty of return.&mdash;The more thriving too the less terrible.
+To persons in some circumstances;&mdash;to persons who otherwise would have
+been disposed to emigrate, it may <span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: lose">loose</span> its
+terrors<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_476" id="Page_476">-476-</a></span> altogether, especially if by money or other means the
+servitude be avoidable. This inconvenience had already become sensible
+in the instance of the comparatively old planted Colonies. Many,
+though innocent, went thither voluntarily, even at the price of
+servitude, while others under the notion of punishment, were sent
+thither for their crimes; so that while to some the emigration remains
+a punishment, to others it may become an adventure; but a punishment
+should be the same thing to all persons, and at all times."</p>
+
+<p>Contingencies, the Committee remark, may diminish the utility of the
+Establishment, or may increase the expence. "Bad seasons, and the
+destruction of the vegetable part of the stock of food: Mortality
+among the as yet scanty stock of cattle.<a name="FNanchor_150_156" id="FNanchor_150_156"></a><a href="#Footnote_150_156" class="fnanchor">[150]</a><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_477" id="Page_477">-477-</a></span> Mischief from the
+natives,&mdash;from insurrection among the convicts, or from the enemy.</p>
+
+<p>"Here, as at Sierra Leone, malice may produce an expedition of
+devastation. The illusions to which the spirit of rapine is so much
+exposed may give birth to an enterprize of depredation; apprehensions
+of any such event entertained here would necessarily give birth to
+preparations of defence. The apprehensions may be well or ill
+grounded&mdash;the measures taken for defence successful or unsuccessful;
+but the expence in the mean time is incurred. The distance is
+unexampled, and all danger as well as all expence swells in proportion
+to the distance: these topics appear to merit consideration.</p>
+
+<p>"Another circumstance is, that the labour of the whole number of
+persons sent to these colonies,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_478" id="Page_478">-478-</a></span> whether as Convicts or Settlers, <i>is
+entirely lost to the Country</i>, nor can any return, to compensate such
+a loss, be expected till that very distant day, when the improved
+state of the Colony may, by possibility, begin to repay a part of the
+advance, by the benefits of its trade.</p>
+
+<p>"Supposing abundance established, and remaining for ever without
+disturbance, it may be deserving of consideration, in what shape and
+in what degree, and with what degree of assurance, Government, in
+point of Finance, is likely to profit by the abundance: for the stock
+of the individuals, which each individual will consume, lay up or
+sell, is on his own account; is not the Stock of Government. The
+saving to Government depends upon the probity and zeal, and
+intelligence of the Bailiffs in Husbandry, acting without personal
+interest in the concern at that immense distance."</p>
+
+<p>After opinions so decided, the result of an inquiry, aided by
+extensive information, and conducted by men of talents and judgment,
+it would ill become the Author of this Work to offer (if he could
+suggest,) additional arguments to prove the disadvantages which have
+attended, and which are likely to attend the transportation of
+Convicts to New South Wales. Although with regard to mere
+<i>subsistence</i>, there may be a prospect (and it is yet a distant one),
+of the Colony becoming independent of supplies from this Country; yet
+with respect to most<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_479" id="Page_479">-479-</a></span> other articles its wants will experience no
+diminution, and having once engaged in the project, humanity requires
+that the Settlement should be supplied at the expence of the Nation.</p>
+
+<p>When the measure of establishing this Colony was adopted, a hope was
+probably entertained that while the great difficulty and expence of
+the passage home, joined to the fertility of the soil and the
+salubrity of the climate, might induce convicts to remain after the
+expiration of the period specified in their sentence, so as not to
+become offensive again to their native Country; the removal to an
+unknown region, inhabited by Savages, and situated at such a remote
+distance from Great Britain would exhibit this species of punishment
+in so terrific a light as to operate powerfully in preventing crimes.</p>
+
+<p>Experience, however, has shewn that this salutary effect has not been
+produced, and that crimes are not to be diminished by the dread of
+punishment in any shape. This great desideratum is only to be attained
+by a well-regulated Police, calculated to destroy the sources from
+whence evil propensities spring, and to remove the facilities by which
+criminality is nourished and assisted.</p>
+
+<p>Under the present circumstances, where the mind continues depraved,
+and where the harvest is so prolific, it ceases to be a matter of
+wonder that a considerable proportion of the convicts transported to
+New South Wales, have found their way back to their native
+Country;&mdash;and that not a few of them<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_480" id="Page_480">-480-</a></span> have again afflicted Society by
+renewing their depredations on the Public.&mdash;It is, indeed, lamentable
+to reflect, that after the extreme labour which has been bestowed, and
+the unparalleled expence which has been incurred, no effect whatsoever
+favourable to the interest of the Community, or to the security of
+innocence, has been produced. Looking back to the period when
+Government was relieved of the expence of Convicts, almost of every
+description under sentence of Transportation, and reflecting on the
+enormous expence which has been incurred since the channel of
+disposal, through the medium of the late American Colonies, has been
+shut up; considering that within the short period of twenty-five years
+no less a sum than 1,663,974<i>l.</i><a name="FNanchor_151_158" id="FNanchor_151_158"></a><a href="#Footnote_151_158" class="fnanchor">[151]</a> has been expended in
+transporting and maintaining about 15,000 Convicts, which would have
+cost nothing under the old System;&mdash;it cannot be sufficiently
+lamented, that so liberal a provision had not been employed in
+establishing Systems of Prevention. One fourth part of this enormous
+sum expended in a proper establishment of Preventive Police, would
+probably have rendered transportation and punishment in a
+con<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_481" id="Page_481">-481-</a></span>siderable degree unnecessary, while the Country would have
+benefitted by the industry of a large proportion of these outcasts,
+who would then have been compelled to earn an honest livelihood by
+their labour.</p>
+
+<p>Deploring the mass of turpitude which has drawn from the resources of
+the Country so enormous a portion of wealth, it is no little
+consolation to be able to look forward to a measure recommended by the
+Select Committee, and in the train of being adopted by Government,
+which holds out so fair a prospect not only of gradually diminishing
+this expence in future, but also of rendering the labour of Convicts
+productive, and of securing the Public against the repetition of those
+depredations which have been rather increased than prevented, by the
+System of punishments which have been heretofore adopted.</p>
+
+<p>The advantages in contemplation are to be attained by carrying into
+effect a <i>proposal for a new and less expensive mode of employing and
+reforming Convicts</i>, which has been offered to the consideration of
+Government by <span class="smcap">Jeremy Bentham</span>, Esq. and which appears to have been
+fully investigated by the Finance Committee, who state it (p. 20, of
+Report 28,) "to be no small recommendation to the plan, that the
+Contractor proposes to employ the prisoners on his own account,
+receiving a proportionally smaller sum from the Public for their
+maintenance.&mdash;That the great and important advantages which
+distinguish that plan from any other which has<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_482" id="Page_482">-482-</a></span> been hitherto
+suggested, consist in the certain employment and industrious
+livelihood which it insures to those whose terms of confinement are
+expired. In the responsibility which the Contractor proposes to take
+upon himself, for the future good behaviour of Criminals entrusted to
+his care, even when they shall be no longer under his control: in the
+publicity which is meant to be given to the whole conduct and effect
+of the Establishment, <i>moral</i>, <i>medical</i>, and <i>&#339;conomical</i>, as well
+by an annual report of the state and proceedings, as by the constant
+facility of inspection, which will in an unusual manner be afforded by
+the very form and construction of the building, upon which the prompt
+and easy exercise of the superintending power of the Governor himself
+principally depends."</p>
+
+<p>These advantages appear to the Committee of more importance, when the
+periods of the enlargement of the several Convicts now on board the
+Hulks are taken into consideration. The pernicious effects produced
+upon the unfortunate persons confined in these seminaries of vice; and
+the circumstance of 1411 destined to be enlarged in the course of 7
+years, to afflict the Society from which they have been separated&mdash;the
+Committee consider as deserving of very serious consideration: and
+they conclude their view of the subject by expressing, an uncommon
+degree of solicitude, that no delay should take place in the execution
+of the contract with Mr. Bentham,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_483" id="Page_483">-483-</a></span> "because it would deprive the Public
+for a longer time of the benefits of a plan, which they cannot but
+look to as likely to be productive of the most essential advantage,
+both in point of &#339;conomy and Police."</p>
+
+<p>The object in view is by the aid of ingenious machinery, to render the
+labour of every class of Convicts so productive to the Contractor, as
+to admit of their being maintained at 25 per cent. less than the
+expence incurred on board the Hulks; while a rational prospect is held
+out of reforming these Convicts and returning them upon Society, not
+only with purer morals, but with the knowledge of some trade or
+occupation by which they may afterwards earn their bread;&mdash;but this is
+not all.&mdash;The proposer of this important design insures to the
+Convicts, after the expiration of their time, the means of obtaining a
+<i>livelihood</i>; by setting up a <i>Subsidiary Establishment</i>, into which
+all who found themselves otherwise destitute of employment would be
+admitted, and where they would be continued in the exercise of the
+trades in which they were employed during their confinement.</p>
+
+<p>It is, however, impossible to do justice to the merit of this
+<i>Proposal</i>, without laying it wholly before the Public. It seems to
+embrace every object calculated to remove the errors and difficulties
+of the present System, while it promises in a short time to relieve
+the Finances of the Country from the enormous and unparalleled expence
+which is incurred by<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_484" id="Page_484">-484-</a></span> the Establishment of the Hulks, and by
+Transportation to New South Wales.</p>
+
+<hr class="dbl1" />
+<hr class="dbl2" />
+
+<h3><span class="gesperrt">PROPOSAL</span><br />
+<br />
+<span class="sm">FOR A NEW AND LESS EXPENSIVE MODE OF</span><br />
+<br />
+<i>EMPLOYING</i> <span class="sm">AND</span> <i>REFORMING CONVICTS</i>.</h3>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">The Author</span>, having turned his thoughts to the Penitentiary System from
+its first origin, and having lately contrived a Building in which any
+number of persons may be kept within the reach of being inspected
+during every moment of their lives, and having made out, as he
+flatters himself, to demonstration, that the only eligible mode of
+managing an Establishment of such a nature, in a Building of such a
+construction, would be by <i>Contract</i>, has been induced to make public
+the following Proposal for Maintaining and Employing Convicts in
+general, or such of them as would otherwise be confined on board the
+Hulks, for 25 per cent. less than it costs Government to maintain them
+there at present; deducting also the average value of the work at
+present performed by them for the Public: upon the terms of his
+receiving the produce of their labour, <i>taking on himself the whole
+expence of the</i> BUILDING, <i>fitting up and stocking</i>,<a name="FNanchor_152_159" id="FNanchor_152_159"></a><a href="#Footnote_152_159" class="fnanchor">[152]</a> without any
+advance to be made by Government for that purpose, requiring only that
+the abatement and deduction above-mentioned shall be suspended for the
+first year.</p>
+
+<p>Upon the above-mentioned Terms, he would engage as follows:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>I. To furnish the Prisoners with a constant supply of
+wholesome <i>Food</i>, not limited in quantity, but adequate to
+each man's desires.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_485" id="Page_485">-485-</a></span></p>
+
+<p>II. To keep them <i>clad</i> in a state of tightness and
+neatness, superior to what is usual even in the Improved
+Prisons.</p>
+
+<p>III. To keep them supplied with <i>separate Beds</i> and Bedding,
+competent to their situations, and in a state of cleanliness
+scarcely any where conjoined with liberty.</p>
+
+<p>IV. To insure to them a sufficient supply of artificial
+<i>warmth</i> and <i>light</i>, whenever the season renders it
+necessary: and thereby save the necessity of taking them
+prematurely from their work, at such seasons (as in other
+places) as well as preserve them from suffering by the
+inclemency of the weather.</p>
+
+<p>V. To keep constantly from them, in conformity to the
+practice so happily received, every kind of <i>strong</i> and
+spirituous liquor; unless where ordered in the way of
+medicine.</p>
+
+<p>VI. To maintain them in a state of inviolable, though
+mitigated seclusion, in <i>assorted</i> companies, without any of
+those opportunities of promiscuous association, which in
+other places, disturb, if not destroy, whatever good effect
+can have been expected from occasional solitude.</p>
+
+<p>VII. To give them an interest in their work, by allowing
+them a share in the produce.</p>
+
+<p>VIII. To convert the prison into a <i>school</i>, and, by an
+extended application of the principle of <i>the Sunday
+Schools</i>, to return its inhabitants into the world
+instructed, at least as well as in ordinary schools, in the
+most useful branches of vulgar learning, as well as in some
+trade or occupation, whereby they may afterwards earn their
+livelihood. Extraordinary culture of extraordinary talents
+is not, in this point of view, worth mentioning: it would be
+for his own advantage to give them every instruction by
+which the value of their labour may be increased.</p>
+
+<p>IX. To pay a penal sum for every <i>escape</i>, with or without
+any default of his, irresistible violence from without
+excepted; and this without employing <i>irons</i> on any
+occasion, or in any shape.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_486" id="Page_486">-486-</a></span></p>
+
+<p>X. To provide them with <i>spiritual</i> and <i>medical</i>
+Assistants, constantly living in the midst of them, and
+incessantly keeping them in view.</p>
+
+<p>XI. To pay a sum of money for every one who <i>dies</i> under his
+care, taking thereby upon him the insurance of their lives
+for an ordinary premium: and that at a rate grounded on an
+average of the number of deaths, not among imprisoned
+Felons, but among persons of the same ages in a state of
+liberty within the Bills of Mortality.</p>
+
+<p>XII. To lay for them the foundation-stone of a <i>provision
+for old age</i>, upon the plan of the <i>Annuity Societies</i>.</p>
+
+<p>XIII. To insure to them a <i>livelihood</i>, at the expiration of
+their terms, by setting up a <i>Subsidiary Establishment</i>,
+into which all such as thought proper, should be admitted,
+and in which they would be continued in the exercise of the
+trades in which they were employed during their confinement,
+without any further expence to Government.</p>
+
+<p>XIV. To make himself personally responsible for the
+reformatory efficacy of his management, and even make
+amends, in most instances, for any accident of its failure,
+by paying a sum of money for every Prisoner convicted of a
+Felony after his discharge, at a rate, increasing according
+to the number of years he had been under the Proposer's
+care, viz. a sum not exceeding 10<i>l.</i> if the Prisoner had
+been in the Penitentiary Panopticon <i>one</i> year: not
+exceeding 15<i>l.</i> if <i>two</i> years; not exceeding 20<i>l.</i> if
+<i>three</i> years; not exceeding 25<i>l.</i> if <i>four</i> years; not
+exceeding 30<i>l.</i> if <i>five</i> years or upwards: such sum to be
+paid immediately on conviction, and to be applied to the
+indemnification of the persons injured by such subsequent
+offence, and to be equal in amount to the value of the
+injury, so long as it did not exceed the sums respectively
+above specified.</p>
+
+<p>XV. To present to the Court of King's Bench, on a certain
+day of every Term, and afterwards print and publish, at his
+own expence, a Report, exhibiting, in detail, the state,
+not<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_487" id="Page_487">-487-</a></span> only moral and medical, but economical, of the
+Establishment; showing the whole profits, if any, and in
+what manner they arise; and then and there, as well as on
+any other day, upon summons from the Court, to make answer
+to all such questions as shall be put to him in relation
+thereto, not only on the part of the Court or Officer of the
+Crown, but, by leave of the Court, on the part of any person
+whatsoever; questions, the answer to which might tend to
+subject him to conviction, though it were for a capital
+crime, not excepted: treading under foot a maxim, invented
+by the guilty for the benefit of the guilty, and from which
+none but the guilty ever derived any advantage.</p>
+
+<p>XVI. By neatness and cleanliness, by diversity of
+employment, by variety of contrivance, and above all, by
+that peculiarity of construction, which, without any
+unpleasant or hazardous vicinity, enables the whole
+Establishment to be inspected at a view, from a commodious
+and insulated room in the centre, the Prisoners remaining
+unconscious of their being thus observed, it should be his
+study to render it a spectacle such as persons of all
+classes would, in the way of amusement, be curious to
+partake of: and that, not only on Sundays, at the time of
+Divine Service, but on ordinary days, at meal-times, or
+times of work: providing thereby a <i>system of
+superintendance, universal, unchargeable and uninterrupted</i>,
+the most effectual and <i>indestructible</i> of all securities
+against abuse.</p></div>
+
+<p>Such are the methods that have occurred to him for accomplishing that
+identification of "<i>interest with duty</i>," the effectuating of which,
+in the person of the Governour, is declared to be one of the leading
+objects of the Penitentiary Act.&mdash;[19 <span class="smcap">Geo.</span> III. ch. 74.]</p>
+
+<p>The station of Gaoler is not in common account a very elevated one:
+the addition of Contractor has not much tendency to raise it. He
+little dreamt, when he first launched into the subject, that he was to
+become a suitor, and perhaps<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_488" id="Page_488">-488-</a></span> in vain, for such an office. But
+inventions unpractised might be in want of the inventor: and a
+situation, thus clipped of emoluments, while it was loaded with
+obligations, might be in want of candidates. Penetrated, therefore,
+with the importance of the end, he would not suffer himself to see any
+thing unpleasant or discreditable in the means.</p>
+
+<hr class="med" />
+
+<h3><i>Outline of the Plan of Construction alluded to in the above
+Proposal.</i></h3>
+
+<p>The Building <i>circular</i>&mdash;about the size of <i>Ranelagh</i>&mdash;The Prisoners
+in their Cells, occupying the Circumference&mdash;The Officers, (Governor,
+Chaplain, Surgeon, &amp;c.) the Centre.</p>
+
+<p>By <i>Blinds</i>, and other contrivances, the Inspectors concealed (except
+in as far as they think fit to show themselves) from the observation
+of the Prisoners: hence the sentiment of a sort of invisible
+omnipresence.&mdash;The whole circuit reviewable with little, or, if
+necessary, without any change of place.</p>
+
+<p><i>One</i> Station in the Inspection-Part affording the most perfect view
+of every Cell, and every part of every Cell, unless where a screen is
+thought fit occasionally and purposely to be interposed.</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>Against <i>Fire</i> (if, under a system of constant and universal
+inspection, any such accident could be to be apprehended,) a
+pipe, terminating in a flexible hose, for bringing the water
+down into the central Inspection-Room, from a cistern, of a
+height sufficient to force it up again by its own pressure,
+on the mere turning of a cock, and spread it thus over any
+part within the Building.</p></div>
+
+<p>For <i>Visitors</i>, at the time of Divine service, an <i>Annular Gallery</i>,
+rising from a floor laid immediately on the cieling of the Central
+Inspection-Room, and disclosed to view, by the descent of a central
+<i>Dome</i>, the superior surface of which serves, after descent, for the
+reception of Ministers, Clerk, and a select part of the Auditory: the
+Prisoners all round, brought forward, within perfect view and hearing
+of the Ministers, to the front of their respective Cells.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_489" id="Page_489">-489-</a></span></p>
+
+<p><i>Solitude</i>, or <i>limited Seclusion</i>, <i>ad libitum</i>.&mdash;But, unless for
+punishment, limited seclusion in assorted companies is preferred: an
+arrangement, upon this plan alone, exempt from danger. The degree of
+<i>Seclusion</i> fixed upon may be preserved, in all places, and at all
+times, <i>inviolate</i>. Hitherto, where solitude has been aimed at, some
+of its chief purposes have been frustrated by occasional associations.</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>The <i>Approach</i>, <i>one</i> only&mdash;<i>Gates</i> opening into a walled
+<i>avenue</i> cut through the area. Hence, no strangers near the
+building without <i>leave</i>, nor without being <i>surveyed</i> from
+it as they pass, nor without being known to come <i>on
+purpose</i>. The gates, of <i>open</i> work, to <i>expose hostile</i>
+mobs: On the other side of the road, a wall with a branch of
+the road behind, to <i>shelter peaceable</i> passengers from the
+fire of the building. A mode of fortification like this, if
+practicable, in a city, would have saved the <i>London
+Prisons</i>, and prevented the unpopular accidents in <i>St.
+George's Fields</i>.</p>
+
+<p>The <i>surrounding Wall</i>, itself surrounded by an open
+palisade, which serves as a fence to the grounds on the
+other side.&mdash;Except on the side of the Approach <i>no public
+path</i> by that fence.&mdash;A <i>Centinel's Walk</i> between; on which
+no one else can set foot, without forcing the fence, and
+declaring himself a trespasser at least, if not an enemy. To
+the four walls, four such walks <i>flanking</i> and <i>crossing</i>
+each other at the ends.&mdash;Thus each Centinel has two to check
+him.</p></div>
+
+<hr class="med" />
+
+<p><span class="smcap">In</span> contemplating the whole of this important design, it is impossible
+to avoid congratulating the Public on the prospect which now opens by
+a recent vote of Parliament,<a name="FNanchor_153_160" id="FNanchor_153_160"></a><a href="#Footnote_153_160" class="fnanchor">[153]</a> for the purpose of carrying it
+speedily into effect.</p>
+
+<p>It comprizes in its structure every thing humanity can dictate, or
+which a mind full of resource, and a judgment matured by great depth
+of thought could<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_490" id="Page_490">-490-</a></span> suggest, for the purpose of relieving Society from a
+dreadful and oppressive evil.</p>
+
+<p>It is even to extend comforts to offenders in the course of
+punishment; and they are to be returned to Society after the period
+expires, not as at present, polluted and depraved beyond what the
+human mind can conceive; but impressed with the force of religious and
+moral instructions, with an abhorrence of their former course of life,
+and with a resource for obtaining an honest livelihood by the trade or
+occupation which they were taught during their confinement.&mdash;And if
+employment should fail, when at liberty to make their own election, an
+asylum is provided, into which they will be admitted, and where they
+may continue to exercise the trades in which they were employed during
+their confinement, with certain advantages to themselves.</p>
+
+<p>These Convicts are, moreover, while in confinement, to have an
+interest in the work they perform, by being allowed a share of the
+produce, which may be either partly or wholly applied in laying the
+foundation-stone of a provision for old age, upon the plan of the
+Annuity Societies, which is to form one of the &#339;conomical
+arrangements of this excellent Establishment.</p>
+
+<p>Among many other advantages calculated to improve the morals of
+delinquents, and to render them useful to Society, it will possess,
+after a certain period, the singular faculty of extending to the
+Public<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_491" id="Page_491">-491-</a></span> these incalculable benefits, <i>perhaps without any expence
+whatsoever</i>; since it may be reasonably expected, that by training
+both Sexes to productive labour, extended and rendered valuable by the
+proposed introduction of ingenious machinery, it will hereafter become
+an object of advantage to new Contractors, (after the System is fully
+matured, and the profits arising from it clearly ascertained), to take
+upon them the conduct of the design, without stipulating for any
+annuity or assistance whatsoever from Government. Nay, the certainty
+of this profit, and its magnitude arising from labour alone, may,
+perhaps, ultimately even create a competition of Contractors, who,
+instead of <i>receiving</i>, will be induced to <i>offer</i> a premium to
+Government for the appointment to the situation; the value of which
+will be evidenced by the increasing annual profits.</p>
+
+<p>It is, indeed, highly probable, that as the Institution advances to
+maturity, under a plan so admirably adapted to render labour
+productive in the greatest possible degree; in the same manner will
+the profits gradually increase year after year until they shall be
+rendered obvious and certain, and not as at present depending on
+speculative opinions.</p>
+
+<p>The proposed annual report to the Court of King's Bench, through which
+medium the progressive profits will be generally promulgated, will
+create notoriety, and excite attention; and it is by no means
+improbable, that when the contract becomes open,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_492" id="Page_492">-492-</a></span> by the decease of
+the two Gentlemen to whom the Public are to be indebted for this
+invention, that it will acquire <i>a precise value</i>, like any other
+saleable commodity.</p>
+
+<p>This was exemplified in the instance of Convicts sent to America,
+which for a great length of time cost Government a large sum annually,
+until a discovery of the profits, arising from the disposal of the
+services of Felons, created a competition, which eased the Public of
+every expence whatsoever on account of their Transportation.</p>
+
+<p>But these are not the only advantages which the Country will derive
+from this new Penitentiary System. Its success will rapidly change the
+&#339;conomy of the many unproductive Houses of Correction, which have
+been erected at an enormous expence to the different Counties, under
+the Act of the 16th of Geo. III. cap. 43. Those in the management of
+these respective Establishments will gladly follow an example which
+mingles in so great a degree&mdash;<i>humanity with reform and profit</i>,
+thereby holding out a prospect both of diminishing crimes, and
+reducing the County Rates, now estimated by the Finance Committee at
+<i>fifty thousand pounds a year</i> for prisons, and criminal Police alone.</p>
+
+<p>Such are some of the benefits which may be reasonably expected to
+arise from the proposed Penitentiary System. If they shall be realized
+to the extent which is contemplated, so as to render transportation,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_493" id="Page_493">-493-</a></span>
+as well as the Hulks, unnecessary, the pecuniary saving to Government
+in twenty years will be immense. This may be ascertained by referring
+to a <a href="#Page_465">preceding page</a>, where the disbursements in the criminal
+department are inserted, which have taken place since the commencement
+of the American war, which rendered a new System necessary. If to this
+sum is added the expences incurred by the Counties, it will probably
+be found to have exceeded <i>Two millions sterling in all</i>.</p>
+
+<p>But still further advantages may be contemplated in addition to those
+of a pecuniary nature.&mdash;By retaining delinquents in the Country, and
+rendering their labour profitable to the State, a new source of wealth
+is opened which never existed at any former period, since the labour
+of convicts transported, whether to America or New South Wales, has
+been totally unproductive to the Country.</p>
+
+<p>The success of such a design, once clearly manifested, would give a
+new and favourable turn to the System of Punishments. Labour would be
+exacted in almost every case, not more for the benefit of the State
+than the advantage of the Prisoner, since labour and reform generally
+go hand in hand.&mdash;Without the aid of labour, it is in vain to expect
+an improvement in the morals or habits of delinquents&mdash;without an
+asylum to which discharged prisoners can resort for employment, their
+punishment produces no advantage. On the contrary, the vices of a
+Gaol<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_494" id="Page_494">-494-</a></span> send them forth more hardened in iniquity, and greater adepts in
+the trade of thieving than before.</p>
+
+<p>Nothing, therefore, can be more hostile to the diminution of crimes
+than the present mode of punishment for small offences, by a short
+imprisonment, without being employed in useful and productive labour.</p>
+
+<p>Under this defective System the different Gaols in the Metropolis and
+the Kingdom, are periodically vomiting forth hordes of Minor
+Delinquents, who serve as recruits to the more desperate gangs, and
+remain in a course of turpitude until cut off by the commission of
+higher offences. Some exceptions, doubtless, there are; but while the
+resource for honest labour is so effectually shut out, many who have
+totally lost character, and are without friends, seem to have no other
+resource.</p>
+
+<p>To all who may be confined in the proposed Penitentiary Establishment,
+this difficulty will be removed.&mdash;A difficulty in the present state of
+things, the magnitude of which cannot be estimated, since it generates
+most of those evils to which are to be attributed the extensive
+corruption of morals, and the increase and multiplication of crimes.</p>
+
+<p>Upon the whole, it would be expedient to give full effect to the new
+Penitentiary System as soon as possible; which, to use the language of
+the Select Committee, (p. 30.) "seems to bid fairer than any<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_495" id="Page_495">-495-</a></span> other
+that was ever yet offered to the Public, to diminish the Public
+expenditure in this branch, and to produce a salutary reform in the
+objects of the proposed institution."</p>
+
+<p>At the same time for the purpose of rendering the System of
+Punishments useful in the greatest possible degree to the Community,
+and that they may operate, in the fullest extent, as an example,
+tending to the prevention of crimes, it would seem that the following
+general principles should be adopted.</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>1st. That examples of punishment by death, (except, perhaps,
+in cases of Murder), should only take place twice a year:
+and that the impression upon the Public mind may be stronger
+from the less frequency of such painful exhibitions, they
+ought on all occasions to be conducted with a degree of
+solemnity suited to the object in the view of the
+Legislature, when the life of a fellow-creature is
+sacrificed, that it may really prove useful in deterring
+others; and not be contemplated with indifference, as is too
+often the case at present, without making the least
+impression, or being in any degree beneficial to the great
+ends of Public justice.</p>
+
+<p>2d. That the System of the Hulks should be at once wholly
+abandoned, as a source of great expence, producing in the
+result infinitely more evil than<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_496" id="Page_496">-496-</a></span> good, and thereby
+exhausting the Finances of the Country without any one
+beneficial consequence.</p>
+
+<p>3d. That Transportation to New South Wales and Norfolk
+Island, should be limited to a few of the most depraved,
+incorrigible, and irreclaimable Convicts, whose vicious and
+ungovernable conduct, while under the discipline of a
+Penitentiary House, rendered their reform hopeless.&mdash;That
+shipments should only take place once in three years, and
+that the Civil and Military Establishment of the Colony
+should be gradually reduced, so as to bring the National
+Expenditure on this branch of Police within moderate bounds.</p>
+
+<p>4th. That every thing should be done to accelerate the
+erection of National Penitentiary Houses.&mdash;That their
+capacity, including appendages, should be equal to the
+accommodation of 3,500 Convicts of all descriptions, so as
+to admit of different degrees of treatment and labour,
+according to the <i>age, sex, and state of health of the
+Convicts</i>.</p>
+
+<p>5th. That the local Penitentiary Houses in the different
+Counties, destined for the Punishment of persons convicted
+of Larcenies, and other minor offences, should be conducted,
+as nearly as possible, upon the plan of the National
+Establishments; and also by contract, under circumstances
+where the labour of the Convicts may, by the resources<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_497" id="Page_497">-497-</a></span> of
+the Contractor, be rendered (without hardship) equal, or
+nearly equal, to the expence; a measure conceived to be
+almost, in every instance, practicable, where knowledge of
+business, stimulated by interest, shall form an ingredient
+in the executive management.</p>
+
+<p>6th. That there should be attached to each County
+Penitentiary House, a Subsidiary Establishment, into which
+all discharged prisoners should be admitted who choose it,
+and where they might be continued in the exercise of the
+trades in which they were employed during their confinement,
+and for which they should receive wages in proportion to
+their earnings, until they could otherwise find a settled
+employment through an honest medium: thus giving those who
+are desirous of reforming an opportunity of sheltering
+themselves from the dangers of relapse, which arise from
+being afloat upon the Public&mdash;idle, and without the means of
+subsistence.</p></div>
+
+<p>In carrying the Penitentiary System into effect, it ought not to
+escape notice, that the hardship imposed on Convicts, with respect to
+manual labour, would be no more than every honest artisan who works
+industriously for his family, must, during the whole course of his
+life, impose upon himself. The condition of a Convict would, even in
+some respects, be superior, inasmuch as he would enjoy medical
+assistance, and other advantages tending to the pre<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_498" id="Page_498">-498-</a></span>servation of
+health, which do not attach to the lower classes of the people, whose
+irregularities not being restrained, while their pursuits and labours
+are seldom directed by good judgment and intelligence, often produce
+bad health, and extreme indigence and distress.</p>
+
+<p>The difficulty which has heretofore been experienced with respect to
+productive labour in the Provincial Houses of Correction will vanish,
+when the System shall be exemplified in the National Penitentiary
+Establishment. To conduct a Plan of this nature with advantage to the
+Public and to the individual, an assemblage of <i>qualities</i>,
+<i>dispositions</i>, and <i>endowments</i>, which rarely meet in one man, will
+be necessary&mdash;namely, <i>education, habits of business, a knowledge of
+the common affairs of life&mdash;an active and discriminating
+mind&mdash;indefatigable industry&mdash;the purest morals, and a philanthropic
+disposition, totally divested of those hurtful propensities which lead
+to idle amusements</i>.</p>
+
+<p>Such men are to be found, and would come forward, as Contractors, with
+ample security as often as opportunities offered, after the System
+became matured. It is only by the uncontrolled energy of talents,
+where duty and interest go hand in hand, that labour is to be obtained
+from Convicts.&mdash;No fluctuating management, nor any superintendance
+whatsoever, where a spring is not given to exertion by motives of
+interest, can perfect any Penitentiary design; or, indeed, any design
+where profit is to be derived from labour. Hence the ill success of
+almost<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_499" id="Page_499">-499-</a></span> all the well meant establishments with respect to the Poor,
+and to most of the local Penitentiary Houses. In some instances a few
+establishments at first hold out prospects of success; but at length
+they dwindle and decay, and in the result they have mostly all been
+unprofitable. The death or removal of an active or philanthropic
+Magistrate produces a languor, which terminates often in the ruin or
+the abandonment of the design.</p>
+
+<p>The National Penitentiary System is guarded against this contingency;
+and until the local Establishments can enjoy equal advantages, success
+in any degree is scarcely to be expected, and <i>permanent success</i> is
+altogether hopeless.</p>
+
+<p>The object to be attained is of great magnitude.&mdash;Let an appeal be,
+therefore, made to the good sense of the country, and to the feelings
+of humanity in behalf of an unfortunate and noxious class of
+individuals. Let the effects of the present System be candidly
+examined, in opposition to the benefits which may result from that
+which is proposed, and let the decision be speedy, that Society may no
+longer be tormented by the evils which arise from this branch of the
+Police of the country.</p>
+
+<p>The suggestions which are thus hazarded on the subject of punishments,
+are by no means the refinements of speculation doubtful and uncertain
+in their issue.</p>
+
+<p>The System accords either with what has been already enacted by the
+Legislature or recommended by<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_500" id="Page_500">-500-</a></span> the Finance Committee. And the whole
+has been admitted to be practicable under an able and permanent
+superintendence. A hope may, therefore, be indulged, that where the
+interest of Society and the cause of Humanity is so deeply concerned,
+a design which holds out so many advantages, will experience that
+general support which it unquestionably merits; since its object is
+not only to reclaim the Out-casts of the present generation, but also
+to rescue thousands yet unborn from misery and destruction.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_501" id="Page_501">-501-</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAP_XVII" id="CHAP_XVII"></a><span class="gesperrt">CHAP.</span> XVII.</h2>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p><i>The Police of the Metropolis examined&mdash;Its organization
+explained, with regard to that branch which relates to the
+prevention and suppression of Crimes.&mdash;The utility of the
+new System, established in 1792, examined and
+explained.&mdash;Reasons assigned why this System has not tended,
+in a greater degree, to the suppression and prevention of
+atrocious Crimes&mdash;Its great deficiency from the want of
+funds, by which Magistrates are crippled in their exertions,
+with regard to the detection and punishment of
+Offenders.&mdash;Reasons in favour of a New System.&mdash;The Police
+of the City of London (as now constituted) explained and
+examined.&mdash;Suggestions relative to established Justices, and
+the benefits likely to result from their exertions in
+assisting the City Magistrates: from whose other engagements
+and pursuits, that close and laborious attention cannot be
+expected which the Public interest requires.&mdash;The
+Magistrates of London the most respectable, perhaps, in the
+world.&mdash;The vast labour and weight of duty attached to the
+chief Magistrate.&mdash;The Aldermen have certain duties assigned
+them, which ought not, in justice to be augmented, as they
+act gratuitously.&mdash;The benefits which result to the
+Community from established Police Magistrates, considered in
+different points of view; and exemplified in the advan<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_502" id="Page_502">-502-</a></span>tages
+which have arisen from the System under the Act of
+1792.&mdash;General Reflections on the advantages which would
+arise from the various remedies which have been proposed in
+the course of this Work.&mdash;These benefits, however, only of a
+partial nature, inadequate to the object of complete
+protection, for want of a centre-point and superintending
+Establishment, under the controul of the first Minister of
+Police.&mdash;Reasons assigned in favour of such a System.&mdash;The
+advantages that would result from its adoption.&mdash;The ideas
+of enlightened Foreigners on the Police of the Metropolis
+explained.&mdash;Reflections suggested by those
+ideas.&mdash;Observations on the Police of Paris previous to the
+Revolution in France: elucidated by Anecdotes of the Emperor
+Joseph the Second and Mons. de Sartine.&mdash;The danger of an
+inundation of Foreign Sharpers and Villains on the return of
+Peace.&mdash;The situation of Europe requires, and the necessity
+of a well-regulated Police points out the utility of, a
+Central Board of Commissioners for Managing the
+Police.&mdash;This measure recommended by the Select Committee of
+Finance, since the publication of the last Edition of this
+Work.</i></p></div>
+
+<hr class="dbl1" />
+<hr class="dbl2" />
+
+<p><span class="cap">H</span>AVING in the preceding Chapters endeavoured to bring under the review
+of the Reader, not only those prominent causes which have occasioned
+that great increase of Public Wrongs, which every good<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_503" id="Page_503">-503-</a></span> man must
+deplore, but also the <i>various classes of delinquents</i> which compose
+the melancholy catalogue of human depravity; having also stated such
+observations and facts, relative to <i>detection</i>, <i>trials</i>, and
+<i>punishments</i>, as seemed to be necessary for the purpose of
+elucidating a subject of great importance to be understood; it remains
+now to explain and develope the <i>System</i> hitherto established for the
+purpose of protecting the Public against those enormities; and from
+which is to be expected that energy, and those exertions, which have
+been shewn to be so indispensably necessary, for the suppression and
+prevention of crimes.</p>
+
+<p>The <span class="smcap">Police</span> <i>of this great Metropolis</i> is undoubtedly a System highly
+interesting to be understood, although heretofore (as far as the
+Author has had access to know) it has never been, at any period, fully
+explained through the medium of the press;&mdash;and hence it is, that a
+vast proportion of those who reside in the Capital, as well as the
+multitude of strangers who resort to it, have no accurate idea of the
+principles of organization, which move so complicated a machine.</p>
+
+<p>It has been already stated in a <a href="#CHAP_XIV">preceding Chapter</a>, that twenty-six
+Magistrates, forming that respectable body, comprehending the
+Lord-Mayor and Aldermen,<a name="FNanchor_154_161" id="FNanchor_154_161"></a><a href="#Footnote_154_161" class="fnanchor">[154]</a> sit in rotation every forenoon, at the
+Mansion-<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_504" id="Page_504">-504-</a></span>house, and at Guildhall, and take cognizance of all matters
+of Police within the ancient jurisdiction of the City of London; while
+twenty-six established Magistrates appointed for every other part of
+the Metropolis,<a name="FNanchor_155_162" id="FNanchor_155_162"></a><a href="#Footnote_155_162" class="fnanchor">[155]</a> including the River Police, having particular<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_505" id="Page_505">-505-</a></span>
+offices or courts of justice assigned them at convenient distances in
+Westminster, Middlesex, and Surry,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_506" id="Page_506">-506-</a></span> sit every day (Sunday excepted)
+both in the morning and evening, for the purpose of executing all the
+multifarious duties, connected with the office of a Justice of the
+Peace, which unavoidably occur in large societies.<a name="FNanchor_156_163" id="FNanchor_156_163"></a><a href="#Footnote_156_163" class="fnanchor">[156]</a></p>
+
+<p>This Institution of established Justices (except with regard to the
+three Magistrates at Bow-street, and the Justices at the Marine Police
+Office,) was suggested to the Legislature, in consequence of the
+pressure felt by the Public, from the want of some regular and
+properly-constituted Tribunals for the distribution of justice; where
+the System should be uniform; and where the purity of the Magistrates,
+and their regular attendance, might insure to the People, the
+adjustment of their differences, at the least possible expence; and
+the assistance of gratuitous advice in every difficulty; as well as
+official aid, in all cases within the sphere of the Magistrates in
+their respective districts.</p>
+
+<p>The duty of these established Magistrates, (in conjunction with other
+Justices of the Peace, who find it convenient to give their
+assistance,) extends also to several important judicial proceedings;
+where, in a great variety of instances, they are empowered and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_507" id="Page_507">-507-</a></span>
+required to <i>hear</i> and <i>determine</i>, in a summary way; particularly in
+cases relative to the <i>customs, excise, and stamps&mdash;the game
+laws&mdash;hawkers and pedlars&mdash;pawn-brokers&mdash;friendly
+societies&mdash;highways&mdash;hackney coaches, carts, and other
+carriages&mdash;Quakers and others refusing to pay tythes&mdash;appeals of
+defaulters in parochial rates&mdash;misdemeanors committed by persons
+unlawfully pawning property not their own&mdash;bakers for short weight,
+&amp;c.&mdash;journeymen leaving their services in different trades&mdash;labourers
+not complying with their agreements&mdash;disorderly apprentices&mdash;alehouse
+keepers keeping disorderly houses&mdash;nuisances by different Acts of
+Parliament&mdash;acts of vagrancy by fraudulent lottery
+insurers&mdash;fortune-tellers; or persons of evil fame found in avenues to
+public places, with an intent to rob&mdash;As well as a multitude of other
+offences, in which Justices have power to proceed to conviction and
+punishment, either by fine or imprisonment</i>.</p>
+
+<p>The duty of the Magistrates also extends to a vast number of other
+objects, such as <i>licencing Public Houses</i>, and establishing Rules and
+Orders for Publicans,<a name="FNanchor_157_164" id="FNanchor_157_164"></a><a href="#Footnote_157_164" class="fnanchor">[157]</a> <i>watching over the conduct of
+Publicans&mdash;swearing in, charging and instructing parochial constables
+and headboroughs from year to year, with regard to their duty&mdash;issuing
+warrants for privy searches; and in considering the cases of persons
+charged with being disorderly persons, or rogues and vagabonds, liable
+to be<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_508" id="Page_508">-508-</a></span> punished under the Act of the 17th of George II. cap. 5, and
+subsequent acts of Parliament&mdash;in making orders to Parish Officers,
+Beadles, and Constables, in a variety of cases&mdash;in Parish Removals&mdash;in
+billeting soldiers&mdash;in considering the cases of poor persons applying
+for assistance, or admission to workhouses&mdash;in granting certificates
+and orders to the wives of persons serving in the Militia</i>, and also
+<i>in attesting recruits, for the Army&mdash;in attending the General and
+Quarter Sessions of the Peace, and in visiting the Workhouses,
+Bride-wells, and Prisons</i>.<a name="FNanchor_158_165" id="FNanchor_158_165"></a><a href="#Footnote_158_165" class="fnanchor">[158]</a></p>
+
+<p>In addition to these various duties, many criminal cases occur in the
+course of a year, which are examined for the purpose, if necessary, of
+being sent to superior tribunals for trials:&mdash;such as charges of
+<i>Treason, Murder, Coining, and uttering Base Money, Arson,
+Manslaughter, Forgery, Burglary, Larceny, Sedition, Felonies of
+various descriptions, Conspiracies, Frauds, Riots, Assaults, and
+Misdemeanors of different kinds</i>:&mdash;all which unavoidably impose upon
+every official Magistrate, a weight of business requiring great
+exertion, and an unremitting attention to the Public Interest, in the
+due execution of this very important Trust.</p>
+
+<p>When the Police System was first established in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_509" id="Page_509">-509-</a></span> the year 1792, the
+public mind became impressed with an idea that the chief, if not the
+only, object of the institution was to prevent <i>Robberies</i>,
+<i>Burglaries</i>, and other <i>atrocious Offences</i>; and that the suppression
+of those crimes, which bore hardest upon Society, and were most
+dreaded by the Public at large, was to be the result. These
+expectations shewed, that neither the powers nor authorities granted
+by the Act of Parliament, nor the other duties imposed upon the
+Magistracy of the Police, were understood. For this Statute (useful as
+it certainly is in a very high degree in many other respects,) does
+not contain even a single regulation applicable to the prevention of
+crimes; except that which relates to the apprehension of suspected
+characters, found in the avenues to public places, with intent to
+commit felony; who are liable to be punished as rogues and
+vagabonds,&mdash;and even this provision does not extend to the city of
+London.</p>
+
+<p>But this is not all&mdash;an establishment has been created, without the
+most necessary of all engines to give vigour and effect to the
+exertions of the Magistrates; namely, a pecuniary Fund to defray the
+expences of detecting criminals, and of rewarding those who bring
+informations useful to Public Justice. The expence of each Public
+Office being restricted to <i>two thousand pounds</i> a year, and the
+establishment in <i>salaries</i>, <i>rents</i>, <i>taxes</i>, and other
+<i>contingencies</i> exhausting that sum, nothing remains for one<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_510" id="Page_510">-510-</a></span> of the
+most necessary purposes of the Institution&mdash;the <i>Prevention</i> and the
+<i>Suppression of Crimes</i>.<a name="FNanchor_159_166" id="FNanchor_159_166"></a><a href="#Footnote_159_166" class="fnanchor">[159]</a></p>
+
+<p>It is in vain to expect that either vigour or energy can enter into
+that part of the System, where a great deal of <i>both</i> is necessary,
+<i>without Funds</i>.</p>
+
+<p>If criminals, at war with the Community, are to be detected&mdash;if risks
+are to be run to effect this purpose&mdash;if it is to be done, (as it must
+frequently be) at the hazard of the loss of health, and <i>even of
+life</i>, by watching desperadoes in the night time&mdash;if accurate
+informations are necessary, either to discover where stolen property
+is deposited, or where the delinquents are to be found; a Fund must be
+provided, or the Public cannot be protected. Those, whose province it
+is to watch over the Police must not expect that men, capable of
+giving them useful information, will return a second time, if they
+have not some adequate reward bestowed upon them for their labour,
+risk, and trouble. Without such power of granting small rewards, (so
+far as that part of his duty which relates to the discovery of
+property plundered, and the de<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_511" id="Page_511">-511-</a></span>tection of the offenders is of
+importance to the Public,) a Magistrate is placed in the situation of
+a person pledged to work, <i>without tools or implements of labour</i>, by
+which he can in any respect accomplish his purpose. And hence it is,
+that among the numerous causes assigned in the course of this Work,
+for the increase of Crimes,&mdash;this is none of the least.</p>
+
+<p>Not that it is meant that any additional burthen on the Public, by an
+extensive expenditure of money, would be necessary&mdash;A very moderate
+sum judiciously and &#339;conomically laid out, would bring to
+Commissioners of the Police, or to the <i>disbursing Magistrates</i>,
+through some medium or other, an early account of most of the
+depredations committed upon the Public, as well as every circumstance
+relative to coiners and sellers of base money.&mdash;This would lead to the
+detection and apprehension of most of the offenders; and thereby
+strike such an universal terror, as (assisted by the other salutary
+regulations proposed in this Work) would soon reduce the number of
+Thieves, Coiners, and other delinquents; and thus, of course, diminish
+the ultimate and great additional expence which follows conviction, in
+all cases where felons are in the course of punishment.</p>
+
+<p>In this view of the subject, it would prove a Regulation calculated
+greatly to reduce the aggregate expence; for surely, if <i>a few
+guineas</i> judiciously laid<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_512" id="Page_512">-512-</a></span> out, in the first instance, would save
+<i>fifty</i> afterwards to the State, it must be a wise and a good
+arrangement; and in this way it would probably operate. But this would
+not be the only saving to the Nation: by preventing crimes, all those
+concerned in projects of mischief must, instead of preying upon the
+industry of others, assist the State, by contributing their share to
+the national stock of labour.</p>
+
+<p>Next to the want of a sufficient pecuniary Fund, the most obvious
+deficiency in the present System of executive Police in the
+Metropolis, is that which regards the Magistracy of the City of
+London; <i>where the case is precisely reversed</i>; for <i>there</i> the funds
+for the detection and discovery of offenders, may be made as ample as
+the Corporation shall think fit; but the want of a <i>Stipendiary
+Establishment</i> must prevent the operation of that System of vigour and
+energy, which the increase of Criminals and the present state of
+Society demand.</p>
+
+<p>The Magistrates of the City of London form a body, perhaps the most
+<i>respectable</i>, and <i>independent</i> of any in the world; but besides the
+unavoidable, important, and multiplied affairs of the Corporation, in
+attending the various Courts of the Lord-Mayor&mdash;Aldermen&mdash;Common
+Council&mdash;Common Hall&mdash;Wardmotes&mdash;Conservancy&mdash;Courts of
+Requests&mdash;Court of Orphans&mdash;and General and Quarter Sessions of the
+Peace, and Justice Hall at the Old Bailey, they have avocations and
+engagements in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_513" id="Page_513">-513-</a></span> business, which must necessarily occupy their minds.
+It cannot, therefore, reasonably be expected, that they should forego
+their own important private interests, and bestow upon the business of
+the Public that attention which their situation as Magistrates seems
+to require.<a name="FNanchor_160_167" id="FNanchor_160_167"></a><a href="#Footnote_160_167" class="fnanchor">[160]</a></p>
+
+<p>The Chief Magistrate cannot, in the nature of things, while the
+immense load of municipal affairs, joined to his own private concerns,
+presses constantly upon his mind, bestow either time or attention in
+considering the cases of delinquents brought before him; or in
+following up informations, and devising plans necessary to detect
+offenders; and yet this detail of duty, even from the pass-vagrant to
+the most atrocious villain, is imposed on him, by ancient immemorial
+custom and usage; at the very moment when he is overpowered with other
+official business, of great magnitude and importance; which can be
+transacted by no other person. Hurried with constant engagements,
+inseparable from the functions and dignity attached to his high
+office, and the general government of the City, a Lord-Mayor is just
+beginning to understand the duties attached to the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_514" id="Page_514">-514-</a></span> Chief Magistracy,
+at the period when he must lay it down.</p>
+
+<p>The other Magistrates of the City having had a precise line of duty
+anciently chalked out, when Commerce and Society had made less
+progress, the same System continues; nor would it be proper to expect
+an augmentation of labour, or a greater proportion of time, from
+Magistrates who serve the Public gratuitously.&mdash;The unremitting
+attendance and indefatigable industry, which the Public interest
+requires, it would be vain and unjust to expect, from any but
+Magistrates selected for that purpose, and that only.<a name="FNanchor_161_168" id="FNanchor_161_168"></a><a href="#Footnote_161_168" class="fnanchor">[161]</a></p>
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_515" id="Page_515">-515-</a></span></p>
+<p>With the increase of those blessings which are supposed to arise from
+a course of prosperity and wealth, there is generally an increase also
+of <i>evils</i> and <i>inconveniences</i>; and hence it is that while an influx
+of riches preponderates in <i>one scale</i>, an augmentation of crimes acts
+as a counterbalance in the <i>other</i>:&mdash;thus requiring the constant and
+progressive application of such antidotes and remedies as will
+preserve the <i>good</i>, while the <i>evil</i> is diminished or kept within
+bounds.</p>
+
+<p>It seems that the Metropolis is now in that situation where the active
+and unceasing attention of Magistrates with salaries, has become
+necessary to promote a vigorous and energetic execution of the Law,
+for the general protection of property, and the safety of
+individuals.<a name="FNanchor_162_169" id="FNanchor_162_169"></a><a href="#Footnote_162_169" class="fnanchor">[162]</a></p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_516" id="Page_516">-516-</a></span></p><p>Contemplating the various existing evils detailed in this Work, and
+which form so many prominent features of Police, requiring the
+constant and watchful eye of the Magistrate, it seems clear to
+demonstration, that unless official duties become the sole business
+and pursuit of the parties engaged in them, the Public Interest must
+suffer; and (although imperceptible in their progress), Crimes will
+increase and multiply; at a time when the comfort, happiness and
+security of Society, require that they should be diminished.</p>
+
+<p>In consequence also of the great accumulation of the Statute Laws,
+requiring the attention of Justices in a vast number of instances,
+which did not occur a century ago, their duty has so multiplied as to
+require the <i>whole time</i> of Magistrates acting in all great Societies;
+an observation which applies not merely to the Metropolis, but to many
+large Provincial Towns. It follows, therefore, almost as a matter of
+course, that Stipendiary Justices have become indispensably
+necessary.<a name="FNanchor_163_172" id="FNanchor_163_172"></a><a href="#Footnote_163_172" class="fnanchor">[163]</a></p>
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_517" id="Page_517">-517-</a></span></p>
+<p>If men of business, integrity, and talents, could once be prevailed on
+to accept of such employments, and execute the trust reposed in them
+with zeal and attention to the public interest, and with firm and
+independent minds, attached to no Party, infinite advantages must
+result to the Community from their services.<a name="FNanchor_164_173" id="FNanchor_164_173"></a><a href="#Footnote_164_173" class="fnanchor">[164]</a></p>
+
+<p>Where men of this description pledge themselves, as they must
+necessarily do, to give up every other pursuit, assiduously and
+constantly to execute the laborious duties of a Police Magistrate;
+Justice also requires that the reward should be commensurate to the
+sacrifices which are made. It is the interest of the Community that it
+should be so: for in the present extended state of Commerce and
+Society, no gratuitous System can ever be expected to answer any
+purpose of real utility.</p>
+
+<p>While the higher order of Magistrates receive the just reward of their
+useful labour, bestowed in the exercise of their functions in
+promoting the public good&mdash;where can be the impropriety of extending
+the same species of remuneration to inferior Magistrates; who must
+devote even a greater portion of time and attention to the
+multifarious duties assigned them?<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_518" id="Page_518">-518-</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The office of <i>Assistant Magistrates</i> in the City might be assigned to
+six active and honourable men, who would give <i>their whole attention
+to</i> the criminal department of the Police. The proceedings of these
+Magistrates should be sanctioned by the presence of the Aldermen, as
+often as one or more could conveniently attend; on which occasions
+they would necessarily preside, as holding within their own district,
+the highest rank in the Magistracy.</p>
+
+<p>The difference in point of benefit to the Community between a <i>Mind</i>
+constantly occupied in objects of public utility, and that which is
+only occasionally employed, is great beyond all possible
+calculation.&mdash;Nor is the measure without precedent, even in the City
+of London, since the Recorder may, in his high office, be fairly
+considered in the light of a Magistrate with a salary.</p>
+
+<p>Ready on every occasion at their Sittings in the morning and evening,
+to offer their advice or assistance to the labouring people, as well
+as all ranks of the Community, who apply for it&mdash;to adjust their
+differences, and to protect them against wrongs and oppressions:
+prepared also, as a matter of business, to receive and follow up
+informations where crimes have been committed, and never to lose sight
+of the object while it is practicable to attain it; these Assistant
+Magistrates would afford incalculable advantages to the City: which
+would be still farther increased, if a System of co-operation of the
+other Police Magistrates were established, upon a plan<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_519" id="Page_519">-519-</a></span> which would
+unite their energy, and render their jurisdiction co-extensive. (See
+<i>ante</i> pages <a href="#Page_419">419</a>, <a href="#Page_420">420</a>).</p>
+
+<p>It is a well-known fact, that since the establishment of Police
+Magistrates for Westminster, and the parts of Middlesex and Surry,
+contiguous to the City of London, great benefits have been experienced
+from the assistance and advice which have been afforded to the
+indigent, and the ignorant.</p>
+
+<p>Many quarrels and little law-suits have been prevented, and
+innumerable differences immediately reconciled without any expence.</p>
+
+<p>It is in this manner that Magistrates, acting up to the spirit of
+their Public Duty, and bestowing their <i>whole</i> attention upon whatever
+relates to that duty, confer those obligations upon the Community
+which no moderate remuneration can repay.</p>
+
+<p>The office of a Police Magistrate is not like other public
+situations:&mdash;for the business is multifarious, seldom admits of any
+recess or a vacation.&mdash;It is, or ought to be, <i>constant</i>, <i>laborious</i>,
+and without <i>intermission</i>.<a name="FNanchor_165_174" id="FNanchor_165_174"></a><a href="#Footnote_165_174" class="fnanchor">[165]</a></p>
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_520" id="Page_520">-520-</a></span></p>
+<p>But with all these advantages, even improved by competent funds
+appropriated to the different Public Offices, still a <i>Centre-point</i>
+is wanted to connect the whole together, so as to invigorate and
+strengthen every part, by a superintending Establishment, under the
+immediate controul of the Secretary of State for the Home Department:
+There, indeed, the constitutional superintendence of the Police of the
+Metropolis, as well as of the whole country, rests at present; but
+from the vast weight and increase of other Public Business, connected
+with the general affairs of the State, foreign, colonial, and
+domestic, it has been found impracticable to pursue that particular
+System which has now become, more than ever, necessary for the
+detection of criminals. It seems then, that in executing a task so
+complicated and multifarious, a delegation of subordinate <i>Responsible
+Management</i> to a <i>Central Board of Police</i> should be resorted to: as
+the only means of giving strength, vigour, and energy to a System,
+heretofore only partially useful; and which, in its present disjointed
+state, is incapable of extending that Protection and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_521" id="Page_521">-521-</a></span> Security, which
+has been shewn in the course of this Work, to be so much wanted, and
+so indispensably necessary.</p>
+
+<p>To understand the Police of the Metropolis to that extent which is
+necessary to direct and superintend its general operations, it must be
+acted upon <i>practically</i>; and those who undertake the
+<i>superintendence</i> and <i>management</i> alluded to, must be men <i>able</i>,
+<i>intelligent</i>, <i>prudent</i>, and <i>indefatigable</i>: devoting their whole
+attention to this object alone. Clerks might be continually employed
+with great advantage in entering and posting up under the proper
+heads, such new information as should be obtained from day to day; and
+hours should be appointed for receiving such intelligence from all
+proper and well-informed persons, who might choose to offer the same;
+so far as such information related to Public wrongs, and offences
+against the peace, safety, and well-being of Society.</p>
+
+<p>Under such a System, with a proper power of remunerating Officers and
+others, scarcely a <i>Robbery</i>, <i>Burglary</i>, <i>Larceny</i>, or <i>fraudulent
+Transaction</i>, could be committed, where the perpetrators would not be
+very speedily detected and brought to justice; for then the
+Magistrates, in their respective districts, would be enabled to act
+with confidence, vigour, and energy, in the discovery and apprehension
+of offenders;&mdash;and the effect would be to excite a general terror in
+the minds of every class of delinquents; which could not fail to
+operate strongly as<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_522" id="Page_522">-522-</a></span> a means of preventing crimes, and improving the
+morals and the happiness of the lower orders of the People.</p>
+
+<p>In addition to this these responsible Commissioners of Police might,
+with great propriety, and with no little public utility, have
+committed to them the superintendence of <i>all Receipts and
+Disbursements of the accounts</i>, and of <i>all monies applicable to
+objects of Police</i>: these they should lay annually before Parliament,
+if required, accompanied by a General Report; that the Legislature, as
+well as the Public at large, might see in what manner the funds had
+been applied; and what progress had been made in the prevention of
+crimes, and in restoring among the Labouring People that sense of
+morality, which never, perhaps, was at a lower ebb than at present.</p>
+
+<p>The most enlightened Foreigners who have visited this Metropolis, and
+contemplated the nature and organization of our Police System, join in
+one general remark upon it; viz.&mdash;"<i>That we have some shadow of
+Police, for apprehending Delinquents, after crimes are actually
+committed; but none for the purpose of preventing them</i>."&mdash;This
+certainly is, in one sense, literally true;&mdash;and from this source,
+combined with the imperfection of the Criminal Code, have arisen all
+those enormities and inconveniences already so amply detailed.</p>
+
+<p>Attached to the Laws and Government of his country, even to a degree
+of enthusiasm, the Author of this Work will not be too prone to seek
+for greater<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_523" id="Page_523">-523-</a></span> perfection in other nations: or to quote them as examples
+to be imitated in the Metropolis of the British Empire; and still less
+if such examples should tend, in the slightest degree, to abridge that
+freedom which is the birth-right of every Briton. But as all true
+liberty depends on those fences which are established in every
+Country, for the protection of the Persons and Property of the People,
+against every attack whatsoever: and as prejudices ought to be
+banished from the mind in all discussions tending to promote the
+General Weal, we ought not to be ashamed of borrowing good Systems
+from other Nations; wherever such can be adopted, consistent with the
+Constitution of the Country, and the Liberty of the Subject.</p>
+
+<p>In France, under the Old Government, how much soever many parts of the
+System of that Country were justly reprobated, by all who were
+acquainted with the blessings of Freedom, yet, in the management and
+regulation of what was denominated <i>The Police</i>, there existed that
+kind of Establishment, with regard to personal security, and
+protection against the depredations of the most depraved part of the
+community, which Englishmen have certainly never enjoyed; who, on the
+contrary, have suffered manifold inconveniences from an idea, (surely
+a very erroneous one,) "that we must endure these public wrongs, and
+expose our property and lives to the attack of murderers, robbers, and
+highwaymen, as the price of <i>Liberty</i>."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_524" id="Page_524">-524-</a></span></p>
+
+<p>When difficulties are felt, it is our duty to look at them
+dispassionately; to face them with fortitude, and to discuss them with
+intelligence&mdash;divested of all prejudices generated merely by habit and
+education. By pursuing this mode of investigation, it will be
+discovered that in other Governments there may be some Establishments
+worthy of imitation; and which, perhaps, might in part be adopted, not
+only in perfect consistency with the Freedom of the Subject; but with
+the advantage of extending to the mass of the People, who are not in a
+course of delinquency, more real liberty than they at present enjoy.&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>At the commencement of the troubles in France, it is a curious fact,
+that the Lieutenant-General of the National Police, as well as that of
+the Metropolis, had upon his Registers the names of not less than
+twenty thousand suspected and depraved characters, whose pursuits were
+known to be of a criminal nature; yet, by making this part of Police
+the immediate object of the close and uniform attention of one branch
+of the Executive Government, Crimes were much less frequent than in
+England; and the security extended to the Public, with regard to the
+protection of Life and Property against lawless depredation, was
+infinitely greater.&mdash;To elucidate this assertion, and to shew to what
+a wonderful height the System had advanced, the Reader is referred to
+the following Anecdotes; which were mentioned to the Author by a
+Foreign Minister of great intelli<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_525" id="Page_525">-525-</a></span>gence and information, who resided
+some years at the Court of France.</p>
+
+<p>"A Merchant of high respectability in Bourdeaux had occasion to visit
+the Metropolis upon commercial business, carrying with him bills and
+money to a very large amount.</p>
+
+<p>"On his arrival at the gates of Paris, a genteel looking man opened
+the door of his carriage, and addressed him to this effect:&mdash;<i>Sir, I
+have been waiting for you some time; according to my notes, you were
+to arrive at this hour; and your person, your carriage, and your
+portmanteau, exactly answering the description I hold in my hand, you
+will permit me to have the honour of conducting you to Monsieur De
+Sartine.</i></p>
+
+<p>"The Gentleman, astonished and alarmed at this interruption, and still
+more so at hearing the name of the Lieutenant of the Police mentioned,
+demanded to know what <i>Monsieur De Sartine</i> wanted with him; adding,
+at the same time, that he never had committed any offence against the
+Laws, and that he could have no right to interrupt or detain him.</p>
+
+<p>"The Messenger declared himself perfectly ignorant of the cause of the
+detention; stating, at the same time, that when he had conducted him
+to <i>Monsieur De Sartine</i>, he should have executed his orders, which
+were merely ministerial.</p>
+
+<p>"After some further explanations, the Gentleman permitted the Officer
+to conduct him accordingly. <i>Monsieur De Sartine</i> received him, with
+great<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_526" id="Page_526">-526-</a></span> politeness; and after requesting him to be seated, to his great
+astonishment, he described his portmanteau; and told him the exact sum
+in bills and specie which he had brought with him to Paris, and where
+he was to lodge, his usual time of going to bed, and a number of other
+circumstances, which the Gentleman had conceived could only be known
+to himself.&mdash;<i>Monsieur De Sartine</i> having thus excited attention, put
+this extraordinary question to him&mdash;<i>Sir, are you a man of
+courage?</i>&mdash;The Gentleman, still more astonished at the singularity of
+such an interrogatory, demanded the reason why he put such a strange
+question, adding, at the same time, that no man ever doubted his
+courage. <i>Monsieur De Sartine</i> replied,&mdash;<i>Sir, you are to be robbed
+and murdered this night!&mdash;If you are a man of courage, you must go to
+your hotel, and retire to rest at the usual hour: but be careful that
+you do not fall asleep; neither will it be proper for you to look
+under the bed, or into any of the closets which are in your
+bed-chamber</i>; (which he accurately described);&mdash;<i>you must place your
+portmanteau in its usual situation, near your bed, and discover no
+suspicion:&mdash;Leave what remains to me.&mdash;If, however, you do not feel
+your courage sufficient to bear you out, I will procure a person who
+shall personate you, and go to bed in your stead.</i></p>
+
+<p>"The Gentleman being convinced, in the course of the conversation,
+that <i>Monsieur de Sartine's</i> intelligence was accurate in every
+particular, he refused to be personated, and formed an immediate
+resolu<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_527" id="Page_527">-527-</a></span>tion, literally, to follow the directions he had received: he
+accordingly went to bed at his usual hour, which was eleven
+o'clock.&mdash;At half past twelve (the time mentioned by <i>Monsieur De
+Sartine</i>), the door of the bed-chamber burst open, and three men
+entered with a <i>dark lantern</i>, <i>daggers</i> and <i>pistols</i>.&mdash;The
+Gentleman, who of course was awake, perceived one of them to be his
+own servant.&mdash;They rifled his portmanteau, undisturbed, and settled
+the plan of putting him to death.&mdash;The Gentleman, hearing all this,
+and not knowing by what means he was to be rescued, it may naturally
+be supposed, was under great perturbation of mind during such an awful
+interval of suspense; when, at the moment the villains were preparing
+to commit the horrid deed, four Police Officers, acting under <i>Mons.
+De Sartine's</i> orders, who were concealed under the bed, and in the
+closet, rushed out and seized the offenders with the property in their
+possession, and in the act of preparing to commit the murder.</p>
+
+<p>"The consequence was, that the perpetration of the atrocious deed was
+prevented, and sufficient evidence obtained to convict the
+offenders.&mdash;<i>Monsieur De Sartine's</i> intelligence enabled him to
+<i>prevent</i> this horrid offence of robbery and murder; which, but for
+the accuracy of the System, would probably have been carried into
+execution."</p>
+
+<p>Another Anecdote, was mentioned to the Author by the same Minister,
+relative to the Emperor Joseph the Second: "That Monarch, having, in
+the year<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_528" id="Page_528">-528-</a></span> 1787, formed and promulgated a new Code of Laws relative to
+criminal and civil offences;<a name="FNanchor_166_175" id="FNanchor_166_175"></a><a href="#Footnote_166_175" class="fnanchor">[166]</a> and having also established what he
+conceived to be the best System of Police in Europe, he could scarcely
+ever forgive the French Nation, in consequence of the accuracy and
+intelligence of <i>Mons. De Sartine</i> having been found so much superior
+to his own; notwithstanding the immense pains he had bestowed upon
+that department of his Government.</p>
+
+<p>"A very notorious offender, who was a subject of the Emperor, and who
+committed many atrocious acts of violence and depredation at Vienna,
+was traced to Paris by the Police established by His Majesty, who
+ordered his Ambassador at the Court of France to demand that this
+delinquent should be delivered up to Public Justice.</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Mons. De Sartine</i> acknowledged to the Imperial Ambassador, that the
+person he inquired after had been in Paris;&mdash;that, if it would be any
+satisfaction, he could inform him where he had lodged, and the
+different gaming-tables, and other places of infamous resort, which he
+frequented while there;&mdash;but that he was now gone.&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"The Ambassador, after stating the accuracy and correct mode by which
+the Police of Vienna was conducted, insisted that this offender must
+still be in Paris; otherwise the Emperor would not have commanded him
+to make such an application.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_529" id="Page_529">-529-</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"<i>Monsieur de Sartine</i> smiled at the incredulity of the Imperial
+Minister, and made a reply to the following effect:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Do me the honour, Sir, to inform the Emperor, your Master, that the
+person he looks for left Paris on the 10th day of the last month; and
+is now lodged in a back room looking into a garden in the third story
+of a house, number 93, in &mdash;&mdash; street, in his own Capital of Vienna;
+where his Majesty will, by sending to the spot, be sure to find
+him.</i>&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"It was literally as the French Minister of Police had stated.&mdash;The
+Emperor, to his astonishment, found the delinquent in the house and
+apartment described; but he was greatly mortified at this proof of the
+accuracy of the French Police; which, in this instance, in point of
+intelligence <i>even in Vienna</i>, was discovered to be so much superior
+to his own."&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>The fact is, that the French System had arrived at the greatest degree
+of perfection; and though not necessary, nor even proper, to be copied
+as <i>a pattern</i>, might, nevertheless, furnish many useful hints,
+calculated to improve the Police of this Metropolis, consistent with
+the existing Laws; and even to extend and increase the Liberty of
+Subject without taking one privilege away; or interfering in the
+pursuits of any one class of individuals; except those employed in
+purposes of <i>mischief</i>, <i>fraud</i>, and <i>criminality</i>.</p>
+
+<p>The situation of this Country, (indeed of every<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_530" id="Page_530">-530-</a></span> country in Europe,)
+has changed materially since the dissolution of the ancient Government
+of France.&mdash;The horde of sharpers and villains, who heretofore
+resorted to Paris from every part of Europe, will now consider London
+as their general and most productive theatre of action; for two
+obvious reasons:&mdash;1st. Paris being exhausted of riches, its Nobility
+banished, and the principal part of the active property there
+annihilated, the former resources for the support of criminal and
+depraved characters no longer exist; while that Metropolis holds out
+no allurements similar to what were formerly experienced. 2dly. The
+ignorance of the English language (a circumstance which formerly
+afforded us some protection), will no longer be a bar to the resort of
+the continental sharpers to the Metropolis of this kingdom. At no
+period was it ever so generally understood by Foreigners; or the
+French language so universally spoken, by at least the younger part of
+the People of this Country.&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>The spirit of gaming and dissipation which prevails in London,
+promoted already in no inconsiderable degree by profligate characters
+from the Continent, the opulence of the People, and the great mass of
+active property in circulation, will afford a wide field for the
+exercise of the invention and wits of that description of men, both
+foreigners and natives, who infested Paris under the old Government,
+and which rendered a more than ordinary attention to its Police
+indispensably necessary.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_531" id="Page_531">-531-</a></span>&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>The termination of the present war will probably throw into this
+country a vast number of idle, profligate, and depraved characters,
+natives of this, as well as of other nations, who will require to be
+narrowly watched by a vigilant and well-regulated Police. The
+probability of such an accession to the numbers already engaged in
+acts of delinquency, serves to establish new and incontrovertible
+arguments in favour of the proposed <i>Board of Responsible
+Commissioners</i>, for managing the affairs of the Police of the
+Metropolis; to form a <i>Centre-point</i>, and to bind the System together.</p>
+
+<p>To be well prepared against every possible evil, is one great step
+towards prevention; and among the many advantages already detailed, as
+likely to result from a <i>Board of Police Revenue</i>, this would be none
+of the least.</p>
+
+<p>In every view in which the subject can be considered, such a System,
+strengthened by good and apposite Laws, could not fail to be
+productive of vast benefits to the Community. <i>Petty Thefts</i> affecting
+all ranks who have any property to lose, and destroying the moral
+principle, would be greatly abridged:&mdash;as would also the plunder from
+vessels in the River Thames, as well as from the public Arsenals,
+Dock-yards, and Ships of War. The more atrocious Crimes of Burglary
+and Highway Robbery, would suffer a severe check, in the
+embarrassments which would arise from the System of detections and
+Rewards&mdash;from the restrictions pro<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_532" id="Page_532">-532-</a></span>posed to be laid upon Receivers of
+Stolen Goods; upon Night Coaches,&mdash;and from other regulations
+applicable to those particular offences. A large proportion of the
+<i>Coiners</i>, <i>Dealers</i>, and <i>Utterers of Base Money</i>, feeling the risk
+of detection, as well as of punishment, greatly extended and
+increased, would probably abandon the business as hazardous and
+destructive. The completion of the General System would also, either
+collaterally or immediately, reach the tribe of Cheats, Swindlers, and
+Lottery Offenders, in such a manner as to occasion a considerable
+reduction of their number, by narrowing the ground, and destroying the
+resources by which they at present flourish.</p>
+
+<p>The establishment of such a System would be an immediate benefit to
+every man of property, as an individual, independent of the Public at
+large; but even in another point of view, it is doubly necessary at
+this juncture, when new events are daily occurring, of a nature truly
+interesting to the peace and well-being of Society, and to the
+tranquillity of the State; rendering it more than ever necessary to
+establish a System of unremitting vigilance. It is a fact well
+established, that it was principally through the medium, and by the
+assistance, of many of the twenty thousand miscreants who were
+registered, previous to the anarchy of France, on the books of the
+Lieutenant of Police, that the contending Factions in that distracted
+country, were enabled to perpetrate those horrid massacres and acts of
+atrocity,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_533" id="Page_533">-533-</a></span> which have been beheld with detestation, abhorrence, and
+astonishment, by every civilized nation in the world.</p>
+
+<p>Let it be recollected, at the same time, that Mankind, in a state of
+depravity, arising from a long course of criminal turpitude, are
+nearly alike in every country; and that it becomes us to look with a
+jealous eye on the several thousand miscreants of the same description
+which now infest London; for they too, upon any fatal emergency,
+(which <span class="smcap">God</span> forbid!) would be equally ready as their brethren in
+iniquity were, in Paris, to repeat the same atrocities, if any
+opportunity offered.</p>
+
+<p>As the effectuating such an object has become so great a
+desideratum;&mdash;and as it is to confer those blessings which spring from
+a well-regulated Police, calculated to extend a species of
+protection<a name="FNanchor_167_176" id="FNanchor_167_176"></a><a href="#Footnote_167_176" class="fnanchor">[167]</a> to the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_534" id="Page_534">-534-</a></span> inhabitants of this great Metropolis, which
+has never been heretofore experienced:&mdash;it can scarcely fail to be a
+matter of general satisfaction to know that the Select Committee of
+the House of Commons on Finance, have strongly recommended to
+Parliament a System of Police, similar to that which had been
+submitted to the consideration of the Public in the former editions of
+this Work.</p>
+
+<p>In order that improvements, sanctioned by such high authority, and the
+adoption of which are so important to the best interests of Society,
+may be fully explained and elucidated; a detail of the measures, which
+have been recommended, with general observations on the proposed
+System, are reserved for the <a href="#CHAP_XVIII">ensuing Chapter</a>.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_535" id="Page_535">-535-</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAP_XVIII" id="CHAP_XVIII"></a><span class="gesperrt">CHAP.</span> XVIII.</h2>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p><i>The System of Police recommended by the Select Committee on
+Finance explained.&mdash;A proposition to consolidate the two
+Boards of Hawkers and Pedlars, and Hackney Coaches, into a
+Board of Police Revenue.&mdash;The whole Revenues of Police from
+Fees, Penalties, and Licence Duties, to make a common
+Fund.&mdash;Accounts to be audited.&mdash;Magistrates to distribute
+small Rewards.&mdash;A power to the Board to make Bye-Laws.&mdash;A
+concurrent jurisdiction recommended&mdash;also the Penitentiary
+House for reforming Convicts.&mdash;Other measures proposed after
+the Board is established&mdash;namely, a Public Prosecutor for
+the Crown&mdash;A Register of Lodging Houses&mdash;The establishment
+of a Police Gazette.&mdash;Two leading objects to be
+attained&mdash;The prevention of Crimes: and raising a Revenue
+for Police purposes.&mdash;The enumeration of the Dealers who are
+proposed to be Licenced.&mdash;A General View of the annual
+expence of the present Police System. Observations on the
+effect of the System recommended by the Finance Committee,
+with respect to the Morals and Finances of the
+Country.&mdash;Suggestions respecting a chain of connection with
+Magistrates in the Country, and the mode of effecting
+it.&mdash;Licences to be granted by select Magistrates in the
+Country, and by the Central Board in London and the
+neighbourhood.&mdash;The Functions<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_536" id="Page_536">-536-</a></span> of the proposed Board
+explained.&mdash;Specifications of the Trades to be regulated and
+Licenced.&mdash;General Reflections on the advantages likely to
+result from the adoption of the plan recommended by the
+Finance Committee.&mdash;Concluding Observations.</i></p></div>
+
+<hr class="dbl1" />
+<hr class="dbl2" />
+
+<p><span class="cap">I</span>MPRESSED with a deep sense of the utility of investigating the nature
+of the Police System, the Select Committee of the House of Commons on
+Finance turned their attention to this, among many other important
+objects in the Session of the year 1798; and, after a laborious
+investigation which occupied several months, (during which period the
+Author of this Treatise underwent several examinations),<a name="FNanchor_168_177" id="FNanchor_168_177"></a><a href="#Footnote_168_177" class="fnanchor">[168]</a> they
+made their <i>final Report</i>&mdash;in which, after stating it as their
+opinion, "that the general tendency of our &#339;conomical arrangements
+upon this subject is ill calculated to meet the accumulating burdens,
+which are the infallible result of so much error in our System of
+Police"&mdash;they recommended it to Parliament to reduce or consolidate
+"the two offices of Hawkers and Pedlars, and Hackney Coaches, into a
+Board of Police Revenue, under the direction of a competent number of
+Commissioners, with such Salaries as should bid fair to engage<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_537" id="Page_537">-537-</a></span>
+talents adequate to the situation, and as should be sufficient to
+command the whole exertion of those talents.&mdash;That the Receiver of the
+Police offices, should be the Receiver-General of the funds proposed
+to be collected by this Board.&mdash;That the superintendence of aliens
+should form a part of its business.&mdash;That the fees and penalties
+received at the several offices of Police, together with the
+Licence-duties and penalties, if any, which shall be in the collection
+of this consolidated Board, shall make one common fund, out of which
+all salaries and expences of the several offices of Police should be
+defrayed, as well as all those of the Consolidated Board, and that all
+payments whatever should be made by the Receiver, under the sanction
+of this Board, subject to the approbation of the Lords Commissioners
+of his Majesty's Treasury.&mdash;That the accounts of the Receiver should
+be audited and signed by the Board before being delivered to the
+Treasury, or the office for auditing accounts.&mdash;That the balances in
+the hands of the Receiver, after retaining what may be sufficient for
+current expences, should be paid into the Exchequer at frequent and
+fixed periods.&mdash;That Magistrates of Police should be impowered to
+distribute small rewards to Constables or others, for meritorious
+services, to be paid by the Revenue, after receiving the sanction of
+the Board: And further, that the Board should have power to make
+Bye-laws, for<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_538" id="Page_538">-538-</a></span> the regulation of such Minor Objects of Police as
+relate to the objects of their superintendence, and to the control of
+all Coaches, Chairs, Carts, Barrows, and the conduct of all Coachmen,
+Chairmen, Carters, &amp;c. and the removal and prevention of annoyances,
+and the correction of all offences against the cleanliness, the quiet,
+and the free passage of the Streets of the Metropolis, similar to the
+powers now possessed by the Commissioners of Hackney Coaches, and
+subject in like manner to the approbation of the Superior Judges in
+the Courts in Westminster-Hall."&mdash;The Committee further recommend that
+two additional Police Offices should be established in the City of
+London, consisting each of three Magistrates, to be named by the Lord
+Mayor and Aldermen, and paid out of the General funds, and to have
+Commissions from the Crown, extending over the whole Metropolis, and
+the Counties of Middlesex, Kent, Essex, and Surry; and that the
+Commissions of the Magistrates of the other eight Offices should
+extend in like manner over the whole Metropolis, and the four
+above-mentioned Counties.<a name="FNanchor_169_178" id="FNanchor_169_178"></a><a href="#Footnote_169_178" class="fnanchor">[169]</a> And finally, the Committee recommend
+that no time should be lost in carrying into effect the Plan and
+Proposal of Jeremiah Bentham, Esq. for employing<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_539" id="Page_539">-539-</a></span> and reforming
+Convicts, as a measure which bids fairer than any other that was
+offered to the Public, to diminish the Public expenditure in this
+branch, and to produce a salutary Reform in the object of the proposed
+Institution.</p>
+
+<p>Other measures are stated by this Committee as well calculated to
+facilitate the means of detection and conviction of Offenders, and to
+reduce the expence which is now borne by the Public, or sustained by
+private Individuals, in the maintenance of a very inefficient Police;
+while they seem calculated to lessen the growing Calendars of
+Delinquency, but which may be better matured after the consolidation
+of the Offices here proposed shall have taken place.&mdash;"Such as the
+appointment of Counsel for the Crown, with moderate Salaries, to
+conduct all Criminal Prosecutions, and rendering the Solicitor to the
+Board useful, either in such Prosecutions as any of the Public
+Officers might find it necessary to institute; or in such Criminal
+Prosecutions at the suit of Individuals, as the Public Justice of the
+Country should render expedient.&mdash;Such as a Register of Lodging-houses
+in the Metropolis.&mdash;Such as the establishment of a Police Gazette, to
+be circulated at a low price, and furnished gratis to all persons
+under the superintendence of the Board; who shall pay a licence duty
+to a certain amount: And such also as an Annual Report of the state of
+the Police of the Country."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_540" id="Page_540">-540-</a></span></p>
+
+<p>In considering this Report in general, it is no slight gratification
+to the Author of this Treatise, to discover that all the great
+features of his original design for giving to Police its genuine
+character, unmixed with those judicial Powers which lead to
+punishment, and properly belong to Magistracy alone, have been
+sanctioned by such high authority.</p>
+
+<p>In taking a general view not only of what is specifically recommended
+by the Select Committee of the House of Commons; but also of the
+Report itself, two leading objects appear to be in contemplation,
+namely&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>1st. The prevention of crimes and misdemeanors, by bringing
+under regulations a variety of dangerous and suspicious
+trades;<a name="FNanchor_170_179" id="FNanchor_170_179"></a><a href="#Footnote_170_179" class="fnanchor">[170]</a> the uncontrolled exercise<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_541" id="Page_541">-541-</a></span> of which by persons
+of loose conduct, is known to contribute in a very high
+degree to the concealment, and by that means to the
+encouragement and multiplication of crimes.</p>
+
+
+<p>2d. To raise a moderate Revenue for Police purposes from the
+persons who shall be thus controlled, by means of Licence
+Duties, and otherwise so modified as not to operate as a
+material burden; while a confident hope is entertained, that
+the amount of this revenue will go a considerable length in
+relieving the finances of the country, of the expences at
+present incurred for objects of Police, and that, in the
+effect of the general System, a considerable saving will
+arise, in consequence of the expected diminution of crimes,
+particularly as the chief part of the expence appears to
+arise after delinquents are convicted.<a name="FNanchor_171_180" id="FNanchor_171_180"></a><a href="#Footnote_171_180" class="fnanchor">[171]</a><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_542" id="Page_542">-542-</a></span></p></div>
+
+<p>By the consolidation of the two Boards of Hackney Coaches, and Hawkers
+and Pedlars, the func<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_543" id="Page_543">-543-</a></span>tions of the Commissioners will become very
+extensive and laborious, since in addition to the inspection and
+control of the different suspicious trades proposed to be licenced, it
+will be useful to the Public, and, indeed, the System will be
+incomplete, unless they not only keep constantly in their view the
+general Calendar of delinquency; but also carry into effect such plans
+as, on mature deliberation, and (many will unquestionably be found
+practicable), shall, in a great measure, prevent the
+terror&mdash;dangers&mdash;losses and inconveniences which arise from foot-pad
+and highway robberies, burglaries, and other atrocious<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_544" id="Page_544">-544-</a></span> offences,
+which are so prevalent in and near the Metropolis at present.&mdash;This
+duty will naturally attach to the Central Board, and which the
+Commissioners, (from the accurate information their situation will
+enable them to procure, and the Civil Force they may have at their
+disposal,) will be well qualified to execute with advantage to the
+Community; and while competent pecuniary resources will arise from the
+Licence Duties imposed, aided by legislative regulations, applicable
+to this, and other objects tending to the general prevention of
+Crimes, blame may fairly be imputed wherever a considerable degree of
+success is not manifest, by the gradual diminution of the more
+atrocious, as well as the minor offences.</p>
+
+<p>The Select Committee of the House of Commons having stated it as their
+opinion, that the principle upon which the plan which has been brought
+under their review is founded, "<i>if liable to no error; and that
+supposing it faithfully executed it gives the fairest prospect of
+success</i>:" the Public will naturally become anxious for an enjoyment
+of the benefits which may be expected to result from its adoption.</p>
+
+<p>As its leading feature is the security of the <i>rights of the
+innocent</i>, with respect to their Life, Property, and Convenience, the
+measures of this board must, in a peculiar degree, be directed with
+prudence and discretion to this particular object. This will be
+effected not only by increasing the difficulty of per<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_545" id="Page_545">-545-</a></span>petrating
+offences, through a control over those Trades by which they are
+facilitated and promoted, but also by adding to the risk of detection,
+by a more prompt and certain mode of discovery wherever crimes are
+committed. Thus must the idle and profligate be compelled to assist
+the State, by resorting to habits of industry, while the more
+incorrigible delinquents will be intimidated and deterred from
+pursuing a course of turpitude and criminality, which the energy of
+the Police will render too hazardous and unprofitable to be followed
+up as a trade; and the regular accession of numbers to recruit and
+strengthen the hordes of criminal delinquents, who at present afflict
+Society, will be in a great measure prevented.</p>
+
+<p>These objects (in the opinion of the Select Committee) are to be
+attained by the establishment of a <i>Central Board of Police Revenue</i>;
+the views of the Members of which should be directed to the means of
+adding "Security to the Person and Property of the peaceful Subject;
+the Morals of the People, and the general Finances of the Country; by
+those powers of action which are likely to operate most beneficially
+towards the prevention of Crimes."</p>
+
+<p>To accomplish these purposes it would seem, (after mature
+deliberation), to be necessary not only to extend the Licensing System
+over the whole Kingdom; but also to form <i>a chain of connection</i><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_546" id="Page_546">-546-</a></span>
+between the Central Board, and every district of the Country, with a
+view as well to a more effectual Control ever those suspicious
+Traders, who are to become immediate objects of attention on the part
+of the Police, as to establish a more correct and certain mode of
+collecting the proposed Revenue.</p>
+
+<p>This chain of connection would appear to be only attainable through
+the medium of Select local Magistrates,<a name="FNanchor_172_181" id="FNanchor_172_181"></a><a href="#Footnote_172_181" class="fnanchor">[172]</a> to whom a certain degree
+of responsibility would attach, and who by means of Stationary
+Surveyors, (being Constables), appointed by themselves, and under
+their immediate Control, would be enabled to superintend the
+collection of the Licence Duties, and in a particular manner to
+inspect into, and regulate the general Police of the District, while
+in conjunction with other Justices in the division, they granted the
+Annual Licences to the different Dealers upon the same plan which is
+at present pursued with respect to Alehouses.</p>
+
+<p>From this general rule, however, on account of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_547" id="Page_547">-547-</a></span> the peculiar situation
+of the Metropolis, a deviation might be necessary and useful to the
+Public. It would, therefore, seem that the Dealers resident within a
+certain distance round the Metropolis, should receive their Licences
+from the Central Board, and be immediately under its control.&mdash;The
+advantages resulting from this arrangement are obvious.&mdash;The chief
+part of the Receivers, and Criminal Dealers, who contribute in so
+great a degree to the increase and concealment of the numerous
+offences, which are committed in and near the Metropolis, require that
+the superintendance should not be divided, but that it should be
+confined entirely to the Board, where all intelligence is supposed to
+center; and whose peculiar duty it will be to watch the progress of
+Crimes in all their ramifications, and to adopt measures for
+preventing the growing corruption of Morals, by which every species of
+delinquency is generated.</p>
+
+<p>For the purpose therefore of compassing this and every other object in
+the view of the Select Committee, it is suggested that the proposed
+Board should be authorized to exercise the following</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<h3><span class="gesperrt">FUNCTIONS:</span></h3>
+
+<p>I. To manage that branch of the Police which relates to
+Hackney Coaches and Chairs.&mdash;To enforce strictly the laws
+now in being for the better ordering this system so
+necessary to the comfort and convenience of the
+Metropolis.&mdash;To obtain new<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_548" id="Page_548">-548-</a></span> powers (where wanting) to compel
+a greater degree of cleanliness and security, with respect
+to these vehicles.&mdash;To banish, if possible, from the
+fraternity those criminal characters denominated <i>Flash
+Coachmen</i>, and to secure civility, and prevent
+imposition.&mdash;For this last purpose a department should be
+continued, as at present, (a part of the Institution,)
+having a concurrent jurisdiction with other Magistrates, for
+the purpose of hearing and determining disputes between
+Coachmen and the Public.</p>
+
+<p>II. To execute the laws relative to Hawkers and Pedlars.&mdash;To
+regulate and improve the System respecting this suspicious
+class of Dealers, and more effectually to extend the control
+over them by means of the Select Magistrates in each
+District of the Country where they travel, for the purpose
+of more narrowly watching their conduct.</p>
+
+<p>III. To grant Licenses in the Town District (<i>i.e.</i> within
+the limits of the Penny-Post, while the Select and other
+Justices grant similar Licences in the Country;) under the
+authority of the proposed general Police Bill, to the
+following Traders, and others,<a name="FNanchor_173_182" id="FNanchor_173_182"></a><a href="#Footnote_173_182" class="fnanchor">[173]</a> viz.</p>
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_549" id="Page_549">-549-</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p>1st. Purchasers of second-hand, and other Household goods,
+for Sale.</p>
+
+<p>2d. Wholesale purchasers of Rags, and unserviceable Cordage,
+for Sale to Paper-makers.</p>
+
+<p>3d. Retail Purchasers of Rags, and unserviceable Cordage,
+for Sale to Paper-makers.</p>
+
+<p>4th. Purchasers of second-hand Apparel, made-up Piece-Goods,
+and Remnants for Sale.</p>
+
+<p>5th. Walking or Itinerant Purchasers of second-hand Apparel,
+made-up Piece-goods, and Remnants for Sale.</p>
+
+<p>6th. Purchasers of second-hand Naval Stores, for Sale.</p>
+
+<p>7th. Wholesale Purchasers of second-hand Metals, for Sale.</p>
+
+<p>8th. Retail Purchasers of second-hand Metals, of persons in
+general, for working up.</p>
+
+<p>9th. Every Worker of second-hand Metals purchasing the same,
+from persons in general, and not from Licensed Dealers.</p>
+
+<p>10th. Purchasers of second-hand Building Materials for Sale.</p>
+
+<p>11th. Persons keeping Draught-Carts for second-hand goods,
+purchased for Sale.</p>
+
+<p>12th. Persons keeping Hand or Truck Carts for second-hand
+goods, purchased for Sale.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_550" id="Page_550">-550-</a></span></p>
+
+<p>13th. Sellers of Unredeemed Pledges, otherwise than by
+Auction: and also to control and inspect the conduct of
+these dealers, so as if possible to confine them to the
+innocent part of their Trades; and to collect and receive
+the respective Licence Duties.<a name="FNanchor_174_184" id="FNanchor_174_184"></a><a href="#Footnote_174_184" class="fnanchor">[174]</a></p>
+</div>
+
+<p>IV. To grant Licences also in like manner to other Traders,
+which are already under some degree of Legislative
+regulations; (but which require a more efficient Control),
+provided it shall be thought expedient by the Legislature to
+transfer these branches to the proposed Board, as requiring
+in a particular degree the superintendance of the Policy
+System, viz.</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p>1st. Pawnbrokers in Town and Country.</p>
+
+<p>2d. Persons keeping Slaughtering-houses for Horses, and
+other Animals, not for the food of Man.</p>
+
+<p>3d. Dealers in Horses, and persons hiring, keeping at
+Livery, and transferring Horses from hand to hand, with a
+view to establish a check against<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_551" id="Page_551">-551-</a></span> Highway Robberies, and to
+defeat those subtle tricks which prevail in the Sale of
+Horses.</p>
+</div>
+
+<p>And also to collect the Licence and other Duties, (which
+might, in respect to the transfer of Horses, be rendered
+extremely productive without being felt as a burden), and to
+inspect the conduct of these classes with a view to the
+prevention of Frauds, and other offences.</p>
+
+<p>V. To grant Licences in like manner to all persons (except
+those employed in his Majesty's Mints), who shall erect or
+set up any cutting Engine for cutting round Blanks by the
+force of a Screw; or any Stamping Press, Fly, Rolling Mill,
+or other instrument for Stamping, flatting, or marking
+Metals, or Bank Notes; or which, with the assistance of any
+Matrix, Stamp, Die, or Plate, will stamp Coins or Notes&mdash;so
+as to prevent the enormous evils constantly experienced by
+the Coinage of Base Money, and the counterfeiting of Bank
+Notes:&mdash;A System whereby the criminal part of ingenious
+Artists could be kept under the immediate view of the
+Police, is so obvious in a Commercial Country, as to require
+no elucidation. And the measure is the more desirable, as
+the reputable part of the Artists and Manufacturers who have
+occasion to keep Presses for innocent and useful purposes,
+have no objection to such regulations.<a name="FNanchor_175_185" id="FNanchor_175_185"></a><a href="#Footnote_175_185" class="fnanchor">[175]</a></p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_552" id="Page_552">-552-</a></span></p>
+
+<p>VI. These Commissioners, after deducting the necessary
+expences, should pay into the Exchequer weekly, through the
+medium of a Receiver, the whole Revenues collected by them
+for Police purposes; and it is to be hoped, notwithstanding
+the very low Rates of the Licence Duties proposed, that,
+<i>including the Horse Police</i>, the aggregate Collection would
+go very far towards easing the resources of the Country of
+the expence of what the Select Committee of the House of
+Commons denominate, <i>a very inefficient System of
+Police</i>.<a name="FNanchor_176_186" id="FNanchor_176_186"></a><a href="#Footnote_176_186" class="fnanchor">[176]</a></p>
+
+
+<p>VII. It would be the duty of the Commissioners to
+superintend, with great strictness, the conduct of their<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_553" id="Page_553">-553-</a></span>
+Subordinate Officers, both in the Town and Country
+Districts, and to be careful that those who were entrusted
+with the collection of the Licence Duties gave proper
+Security;<a name="FNanchor_177_187" id="FNanchor_177_187"></a><a href="#Footnote_177_187" class="fnanchor">[177]</a> and that in their conduct, in Surveying and
+Watching the Movements of the different Dealers, they
+manifested the greatest degree of vigilance, prudence, and
+discretion.&mdash;Above all, that they were regular in their
+Payments, and remittances, so as not to incur the penalties
+inflicted by the proposed Act on defaulters.</p>
+
+
+<p>VIII. To correspond with the Select Magistrates in every
+District in the Kingdom, and not only to receive from them
+useful information, relative to offences which have been
+committed, and all other matters within the scope of the
+Functions of these Select Magistrates; but also to give them
+their advice and assistance in every case where it is found
+necessary, for the purpose of the preservation of peace and
+good order, and the due administration of the Laws; and
+particularly as it may apply to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_554" id="Page_554">-554-</a></span> those Select Magistrates
+who reside near the Sea-Coasts of the Kingdom, that in all
+cases of Shipwreck, measures may be pursued, and the laws
+enforced, to prevent those horrid barbarities, pillage and
+spoliation, which have, to the disgrace of civilized
+Society, prevailed on such melancholy occasions.<a name="FNanchor_178_188" id="FNanchor_178_188"></a><a href="#Footnote_178_188" class="fnanchor">[178]</a></p>
+
+
+<p>IX. To make arrangements with the Select Magistrates in the
+Country, relative to the due execution of the proposed
+General Police Act, with respect to the Control over the
+persons Licenced, and all other Duties which may be required
+under such a Legislative System.</p>
+
+<p>X. To obtain accurate Information, by means of regular
+returns from Clerks of Assize, Clerks of the Peace, Keepers
+of Prisons, Houses of Correction, Penitentiary Houses, and
+other places of Confinement; and to have constantly in view
+the state of delinquency in the Metropolis, and in every
+part of the country; preserving such accounts in registers
+for the purpose of reference, as occasions might arise to
+render them useful to public Justice.&mdash;To assist the acting
+Magistrates in Town and Country by conveying all useful
+information applicable to their local situa<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_555" id="Page_555">-555-</a></span>tions,
+respecting the commission of crimes, and the detection of
+offenders, and which might tend to the prevention of
+disorders, or offences meditated against the Laws.</p>
+
+<p>XI. To watch the proceedings of the herds of criminal
+delinquents who generally leave Town every year in the month
+of March, after the drawing of the English Lottery, for the
+purpose of attending <i>fairs</i>, <i>races</i>, and other places of
+amusement and dissipation in the country, carrying with them
+quantities of <i>base Money, and EO Tables</i>, with a view to
+commit frauds on the unwary&mdash;And to give notice to the
+Select local Magistrates, that they and their officers may
+be upon their guard in defeating the nefarious designs of
+these miscreants, who are often disguised as farmers and
+labourers, the better to enable them to effect their
+purposes, by cheating and stealing, particularly <i>horses</i>,
+to the great loss and injury of the country.</p>
+
+<p>XII. It is recommended by the Select Committee of the House
+of Commons, that the Commissioners of this Central Board
+should have it in their power to distribute rewards to
+Constables or others for meritorious services, through the
+medium of the Magistrates of Police, and to use such other
+means as should best promote the ends of Justice, and the
+general utility of the Institution to the community.</p>
+
+<p>XIII. Under the direction of the principal Secretary of
+State for the Home Department, these Com<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_556" id="Page_556">-556-</a></span>missioners should
+avail themselves of the knowledge their situation would
+afford them of the degree of depravity and danger attached
+to the character of the different convicts; to select such
+as they thought proper objects for transportation to New
+South Wales; and to follow any other instructions they may
+receive for &#339;conomizing this branch of the criminal
+Police of the nation, so as, if possible, to reduce the
+annual expence.</p>
+
+<p>XIV. These Commissioners being authorized by the Lords of
+the Treasury, might take under their management all matters
+relative to the Lottery; not only with a view to a more
+&#339;conomical mode of drawing the same, but also for the
+purpose of rendering the Revenue productive to the State,
+without the evil consequences which at present arise from it
+to the morals of the lower orders of the people, and the
+distresses and miseries to which its fascinating delusions
+subject them.</p>
+
+<p>XV. It would be the duty of the Board, availing itself of
+the practical knowledge which may be obtained by means of a
+System of general superintendence in the Police Department,
+to attend closely to the operation of the whole of the
+present code of penal Laws, with respect to its efficacy and
+utility; and where imperfections are discovered, to suggest
+from time to time such improvements as may appear useful and
+beneficial to the Police, and to the Revenue.</p>
+
+<p>XVI. The Select Committee in their Report recommend, that
+the proposed Board should have power<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_557" id="Page_557">-557-</a></span> "to make Bye-Laws for
+the regulation of such minor objects of Police as relate to
+the objects of their superintendence, and to the control of
+all Coaches, Chairs, Carts, Barrows, and the conduct of all
+Coachmen and Chairmen, Carters, &amp;c. and the removal and
+prevention of all annoyances, and the correction of all
+offences against the cleanliness and quiet, and the free
+passage of the streets of the Metropolis, in like manner as
+is now possessed, by the Commissioners of Hackney Coaches,
+and subject to the approbation of the Superior Judges."</p>
+
+<p>XVII. To superintend the general receipts and disbursements
+of the Establishment, and to report the same quarterly to
+the Treasury, and to the principal Secretary of State for
+the Home Department.</p>
+
+<p>XVIII. To receive and execute the instructions of the
+Treasury in all matters respecting Finance and Revenue; and
+the instructions and directions of His Majesty's Secretary
+of State for the Home Department in all matters of Police.</p>
+
+<p>XIX. To establish a more correct System through the medium
+of the Select Magistrates, whereby the Laws for the
+prevention and punishment of offences may be more
+effectually and universally carried into execution, and not
+in many instances remain a dead letter, as at present, to
+the great injury of the community; or be partially carried
+into effect in particular parts of the country,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_558" id="Page_558">-558-</a></span> against a
+few individuals, or for mere temporary purposes.</p>
+
+<p>XX. Finally, it will be the duty of the Board to report to
+his Majesty in Council, and to Parliament (if required) the
+State of the Metropolis and the Country, with respect to
+criminal <i>Police</i> in all its branches, so as to bring under
+the review of the Executive Government <i>the whole
+criminality of the Country</i>, at a given period each year,
+where it will be accurately discovered whether it increases
+or diminishes.</p></div>
+
+<p>Such are the functions apparently necessary to be assigned to the
+proposed Board of Commissioners, for the purpose of accomplishing the
+objects of improvement in the Police System, which have been
+recommended to Parliament by the Select Committee.</p>
+
+<p>These objects are of too much importance to the Public, to the
+Security of the State, and to the peace and good order of Society, to
+be lost sight of, even for one moment.</p>
+
+<p>While the morals and habits of the lower ranks in Society are growing
+progressively worse and worse&mdash;while the innocent and useful part of
+the Community are daily suffering evils and inconveniences originating
+from this source&mdash;while crimes multiply in all instances under the
+existing systems, (the Thames Police only excepted<a name="FNanchor_179_189" id="FNanchor_179_189"></a><a href="#Footnote_179_189" class="fnanchor">[179]</a>) it becomes of
+importance to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_559" id="Page_559">-559-</a></span> apply a remedy. In legislating with this view, the same
+disadvantages and difficulties do not present themselves as in many
+other cases, since much previous labour and investigation has been
+bestowed in forming a ground-work for the proposed General Police
+System.</p>
+
+<p>Under the Sanction of his Majesty's Principal Secretary of State for
+the Home Department, a Bill has been prepared, in which, while every
+attention has been paid to the means of accomplishing the views of the
+Select Committee, nothing can exceed the pains which have been
+bestowed <i>in preserving the rights of innocence, and in divesting
+power of the faculty of abuse</i>.</p>
+
+<p>A line has been carefully drawn between the <i>noxious</i> and the
+<i>blameless</i> and useful part of the community; and while the injuries
+arising from the pursuits of the former are checked and restrained,
+the privileges of the latter are extended and enlarged.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_560" id="Page_560">-560-</a></span> This, when
+properly contemplated, will be found to be the <i>true essence of good
+Police</i>&mdash;and this explains in the shortest compass that is possible,
+the <i>ultimate object of the design</i>.</p>
+
+<p>The Bill comprehends five divisions:&mdash;The <i>first</i> authorizes <i>the
+imposition of Licence Duties on certain classes of Dealers already
+enumerated</i>:&mdash;The <i>second</i> establishes a <i>Board of Police Revenue, and
+explains its powers and functions</i>:&mdash;The <i>third</i> explains <i>the powers
+and regulations which apply to the Licensing System</i>:&mdash;The <i>fourth</i>
+relates to <i>penalties</i> and <i>procedure</i>: and the <i>fifth</i> transfers the
+functions of <i>the Commissioners of Hackney Coaches and Chairs, and
+Hawkers and Pedlars, to the new Establishment, and makes provision for
+such Officers as may cease to be employed</i>.&mdash;While the proposed
+duties, although light upon the individuals, promise to be productive
+to a certain extent; the Licensing System is likely "to purge the
+occupations placed under control from the imputations which are now
+but too deservedly cast upon them; and to make them by gradual steps
+the instruments of detection, instead of the means of concealment, of
+every species of fraud and violence."<a name="FNanchor_180_190" id="FNanchor_180_190"></a><a href="#Footnote_180_190" class="fnanchor">[180]</a></p>
+
+<p>The functions of the Board, by comprehending whatever relates to the
+delinquency of the country, will establish a general responsibility
+which does not now exist, and which never has existed, with respect to
+the evils arising from the multiplication of crimes,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_561" id="Page_561">-561-</a></span> while their
+diminution will depend on the zeal, ability, and discretion to be
+manifested by those to whom this important duty may be assigned.</p>
+
+<p>By this establishment of a general Police System, will it become the
+duty of one class of men to watch over the general delinquency of the
+Metropolis, and the country;&mdash;to check its progress by lessening the
+resources of the evil disposed to do injuries, and to commit acts of
+violence on the peaceful subject; and gradually to lead the
+<i>criminal</i>, <i>the idle</i>, and <i>the dissolute</i> members of the community
+into the paths of innocence and industry.</p>
+
+<p>The collateral aids to be derived from this System of Control over
+Dealers and others of loose conduct, in pursuit of evil courses, will
+give considerable strength to the Legislative measures which are in
+contemplation, with respect to the <i>Police of the River Thames</i>: <i>The
+frauds and plunder in the Naval and other public departments</i>:&mdash;<i>The
+Coinage of base Money</i>, and the <i>fabrication of counterfeit Bank
+Notes</i>.&mdash;Whatever has been contemplated for the purpose of checking
+and preventing these evils cannot be complete or effectual, until the
+proposed Board is established, and the Licensing System in full
+action. The control of this Board is absolutely necessary to
+contribute to the success of the measures proposed, and to the
+security of public and private property against the present extensive
+depredations. In fact the whole System is linked together, and its
+energy and success will depend on the passing of the respective Laws
+appli<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_562" id="Page_562">-562-</a></span>cable to each object of which the Police Board may not
+improperly be denominated <i>the key-stone</i>.</p>
+
+<p>It is this responsible superintendance which is to give <i>life</i>,
+<i>vigour</i>, and <i>effect</i>, not only to the Laws which are in
+contemplation, but to many other excellent Statutes which remain at
+present as <i>a dead letter</i>.&mdash;Let it once become the duty of one body
+of men to charge themselves with the execution of the Laws for the
+prevention of crimes, and the detection of offences&mdash;let them be armed
+with proper and apposite powers for that purpose, and the state of
+Society will speedily become ameliorated and improved; a greater
+degree of security will be extended to the peaceful subject, and the
+blessings of civil liberty will be enlarged.</p>
+
+<p>A new æra in the world seems to have commenced, which imperiously
+calls for the adoption of such measures; not only in this country, but
+all over Europe. The evil propensities incident to human nature appear
+no longer restrained by the force of religion, or the influence of the
+moral principle.&mdash;On these barriers powerful attacks have been made,
+which have hitherto operated as curbs to the unruly passions peculiar
+to vulgar life: they must therefore be strengthened by supports more
+immediately applicable to the object of preserving peace and good
+order.</p>
+
+<p>The period is approaching when to the phalanx of delinquents who at
+present prey upon Society, will be added multitudes of idle and
+depraved characters<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_563" id="Page_563">-563-</a></span> discharged from the Army and Navy on the return
+of Peace.&mdash;Policy and humanity require that an adequate remedy should
+be provided for such a contingency.&mdash;<i>Qui non vetat peccare cum
+possit, jubet.</i> Where the powers of a State are not employed to avert
+apparent and threatened evils, a tacit assent is given to the
+commission of crimes. On the contrary, where means are used to check
+the progress of turpitude and vice, and to compel obedience to the
+Laws, the comfort of Society is promoted, and the privileges of
+innocence are secured.</p>
+
+<p>If in the accomplishment of the design which has been recommended by
+the highest authority, these objects shall be gradually attained&mdash;If
+it shall operate in preventing acts of violence and fraud from being
+committed upon the peaceful subject; while means are discovered
+through the medium of a well-regulated Police, whereby the
+unfortunate, and even the idle and the dissolute, may possess a
+resource for subsistence by honest industry, without having any
+pretended plea of necessity for resorting to Crimes; great, indeed,
+would be the benefits which would result to the Public. This would be
+at once the triumph both of reason and humanity.</p>
+
+<p>The first step is, to attend to the Morals and the Habits of the
+rising Generation; to adapt the Laws more particularly to the manners
+of the People, by minutely examining the state of Society, so as to
+lead the inferior orders, as it were, insensibly into better Habits,
+by gentle restraints upon those propensities<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_564" id="Page_564">-564-</a></span> which terminate in
+Idleness and Debauchery;&mdash;to remove temptations, in their nature
+productive of evil, and to establish incitements to good and useful
+pursuits.</p>
+
+<p>Among a variety of other Functions which would devolve on the proposed
+Commissioners, perhaps one might be to offer suggestions to the
+Executive Government, with respect to such useful Regulations as might
+arise from the extensive knowledge which they must necessarily acquire
+as to the condition and pursuits of the labouring People; and hence
+would result one of the greatest means of preventing Crimes, and
+improving the Condition of human Life.</p>
+
+<p>But while it is acknowledged to be a vain hope to reduce the
+tumultuous passions of Men to absolute regularity, so as to render the
+Commission of offences impracticable; it is equally clear (and it is
+even proved by the State of Society, where Public Morals have been
+more effectually guarded,) that it is possible to diminish the Evil
+very considerably.</p>
+
+<p>By the establishment of a well-conducted Board of Police, a confident
+hope is entertained that this purpose is attainable; and in this view
+(although it is to take nothing from the present Resources of the
+State), it is a blessing to the Nation, which could scarce be too
+dearly purchased at any price.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_565" id="Page_565">-565-</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAP_XIX" id="CHAP_XIX"></a><span class="gesperrt">CHAP.</span> XIX.</h2>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p><i>The unparalleled Extent and Opulence of the Metropolis,
+manifested in the number of streets, lanes, alleys, courts,
+and squares, estimated at above 8000;&mdash;containing above 4000
+Churches and Places for religious Worship,&mdash;more than 400
+Seminaries of Education;&mdash;several Institutions for promoting
+Religion and Morality;&mdash;11 Societies for promoting Learning,
+and the useful and the fine Arts;&mdash;a great number of
+charitable Asylums for the indigent and forlorn;&mdash;Hospitals
+and Dispensaries for the lame, sick, and diseased;&mdash;and
+above 1700 Institutions of various other kinds for
+Charitable and Humane Purposes.&mdash;A detail of the Courts of
+Law, and other Establishments connected with the
+distribution of Justice.&mdash;The public Prisons in the
+Metropolis.&mdash;A View of the number of Persons employed in the
+different departments of the Law, estimated in all at about
+7000.&mdash;Suggestions for improving the civil Jurisprudence in
+the Metropolis, so far as relates to the recovery of small
+Debts.&mdash;The Evils arising from the present System,
+exemplified in the multiplicity of actions for trivial sums
+in the course of a year; the enormous expence, and the ill
+effects of the severity of the punishment in such cases;
+debasing the mind, and proving the destruction of many
+families, in their morals; and injuring the State.&mdash;The
+necessity of an Alteration of the Sys<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_566" id="Page_566">-566-</a></span>tem, farther enforced
+by the propriety of relieving the supreme Judges from a
+weight of labour unreasonable in the vast increase of
+business, which the extensive and growing intercourse of
+Commerce occasions.&mdash;The same Observations extended to the
+great Officers of State; and the necessity and utility of a
+division of labour, in proportion to the increase of public
+duty, explained; as a means of preventing inconveniences.&mdash;A
+view of the Municipal Regulations which have been
+established in the Metropolis for the accommodation and
+convenience of the inhabitants; grounded on various acts of
+the Legislature, passed at different periods, during the
+last and the present century.&mdash;Each district of the
+Metropolis a separate Municipality; where the power of
+assessing the inhabitants for the purposes of paving,
+watching, lighting, cleansing, and removing nuisances, is
+placed in the hands of Trustees, under a great number of
+local acts of Parliament.&mdash;These regulations mostly founded
+on Laws made in the last and in the present Reign.&mdash;The
+principal public acts detailed, viz:&mdash;The General Act of the
+2d William and Mary, cap. 8, for paving the Metropolis;&mdash;the
+10th Geo. II. cap. 22, for watching the City of London; 11th
+Geo. III. cap. 29, for removing signs, and establishing a
+complete System of Municipal Police.&mdash;The Acts relative to
+Westminster and Southwark for similar purposes.&mdash;The
+Statutes relative to Common Sewers detailed; their origin,
+and the great advantages resulting from them.&mdash;The Laws
+relative<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_567" id="Page_567">-567-</a></span> to Hackney Coaches and Chairs&mdash;also to Carts and
+other Carriages.&mdash;The Acts relative to Watermen on the
+Thames.&mdash;The Law for restraining bullock-hunting. And
+finally, the Regulations by the 14th Geo. III. cap. 78,
+relative to the Mode of building Houses, and the Rules laid
+down for extinguishing Fires. Concluding Observations, on
+the advantages which would result to the Metropolis at large
+from these numerous Acts of Parliament being rendered
+uniform, and conformable to the excellent Regulations
+established for the City of London.&mdash;The advantages of
+simplifying the System.&mdash;The burden upon the Inhabitants
+equal to one million a year for the expence of Municipal
+Police.&mdash;Suggestions for improving the System and reducing
+this expence.&mdash;Concluding Reflections.&mdash;The present epoch,
+more than any other, presses for arrangements calculated to
+amend the Morals of the People, by improving the Laws of the
+Country.</i></p></div>
+
+<hr class="dbl1" />
+<hr class="dbl2" />
+
+<p><span class="cap">I</span>T cannot fail to prove an interesting inquiry, not only to the
+inhabitants of the Metropolis, but also to Strangers, by what means
+that department of its &#339;conomy and government, which may be
+denominated <i>Municipal Police</i>, is regulated; so as to convey the
+comforts, and procure the various accommodations and conveniences
+which, with some few exceptions, are felt to exist in every part of
+the Capital and its environs.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_568" id="Page_568">-568-</a></span></p>
+
+<p>When it is known that this great City, (unparalleled, as will be
+hereafter shewn, in extent and opulence, through the whole habitable
+Globe,) comprehends, besides <i>London</i>, <i>Westminster</i>, and <i>Southwark</i>,
+no less than forty-five Villages, now exceedingly inlarged,
+independent of a vast accession of buildings upon the open fields in
+the vicinity; it becomes less a matter of surprize, to learn, that it
+extends to nearly eight miles in length,&mdash;is three miles at least in
+breadth, and not less than twenty-six in circumference; containing
+above eight thousand streets, lanes, alleys, and courts, and
+sixty-five different Squares; in which are more than one hundred and
+sixty thousand houses, warehouses, and other buildings; besides
+<i>Churches</i> and <i>Chapels</i> for religious worship, of which the following
+enumeration is imagined not to be very distant from truth:&mdash;</p>
+
+<h3>For Religious Instruction.</h3>
+
+<table style="width: 90%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="religious">
+<tr>
+<td rowspan="5" class="vat">Of the Established Religion.</td>
+<td class="right">1</td>
+<td>Cathedral, dedicated to St. Paul.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="right">1</td>
+<td>Abbey Church of St. Peter, Westminster.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="right">120</td>
+<td>Parish Churches.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="right">120</td>
+<td>Chapels, and Chapels of Ease.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="rtl">242</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">Meeting-houses for Dissenters.</td>
+<td class="vatr">150</td>
+<td class="vat">Consisting of Chapels for Methodist
+Nonconformists, Presbyterians,
+Independents, Anabaptists,
+Quakers, and English Roman
+Catholicks.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">Chapels and Meeting-houses for Foreigners.</td>
+<td class="vatr">30</td>
+<td>Consisting of Chapels for French,
+German, Dutch, Swedish, Danish,
+and Helvetic Protestants,
+for Foreign Roman Catholics,
+and those of the Russian or
+Greek Church.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>Synagogues</td>
+<td class="right">6</td>
+<td>for the Jewish Religion.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="right"><i>Total about</i></td>
+<td class="rtl">428</td>
+<td><i>Places of Public Worship.</i></td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_569" id="Page_569">-569-</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The number of Inhabitants of this great Metropolis, occupying these
+various houses and buildings, may, under all circumstances, be
+rationally estimated at one million at least; for whose accommodation,
+convenience, and security, the following Institutions have been
+formed, <i>namely</i>,&mdash;1st. <i>For Education</i>;&mdash;2d. <i>For promoting good
+Morals</i>;&mdash;3d. <i>For useful and fine Arts</i>;&mdash;4th. <i>For objects of
+Charity and Humanity</i>;&mdash;5th. <i>For distributing Justice</i>;&mdash;and 6th.
+<i>For punishing Offenders</i>.</p>
+
+
+<h3><span class="gesperrt">EDUCATION.</span></h3>
+
+<h4>1st. For Education.</h4>
+
+<table style="width: 90%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="education">
+<tr><td class="vat">16</td><td>Inns of Court and Chancery, for educating Students to the profession of the Law, &amp;c. &amp;c.</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="vat">5</td><td>Colleges&mdash;viz. One for the improvement of the Clergy, London Wall; one for Divinity and Astronomy, called Gresham College; one for Physicians, Warwick Lane; one for the study of Civil Law, Doctors-Commons; and the Heralds College.</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="vat">62</td><td>Schools, or public Seminaries; the principal of which are Westminster School, Blue-coat School or Christ's Hospital, St. Paul's, Merchant Taylors, Charter-house, St. Martin's School, &amp;c. &amp;c. &amp;c. where about 5000 young persons are educated.</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="vat">237</td><td>Schools belonging to the different Parishes; where about 9000 male and female Children are educated in Reading, Writing, and Accompts.</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="vat">3730</td><td>Private Schools, for all the various branches of male and female Education; including some for Deaf and Dumb.</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="rtl">4050</td><td>Seminaries of Education.</td></tr>
+</table>
+
+<p><i>The following Schools seem to deserve particular Enumeration; though
+probably there are many others which might equally deserve notice:&mdash;</i><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_570" id="Page_570">-570-</a></span></p>
+
+<table style="width: 90%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="schools">
+<tr><td class="vatr">1</td><td>Asylum for poor friendless, deserted girls, under twelve years of age, Vauxhall Road</td><td class="vab">1758</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="vatr">2</td><td>Orphan Working-School, for Children of Dissenters, City Road.</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="vatr">3</td><td>Philanthropic Society, St. George's Fields, for children of criminal parents, and young delinquents.</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="vatr">4</td><td>Freemasons' School, for Female Orphans, St. George's Fields</td><td class="vab">1788</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="vatr">5</td><td>Marine Society, for educating poor destitute boys to the Sea, in Bishopsgate-street</td><td class="vab">1756</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="vatr">6</td><td>British or Welsh Charity School, Gray's Inn Lane</td><td class="vab">1718</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="vatr">7</td><td>French Charity School, Windmill-street, Tottenham Court-Road</td><td class="vab">1747</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="vatr">8</td><td>School for Soldiers' Girls, at Chelsea, supported by Ladies</td><td class="vab">1709</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="vatr">9</td><td>Neal's Mathematical School, for teaching Navigation, &amp;c. to poor children, King's Head Court, Gough-Square, Fleet-street</td><td class="vab">1715</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="vatr">10</td><td>School for Children of the Clergy; the Boys at <i>Thirsk</i>, Yorkshire, the Girls at <i>Lisson-Green</i>, Paddington.&mdash;Secretary, J. Topham, Esq. No. 5, Gray's Inn Square</td><td class="vab">1749</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="vatr">11</td><td>Day-School of Industry, for Boys and Girls, Paradise-street, Mary-le-bone</td><td class="vab">1791</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="vatr">12</td><td>Another, No. 68, Edgware-Road, for Girls</td><td class="vab">1784</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="vatr">13</td><td>Ladies' Charity School, King-street, Snow Hill</td><td class="vab">1702</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="vatr">14</td><td>Walworth Female Charity School.</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="vatr">15</td><td>Saint Anne's Society, hitherto at Lavenham, Suffolk, about to be removed to Camberwell, for Boys and Girls, (extended in 1733 and 1791)</td><td class="vab">1709</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="vatr">16</td><td>Grey Coat Hospital, Artillery Ground, Westminster.</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="vatr">17</td><td>Green Coat Hospital, Ditto.</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+</table>
+
+
+<h3>RELIGION AND MORALS.</h3>
+
+<h4>2. For promoting Religion and good Morals.</h4>
+
+<table style="width: 90%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="religion">
+<tr>
+<td class="vatr">1</td>
+<td>The Society for giving effect to his Majesty's proclamation against Vice and Immorality</td>
+<td class="vab">1787</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vatr">2</td>
+<td>The Society for promoting Christian Knowledge,
+Bartlett's Buildings, Holborn</td>
+<td class="vab">1699</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vatr">3</td>
+<td>The Society for propagation of the Gospel in
+Foreign Parts, Dean's Yard, Westminster</td>
+<td class="vab">1701</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vatr">4</td>
+<td>The Society for promoting Religious Knowledge,
+by distributing books among the poor.&mdash;Secretary,
+Mr. Watts, Founder's Hall, Lothbury</td>
+<td class="vab">1715<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_571" id="Page_571">-571-</a></span></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vatr">5</td>
+<td>The Society for promoting Charity Schools in
+Ireland, Merchant Seaman's Office.</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vatr">6</td>
+<td>The Society for Religious Instruction to the Negroes
+in the West Indies</td>
+<td class="vab">1793</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vatr">7</td>
+<td>The Society for preventing Crimes, by prosecuting
+Swindlers, Sharpers, and Cheats; Gough-Square,
+Fleet-street</td>
+<td class="vab">1767</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vatr">8</td>
+<td>British Society for the Encouragement of Servants,
+No. 27, Hay-market</td>
+<td class="vab">1792</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vatr">9</td>
+<td>Society for giving Bibles to Soldiers and Sailors,
+No. 427, Oxford-street</td>
+<td class="vab">1780</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vatr">10</td>
+<td>Dr. Bray's Charity for providing parochial Libraries,
+No. 5, Ave-Maria Lane.</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vatr">11</td>
+<td>Society for Relief of poor pious Clergymen</td>
+<td class="vab">1788</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vatr">12</td>
+<td>Queen Anne's Bounty for the Augmentation of
+small Livings of Clergymen.&mdash;Secretary, R.
+Burn, Esq. Duke-street, Westminster</td>
+<td class="vab">1703</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vatr">13</td>
+<td>Sunday Schools, in various parishes.</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vatr">14</td>
+<td>Sunday School Society, for giving Bibles, &amp;c.
+and otherwise furthering the purposes of Sunday
+Schools.&mdash;Sec. Mr. Prestill, No. 47,
+Cornhill</td>
+<td class="vab">1785</td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+
+<h3><span class="gesperrt">THE ARTS.</span></h3>
+
+<h4>3. For learning, and the useful and fine Arts.</h4>
+
+<table style="width: 90%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="arts">
+<tr>
+<td class="vatr">1</td>
+<td>Royal Society, incorporated for promoting useful
+Knowledge;&mdash;<i>Instituted</i></td>
+<td class="vab">1663</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vatr">2</td>
+<td>Antiquarian Society, Somerset Place</td>
+<td class="vab">1751</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vatr">3</td>
+<td>Society or Trustees of the British Museum</td>
+<td class="vab">1753</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vatr">4</td>
+<td>Society of Artists of Great Britain, Strand</td>
+<td class="vab">1765</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vatr">5</td>
+<td>Royal Academy of Arts, Somerset Place</td>
+<td class="vab">1773</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vatr">6</td>
+<td>Society for the encouragement of Learning,
+Crane-Court, Fleet-street.</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vatr">7</td>
+<td>Society for encouragement of Arts, Manufactures,
+and Commerce, Adelphi Buildings.</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vatr">8</td>
+<td>Medical Society of London, Bolt-court, Fleet-street</td>
+<td class="vab">1773</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vatr">9</td>
+<td>Society for the improvement of Naval Architecture.</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vatr">10</td>
+<td>Veterinary College, near St. Pancras Church.</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vatr">11</td>
+<td>Royal Institution for applying the Arts to the
+common purposes of Life</td>
+<td class="vab">1799</td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_572" id="Page_572">-572-</a></span></p>
+
+
+<h4>4. Asylum for the Indigent and Helpless.</h4>
+
+<table style="width: 90%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="asylums">
+<tr>
+<td class="vatr">107</td>
+<td>Alms-houses endowed at different periods, where 1352
+old men and women are supported; the principal of these
+houses are,&mdash;<i>The Trinity Alms-houses</i>, for 28 decayed
+Ship Masters, in Mile End; <i>Bancroft's Alms-houses</i>,
+Mile End, for 24 Poor Men; <i>Fishmongers' Alms-houses</i>,
+Newington Butts; <i>Haberdashers' Alms-houses</i>, in Hoxton;
+<i>Jeffries' Alms-houses</i>, Kingsland Road; <i>Sir John
+Morden's College</i>, for decayed Merchants, at Blackheath;
+<i>Emanuel</i>, or <i>Lady Dacre's Hospital</i>, Tothilfields, Westminster.</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vatr">1</td>
+<td>London Workhouse, Bishopsgate-street, for decayed old
+Men.<a name="FNanchor_181_191" id="FNanchor_181_191"></a><a href="#Footnote_181_191" class="fnanchor">[181]</a></td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vatr">1</td>
+<td>Bridewell Hospital, an Asylum for Apprentices to different
+trades, Bridge-street, Blackfriars.</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vatr">1</td>
+<td>Charter-house Hospital, an Asylum for 80 indigent
+persons, in Charter-house Square, <i>founded</i></td>
+<td class="vab">1611</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vatr">1</td>
+<td>Scottish Hospital for decayed Natives of Scotland,
+in Crane-court, Fleet-street.</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vatr">1</td>
+<td>Welsh Hospital, for decayed Natives of Wales,
+in Gray's Inn Lane.</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vatr">1</td>
+<td>French Hospital, for decayed Frenchmen, in St.
+Luke's, Middlesex</td>
+<td class="vab">1719</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vatr">1</td>
+<td>Foundling Hospital, for deserted Infants,
+Lamb's-Conduit-street</td>
+<td class="vab">1739</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vatr">1</td>
+<td>Magdalen Hospital, for the admission of seduced
+Females, St. George's Fields</td>
+<td class="vab">1769</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vatr">1</td>
+<td>Lock Asylum, for penitent Female Patients, cured
+in the Lock Hospital</td>
+<td class="vab">1787</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vatr">1</td>
+<td>Chelsea Hospital, for worn-out and disabled Soldiers</td>
+<td class="vab">1670</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vatr">1</td>
+<td>Greenwich Hospital, for worn-out and disabled
+Seamen</td>
+<td class="vab">1694</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="rtbl">118</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_573" id="Page_573">-573-</a></span></p>
+
+<h3>ASYLUMS FOR SICK, LAME, DISEASED, AND FOR<br />
+POOR PREGNANT WOMEN.</h3>
+
+<h4>Hospitals for Sick, Lame, and Diseased, and Pregnant Women.</h4>
+
+<table style="width: 90%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="">
+<tr>
+<td class="vatr">1.</td>
+<td>St. Bartholomew's Hospital, in West Smithfield, for
+the reception of afflicted and diseased Persons</td>
+<td class="vab">1539</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vatr">2.</td>
+<td>St. Thomas's Hospital, Southwark, for the reception
+of sick and lame, especially sailors</td>
+<td class="vab">1553</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vatr">3.</td>
+<td>Guy's Hospital, Southwark, for sick and impotent
+persons; and lunatics</td>
+<td class="vab">1721</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vatr">4.</td>
+<td>London Hospital, Whitechapel Road, for the reception
+of all persons meeting with accidents</td>
+<td class="vab">1740</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vatr">5.</td>
+<td>St. George's Hospital, Hyde Park Corner, for the
+reception of sick and lame</td>
+<td class="vab">1735</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vatr">6.</td>
+<td>Westminster General Infirmary, James-street, Westminster,
+for sick and diseased persons</td>
+<td class="vab">1719</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vatr">7.</td>
+<td>Middlesex Hospital, Charles street, near Oxford-street,
+for sick and lame, and pregnant women</td>
+<td class="vab">1745</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vatr">8.</td>
+<td>Lock Hospital, Hyde Park Turnpike, for persons
+afflicted with the venereal disorder</td>
+<td class="vab">1746</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vatr">9.</td>
+<td>Hospital Misericordia, Goodman's-fields, for the
+same purpose</td>
+<td class="vab">1774</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vatr">10.</td>
+<td>Small-pox Hospital, St. Pancras, for inoculation
+of poor persons</td>
+<td class="vab">1746</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vatr">11.</td>
+<td>London Lying-in Hospital, Aldersgate-street, for
+poor <i>married</i> women</td>
+<td class="vab">1750</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vatr">12.</td>
+<td>City of London Lying-in Hospital, Old-street, City
+Road, <i>Idem.</i></td>
+<td class="vab">1751</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vatr">13.</td>
+<td>British Lying-in Hospital, Brownlow-street, Long-Acre,
+<i>id.</i></td>
+<td class="vab">1749</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vatr">14.</td>
+<td>Westminster Lying-in Hospital, Surry Road,
+Westminster Bridge, for poor pregnant women
+<i>generally</i>.</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vatr">15.</td>
+<td>Queen's Lying-in Hospital, Bayswater Hall, Oxford
+Road, <i>id.</i></td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vatr">16.</td>
+<td>Lying-in Hospital, Store-street, Tottenham Court
+Road, <i>id.</i></td>
+<td class="vab">1767</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vatr">17.</td>
+<td>Lying-in Charity, for delivering pregnant women
+at their own houses; <i>W. Manning</i>, Esq. Governor;
+Physician, Dr. <i>Sims</i>, Blackfriars</td>
+<td class="vab">1757</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vatr">18.</td>
+<td>Society for delivering married women in their own
+habitations, by whom 32 midwives are employed,
+No. 18, Strand</td>
+<td class="vab">1757</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vatr">19.</td>
+<td>Bethlem Hospital, for Lunatics, Moorfields</td>
+<td class="vab">1558</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vatr">20.</td>
+<td>St. Luke's Hospital for Lunatics, Old-street Road</td>
+<td class="vab">1751</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vatr">21.</td>
+<td>Samaritan Society for relieving Persons discharged
+from Hospitals</td>
+<td class="vab">1791</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vatr">22.</td>
+<td>Society for visiting and relieving the Sick in their
+own Houses.</td>
+<td class="vab">&nbsp;</td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_574" id="Page_574">-574-</a></span></p>
+
+<h4>Dispensaries for Sick, Lame, and Diseased.</h4>
+
+<table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="dispensaries">
+<tr><td class="right">1</td><td>Eastern Dispensary, Whitechapel</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="right">2</td><td>Western Dispensary, Charles-street, Westminster</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="right">3</td><td>Middlesex Dispensary, Great Ailiff-street</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="right">4</td><td>London Dispensary, Primrose-street, Bishopsgate-street</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="right">5</td><td>City Dispensary, Bevis Marks</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="right">6</td><td>New Finsbury Dispensary, St. John-street, Clerkenwell</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="right">7</td><td>Finsbury Dispensary, St. John's Square, Clerkenwell</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="right">8</td><td>General Dispensary, Aldersgate-street</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="right">9</td><td>Public Dispensary, Cary-street, Lincoln's Inn Fields</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="right">10</td><td>Infant Poor Dispensary, Soho-square</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="right">11</td><td>St. James's Dispensary, Berwick-street, Soho</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="right">12</td><td>Westminster Dispensary, Gerard-street, Soho</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="right">13</td><td>Mary-le-bone Dispensary, Well-street, Oxford-street</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="right">14</td><td>Ossulston Dispensary, Bow-street, Bloomsbury</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="right">15</td><td>Surry Dispensary, Union-street, Borough</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="right">16</td><td>Royal Universal Dispensary, Featherstone Buildings, Holborn</td></tr>
+</table>
+
+<h4>Institutions for Charitable and Humane Purposes.</h4>
+
+<table style="width: 90%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="charitable institutions">
+<tr><td>Humane Society, for the recovery of drowned and suffocated Persons, Spital-square and London Coffee-house</td><td class="vab">1773</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Society for the Relief of Clergymen's Widows, Paper Buildings, Temple</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Society for the Relief of Widows and Orphans of Medical Men, founded by Dr. Squires and Mr. Chamberlaine</td><td class="vab">1788</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Laudable Society, for the benefit of Widows, Crane-Court, Fleet-street</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Society for the support of Widows, Surry-street, Strand</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Society for the support of poor Artists, and their Widows, Strand</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Three Societies for the support of decayed Musicians, their Widows and Children</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Society for the Relief of decayed Actors</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td><span class="smcap">Abc</span>-darian Society, for the Relief of decayed School-masters</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Society for the Relief of Authors in distress</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Society for the Relief of Officers, their Widows, Children, Mothers, and Sisters</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Society for Annuities to Widows, Old Fish-street, St. Paul's, No. 25</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Society for the Relief of sick and maimed Seamen in the Merchant's Service</td><td class="vab">1747</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Society for the Relief of poor Widows and Children of Clergymen, instituted by Charter</td><td class="vab">1768</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Rayne's Hospital for 40 girls, who receive 100<i>l.</i> portion on their marriage</td><td class="vab">1736</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Society called the Feast of the Sons of the Clergy, for apprenticing their indigent Children, No. 5, Gray's Inn Square</td><td>&nbsp;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_575" id="Page_575">-575-</a></span></td></tr>
+<tr><td>Freemason's Charity</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Society for the relief of Persons confined for Small Debts, Craven-street, Strand</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Society for bettering the condition, and increasing the comforts of the Poor</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Society for improving the condition of Chimney-Sweepers</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Five Soup Societies</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Workhouses</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Private Asylums for Lunatics</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>91 Public Companies in the City of London, who give in charity above £.75,000 a year</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Stock's Blind Charity, distributed by the Painters-Stainers' Company</td><td class="vab">1786</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Hetherington's Blind Charity, payable at Christ's Hospital</td><td class="vab">1787</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Asylum for Deaf and Dumb Poor, Grange Road, Bermondsey</td><td class="vab">1792</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Charitable Society for Industrious Poor, School House, Hatton Garden</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Society for Charitable Purposes, Wardour-street, Soho</td><td class="vab">1773</td></tr>
+<tr><td>1600 Friendly Societies in the Metropolis and its vicinity, of which about 800 have enrolled themselves under the Act of Parliament, 33 Geo. III. cap. 54. They are composed of mechanics and labouring people, who distribute to sick members, and for funerals, sums raised by monthly payments, amounting on an average to 1<i>s.</i> 8<i>d.</i> a month, or 20<i>s.</i> a year, and consisting of about 80,000 members, who thus raise annually 80,000<i>l.</i></td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+</table>
+
+<p>Reflecting on the foregoing list of various laudable Institutions,
+which it cannot be expected should be altogether perfect, but which
+may be said to be unparalleled in point of extent, as well as
+munificence, and conferring the highest honour on the National
+Character for Charity and Humanity; the mind is lost in astonishment,
+that greater and more extensive benefits have not arisen to the
+inhabitants<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_576" id="Page_576">-576-</a></span> of the Metropolis; not only in improving their morals,
+but in preventing the lowest orders of the People from suffering that
+extreme misery and wretchedness, which has already been stated to
+exist in so great a degree in London.</p>
+
+<p>When it is also recollected, that large sums are annually expended by
+Societies instituted for promoting religion, virtue, and good morals,
+it must be evident, as human misery does not appear to be alleviated,
+and the morals of the People grow worse&mdash;that there must be some cause
+to produce effects so opposite to what might have been expected from
+such unparalleled philanthropy; the cause, indeed, may easily be
+traced to that evident deficiency in the general System of Police,
+which has so often been mentioned in the course of this Work.<a name="FNanchor_182_192" id="FNanchor_182_192"></a><a href="#Footnote_182_192" class="fnanchor">[182]</a></p>
+
+<p>In the next place, it may be useful, and certainly cannot be improper,
+in a Treatise on the Police, to insert a brief detail of the different
+Courts of Law, and public Prisons, established in the Metropolis; for
+the distribution of Justice, and the punishment of delinquents, for
+civil as well as criminal offences;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_577" id="Page_577">-577-</a></span> together with the number of
+professional men attached to these various Law establishments.</p>
+
+<hr class="med" />
+
+<h3>COURTS OF JUSTICE<br />
+<br />
+<span class="sm">IN THE</span><br />
+<br />
+<i>METROPOLIS</i>.</h3>
+
+<h4>Supreme Courts.</h4>
+
+<p>The High Court of Parliament.</p>
+
+<p>The House of Lords; being the Appeal in the last resort in
+all causes criminal and civil.</p>
+
+<p>The Court of Exchequer Chamber, before which Writs of
+Error are brought on judgments in the Court of King's Bench
+and other Courts; it is composed, in certain cases, of all the
+Twelve Judges, and the Lord Chancellor; but sometimes of
+a smaller number.</p>
+
+<p>The High Court of Chancery&mdash;at Westminster Hall&mdash;and
+Lincoln's Inn Hall.</p>
+
+<p>The Court of King's Bench, held in Westminster Hall.</p>
+
+<p>The Court of Common Pleas, held in Westminster Hall.</p>
+
+<p>The Court of Exchequer&mdash;a Court of Law, Equity and
+Revenue; held at Westminster Hall and Serjeant's Inn.</p>
+
+<p>The Court of Appeals in Colonial and Prize Causes; before
+the Lords of his Majesty's Privy Council at Whitehall.</p>
+
+<p>The High Court of Admiralty, for Prizes, &amp;c. at Doctor's
+Commons; and in criminal Cases, twice a year, at the Old
+Bailey.</p>
+
+<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="10" cellspacing="0" summary="courts">
+<tr>
+<td rowspan="4" class="rb">Four Ecclesiastical Courts.</td>
+<td>Prerogative Court, for Wills
+and Administrations</td>
+<td rowspan="4" class="lb">Doctors' Commons.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_578" id="Page_578">-578-</a></span></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>Court of Arches, for Appeals
+from inferior Ecclesiastical
+Courts in the Province of
+Canterbury; the Court of
+Peculiars is a branch of this
+Court.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>Faculty Court, to grant Dispensations
+to marry, &amp;c.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>Court of Delegates for Ecclesiastical
+Affairs</td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="10" cellspacing="0" summary="courts">
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">The Court of Oyer and
+Terminer and Gaol-Delivery
+for trying
+Criminals at the Justice
+Hall, Old Bailey</td>
+<td>Held by His Majesty's Commission
+to the Lord-Mayor, Judges, Recorder
+and Common Serjeant, &amp;c.</td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+<h4>Seventeen Courts in the City of London.</h4>
+
+<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="10" cellspacing="0" summary="courts">
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">Court of Hustings</td>
+<td class="vat">The Supreme Court of the City for Pleas of
+Land and Common Pleas</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">The Lord-Mayor's Court</td>
+<td class="vat">For Actions of Debt and Trespass, and for
+Appeals from inferior Courts and for foreign
+attachments; giving decisions in all
+cases whatsoever, in 14 days, at an expence
+not exceeding thirty Shillings; held in the
+King's Bench, Guildhall, by the Lord-Mayor,
+Recorder, and Aldermen.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">Court of Requests</td>
+<td class="vat">Held by two Aldermen and four Members of
+the Common Council, appointed by the
+Lord-Mayor and Aldermen; three of
+whom form a Court for the recovery of
+small debts under 40<i>s.</i> at the expence of 10<i>d.</i></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">Chamberlain's Court</td>
+<td class="vat">Held every day to determine differences between
+masters and apprentices; and to admit
+those qualified to the freedom of the
+City.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">Sheriff's Court</td>
+<td class="vat">Held every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday,
+and Saturday, at Guildhall; where Actions
+of Debt and Trespass, &amp;c. are tried by the
+Sheriff, and his Deputy, who are Judges of
+the Court.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">Court of Orphans</td>
+<td class="vat">Held before the Lord-Mayor and Aldermen,
+as Guardians of the Children of deceased
+Freemen under twenty-one years of age, &amp;c.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">Pie Poudre Court</td>
+<td class="vat">Held by the Lord-Mayor and Stewards, for
+administering instantaneous Justice between
+Buyers and Sellers at Bartholomew Fair, to
+redress all such disorders as may arise there.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_579" id="Page_579">-579-</a></span></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">Court of Conservancy</td>
+<td class="vat">Held by the Lord Mayor and Aldermen four
+times a year, in Middlesex, Essex, Kent,
+and Surry; who inquire by a Jury, into
+Abuses relative to the Fishing on the River
+Thames, and redress the same; from Staines
+<i>West</i>, to Yenfleet <i>East</i>.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">Court of Lord-Mayor, and
+Aldermen.&mdash;Court of Common
+Council.&mdash;Court of
+Common Hall.&mdash;Court of
+Wardmotes</td>
+<td class="vat">These relate to setting the Assize
+on Bread and Salt&mdash;to the municipal
+Officers of the City&mdash;to
+the Elections of Lord-Mayor,
+Sheriffs, and Officers of the
+City&mdash;and to the Management
+of the Public Property of the
+City, and removing Nuisances.
+The Wardmotes are held chiefly
+for the Election of Aldermen
+&amp; Common Councilmen.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan="2">General and Quarter Sessions of the Peace, held by the Lord-Mayor
+and Aldermen, eight times a year.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">Petty Sessions for small Offences, &amp;c. held at
+the Mansion House by the Lord-Mayor
+and one Alderman: and at Guildhall by
+two Aldermen in rotation</td>
+<td class="vat">Daily, in the forenoon</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">Coroners' Court</td>
+<td class="vat">To inquire into the causes of sudden deaths,
+when they arise.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">Court of the Tower of London</td>
+<td class="vat">Held within the verge of the City by a Stewart
+appointed by the Constable of the
+Tower, before whom are tried Actions of
+Debt, Trespasses, and Covenants.</td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+<h4>Courts of Justice within the City and
+Liberty of Westminster.</h4>
+
+<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="10" cellspacing="0" summary="courts">
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">Court of the Duchy of Lancaster</td>
+<td class="vat">A supreme Court of Record, held in Somerset
+Place, for deciding by the Chancellor of the
+said Duchy, all matters of Law or Equity belonging
+to the County Palatine of Lancaster</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">Quarter Sessions of the Peace</td>
+<td class="vat">A Court of Record, held by the Justices of the
+City and Liberty of Westminster, four
+times a year, at the Guildhall, Westminster,
+for all Trespasses, Petty Larcenies, and
+other small Offences, committed within the
+City and Liberty</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">Westminster Court</td>
+<td class="vat">Or Court Leet, held by the Dean of Westminster
+or his Steward, for choosing parochial
+Officers, preventing and removing
+Nuisances, &amp;c.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_580" id="Page_580">-580-</a></span></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">Court of Requests,
+Castle-street, Leicester-square</td>
+<td class="vat">Held by Commissioners (being respectable
+Housekeepers) for deciding without appeal,
+all Pleas for Debts under forty shillings.
+For the parishes of St. Margaret, St. John,
+St. Martin, St. Paul Covent Garden, St.
+Clement Danes, St. Mary le Strand, and
+that part of the Dutchy of Lancaster which
+joins Westminster</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">Court of Requests,
+Vinestreet, Piccadilly</td>
+<td class="vat">Held in the same manner, and for the same
+purposes; for the parishes of St. Anne,
+St. George Hanover-square, and St. James,
+Westminster</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">Petty Sessions, or Police Court,
+held at Bow-street</td>
+<td class="vat">A Court of Petty Sessions, held by two Magistrates
+every day, (Sunday excepted) morning
+and evening, for matters of Police, and various
+Offences, and Misdemeanors, &amp;c.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">Police Court or Petty Sessions,
+held at Queen-sq. Westminster</td>
+<td class="vat">A Court of Petty Sessions established by Act
+of Parliament, held every day, morning &amp;
+evening, (Sunday excepted) by two Magistrates,
+for matters of Police, and various
+Offences, Misdemeanors, &amp;c.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">Police Court, or petty Sessions,
+held at Great Marlborough-str.</td>
+<td class="vat">The same.</td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+<h4>Courts of Justice in that part of the Metropolis,
+which lies within the County of Middlesex.</h4>
+
+<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="10" cellspacing="0" summary="courts">
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">St. Martins-le-Grand Court</td>
+<td class="vat"><i>A Court of Record</i>, subject to the Dean and
+Chapter of Westminster, held every Wednesday,
+for the trial of all personal Actions.
+The process is by a Capias against the body,
+or an Attachment against the goods in this
+particular Liberty</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">East Smithfield Court</td>
+<td class="vat">A Court Leet and Court Baron, held for this
+Liberty, to inquire into Nuisances, &amp;c.&mdash;In
+the Court Baron Pleas are held to the
+amount of forty shillings</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">Finsbury Court</td>
+<td class="vat">A Court Leet held once a year, by a Steward
+of the Lord-Mayor, as Lord of the Manor of
+Finsbury, for inquiring into those Nuisances
+competent for Leet Juries, by ancient usage,
+and swearing in Constables for the Manor</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">St. Catherine's Court</td>
+<td class="vat">Two Courts are competent to be held within
+this small Precinct, for Actions of Debt and
+Trespass, at St. Catherine's near the Tower</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">Whitechapel Court</td>
+<td class="vat">A Court held by the Steward of the Manor of
+Stepney, by whom, and a Jury, are tried Actions
+of Debt for 5<i>l.</i> and under, &amp;c. &amp;c.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_581" id="Page_581">-581-</a></span></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">Sheriff's Court</td>
+<td class="vat">For the County of Middlesex, for Actions of
+Debt, Trespasses, Assaults, &amp;c.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">Quarter and General sessions
+of the Peace, and Sessions of
+Oyer and Terminer</td>
+<td class="vat">Held by the Justices of the County of Middlesex,
+eight times a year, at the New Sessions
+House, Clerkenwell Green, for all
+Trespasses, Petty Larcenies, Misdemeanors,
+and other offences, &amp;c. and for Roads,
+Bridges, and other County Affairs</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">Petty Sessions or Police Court,
+established by Act of Parliament</td>
+<td class="vat">A Court of Petty Sessions, held every morning
+and evening, (Sunday excepted) by two
+Magistrates, at the Public Office, in Hatton
+Garden, for matters of Police and various
+Offences, Misdemeanors, &amp;c.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">Petty Session, or Police Court</td>
+<td class="vat">At the Public Office, Worship-street, near
+Finsbury-square, by two Justices, for objects
+of Police, &amp;c.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat"><i>Idem</i></td>
+<td class="vat">At the Public Office, Lambeth-street, Whitechapel</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat"><i>Idem</i></td>
+<td class="vat">At the Public Office, High-street, Shadwell</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">Two Coroner's Courts</td>
+<td class="vat">For inquiring into causes of sudden death</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">Court of Requests</td>
+<td class="vat">Small debts under 40<i>s.</i> without appeal,
+held in Fulwood's Rents, Holborn, for the
+Division of Finsbury</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">Court of Requests</td>
+<td class="vat">For small debts under 40<i>s.</i> without appeal,
+held in Osborn-street, Whitechapel, by
+Commissioners, under the Act of Parliament,
+chosen annually by the several Parishes
+in the Tower Hamlets</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">General and Quarter Sessions of the
+Peace for the Liberty of the Tower of London.</td>
+<td class="vat">Held by the Justices of that Liberty,
+8 times a year for Petty Larcenies,
+Trespasses, Felonies, and Misdemeanors,
+&amp;c. within that particular District</td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+
+<h4>Courts of Justice in the Borough
+of Southwark, Surry.</h4>
+
+<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="10" cellspacing="0" summary="courts">
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">Court of Record</td>
+<td class="vat">Held at St. Margaret's Hill, Southwark, by
+the Lord-Mayor's Steward, for Actions of
+small Debts, Damages, Trespass, &amp;c.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">Court of Record</td>
+<td class="vat">For the Clink Liberty, held near Bankside,
+in Southwark, by the Bishop of Winchester's
+Steward, for Actions of Debt, Trespass, &amp;c.
+within that Liberty</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">Marshalsea Court</td>
+<td class="vat">A Court of Record (or the Court of the Royal
+Palace) having jurisdiction 12 miles round
+Whitehall (exclusive of the City of London)
+for actions of Debts, Damages, Trespasses,
+&amp;c. and subject to be removed to a higher
+Court of Law, when above 5<i>l.</i><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_582" id="Page_582">-582-</a></span></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">Court of Requests</td>
+<td class="vat">For the recovery of small Debts under 40<i>s.</i>
+without appeal, held at St. Margaret's Hill,
+by Commissioners chosen under the Act of
+Parliament, by the different Parishes</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">Coroners' Court</td>
+<td class="vat">To inquire into causes of sudden Death&mdash;in
+Southwark, &amp;c.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">Quarter Sessions of the Peace</td>
+<td class="vat">Held by the Lord-Mayor and Aldermen, at
+St. Margaret's Hill, for the Borough of
+Southwark</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">Quarter Sessions of the Peace
+for the County of Surry</td>
+<td class="vat">Held at the New Sessions House in
+Southwark, by the Magistrates of the
+County of Surry</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat">Petty Sessions, or Police Court,
+established by Act of Parliament</td>
+<td class="vat">A Court held every morning and evening
+by two Justices, at the Public Office, Union
+Hall, Union-street, Southwark, for Objects
+of Police, &amp;c.</td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+
+<h3><span class="smcap">Prisons</span> <i>in the</i> <span class="smcap">Metropolis</span>.</h3>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: .3em;">1. King's Bench Prison, for Debtors on Process or Execution in the
+King's Bench, &amp;c. St. George's Fields</span></p>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: .3em;">2. Fleet Prison, for Debtors on Process, &amp;c. in the Common Pleas, &amp;c.
+Fleet Market</span></p>
+
+<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="prisons">
+<tr>
+<td class="rb">3. Ludgate Prison, Bishopsgate-street</td>
+<td rowspan="3">For the City of London.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="rb">4. Poultry Compter, in the Poultry</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="rb">5. Giltspur-street Compter, Giltspur-street</td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: .3em;">6. Newgate, or City and County Gaol, Old Bailey</span></p>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: .3em;">7. New Prison, Clerkenwell&mdash;Gaol for the County of Middlesex</span></p>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: .3em;">8. Prison for the Liberty of the Tower of London, Well-close-square</span></p>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: .3em;">9. Whitechapel Prison for Debtors in the five pound court</span></p>
+
+<p>10. Savoy Prison for Deserters and Military Delinquents</p>
+
+<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="prisons">
+<tr>
+<td rowspan="4" class="rb">Houses of Correction.</td>
+<td>11. City Bridewell&mdash;Bridewell, Bridge-street, Blackfriars</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>12. Tothill Fields Bridewell&mdash;Tothill Fields</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>13. Spa Fields Penitentiary House</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>14. New Bridewell in the Borough of Southwark</td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+<p>15. County Gaol for Surry in the Borough of Southwark</p>
+
+<p>16. Clink Gaol, in ditto</p>
+
+<p>17. Marshalsea Gaol, in the Borough, for Pirates, &amp;c.</p>
+
+<p>18. New Gaol, in the Borough.</p>
+
+<hr class="med" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_583" id="Page_583">-583-</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Nothing, perhaps, can manifest, in a greater degree, the increased
+commerce and population of the Metropolis of the Empire, than the
+following summary detail of the different classes of professional men
+connected with the various departments of the Law.</p>
+
+<p>It appears from the preceding Statements, that there are in the
+Metropolis</p>
+
+<table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="professional men">
+<tr><td class="right">9</td><td>Supreme Courts; to which are attached</td><td class="right">270</td><td>officers<a name="FNanchor_183_193" id="FNanchor_183_193"></a><a href="#Footnote_183_193" class="fnanchor">[183]</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="right">4</td><td>Ecclesiastical Courts</td><td class="right">54</td><td>do.</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="right">18</td><td>Inferior Courts for small Debts</td><td class="right">146</td><td>do.</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="right">1</td><td>Court of Oyer and Terminer, and Gaol Delivery</td><td class="right">27</td><td>do.</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="right">4</td><td>Courts of General and Quarter Sessions of the Peace</td><td class="right">46</td><td>do.</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="right">10</td><td>Courts and Petty Sessions for purposes of Police</td><td class="right">190</td><td>do.</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="right">5</td><td>Coroners' Courts</td><td class="right">20</td><td>do.</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="right">&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="rtl">753</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td colspan="2">King's Serjeants, Attorney and Solicitor General, and King's Advocate</td><td class="right">8</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td colspan="2">Serjeants at Law</td><td class="right">14</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td colspan="2">Doctors of Law</td><td class="right">14</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td colspan="2">King's Counsel</td><td class="right">25</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td colspan="2">Masters in Chancery</td><td class="right">10</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td colspan="2">Barristers at Law</td><td class="right">400</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td colspan="2">Special Pleaders</td><td class="right">50</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td colspan="2">Proctors in Doctors' Commons</td><td class="right">50</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td colspan="2">Conveyancers</td><td class="right">40</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td colspan="2">Attorneys at Law in the different Courts</td><td class="right">1,900</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td colspan="2">Clerks, Assistants, and others, estimated at</td><td class="right">3,700</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td colspan="2">Notaries Public</td><td class="right">36</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="right" colspan="2">Total about</td><td class="rtl">7,000</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+</table>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_584" id="Page_584">-584-</a></span></p>
+
+<p>It is impossible to contemplate this view of a very interesting
+subject, without being forcibly struck with the vast extent of the
+wealth and commercial intercourse of the Country, which furnish
+advantageous employment for such a multitude of individuals in one
+particular profession. Every good man, and every lover of his country,
+must anxiously wish that the advantages may be reciprocal; and that
+men of talents, integrity, and ability, in the profession of the Law,
+while they extend their aid to the removal of those evils which are a
+reproach to the criminal jurisprudence of the Country, would also
+assist in procuring the removal of the inconveniences at present felt
+in the recovery of small debts. This is peculiarly irksome to every
+well-disposed person, who, in the course of business, having
+transactions with the mass of mankind, cannot avoid frequently meeting
+with bad or litigious characters, by whom disputes are unavoidably
+generated.</p>
+
+<p>According to the prevailing System, if the debt exceeds 40<i>s.</i> the
+action may be brought in a superior Court, where, if contested or
+defended, the expence, at the lowest computation, must be upwards of
+fifty pounds. Prudent men, under such circumstances, will forego a
+just claim upon another, or make up a false one upon themselves, as by
+far the least of two evils, in all cases where they come in contact
+with designing and bad people; and hence it is, that the worthless
+part of mankind, availing themselves in <i>Civil</i> as others do in
+<i>Criminal Cases</i>, of the imper<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_585" id="Page_585">-585-</a></span>fections of the Law, forge these
+defects into a rod of oppression, either to defraud the honest part of
+the Community of a just right, or to create fraudulent demands, where
+no right attaches; merely because those miscreants know that an action
+at Law, even for 20<i>l.</i> cannot either be prosecuted or defended,
+without sinking three times the amount in Law expences; besides the
+loss of time, which is still more valuable to men in business.</p>
+
+<p>To convince the Reader that this observation is not hazarded on weak
+grounds, and that the evil is so great as to cry aloud for a remedy,
+it is only necessary to state, that in the County of Middlesex alone,
+in the year 1793, the number of bailable writs and executions, for
+debts from <i>Ten</i> to <i>Twenty</i> pounds, amounted to no less than 5,719,
+and the aggregate amount of the debts sued for was the sum of
+£.81,791.</p>
+
+<p>It will scarcely be credited, <i>although it is most unquestionably
+true</i>, that the mere costs of these actions, although made up, and not
+defended at all, would amount to 68,728<i>l.</i>&mdash;And if defended, the
+aggregate expence to recover 81,791<i>l.</i> must be&mdash;(<i>strange and
+incredible as it may appear</i>), no less than 285,905<i>l.</i>! being
+considerably more than three times the amount of the debts sued for.</p>
+
+<p>The mind is lost in astonishment at the contemplation of a
+circumstance, marking, in so strong a degree, the deficiency of this
+important branch of the jurisprudence of the Country.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_586" id="Page_586">-586-</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Through this new medium we discover one of the many causes of the
+increase of crimes.&mdash;And hence that caution which men in business are
+compelled to exercise (especially in the Metropolis), to avoid
+transactions with those who are supposed to be devoid of principle.</p>
+
+<p>Whenever the Laws cannot be promptly executed, at an expence, that
+will not restrain the worthy and useful part of the Community from the
+following up their just rights, bad men will multiply. The morals of
+the People will become more and more corrupted, and the best interests
+of the State will be endangered.</p>
+
+<p>In a political as well as in a moral point of view, it is an evil that
+should not be suffered to exist; especially when it can be
+demonstrated, that a remedy may be applied, without affecting the
+pecuniary interest of the more reputable part of the Profession of the
+Law, while it would unquestionably produce a more general diffusion of
+Emolument.</p>
+
+<p>If, instead of the various inferior Courts for the recovery of debts,
+(exclusive of the Courts of Conscience) which have been mentioned in
+this Chapter, and which are of very limited use on account of appeals
+lying in all actions above 5<i>l.</i>&mdash;the Justices, in General Sessions of
+the Peace, <i>specially commissioned</i>, were to be empowered to hear and
+determine <i>finally, by a Jury</i>, all actions of debt under 50<i>l.</i> and
+to tax the Costs <i>in proportion to the amount of the Verdict</i>,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_587" id="Page_587">-587-</a></span> great
+benefits would result to the Public. <i>At present, the rule is to allow
+the same cost for forty shillings as for ten thousand
+pounds!</i><a name="FNanchor_184_194" id="FNanchor_184_194"></a><a href="#Footnote_184_194" class="fnanchor">[184]</a>&mdash;It depends only on the length of the pleadings, and not
+on the value of the action.</p>
+
+<p>Humanity, Justice, and Policy, plead for an improvement of the System;
+more particularly when it is recollected that, between <i>Six</i> and
+<i>Seven Thousand</i> unfortunate persons are arrested annually on <i>mesne
+process</i> in Middlesex alone, one half of whom are for debts <i>under
+twenty pounds</i>. In the kingdom at large, the number is not less than
+<i>Forty Thousand</i> for trifling debts in the course of a year!&mdash;The
+unavoidable expence, therefore, at the lowest computation, is a most
+grievous burden, which on many occasions, sends both the plaintiff and
+defendant to a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_588" id="Page_588">-588-</a></span> gaol, for the Attorney's bills, to the total ruin of
+themselves, and often to the destruction of their families.</p>
+
+<p>The Evil, in this view, is exceedingly prominent.&mdash;It involves in it
+consequences which trench upon the best interests of the Country. The
+Mischief increases, unperceived by the people at large, and Remedies
+are not applied; because few men will subject themselves to
+investigations of great labour, without which facts are not to be
+obtained; and without facts it is impossible to reason with accuracy,
+or to draw just conclusions upon any subject.</p>
+
+<p>It will be found upon inquiry, that the miseries of a gaol, by which
+the inferior orders of the people are often punished, do not so
+frequently attach to the worthless and profligate part of the
+Community, as to those who have been useful members of the State&mdash;Like
+the adroit thief, encouraged to proceed by many escapes, Knaves are
+seldom victims to the severity of the Law.&mdash;The Innocent, and often
+the Industrious, unskilled in the tricks and artifices which bad men
+pursue to rid themselves of incumbrances, (for which there is abundant
+resource in the chicane of the Law;) are generally the sufferers.</p>
+
+<p>To incarcerate one member of the body politic, whose misfortunes and
+losses may have arisen from giving credit to another, who is relieved
+by a Commission of Bankrupt,<a name="FNanchor_185_195" id="FNanchor_185_195"></a><a href="#Footnote_185_195" class="fnanchor">[185]</a> because his debts amounted to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_589" id="Page_589">-589-</a></span> more
+than 100<i>l.</i> seems not well to accord with Justice, Humanity, or State
+Policy. It debases the minds of thousands whose conduct never deserved
+such a fate&mdash;who were from the nature of their dealings, <i>although
+small</i>, entitled upon the principle adopted by the Legislature, to the
+same relief which is extended to the higher classes by whom they often
+suffer&mdash;and sometimes too by the most worthless and depraved.&mdash;While
+no good can arise from their confinement, it is thus rendered
+infinitely more severe than that, which is, in many instances,
+inflicted on criminal offenders.&mdash;Their labour is lost to the
+Community.&mdash;Their families are neglected&mdash;and perhaps reared up in
+vice and idleness to become Nuisances in that Society, of which they
+might have been virtuous and useful Members.</p>
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_590" id="Page_590">-590-</a></span></p>
+<p>This, therefore, is a most important branch of what may be called
+<i>Civil Police</i>, highly deserving the attention of the Legislature;
+because it is not only contrary to Reason, but pregnant with evils
+which tend to the increase of crimes in a greater degree than is
+generally supposed.</p>
+
+<p>The extensive and growing intercourse in commercial dealings, and the
+diffused state of property must, of course, progressively, increase
+the number of Appeals to Courts of Justice, even under the present
+System; till at length the duty of the Judges (infinitely more
+extensive than their predecessors experienced, and increasing every
+day,) will so multiply, as to render it an act of great cruelty and
+injustice, not to ease them of the unreasonable labour arising from
+small Law-suits.</p>
+
+<p>The same reasoning applies to the Members of the Executive Government.
+As we advance in riches, population, and crimes, the management of the
+Country becomes more complicated. The labour attached to the higher
+departments of the State of all descriptions is infinitely greater
+than a century ago; and yet there is no increase in the number of the
+first executive responsible officers.&mdash;This, (although it has not
+heretofore attracted notice), when duly considered, will be found to
+be a very serious misfortune.</p>
+
+<p>The mind, however active or enlightened, can only compass certain
+objects. It requires relaxation; it cannot always be upon the
+stretch.&mdash;There<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_591" id="Page_591">-591-</a></span> is a point beyond which human exertion cannot go&mdash;and
+hence the necessity of the division of labour, in proportion to the
+increase of responsible public duty. Wherever this does not take
+place, the Country suffers; an unreasonable burden attaches, by which
+means matters of great consequence to the Community must be
+overlooked, because it is impossible to compass every thing.</p>
+
+<p>Having thus briefly explained that branch of the Police of the Capital
+which is connected with the department of the Law, together with some
+of the most prominent features of abuse, which have grown out of the
+present System; as well as the Remedies which have occurred, as
+apparently best calculated to remove these accumulating evils. It
+remains now to bring under the review of the Reader, the various
+<i>Municipal Regulations</i>, which have been established for the comfort,
+accommodation, and convenience of the inhabitants; and the means used
+in carrying them into execution.</p>
+
+<p>The Metropolis of the Empire having been extended so far beyond its
+ancient limits;&mdash;every parish, hamlet, liberty, or precinct, now
+contiguous to the Cities of <i>London</i> and <i>Westminster</i>, may be
+considered as a separate Municipality, where the inhabitants regulate
+the Police of their respective districts, under the authority of a
+great variety of different Acts of Parliament; enabling them to raise
+money for paving the streets, and to assess the householders for the
+interest thereof, as well as for the annual expence<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_592" id="Page_592">-592-</a></span> of <i>watching,
+cleansing, and removing nuisances and annoyances</i>. These funds, as
+well as the execution of the powers of the different Acts, (excepting
+where the interference of Magistrates is necessary) are placed in the
+hands of Trustees, of whom in many instances, the Church Wardens, or
+Parish Officers for the time being, are Members <i>ex officio</i>; and by
+these different Bodies, all matters relative to the immediate safety,
+comfort and convenience of the inhabitants are managed and regulated.</p>
+
+<p>These Regulations, however, are mostly founded upon Statutes made in
+the last and present Reign.</p>
+
+<p>The Act of the 2d of William and Mary, cap. 8, for paving, cleansing,
+&amp;c. within the City and Liberties of <i>Westminster</i>, and the Bills of
+Mortality, not having been found applicable to modern improvements,
+new regulations became necessary; and an incredible number of private
+Statutes applicable to the different Parishes, Hamlets, and Liberties,
+composing the Metropolis, have been passed within the last 50 years.</p>
+
+<p>The Act of the 10th George II. cap. 22, established a System for
+paving and lighting, cleansing, and watching the City of London: but
+the Statute which removed <i>signs and sign-posts</i>, <i>balconies</i>,
+<i>spouts</i>, <i>gutters</i>, and those other <i>encroachments</i> and <i>annoyances</i>,
+which were felt as grievances, by the inhabitants, did not pass till
+the year 1771.&mdash;The 11th of Geo. III. cap. 29, contains a complete and
+masterly System of that branch of the Police which is con<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_593" id="Page_593">-593-</a></span>nected with
+municipal regulations, and may be considered as a model for every
+large City in the Empire. This excellent Act extends to every
+obstruction by carts and carriages, and provides a remedy for all
+nuisances, which can prove, in any respect, offensive to the
+inhabitants; and special Commissioners, called <i>Commissioners of
+Sewers</i>, are appointed to ensure a regular execution. It is further
+improved by the 33d of his present Majesty, cap. 75, by which the
+power of the Commissioners is increased, and some nuisances arising
+from Butchers, Dustmen, &amp;c. further provided against.</p>
+
+<p>In the City and Liberty of Westminster also, many useful Municipal
+Regulations have been made within the present Century. The Acts of the
+27th of Elizabeth, and the 16th of Charles I. (private Acts) divided
+the City and Liberties into 12 Wards, and appointed 12 Burgesses to
+regulate the Police of each Ward; who, with the Dean, or High Steward
+of Westminster, were authorised to govern this District of the
+Metropolis.</p>
+
+<p>The Act of the 29th of George II. cap. 25, enabled the Dean, or his
+High Steward, to choose 80 Constables in a Court Leet: and the same
+act authorised the appointment of an Annoyance-Jury of 48 inhabitants,
+to examine weights and measures; and to make presentments of every
+public nuisance, either in the City or Liberty.&mdash;The Acts of the 31st
+of George II. cap. 17 and 25, improved the former Statute, and allowed
+a free market to be held in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_594" id="Page_594">-594-</a></span> Westminster.&mdash;The Act of the 2d of George
+III. cap. 21, extended and improved the System for <i>paving, cleansing,
+lighting and watching</i> the City and Liberty, by including six other
+adjoining Parishes and Liberties in Middlesex: This Act was afterwards
+amended by the 3d of his present Majesty, cap. 23.&mdash;The Acts 5th Geo.
+III. caps. 13, 50; 11th Geo. III. cap. 22; and particularly 14th Geo.
+III. cap. 90, for regulating the nightly Watch and Constables, made
+further improvements in the General System by which those branches of
+Police in Westminster are at present regulated.</p>
+
+<p>In the Borough of Southwark also the same System has been pursued; the
+Acts 28th Geo. II. cap. 9; and 6th Geo. III. cap. 24, having
+established a System of Municipal Regulations, applicable to this
+District of the Metropolis; relative to <i>markets</i>, <i>hackney-coach
+stands</i>, <i>paving</i>, <i>cleansing</i>, <i>lighting</i>, <i>watching</i>, <i>marking
+streets</i>, and <i>numbering houses</i>, and placing the whole under the
+management of Commissioners.</p>
+
+<p>In Contemplating the great leading features of Municipal Regulation,
+nothing places England in a situation so superior to most other
+countries, with regard to cleanliness, as the <i>System of the Sewers</i>,
+under the management of special Commissioners, in different parts of
+the kingdom; introduced so early as by the Act 6th Henry VI. cap. 5,
+and regulated by the Acts 6th Henry VIII. cap. 10; 23d Henry VIII.
+cap. 5; and 25th Henry VIII. cap. 10.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_595" id="Page_595">-595-</a></span>&mdash;afterwards improved by the 3d
+and 4th Edward VI. cap. 8; 1st Mary, stat. 3, cap. 11; 13th Elizabeth,
+cap. 9; 3d James I. cap. 14; and 7th Anne, cap. 10.</p>
+
+<p>Sewers being so early introduced into the Metropolis, as well as into
+other Cities and Towns, in consequence of the general System, every
+offensive nuisance was removed through this medium, and the
+inhabitants early accustomed to the advantages and comforts of
+cleanliness.</p>
+
+<p>Another feature, strongly marking the wisdom and attention of our
+ancestors, was the introduction of <i>Water</i>, for the supply of the
+Metropolis, in the reign of James I. in 1604. The improvements which
+have been since made for the convenience of the inhabitants, in
+extending the supplies by means of the New River, and also by the
+accession of the Thames water, through the medium of the London
+Bridge, Chelsea, York Buildings, Shadwell, and other water-works, it
+is not necessary to detail.</p>
+
+<p>The Act 9th Anne, cap. 23, first established the regulations with
+regard to <i>Hackney Coaches</i> and <i>Chairs</i>, which have been improved and
+extended by several subsequent Statutes, <i>viz.</i> 10 Anne, cap. 19; 12
+Anne, stat. 2, cap. 14; 1 Geo. I. cap. 57; 12 Geo. I. cap. 12; 30 Geo.
+II. cap. 22; 4 Geo. III. cap. 36; 7 Geo. III. cap. 44; 10 Geo. III.
+cap. 44; 11 Geo. III. caps. 24, 28; 12 Geo. III. cap. 49; 24 Geo. III.
+stat. 2. cap. 27; 26 Geo. III. cap. 72; 32 Geo. III. cap. 47; 33 Geo.
+III. cap. 75.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_596" id="Page_596">-596-</a></span></p>
+
+<p>These Acts authorize <i>one thousand coaches</i>, and <i>four hundred hackney
+chairs</i>, to be licensed for the accommodation of the inhabitants of
+the Metropolis; and Magistrates, as well as the Commissioners, are
+empowered to decide, in a summary way, upon all complaints arising
+between Coachmen or Chairmen, and the inhabitants, who may have
+occasion to employ them.</p>
+
+<p>Carts and other carriages have also been regulated by several
+different Acts, <i>viz.</i> 1 Geo. I. stat. 2. cap. 57; 18 Geo. II. cap.
+33; 24 Geo. II. cap. 43; 30 Geo. II. cap. 22; 7 Geo. III. cap. 44; and
+24 Geo. III. cap. 27. The Statutes contain a very complete System,
+relative to this branch of Police; by virtue of which all complaints
+arising from offences under these Acts, are also cognizable by the
+Magistrates, in a summary way.</p>
+
+<p>The Act of the 34th of George III. cap. 65, established an improved
+System, with regard to <i>Watermen plying on the River Thames</i>.&mdash;The
+Lord Mayor and Aldermen are empowered to make Rules and Orders for
+their government;<a name="FNanchor_186_196" id="FNanchor_186_196"></a><a href="#Footnote_186_196" class="fnanchor">[186]</a> and, with the Recorder and the Justices of the
+Peace of the respective Counties, and places next adjoining to the
+Thames, have equal jurisdiction in all situations between Gravesend
+and Windsor, to put in execution not<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_597" id="Page_597">-597-</a></span> only the <i>Laws</i>, but also the
+Rules and Orders relative to such Watermen, which shall be sent to the
+several Public Offices in the Metropolis, and to the Clerks of the
+Peace of the Counties joining the Thames, within 30 days after such
+Rules are made or altered. The Magistrates have power given them to
+fine Watermen for extortion and misbehaviour: and, persons refusing to
+pay the fares authorised by Law, may be compelled to do so, with all
+charges, or be imprisoned for one month; and whoever shall give a
+Waterman a fictitious name or place of abode, forfeits 5<i>l.</i></p>
+
+<p>Offences relative to the Driving of Cattle improperly, usually termed
+<i>Bullock Hunting</i>, are also determined by the Magistrates, in the same
+summary way, under the authority of an Act 21st Geo. III. cap. 67; by
+which every person is authorised to seize delinquents guilty of this
+very dangerous offence.</p>
+
+<p>The last great feature of useful Municipal Police which the Author
+will mention, consists in the excellent regulations relative to
+<i>Buildings</i>, <i>Projections</i>, and <i>Fires</i>; first adopted after the Fire
+of London in 1666, and extended and improved by several Acts of
+Parliament passed, from that time, down to the 14th of his present
+Majesty.</p>
+
+<p>The Act of the 14th of George III. cap. 78, which repeals the former
+Acts, besides regulating the mode of building houses in future, so as
+to render them <i>ornamental</i>, <i>commodious</i>, and <i>secure</i> against the
+accidents of fire, established other useful rules for the preven<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_598" id="Page_598">-598-</a></span>tion
+of this dreadful calamity; by rendering it incumbent on Churchwardens
+to provide one or more engines in every parish, to be in readiness, on
+the shortest notice, to extinguish fires, and also ladders to favour
+escapes; And, that every facility might be afforded with regard to
+water, it is also incumbent on the Churchwardens to fix stop-blocks
+and fire-plugs at convenient distances, upon all the main pipes within
+the parish; and to place a mark in the street where they are to be
+found, and to have an instrument or key ready to open such fire-plugs,
+so that the water may be accessible on the shortest possible notice.
+That every thing also might be done to ensure dispatch, the person
+bringing the first parish engine to any fire is entitled to 30<i>s.</i> the
+second to 20<i>s.</i> and third to 10<i>s.</i> paid by the parish; excepting in
+cases where chimnies are on fire, and then the expence ultimately
+falls upon the person inhabiting the house or place where it
+originated.</p>
+
+<p>This excellent Statute, so salutary in its effects with regard to many
+important Regulations of Police, also obliges all Beadles and
+Constables, on the breaking out of any fire, to repair immediately to
+the spot, with their long staves, and to protect the sufferers from
+the depredation of thieves; and to assist in removing effects, and in
+extinguishing the flames.</p>
+
+<p>These outlines will explain, in some measure, by what means the System
+of the Police, in most of its great features, is conducted in the
+Metropolis&mdash;to which it may be necessary to add, that the Beadles of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_599" id="Page_599">-599-</a></span>
+each Parish, are the proper persons to whom application may be made,
+in the first instance, in case of any inconvenience or nuisance. The
+City and Police Magistrates, in their respective Courts, if not
+immediately authorized to remedy the wrong that is suffered, will
+point out how it may be effected.</p>
+
+<p>It is, however, earnestly to be wished, that (like the Building-Act
+just mentioned), one general Law, comprehending the whole of the
+excellent regulations made for the City of London, so far as they will
+apply, could be extended to every part of the Metropolis, and its
+suburbs; that a perfect uniformity might prevail, in the penalties and
+punishments to be inflicted for the several Offences against the
+comfort or convenience of the Inhabitants.&mdash;At present it often
+happens, that an Offence in one Parish, is no act of Delinquency in
+another.</p>
+
+<p>The great object is to simplify every System as much as
+possible;&mdash;complicated Establishments are always more expensive than
+is necessary, and constantly liable to abuses.</p>
+
+<p>The annual expence to the Inhabitants, in consequence of all those
+Municipal Regulations just detailed, is, perhaps, higher than in any
+other City in the world.&mdash;Including the Poor's-rate, it amounts, on an
+average, to full 25 per cent. on the gross rental of the Metropolis;
+and is supposed to exceed one million sterling a year!</p>
+
+<p>A Superintending Police would, in many instances, correct the want of
+intelligence, which is apparent,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_600" id="Page_600">-600-</a></span> and enlighten the local Managers in
+such a manner, as not only to promote objects of &#339;conomy,
+calculated to abridge and keep within bounds an enormous and growing
+expence, but also to suggest improvements by which it might be
+reduced, and many solid advantages be acquired by the Community.</p>
+
+<p>It is impossible to examine, with the mind of a man of business, the
+various Establishments which have become necessary for promoting the
+comfort and convenience of great Societies, without lamenting, in many
+instances, the unnecessary waste that prevails, and the confusion and
+irregularity which often ensue, merely for want of system, judgment,
+and knowledge of the subject.</p>
+
+<p>Various, indeed, are the evils and disorders which Time engenders, in
+every thing connected with the affairs of civil Society, requiring a
+constant and uniform attention, <i>increasing, as the pressures
+increase</i>, for the purpose of keeping them within bounds; that as much
+happiness and comfort may be extended to the People as can possibly
+arise from a well-regulated and energetic Police, conducted with
+purity, zeal, and intelligence.</p>
+
+<p>We are arrived at an epoch full of difficulties and dangers, producing
+wonderful events, and still pregnant with consequences, in their
+nature, stretching beyond the usual course of human conjecture, where
+it is impossible to judge of the ultimate issue.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_601" id="Page_601">-601-</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Under such circumstances, it becomes, more than ever, necessary to
+make prudent arrangements for the general safety, for amending the
+morals, and promoting the happiness of the People; by improved Laws,
+extending protection to all, and correcting those evils, which are
+felt as a burden upon the Community.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_602" id="Page_602">-602-</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAP_XX" id="CHAP_XX"></a><span class="gesperrt">CHAP.</span> XX.</h2>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p><i>A summary View of the Evils detailed in the preceding
+Chapters.&mdash;The great opulence and extensive Trade of the
+Metropolis assigned as a Cause of the increase and
+multiplication of Crimes, and of the great extent of the
+Depredations which are committed.&mdash;Arguments in favour of a
+more energetic Police as the only means of remedying those
+Evils.&mdash;A wide Field opened to Men of Virtue and Talents to
+do good.&mdash;A general View of the estimated Depredations
+annually in the Metropolis and its Vicinity, amounting in
+all to Two Millions Sterling.&mdash;General Observations and
+Reflections an the strong Features of degraded Humanity,
+which this Summary of Turpitude exhibits.&mdash;Observations on
+the further Evils arising from the deficiency of the System
+with respect to Officers of Justice.&mdash;The want of a
+Prosecutor for the Crown, and the inadequacy of
+Punishments.&mdash;A View of the Remedies proposed&mdash;1st. With
+respect to the Corruption of Morals.&mdash;2d. The means of
+preventing Crimes in general.&mdash;3d. Offences committed on the
+River Thames.&mdash;4th. Offences in the Public Arsenals and
+Ships of War.&mdash;5th. Counterfeiting Money and fabricating
+Bank Notes; 6th. Punishments.&mdash;7th. Further advantages of an
+improved System of Police.&mdash;Concluding Reflections.</i></p></div>
+
+<hr class="dbl1" />
+<hr class="dbl2" />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_603" id="Page_603">-603-</a></span></p>
+
+<p><span class="cap">I</span>N taking a summary view of the various evils and remedies, which have
+been detailed in this Work, it may be right, previously to apprize the
+Reader, that in contemplating the extent and magnitude of the
+aggregate depredations, which are presumed to be committed in the
+course of a year, it is necessary to measure them <i>by a scale
+proportioned to the unparalleled amount of moving property exposed in
+transit in this great Metropolis</i>, as well as the vast and unexampled
+increase of this property, within the last half century; during which
+period there has certainly been an accumulation of not less than
+two-thirds, in commerce as well as in manufactures.</p>
+
+<p>It has not, perhaps, generally attracted notice, that, besides being
+the Seat of the <i>Government</i>&mdash;<i>of the Law</i>,&mdash;<i>Learning</i>, and the <i>Fine
+Arts</i>,&mdash;the resort of the Nobility and the Opulent from every part of
+the British Empire, however distant; <span class="smcap">London</span>, from being a great
+<i>depôt</i> for all the manufactures of the country, and also the goods of
+foreign nations as well as East India and colonial produce, is not
+only the first Commercial City at present existing, but is also one of
+the greatest and most extensive Manufacturing Towns, perhaps in the
+World; combining in one spot every attribute that can occasion an
+assemblage of moving property, unparalleled in point of extent,
+magnitude, and value in the whole Globe.&mdash;From the abstract of Imports
+and Exports in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_604" id="Page_604">-604-</a></span> <a href="#Page_215"><i>page</i> 215</a> of this Work, it appears that above 13,000
+vessels,<a name="FNanchor_187_197" id="FNanchor_187_197"></a><a href="#Footnote_187_197" class="fnanchor">[187]</a> including their repeated voyages, arrive at, and depart
+from, the Port of London, with merchandize, in the course of a year;
+besides a vast number of river craft, employed in the trade of the
+interior country, bringing and carrying away property, estimated at
+above <i>Seventy Millions Sterling</i>.<a name="FNanchor_188_198" id="FNanchor_188_198"></a><a href="#Footnote_188_198" class="fnanchor">[188]</a></p>
+
+<p>In addition to this, it is calculated, that above 40,000 waggons and
+other carriages, including their repeated journies, arrive and depart
+laden, in both instances, with articles of domestic, colonial, East
+India and foreign merchandize; occasioning a transit of perhaps (when
+cattle, grain, and provisions sent for the consumption of the
+inhabitants, are included) <i>Fifty Millions more</i>. If we take into the
+account the vast quantity of merchandize and moveable property of
+every species deposited in the various <i>maritime magazines</i>,
+<i>timber-yards</i>, <i>piece-goods' warehouses</i>, <i>shops</i>, <i>manufactories</i>,
+<i>store-houses</i>, <i>public markets</i>, <i>dwelling-houses</i>, <i>inns</i>, <i>new
+buildings</i>, and <i>other repositories</i>, and which pass from one place to
+another, it will establish a foundation for supposing that, in this
+way, property to the amount of <i>Fifty Millions</i> more at least, is
+annually exposed to depredation; making a Sum of <i>One Hundred and
+Seventy Millions</i>; independent of the moving articles in ships of war
+and transports, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_605" id="Page_605">-605-</a></span> in the different Arsenals, Dock-yards, and
+Repositories in the Tower of London, and at Deptford, Woolwich,
+Sheerness, and various smaller magazines, in the daily course of being
+received and sent away, supposed to amount to <i>Thirty Millions</i> more;
+making in the whole an aggregate sum of <i>Two Hundred Millions</i>. Thus
+an immense property becomes exceedingly exposed, in all the various
+ways already explained in the course of this Work; and the <i>estimated</i>
+amount of the <i>annual depredations</i> hereafter enumerated under these
+respective heads will cease to be a matter of surprise, if measured by
+the enormous scale of property above particularized. Although it is
+supposed to amount to about <i>Two Millions</i> sterling, it sinks to a
+trifle, in contemplating the magnitude of the capital, <i>scarcely
+reaching one per cent. on the value of property passing in transit in
+the course of a year</i>.</p>
+
+<p>It is not, therefore, so much the actual loss that is sustained (great
+as it certainly is) which is to be deplored <i>as the mischief which
+arises from the destruction of the morals of so numerous a body of
+people; who must be directly or collaterally engaged in perpetrating
+smaller offences, and in fraudulent and criminal pursuits</i>.</p>
+
+<p>This, in a political point of view, is a consideration of a very
+serious and alarming nature, infinitely worse in its consequences than
+even those depredations which arise from acts of violence committed by
+more atrocious offenders; the numbers of which<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_606" id="Page_606">-606-</a></span> latter have been shewn
+to be small, in comparison with other delinquents, and not to have
+increased in any material degree for the last 50 years; while
+<i>inferior thefts, river-plunder, pillage, embezzlement, and frauds, in
+respect to public property, coining base money, forgeries under
+various ramifications, cheating by means of swindling and other
+criminal practices, and purchasing and dealing in stolen goods</i>, have
+advanced in a degree, commensurate to the great and rapid influx of
+wealth, which has arisen from the vast increase of the commerce and
+manufactures of the Country, and the general accumulation of property
+by British subjects in the East and West Indies, and in foreign
+Countries.</p>
+
+<p>The evils, therefore, are the more prominent, as they have become so
+exceedingly diffused; and implicate in criminality numerous
+individuals, of whom a very large proportion were formerly untainted
+with any of that species of Delinquency, which now renders them, (for
+their own sakes&mdash;for the benefit of their families&mdash;and for the
+interest of public morals,) objects of peculiar attention on the part
+of the Legislature, as well as the Police of the Country.</p>
+
+<p>The habits they have acquired are, doubtless, very alarming, as in the
+destruction of their own morals, they also destroy those of the rising
+generation; and still more so, as the existing Laws, and the present
+System of Police, have been found so totally inadequate to the Object
+of Prevention.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_607" id="Page_607">-607-</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Indeed it is but too evident, that nothing useful can be effected
+without a variety of Regulations, such as have been suggested in
+different parts of this Work. It is not, however, by the adoption of
+any one <i>remedy</i> singly applied, or applied by piece-meal, but by a
+combination of the whole Legislative <i>Powers</i>, <i>Regulations</i>,
+<i>Establishments</i>, and <i>superintending Agencies</i> already suggested,
+(and particularly by those recommended by the Select Committee of the
+House of Commons <i>which may be considered as the Ground Work</i>) that
+Crimes are, in any degree, to be prevented, or kept in check. And it
+is not to be expected, that such Remedies can be either complete or
+effectual, unless there be a sufficient Fund appropriated for the
+purpose of giving vigour and energy to the General System.</p>
+
+<p>The object is of such astonishing magnitude, and the abuses which are
+meant to be corrected, are of so much consequence to the <i>State</i>, as
+well as to the <i>Individual</i>, and the danger of a progressive increase
+is so evidently well established by experience, that it is impossible
+to look at that subject with indifference, when once it is developed
+and understood.</p>
+
+<p>It opens a wide field for doing good, to men of virtue, talents, and
+abilities, who love their Country, and glory in its prosperity. Such
+men will speedily perceive, that this prosperity can only be of short
+duration,&mdash;if public morals are neglected,&mdash;if no check is given to
+the growing depravity which prevails, and if measures are not adopted
+to guard the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_608" id="Page_608">-608-</a></span> rising generation against the evil examples to which
+they are exposed.</p>
+
+<p>Philanthropists will also, in this volume, find abundant scope for the
+exercise of that benevolence, and those efforts in the cause of
+humanity, which occupy their attention, and constitute their chief
+pleasure.&mdash;It is earnestly to be hoped, that it may produce an
+universal desire to attain those objects, which are shewn to be so
+immediately connected with the Public good.</p>
+
+<p>For the purpose of elucidating, in some degree, the dreadful effect of
+the profligacy and wickedness, which have been opened to the view of
+the Reader, and occasioned the perpetration of Crimes and offences of
+every species and denomination, the following Estimate has been made
+up from information derived through a variety of different
+channels.&mdash;It exhibits at one view, the supposed aggregate amount of
+the various depredations committed in the Metropolis and its environs,
+in the course of a year.</p>
+
+<p>The intelligent reader will perceive at once, that in the nature of
+things, such a calculation cannot be perfectly accurate; because there
+are no precise data upon which it may be formed; but if it approaches
+in any degree near the truth, (and the Author has discovered nothing
+in the course of four years to alter the opinion he originally formed
+in any material degree,) it will fully answer the purpose intended; by
+affording many useful and important hints favourable to those
+improvements which are felt to be necessary by all; though till of
+late, understood by very few.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_609" id="Page_609">-609-</a></span></p>
+
+<p>It is introduced also (merely as a calculation) for the purpose of
+arresting the attention of the Public, in a greater degree, and of
+directing it not only to inquiries similar to those upon which the
+Author has formed his conjectures; but also to the means of procuring
+those improvements in the Laws, and in the System of the Police, which
+have become so indispensably necessary for the security of every
+individual possessing property in this great Metropolis.</p>
+
+<hr class="dbl1" />
+<hr class="dbl2" />
+
+<p class="hang"><b><span class="smcap">An Estimate</span> <i>of the Annual Amount and Value of the Depredations
+committed on Public and Private Property in the Metropolis and its
+Vicinity</i>, <span class="smcap">in one Year</span>. <i>Specifying the Nature of such Depredations
+under Six different Heads, viz:&mdash;</i></b></p>
+
+<table style="width: 90%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="small thefts">
+<tr><td colspan="4">1. <i>Small Thefts</i>, committed in a little way by <i>menial Servants,
+Chimney-Sweepers, Dustmen, Porters, Apprentices, Journeymen, Stable
+Boys, Itinerant Jews, and others</i>, from <i>Dwelling-Houses, Stables,
+Out-Houses, Warehouses, Shops, Founderies, Workshops, New Buildings,
+Public Houses</i>, and in short every other place where property is
+deposited; which may be specifically estimated and subdivided as
+follows:</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="center"><i>Tons.</i></td><td class="center">£.</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Articles new and old, of</td><td>iron and steel</td><td class="right">5000</td><td class="right">100,000</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&mdash;</td><td>brass</td><td class="right">1500</td><td class="right">150,000</td><td class="right">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&mdash;</td><td>copper</td><td class="right">1000</td><td class="right">120,000</td><td class="right">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&mdash;</td><td>lead</td><td class="right">2500</td><td class="right">50,000</td><td class="right">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&mdash;</td><td>pewter, solder, and tin</td><td class="right">300</td><td class="right">35,000</td><td class="right">&nbsp;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_610" id="Page_610">-610-</a></span></td></tr>
+<tr><td colspan="2">Pewter pots, stolen from 5204 Publicans</td><td class="right">500</td><td class="right"><a name="FNanchor_189_199" id="FNanchor_189_199"></a><a href="#Footnote_189_199" class="fnanchor">[189]</a>55,000</td><td class="right">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td colspan="2">Small articles of plate, china, glass ware, sadlery, harness, and other portable articles of house and table furniture, books, tea, sugar, soap, candles, liquors, &amp;c. &amp;c. &amp;c.</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="vabr">100,000</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td colspan="2">Piece-Goods from shops and warehouses, by servants, porters, &amp;c.</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="vabr">50,000</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td colspan="2">Wearing apparel, bed and table linen, &amp;c.</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="vabr">40,000</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td colspan="2">Silk, cotton, and worsted yarn, embezzled by Winders and others in Spitalfields, &amp;c. formerly 20,000<i>l.</i> a year, now supposed to be</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="vabr">10,000</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="rtl">&nbsp;</td><td class="right">£.710,000</td></tr>
+<tr><td colspan="4">2. <i>Thefts upon the River and Quays</i>,
+committed in a little way on board
+ships in the River Thames, whilst
+discharging their cargoes; and afterwards
+upon the Wharfs, Quays,
+and Warehouses, when the same
+are landing, weighing, and storing;
+by glutmen, lumpers, jobbers, labourers,
+porters, lightermen, boys
+called mudlarks, and others employed,
+or lurking about for
+plunder, <i>viz.</i><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_611" id="Page_611">-611-</a></span></td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td colspan="2">Raw sugars, rum, coffee, chocolate, pimento, ginger, cotton, dying woods, and every other article of West-India produce, estimated at the commencement of the Marine Police Establishment at 232,000<i>l.</i> a year; but now reduced to</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="vabr">50,000</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td colspan="2">East-India goods, and merchandize from Africa, the Mediterranean, America, the Baltic, the Continent of Europe, coasting trade, &amp;c. &amp;c. 274,000<i>l.</i> now reduced by the Marine Police Institution to</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="vabr">155,000</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td colspan="2">Ship stores and tackling, including cordage, sails, tar, pitch, tallow, provisions, &amp;c. taken from above 10,000 different vessels, estimated at 100,000<i>l.</i> but now reduced since the Establishment of the Marine Police, according to Estimate, to</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="vabr">45,000</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="rtl">&nbsp;</td><td class="right">£.250,000</td></tr>
+<tr><td colspan="4">3. <i>Thefts and Frauds</i> committed in his Majesty's Dock-yards and other public Repositories, situated on the River Thames; including the plunder, pillage, and frauds, by which public property (exclusive of metals) is embezzled in the said stores, and from ships of war. (Besides the frauds, plunder and pillage, in the Dock-yards, and from ships of war at Chatham, Portsmouth, Ply<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_612" id="Page_612">-612-</a></span>mouth, &amp;c. at all times enormous, but especially in time of war; when public property is unavoidably most exposed, equal at least to 700,000<i>l.</i> a year more:) making in all, one million sterling, at least; but reduced by the Marine Police from 300,000<i>l.</i> to</td><td class="vabr">200,000</td></tr>
+<tr><td colspan="4">4. <i>Depredations</i> committed by means of burglaries, highway robberies, and other more atrocious thefts, viz.</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td colspan="2"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">1. Burglaries by Housebreakers, in plate, and other articles</span></td><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="vabr">100,000</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td colspan="2"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">2. Highway Robberies, in money, watches, bank-notes, &amp;c.</span></td><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="vabr">55,000</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td colspan="2"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">3. Private stealing, and picking of pockets, &amp;c.</span></td><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="vabr">25,000</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td colspan="2"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">4. Stealing horses, cattle, sheep, poultry, corn, provender, potatoes, turnips, vegetables, fruit, &amp;c. in London and the Vicinity</span></td><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="vabr">100,000</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="rtl">&nbsp;</td><td class="right">£.280,000</td></tr>
+<tr><td colspan="4">5. <i>Frauds</i> by the coinage and recolouring of base money, counterfeited of the similitude of the current gold, silver and copper coin of the Realm</td><td class="vabr">310,000</td></tr>
+<tr><td colspan="4">6. <i>Frauds</i> by counterfeiting bank notes, public securities, powers of attorney, bonds, bills, and notes; by swindling, cheating and obtaining money and goods by false pretences, &amp;c. &amp;c.</td><td class="vabr">250,000</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="rtl">£.2,000,000</td></tr>
+</table>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_613" id="Page_613">-613-</a></span></p>
+
+<h3><span class="gesperrt">RECAPITULATION.</span></h3>
+
+<table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="recapitulation">
+<tr><td>1. Small Thefts</td><td class="right">£.710,000</td></tr>
+<tr><td>2. Thefts upon the Rivers and Quays</td><td class="right">250,000</td></tr>
+<tr><td>3. Thefts in the Dock-yards, &amp;c. in the Thames</td><td class="right">200,000</td></tr>
+<tr><td>4. Burglaries, Highway-Robberies, &amp;c. &amp;c.</td><td class="right">280,000</td></tr>
+<tr><td>5. Coining base Money</td><td class="right">310,000</td></tr>
+<tr><td>6. Forging Bills, Swindling, &amp;c.</td><td class="right">250,000</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Total</td><td class="rtbl"><a name="FNanchor_190_200" id="FNanchor_190_200"></a><a href="#Footnote_190_200" class="fnanchor">[190]</a>£.2,000,000</td></tr>
+</table>
+
+<p>The foregoing Estimate, grounded on the best information that can be
+procured, exhibits a melancholy picture of the general depravity which
+prevails; and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_614" id="Page_614">-614-</a></span> which is heightened in a considerable degree by the
+reflection, that among the perpetrators of the crimes there
+particularized, are to be numbered persons, who from their rank and
+situation in life would scarcely be suspected of either committing or
+conniving at frauds, for the purpose of enriching themselves at the
+expence of the Nation.</p>
+
+<p>Avarice is ever an eager, though not always a clear sighted passion;
+and when gratified at the price of violating the soundest principles
+of honesty and justice, a sting must remain behind, which no affluence
+can banish,&mdash;no pecuniary gratification alleviate.</p>
+
+<p>In contemplating these strong features of degraded Humanity, it cannot
+escape the observant Reader, how small a part of the annual
+depredations upon public and private property is to be placed to the
+account of those Criminals who alone attract notice, from the force
+and violence they use; and to whose charge the whole of the
+inconveniences felt by the Public, is generally laid, namely, <i>common
+thieves and pick-pockets; highway-men and foot-pad robbers</i>.&mdash;But for
+this Estimate, it could not have been believed how large a share of
+the property annually plundered, stolen, embezzled, or acquired in a
+thousand different ways, by means <i>unlawful</i>, <i>unjust</i>, and <i>immoral</i>,
+in this great Metropolis, is acquired by Criminals of other
+descriptions; whose extensive ravages on property are the more
+dangerous, in proportion to the secrecy with which they are conducted.</p>
+
+<p>Next to the evils which are experienced by the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_615" id="Page_615">-615-</a></span> general corruption of
+morals, and by the actual depredations upon public and private
+property as now brought under the review of the Reader, by means of a
+summary detail, it has been shewn, in the course of this Work, that
+many pressures arise from the defects in the Laws relative to the
+detection, trial, and conviction of Offenders, from the want of an
+improved System respecting Constables, and particularly from the
+deficiency of Jurisdiction in the City and Police Magistrates,&mdash;the
+want of Funds to remunerate Officers of Justice, and to reward
+Watchmen, Patroles, and Beadles, who may act meritoriously in
+apprehending Delinquents; and lastly, in the trial of Criminals, for
+want of a general <i>Prosecutor for the Crown</i>, to attend to the Public
+interest, and to prevent those Frauds (in suborning evidence, and in
+compounding Felonies,) whereby many of the most abandoned are let
+loose upon Society, while those who are novices in crimes are often
+punished.</p>
+
+<p>The next stated in the class of evils is, that which arises from the
+Laws as they now stand, relative to <i>Punishments</i>.&mdash;Their extreme
+severity, in rendering such a multitude of Crimes capital, which
+Juries can never be made to believe are of that nature, in point of
+actual atrocity, has proved a very serious misfortune to the Country,
+in the administration of criminal Justice.&mdash;Because the punishment is
+too severe, it frequently happens that the Delinquent is sent back
+upon Society, encouraged to renew his depredations upon the Public by
+his having escaped (although guilty) without any chastisement at all.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_616" id="Page_616">-616-</a></span></p>
+
+<p>It is unquestionably true, and little doubt will be entertained by any
+who attentively examine this Work, that the dread of severe
+punishment, in the manner the Law is executed at present, has not the
+least effect in deterring hardened Offenders from the commission of
+Crimes.</p>
+
+<p>An opinion seems to have been formed, that Crimes were to be prevented
+by the severity of the punishment. That this opinion has been
+erroneous seems to be proved by incontestable evidence adduced in
+various parts of this Work; and elucidated by a variety of reasoning,
+which it is hoped cannot fail to bring conviction to the mind of every
+Reader, who will bestow time in the investigation of a subject of so
+much importance to Society.</p>
+
+<p>Last, in the enumeration of the evils detailed, are those deficiencies
+and imperfections, which arise from the <i>Police System</i>; as explained
+in the <a href="#CHAP_XVI">16th</a> and <a href="#CHAP_XVII">17th</a> Chapters.&mdash;A variety of inconveniences, it
+appears, originate from this source; and reasons are adduced to
+demonstrate that the National Security, and Prosperity, are more
+dependant on a well-regulated and correct System of Police, than has
+been generally supposed; and that the adoption of the Plan of Police,
+explained in the <a href="#CHAP_XVIII">18th Chapter</a>, and recommended by the Select Committee
+on Finance, would prove an inestimable blessing to the Country.</p>
+
+<p>Having thus briefly glanced at the Evils, detailed in this Work, it
+now becomes necessary to lay before the Reader a similar collected
+view of <span class="smcap">The Remedies</span>.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_617" id="Page_617">-617-</a></span></p>
+
+<p>In accomplishing this object, while the Author ventures to indulge a
+hope that these which have been suggested, or at least a part of them,
+may be brought in due time, under the consideration of the
+Legislature, for the purpose of being enacted into Laws, or otherwise
+carried into effect; they are now presented to the Reader under the
+following heads, <i>viz.</i></p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p>I. <span class="smcap">The Prevention of the present Corruption of Morals</span>; as originating
+from ill-regulated Public Houses, Tea Gardens, Theatres, and other
+places of Public Amusement; indecent Publications;
+Ballad-Singers&mdash;Female Prostitution&mdash;Servants out of Place&mdash;The
+Lottery; Gaming&mdash;Indigence, and various other causes.</p>
+
+<p>II. <span class="smcap">The Prevention of Offences</span>; and first of those denominated
+<i>Misdemeanors</i>; such as Cheating and Swindling; Robbing Orchards;
+Petty Assaults, and Perjury.&mdash;Next of Counterfeit Coinage; River
+Plunder; Plunder in Dock-yards, &amp;c. Lastly, of the Prevention of
+Crimes in general, under <i>twelve</i> different heads, specifying the
+Remedies proposed on this subject in the course of the Work.</p>
+
+<p>III. <span class="smcap">Amendment of the existing Laws</span>; respecting the obtaining <i>Goods</i>
+and <i>Chattles</i> under false
+pretences&mdash;Pawnbrokers&mdash;Forgeries&mdash;Receiving Stolen
+Goods&mdash;Arson&mdash;Lodgers&mdash;Registering Lodging Houses&mdash;Plunder on
+Houses&mdash;Gypsies&mdash;Milk&mdash;Speedy Trial of Offences committed within five
+Miles of the Metropolis&mdash;Imprisonment for Debt, and Recovery of Debts
+under 50<i>l.</i></p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Concluding Observations</span>.</p>
+</div>
+
+<hr class="med" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_618" id="Page_618">-618-</a></span></p>
+
+<h3>SUMMARY VIEW<br />
+<br />
+<span class="msm">OF THE</span><br />
+<br />
+<span class="gesperrt"><i>REMEDIES PROPOSED.</i></span></h3>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">The</span> First Step to all improvements in Civil Society is that which
+relates to the <i>Morals of the People</i>.&mdash;While in the higher and middle
+ranks of life a vast portion of Virtue and Philanthropy is manifested,
+perhaps in a greater degree than is to be found in any Country or
+Nation in the World, it is much to be lamented, that among the lower
+Classes a species of profligacy and improvidence prevails, which as it
+applies to the Metropolis of the Empire, is certainly not exceeded in
+any other Capital in Europe.&mdash;To this source may be traced the great
+extent and increasing multiplication of Crimes, insensibly generating
+evils calculated, ultimately, to sap the foundation of the State.</p>
+
+<p>The grand object, therefore, must be to devise means for the purpose
+of checking, and gradually preventing the evils arising from the</p>
+
+
+<h4 class="bl">Corruption of Morals.</h4>
+
+<p>To effect so valuable a purpose to the Community at large&mdash;to render
+the labour of the lower orders of the people more productive to
+themselves, and more beneficial to the Nation, recourse must be had to
+that superintending System of <i>preventive Police</i> which has been
+recommended generally by the Select Committee of the House of Commons,
+and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_619" id="Page_619">-619-</a></span> which has been particularly detailed in the <a href="#CHAP_XVIII">18th Chapter</a> of this
+Treatise.</p>
+
+<p>It is thus by giving Police its true and genuine character, and
+divesting it of those judicial functions which are the province of
+Magistrates alone, that a proper line will be drawn between
+<i>Prevention</i>, and those proceedings which lead to <i>Punishment</i> after
+an offence is actually committed. It is through this medium also that
+a change is to be effected in the Morals of the People, calculated to
+abridge the number of acts of delinquency, and to lead the
+perpetrators gradually into the walks of innocence, sobriety, and
+industry.&mdash;One of the first steps towards the attainment of these
+objects will be a Systematic attention to</p>
+
+<h5><span class="smcap">Public-Houses.</span></h5>
+
+<p>In the <a href="#CHAP_XI">eleventh Chapter</a> of this Work, the progress of the corruption
+of Morals through this medium, from the Infant to the Adult, is
+brought under the review of the Reader; and it is considered as of the
+highest importance that general and apposite rules for the proper
+conduct of those houses, now the haunts of vice and profligacy, should
+be formed and recommended by a Board of Police to the Magistrates
+acting in all the Licensing Divisions of the Country. The benefits
+arising from an uniform and well-digested System might thus be
+extended throughout the Country: and an accurate and permanent
+administration of this branch of Police secured, thro' the medium of a
+general <i>Center</i>, where responsibility<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_620" id="Page_620">-620-</a></span> should rest, and from which
+the Licensing Magistrates should receive <i>information</i>, <i>assistance</i>,
+and <i>support</i>, in whatever related to the proper regulation of
+Alehouses, particularly in the Metropolis and the surrounding
+Counties.</p>
+
+<p>Regular reports of the number of these Alehouses in each Licensing
+District in proportion to the extent of population; and details of the
+effects produced by an adherence to the general Rules which may be
+prescribed, would lead to new and useful suggestions which must
+ultimately give a favourable turn to the manners of the lower classes
+of the people, not only with respect to the diminution of Crimes, but
+also with regard to their domestic Comforts.&mdash;They would be rendered
+more independent of Parochial aid; and above all, the education and
+habits of the rising generation would be easily
+improved&mdash;<i>Apprentices</i> thus secured against the evil examples of
+which young minds are but too susceptible, would enter upon life with
+dispositions differently formed, and with that sort of bias which
+stimulates to industry and virtue, instead of idleness, profligacy,
+and vice.&mdash;In this, as in many other instances, the happiness and
+virtue of the individual are intimately combined with the best
+interests of the state.</p>
+
+<p>Such prudent and discreet regulations would have a general tendency to
+make Public-houses what they were originally intended to be by the
+Legislature&mdash;<i>Places of mere refreshment</i>, and not haunts of idleness
+as at present.&mdash;The resource now afforded<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_621" id="Page_621">-621-</a></span> by them to actual
+<i>Thieves</i>, <i>Burglars</i>, <i>Pickpockets</i>, <i>Highwaymen</i>, <i>Swindlers</i>,
+<i>Cheats</i>, <i>Gamblers</i>, and <i>Dealers</i> in <i>Counterfeit Money</i>, would not
+only be cut off, but those who have been accustomed to resort to these
+Houses from the temporary want of employment:&mdash;such as persons broke
+down by misfortune and indiscretion&mdash;servants out of place, and
+strangers resorting to the Metropolis, would no longer be assailed by
+those temptations which contribute in so great a degree to recruit the
+gangs of Criminal Depredators. Nothing but a well-regulated Police,
+under a proper System of Controul, can remedy those evils arising from
+Public-houses, and it is earnestly to be hoped, that the Functions
+proposed to be exercised by the Central Board of Police would effect
+this valuable purpose.</p>
+
+<h5><span class="smcap">Public Gardens.</span></h5>
+
+<p>The corruption of Morals has been in a considerable degree promoted,
+not only by the assemblage of lewd and debauched company who have of
+late years crowded to Public Gardens; but also by the unrestrained
+Licence which has been permitted in these places of amusement.&mdash;This
+circumstance has not only called upon the Magistrates to refuse the
+renewal of the Licenses to several of the Occupiers, Lessees, and
+Proprietors, but it has precluded the more decent and respectable part
+of the Public in the middle walks of life, from what might, under
+proper regulations, be considered as an innocent and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_622" id="Page_622">-622-</a></span> a desirable
+recreation for the Inhabitants of an overgrown Metropolis.&mdash;Most of
+the remaining Public Gardens have of late years fallen into disrepute,
+to the injury of the Proprietors, who, under the present deficient
+System of Police, have no means of protecting themselves against the
+consequences of those irregularities which operate powerfully in
+diminishing the number of visitors, upon which their emolument
+depends.</p>
+
+<p>While profligate and debauched characters of both Sexes find not only
+an easy access to these places of amusement, but also have permission
+to insult Public Morals, by doing violence to the rules of decency and
+decorum; it is evident that they must gradually cease to be desirable
+as a recreation to the virtuous part of the Community; and there
+appears to be no remedy but by means of <i>Police regulations</i>,
+prescribing proper rules, with Officers appointed by the Central
+Board, for the purpose of carrying them into effect.<a name="FNanchor_191_201" id="FNanchor_191_201"></a><a href="#Footnote_191_201" class="fnanchor">[191]</a> Indeed, if
+such places of resort were licensed only by the proposed Central
+Board, it might be productive of the greatest advantages; and they
+might be a fair Source of Revenue for Police purposes, to a certain
+moderate extent.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_623" id="Page_623">-623-</a></span></p>
+
+<h5><span class="smcap">Places of Public Amusement licensed by Magistrates.</span></h5>
+
+<p>The general concourse of loose and immoral characters of both Sexes
+who frequent the Summer Exhibitions, and the irregularities which are
+unavoidable under such circumstances, tend in no small degree to the
+corruption of Morals; and while it is admitted that such amusements
+are necessary in great Communities, it is of the utmost importance
+that they should not only be regulated by the Police, with respect to
+the nature of the <i>Spectacle</i> or <i>Exhibition</i>, so as clearly to
+ascertain that it has no immoral tendency<a name="FNanchor_192_202" id="FNanchor_192_202"></a><a href="#Footnote_192_202" class="fnanchor">[192]</a>, but also that the
+utmost decorum should be preserved by means of proper Officers acting
+under the proposed Central Board.&mdash;This becomes the more important, as
+a large proportion of the frequenters of these places of amusement are
+of the middle and inferior ranks of life, and many of them very young
+and susceptible of loose impressions, which renders it highly
+necessary that authority should be vested only in the responsible
+Board of Police, to grant or to refuse Licenses: to which a moderate
+Revenue might be attached to defray the expence of a regulating
+System.</p>
+
+<h5><span class="smcap">The Theatres.</span></h5>
+
+<p>Without entering upon a discussion how far many of the Theatrical
+Exhibitions which are brought for<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_624" id="Page_624">-624-</a></span>ward tend to improve, or to injure
+the Morals of the People&mdash;it is, at least, evident that the
+unrestrained License which is permitted to Males and Females in the
+walks of Prostitution in the Lobbies, and even in the Boxes of the
+Playhouses, and the indecent behaviour and unbecoming language which
+is frequently uttered in the view and hearing of the respectable part
+of the Community who frequent these places of resort, with the younger
+branches of their families, must tend in no inconsiderable degree to
+the corruption of Morals.<a name="FNanchor_193_203" id="FNanchor_193_203"></a><a href="#Footnote_193_203" class="fnanchor">[193]</a> It is, therefore, suggested that a
+Police, applicable to this object, should be formed by the proposed
+Central Board; and also for the purpose of effectually securing the
+Public against the attacks and depredations of the hordes of
+Pickpockets who infest the avenues of the Theatres, and have long been
+a reproach to the Police of the Metropolis.</p>
+
+<h5><span class="smcap">Immoral and Indecent Publications, and Prints.</span></h5>
+
+<p>Nothing can exhibit in a stronger point of view the deficiency of the
+Police System than the number of immoral Books which are published and
+circulated, and the indecent Prints which are exhibited and sold in
+the various streets of the Metropolis, all tending in no
+inconsiderable degree to the corruption of Morals.&mdash;Let it once become
+a part of the Functions of the proposed Board of Police to take
+cognizance of these abuses, and they will<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_625" id="Page_625">-625-</a></span> soon cease to convey that
+poison to young minds, which ultimately leads to dissolute manners and
+loose conduct in the general intercourse of life.</p>
+
+<h5><span class="smcap">Ballad-Singers.</span></h5>
+
+<p>Since it has never been possible, under the existing Laws, to suppress
+the herd of Ballad-Singers which are to be found in such multitudes in
+every part of the Metropolis, and, indeed, in all the large Towns in
+the Kingdom: and which at present are under the controul of a very
+feeble Police, which does not, and indeed cannot, restrain effectually
+the immoral, and often seditious tendency of the Songs sung to the
+listening multitude&mdash;Why might not this lowest cast of amusement be
+turned to good purposes, tending to counteract and prevent the
+corruption of Morals, which are at present generated through this
+medium? Under a responsible Board of Police such an object is
+certainly attainable<a name="FNanchor_194_204" id="FNanchor_194_204"></a><a href="#Footnote_194_204" class="fnanchor">[194]</a> and the present state of things points out
+the policy and necessity of carrying it into effect.</p>
+
+<h5><span class="smcap">Female Seduction.</span></h5>
+
+<p>In contemplating the excessive evils, and the dreadful consequences
+which result from Female Seduction, whether it applies to married or
+single women,<a name="FNanchor_195_205" id="FNanchor_195_205"></a><a href="#Footnote_195_205" class="fnanchor">[195]</a> it would seem to be a matter of astonishment that
+no punishment has been inflicted by the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_626" id="Page_626">-626-</a></span> criminal Law, by which the
+destroyers of innocence, and of the peace of families, could be held
+up as public examples of infamy.&mdash;A corporal punishment, accompanied
+with circumstances of obloquy and disgrace, is certainly not too
+severe where a delinquent plunges a Female (whether married or single)
+into a situation, in most instances, worse than death itself; since
+when abandoned by her Seducer, she is not only exposed to the reproach
+and contumely of the World, but subjected to herd with the phalanx of
+Prostitutes who contribute so much to the corruption of Morals, and
+where the miserable victim may be said to die, perhaps, <i>a thousand
+deaths</i> before her actual dissolution.&mdash;Surely an offence producing
+such dreadful consequences should, as a mean of prevention, be marked
+not only as an object of <i>Criminal Punishment</i>, but of <i>pecuniary
+retribution</i> to <i>the injured party</i>.&mdash;Were such a law in force, the
+numerous instances of Female Seduction would be greatly diminished;
+while the injured woman, under such unhappy circumstances, might,
+after the Conviction of a Jury, have a fair prospect of being again
+restored to her friends, and, perhaps, to Society.</p>
+
+<h5><span class="smcap">Female Prostitution.</span></h5>
+
+<p>In the <a href="#CHAP_XII">12th Chapter</a> of this Treatise,<a name="FNanchor_196_206" id="FNanchor_196_206"></a><a href="#Footnote_196_206" class="fnanchor">[196]</a> a general view is given of
+the shocking corruption of Morals, which is generated by the vast
+increase of common<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_627" id="Page_627">-627-</a></span> Prostitutes in the Metropolis.&mdash;It now becomes
+necessary to explain the specific remedies which the Author had in
+view for the purpose of lessening this enormous and afflicting evil.</p>
+
+<p>Its magnitude, and the wrongs that result from it, are too vast and
+extensive to admit of any common remedy.&mdash;The excellent Institution of
+the Magdalen Hospital in the course of 40 years, has only been able to
+reform or reconcile to their friends 2,217, out of 3,250 who have been
+actually admitted within that period&mdash;and even some of these have
+relapsed into their former errors: though others, who have been
+discharged at their own request, have behaved well.</p>
+
+<p>But when a survey is taken of the aggregate number of unhappy women
+who have entered the walks of Prostitution within the last 40 years in
+the Metropolis, succeeding one another perhaps, every 13 years upon an
+average, it is probable that from 80 to 100,000 have passed through a
+miserable life, the irreclaimable victims to this debasing turpitude,
+without the means of rescuing themselves from a situation so pitiable
+and calamitous.</p>
+
+<p>The fact is, that the evil is of too great a magnitude to admit of a
+cure through the medium of private benevolence.&mdash;Relief without
+<i>reform</i>, and <i>reputable employment</i>, or reconciliation to relations,
+will do nothing towards a diminution of the evil.&mdash;It will require an
+extensive System and a corresponding expence, which can only be
+compassed by a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_628" id="Page_628">-628-</a></span> Police applicable to this particular object, aided by
+appropriate regulations.</p>
+
+<p>After the maturest consideration of the subject, the Author ventures
+to offer the following Propositions as the most likely, in the first
+instance, to excite a desire in many of those unhappy women to alter
+their degrading course of life, and to facilitate their introduction
+into situations, where, through the medium of a reconciliation with
+their friends, or otherwise, at least a considerable part might be
+restored to Society who are lost at present; while, under the
+regulations hereafter proposed, the streets of the Metropolis will no
+longer hold out allurements to vice and debauchery, ruinous to the
+Morals of youth, and disgraceful to the Police of the Metropolis.</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>1st. It is proposed, with a view to prevent common
+Prostitutes from walking the streets to assail passengers,
+and promote the Seduction of Youth, that a Select Body of
+discreet Officers should be appointed, under the direction
+of the Central Board, who should apprehend all who can be
+clearly ascertained to be in pursuit of objects of
+Prostitution.&mdash;That each should be conveyed to their
+respective homes, and when the Landlord's name, or the
+person to whom they pay rent or lodging, is by that means
+ascertained; that such person's name and place of abode, and
+the names of his or her lodgers be registered, and a penalty
+of 10<i>s.</i> for the first, and an advance of 5<i>s.</i> more<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_629" id="Page_629">-629-</a></span> for
+every additional offence, be inflicted on each hirer of
+Board or Lodgings for every Female apprehended in the
+Streets, upon proper proof of an overt-act leading to
+Prostitution.</p>
+
+<p>In all cases where Prostitutes refuse to discover their real
+place of abode, they shall be detained in a house to be
+provided for their reception until such discovery be made.</p>
+
+<p>2d. That every male person who shall be proved to have made,
+or to have accepted, overtures from any Female walking the
+Streets, shall in like manner be apprehended, and shall give
+security for his appearance before a Magistrate next day, or
+be detained in the Watch-house, and shall, on conviction,
+forfeit and pay a penalty of <i>Twenty Shillings</i>.</p>
+
+<p>3d. That for the purpose of holding out encouragement to
+that class of unfortunate Females who have been abandoned by
+their Seducers, and whose minds are not yet debased by an
+indiscriminate intercourse of Prostitution; and also such
+others as may have friends likely to assist them, <i>Twelve</i>
+or more <i>sensible and discreet Matrons</i> shall be appointed,
+under the Board of Police, with a moderate Salary, and
+residing (with proper accommodation) in different parts of
+the Town, on whom it shall be incumbent to receive into
+their houses, and to provide a temporary residence for every
+unfortunate Female who may apply, for the purpose of stating
+her case, with a view to a recon<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_630" id="Page_630">-630-</a></span>ciliation with her friends,
+and to the exposure of her Seducer, as a check upon such
+acts of villainy hereafter.&mdash;That it shall be the duty of
+the Matron, after being mistress of the whole case, to open
+a negociation with the nearest relations or friends of the
+unfortunate Female, and to use every means to effect a
+reconciliation; or where that is found impracticable, to
+endeavour to procure her some reputable employment.</p>
+
+<p>And as an encouragement to such Matrons, to use all
+diligence in promoting the object in view, they shall be
+entituled to a certain premium from the Police funds,
+(independent of what private Societies of benevolent
+Individuals may be induced to bestow,) for every unfortunate
+Female who shall be thus rescued from the walks of
+Prostitution: to be paid at the end of 12 months, in case
+such Female shall then be in society with her relations, or
+in some reputable employment, and shall not have relapsed
+into her former course of life.&mdash;That these Matrons shall be
+distinguished for talents and humanity, and shall be capable
+of exercising such powers as could, in other instances, be
+employed to promote reconciliation with relations and
+friends; and also to devise employments by which the
+unfortunate persons, <i>ad interim</i>, under their care should
+be able to subsist, by taking in <i>Military Shirts</i>,
+<i>Slop-work</i>, and other branches of Female labour; to procure
+which, it is not doubted, but Societies of benevolent
+In<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_631" id="Page_631">-631-</a></span>dividuals would contribute their aid, so as to secure, at
+all times, the means of full employment for all the various
+applicants in succession.</p>
+
+<p>In so noble a work of humanity, especially when it is
+understood that the labour of the Matrons would be
+remunerated by such a moderate Salary, as might be an object
+to many deserving well-educated women, little doubt can be
+entertained of there being many Candidates for such
+Situations, who, from having no family, would be perfectly
+competent to the execution of so benevolent a design.</p>
+
+<p>4th. That with a view to the reformation of Prostitutes who
+have no relations or friends, or in cases where a
+reconciliation is hopeless, and who may be disposed to
+abandon their evil courses, <i>Houses of Industry</i> shall be
+provided in different parts of the Town, with large Kitchens
+for the purpose of preparing wholesome and nourishing food
+at a cheap rate, into which all who apply for an asylum will
+be received; on condition that a true and faithful account
+of the various circumstances of their lives shall be given,
+and that they agree not only to submit to the discipline of
+the Establishment, but also to perform such labour as shall
+be assigned them for their subsistence, lodging and apparel.
+That these <i>Houses of Industry</i> shall also be superintended
+by <i>discreet Matrons</i>, who shall receive a moderate Salary,
+and a certain portion of the profit, arising from the work
+done, and a premium<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_632" id="Page_632">-632-</a></span> for every Female restored to Society,
+or to their friends by their means; and in honest employment
+or living with relations, for the space of 12 months, in
+addition to such other premiums as benevolent Societies of
+Individuals may choose to bestow, in consequence of the
+impression made on their minds of the utility of such
+Establishments, and the success which may appear to attend
+them.</p>
+
+<p>5th. That all the laws now in being against Prostitution,
+and against the Keepers of Brothels, shall remain in full
+force; with this alteration only, that instead of proceeding
+against Offenders in the latter case, by the difficult,
+expensive, and circuitous mode of Presentment and
+Indictment, which has heretofore proved so ineffectual, the
+proceedings shall be <i>summary</i> before two Magistrates, as in
+Lottery and other offences, and the Delinquents if convicted
+shall be subject to immediate punishment.</p></div>
+
+<p>These are the regulations which the Author would humbly propose, as a
+<span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: means">mean</span> of preventing the disasters and
+miseries which arise from Seduction, and of diminishing the number of
+Prostitutes in this great Metropolis.&mdash;Perhaps, after the experiment
+is tried of the House of Industry, it might be expedient to convert
+the whole into a large Penitentiary House, where only unfortunate
+women should be admitted.&mdash;The suggestions which are now offered,
+appear<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_633" id="Page_633">-633-</a></span> to be not only easy with respect to their execution, but
+likely to be compassed at a moderate expence.&mdash;They are, however, to
+be considered as mere outlines of a practicable design, which should
+certainly precede the removal of the unfortunate Females from the
+Streets, as humanity points out the necessity of offering them
+asylums: since by suddenly abridging their present resources, however
+iniquitous and reprehensible they may be, without such asylums, it
+would certainly be the means of many of them perishing for want.</p>
+
+<p>The object to be attained is of vast importance; but it is too
+unwieldy for the efforts of private benevolence, and certainly cannot
+be accomplished through any other medium than that of <i>Public
+Institutions</i>, under the protection of a Superintending Police.</p>
+
+<h5><span class="smcap">Menial Servants.</span></h5>
+
+<p>Among the various evils, which, in the present state of Society, tend
+to the corruption of Morals, the state and condition of Menial
+Servants, Male and Female, are none of the least; particularly those
+who are out of place, and who swarm in multitudes, idle and
+unemployed, at all times in this great Metropolis.&mdash;This is chiefly to
+be attributed to the want of those legal restraints and punishments
+for improper behaviour, which apply to other classes of labourers.</p>
+
+<p>Such regulations, independent of infinite advantages<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_634" id="Page_634">-634-</a></span> which must, in
+other respects, arise to the Community, would be <i>an act of great
+humanity to the Individuals</i> who compose this class; since they would
+check, or in most instances prevent, those indiscretions which are the
+result of being under no controul, and by restraining the influence of
+ungovernable and ill-regulated passions, would produce that degree of
+steadiness which is the characteristic of a good Servant; and of
+course the constant disposition to shift about would not be felt,
+while they would be rescued from the vices which are generated at
+those intervals of idleness, when Servants, Male and Female, out of
+place, are exposed to every species of Seduction, till at length, by
+loss of character, they too frequently become Thieves and
+Prostitutes.<a name="FNanchor_197_207" id="FNanchor_197_207"></a><a href="#Footnote_197_207" class="fnanchor">[197]</a></p>
+
+<p>It would certainly promote in an eminent degree the cause of Morality,
+if the whole Laws respecting Servants of every description were
+revised, and accommodated in a greater degree to the present state of
+Society. Some of them might perhaps be stript of their severity; while
+the penalties or breaches of moral duty, and a refusal to fulfil a
+civil contract, or Conspiracies and Associations for mischievious
+purposes, ought certainly to apply to menial Servants, in the same
+manner as to Servants in Husbandry, Handicrafts and Labourers. A
+general exclusive Re<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_635" id="Page_635">-635-</a></span>gister of Servants out of place, under the
+inspection of an appropriate branch of the general Police System,
+would also have an excellent effect in bringing to light the evil
+pursuits of bad Servants; while it operated favourably to those who
+were deserving of confidence. Much might be done through this medium,
+favourable both to the interest of the Master and Servants; and this
+with many other benefits are to be attained, by means of a
+Superintending System of Police. In no other way can it be
+effected.<a name="FNanchor_198_208" id="FNanchor_198_208"></a><a href="#Footnote_198_208" class="fnanchor">[198]</a></p>
+
+<h5><span class="smcap">The Lottery.</span></h5>
+
+<p>In spite of the persevering efforts of Government, who incur a great
+annual expence<a name="FNanchor_199_209" id="FNanchor_199_209"></a><a href="#Footnote_199_209" class="fnanchor">[199]</a> for the purpose of restraining the baneful effects
+of illegal Insurances among the lower classes of the people, the evil
+still continues; <i>its consequences are lamentable</i>, for the delusion
+of this infatuation tends, in a very eminent degree, to the corruption
+of morals, producing scenes of distress, by which thousands suddenly
+descend from a state of comfort to extreme indigence.&mdash;In the <a href="#CHAP_VI">6th
+Chapter</a> of this Treatise, a general view is given of the effects of
+this contagion, and various remedies are proposed, which, under the
+conduct of a Board of Police, would certainly be effectual; while the
+Revenue drawn from the sale of Tickets<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_636" id="Page_636">-636-</a></span> might certainly be preserved.
+In the mean time, the following are suggested as useful expedients:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>1st. That in every Parish and District in the Metropolis,
+Masters, and heads of Families, should sign and publish an
+engagement to discharge all Servants who shall be concerned
+in Insurances in the Lottery; to be printed and hung up in
+every Servants' Hall and Kitchen, that none might pretend
+ignorance.</p>
+
+<p>2d. That all Members of Friendly Societies, should, by a
+regulation of their own, and enforced by Parliament, be
+excluded from the benefits of such Societies, on being
+convicted of any concern whatever in such Insurances.<a name="FNanchor_200_210" id="FNanchor_200_210"></a><a href="#Footnote_200_210" class="fnanchor">[200]</a></p></div>
+
+<h5><span class="smcap">Gaming.</span></h5>
+
+<p>The magnitude and extent of the pernicious propensity to Gaming have
+at all times proved a prolific source from whence has sprung an
+extensive corruption of morals. The reader is referred to the <a href="#CHAP_VI">6th
+Chapter</a> of this work for details, which will fully elucidate the
+baneful effects of this evil, in generating <i>Cheats, Swindlers and
+Sharpers of every description</i>. For the purpose of more effectually
+checking this mania, and the consequences which flow from it, it might
+be expedient to extend the Laws now in being respecting Lottery
+vagrants, <i>to the Proprietors or Keepers of Gaming-Houses, and also to
+the Waiters, Servants and Assistants, who, on being apprehended,
+should, on proper proof, be punished as<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_637" id="Page_637">-637-</a></span> rogues and vagabonds</i>.&mdash;It
+is, however, by the operation of the General Police System, that this
+and other evils are to be checked or remedied.</p>
+
+<h5><span class="smcap">The lower Classes of the Jews.</span></h5>
+
+<p>Nothing would be more desirable than the adoption of some effectual
+plan, through the medium of the opulent and respectable individuals of
+the Jewish persuasion, whether of the Dutch or Portuguese Synagogues,
+by which the lower classes, particularly of the German Jews, might be
+regularly trained to some useful employment, since their present
+pursuits not only tend, in an eminent degree, to the corruption of
+Morals, but also to the commission of Crimes; and under circumstances,
+where the necessity of the case imperiously calls for a remedy,
+Legislative regulations might be resorted to; which might not only
+better the condition of this miserable class of the community, by
+compelling parents to bind their children to some employment, but also
+render them useful, instead of being too generally noxious members of
+the Body Politic,<a name="FNanchor_201_211" id="FNanchor_201_211"></a><a href="#Footnote_201_211" class="fnanchor">[201]</a> from the idle and useless pursuits in which
+they are engaged.</p>
+
+<h5><span class="smcap">Indigence And Beggary.</span></h5>
+
+<p>The various causes which produce Indigence in the Metropolis,
+discoverable through the medium of Beggary or Idleness, tend, in an
+eminent degree, to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_638" id="Page_638">-638-</a></span> the corruption of Morals, and the consequent
+increase of Crimes.&mdash;In the <a href="#CHAP_XIII">13th Chapter</a> of this Treatise this subject
+is examined, and <i>a remedy proposed</i>, through the medium of a <i>Pauper
+Police</i>, for the purpose of examining into the circumstances of the
+numerous class of individuals who have no parochial settlements in the
+Metropolis, or perhaps in any part of England, and are, from that
+circumstance, denominated <i>Casual Poor</i>.&mdash;There could not be a greater
+act of humanity to these often afflicted, and sometimes oppressed
+individuals, or of greater utility to the Public at large, than the
+establishment of a System whereby the most deserving could be propt
+up, rescued from despondency, and enabled to help themselves; while by
+discriminating between the <i>virtuous</i> and <i>vicious</i> poor, a proper
+line might be drawn, and the streets of the Metropolis freed from the
+multitude of Beggars, without doing violence to humanity.<a name="FNanchor_202_212" id="FNanchor_202_212"></a><a href="#Footnote_202_212" class="fnanchor">[202]</a></p>
+
+<p>Various other causes might be assigned for the general corruption of
+Morals, which has in so great a degree increased the calendars of
+delinquency.&mdash;Among these might be mentioned <i>Smuggling</i>, or illicit
+Trade; the evil examples arising from an indiscriminate <i>mixture in
+Workhouses</i> and Prisons; the profligate examples of parents, and the
+want of religious and moral education, so universal among the children
+of the labouring people.&mdash;And the too<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_639" id="Page_639">-639-</a></span> frequent cohabitation without
+marriage among the lowest classes of the Community. These, like other
+evils, which have been more particularly detailed, are objects to
+which the proposed Police System would gradually attach, and through
+which preventive medium the Public are to expect those ameliorating
+designs, which are to secure the privileges of innocence, and better
+the condition of Society.</p>
+
+
+<h4 class="bl">Prevention of Offences.<br />
+<br />
+<span class="msm"><i>MISDEMEANORS</i>.</span></h4>
+
+<h5><span class="smcap">Cheating And Swindling.</span></h5>
+
+<p>The <a href="#CHAP_V">5th Chapter</a> of this Treatise developes the extensive mischiefs and
+evils which arise from the phalanx of Cheats and Swindlers who infest
+the Metropolis.&mdash;There appear to be two remedies, namely&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>1st. To look accurately at the evil in all its branches, and
+then to improve the two Statutes now in being<a name="FNanchor_203_213" id="FNanchor_203_213"></a><a href="#Footnote_203_213" class="fnanchor">[203]</a> by
+framing an act of Parliament that would include all the
+various cases which have been shown to have occurred, where
+the barrier of common honesty is broken down.&mdash;These cases
+are detailed from page <a href="#Page_115">115</a> to <a href="#Page_132">132</a>.</p>
+
+<p>2d. The Establishment of a Board of Police on the plan
+detailed in the <a href="#CHAP_XVIII">18th Chapter</a> of this Work, with functions
+calculated to check and prevent this evil, by giving to
+Police the full energy of the Law.</p></div>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_640" id="Page_640">-640-</a></span></p>
+
+<h5><span class="smcap">Stealing Fruit from Orchards, &amp;c.</span></h5>
+
+<p>This offence is only punishable by the act of 43 Eliz. c. 7. by
+compelling the party to refund the value of the fruit stolen, or in
+default suffer the punishment of whipping, which never takes place, as
+the small value of the fruit detected is always paid. It is probable
+at that early period Fruit was not a species of property of much
+consequence.&mdash;The case is, however, different at the present time, and
+surely it would not be thought too severe to place this offence on the
+same footing as stealing Cabbages, Turnips, &amp;c.</p>
+
+<h5><span class="smcap">Assault and Battery.</span></h5>
+
+<p>It would seem to be a great improvement in the Police, if Magistrates
+in Petty Sessions had a power finally to determine on offences
+denominated Assaults&mdash;Subject, however, to an appeal to the Quarter
+Sessions.&mdash;It would even be an act of humanity to the labouring
+people, who are often imprisoned from the time of the charge till the
+Sessions, when a confinement of a shorter duration might atone for the
+offence.&mdash;It would likewise save much trouble and expences to the
+parties, and the time and attention of Courts and Juries would not be
+wasted by matters extremely frivolous; but by which a certain expence
+is incurred, and a loss of valuable time to the parties, who are not
+seldom both in the wrong.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_641" id="Page_641">-641-</a></span></p>
+
+<h5><span class="smcap">Perjury.</span></h5>
+
+<p>This shocking offence, particularly prevalent among the inferior ranks
+in Society, is to be attributed in no small degree to the want of
+proper <i>solemnity</i> and previous explanation on the administration of
+oaths.&mdash;Nothing can exceed the unimpressive and careless manner which
+is in practice in calling upon witnesses to make <i>this solemn appeal
+to the Supreme Being</i>.&mdash;It would seem highly necessary that all oaths
+should be administered in the most impressive manner by the Judge, and
+that a form should be devised, calculated in the greatest possible
+degree, to impress upon the mind of the party a high sense of the
+obligation he or she has come under to speak the truth.</p>
+
+<p>On the whole, it may be asserted that nothing could tend to improve
+the Police of the Country and the Metropolis more than a general
+revision of the Laws respecting Misdemeanors, and particularly the Act
+of the 17 Geo. II. cap. 5. and subsequent Acts respecting vagrants,
+and rogues and vagabonds; so as to assimilate them in a greater degree
+to the present state of Society, and to render their execution more
+certain and beneficial to the Community.</p>
+
+<h5><span class="smcap">Prevention of the Coinage of Base Money.</span></h5>
+
+<p>In the <a href="#CHAP_VII">7th Chapter</a> of this Work, the various modes in practice, by
+which the Public is defrauded by the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_642" id="Page_642">-642-</a></span> coining, fabricating, and
+colouring of Base Money are fully developed, and specific Remedies
+proposed from page <a href="#Page_195">195</a> to <a href="#Page_210">210</a>, to which the Reader is referred.</p>
+
+<p>A confident hope is entertained, that those Remedies will speedily be
+brought under the consideration of Parliament, in the form of a
+Bill.&mdash;If this should be passed into a Law, and accompanied by a new
+Coinage of Silver, and aided by the energy of an appropriate Police,
+little doubt can be entertained of the measure being effectual in
+securing the Public against the enormous evil of Counterfeit Coin.</p>
+
+<h5><span class="smcap">Prevention of Pillage and Plunder on the River Thames.</span></h5>
+
+<p>The <a href="#CHAP_VIII">8th Chapter</a> of this Treatise displays not only the immense
+importance of controlling the evil habits of aquatic labourers and
+others on the River Thames and in the Warehouses adjacent; but also
+the advantages to be expected <i>from a general Police System</i>;
+reasoning on the extensive success which has attended the partial
+experiment on the same principle <i>of vigilance</i> applied to this
+object.</p>
+
+<p>The extensive benefits which are known and acknowledged to have been
+derived from the <i>Marine Police</i> (even under all the disadvantages of
+a <i>Crippled System</i> and <i>Deficient Powers</i>) joined to a review of the
+state of the River <i>before</i> and <i>since</i> this important measure was
+adopted, afford the best proof that can be adduced of its utility; and
+also of the indispensable<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_643" id="Page_643">-643-</a></span> necessity, not only of immediately
+perfecting a System, by which the Commerce and Revenue of the Port of
+London have been in so great a degree secured; but also of extending
+the same beneficial designs, wherever the state of things require a
+similar antidote.</p>
+
+<p>It remains only for the Legislature to pass a Bill which has been
+prepared, grounded on more than a year's experience of the powers and
+regulations requisite for the purpose of giving full effect and
+permanency to this important Establishment, in order to secure to the
+Commerce and Revenue of the River Thames, those advantages which will
+arise from the Preservation of Property against the numerous and
+unexampled Depredations to which it was exposed; and the Revenue of
+the Crown from many frauds which arose not only from the loss of the
+Duties of Customs and Excise on goods plundered, but also from an
+extensive illicit trade, which has been controlled and prevented by
+the known vigilance of the River Guards, particularly during the
+night.</p>
+
+<p>If to those advantages shall be added an increase of Salaries to the
+inferior Officers of the Customs and Excise employed on the River, the
+renovated morals and improved habits of multitudes heretofore deeply
+implicated in a species of turpitude, hurtful in the extreme to the
+Public interest, will become no less a matter of triumph than
+advantage to the Government of the Country. Every individual
+concerned<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_644" id="Page_644">-644-</a></span> in the Commerce of the Port, will rejoice to see so useful
+an Institution supported and rendered permanent by that Legislative
+Aid, upon which its ultimate success must in a great measure depend.</p>
+
+<p>An evil of unexampled magnitude existed, for which an effectual remedy
+has been found:&mdash;not in <i>Speculation</i>, but proved in <i>Practice</i> to
+answer the purposes of <i>future security</i>.</p>
+
+<p>Let the Legislature, therefore, avail itself of the measures which are
+proposed, by which incalculable benefits will be extended both to the
+<i>Commerce</i>, <i>Revenue</i>, and <i>Police</i> of the Port of London, especially
+when strengthened and invigorated by a Central Board.</p>
+
+<h5><span class="smcap">Prevention of Plunder of Public Stores: in Ships of War, Dock-yards,
+&amp;c.</span></h5>
+
+<p>The collateral Influence of the Marine Police System, in checking in
+an eminent degree, the Embezzlements and Pillage of his Majesty's
+Stores in Ships and Public Arsenals, within the limits of its
+Jurisdiction, is the strongest proof which can be adduced of what may
+be expected by applying a similar System to all the Dock-yards in the
+Kingdom. In the <a href="#CHAP_IX">9th Chapter</a> of this Treatise, the <i>Evils</i> and the
+<i>Remedies</i> are so minutely detailed as to render a reference only
+necessary to pages <a href="#Page_264">264</a> to <a href="#Page_287">287</a>.&mdash;If the measures there suggested shall
+be adopted by the Legislature and the Lords of the Admiralty, little<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_645" id="Page_645">-645-</a></span>
+doubt can be entertained of complete success in securing the Public
+Property (<i>unparalleled in point of extent in any nation in the
+world</i>)<a name="FNanchor_204_214" id="FNanchor_204_214"></a><a href="#Footnote_204_214" class="fnanchor">[204]</a> against those Frauds and Depredations to which it has
+heretofore been exposed to a very large amount annually.</p>
+
+<h5><span class="smcap">Prevention of Crimes in general.</span></h5>
+
+<p>It has been demonstrated in the course of this Work, that the more
+atrocious offences of Highway and Footpad Robberies, Burglaries, and
+other acts of Felony<a name="FNanchor_205_215" id="FNanchor_205_215"></a><a href="#Footnote_205_215" class="fnanchor">[205]</a> may be greatly diminished, if not nearly
+annihilated by improved Laws and a responsible Agency, through the
+medium of a well-regulated Board of Police to carry those Laws into
+effect.</p>
+
+<p>It must, however, be obvious to the Reader, from what has been
+repeatedly stated, that it is not by any <i>single regulation</i>, nor by
+any portion of civil strength, however well it may be systematized,
+that this desirable object is to be effected.</p>
+
+<p>Success in any material degree is only to be expected from a
+<i>combination of the various controlling regulations which have been
+proposed, with a vigorous and energetic civil force</i>, and a correct
+and pointed execution of the Laws and Regulations, upon which the
+Preventive System is founded.&mdash;These <i>Regulations</i> may be summed up
+under the following heads:<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_646" id="Page_646">-646-</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>1st. The adoption of eight propositions contained in the
+<a href="#CHAP_X">10th Chapter</a>, pages <a href="#Page_303">303</a> to <a href="#Page_307">307</a>, relative to <i>the Receivers
+of Stolen Goods, &amp;c.</i></p>
+
+<p>2d. An improved mode of granting rewards to Officers of
+Justice and others, for meritorious services, in the
+detection and conviction of Offenders&mdash;as elucidated and
+explained in <a href="#CHAP_XIV">Chapter XIV.</a> pages <a href="#Page_390">390</a> to <a href="#Page_396">396</a>.</p>
+
+<p>3d. An improved and modernized System, with respect to
+Parochial Constables, so as to restore to the Community the
+original efficacy of this useful Institution&mdash;as explained
+in <a href="#CHAP_XIV">Chapter XIV.</a> pages <a href="#Page_401">401</a> to <a href="#Page_410">410</a>.</p>
+
+<p>4th. An improved System also, with respect to Watchmen and
+Patroles&mdash;with a view to render this branch of the Police
+<i>efficient</i>, and to insure to the Public, that vigilance and
+protection to which the expence they incur justly intitles
+them.</p>
+
+<p>5th. An extension of the Jurisdiction of the City
+Magistrates, over the whole of the Metropolis and the four
+adjoining Counties, and a power to Police Magistrates to
+issue Search Warrants, and to follow and apprehend persons
+charged with offences, who take shelter within the limits of
+the City of London&mdash;as explained in <a href="#CHAP_XIV">Chapter XIV.</a> pages <a href="#Page_418">418</a>
+to <a href="#Page_420">420</a>.</p>
+
+<p>6th. The appointment of a Prosecutor for the Crown to
+obviate the difficulties which occur at present in bringing
+Offenders to Justice; and which is elucidated and explained
+in the <a href="#CHAP_XV">15th Chapter</a>, particularly in pages <a href="#Page_426">426</a> to <a href="#Page_432">432</a>.</p>
+
+<p>7th. The Establishment of certain general Rules and
+Conditions, according to which the Royal Mercy might be
+extended to Offenders, on terms beneficial to themselves and
+to the Community&mdash;as explained in the <a href="#CHAP_XVI">16th Chapter</a>, pages
+<a href="#Page_450">450</a> to <a href="#Page_452">452</a>.</p>
+
+<p>8th. An improved System with respect to the Punishment of
+Convicts, by means of Penitentiary Establishments,
+calculated to insure the reformation of Felons, and to
+render this<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_647" id="Page_647">-647-</a></span> class useful afterwards to the Community&mdash;as
+explained in the <a href="#CHAP_XVI">16th Chapter</a>, pages <a href="#Page_481">481</a> to <a href="#Page_494">494</a>, and <a href="#Page_497">497</a> to
+<a href="#Page_500">500</a>.</p>
+
+<p>9th. General Rules laid down with respect to different modes
+of Punishment, under six heads, page <a href="#Page_495">495</a> to <a href="#Page_497">497</a>, with an
+immediate view to render them more useful in the Prevention
+of Crimes.</p>
+
+<p>10th. An improved System of Police, aided by competent
+Funds, and an extension of the Police Establishments, under
+the 32 Geo. III. (1792) to the City of London&mdash;as explained
+in <a href="#CHAP_XVII">Chap. XVII.</a> pages <a href="#Page_509">509</a> and <a href="#Page_514">514</a> to <a href="#Page_523">523</a>.</p>
+
+<p>11th. By the adoption of the General System of Police,
+recommended by the Select Committee of the House of Commons,
+and explained in <a href="#CHAP_XVIII">Chapter XVIII.</a>&mdash;By licensing and regulating
+certain dangerous and suspicious Trades therein specified;
+and by raising a Revenue for Police purposes, from persons
+who shall be thus controlled.&mdash;See pages <a href="#Page_536">536</a> to <a href="#Page_546">546</a>.</p>
+
+<p>12th. By the Establishment of a Board of Police Revenue, who
+shall exercise the specific Functions detailed and explained
+in <a href="#CHAP_XVIII">Chapter XVIII.</a> pages <a href="#Page_546">546</a> to <a href="#Page_559">559</a>: and finally, by an Act
+of Parliament, authorising such a system, the heads of which
+and the elucidating observations are also specified in pages
+<a href="#Page_560">560</a> to <a href="#Page_564">564</a>.</p></div>
+
+<p>Let these measures only be adopted by the Legislature, not by
+<i>piece-meal</i>, but <i>in the gross</i>; and little doubt need be entertained
+of the most beneficial effects being experienced by the innocent part
+of the Community, whose privileges will be extended, in proportion as
+the Licence which an imperfect Police afforded to Robberies,
+Burglaries, and other acts of violence on the person and property of
+the peaceful subject is abridged.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_648" id="Page_648">-648-</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The General Police, and the powers of making it effectual, will then
+be a charge committed to responsible Agents; whose duty it will be to
+penetrate into all its mazes, and to accomplish its purposes by a
+variety of Regulations, all tending to embarrass, and to render
+difficult and hazardous, the pursuits and operations of
+Criminals.&mdash;Experience will suggest modifications, which, aided by
+competent funds, must in a short time attain that point which shall
+establish <i>Security</i>.&mdash;But this is not all&mdash;Without taking large sums
+(as at present) from the Revenue of the Country, the effect of the
+System will unquestionably be, to add to its resources in the
+diminution of the enormous expence now incurred in the punishment of
+Convicts;<a name="FNanchor_206_216" id="FNanchor_206_216"></a><a href="#Footnote_206_216" class="fnanchor">[206]</a> and which still must continue a burden on the Finances
+of the Country, until the General Police System is fully (not
+partially) in activity.</p>
+
+<p>It will collaterally extend to every thing that can improve the Morals
+of the People, and better the condition of Human Life.&mdash;Its influence
+will be felt by giving vigour to the Systems proposed for checking all
+Misdemeanors, for securing Commercial Property, and also the Public
+Stores, from embezzlement and depredation; while the offences against
+the Mint Laws, under the new Regulations which are suggested, will
+tend much to the prevention of that enormous evil.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_649" id="Page_649">-649-</a></span></p>
+
+<h4 class="bl">Amendment of the Existing Laws.</h4>
+
+<p>When in addition to the adoption of the foregoing measures, further
+improvements shall be made in the Laws now in force, or perhaps a
+general consolidation of the whole Criminal Code be effected, so as to
+render the System more simple, and in a greater degree applicable to
+the attainment of the ends of Public Justice, great indeed will be the
+blessings conferred on the Metropolis, and on the Nation at large.</p>
+
+<p>The celebrated Lord Bacon denominated them almost two centuries ago,
+when they were much less voluminous, and infinitely more simple than
+at the present day&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"An heterogeneous mass, concocted too often on the spur of
+the occasion, and frequently without that degree of
+accuracy, which is the result of able and minute discussion,
+or a due attention to the revision of the existing Laws."</p></div>
+
+<p>But voluminous as they certainly are, many omissions are apparent,
+partly arising from the causes assigned by the able Lawyer whose
+strictures have been just quoted, and more particularly from the rapid
+changes, which Commerce and Property have made in the state of
+Society.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_650" id="Page_650">-650-</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Among these, the following have occurred to the Author as highly
+deserving attention.&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>1st. The Act of the 30 Geo. II. cap. 24. makes it a
+transportable Misdemeanor, to obtain <i>Goods</i> or <i>Chattels</i>
+by false pretences.&mdash;But as <i>Horses</i>, <i>Cattle</i>, <i>Poultry</i>,
+<i>Bank Notes</i>, <i>Bills of Exchange</i>, or <i>Notes of Hand</i>,
+although equally objects of Fraud, are not deemed in Law to
+be <i>Goods</i> or <i>Chattels</i>, offences of equal, if not of
+greater magnitude, are not within the meaning of the
+Statute, and hence appears the necessity of an Amendment.</p>
+
+<p>2d. The present Act relative to Pawnbrokers is extremely
+deficient, and not only in several important points
+ambiguous; but also inapplicable in a variety of instances
+to the general views of the Legislature, as they regard the
+security and interest of the Poor, while in others, perhaps
+unnecessary and useless restrictions are imposed on the
+Pawnbrokers themselves.</p>
+
+<p>3d. As the Laws respecting Forgeries now stand&mdash;the act of
+forging the Firm of a Commercial House, and obtaining goods
+on the Credit of such Firm, is only punishable as a
+Misdemeanor; although in this case this offence is of a
+tendency <i>the most dangerous that can be conceived</i>, in a
+Commercial Country, where (from the unbounded confidence
+which prevails) it is so easy to obtain credit.</p>
+
+<p>A case occurred and came under the cognizance of the Author
+in 1796, where a Swindler assuming the Firm of a respectable
+House in Bristol, ordered goods from Manchester to be sent
+to Portsmouth, where the person (committing the Forgery)
+stated, that one of the Partners meant to go to meet
+them.&mdash;Two parcels of goods were obtained by this device,
+and immediately sold at half the value by the Sharpers,
+which led to a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_651" id="Page_651">-651-</a></span> discovery, and enabled the Author to guard
+the unsuspecting Manufacturers in York and Lancashire,
+against the injuries they were likely to sustain, by the
+operation of a very complicated and artful conspiracy to rob
+them of their property to a great amount.</p>
+
+<p>4th. The Receiving of <i>Cash or Specie, Bank Notes, Bills of
+Exchange, or Notes of Hand, knowing the same to be stolen</i>,
+is not at present a Criminal Offence: In a Commercial
+Country where such offences may be productive of much evil
+to Society, Why should not the Law extend to every species
+of Property in the same manner as to Goods and Chattels?</p>
+
+<p>5th. Although Arson is considered (and justly so) as a high
+Criminal Offence, yet the offence of a person setting fire
+to his own house, with a view to defraud the Insurers, is
+considered only <i>a simple Misdemeanor</i>, and punished as
+such; and where a house at a distance from others is set on
+fire so as to occasion no danger to the neighbourhood, <i>it
+is not an Offence known in the Criminal Code</i>, even although
+it may appear to have been done for the purpose of
+defrauding the Insurers.</p>
+
+<p>With a view to the prevention of this very atrocious crime
+(of which there have been but too many instances of late
+years) it would seem right that it should be <i>clearly
+defined</i>; and that it would not be too severe to punish
+offenders by Transportation; since in all cases, where the
+fire extends to a neighbouring house the offence of Arson is
+committed, and the punishment is Death.</p>
+
+<p>6th. Much inconvenience is at present experienced from the
+circuitous and expensive process of Law, which must be
+resorted to for the purpose of removing bad and profligate
+<i>Lodgers</i>.&mdash;In cases of small concern, where the rent does
+not exceed a few shillings a week, it would be an act of
+great humanity to empower Magistrates to decide in a
+summary<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_652" id="Page_652">-652-</a></span> way.&mdash;It would check that spirit of litigation,
+which is the destruction of the Labouring People.</p>
+
+<p>7th. As a means of controlling many offences, which are
+generated by an assemblage of loose and immoral characters,
+who are constantly afloat in the Metropolis, <i>a General
+Register of Lodging-Houses</i>, would certainly be attended
+with very beneficial effects: and to use the language of the
+Select Committee of the House of Commons in their 28th
+Report, page 31,&mdash;would also "be a Regulation, which, if
+discreetly used, might probably afford the means of
+materially assisting both the Police and the Revenue."<a name="FNanchor_207_217" id="FNanchor_207_217"></a><a href="#Footnote_207_217" class="fnanchor">[207]</a></p>
+
+
+<p>8th. The extensive Plunder committed on the Farmers round
+the Metropolis, under the pretence of <i>Gleaning in Harvest</i>
+is a very serious evil, and calls aloud for a remedy.&mdash;The
+practice is pernicious and ruinous to the Morals of the
+Families of the Labouring People in every part of the
+Country, since through this medium children learn pilfering
+habits, before they know that it is a crime.</p>
+
+<p>A slight punishment on all who gleaned in any case previous
+to a complete removal of the corn or vegetables, and on
+every occasion, without first obtaining leave of the
+Proprietor, would prove a very salutary Regulation&mdash;for it
+appears that every Thief charged with stealing corn pretends
+it was obtained by <i>Gleaning</i>.</p>
+
+<p>9th. The existing Laws being found ineffectual in
+controlling the habits, and in turning into a course of
+useful industry the labour of the herds of Gypsies, who
+surround the Metropolis, and commit depredations in every
+part of the Country, it would be exceedingly desirable,<a name="FNanchor_208_218" id="FNanchor_208_218"></a><a href="#Footnote_208_218" class="fnanchor">[208]</a>
+both with respect to policy and humanity, to provide some
+effectual Legislative Remedy, since the idle, vagrant, and
+miserable life of this profligate community can be as little
+desirable to themselves as it is<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_653" id="Page_653">-653-</a></span> hurtful to the
+Public.&mdash;Compelling a residence which shall be <i>stationary</i>,
+and obliging them to bind out their children apprentices at
+a certain age, so as to incorporate them with the mass of
+the people, would certainly prove a very salutary
+Regulation.</p>
+
+<p>10th. The frauds and adulterations in the article of <i>Milk</i>
+sold in the Metropolis, as detailed in the <a href="#CHAP_III">3d Chapter</a> of
+this Work, pages <a href="#Page_89">89</a> to <a href="#Page_92">92</a>, seem to justify the interference
+of Parliament for the purpose of placing <i>Milk Dealers</i>
+under the inspection and controul of the Police: Here the
+injury is not merely confined to the frauds thus practised
+on the Public, but the healths of the Consumers are in some
+measure endangered from the infamous devices which are
+practised.</p>
+
+<p>11th. For the purpose of saving much unnecessary expence,
+and also to remove the inconvenience arising from the length
+of time, which frequently elapses before persons charged
+with offences, in Southwark, Greenwich, and the villages
+surrounding the Metropolis, make it lawful to try offences
+committed in Surry, Kent, and Essex, within five miles of
+the three Bridges, at the Justice Hall of the Old Bailey,
+which may be done before a Jury of the Vicinage, with great
+advantages to Public Justice, and without touching on the
+rights of the Accused.<a name="FNanchor_209_219" id="FNanchor_209_219"></a><a href="#Footnote_209_219" class="fnanchor">[209]</a></p>
+
+<p>12th. To establish certain Legislative Regulations, for the
+purpose of preserving the Morals of unfortunate unoffending
+families, by restoring to them such parents whose
+misfortunes and not their crimes, have doomed them to the
+horrors of perpetual Imprisonment.&mdash;And to establish
+arrangements for the improvement of what may be denominated
+<i>Civil Police</i>, by adopting inferior Tribunals for
+distributing Justice in all actions of Debt under 50<i>l.</i> for
+the purpose of reducing the present enormous expence, and
+extending relief to traders in general.<a name="FNanchor_210_220" id="FNanchor_210_220"></a><a href="#Footnote_210_220" class="fnanchor">[210]</a></p>
+</div>
+
+<hr class="med" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_654" id="Page_654">-654-</a></span></p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Thus</span> has the Author of this Work endeavoured to develope that infinite
+variety of crimes and misfortunes, which have been long felt and
+deplored as a pressure upon the innocent part of the Community.</p>
+
+<p>In travelling over so extensive a field, where almost every step is
+stained with turpitude and depravity, no little consolation is derived
+from being able thus to place upon record <i>practicable Remedies</i>,
+applicable to the chief part of the evils, which have been brought
+under the review of the Reader.</p>
+
+<p>Nor is it less a matter of gratification to the Writer of the
+preceding pages, than it must be satisfactory to the Public at large,
+to discover that the leading features of the whole improvements which
+he suggested in the preceding editions of this Work, <i>have attracted
+the notice, and received the sanction of the Select Committee of the
+House of Commons</i>.</p>
+
+<p>The conclusion which may naturally be drawn is, that the laborious
+efforts of the Author in bringing a new and interesting subject under
+the review of the Public have not been in vain; and that a confident
+hope may now be entertained that his humble endeavours, for the good
+of his Country, will ultimately produce arrangements <i>in the New
+Science of Police</i>, calculated to secure and protect the peaceful
+subject against injury, and to ameliorate the state and condition of
+Civil Society, particularly in this great Metropolis, by the adoption
+of such measures <i>as shall<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_655" id="Page_655">-655-</a></span> be conducive to the more effectual
+Prevention of Crimes:&mdash;by lessening the demand for Punishments:&mdash;by
+diminishing the expence and alleviating the burden of
+Prosecutions:&mdash;by turning the hearts and arresting the hands of evil
+doers: by forewarning the unwary, and preserving the untainted in
+purity</i>; thus attaching to Police its genuine preventive character,
+unmixed with those judicial powers which lead to Punishment, and
+properly belong to Magistracy alone.</p>
+
+
+<p class="centertp"><b>FINIS.</b></p>
+
+
+<p class="centertp"><span class="sm">[<i>Printed by H. Baldwin and Son, New Bridge-Street, London.</i>]</span></p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<h2><a name="INDEX" id="INDEX"></a><span class="gesperrt"><i>INDEX.</i></span></h2>
+
+<hr class="dbl1" />
+<hr class="dbl2" />
+
+<p class="notes"><i>Transcriber's Note:</i> The original index resembles a table of contents,
+with page numbers at the right margin; and for sequential page
+numbers, only the last digit or two is given, e.g., 504, 5. For
+clarity in this e-book, the page numbers immediately follow the
+entries, separated by a comma, and for sequential page numbers the
+full number is given.</p>
+
+
+<h3>A.</h3>
+
+<p>
+<i>Abstract</i> of the annual Imports into, and Exports from the Port of London (<i>table</i>), <a href="#Page_215">215</a>, <a href="#Page_216">216</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; of Persons committed, and discharged from Prisons in one year, an extraordinary document (<i>table</i>), <a href="#Page_430">430</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Account</i> of Pawnbrokers in the Metropolis, and the vast property in their houses belonging to the poor, <a href="#Page_110">110</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; of various descriptions of Cheats, <a href="#Page_123">123</a>, <a href="#Page_124">124</a>, <a href="#Page_125">125</a>, <a href="#Page_126">126</a>, <a href="#Page_127">127</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; of the number of Streets, Lanes, Houses and Families in the Metropolis, <a href="#Page_568">568</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; of the previous Plans and Arrangements of Thieves when a Robbery or Burglary is contemplated, <a href="#Page_291">291</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; of the usual Mode of proceeding to recover stolen property, <a href="#Page_383">383</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; of the Number of Persons engaged in fraudulent Lotteries, <a href="#Page_156">156</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; of the Trials at the Old Bailey in 1790 and 1791, <a href="#Page_394">394</a>, <a href="#Page_395">395</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; of ditto in 1793 and 1795, <a href="#Page_446">446</a>-<a href="#Page_448">448</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; of the Officers of Justice in the Metropolis, <a href="#Page_397">397</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; of the Watchmen and Patroles there, <a href="#Page_414">414</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; of the Magistrates there, <a href="#Page_398">398</a>, <a href="#Page_399">399</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; of the Criminal Courts there, <a href="#Page_428">428</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; of the specific Criminals punishable by Law, <a href="#Page_437">437</a>-<a href="#Page_444">444</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; of the Convicts in the Hulks, <a href="#Page_455">455</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; of the Names of the City and Police Magistrates, <a href="#Page_504">504</a>, <a href="#Page_505">505</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; of the Churches and other places of Worship in the Metropolis, <a href="#Page_568">568</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; of the Seminaries of Education in the Metropolis, <a href="#Page_569">569</a>, <a href="#Page_570">570</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; of the Societies for promoting Religion and Morality, <a href="#Page_570">570</a>, <a href="#Page_571">571</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; of the Societies for promoting the Arts, <a href="#Page_571">571</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; of the Asylums for the Indigent and Helpless, <a href="#Page_572">572</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; of the Hospitals for the Sick and for Pregnant Women in the Metropolis, <a href="#Page_573">573</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; of the Institutions for Charitable and Humane Purposes, <a href="#Page_574">574</a>, <a href="#Page_575">575</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; of the Charity annually distributed in the Metropolis estimated at £850,000 a year, <a href="#Page_357">357</a>, <a href="#Page_358">358</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; of the Courts for Civil and Criminal Justice in the Metropolis, <a href="#Page_577">577</a>-<a href="#Page_582">582</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; of the Prisons in the Metropolis, <i>ibid.</i><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; of the different Classes of Professional Men connected with the departments of the Law, about 7000 in all, <a href="#Page_583">583</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; of the Number of Writs issued in Middlesex in 1793, with an extraordinary statement of the Expences on small Law-suits, <a href="#Page_585">585</a>, <a href="#Page_586">586</a>, <a href="#Page_587">587</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Acquittals</i>, <i>See</i> <a href="#PRISONERS">Prisoners</a>.<br />
+<br />
+<i>Actions</i> at Law for small Debts, <a href="#Page_584">584</a>, <a href="#Page_587">587</a><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Expence enormous beyond all credibility, <i>ibid.</i></span><br />
+<br />
+<a name="Acts_of_Parliament" id="Acts_of_Parliament"></a><span class="smcap">Acts of Parliament</span> referred to in this Work.</p>
+
+<table style="width: 90%" border="0" cellpadding="10" cellspacing="0" summary="acts of parliament">
+<tr>
+<td colspan="2">2 Geo. 3. <i>c.</i> 28. for preventing Frauds by Persons navigating Bum-boats on the River Thames, <a href="#Page_237">237</a>, <i>n.</i>, <a href="#Page_269">269</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td style="width: 40%">31 Elizabeth, <i>c.</i> 4<br />
+22 Charles 2d. <i>c.</i> 5<br />
+9 &amp; 10 William 3d. <i>c.</i> 41<br />
+1 George 1st. <i>stat.</i> 2. <i>c.</i> 25<br />
+9 George 1st. <i>c.</i> 8<br />
+17 Geo. 2d. <i>c.</i> 40<br />
+9 Geo. 3d. <i>c.</i> 35<br />
+12 Geo. 3d. <i>c.</i> 24</td>
+<td class="lb" style="width: 60%">Relative to the Protection of his Majesty's Stores, <a href="#Page_261">261</a>-<a href="#Page_263">263</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan="2">14 Geo. 3d. <i>c.</i> 90, for regulating the Westminster Watch, &amp;c., <a href="#Page_107">107</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>25 Edward 3d. <i>stat.</i> 5. <i>c.</i> 2<br />
+1 Mary, <i>stat.</i> 2. <i>c.</i> 6<br />
+1 &amp; 2 P. &amp; M. <i>c.</i> 11<br />
+5 Eliz. <i>c.</i> 11<br />
+14 Eliz. <i>c.</i> 3<br />
+18 Eliz. <i>c.</i> 1<br />
+7 William 3d. <i>c.</i> 3<br />
+8 &amp; 9 William 3d. <i>c.</i> 26<br />
+9 &amp; 10 William 3d. <i>c.</i> 21<br />
+7 Anne, <i>c.</i> 24, 25<br />
+15 &amp; 16 Geo. 2d. <i>c.</i> 28<br />
+11 Geo. 3d. <i>c.</i> 40<br />
+37 Geo. 3d. <i>c.</i> 126<br />
+38 Geo. 3d. <i>c.</i> 59-67<br />
+39 Geo. 3d. <i>c.</i> 75</td>
+<td class="lb">Relative to the Coinage and disposal of Base Money, <a href="#Page_192">192</a>, <a href="#Page_193">193</a>, <a href="#Page_194">194</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan="2">&nbsp;</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>33 Henry 8th. <i>c.</i> 1<br />
+30 Geo. 2d. <i>c.</i> 24</td>
+<td class="lb">Relative to Cheats and Swindlers, <a href="#Page_113">113</a>, <a href="#Page_114">114</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan="2">&nbsp;</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>9 Anne, <i>c.</i> 14<br />
+8 Geo. 1st. <i>c.</i> 2<br />
+12 Geo. 2d. <i>c.</i> 28</td>
+<td class="lb">Relative to Gaming, <a href="#Page_134">134</a>, <a href="#Page_135">135</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan="2">9 Geo. 2d. <i>c.</i> 5. relative to Fortune-tellers being punished by standing four times in the Pillory, <a href="#Page_130">130</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>3 &amp; 4 William 3d. <i>c.</i> 9<br />
+1 Anne, <i>c.</i> 9<br />
+5 Anne, <i>c.</i> 31<br />
+4 Geo. 1st. <i>c.</i> 11<br />
+29 Geo. 2d. <i>c.</i> 30<br />
+30 Geo. 2d. <i>c.</i> 24<br />
+2 Geo. 3d. <i>c.</i> 28<br />
+10 Geo. 3d. <i>c.</i> 48<br />
+21 Geo. 3d. <i>c.</i> 69<br />
+22 Geo. 3d. <i>c.</i> 58</td>
+<td class="lb">Relative to Receivers of Stolen Goods, <a href="#Page_298">298</a>-<a href="#Page_300">300</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan="2">&nbsp;</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>5 Edw. 3d. <i>c.</i> 14<br />
+34 Edw. 3d. <i>c.</i> 1</td>
+<td class="lb">Relative to the Office &amp; power of Constables, <a href="#Page_387">387</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan="2">8 Geo. 2d. <i>c.</i> 16. relative to Hue and Cry, <a href="#Page_389">389</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>4 William &amp; Mary, <i>c.</i> 8<br />
+6 &amp; 7 William &amp; Mary, <i>c.</i> 17<br />
+10 &amp; 11 William 3d. <i>c.</i> 23<br />
+5 Anne, <i>c.</i> 31<br />
+6 Geo. 1st. <i>c.</i> 23<br />
+3 Geo. 2d. <i>c.</i> 16<br />
+14 Geo. 2d. <i>c.</i> 6<br />
+15 Geo. 2d. <i>c.</i> 34<br />
+15 &amp; 16 Geo. 2d. <i>c.</i> 28<br />
+16 Geo. 2d. <i>c.</i> 15<br />
+3 Geo. 3d. <i>c.</i>15</td>
+<td class="lb">Relative to Rewards for apprehending different classes of offenders, <a href="#Page_390">390</a>-<a href="#Page_392">392</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan="2">25 Edward 3d. stat. 5. <i>c.</i> 2; 36 Geo. 3d. <i>c.</i> 7, relative to <i>High Treason</i>, <a href="#Page_38">38</a>, <a href="#Page_39">39</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan="2">25 Henry 8th. <i>c.</i> 6. Sodomy made capital, <a href="#Page_46">46</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan="2">18 Eliz. <i>c.</i> 7, Rape made capital, <a href="#Page_46">46</a>, <a href="#Page_47">47</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>3 Henry 7th. <i>c.</i> 2<br />
+39 Eliz. <i>c.</i> 9</td>
+<td class="lb">Forcible marriage and Defilement made capital, <a href="#Page_48">48</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan="2">&nbsp;</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>6 Henry 4th. <i>c.</i>5<br />
+22 &amp; 23 Charles 2d. <i>c.</i>2</td>
+<td class="lb">Mayhem or Maiming made capital, <a href="#Page_49">49</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan="2">35 George 3d. <i>c.</i> 67, Polygamy punished by Transportation, <i>ibid.</i></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan="2">King Athelstan's Law (anno 956) punished Theft with Death, if above the value of One Shilling, <a href="#Page_51">51</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan="2">9 Henry 1st. punished Theft with Death (anno 1108), <a href="#Page_52">52</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>
+23 Henry 8th. <i>c.</i> 1<br />
+1 Edw. 6th. <i>c.</i> 12<br />
+5 &amp; 6 Edw. 6. <i>c.</i> 9<br />
+39 Eliz. <i>c.</i>15<br />
+3 &amp; 4 William &amp; Mary, <i>c.</i> 9<br />
+10 &amp; 11 William 3d. <i>c.</i> 23<br />
+12 Anne, <i>stat.</i> 1 <i>c.</i> 7</td>
+<td class="lb">As to Felonies in Dwelling-Houses, <a href="#Page_54">54</a>, <a href="#Page_55">55</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan="2">&nbsp;</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>23 Henry 8th. <i>c.</i> 1<br />
+43 Eliz. <i>c.</i> 13<br />
+22 &amp; 23 Charles 2d. <i>c.</i> 7, 11<br />
+1 Geo. 1st. <i>c.</i> 48<br />
+4 George 1st. <i>c.</i> 12<br />
+9 &mdash;&mdash; 1st. <i>c.</i> 22<br />
+10 &mdash;&mdash; 2d. <i>c.</i> 32<br />
+27 &mdash;&mdash; 2d. <i>c.</i> 25<br />
+9 &mdash;&mdash; 3d. <i>c.</i> 21<br />
+12 &mdash;&mdash; 3d. <i>c.</i> 24</td>
+<td class="lb">Relative to Arson and Burning Houses, Barns, Corn, Underwood, Ships, &amp;c., <a href="#Page_56">56</a>, <a href="#Page_57">57</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan="2">&nbsp;</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>18 Eliz. <i>c.</i> 7<br />
+3 &amp; 4 William &amp; Mary, <i>c.</i> 9<br />
+12 Anne, <i>stat.</i> 1. <i>c.</i> 7</td>
+<td class="lb">Relative to Burglary, <a href="#Page_57">57</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan="2">&nbsp;</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>1 Edw. 6th. <i>c.</i> 12<br />
+21 Jac. 1st. <i>c.</i> 6<br />
+3 &amp; 4. William &amp; Mary, <i>c.</i> 9<br />
+4 &amp; 5 William and Mary, <i>c.</i> 24<br />
+5 Anne, <i>c.</i> 6</td>
+<td class="lb">Relative to the Benefit of Clergy, <a href="#Page_439">439</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan="2">4 Geo. 13. <i>c.</i> 11; 6 Geo. 1st. <i>c.</i> 23, legalizing Transportation to the Colonies, <a href="#Page_436">436</a>, <a href="#Page_437">437</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan="2">The same Statute appropriated the Services of Convicts, <a href="#Page_454">454</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan="2">16 Geo. 3d. first legalized the system of the Hulks, <a href="#Page_455">455</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan="2">16 Geo. 3d. <i>c.</i> 23, legalized Penitentiary Houses in Counties, <i>ibid.</i></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan="2">19 Geo. 3d. <i>c.</i> 74, legalized two National Penitentiary Houses, <a href="#Page_456">456</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan="2">24 Geo. 3d. <i>stat.</i> 2. <i>c.</i> 56, relative to Transportation and the Hulks, <a href="#Page_460">460</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan="2">27 Geo. 3d. <i>c.</i> 2; 30 Geo. 3d. <i>c.</i> 47, relative to New South Wales, <a href="#Page_462">462</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan="2">28 Geo. 3d. <i>c.</i> 24, contracts for Convicts, <i>ibid.</i></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan="2">2 Will. &amp; Mary, <i>c.</i> 8, relative to paving the Metropolis, <a href="#Page_592">592</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>10 Geo. 2d. <i>c.</i> 22<br />
+11 Geo. 3d. <i>c.</i> 29<br />
+14 Geo. 3d. <i>c.</i> 78<br />
+33 Geo. 3d. <i>c.</i> 75<br />
+34 Geo. 3d. <i>c.</i> 65&mdash;(<i>Watermen</i>),</td>
+<td class="lb">Relative to the Police of the City of London, <a href="#Page_592">592</a>-<a href="#Page_597">597</a></td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+<table style="width: 90%" border="0" cellpadding="10" cellspacing="0" summary="acts of parliament">
+<tr>
+<td style="width: 20%">27 Elizabeth<br />
+16 Chars. 1st.</td>
+<td class="lb" style="width: 20%">divided the City into Wards</td>
+<td class="lb" rowspan="2" style="width: 60%">Relative to the Police of London and Westminster, <a href="#Page_593">593</a>, <a href="#Page_594">594</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan="2">29 George 2d. <i>c.</i> 25<br />
+31 &mdash;&mdash; 2d. <i>c.</i> 17<br />
+2 &mdash;&mdash; 3d. <i>c.</i> 21<br />
+3 &mdash;&mdash; 3d. <i>c.</i> 23<br />
+5 &mdash;&mdash; 3d. <i>c.</i> 13 &amp; 50<br />
+11 &mdash;&mdash; 3d. <i>c.</i> 22<br />
+14 &mdash;&mdash; 3d. <i>c.</i> 90</td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+<table style="width: 90%" border="0" cellpadding="10" cellspacing="0" summary="acts of parliament">
+<tr>
+<td style="width: 40%">28 &mdash;&mdash; 2d. <i>c.</i> 9<br />
+6 &mdash;&mdash; 3d. <i>c.</i> 24</td>
+<td class="lb" style="width: 60%">Relative to the Police of Southwark, <a href="#Page_594">594</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan="2">&nbsp;</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>6 Henry 6th. <i>c.</i> 5<br />
+6 &mdash;&mdash; 8th. <i>c.</i> 10<br />
+23 &mdash;&mdash; 8th. <i>c.</i> 5<br />
+25 &mdash;&mdash; 8th. <i>c.</i> 10<br />
+3 &amp; 4 Edw. 6th. <i>c.</i> 8<br />
+1 Mary, <i>stat.</i> 3. <i>c.</i> 11<br />
+13 Eliz. <i>c.</i> 9<br />
+8 James, <i>c.</i> 14<br />
+7 Anne, <i>c.</i> 10</td>
+<td class="lb">Relative to the System of the Sewers, <a href="#Page_594">594</a>, <a href="#Page_595">595</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan="2">&nbsp;</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>9 Anne, <i>c.</i> 23<br />
+10 &mdash;&mdash; <i>c.</i> 19<br />
+12 &mdash;&mdash; <i>stat.</i> 1. <i>c.</i> 14<br />
+1 Geo. 1st. <i>c.</i> 57<br />
+12 &mdash;&mdash; 1st. <i>c.</i> 2<br />
+30 &mdash;&mdash; 2d. <i>c.</i> 22<br />
+4 &mdash;&mdash; 3d. <i>c.</i> 36<br />
+7 &mdash;&mdash; <i>c.</i> 44<br />
+10 &mdash;&mdash; <i>c.</i> 44<br />
+11 &mdash;&mdash; <i>c.</i> 24, 28<br />
+12 &mdash;&mdash; <i>c.</i> 49<br />
+24 &mdash;&mdash; <i>stat.</i> 2. <i>c.</i> 27<br />
+26 &mdash;&mdash; <i>c.</i> 72<br />
+32 &mdash;&mdash; <i>c.</i> 47<br />
+33 &mdash;&mdash; <i>c.</i> 75</td>
+<td class="lb">Relative to Hackney Coaches and Chairs, <a href="#Page_595">595</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan="2">&nbsp;</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>1 Geo. 1st. <i>c.</i> 57<br />
+18 &mdash;&mdash; 2d. <i>c.</i> 38<br />
+24 &mdash;&mdash; 2d. <i>c.</i> 43<br />
+30 &mdash;&mdash; 2d. <i>c.</i> 22<br />
+24 &mdash;&mdash; 3d. <i>c.</i> 27</td>
+<td class="lb">Relative to Carts and other Carriages in the Metropolis, <a href="#Page_596">596</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan="2">21 Geo. 3d. <i>c.</i> 57, relative to Bullock-hunting, <a href="#Page_597">597</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan="2">26 Geo. 3d. <i>c.</i> 71, as to Slaughtering Horses, <a href="#Page_104">104</a>, <i>n.</i></td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+<p><i>Adultery</i>, not in the Criminal Code, <a href="#Page_35">35</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Advertising</i> Bill-discounters and Money lenders to be regulated, <a href="#Page_118">118</a>, <a href="#Page_119">119</a><br />
+<br />
+<a name="Alehouses" id="Alehouses"></a><i>Alehouses</i>, a great source of Crimes and Nuisances when ill-regulated, <a href="#Page_85">85</a>, <a href="#Page_311">311</a>, &amp;c. <a href="#Page_324">324</a>, &amp;c.<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">In 5000 Alehouses within the Bills of Mortality upwards of £3,300,000 a year spent in Beer, Spirits, &amp;c., <a href="#Page_327">327</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Profligate Characters entrusted with Licences a source of much mischief, <a href="#Page_325">325</a>, <a href="#Page_326">326</a></span><br />
+<br />
+<i>Alfred</i>, His Laws relative to Murder, <a href="#Page_44">44</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Alton's</i> Liquid Test to detect counterfeit Gold and Silver Coin, <a href="#Page_180">180</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Ancestors.</i> Their Laws had an immediate reference to the prevention of Crimes, <a href="#Page_3">3</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Anecdotes</i>&mdash;Of an American Vessel plundered in the Thames in an extraordinary manner, <a href="#Page_219">219</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; of a Guinea Vessel plundered, <i>ibid.</i><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; of the plunder and imposition on a Canada Merchant, <a href="#Page_229">229</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; of an Officer of Justice, who discovered an instance of pillage in one of the dock-yards, <a href="#Page_283">283</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; Respecting the Lottery, the astonishing number of persons supported by fraudulent Insurances, <a href="#Page_156">156</a>, <i>n.</i><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; of the Jews in London, the extraordinary depravity of the lowest orders, <a href="#Page_148">148</a>-<a href="#Page_150">150</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; of the different Classes of Cheats, <a href="#Page_130">130</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; of a Robbery in the Drawing-room at St. James's, <a href="#Page_127">127</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; of a Female Money-lender to Barrow Women, <i>ibid.</i><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; of a Fortune-teller, <a href="#Page_129">129</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; of a Police Officer watching the house of a Receiver of Stolen Goods, <a href="#Page_306">306</a>, <i>n.</i><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; of a Jew who had committed a Rape, <a href="#Page_431">431</a>, <i>n.</i><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; of Sir Matthew Hale, <a href="#Page_432">432</a>, <i>n.</i><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; of the Justices of Chester, a singular circumstance, <a href="#Page_52">52</a>, <a href="#Page_53">53</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; of a respectable Magistrate of the City, <a href="#Page_513">513</a>, <i>n.</i><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; of Monsieur De Sartine Minister of the Police of Paris, an extraordinary circumstance, <a href="#Page_525">525</a>-<a href="#Page_530">530</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; of the Emperor Joseph the Second, <a href="#Page_527">527</a>, <a href="#Page_528">528</a>, <a href="#Page_529">529</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Apprentices</i> corrupted by Receivers of Stolen Goods, &amp;c., <a href="#Page_12">12</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; harboured in Public-houses, in Clubs for purposes of lewdness and debauchery, <a href="#Page_315">315</a>, <i>n.</i><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; Their immoral education, one cause of the origin of Crimes, <a href="#Page_314">314</a>-<a href="#Page_317">317</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; Neglect of superior Tradesmen in boarding Apprentices out of their houses, <a href="#Page_316">316</a>, <a href="#Page_317">317</a>, <i>n.</i><br />
+<br />
+<i>Arrests</i> for Felony, four modes practised, <a href="#Page_388">388</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; deficiency in the Law protecting Lottery vagrants and others from being arrested on Sundays, <a href="#Page_390">390</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Arson</i>, punished capitally, <a href="#Page_56">56</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Asylums</i>, an establishment recommended for discharged Convicts, <a href="#Page_99">99</a>, <a href="#Page_100">100</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; for the Indigent in the Metropolis, <a href="#Page_572">572</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; for Sick, Lame, and Diseased, <a href="#Page_573">573</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Athelstan's</i> Laws relating to Death, <a href="#Page_51">51</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Athenian</i> Laws relative to Murder, <a href="#Page_43">43</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Auctioneers</i> called <i>diurnal</i>, with Puffers, <a href="#Page_117">117</a></p>
+
+
+<h3>B.</h3>
+
+<p>
+<i>Bacon</i>, Lord&mdash;Suggested a revision of the Criminal Code, <a href="#Page_7">7</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Ballad Singers</i>&mdash;might, from an Evil, be made an advantage to Society, <a href="#Page_348">348</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Bank Notes</i> and Bills received, knowing the same to be stolen&mdash;not an offence by any existing Law, <a href="#Page_8">8</a>, <a href="#Page_114">114</a> <i>n.</i><br />
+<br />
+<i>Barkers</i> at Auctions, <a href="#Page_117">117</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Beadles</i> ought to be rewarded for useful public Services, <a href="#Page_415">415</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; The proper persons to apply to when nuisances are to be removed, <a href="#Page_598">598</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Beccaria</i>, Marquis, his opinion of Punishments, <a href="#Page_53">53</a>, <i>n.</i><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; his maxim relative to Pardons, <a href="#Page_449">449</a>, <i>n.</i><br />
+<br />
+<i>Beggars</i>, <i>See</i> <a href="#Poor">Poor</a>.<br />
+<br />
+<i>Benefit of Clergy</i> extended to all ranks, <a href="#Page_436">436</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Bentham</i> (Jeremy, Esq.) his proposal for a Penitentiary House for Convicts, and remarks thereon, <a href="#Page_481">481</a>-<a href="#Page_495">495</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Bill Discounters</i>, or Advertising Money-Lenders, <a href="#Page_118">118</a>, <a href="#Page_119">119</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Board of Police</i>, <i>See</i> <a href="#POLICE">Police</a>.<br />
+<br />
+<i>Bolton</i>, Matthew, Esq. of Birmingham, number of Penny Pieces supplied by him, <a href="#Page_186">186</a>, <i>n.</i><br />
+<br />
+<i>Botany Bay</i>, <i>See</i> <a href="#CONVICTS_NSW">Convicts, New South Wales</a>.<br />
+<br />
+<i>Brokers</i>, in pawns, to be registered, <a href="#Page_108">108</a>, <a href="#Page_304">304</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Building Materials</i>, dealers in, to be licenced, <a href="#Page_549">549</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Bullock-hunting</i>, the Laws relative to it, <a href="#Page_597">597</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Burglary</i>, not so frequent on the Continent as in England, <a href="#Page_94">94</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; by what classes of men committed, <a href="#Page_95">95</a>, <a href="#Page_96">96</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; systematically planned and executed, <a href="#Page_101">101</a>, <a href="#Page_103">103</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; remedies proposed, <a href="#Page_104">104</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; definition of Burglary and how punished, <a href="#Page_57">57</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; called Hamsockne in the North of England, <a href="#Page_58">58</a><br />
+</p>
+
+<h3>C.</h3>
+
+<p>
+<i>Carts</i> and other Carriages, the Laws relative to them, <a href="#Page_595">595</a>, <a href="#Page_596">596</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Casual Poor</i>, <i>See</i> <a href="#Poor">Poor</a>.<br />
+<br />
+<i>Chance Medley</i>, how punished, <a href="#Page_45">45</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Charities</i> in the Metropolis:<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Parish Schools for Education, <a href="#Page_569">569</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Societies for promoting Religion and Morality, <a href="#Page_570">570</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Asylums for the Helpless and Indigent, <a href="#Page_572">572</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Hospitals for the Sick and Pregnant Women, <a href="#Page_573">573</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Dispensaries for the Poor, <a href="#Page_574">574</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Institutions for Charitable Purposes (<i>See <a href="#Poor">Poor</a></i>), <i>ibid.</i></span><br />
+<br />
+<i>Cheapside</i>, a general rendezvous for Thieves, and the reason, <a href="#Page_106">106</a>, <a href="#Page_107">107</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Cheats</i>, the offence of cheating defined by Law, <a href="#Page_113">113</a><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">The different classes of Cheats explained; who are more or less engaged in acts of Fraud, in the Metropolis, <a href="#Page_109">109</a>, <a href="#Page_110">110</a>, &amp;c. <a href="#Page_131">131</a></span><br />
+<br />
+<i>China</i>, its Laws, and Punishment for High-Treason, <a href="#Page_40">40</a><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Parricide, <a href="#Page_41">41</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Murder, <a href="#Page_44">44</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Theft, <a href="#Page_52">52</a></span><br />
+<br />
+<i>Chips</i>, <i>See</i> <a href="#Dock-yards">Dock-yards</a>.<br />
+<br />
+<i>Churches</i> and Places of Worship in the Metropolis, <a href="#Page_568">568</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Coaches and Chairs</i> in the Metropolis (<i>and See <a href="#Hackney_Coaches">Hackney Coaches</a>; <a href="#Night_Coaches">Night Coaches</a></i>), <a href="#Page_595">595</a>, <a href="#Page_596">596</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Coasting Vessels</i>, &amp;c. purchase embezzled Stores, <a href="#Page_255">255</a><br />
+<br />
+<a name="Coin" id="Coin"></a><i>Coin</i> counterfeited, and Coiners:<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Extensive Circulation of base Coin, <a href="#Page_15">15</a>, <a href="#Page_16">16</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">The evils attending it, <a href="#Page_117">117</a>, <a href="#Page_118">118</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Foreign Coin fabricated in England, <i>ibid.</i></span><br />
+<br />
+<a name="Coiners" id="Coiners"></a><i>Coiners</i>, 120 discovered, <a href="#Page_18">18</a><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Vast amount of Coin counterfeited, <a href="#Page_181">181</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Different Coins fabricated, <a href="#Page_173">173</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">The process used in making the different kinds of base Money, <a href="#Page_174">174</a>, <a href="#Page_184">184</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">The period when the trade of dealing in base Money acquires its greatest vigour, <a href="#Page_188">188</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Deficiencies of the present Laws, <a href="#Page_208">208</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Remedies proposed, <a href="#Page_191">191</a>-<a href="#Page_208">208</a></span><br />
+<br />
+<i>Colleges</i>, five in London, <a href="#Page_569">569</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Commons and waste Lands</i>, the source of evil by encouraging the idle Poor, <a href="#Page_83">83</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Constables</i>, in the Metropolis, 1040 in London, Westminster, Middlesex, the Tower Liberty and Southwark, <a href="#Page_397">397</a>, <a href="#Page_398">398</a>, <a href="#Page_399">399</a><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Their power by the Common Law extensive, explained, <a href="#Page_390">390</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Rewards necessary to excite attention, <a href="#Page_392">392</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Rewards to Constables, and persons apprehending various classes of Criminals, <a href="#Page_390">390</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Propositions for rendering them more useful and respectable, <a href="#Page_405">405</a>-<a href="#Page_410">410</a></span><br />
+<br />
+<a name="Convicts" id="Convicts"></a><i>Convicts</i> discharged from the Hulks from 1792 to 1799, <a href="#Page_98">98</a><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Number sent to the Hulks from the commencement of the Establishment, to December 12, 1795, 7999, <a href="#Page_463">463</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Expence of the support of Convicts transported in the Hulks, <a href="#Page_465">465</a>, <a href="#Page_466">466</a>-<a href="#Page_480">480</a>, <i>n.</i></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">General Statements, shewing the periods of their discharge, and the number pardoned, escaped and discharged, <a href="#Page_463">463</a>-<a href="#Page_465">465</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">A statement of their Earnings at Woolwich and Langston Harbour, <a href="#Page_467">467</a>, <a href="#Page_468">468</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">The inefficacy of this mode of Punishment, <a href="#Page_469">469</a>, <a href="#Page_470">470</a></span><br />
+<a name="CONVICTS_NSW" id="CONVICTS_NSW"></a><span style="margin-left: 1em;">Transported to New South Wales&mdash;Accounts of the Number and Expence, <a href="#Page_472">472</a>-<a href="#Page_474">474</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Opinion of the Finance Committee on the inefficacy of the whole System, <a href="#Page_475">475</a>, &amp;c.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Proposals for employment of Convicts in Penitentiary Houses by Jeremy Bentham, Esq., <a href="#Page_481">481</a>-<a href="#Page_495">495</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Further Regulations in the Penitentiary System suggested, <a href="#Page_495">495</a>, <a href="#Page_500">500</a></span><br />
+<br />
+<i>Copper</i> Money, <i>See</i> <a href="#Coiners">Coiners</a>.<br />
+<br />
+<i>Corn</i>, and Provender stolen in the Country, how disposed of in the Metropolis, <a href="#Page_88">88</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Courts</i> of Justice in the Metropolis:<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Courts for the trials of Crimes, Misdemeanors, Trespasses, &amp;c. <i>Two</i> superior and <i>Five</i> inferior, <a href="#Page_428">428</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">9 Supreme Courts in the Metropolis, <a href="#Page_577">577</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">4 Ecclesiastical Courts, Doctors Commons, <i>ib.</i></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">17 Courts of Justice in the City of London, <a href="#Page_478">478</a>, <a href="#Page_479">479</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">8 Courts of Justice in Westminster, <a href="#Page_579">579</a>, <a href="#Page_580">580</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">15 Courts of Justice in that part of Middlesex which joins the Metropolis, <a href="#Page_580">580</a>, <a href="#Page_581">581</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">8 Courts of Justice in Southwark, <a href="#Page_581">581</a>, <a href="#Page_582">582</a></span><br />
+<br />
+<i>Crimes</i>, Specification of some not punishable by Law, <a href="#Page_8">8</a>, <a href="#Page_35">35</a>, <a href="#Page_36">36</a><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">The cause of their increases, &amp;c., <a href="#Page_24">24</a>, <a href="#Page_25">25</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">should be prevented rather than punished, <a href="#Page_32">32</a>, <a href="#Page_33">33</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">punishable with Death&mdash;a List of them, <a href="#Page_437">437</a>, <a href="#Page_438">438</a>, <a href="#Page_439">439</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">punishable with Transportation, <a href="#Page_440">440</a>, <a href="#Page_441">441</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">punishable with Fine and Imprisonment, <a href="#Page_442">442</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">punishments on Rogues and Vagabonds, <a href="#Page_443">443</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">the encouragements to Crimes held out by the present System, <a href="#Page_449">449</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">increased by the imperfections of the Law, relative to small Debts, <a href="#Page_585">585</a>, <a href="#Page_586">586</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>See</i> <a href="#Thieves">Offenders: Thieves</a>.</span><br />
+<br />
+<i>Criminal</i> Code, a Revision of proposed, <a href="#Page_7">7</a>, <a href="#Page_8">8</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; its imperfections, <a href="#Page_24">24</a>, <a href="#Page_25">25</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; its great severity, <a href="#Page_33">33</a>, <a href="#Page_53">53</a><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>See</i> <a href="#EMPEROR">Emperor Joseph's Criminal Code</a>.</span><br />
+<br />
+<i>Criminal</i> People, Their boldness and many chances of escaping, <a href="#Page_20">20</a>, <a href="#Page_21">21</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; many thousands in the Metropolis who subsist illegally, <a href="#Page_21">21</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; likely to be increased, <a href="#Page_24">24</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; although unfit for the Navy and Army from diseases, ruptures, &amp;c. are yet capable of committing crimes, <a href="#Page_99">99</a>, <a href="#Page_100">100</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; the measures used to effect their purposes, <a href="#Page_100">100</a>, <a href="#Page_104">104</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; they make contracts with Receivers, <a href="#Page_104">104</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; increase by means of base Money, <a href="#Page_211">211</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Custom</i>-House Officers, called Glut-men, connive at pillage and plunder, <a href="#Page_232">232</a><br />
+</p>
+
+<h3>D.</h3>
+
+<p>
+<i>Dead Horses</i>, and other Animals, Dealers in, to be regulated, <a href="#Page_109">109</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Dealers</i> in old Metals and Stores, their great increase, <a href="#Page_12">12</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; their mischievous tendency, <a href="#Page_292">292</a>, <a href="#Page_293">293</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; Regulations proposed, <a href="#Page_292">292</a>, <a href="#Page_293">293</a>, <a href="#Page_303">303</a>, <a href="#Page_548">548</a>, <a href="#Page_549">549</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Death</i>, The number of Crimes punishable with Death by the English Law, <a href="#Page_5">5</a>, <a href="#Page_437">437</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; Abrogated in the Roman Empire, by the Portian Law, <a href="#Page_6">6</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; Inadequate to the ends of Justice, <a href="#Page_6">6</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; Impropriety of inflicting death, except for the highest offences, <a href="#Page_30">30</a>, <a href="#Page_53">53</a>, <a href="#Page_58">58</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; Jewish Law relative to death, <a href="#Page_43">43</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; Athenian Law, <i>ib.</i><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; Roman ditto, <i>ib.</i><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; Chinese ditto, <a href="#Page_44">44</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; Persian ditto, <a href="#Page_43">43</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; Saxon ditto, <a href="#Page_44">44</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; Alfred's ditto, <i>ib.</i><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; Athelstan's ditto, <a href="#Page_51">51</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; Abolished in the Imperial Dominions of Joseph II. anno 1767, <a href="#Page_60">60</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; Theft first punished by death by Henry I. nearly 700 years ago, <a href="#Page_437">437</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; A specification of the several offences punishable with death by the Laws of England, <a href="#Page_437">437</a>, <a href="#Page_438">438</a>, <a href="#Page_439">439</a><br />
+<br />
+<a name="Debts" id="Debts"></a><i>Debts</i>, The difficulty and expence of recovering small sums, <a href="#Page_584">584</a>, <a href="#Page_585">585</a>, <a href="#Page_586">586</a>, <a href="#Page_587">587</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; An astonishing Document, proving the vast extent of the injury, <a href="#Page_587">587</a>, <i>n.</i><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; A Remedy proposed, <a href="#Page_586">586</a>, <a href="#Page_588">588</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Depredations</i> on the Public, in the River and Dock-yards, <a href="#CHAP_VIII">Chap. viii.</a> <a href="#Page_214">214</a>, &amp;c. <a href="#CHAP_IX">ix.</a> <a href="#Page_250">250</a>, &amp;c.<br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; on Sugar and West India Produce, <a href="#Page_240">240</a>, <a href="#Page_241">241</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; from Sugar Samples, upwards of 60,000<i>l.</i> a year, <a href="#Page_235">235</a>, <i>n.</i><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; does not much exceed 15<i>s.</i> per cent. on the Moving Property, <a href="#Page_215">215</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Detection</i> of Offenders:<br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; The deficiency of the Law in this respect, <a href="#Page_12">12</a>, <a href="#Page_13">13</a>, <a href="#Page_14">14</a>, <a href="#Page_15">15</a>-<a href="#Page_20">20</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; further elucidated and explained, <a href="#Page_381">381</a>, <a href="#Page_421">421</a>, <a href="#Page_422">422</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Die Sinkers</i> for base Money, the number employed, <a href="#Page_184">184</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Directions</i>, and Cautions to avoid being cheated, <a href="#Page_124">124</a>, <a href="#Page_125">125</a>, <a href="#Page_126">126</a>, <a href="#Page_127">127</a>, &amp;c.<br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; As to the mode of proceeding in case of Fraud or Robbery, <a href="#Page_383">383</a>, <i>n.</i><br />
+<br />
+<i>Dispensaries</i>, in London, <a href="#Page_574">574</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Distresses</i> of the Poor arising from the delusion of the Lottery (See <a href="#Lottery"><i>Lottery</i></a>), <a href="#Page_154">154</a>, <a href="#Page_155">155</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Docks</i> in the River will not supersede the necessity of a River Police, <a href="#Page_217">217</a>, <i>n.</i><br />
+<br />
+<a name="Dock-yards" id="Dock-yards"></a><i>Dock-yards</i>, on the Plunder and Peculation therein, <a href="#Page_249">249</a>-<a href="#Page_287">287</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; Fees to Officers one source of the Evil, <a href="#Page_251">251</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; Frauds in receiving, detaining, and selling Stores, <a href="#Page_253">253</a>-<a href="#Page_259">259</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; The Perquisite of Chips, <a href="#Page_256">256</a>, <a href="#Page_257">257</a>, <i>n.</i><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; The amount of Public Property in Navy, Victualing and Ordnance Stores, estimated at 7,000,000<i>l.</i>, <a href="#Page_260">260</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; Laws now existing for protecting of this Property, <a href="#Page_261">261</a>-<a href="#Page_3">3</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; Their deficiency, and Remedies proposed
+through the means of the Legislature, by A General Police System, <a href="#Page_264">264</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; A Local Police for the Dock-yards, <a href="#Page_265">265</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; Legislative Regulations in aid of these Systems, <a href="#Page_269">269</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; Through the Admiralty, by regulating the sale of old Stores, <a href="#Page_274">274</a>-<a href="#Page_280">280</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; Abolishing the Perquisite of Chips, <a href="#Page_281">281</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; &mdash;&mdash; of Fees, and increasing Salaries, <a href="#Page_282">282</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; Improving the mode of keeping Accounts, <a href="#Page_284">284</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; Making an annual Inventory of Stores, <a href="#Page_286">286</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Dollars</i>, counterfeited, <a href="#Page_173">173</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; (stamped) the iniquities practised in counterfeiting and exporting, detected by the Author of this Work, <a href="#Page_172">172</a>, <a href="#Page_173">173</a>, <i>n.</i><br />
+<br />
+<i>Draco</i>, his sanguinary boast, <a href="#Page_33">33</a><br />
+</p>
+
+<h3>E.</h3>
+
+<p>
+<i>Education</i>, The great inattention to in the lower ranks one cause of Crimes, <a href="#Page_34">34</a>, <a href="#Page_311">311</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; Seminaries for, in the Metropolis, estimated at 4050, <a href="#Page_569">569</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Egyptians</i>, Their Laws for the punishment of certain offences, <a href="#Page_41">41</a><br />
+<br />
+<a name="Embezzlement" id="Embezzlement"></a><i>Embezzlement</i> of Public Stores. See <i><a href="#River_Plunder">River Plunder</a>&mdash;<a href="#Dock-yards">Dock-yards</a></i>.<br />
+<br />
+<i>Emperor</i> Joseph the Second abolished the punishment of Death, <a href="#Page_60">60</a><br />
+<br />
+<a name="EMPEROR" id="EMPEROR"></a>&mdash;&mdash; His edict on promulgating his New Criminal Code, <a href="#Page_61">61</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; Abstract of his New Code, <a href="#Page_63">63</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; A singular Anecdote concerning this Prince, <a href="#Page_528">528</a>, <a href="#Page_529">529</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Estimates</i>, That Receivers of stolen Goods have increased from 300 to 3000 in the Metropolis, <a href="#Page_9">9</a>, <a href="#Page_12">12</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; of moving Property on the River Thames (<i>table</i>), <a href="#Page_215">215</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; &mdash;&mdash; arriving, departing, and circulating in the Port of London, <a href="#Page_216">216</a>, <a href="#Page_217">217</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; &mdash;&mdash; belonging to the Public, Naval, and Warlike Stores, &amp;c., <a href="#Page_260">260</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; of Chips in Dock-yards, <a href="#Page_256">256</a>, <a href="#Page_257">257</a>, <i>n.</i><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; of Streets, Houses, and Families in London, <a href="#Page_411">411</a>, <i>n.</i><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; of Public Houses, <a href="#Page_110">110</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; of Persons employed in fraudulent Lotteries, <a href="#Page_156">156</a>, <i>n.</i><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; of the number of Members of Friendly Societies, <a href="#Page_157">157</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; of the number of Jews, <a href="#Page_147">147</a>, <a href="#Page_148">148</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; of the Officers of Justice, Beadles, Watchmen, and Patroles 2044, <a href="#Page_413">413</a>, <a href="#Page_414">414</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; of Magistrates, acting in the Metropolis, <a href="#Page_416">416</a>, <a href="#Page_417">417</a>, <a href="#Page_418">418</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; of Convicts, and others discharged from Prisons, <a href="#Page_96">96</a>, <i>n.</i>, <a href="#Page_97">97</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; of Prisoners tried in 1793 and 1754, <a href="#Page_448">448</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; of the Produce of Labour of Convicts in the Hulks (See <i><a href="#Convicts">Convicts</a>: <a href="#POLICE">Police</a></i>), <a href="#Page_467">467</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Exports</i> from the River Thames in one year 29,640,000<i>l.</i> (<i>table</i>), <a href="#Page_215">215</a>, <a href="#Page_216">216</a><br />
+</p>
+
+<h3>F.</h3>
+
+<p>
+<i>Farmers</i>, petty Depredations on them, <a href="#Page_86">86</a>, <a href="#Page_89">89</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Faro Tables</i> and Games of Chance, their evil Tendency, <a href="#Page_135">135</a>, <a href="#Page_136">136</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; particularly in private Houses of Persons of Rank, <a href="#Page_148">148</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Felo de se</i>, how punished by different Laws, <a href="#Page_43">43</a>, <a href="#Page_44">44</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Felonies</i>, Public and Private defined, <a href="#Page_43">43</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; A specific Detail of the different Felonies, distinguishing the Punishments, <a href="#Page_437">437</a>, <a href="#Page_438">438</a>, <a href="#Page_439">439</a>, <a href="#Page_440">440</a>, <a href="#Page_441">441</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Female Prostitution.</i> <i>See</i> <a href="#Prostitutes">Prostitutes</a>.</p>
+
+<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="10" cellspacing="0" summary="Fielding">
+<tr>
+<td style="width: 30%"><i>Fielding</i>, Henry<br />
+<i>Fielding</i>, Sir John</td>
+<td class="lb" style="width: 70%">Excellent Magistrates, &amp;c., <a href="#Page_453">453</a>, <i>n.</i></td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+<p><i>Finance Committee</i> of the House of Commons, their useful Labours and Opinions on various Subjects (See <a href="#POLICE"><i>Police</i></a>), <a href="#Page_251">251</a>, <i>n.</i>, <a href="#Page_264">264</a>, <a href="#Page_419">419</a>, <a href="#Page_427">427</a>, <a href="#Page_469">469</a>, <a href="#Page_514">514</a>, <a href="#Page_516">516</a>, <a href="#Page_558">558</a>, <i>n.</i><br />
+<br />
+<i>Fires</i> in London, the Laws relative to them, <a href="#Page_597">597</a>, <a href="#Page_598">598</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Forcible Marriage</i>, how punished by different Laws, <a href="#Page_48">48</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Foreign Coin</i> counterfeited in England, <a href="#Page_17">17</a>, <a href="#Page_18">18</a>, <a href="#Page_184">184</a>, <a href="#Page_190">190</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Foreigners</i>, their opinion of the English System of Police, <a href="#Page_522">522</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; the insecurity likely to arise from so many of them acquiring a knowledge of the English Language, <a href="#Page_530">530</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Fortune-tellers</i>, their evil tendency, &amp;c., <a href="#Page_128">128</a>, <a href="#Page_130">130</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Founders</i> of Metals, an object of regulation as a means of preventing Crimes, <a href="#Page_10">10</a>, <a href="#Page_540">540</a>, <i>n.</i><br />
+<br />
+<i>France</i>, its Laws relative to Receivers of stolen Goods, <a href="#Page_302">302</a>, <i>n.</i><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; &mdash;&mdash; to Sodomy, <a href="#Page_46">46</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; its former Police, curious Anecdotes of, <a href="#Page_525">525</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Frauds</i> on the Public in the Metropolis:<br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; in the Naval Department of two sorts, <a href="#Page_256">256</a>, <a href="#Page_257">257</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; and Forgeries specifically detailed, <a href="#Page_111">111</a>, <a href="#Page_112">112</a>, &amp;c.<br />
+<br />
+<i>French language</i>, the inconvenience and insecurity from its being so generally spoken, <a href="#Page_530">530</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Friendly Societies</i>, an Estimate of the number of Members, <a href="#Page_575">575</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; a proposition to guard them against the Evils of the Lottery, <a href="#Page_157">157</a><br />
+</p>
+
+<h3>G.</h3>
+
+<p>
+<i>Gaming</i>, among the lower Ranks in Public Houses, a vast source of Crimes, <a href="#Page_324">324</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; the Law relative to, and Penalties, <a href="#Page_134">134</a>, <a href="#Page_135">135</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; the systematic confederacy of certain Gaming Establishments fully developed, <a href="#Page_136">136</a>-<a href="#Page_147">147</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; Estimated amount of the Money annually lost and won by Gaming, <a href="#Page_143">143</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; the evil Consequences of Gaming, and dreadful effects to many respectable Families, <a href="#Page_148">148</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; the bad example to menial Servants of Persons of Fashion, <a href="#Page_150">150</a>, <a href="#Page_151">151</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Gin</i>, the astonishing quantity drank in London, <a href="#Page_327">327</a>, <i>n.</i><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; the advantages arising from a High Price, <a href="#Page_328">328</a>, <i>n.</i><br />
+<br />
+<i>Grecian Law</i> relative to Sodomy, <a href="#Page_46">46</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; &mdash;&mdash; to Polygamy, <a href="#Page_49">49</a><br />
+</p>
+
+<h3>H.</h3>
+
+<p>
+<a name="Hackney_Coaches" id="Hackney_Coaches"></a><i>Hackney Coaches</i>, to be regulated by the Police, (and see <i>Night Coaches</i>), <a href="#Page_105">105</a>, <a href="#Page_106">106</a>, <a href="#Page_305">305</a>, <a href="#Page_547">547</a>, <a href="#Page_556">556</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; Laws relative to them, <a href="#Page_402">402</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Hale</i>, Sir Matthew, his opinion of criminal Indictments, <a href="#Page_432">432</a>, <i>n.</i><br />
+<br />
+<i>Hawkers and Pedlars</i>, to be licensed by Magistrates, <a href="#Page_116">116</a>, <a href="#Page_117">117</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; their fraudulent Practices, <a href="#Page_116">116</a>, &amp;c.<br />
+<br />
+<i>High Treason</i>, See <a href="#Treason"><i>Treason</i></a>.<br />
+<br />
+<i>Highway Robberies</i>, by what classes committed, <a href="#Page_95">95</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; systematically planned and executed, <a href="#Page_102">102</a>, <a href="#Page_103">103</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; suggestions for preventing them by means of a Travelling Police, <a href="#Page_109">109</a>, <i>n.</i><br />
+<br />
+<i>Homicide</i>, <a href="#Page_45">45</a>, <a href="#Page_46">46</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Horse Patroles</i> proposed, <a href="#Page_109">109</a>, <i>n.</i><br />
+<br />
+<a name="Horses" id="Horses"></a><i>Horses Stolen</i>, receiving them as such no Crime, <a href="#Page_9">9</a>, <i>n.</i><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; how to be remedied, <a href="#Page_303">303</a>, <a href="#Page_550">550</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; Frauds and Felonies respecting, immense, <a href="#Page_103">103</a>, <i>n.</i>, <a href="#Page_115">115</a>, <i>n.</i><br />
+<br />
+<i>Hospitals</i> in the Metropolis, <a href="#Page_573">573</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Houses</i> in the Metropolis 160,000, and upwards, <a href="#Page_568">568</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Houses of Correction</i>, authorized in different Counties, <a href="#Page_455">455</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; Regulations, <a href="#Page_459">459</a>, <a href="#Page_460">460</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Hue and Cry</i>, a particular means of arresting Criminals, <a href="#Page_388">388</a>, <a href="#Page_389">389</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Hulks</i>, the depravity of the Convicts confined in them, <a href="#Page_24">24</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; First instituted in 1776, <a href="#Page_455">455</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; Regulations by Parliament (See <a href="#Convicts"><i>Convicts</i></a>), <a href="#Page_461">461</a><br />
+</p>
+
+<h3>I. &amp; J.</h3>
+
+<p>
+<i>Idle Poor</i>, the Funds appropriated for their support a Public Evil, <a href="#Page_80">80</a>, <a href="#Page_82">82</a>, &amp;c.<br />
+<br />
+<a name="Jews" id="Jews"></a><i>Jews</i>, (Dutch) their mode of Education a National Injury, as it promotes Idleness and Profligacy among the lower ranks, <a href="#Page_119">119</a>, <a href="#Page_319">319</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; Objects of regulation as Dealers in old Metals and Apparel, <a href="#Page_120">120</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; the principal Utterers of base Coin, <a href="#Page_182">182</a>, <a href="#Page_190">190</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; the deplorable state of the lower orders belonging to the Dutch Synagogues, and the difficulties in making them useful, <a href="#Page_120">120</a>, <a href="#Page_319">319</a>, &amp;c.<br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; they are generally the medium by which stolen Goods are concealed and sold, <a href="#Page_292">292</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Jewish Synagogues</i> in London, <a href="#Page_568">568</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Jewish Laws</i> relative to Murder, <a href="#Page_43">43</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; &mdash;&mdash; Sodomy, <a href="#Page_46">46</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; &mdash;&mdash; Rape, <a href="#Page_47">47</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; &mdash;&mdash;Theft, <a href="#Page_52">52</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Immorality</i> of worse consequence than Political Crimes, <a href="#Page_34">34</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; striking proofs adduced, <a href="#Page_35">35</a>, <a href="#Page_36">36</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Imports and Exports</i> to and from the Port of London, abstract of (<i>table</i>), <a href="#Page_215">215</a>, <a href="#Page_216">216</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; of Sugar and Rum for a year to March 25, 1799, <a href="#Page_234">234</a>, <i>n.</i><br />
+<br />
+<i>Imprisonment for Debt</i>, its impolicy and evil consequences in producing moral Crimes, <a href="#Page_390">390</a>, <a href="#Page_394">394</a>, &amp;c.<br />
+<br />
+<i>Indigence</i>, one cause of Crimes (See <a href="#Poor"><i>Poor</i></a>), <a href="#Page_352">352</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Inhabitants</i> of London, number estimated at one Million at least, <a href="#Page_569">569</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Inns of Court</i> and Chancery in London, <i>ib.</i><br />
+<br />
+<i>Institutions</i> for useful, charitable, and humane purposes in the Metropolis, <a href="#Page_376">376</a>, <a href="#Page_381">381</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Irish</i>, the lower Ranks great Utterers of base Money, <a href="#Page_189">189</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Iron Shops</i>, great Receptacles of stolen Goods, <a href="#Page_293">293</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Judges of England</i>, their great purity adds lustre to their own and the National Character, <a href="#Page_430">430</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; the extreme labour attached to their Situations, a Proposition for the reducing it, <a href="#Page_590">590</a><br />
+</p>
+
+<h3>K.</h3>
+
+<p>
+<span class="smcap">King</span>, his Majesty's goodness and love of Mercy exemplified in pardon to Convicts, <a href="#Page_22">22</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>King's Stores</i>, Men employed to remove the <i>broad arrow</i> from Public Stores, <a href="#Page_258">258</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; Abuses and Evils from the Sale of Old Stores, <a href="#Page_256">256</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; Stolen, embezzled, &amp;c. in the Thames, <a href="#Page_257">257</a><br />
+</p>
+
+<h3>L.</h3>
+
+<p>
+<i>Landed Interest</i>, Depredations on by petty Thefts calculated at 4<i>s.</i> per Acre per annum, <a href="#Page_89">89</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Larceny</i>, the Definition of this Offence, and the punishment, <a href="#Page_50">50</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; Grand Larceny defined, <a href="#Page_50">50</a>, <a href="#Page_55">55</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Law</i>, the different classes of Professional Men in the Metropolis, <a href="#Page_583">583</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Laws</i> of England, (<i>Criminal</i>) Deficient with regard to the prevention of Crimes, abridging Liberty, and rendering Property insecure, and in some instances even Life itself, <a href="#Page_94">94</a>, <a href="#Page_95">95</a>, <a href="#Page_100">100</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; Punishments, from their severity, defeat the ends of Justice, <a href="#Page_43">43</a>, <a href="#Page_53">53</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; Above 160 Offences punishable with Death, <a href="#Page_437">437</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; When incompatible with Justice Law should be repealed, <a href="#Page_8">8</a>, <a href="#Page_301">301</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; Some Offences, injurious to Society, not punished at all, <a href="#Page_8">8</a>, <a href="#Page_9">9</a>, <a href="#Page_34">34</a>, <a href="#Page_35">35</a>, <a href="#Page_36">36</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; Criminal Law explained, with respect to various Offences:<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">High Treason, <a href="#Page_38">38</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Public Felonies against the State, <a href="#Page_42">42</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Private Felonies specifically considered, viz:</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Murder, <a href="#Page_43">43</a>, <a href="#Page_44">44</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Manslaughter, <a href="#Page_44">44</a>, <a href="#Page_45">45</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Homicide by Misadventure, <a href="#Page_45">45</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Chance Medley, <i>ib.</i></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Self-Defence, <i>ib.</i></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Rape, <a href="#Page_46">46</a>, <a href="#Page_48">48</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Forcible Marriage, <a href="#Page_48">48</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Polygamy, <a href="#Page_49">49</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Mayhem, <i>ib.</i></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Grand Larceny, <a href="#Page_50">50</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Petty Larceny, <a href="#Page_50">50</a>, <a href="#Page_51">51</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Mixed Larceny, <a href="#Page_54">54</a>, <a href="#Page_55">55</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Offences punishable by the Laws of England; a List of, <a href="#Page_437">437</a>, &amp;c.</span><br />
+<br />
+<i>Law-suits</i>, See <a href="#Writs"><i>Writs</i></a>, <a href="#Debts"><i>Debts</i></a>.<br />
+<br />
+<i>Lewdness</i> and Debauchery prevail in all ill-regulated Public Houses (See <a href="#Alehouses"><i>Alehouses</i></a>), <a href="#Page_311">311</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Liberty</i> of the subject abridged by Thieves and Robbers, <a href="#Page_2">2</a>, <a href="#Page_93">93</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; not by salutary Regulations to prevent Robbery, <a href="#Page_13">13</a>, <a href="#Page_14">14</a>, <a href="#Page_308">308</a>, <a href="#Page_309">309</a>, <a href="#Page_545">545</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Licences</i> proposed on Milk Dealers, <a href="#Page_92">92</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; on various trades connected with the Receivers of stolen Goods (See <a href="#POLICE"><i>Police</i></a>), <a href="#Page_540">540</a>, <i>n.</i>, <a href="#Page_549">549</a>, <a href="#Page_550">550</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Lightermen</i> on the Thames assist in Pillage and Plunder, <a href="#Page_228">228</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Lighting</i>, &amp;c. the Metropolis, <a href="#Page_592">592</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Little Goes</i>, a private Lottery, a contrivance of a recent date, brought forward by the Lottery Cheats to keep alive the delusion and fever on the minds of the Poor all the year round, <a href="#Page_152">152</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Livery Stable Keepers</i>, proposed to be regulated (See <a href="#Horses"><i>Horses</i></a>), <a href="#Page_109">109</a>, <a href="#Page_541">541</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Lodgers</i>, and Lodging Houses, proposed to be registered, <a href="#Page_105">105</a>, <a href="#Page_539">539</a><br />
+<br />
+<a name="LONDON" id="LONDON"></a><i>London</i>, comprehending the Metropolis. Its Commerce (See <a href="#River_Plunder"><i>River Plunder</i></a>)<br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; The Magistrates, a list of; also Public Offices, <a href="#Page_504">504</a>, <a href="#Page_505">505</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; Houses, Streets, Families, and Inhabitants, <a href="#Page_411">411</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; Its prodigious Extent and Opulence, <a href="#Page_567">567</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; Places of Religious Worship, <a href="#Page_482">482</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; Seminaries for Education, <a href="#Page_569">569</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; Institutions for promoting Morality, <a href="#Page_570">570</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; For the Arts, <a href="#Page_571">571</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; Asylums for the Indigent and Helpless, <a href="#Page_572">572</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; For the Sick, Lame, &amp;c., <a href="#Page_573">573</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; Dispensaries, <a href="#Page_574">574</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; Charitable Institutions, <a href="#Page_574">574</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; Courts of Justice, <a href="#Page_577">577</a>, <a href="#Page_578">578</a>, <a href="#Page_579">579</a>, <a href="#Page_580">580</a>, <a href="#Page_581">581</a>, <a href="#Page_582">582</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; Prisons, <a href="#Page_582">582</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; Municipal Regulations of the Metropolis, relative to Watching, Lighting, Fires, &amp;c. &amp;c., <a href="#Page_591">591</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>London</i>, so called, (the City):<br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; The utility of a closer Connection between the Aldermen and Police Justices, <a href="#Page_420">420</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; The great respectability of the Magistrates of London, <a href="#Page_512">512</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; The vast Labour of their official Situation, <a href="#Page_513">513</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; Magistrates with Salaries proposed, to ease them of that part of the Labour which relates to Criminal Offences, <a href="#Page_518">518</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; The great Labour attached to the Office of Lord Mayor, <a href="#Page_513">513</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; Reasons assigned in favour of an Improvement of the Police of the City, by means of assisting Justices, <i>ib.</i><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; The advantages which would result from such a System, <a href="#Page_517">517</a><br />
+<br />
+<a name="Lottery" id="Lottery"></a><i>Lottery</i>, A great means of corrupting the Morals of the Lower Orders of the People, <a href="#Page_11">11</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; Lottery Insurers cheats of the worst class, <a href="#Page_151">151</a>-<a href="#Page_159">159</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; Their evil Practices explained, and their devises to carry them on in despite of the Law, <a href="#Page_152">152</a>, <a href="#Page_153">153</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; Menial Servants contribute considerably to their support, <a href="#Page_153">153</a>, <a href="#Page_154">154</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; The astonishing extent of their Transactions, <a href="#Page_154">154</a>, <a href="#Page_155">155</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; The misery attendant on the Lottery delusion to the Poor, who fill the Pawnbrokers' Shops during the drawing of it, <a href="#Page_155">155</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; The amazing amount of the premiums for Insurances yearly, <a href="#Page_154">154</a>, <a href="#Page_156">156</a>, <i>n.</i><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; Estimated amount of fraudulent Insurances per annum 10,460,000<i>l.</i>, <a href="#Page_143">143</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; The astonishing number of Lottery Insurers, with their Appendages, consisting of <i>Clerks</i>, <i>Morocco-men</i>, <i>Bludgeon-men</i>, and <i>Ruffians</i>, employed during the Drawing of the Two Lotteries each year, <a href="#Page_156">156</a>, <i>n.</i><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; The Lottery might be rendered useful to the State if the poorer classes could be shielded from its mischief, <a href="#Page_157">157</a>, <a href="#Page_556">556</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; The evils attending on its present Plan, and the audacious conduct of the miscreants engaged in fraudulent Insurances in resisting the Civil Power, explained, <a href="#Page_156">156</a>, <i>n.</i>, <a href="#Page_158">158</a>, <a href="#Page_159">159</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; Their Profits said to be immense during the English Lottery 1796, <a href="#Page_159">159</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; The exertions of the Magistrates rendered more peculiarly necessary to check this evil during the time of drawing the Lotteries, <a href="#Page_159">159</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; Expedients proposed for guarding the Poor against the mischiefs, of future Lotteries, digested under eight different Heads, <a href="#Page_160">160</a>, <a href="#Page_161">161</a>, <a href="#Page_162">162</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; Three plans for drawing the Lottery in such a manner as to prevent Insurance, <a href="#Page_163">163</a>, <a href="#Page_170">170</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Louis d'Ors</i>, coined in England, <a href="#Page_17">17</a>, <a href="#Page_190">190</a><br />
+<br />
+<a name="Loyal_Military_Associations" id="Loyal_Military_Associations"></a><i>Loyal Military Associations</i>, the Country much indebted to them, <a href="#Page_533">533</a>, <i>n.</i><br />
+<br />
+<i>Lumpers</i> or Labourers on the River (See <a href="#River_Plunder"><i>River Plunder</i></a>), <a href="#Page_226">226</a><br />
+</p>
+
+<h3>M.</h3>
+
+<p>
+<i>Magistrates</i>, their Duty with regard to Public Houses (See <a href="#Alehouses"><i>Alehouses</i></a>.)<br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; Their great utility when their Power and Influence are prudently and judiciously employed, <a href="#Page_383">383</a>, <a href="#Page_422">422</a>, <a href="#Page_423">423</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; The number Of Magistrates in the Metropolis, <a href="#Page_270">270</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; The number who sit daily in rotation, <a href="#Page_417">417</a>, <a href="#Page_418">418</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; The number of persons committed annually for Trial 2500 to 3000, <a href="#Page_432">432</a>, <a href="#Page_433">433</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; The mortification experienced by the Magistrates in seeing their labour lost in consequence of the chief of these Prisoners thrown back on Society without punishment, <a href="#Page_432">432</a>, <a href="#Page_433">433</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; A List of the City Magistrates, <a href="#Page_504">504</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; &mdash;&mdash; the Police Magistrates, <a href="#Page_505">505</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; Their Duty explained, <a href="#Page_506">506</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; Their Labours cramped for want of pecuniary Funds, <a href="#Page_509">509</a>, <a href="#Page_510">510</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; Magistrates with salaries necessary in every part of the Metropolis, and benefits arising from them, <a href="#Page_517">517</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; Avocations of the City Magistrates explained, <a href="#Page_522">522</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Manslaughter</i> defined, how punished, <a href="#Page_44">44</a>.<br />
+<br />
+<a name="Marine_Police" id="Marine_Police"></a><i>Marine Police Institution</i>, Origin and Progress of, <a href="#Page_239">239</a>, <span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: should be p. 240"><a href="#Page_240">248</a></span><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; Annual Advantages resulting therefrom to the West India Planters and the Revenue estimated at 160,000<i>l.</i> and upwards, <a href="#Page_240">240</a>, <a href="#Page_241">241</a>, <i>n.</i>, <a href="#Page_242">242</a>, <i>n.</i><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; The effect in restraining River Plunderers, <a href="#Page_242">242</a>, <a href="#Page_244">244</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; Necessity of its being sanctioned by Legislative Regulations, <a href="#Page_245">245</a>, &amp;c.<br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; Testimonies to the utility of the System, and the benefits it has already produced, <a href="#Page_242">242</a>, <i>n.</i>, <a href="#Page_247">247</a>, <a href="#Footnote_68_68">248, <i>n.</i></a>, <a href="#Page_558">558</a>, <i>n.</i><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; The number employed in this Establishment, <a href="#Page_399">399</a>, <i>n.</i>, <a href="#Page_418">418</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Marriage</i>, The evil consequence of the prevailing practice of Cohabitation without it, <a href="#Page_340">340</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Martin</i>, Matthew, Esq. his benevolent exertions for relieving the Poor, <a href="#Page_360">360</a>, <a href="#Page_361">361</a>, <i>n.</i><br />
+<br />
+<i>Mayhem</i>, Laws relative to it, <a href="#Page_49">49</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Menial Servants</i>, Their Morals corrupted, how, <a href="#Page_154">154</a>, <a href="#Page_155">155</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Metals</i>, Dealers in proposed to be regulated, <a href="#Page_108">108</a>, <a href="#Page_540">540</a>, <a href="#Page_549">549</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Metropolis</i>, vide <a href="#LONDON"><i>London</i></a>.<br />
+<br />
+<i>Milk</i>, curious particulars as to the Adulteration of, <a href="#Page_89">89</a>, <a href="#Page_90">90</a>, &amp;c.<br />
+<br />
+<i>Misadventure</i>, Homicide by, defined, <a href="#Page_45">45</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; how punished, <a href="#Page_45">45</a>, <a href="#Page_46">46</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Misdemeanors</i>, A list of them punishable by Law, <a href="#Page_442">442</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Money</i> counterfeit, vide <a href="#Coin"><i>Coin</i></a>.<br />
+<br />
+<i>Montesquieu</i>, Baron, his opinion relative to Thefts, &amp;c., <a href="#Page_30">30</a>, <a href="#Page_53">53</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Morals</i>, The moral Principles destroyed among the Lower Ranks, <a href="#Page_11">11</a>, <a href="#Page_310">310</a>, &amp;c.<br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; Can only be preserved by preventing Crimes, <a href="#Page_14">14</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; Bad education and bad habits destroy Morals, and are the chief causes of atrocious Crimes, <a href="#Page_34">34</a>, <a href="#Page_35">35</a>, <a href="#Page_94">94</a>, <a href="#Page_95">95</a>, <a href="#Page_310">310</a>, &amp;c.<br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; The deficiency of the System for guarding the Morals of the Lower Orders one great cause of the Corruption of Manners, <a href="#Page_36">36</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; <i>Other Causes</i>, The temptations of a great Capital, <a href="#Page_35">35</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; The habit of living improvidently and luxuriously, <a href="#Page_312">312</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; The temptation of fraudulent Lotteries, <a href="#Page_151">151</a>, <a href="#Page_152">152</a>, <a href="#Page_159">159</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; The Facilities held our by Pawnbrokers, Old Iron Shops, and other Receivers of Stolen Goods, enabling persons to raise Money on pilfered articles in an easy way, <a href="#Page_288">288</a>, <a href="#Page_323">323</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; The bad examples in ill-regulated Public Houses one great cause of the Corruption of Morals, <a href="#Page_310">310</a>-<a href="#Page_324">324</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; The habit recently practised of Men, Women and Children spending their time in the Tap-rooms of Alehouses, where all sorts of Profligacy prevails, exhibited in language and conduct, <a href="#Page_310">310</a>, <a href="#Page_314">314</a>, <a href="#Page_324">324</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; The profligate Characters intrusted with Licences to keep Alehouses (See <a href="#Alehouses"><i>Alehouses</i></a>), <a href="#Page_325">325</a>, <a href="#Page_326">326</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; The immoral or careless Education of Apprentices, <a href="#Page_314">314</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; The failure in Business by Mismanagement, Idleness, &amp;c., <a href="#Page_317">317</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; Servants out of Place, <a href="#Page_318">318</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; The mode of Education and Superstition of the Jews, which prevent them from being apprenticed to Mechanical Employments, <a href="#Page_319">319</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; The vast temptations to plunder, which are held out to Lumpers, Scuffle-hunters, Mudlarks, Scullers, Lightermen, &amp;c. on the Thames, from the want of proper Guards, and a proper System for protecting Property (See <i><a href="#River_Plunder">River Plunder</a>&mdash;<a href="#Dock-yards">Dock-yards</a></i>), <a href="#Page_322">322</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; The temptations held out to fraud from the shocking state of the Silver and Copper Coinage, and the imperfection of the Mint Laws, <a href="#Page_171">171</a>, <a href="#Page_172">172</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; The temptations held out in a great Metropolis from the resource which the influx of Wealth affords to commit acts of Criminality, giving so many opportunities to live in Idleness, <a href="#Page_111">111</a>, <a href="#Page_112">112</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; The deficiency of the Laws in not taking cognizance of Moral Crimes, <a href="#Page_35">35</a>, <a href="#Page_36">36</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; Morals of Public Depredators, <a href="#Page_251">251</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Morality</i>&mdash;Men of pure Morals make the best Subjects, <a href="#Page_36">36</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; Against its principle to punish small offences with Death, <a href="#Page_59">59</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; Societies for promoting it, <a href="#Page_570">570</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Mudlarks</i>, <i>See</i> <a href="#River_Plunder">River Plunder</a>, <a href="#Page_230">230</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Murder</i>, Laws relative to it, in this and other Countries, <a href="#Page_43">43</a>, <a href="#Page_45">45</a><br />
+</p>
+
+<h3>N.</h3>
+
+<p>
+<a name="Naval_Embezzlements" id="Naval_Embezzlements"></a><i>Naval</i> Embezzlements and Plunder, &amp;c.<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Reasons why not heretofore corrected, <a href="#Page_252">252</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Gratuities given, a great evil, <a href="#Page_251">251</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">The Depredations enormous (<i>See <a href="#River_Plunder">River Plunder</a>&mdash;<a href="#Dock-yards">Dock-yards</a></i>), <a href="#Page_253">253</a></span><br />
+<br />
+<i>New South Wales</i>, Transportation there when first legalized (<i>See <a href="#Convicts">Convicts</a></i>), <a href="#Page_460">460</a>, <a href="#Page_462">462</a><br />
+<br />
+<a name="Night_Coaches" id="Night_Coaches"></a><i>Night Coaches</i>, a great means of promoting Burglaries, <a href="#Page_105">105</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; Propositions for regulating them, <a href="#Page_106">106</a>, <a href="#Page_305">305</a>, <a href="#Page_547">547</a>, <a href="#Page_556">556</a>, <a href="#Page_557">557</a><br />
+</p>
+
+<h3>O.</h3>
+
+<p>
+<i>Offences</i>, 160 punishable with Death, <a href="#Page_58">58</a><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Some not punishable by the Laws, <a href="#Page_8">8</a>, <a href="#Page_30">30</a>, <a href="#Page_35">35</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">A general List of the various classes of Offences, <a href="#Page_437">437</a>, &amp;c.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>See</i> further <a href="#Punishments"><i>Punishments</i></a>.</span><br />
+<br />
+<i>Officers of Justice</i>&mdash;Their Zeal always proportioned to that shewn by the Magistrates under whom they act, <a href="#Page_384">384</a><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">The importance of choosing men of Respectability, <i>ibid.</i></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">The absurd prejudices against Officers of Justice, <a href="#Page_385">385</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">The Antiquity and Power of the Officers of Justice, <a href="#Page_386">386</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Number of them in the Metropolis, <a href="#Page_397">397</a>, <a href="#Page_411">411</a>, <i>n.</i></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Officers subjected to considerable risks, <a href="#Page_400">400</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Ought to be rewarded&mdash;vide <a href="#Rewards"><i>Rewards</i></a>.</span><br />
+<br />
+<i>Old Bailey</i>&mdash;Its registers shew the necessity of a Prosecutor for the Crown, <a href="#Page_21">21</a><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Trials anno 1790 and 1791, eight Sessions, <a href="#Page_394">394</a>, <a href="#Page_395">395</a>, <a href="#Page_396">396</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Idem and Convicts 1793 and 1794, <a href="#Page_448">448</a></span><br />
+<br />
+<i>Old Iron Shops</i>, Owners for the most part, generally Receivers&mdash;(See <a href="#Receivers"><i>Receivers</i></a>), <a href="#Page_10">10</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Origin of Crimes</i>, Traced to Alehouses&mdash;Bad education of Apprentices&mdash;Servants out of Place&mdash;Jews&mdash;Receivers&mdash;Pawnbrokers&mdash;Low Gaming-Houses&mdash;Smuggling&mdash;Prisons, <a href="#CHAP_XI">Chap. XI.</a> <a href="#Page_310">310</a>-<a href="#Page_332">332</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; Female Prostitution (See <a href="#Prostitutes"><i>Prostitutes</i></a>), <a href="#CHAP_XII">Ch. XII.</a> <a href="#Page_333">333</a>-<a href="#Page_345">345</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; Tea Gardens, <a href="#Page_346">346</a>, <a href="#Page_347">347</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; Ballad Singers, <a href="#Page_348">348</a>, <a href="#Page_349">349</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; State of the Poor (See <a href="#Poor"><i>Poor</i></a>), <a href="#CHAP_XIII">Chap. XIII.</a> <a href="#Page_351">351</a>-<a href="#Page_380">380</a><br />
+</p>
+
+<h3>P.</h3>
+
+<p>
+<i>Pagoda</i>, of Arcot, counterfeited in London, <a href="#Page_17">17</a>, <a href="#Page_184">184</a>, <a href="#Page_190">190</a><br />
+<br />
+<a name="Pardons" id="Pardons"></a><i>Pardons</i>&mdash;The devices used to obtain them, <a href="#Page_22">22</a><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Granted to four-fifths of those found guilty of death, <a href="#Page_449">449</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Marquis Beccaria's Opinion of Pardons, <a href="#Page_450">450</a>, <i>n.</i></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Impositions practised to obtain them, <i>ibid.</i></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Conditions under which they ought to be granted, <a href="#Page_451">451</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">The evil consequences of free Pardons, <a href="#Page_451">451</a>, <a href="#Page_452">452</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">A tacit disapprobation of the Law, (<i>Beccaria</i>), <a href="#Page_59">59</a></span><br />
+<br />
+<i>Parents</i>, their Profligacy and inattention to the Education of their Children, <a href="#Page_311">311</a>, &amp;c.<br />
+<br />
+<i>Parochial</i> Officers in the Metropolis, <a href="#Page_397">397</a>, <a href="#Page_398">398</a>, <a href="#Page_416">416</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; of little use to the Police in the Metropolis, why, <a href="#Page_400">400</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Parricides</i>, their punishment by the Roman Law, <a href="#Page_41">41</a><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">By the Chinese and Egyptian Laws, <i>ibid.</i></span><br />
+<br />
+<i>Patroles and Watchmen</i>, their number, <a href="#Page_399">399</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; frequently conspire with Thieves, <a href="#Page_106">106</a>, <a href="#Page_108">108</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Pawnbrokers</i> hold out many temptations to the Poor, <a href="#Page_115">115</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; A proposition for regulating them, <a href="#Page_116">116</a>, <a href="#Page_550">550</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; To give security for good behaviour, <a href="#Page_116">116</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; The number in London and the Country, <a href="#Page_115">115</a>, <i>n.</i><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; The immense amount of the Goods of the Poor at all times in their hands, <a href="#Page_116">116</a>, <i>n.</i><br />
+<br />
+<i>Peace</i>, an epoch when much danger is to be apprehended in the return of Criminals, <a href="#Page_100">100</a>, <a href="#Page_529">529</a>, <a href="#Page_530">530</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Peace-Officers</i>&mdash;Safeguards of the Community, <a href="#Page_384">384</a>, <a href="#Page_385">385</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; The ill effects of the absurd prejudice against them, <a href="#Page_385">385</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; The number in the Metropolis, <a href="#Page_408">408</a>, <a href="#Page_413">413</a>, <a href="#Page_414">414</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Penitentiary Houses.</i> Two national ones authorised, but never erected, <a href="#Page_456">456</a>, <a href="#Page_457">457</a>, <a href="#Page_459">459</a><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">An Inspector of Penitentiary Houses should be appointed, (See <a href="#Convicts"><i>Convicts</i></a>), <a href="#Page_460">460</a></span><br />
+<br />
+<i>Penny-Pieces</i>, 40 Millions of them coined by Mr. Bolton of Birmingham, <a href="#Page_186">186</a>, <i>n.</i><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; why not likely to be much counterfeited, <a href="#Page_183">183</a>, <i>n.</i><br />
+<br />
+<i>Petty Larceny</i>, how punished, <a href="#Page_50">50</a>, <a href="#Page_51">51</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Pewter Pots</i> and Pewter, purchased by Dealers in Old Iron&mdash;Protected by Act 21 Geo. 3d. <i>c.</i> 69, <a href="#Page_299">299</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Piracy</i> a capital offence, <a href="#Page_55">55</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Pirates</i> on the River, their audacious conduct, (See <a href="#River_Plunder"><i>River Plunder</i></a>).<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Plunder on the River, and <a href="#Dock-yards">Dock-yards</a></i> (See those titles).</span><br />
+<br />
+<a name="POLICE" id="POLICE"></a><span class="smcap">Police</span>&mdash;The advantages resulting from it when well regulated, <a href="#Page_1">1</a>, <a href="#Page_2">2</a><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">The insecurity from a deficient Police no where so great as in England, <a href="#Page_3">3</a>, <a href="#Page_4">4</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">One cause for the increase of Criminals is the insufficiency of the Police, <a href="#Page_4">4</a>, <a href="#Page_310">310</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">The specific causes of the deficiency explained, and the means of improvement, <a href="#Page_24">24</a>, <a href="#Page_25">25</a>, <a href="#Page_26">26</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">The disjointed State of the Police one of the causes of the increase of Stolen Goods, <a href="#Page_289">289</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">The Establishment of an active Principle strongly enforced, <a href="#Page_307">307</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">The expences of the Police might be defrayed by itself, under an improved System, <a href="#Page_410">410</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">No place of Industry provided by the Police for discharged Prisoners, (See <a href="#Convicts"><i>Convicts</i></a>), <a href="#Page_99">99</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Police of the Metropolis explained, <a href="#Page_503">503</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">City and Police Magistrates now acting, their Names, <a href="#Page_504">504</a>, <a href="#Page_505">505</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Their Duty explained, <a href="#Page_506">506</a>, <a href="#Page_507">507</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Inconveniences arising from want of Funds, Robberies and Burglaries not prevented, from this among other Causes, <a href="#Page_509">509</a>, <a href="#Page_510">510</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Police Magistrates should have power to give small Rewards for useful Services, <a href="#Page_510">510</a>, <a href="#Page_511">511</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Police Magistrates necessary in all large Societies, <a href="#Page_514">514</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Police Magistrates have nothing to do with Politics, <a href="#Page_517">517</a>, <i>n.</i></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Police System approved by the Manufacturers of Spital Fields, <a href="#Page_519">519</a>, <a href="#Page_520">520</a>, <i>n.</i></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">The great deficiency of the System for want of a Centre Point, <a href="#Page_520">520</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Constitutional superintendence of Police rests with the Secretary of State for the Home Department, <a href="#Page_521">521</a>, <a href="#Page_522">522</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">The increase of State Business, and the increase of Crimes, renders a delegation of subordinate management necessary, <a href="#Page_520">520</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">The utility and absolute necessity of such a System explained, <a href="#Page_521">521</a>, <a href="#Page_522">522</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">The opinion of Foreigners of the Police of London, <i>ibid.</i></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">The Police of France under the old Government, observations upon it illustrated by two Anecdotes of M. de Sartine, <a href="#Page_524">524</a>, <a href="#Page_525">525</a>, &amp;c.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">The situation of this as well as every Country in Europe makes a correct System of Police necessary, on account of the profligate Characters who will infest the Metropolis on the return of Peace, <a href="#Page_529">529</a>, <a href="#Page_530">530</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>A Board of Police</i> proposed as the only means of binding together a disjointed System, and of giving it that energy which the interest of the Country requires, <a href="#Page_531">531</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">The new System of Central Police recommended by the Finance-Committee fully detailed and explained, <a href="#CHAP_XVIII">Chap. XVIII.</a>, <a href="#Page_535">535</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Reasons suggested by the Committee, <a href="#Page_535">535</a>-<a href="#Page_539">539</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">The leading object the prevention of Crimes, and the raising a Revenue by Licence Duties, <a href="#Page_540">540</a>, <a href="#Page_541">541</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Trades proposed to be Licensed, <a href="#Page_540">540</a>, <i>n.</i>, <a href="#Page_549">549</a>, <a href="#Page_550">550</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Expence of the Police of the Kingdom near £216,000, <a href="#Page_542">542</a>, <a href="#Page_543">543</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">A Central Board of Police Revenue to be formed by the consolidation of the two Boards of Hackney Coaches, &amp; Hawkers, &amp;c., <a href="#Page_542">542</a>-<a href="#Page_545">545</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">The Licensing System to be extended over the Kingdom under the Controul of this Board, <a href="#Page_545">545</a>-<a href="#Page_547">547</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Functions of the Commissioners of this Central Board of Police amply detailed under 20 heads, <a href="#Page_547">547</a>-<a href="#Page_558">558</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Outline of the Bill proposed to be brought into Parliament for establishing this Central Board of Police, <a href="#Page_559">559</a>, &amp;c.</span><br />
+<br />
+<i>Polygamy</i>, an improved mode of punishment for, <a href="#Page_49">49</a><br />
+<br />
+<a name="Poor" id="Poor"></a><i>Poor</i>, their Distresses, <a href="#Page_312">312</a>, <a href="#Page_313">313</a>, <i>n.</i><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; Particularly from the Lottery delusion, <a href="#Page_151">151</a>, <a href="#Page_152">152</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; State of, <a href="#CHAP_XIII">Cap. XIII.</a>, <a href="#Page_352">352</a>-<a href="#Page_380">380</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; Casual, the erroneous System respecting them one great cause of the increase of Crimes, <a href="#Page_351">351</a><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Estimate of Voluntary Contributions for their Relief, £850,000 <i>per Ann.</i>, <a href="#Page_358">358</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Present expence of the Casual Poor not less than £10,000 <i>per Ann.</i>, <a href="#Page_362">362</a>, <a href="#Page_363">363</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">This Relief ill applied, <i>ibid.</i></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Propriety of consolidating and superintending this Relief, <a href="#Page_364">364</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Poverty not an Evil if it does not degenerate into Indigence, <a href="#Page_365">365</a>, <a href="#Page_366">366</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">The Poor divided into five Classes:</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The useful and industrious, <a href="#Page_366">366</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Vagrant, <a href="#Page_367">367</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Indigent, <a href="#Page_368">368</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Aged and Infirm, <a href="#Page_369">369</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Infants, <i>ibid.</i></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">The Statute 43 Elizabeth unexceptionable in its principle, but its execution deficient, <a href="#Page_370">370</a>, <a href="#Page_373">373</a>, <a href="#Page_575">575</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Proposals for a <i>Pauper Police</i>, to regulate Street Beggars and Casual Poor, <a href="#Page_373">373</a>-<a href="#Page_376">376</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Expence thereof £5,230 to be defrayed by contributions from the Parishes proportioned to the sums now paid by them for Casual Relief, <i>ibid.</i></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Benefit of consolidating the Funds of all the Parishes in the Metropolis, <a href="#Page_377">377</a>, <a href="#Page_378">378</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">The System should be perfected by the joint efforts of well-informed individuals, <i>ibid.</i></span><br />
+<br />
+<a name="PRISONERS" id="PRISONERS"></a><i>Prisoners.</i> An Asylum proposed for those that are discharged, to prevent their returning to evil practices for want of Work, (See <a href="#Convicts"><i>Convicts</i></a>), <a href="#Page_97">97</a>, <a href="#Page_98">98</a>, <i>n.</i>, <a href="#Page_486">486</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; Abstracts of the number committed and discharged in the Metropolis in the course of a year, ending Oct. 1795 (<i>Table</i>), <a href="#Page_430">430</a><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>&mdash;&mdash; Number discharged from the eight Gaols in the Metropolis in a period of four years:</p>
+
+<table style="width: 90%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="discharged">
+<tr><td style="width: 45%">&mdash;&mdash; &mdash;&mdash; 1st. by Proclamation</td><td class="right" style="width: 10%">5,592</td><td rowspan="4" style="width: 45%" class="center"><a href="#Page_96">96</a>, <a href="#Page_97">97</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td>&mdash;&mdash; &mdash;&mdash; 2d. Acquittals</td><td class="right">2,962</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&mdash;&mdash; &mdash;&mdash; 3d. After Punishment</td><td class="right">2,484</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="rtl">11,038</td></tr>
+</table>
+
+<p>&mdash;&mdash; Discharged from 1792 to 1799:</p>
+
+<table style="width: 90%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="prisoners discharged">
+<tr><td>&mdash;&mdash; &mdash;&mdash; 1.</td><td class="right">8,650</td><td class="right">&nbsp;</td><td class="right">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&mdash;&mdash; &mdash;&mdash; 2.</td><td class="right">4,935</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&mdash;&mdash; &mdash;&mdash; 3.</td><td class="right">6,925</td><td class="right">&nbsp;</td><td class="right">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="rtl">&nbsp;</td><td class="right">20,510</td><td class="right"><a href="#Page_97">97</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td>&mdash;&mdash; &mdash;&mdash; from the Hulks, ditto</td><td class="right">&nbsp;</td><td class="right"><span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: this figure should be 1,383">11,383</span></td><td class="right">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="right">&nbsp;</td><td class="rtl">21,893</td><td class="right"><a href="#Page_98">98</a></td></tr>
+</table>
+
+<p>
+&mdash;&mdash; Tried at the Old Bailey from Sept. 1790 to 1791, <a href="#Page_394">394</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; Tried at the Old Bailey from April 1793 to 1794, <a href="#Page_448">448</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; Tried in the year 1795, their Crimes and Sentences, <a href="#Page_446">446</a>, <a href="#Page_447">447</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; Committed annually for trial in the Metropolis from 2,500, to 3,000, <a href="#Page_96">96</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Prisons</i> in the Metropolis, <a href="#Page_331">331</a>, <a href="#Page_582">582</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Prosecutor for the Crown</i>&mdash;The Utility of such an Establishment, <a href="#Page_21">21</a>, <a href="#Page_26">26</a><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">The injury occasioned by the want of it in defeating Justice, <a href="#Page_426">426</a>, <a href="#Page_427">427</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">A severe Burden on the subject to prosecute, <a href="#Page_426">426</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Further Reasons in favour of the Proposition, <a href="#Page_430">430</a>, <a href="#Page_432">432</a>, <a href="#Page_539">539</a></span><br />
+<br />
+<a name="Prostitutes" id="Prostitutes"></a><i>Prostitutes</i>&mdash;Their unhappy Situation, and the dreadful consequences of it, <a href="#CHAP_XII">Cap. XII.</a>, <a href="#Page_333">333</a><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">The evil cannot be prevented, but may be alleviated, <a href="#Page_337">337</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Number of Prostitutes of various classes estimated at 50,000, <a href="#Page_340">340</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Proposals for regulating them not inconsistent either with Religion or Morality, <a href="#Page_343">343</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">The Example of Holland and India quoted, <a href="#Page_345">345</a></span><br />
+<br />
+<i>Public Houses</i>, vide <a href="#Alehouses"><i>Alehouses</i></a>.<br />
+<br />
+<a name="Punishments" id="Punishments"></a><i>Punishments</i>&mdash;defeat their ends by too much Severity, <a href="#Page_6">6</a><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Death should be inflicted as seldom as possible, <i>ibid.</i></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Disproportionate to the Offences, <a href="#Page_6">6</a>, <i>n.</i>, <a href="#Page_8">8</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">A Definition of Punishments, <a href="#Page_29">29</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Should be proportioned to the Offence, &amp;c., <a href="#Page_29">29</a>, <a href="#Page_30">30</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">The objects of inflicting Punishments, <i>ibid.</i></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">General Rules relative to Punishments, <a href="#Page_32">32</a>, <a href="#Page_33">33</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">The Severity of Punishments exposed, <a href="#Page_34">34</a>, <a href="#Page_35">35</a>, <a href="#Page_36">36</a>, <a href="#Page_94">94</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Punishments examined as they apply to the various Offences known in the English Law, <a href="#Page_38">38</a>, <a href="#Page_39">39</a>, &amp;c.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Punishments by the new Code of the Emperor Joseph, <a href="#Page_60">60</a>, <a href="#Page_63">63</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Marquis Beccaria's Opinion and Maxims, <a href="#Page_53">53</a>, <i>n.</i></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">The System of Punishments fully considered, <a href="#CHAP_XVI">Cap. XVI.</a>, <a href="#Page_434">434</a>-<a href="#Page_500">500</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Punishments inflicted on various Offences by the English Law, <a href="#Page_437">437</a>, <a href="#Page_438">438</a>, <a href="#Page_439">439</a>, &amp;c. &amp;c.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Punishments as now regulated tend to increase Crimes, (See <a href="#Convicts"><i>Convicts</i></a>), <a href="#Page_449">449</a>-<a href="#Page_452">452</a></span><br />
+</p>
+
+<h3>Q.</h3>
+
+<p>
+<i>Quarter</i> Sessions of the Peace:<br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; and General Sessions of Middlesex, in certain Cases, act under a Commission of Oyer and Terminer, <a href="#Page_445">445</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; Held in London, eight times a year, <a href="#Page_428">428</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; in Westminster, four times a year, <i>ibid.</i><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; in Middlesex, eight times a year, <i>ibid.</i><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; in Tower Liberty, eight times a year, <i>ibid.</i><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; in Surry, four times a year, <i>ibid.</i><br />
+<br />
+<i>Quays</i>&mdash;Plunder committed upon&mdash;See <a href="#River_Plunder"><i>River Plunder</i></a>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<h3>R.</h3>
+
+<p>
+<i>Rape</i>, Laws Relative, to it in England, Death by 18 Eliz. <i>c.</i> 7, <a href="#Page_47">47</a><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">The Egyptian Law relative to this Crime, <i>ib.</i></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">The Athenian ditto, <i>ib.</i></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">The Roman ditto, <i>ib.</i></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">The Jewish ditto, <i>ib.</i></span><br />
+<br />
+<a name="Receivers" id="Receivers"></a><i>Receivers</i> of Stolen Property:<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Receivers of Cash, or Bank Notes, not punishable, <a href="#Page_8">8</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">nor of Horses and Cattle, <a href="#Page_9">9</a>, <i>n.</i></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">3000 estimated to be in the Metropolis, <a href="#Page_10">10</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">The greatest encouragers of Thieves, <a href="#Page_9">9</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Their wonderful increase in the last 20 years, <a href="#Page_12">12</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Restraints upon them a public benefit, <a href="#Page_13">13</a>, <a href="#Page_14">14</a>, <a href="#Page_104">104</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Make previous contracts with Thieves, <a href="#Page_103">103</a>, <a href="#Page_291">291</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Hostlers at Watering Houses often Receivers of Corn, &amp;c., <a href="#Page_88">88</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Journeymen Butchers receive Cattle, <a href="#Page_104">104</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Receivers considered separately, <a href="#CHAP_VIII">Cap. VIII.</a>, <a href="#Page_288">288</a>, <a href="#Page_308">308</a>, &amp;c.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">The chief cause of Public Depredation, <a href="#Page_289">289</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">The different Classes detailed, <a href="#Page_292">292</a>, <a href="#Page_293">293</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">By 3 and 4 William and Mary, <i>c.</i> 9. made Accessaries after the fact, <a href="#Page_294">294</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">By 4 Geo. I. <i>c.</i> 11. punishable by Transportation for fourteen Years, <a href="#Page_295">295</a>, <a href="#Page_301">301</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">The Laws enumerated relative to Receivers, and their defects pointed out, <a href="#Page_293">293</a>, <a href="#Page_301">301</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">A proposition to make the Receiving Stolen Goods an original Offence, <a href="#Page_302">302</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Remedies proposed under eight different heads by regulating certain Classes of Dealers, <a href="#Page_303">303</a>, <a href="#Page_307">307</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">A System of inspection recommended, <a href="#Page_308">308</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Applied to for their assistance in recovering valuable Property which is stolen, <a href="#Page_384">384</a></span><br />
+<br />
+<i>Religion</i>, Places of Public Worship in the Metropolis, <a href="#Page_568">568</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Register</i> of delinquency proposed to be kept by the Central Board of Police, <a href="#Page_554">554</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Remedies for Evils mentioned in this Work</i>:<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">To remove the Imperfections in the Criminal Code, <a href="#Page_24">24</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">To improve the System of the Hulks, <a href="#Page_27">27</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">To improve also the Mode of Transportation, and the Employment of Convicts, <a href="#Page_481">481</a>, &amp;c.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">To establish National Penitentiary Houses, <a href="#Page_457">457</a>, <a href="#Page_460">460</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">To improve the System in granting Licences to Public Houses&mdash;See <a href="#Alehouses"><i>Alehouses</i></a>.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">To regulate Dealers in Old Iron, Metals, Stores, Old Wearing Apparel, Founders of Metals, &amp;c. by Licence, <a href="#Page_304">304</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">To improve the Laws relative to the prevention of Pillage and Plunder in the River Thames&mdash;See <a href="#River_Plunder"><i>River Plunder</i></a>.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">To improve the Laws relative to the prevention of Frauds, Embezzlements, Pillage and Plunder in Ships of War, and Transports, and in the Naval and other public Arsenals (See <a href="#Dock-yards"><i>Dock-yards</i></a>), <a href="#Page_26">26</a>, <a href="#Page_253">253</a>, <a href="#Page_254">254</a>, <a href="#Page_255">255</a>, <a href="#Page_256">256</a>, <a href="#Page_257">257</a>, <a href="#Page_258">258</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">To prevent Highway Robberies and Burglaries, <a href="#Page_103">103</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">To prevent the Coinage of base Money, and the Sale and Circulation of the same, <a href="#Page_190">190</a>, <a href="#Page_211">211</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">To prevent the evil effects of the Devices of Cheats, Swindlers, Gamblers and fraudulent Persons, viz.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Swindlers in general, <a href="#Page_113">113</a>, <a href="#Page_150">150</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Fraudulent Pawnbrokers, <a href="#Page_109">109</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Hawkers and Pedlars, <a href="#Page_116">116</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Puffing diurnal Auctioneers, <a href="#Page_117">117</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Puffing Money Lenders, <a href="#Page_118">118</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Illegal Lottery Insurers, <a href="#Page_151">151</a>, <a href="#Page_162">162</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Itinerant Jews, <a href="#Page_147">147</a>, <a href="#Page_148">148</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Various Classes of Cheats and Swindlers, &amp;c. with Cautions to Tradesmen and others to beware of them, <a href="#Page_131">131</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">A general Remedy proposed, <a href="#Page_131">131</a>, <a href="#Page_132">132</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">To prevent the evil of receiving Stolen Goods, and through this medium the Commission of Robberies, Burglaries, Thefts, Larcenies, Embezzlements, Frauds and Swindling, &amp;c. under eight different heads, <a href="#Page_302">302</a>, <a href="#Page_303">303</a>, <a href="#Page_304">304</a>, &amp;c.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">To prevent Justice from being defeated in the apprehension of Offenders, by Rewards to Officers and others apprehending them (See <a href="#Rewards"><i>Rewards</i></a>), <a href="#Page_392">392</a>, <a href="#Page_393">393</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">To prevent Frauds in the trial of Offenders by appointing a Prosecutor for the Crown, <a href="#Page_21">21</a>, <a href="#Page_26">26</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">To proportion all punishments to the nature of the Offence, and to abolish sanguinary and severe Punishments, <a href="#Page_28">28</a>, <a href="#Page_29">29</a>, <a href="#Page_59">59</a>, <a href="#Page_60">60</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">To improve the System with regard to Pardons&mdash;(See <a href="#Pardons"><i>Pardons</i></a>), <a href="#Page_27">27</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">To improve the System of Police for the Metropolis, by establishing a Fund for Rewards, <a href="#Page_509">509</a>, <a href="#Page_512">512</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">To establish a concurrent Jurisdiction over the whole of the Metropolis, <a href="#Page_419">419</a>, <a href="#Page_420">420</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">To establish Police Magistrates in London, <a href="#Page_513">513</a>, <i>n.</i></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">To establish a Board of Police as a centre point, where a responsible superintending agency, under the Secretary of State for the Home Department, should be pledged to attend to the great outlines of the Police of the Metropolis&mdash;(See <a href="#POLICE"><span class="smcap">Police</span></a>), <a href="#Page_25">25</a>, <a href="#Page_26">26</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">A System for the more easy recovery of small Debts, <a href="#Page_584">584</a>, <a href="#Page_585">585</a>, <a href="#Page_586">586</a>, <a href="#Page_587">587</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">To improve the Municipal Police, by extending the same Laws, Penalties and Punishments to every part of the Metropolis, <a href="#Page_599">599</a>, &amp;c.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">General View of all the Remedies proposed in this Work, against the existing Evils which at present infest the Metropolis, <a href="#CHAP_XX">Ch. XX.</a> <a href="#Page_602">p. 602</a>, &amp;c.</span><br />
+<br />
+<i>Restraints</i> imposed on Criminal People cannot affect the Liberty of the Subject, <a href="#Page_13">13</a><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Those already established to obtain Revenue, severer, <a href="#Page_14">14</a></span><br />
+<br />
+<i>Revenue</i> of the Customs greatly injured by River Plunder, <a href="#Page_241">241</a>, <i>n.</i><br />
+<br />
+<a name="Rewards" id="Rewards"></a><i>Rewards</i>&mdash;To be given by Magistrates in order to enable them to detect offenders&mdash;The utility explained, <a href="#Page_509">509</a>-<a href="#Page_511">511</a><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Rewards necessary to all classes of Public Officers of Justice, for the purpose of exciting vigilance, <a href="#Page_409">409</a>, <a href="#Page_410">410</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Rewards granted at present for ten specific Offences, detailed, <a href="#Page_390">390</a>, <a href="#Page_391">391</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Amount paid by Sheriffs from 1786 to 1797, £.94,430, <a href="#Page_393">393</a>, <i>n.</i></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Rewards paid on Prosecutions at the Old Bailey from Sept. 1790 to 1791, <a href="#Page_394">394</a>, <a href="#Page_395">395</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Small Rewards recommended for detecting inferior Offences, <a href="#Page_393">393</a>, <a href="#Page_394">394</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">The quantum of the Reward to be left to the discretion of the Judge, and allowed according to the merit of the parties, whether there is a conviction or not, <a href="#Page_393">393</a>, <a href="#Page_396">396</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Rewards proposed for the detection of Coiners and Utterers of Base Money, <a href="#Page_207">207</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">For the detection of Plunderers in the Dock-yards, <a href="#Page_272">272</a></span><br />
+<br />
+<a name="River_Plunder" id="River_Plunder"></a><i>River Plunder</i>, its amazing extent, probably not less than <i>Half a Million per annum</i>, <a href="#CHAP_VIII">Cap. VIII.</a>, <a href="#Page_215">215</a>, <a href="#Page_237">237</a>, <a href="#Page_238">238</a>, <a href="#Page_239">239</a><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Yet not exceeding 15<i>s.</i> per Cent. on the value of the Property exposed, <a href="#Page_215">215</a>, <a href="#Page_216">216</a>, &amp; <i>table</i></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">13,000 Vessels and more discharge and receive three millions of Packages annually in the River, <a href="#Page_217">217</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: page reference missing in original">Various classes of River Plunderers.</span></span><br />
+<br />
+<i>River Pirates</i>, (particular instances of their audacious Depredations), <a href="#Page_218">218</a>, <a href="#Page_220">220</a><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Night Plunderers</i>, <a href="#Page_220">220</a>, <a href="#Page_223">223</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Light Horsemen</i>, or nightly Plunderers of West India Ships, <a href="#Page_223">223</a>, <a href="#Page_226">226</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Heavy Horsemen</i>, or Lumpers, <a href="#Page_226">226</a>, <a href="#Page_227">227</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Game Watermen</i>, <i>ibid.</i></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Game Lightermen</i>, <a href="#Page_228">228</a>, <a href="#Page_231">231</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Mud-Larks</i>, <a href="#Page_230">230</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Revenue Officers</i>, <a href="#Page_231">231</a>, <a href="#Page_232">232</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Scuffle-hunters</i>, <a href="#Page_233">233</a>, <a href="#Page_234">234</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Copemen</i>, or Receivers, <a href="#Page_235">235</a>, <a href="#Page_236">236</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">See further <a href="#Marine_Police"><i>Marine Police</i></a>.</span><br />
+<br />
+<i>Robberies and Burglaries</i>&mdash;not prevented by the Police System of 1792, and the reason why, <a href="#Page_509">509</a><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Chiefly for want of giving small Rewards, <a href="#Page_510">510</a></span><br />
+<br />
+<i>Robbery</i>, defined, <a href="#Page_54">54</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Roman Laws</i>, relative to Murder, Theft, <a href="#Page_41">41</a>, <a href="#Page_51">51</a><br />
+</p>
+
+<h3>S.</h3>
+
+<p>
+<i>Salaries</i>, proposed to be increased to the Servants of the Crown, on the abolition of Perquisites, <a href="#Page_282">282</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Sartine, M. de</i>, Minister of Police in Paris, two singular Anecdotes of, <a href="#Page_525">525</a>, <a href="#Page_526">526</a>, &amp;c.<br />
+<br />
+<i>Saxon Laws</i> relative to Murder, <a href="#Page_44">44</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Schools</i> in the Metropolis, <a href="#Page_569">569</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Scuffle-hunters</i>, A class of Labourers who hunt after Work when Ships are discharging, chiefly with a view to plunder, <a href="#Page_233">233</a>, <a href="#Page_234">234</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Sequin</i> of Turkey, counterfeited in London, <a href="#Page_18">18</a>, <a href="#Page_184">184</a>, <a href="#Page_190">190</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Servants</i>&mdash;Corrupted by the temptations of the Metropolis, <a href="#Page_12">12</a><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Particularly by the Lottery, <a href="#Page_153">153</a>, <a href="#Page_155">155</a></span><br />
+<br />
+<i>Sewers</i>, their origin and great utility, the Acts relative to them, <a href="#Page_591">591</a><br />
+<br />
+<a name="Sharpers" id="Sharpers"></a><i>Sharpers</i>, an account of noted Females concerned in different kinds of Frauds, <a href="#Page_127">127</a>, <a href="#Page_130">130</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Sharpers and Swindlers</i>, their various devices to defraud the Public, <a href="#Page_114">114</a>, <a href="#Page_115">115</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; Ought to find security for their Good Behaviour, <a href="#Page_135">135</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Ships</i>, in the River Thames, the Loss and Inconvenience arising from the<br />
+present mode of discharging, (See <a href="#River_Plunder"><i>River Plunder</i></a>)<br />
+<br />
+<i>Silk Manufacturers</i> of Spital-Fields, their Address of Thanks for the<br />
+Establishment of the Police System in 1792, <a href="#Page_519">519</a>, <a href="#Page_520">520</a>, <i>n.</i><br />
+<br />
+<i>Societies</i> in London for Morals, Arts, &amp;c., <a href="#Page_570">570</a>, <a href="#Page_571">571</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Society</i> for the Relief of Persons imprisoned for small Debts, an excellent Institution, <a href="#Page_589">589</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Sodomy</i>, the Laws relative to it, and the Punishment, <a href="#Page_46">46</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; Introduced into England by the Lombards, <i>ibid.</i><br />
+<br />
+<i>Soup Charities</i>, their peculiar excellence in relieving the Poor, <a href="#Page_81">81</a>, <a href="#Page_82">82</a>, <i>n.</i>, <a href="#Page_356">356</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Southwark</i>, the Acts relative to its Police, <a href="#Page_594">594</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Spirituous Liquors</i>, the astonishing Consumption of, &amp;c., <a href="#Page_327">327</a>, <i>n.</i><br />
+<br />
+<i>Statutes</i>, See <a href="#Acts_of_Parliament"><i>Acts of Parliament</i></a>.<br />
+<br />
+<i>Statute Law</i>&mdash;Necessity of its Revisal, and the steps taken for that purpose, <a href="#Page_7">7</a>, <i>n.</i>, <a href="#Page_32">32</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Stolen Goods</i>, See <a href="#Receivers"><i>Receivers</i></a>.<br />
+<br />
+<i>Stores</i>, Government, See <a href="#Embezzlement"><i>Embezzlement</i></a>; <a href="#Naval_Embezzlements"><i>Naval Embezzlements</i></a>; <a href="#Acts_of_Parliament"><i>Acts</i></a>, <a href="#Page_257">257</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Streets</i> in the Metropolis, estimated at 8000, <a href="#Page_411">411</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Sugars</i>, the Plunder of, estimated at £.97,000 a year, lost by the Planters and Merchants, and £.25,000 by the Revenue, <a href="#Page_241">241</a>, <i>n.</i><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; Annual losses by Samples, £.60,000 and upwards, <a href="#Page_235">235</a>, <i>n.</i><br />
+<br />
+<i>Suicide</i>, the effect of Gambling in the Lottery, <a href="#Page_144">144</a>, <i>n.</i><br />
+<br />
+<i>Summary View</i> of the Causes of the Insufficiency of the Police, under nine different heads, <a href="#Page_24">24</a>, <a href="#Page_25">25</a>, <a href="#Page_26">26</a>, <a href="#Page_27">27</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; Of Prisoners committed in one year, <a href="#Page_429">429</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Superstition</i> of the Jews, See <a href="#Jews"><i>Jews</i></a>.<br />
+<br />
+<i>Swindlers</i>, See <a href="#Sharpers"><i>Sharpers</i></a>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<h3>T.</h3>
+
+<p>
+<i>Tea Gardens</i>, Public Evils, <a href="#Page_345">345</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; Proposals for regulating them, <a href="#Page_347">347</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Thames</i> (River) See <i><a href="#River_Plunder">River Plunder</a>&mdash;<a href="#Marine_Police">Marine Police</a></i>.<br />
+<br />
+<i>Thefts</i> (<i>petty</i>) Causes and Progress of, <a href="#CHAP_III">Cap. III.</a>, <a href="#Page_74">74</a>, &amp; <i>seq.</i><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; By Persons not belonging to the Fraternity of Thieves, estimated at £.700,000, <a href="#Page_10">10</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; From Ships in the River and upon the Wharfs, See <a href="#River_Plunder"><i>River Plunder</i></a>.<br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; From Dock-yards, Ships of War, &amp;c. See <a href="#Dock-yards"><i>Dock-yards</i></a>.<br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; Burglaries, Highway Robberies, &amp;c., <a href="#Page_93">93</a>, <a href="#Page_94">94</a>, <a href="#Page_103">103</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Theft.</i> First punished with Death by Henry I. 1108, <a href="#Page_52">52</a><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">The Laws relative to Theft in this and other Nations, <a href="#Page_51">51</a></span><br />
+<br />
+<a name="Thieves" id="Thieves"></a><i>Thieves.</i> Professed Thieves not intimidated when put on their Trial; reasons assigned, <a href="#Page_424">424</a>, <a href="#Page_425">425</a>, <a href="#Page_426">426</a>, <a href="#Page_449">449</a>, <a href="#Page_450">450</a><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">The different classes of persons who resort to thieving and robbing, <a href="#Page_95">95</a>, <a href="#Page_96">96</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Many Thieves taken off by the War, but many remain behind on account of ruptures and other disabilities, which, however, do not prevent their committing Crimes, <a href="#Page_99">99</a>, <a href="#Page_100">100</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">The means used by them to accomplish their purposes, <a href="#Page_100">100</a>, <a href="#Page_105">105</a>, <a href="#Page_291">291</a></span><br />
+<br />
+<i>Tokens</i>, Provincial Coins, respecting which Regulations are proposed, <a href="#Page_198">198</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Transportation</i>, when first introduced as a Punishment, <a href="#Page_454">454</a><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Offences punishable in this way detailed, <a href="#Page_440">440</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Expence of the Transportation of Convicts to New South Wales, and their Confinement in the Hulks, <a href="#Page_460">460</a>, <a href="#Page_469">469</a></span><br />
+<br />
+<i>Travelling Police</i>, A plan of hinted at, <a href="#Page_109">109</a>, <i>n.</i><br />
+<br />
+<a name="Treason" id="Treason"></a><i>Treason</i>, The Laws relative to it explained, viz:<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Of High Treason, <a href="#Page_38">38</a>, <a href="#Page_39">39</a>, <a href="#Page_40">40</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">The great inaccuracy of the Act of Edward III. in blending together Crimes disproportionate in their nature, <a href="#Page_39">39</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">The Laws of China relative to High Treason, <a href="#Page_40">40</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Petty Treason, how punished, <a href="#Page_41">41</a></span><br />
+<br />
+<i>Twenty Thousand</i> rise every morning in the Metropolis, without knowing how they are to be subsisted through the day, <a href="#Page_313">313</a>, <i>n.</i><br />
+<br />
+<i>Tyburn Ticket</i>, A premium given for apprehending and prosecuting Burglars, House-Breakers and Horse-stealers, explained, <a href="#Page_391">391</a>, <i>n.</i><br />
+</p>
+
+<h3>U.</h3>
+
+<p>
+<i>Useful Cautions</i>, to Tradesmen and others against the devices of Cheats and Swindlers, and to prevent frauds and Impositions, <a href="#Page_124">124</a>, <a href="#Page_131">131</a><br />
+</p>
+
+<h3>V.</h3>
+
+<p>
+<i>Vagrants and Vagrancy.</i> A specification of what constitutes this Offence:<br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; Idle and disorderly persons, how punished, <a href="#Page_442">442</a>, &amp;c.<br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; Rogues and Vagabonds, <a href="#Page_443">443</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; Incorrigible Rogues, <i>ib.</i><br />
+<br />
+<i>Vessels</i>, trading to the River Thames, nearly 13,500 in the course of a year, <a href="#Page_215">215</a>-<a href="#Page_217">217</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Volunteers</i>, See <a href="#Loyal_Military_Associations">Loyal Military Associations</a>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<h3>W.</h3>
+
+<p>
+<i>War</i>, The means of employing Criminals, <a href="#Page_99">99</a>, <a href="#Page_100">100</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; Civil Wars seldom waged from considerations of Virtue or the security of Liberty, <a href="#Page_37">37</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Watch-houses</i> in the Metropolis, <a href="#Page_414">414</a>, <i>n.</i><br />
+<br />
+<i>Watching</i> the Metropolis, the Laws relating thereto, <a href="#Page_411">411</a>, <a href="#Page_412">412</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Watchmen</i> and Patroles to be placed under the control of the Police, <a href="#Page_106">106</a>, <a href="#Page_107">107</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; Their miserable Establishment from 8&frac12;<i>d.</i> to 2<i>s.</i> a night, <a href="#Page_107">107</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; How appointed and paid, <a href="#Page_411">411</a>, <a href="#Page_412">412</a>, <span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: out of order in original"><a href="#Page_411">411</a>, <i>n.</i></span><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; Their general unfitness, <a href="#Page_412">412</a>, <a href="#Page_413">413</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; The abuses which arise from this source, <i>ib.</i><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; The number in the Metropolis, <a href="#Page_414">414</a><br />
+<br />
+&mdash;&mdash; Rewards proposed to excite vigilance, <a href="#Page_415">415</a>, <a href="#Page_416">416</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Watchmakers</i> to be registered, <a href="#Page_108">108</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Water</i> and Waterworks, <a href="#Page_595">595</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>Watermen</i> on the Thames, Act 34 Geo. III. regulating their Fares, &amp;c., <a href="#Page_596">596</a><br />
+<br />
+<i>West India Produce</i> pilfered in a year, <a href="#Page_240">240</a>, <a href="#Page_241">241</a>, <i>n.</i><br />
+<br />
+<i>Westminster</i>, The Acts of Parliament relative to its Police, <a href="#Page_411">411</a>, <i>n.</i>, <a href="#Page_412">412</a>, <i>n.</i><br />
+<br />
+<i>Women and Children</i> of late years regularly frequent the Tap rooms of Public Houses a proof of the Corruption of Morals, <a href="#Page_310">310</a>-<a href="#Page_314">314</a><br />
+<br />
+<a name="Writs" id="Writs"></a><i>Writs.</i> An extraordinary Statement of the astonishing expence of small Law-suits, exemplified by an authentic Table of the number of Writs issued in Middlesex in the course of a year, <a href="#Page_587">587</a><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">The Subject further explained, <a href="#Page_585">585</a>, <a href="#Page_588">588</a></span><br />
+</p>
+
+
+<p class="centertp"><span class="gesperrt"><i>FINIS.</i></span></p>
+
+
+<p class="centertp"><span class="sm">[<i>Printed by H. Baldwin and Son, New Bridge-street, London.</i>]</span></p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<h2>FOOTNOTES</h2>
+
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1_1" id="Footnote_1_1"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1_1"><span class="label">[1]</span></a> See Mr. Middleton's interesting Report on the County of
+Middlesex, and the extracts from thence in <a href="#CHAP_III">Chapter III.</a> of this
+Work.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_2_2" id="Footnote_2_2"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2_2"><span class="label">[2]</span></a> Blackstone's Commentaries.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_3_3" id="Footnote_3_3"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3_3"><span class="label">[3]</span></a> Can that be thought a correct System of Jurisprudence,
+which inflicts the penalty of Death, for breaking down the mound of a
+fish-pond, whereby the fish may escape; or cutting down a fruit-tree
+in a garden or orchard; or stealing a handkerchief, or any trifle,
+privately from a person's pocket, above the value of 12d;&mdash;while a
+number of other crimes of much greater enormity, are only punished
+with Transportation and Imprisonment; and while the punishment of
+murder itself is, and can be, only Death; with a few circumstances of
+additional ignominy?</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_4_4" id="Footnote_4_4"></a><a href="#FNanchor_4_4"><span class="label">[4]</span></a> See the "Report from the Committee of the House of
+Commons on Temporary Laws;" May 13, 1796&mdash;and also the "Report from
+the Committee for promulgation of the Statutes," December 5, 1796; and
+the "Resolutions of a Committee of the whole House," March 20, 1797.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_5_5" id="Footnote_5_5"></a><a href="#FNanchor_5_5"><span class="label">[5]</span></a> Blackstone.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_6_6" id="Footnote_6_6"></a><a href="#FNanchor_6_6"><span class="label">[6]</span></a> It is said the same construction of the Law has been made
+with respect to the Offence of buying or receiving Horses, knowing
+them to be stolen.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_7_7" id="Footnote_7_7"></a><a href="#FNanchor_7_7"><span class="label">[7]</span></a> The partial remedy applied to some of these evils by
+Statutes passed since the former Edition of this Work, shall be
+noticed in a <a href="#CHAP_VII">subsequent Chapter</a> dedicated to the subject of Coinage.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_8_8" id="Footnote_8_8"></a><a href="#FNanchor_8_8"><span class="label">[8]</span></a> No hardship can be so great as that of subjecting an
+individual, under any circumstance whatsoever, to the expence of a
+public prosecution, carried on in behalf of the King: Besides adding,
+almost on every occasion, to the loss of the parties, it is productive
+of infinite mischief, in defeating the ends of Justice.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_9_9" id="Footnote_9_9"></a><a href="#FNanchor_9_9"><span class="label">[9]</span></a> Beccaria, or Crimes and Punishments, Cap. 6.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_10_10" id="Footnote_10_10"></a><a href="#FNanchor_10_10"><span class="label">[10]</span></a> He lived 624 years before the Christian æra.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_11_11" id="Footnote_11_11"></a><a href="#FNanchor_11_11"><span class="label">[11]</span></a> It has been thought necessary, by the
+Legislature, to explain and enlarge these clauses of the Act
+25 <i>Ed.</i> III. as not extending, with sufficient
+explicitness, to modern treasonable attempts. It is
+therefore provided by the Act 36 <i>Geo.</i> III. <i>cap.</i> 7, "That
+if any person (during the life of his present Majesty, and
+until the end of the Session of Parliament next after a
+demise of the Crown) shall within the realm, or without,
+compass, imagine, invent, devise, or intend death or
+destruction, <i>or any bodily harm, tending to death or</i>
+<i>destruction, maim, or wounding, imprisonment, or restraint</i>
+of the person of the King, his heirs, and successors, or to
+deprive or depose him or them from his stile, honour, or
+Kingly name; or to levy war against the King within this
+Realm, in order by force to compel him to change his
+measures; <i>or in order to put any force or constraint upon,</i>
+<i>or to intimidate or overawe</i>, <span class="smcap">both houses, or either house,
+of parliament</span>; or to incite any foreigner to invade the
+dominions of the Crown: and such compassings, &amp;c., shall
+express, utter, or declare, <i>by publishing any printing, or</i>
+<i>writing</i>, or by <i>any other</i> overt act or deed"&mdash;the offender
+shall be deemed <i>a Traitor</i>, and punished accordingly.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_12_12" id="Footnote_12_12"></a><a href="#FNanchor_12_12"><span class="label">[12]</span></a> King of the West Saxons, anno 688.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_13_13" id="Footnote_13_13"></a><a href="#FNanchor_13_13"><span class="label">[13]</span></a> That acute Reasoner, the Marquis <span class="smcap">Beccaria</span>, who wrote
+after <span class="smcap">Montesquieu</span>, holds this last opinion.&mdash;"A punishment, (says this
+able writer) to be just should have only that degree of severity which
+is sufficient to deter others: perpetual labour will have this effect
+more than the punishment of death."</p>
+<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Becc</span>. chap. 28.</p>
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_14_14" id="Footnote_14_14"></a><a href="#FNanchor_14_14"><span class="label">[14]</span></a> Beccaria. <i>See ante</i> <a href="#Page_45"><i>page</i> 45</a>.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_15_15" id="Footnote_15_15"></a><a href="#FNanchor_15_15"><span class="label">[15]</span></a> In cases where a criminal appears to be remarkably
+depraved, and that the apprehensions he may excite require such
+precautions, he shall be branded on each cheek with the mark of a
+gallows, so visibly and strongly impressed as not to be effaced either
+by time or any other means whatever.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_16_16" id="Footnote_16_16"></a><a href="#FNanchor_16_16"><span class="label">[16]</span></a> This punishment is different from the pillory in
+England. In the German Language it signifies an exposure on the public
+theatre of shame. The Criminal is chained and guarded on an elevated
+scaffold, and exposed an hour at a time, with a paper on his breast
+denoting his offence.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_17_17" id="Footnote_17_17"></a><a href="#FNanchor_17_17"><span class="label">[17]</span></a> When a criminal is condemned to severe imprisonment, he
+has no bed but the floor, no nourishment but bread and water, and all
+communication with relations, or even strangers, is refused him. When
+condemned to milder imprisonment, better nourishment is allowed; but
+he has nothing to drink but water.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_18_18" id="Footnote_18_18"></a><a href="#FNanchor_18_18"><span class="label">[18]</span></a> Corporal punishment is inflicted with a whip, rod, or
+stick, publicly, on the criminal; the degree of punishment (within 100
+lashes or strokes at one time) depends on the sound prudence of the
+Judge.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_19_19" id="Footnote_19_19"></a><a href="#FNanchor_19_19"><span class="label">[19]</span></a> The punishment of the Chain is inflicted in the
+following manner. The criminal suffers severe imprisonment, and is so
+closely chained, that he has no more liberty than serves for the
+indispensable motion of his body.&mdash;Chained criminals suffer a corporal
+punishment once a year, as an example to the Public.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_20_20" id="Footnote_20_20"></a><a href="#FNanchor_20_20"><span class="label">[20]</span></a> The punishment of death is not authorized by any
+right.&mdash;If it were so, how could it be reconciled to the maxim, that a
+man has no right to kill himself?
+</p><p>
+The punishment of death is a war of a whole nation against a citizen,
+whose destruction is considered as necessary or useful to the public
+good.&mdash;If I can demonstrate that it is neither necessary nor useful, I
+shall have gained the cause of humanity.&mdash;If the experience of all
+ages be not sufficient to prove that the punishment of death has never
+prevented determined men from injuring society&mdash;if the example of the
+Romans&mdash;if twenty years' reign of Elizabeth, Empress of Russia, be not
+sufficient, let us consult human nature in proof of my assertion.
+</p><p>
+The death of a criminal is a terrible, but momentary spectacle; and
+therefore a less efficacious method of deterring others, than the
+continued example of a man deprived of his liberty, and condemned to
+repair by his labour, the injury done to Society. A condition so
+miserable is a much more powerful preventive than the fear of death,
+which men always behold in distant obscurity.
+</p>
+<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Beccaria</span>, cap. 28.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_21_21" id="Footnote_21_21"></a><a href="#FNanchor_21_21"><span class="label">[21]</span></a> This remedy as it respects Receivers of stolen Goods, is
+specifically explained at the close of a <a href="#CHAP_X">subsequent Chapter</a> which
+relates entirely to that subject, and to which the Reader is
+particularly referred.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_22_22" id="Footnote_22_22"></a><a href="#FNanchor_22_22"><span class="label">[22]</span></a> This observation can only apply to such voluntary
+contributions as are liable to abuses, and where the poor are
+permitted to dispose of the benevolence of the opulent in their own
+way.&mdash;The <i>Soup-Charities</i> established in different parts of the
+Metropolis are a peculiar exception, inasmuch as they contribute only
+to the relief of those that are really objects of distress, while no
+Public Charity heretofore instituted has been found to be liable to
+fewer abuses. In a great Metropolis like London, it has been clearly
+established, that in spite of every regard to prudence and &#339;conomy,
+decent families will be suddenly broke down, while the habits of life
+peculiar to the lower orders, and their want of the knowledge of
+frugal cookery have proved a source of much real calamity; for where
+nothing is laid up, every pressure arising from sickness, child-birth,
+or death throws many hundreds upon the Public, who have no legal
+parochial Settlement, and who but for some relief must absolutely
+perish;&mdash;While the Soup-Charities hold out immediate and constant
+relief to many families, who might otherwise perish with
+hunger;&mdash;while this species of relief may be said to be accessible to
+every indigent family in the Metropolis, no lure is held out to the
+idle or profligate. It cannot be disposed of, as bread, meat, and
+coals, for gin and other articles. There is therefore scarcely any
+risque of deception, more especially as the applicants pay down half
+the original cost on receiving it&mdash;Thus establishing the means of
+discrimination between <i>real</i> and <i>pretended distress</i>. About 10,000
+families, composed chiefly of persons who had not the means of
+obtaining sufficient food to support nature, consisting of 50,000 men,
+women, and children, were relieved by the daily distribution of Soups
+at <i>Spital-Fields</i>, <i>Clerkenwell</i>, <i>St. George's Fields</i>, and
+<i>Westminster</i>, during the last winter, at an expence to the
+Subscribers not exceeding One Guinea for every 504 meals of rich
+nourishing Soup, which those poor people received. But this is not the
+only advantage which attends these Institutions, since there is every
+reason to believe, that while the poor are thus frugally fed, they are
+taught by example, and by circulating among them printed friendly
+advices, what they never knew before&mdash;<i>The means of making a little go
+far</i>, by introducing the same beneficial mode of dressing food in
+their own houses. And from a minute attention to this object, the
+Author has great satisfaction in stating, that from the eagerness
+shewn to obtain the Soup, and the thankfulness almost universally
+expressed for the benefits it conferred, there is every reason to
+hope, that more good has arisen to the industrious poor from these
+establishments (which are now extending themselves in the Villages and
+Manufacturing Towns) than by any plan which has ever been resorted to
+for relieving distress. Among the various classes of benevolent
+individuals, to whom the Public have been indebted for their pecuniary
+and personal aid in promoting this design the Society of <i>The Friends</i>
+is peculiarly prominent. To the zeal and perseverance they have
+manifested, and the valuable time they have bestowed, in giving effect
+and utility to the System, is owing much of its success.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_23_23" id="Footnote_23_23"></a><a href="#FNanchor_23_23"><span class="label">[23]</span></a> These thefts are committed by degrees in a small way,
+seldom exceeding a truss of hay or a bushel of corn by one man at one
+time; and are generally of smaller articles. In some places the
+stealing of gate-hooks and iron-fastnings is so common as to compel
+the farmer both to hang and fasten his gates with wood. <i>Middleton.</i></p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_24_24" id="Footnote_24_24"></a><a href="#FNanchor_24_24"><span class="label">[24]</span></a> Not satisfied with the profit here stated, which,
+considering the difference of measures, is above 100 per cent. is a
+common practice with the Retailers of this useful article to carry the
+milk first home to their own houses, where it is set up for half a
+day, when the cream is taken from it, at least all that comes up in
+that time, and it is then sold for new milk. By which means, what is
+delivered in the morning is no other than the milk of the preceding
+afternoon, deprived of the cream it throws up by standing during that
+time. By this means a farther considerable profit accrues to the
+Retailers, and the milk is greatly reduced in point of strength and
+quality. This cream, poor as it is, they again mix with flour, chalk,
+and perhaps other more baneful ingredients, and yet it finds a ready
+market in the Metropolis. <i>Middleton.</i></p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_25_25" id="Footnote_25_25"></a><a href="#FNanchor_25_25"><span class="label">[25]</span></a> That man will deserve a statue to his memory who shall
+devise and carry into effect a plan for the employment of <i>Discharged
+Prisoners and Convicts</i>, who may be desirous of labouring for their
+subsistence in an honest way.&mdash;It is only necessary for some men of
+weight and influence to make the attempt, in order to insure the
+assistance of the opulent and humane in so good and necessary a Work.
+See a <a href="#CHAP_XVI">future Chapter</a> as to the present state of punishment and the
+remedies proposed.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_26_26" id="Footnote_26_26"></a><a href="#FNanchor_26_26"><span class="label">[26]</span></a> The frauds and felonies committed in the course of a
+year with respect to horses exceed all credibility. Above thirty
+thousand of these useful animals are said to be flayed and boiled in
+the Metropolis, at the Seventeen Licensed Houses, annually, of which
+about one-fourth are brought there alive, supposed chiefly to be
+stolen horses. These Establishments require many additional
+regulations to enforce and insure that purity of conduct, which the
+Legislature had in view when the Act of the 26 Geo. 3, cap. 71, was
+passed for licensing persons to slaughter horses. In the operation of
+this Act is strongly evinced the inefficacy of the best laws, when
+measures are not pursued to insure an accurate and chaste execution.
+Wherever the vigilance of a General Police does not extend its
+influence in carrying into effect all regulations of a preventive
+nature, it is in vain to hope that the evil in the view of the
+Legislature will be diminished.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_27_27" id="Footnote_27_27"></a><a href="#FNanchor_27_27"><span class="label">[27]</span></a> The depredations which are committed almost every
+evening in Cheapside, and the adjacent streets leading into it,
+affords strong proofs of the necessity of an improved system with
+regard to watchmen and patroles.
+</p><p>
+Allured to that particular part of the Metropolis, from the extensive
+and valuable property in <i>piece goods</i> and other portable articles
+which are constantly removing to and from the different shops and
+warehouses:&mdash;a multitude of thieves and pickpockets, exhibiting often
+in their dress and exterior, the appearance of gentlemen and men of
+business, assemble every evening in gangs, watching at the corners of
+every street, ready to <i>bustle</i> and <i>rob</i>, or to <i>trip up the heels</i>
+of the <i>warehouse-porters and the servants of shopkeepers carrying
+goods</i>; or at the doors of warehouses, at dusk and at the time they
+are locked, to be ready to seize loose parcels when unperceived; by
+all which means, aided by a number of other tricks and fraudulent
+pretences, they are but too successful in obtaining considerable
+booty. In short, there is no device or artifice to which these
+vigilant plunderers do not resort: of which an example appeared in an
+instance, where almost in the twinkling of an eye, while the servants
+of an eminent silk-dyer had crossed a narrow street, his horse and
+cart, containing raw silk to the value of <i>twelve hundred pounds</i>,
+were driven clear off. Many of these atrocious villains, are also
+constantly in waiting at the inns, disguised in different ways,
+personating <i>travellers, coach-office clerks, porters and coachmen</i>,
+for the purpose of plundering every thing that is portable; which,
+with the assistance of two or three associates if necessary, is
+carried to a coach called for the purpose, and immediately conveyed to
+the receiver.
+</p><p>
+The most adroit thieves in this line are generally <i>convicts from the
+hulks, or returned transports</i>, who under pretence of having some
+ostensible business, (while they carry on the trade of thieving)
+generally open a <i>chandler's shop</i>, set up a <i>green-stall</i>, or get
+into a <i>public-house</i>: some of these old offenders are known also to
+keep livery-stables for thieves, and horses for the use of highwaymen;
+thereby forming a connected chain by which these criminal people
+extend and facilitate their trade; <i>nourishing</i>, <i>accommodating</i>, and
+supporting one another.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_28_28" id="Footnote_28_28"></a><a href="#FNanchor_28_28"><span class="label">[28]</span></a> Hints have been submitted to the Author for establishing
+a plan of <i>Travelling Police</i>, to extend 20 miles round the
+Metropolis; by means of Patroles well armed and mounted, who should be
+on the road at all hours; the expence to be defrayed by the produce of
+a toll to be raised for the purpose. This scheme might in all
+probability be much improved under the sanction of a General Police
+Board, without the additional expence of the proposed toll.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_29_29" id="Footnote_29_29"></a><a href="#FNanchor_29_29"><span class="label">[29]</span></a> See the 28th Report of that Committee.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_30_30" id="Footnote_30_30"></a><a href="#FNanchor_30_30"><span class="label">[30]</span></a> There appears to be a deficiency in the Act of 30th
+George the Second, cap. 24. in omitting to add <i>Bank Notes</i> after the
+word <i>Money</i>, and also <i>Horses, Cattle, Sheep, or other Animals</i>,
+after goods, wares, and merchandise; since, (as has already been
+noticed, ante <a href="#Page_9">page 9</a>,) it has been held that Bank Notes are not Money,
+nor are horses, cattle, &amp;c. considered as goods, wares, or
+merchandise, according to the legal construction of any existing
+Statute.&mdash;An amendment of the Law with regard to these and other
+objects is the more necessary, as <i>Bank Notes</i> and <i>Horses</i> are,
+perhaps, more the objects of swindling, than other species of
+property.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_31_31" id="Footnote_31_31"></a><a href="#FNanchor_31_31"><span class="label">[31]</span></a></p>
+<table border="0" cellpadding="10" cellspacing="0" summary="pawnbrokers">
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td>Persons</td><td>£.</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Number of Pawnbrokers within the Bills of Mortality, paying a licence of £10. a year.</td><td class="right">213</td><td class="right">2130</td></tr>
+<tr><td>In the Country, paying £5. a year.</td><td class="right">432</td><td class="right">2160</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="right">Total</td><td class="rtbl">644</td><td class="rtbl">4290</td></tr>
+</table>
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_32_32" id="Footnote_32_32"></a><a href="#FNanchor_32_32"><span class="label">[32]</span></a> A regulation of this kind is of great importance; as the
+property of the poorest and most distressed part of the community, to
+the amount of nearly one million sterling, is constantly in the hands
+of Pawnbrokers in the Metropolis alone! and although it is of the
+utmost consequence that they, above all others, should be <i>honest,
+correct</i> and even <i>humane</i> characters, (and it is to be hoped many of
+them are of that description,) yet certain it is that any person, even
+the most notorious rogue or vagabond, who can raise ten pounds to pay
+for a licence, may at present set up the trade of Pawnbroker; and it
+is even said that some have got licences who have actually been on
+board the Hulks!&mdash;a thing unavoidable under the present
+circumstances.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_33_33" id="Footnote_33_33"></a><a href="#FNanchor_33_33"><span class="label">[33]</span></a> The encouragement which this impostor received from the
+weaker part of the females of rank and fortune in the Metropolis,
+raised up others; who had the effrontery to insult the understanding
+of the Public, by advertising in the News-papers.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_34_34" id="Footnote_34_34"></a><a href="#FNanchor_34_34"><span class="label">[34]</span></a> An Affidavit, made not very long since in one of the
+superior Courts of Justice, illustrates this observation in a very
+striking degree. It is in these words&mdash;"That it is almost impossible
+to convict persons keeping Gaming-Houses before the Magistrates, by
+reason of the enormous wealth generally applied to the corruption of
+unwilling evidence brought forward to support the charge&mdash;That on an
+information exhibited against one of the Partners of a Gaming-House,
+he got himself discharged by deterring some of the witnesses from
+appearing, and by the perjury of another partner who was examined as a
+witness, and for which he then stood indicted&mdash;That divers of these
+Gaming-Houses were kept by practising attornies, who, by threatening
+indictments for pretended Conspiracies, and other infamous means, have
+deterred persons from prosecuting them."</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_35_35" id="Footnote_35_35"></a><a href="#FNanchor_35_35"><span class="label">[35]</span></a> The expence of entertainments at a Gaming-House of the
+highest class, during eight months, has been said to exceed <i>Six
+Thousand Guineas</i>! What must the profits be to afford such a
+profusion?</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_36_36" id="Footnote_36_36"></a><a href="#FNanchor_36_36"><span class="label">[36]</span></a> The latter part of the Affidavit, already mentioned,
+also illustrates these assertions, and proves that they are but too
+well founded: It states&mdash;"That Gaming-Houses have increased to such a
+degree, that there were lately not less than six in one street near
+the Hay-Market, at all which persons stood at the door to entice
+passengers to play&mdash;That the generality of persons keeping these
+houses are <i>prize-fighters</i>, and persons of a desperate description,
+who threaten assassination to any person who will molest them."</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_37_37" id="Footnote_37_37"></a><a href="#FNanchor_37_37"><span class="label">[37]</span></a> The same Affidavit further states&mdash;"That the principal
+Gaming Houses at the West end of the Town have stated days on which
+they have luxurious dinners, (Sunday being the chief day,) to which
+they contrive to get invited merchants' and bankers' clerks, and other
+persons intrusted with money; and that it has been calculated, (and
+the calculation was believed not to be over-rated,) that the expences
+attendant on such houses, amounted to £.150,000 yearly, and that the
+keepers of such houses, by means of their enormous wealth, bid
+defiance to all prosecutions, some of them having acquired from 50 to
+£.100,000 each; considerable estates have been frequently won by them
+in the course of one sitting."</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_38_38" id="Footnote_38_38"></a><a href="#FNanchor_38_38"><span class="label">[38]</span></a> The longer the Lottery continues, the greater the evil.
+A Lottery of 60,000 Tickets is therefore a much greater evil than one
+of 50,000: and that in a ratio more than proportionate to the numbers
+in each.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_39_39" id="Footnote_39_39"></a><a href="#FNanchor_39_39"><span class="label">[39]</span></a> The Gambling and Lottery transactions of one individual
+in this great Metropolis, are said to be productive of from ten to
+fifteen suicides annually.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_40_40" id="Footnote_40_40"></a><a href="#FNanchor_40_40"><span class="label">[40]</span></a> The following is the substance of the most striking
+parts of the Evidence of John Shepherd, in the action alluded to.
+</p><p>
+"The witness saw Hazard played at the Gaming-House of the defendant,
+in Leicester-street.&mdash;Every person who was three times successful,
+paid the defendant a Silver Medal, which he purchased from him on
+entering the house, at eight for a guinea, and he received six or
+seven of these in the course of an hour for the Box Hands, as it was
+called. The people who frequented this house always played for a
+considerable sum. Sometimes £.20 or £.30 depended on a single throw of
+the Dice. The witness remembered being once at the defendant's
+Gaming-House about three or four o'clock in the morning, when a
+gentleman came in very much in liquor.&mdash;He seemed to have a great deal
+of money about him.&mdash;The defendant said he had not intended to play,
+but now he would set to with this fellow.&mdash;He then scraped a little
+wax with his finger off one of the candles and put the Dice together,
+so that they came seven every way. After doing this, he dropped them
+into the box and threw them out, and afterwards drew all the money
+away, saying he had won it.&mdash;<i>Seven</i> was the main, and he could not
+throw any thing but <i>seven</i>. The young gentleman said he had not given
+him time to <i>bar</i>.&mdash;A dispute arose between the defendant and him. It
+was referred to two or three persons who were round the table, and
+they gave it in favour of the defendant. The gentleman said he had
+lost upwards of £.70. The defendant said, <i>we have cleared him</i>. The
+witness has seen a man pawn his watch and ring in several instances;
+and once he saw a man pawn his coat and go away without it.
+</p><p>
+"After the Gaming Table was broken by the Bow-street Officers, the
+defendant said it was too good a thing to be given up, and instantly
+got another Table, large enough for twenty or thirty people. The
+frequenters of this house used to play till day-light: and on one or
+two occasions, they played all the next day. This is what the
+defendant called, <i>sticking to it rarely</i>. The guests were furnished
+with wine and suppers gratis, from the funds of the partnership, in
+abundance. Sunday was a grand day. The witness has seen more than
+forty people there at a time. The table not being sufficient for the
+whole, half-a-crown used on such occasions to be given for a seat, and
+those behind looked over the back of the others and betted."
+</p><p>
+The person above-mentioned (whose name was Smith) who pawned his coat,
+corroborated the above evidence; and added, that he had seen a person
+after he had lost all his money, throw off his coat and go away,
+losing it also.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_41_41" id="Footnote_41_41"></a><a href="#FNanchor_41_41"><span class="label">[41]</span></a> In consequence of a very accurate inquiry which has been
+made, and of information derived from different sources, it appears
+that fraudulent Lottery Insurances have not diminished. The Offices
+are numerous all over the Metropolis, and are supposed to exceed four
+hundred of all descriptions; to many of which there are persons
+attached, called <i>Morocco Men</i>, who go about from house to house among
+their former customers, and attend in the back parlours of Public
+Houses, where they are met by customers who make insurances. It is
+calculated that at these offices (exclusive of what is done at the
+<i>licensed</i> offices) premiums for insurance are received to the amount
+of <i>eight hundred thousand pounds</i>, during the Irish Lottery, and
+above <i>one million</i> during the English; upon which it is calculated
+that they make from 15 to 25 per cent. profit.&mdash;This infamous
+confederacy was estimated, during the English Lottery of the year
+1796, to support about 2000 agents and clerks, and nearly 7500 Morocco
+Men, including a considerable number of hired <i>armed Ruffians</i> and
+<i>Bludgeon Men</i>: these were paid by a general association of the
+Principal Proprietors of these fraudulent Establishments; who
+regularly met in Committee, in a well-known public house in Oxford
+Market, twice or thrice a week, during the drawing of the Lottery; for
+the purpose of concerting measures to defeat the exertions of the
+Magistrates, by alarming and terrifying, and even forcibly resisting,
+the Officers of Justice in all instances where they could not be
+bribed by pecuniary gratuities;&mdash;to effect which last purpose, neither
+money nor pains were spared; and the wretched agents of these
+unprincipled miscreants were, in many cases, prepared to commit
+murder, had attempts been made to execute the Warrants of Magistrates;
+as can be proved by incontestable evidence. It is greatly to be feared
+that too much success attended these corrupt and fraudulent
+proceedings, in violation and defiance of the Laws of the Kingdom.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_42_42" id="Footnote_42_42"></a><a href="#FNanchor_42_42"><span class="label">[42]</span></a> The regulation proposed, is this&mdash;that every member
+belonging to a Friendly Society, should be <i>excluded</i> or <i>expelled</i>,
+and deprived of all future benefits from the funds of that Society, on
+proof of his having insured in any Lottery whatsoever, contrary to
+law;&mdash;and that this rule should be general, wherever the Acts of
+Parliament, relative to Friendly Societies, have taken effect.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_43_43" id="Footnote_43_43"></a><a href="#FNanchor_43_43"><span class="label">[43]</span></a> The circulation of stamped Spanish Dollars, in 1797,
+gave rise to a very extensive coinage of counterfeit money of the same
+species, which was generally executed in a very masterly manner, and
+before the fraud was discovered vast quantities were in the hands of
+many innocent members of the community. Several detections, however,
+having checked the circulation, and silver bullion having fallen
+greatly in price, those who were in the habit of dealing in base money
+availing themselves of this circumstance, purchased Dollars in great
+quantities at about 4<i>s.</i>. 2<i>d.</i> which they instantly stamped and
+circulated at 4<i>s.</i> 9<i>d.</i> and by which species of villainy large sums
+of money were suddenly amassed.&mdash;One dealer in particular is said to
+have made above £.5000 in six weeks. The Laws attaching no punishment
+to this unforeseen offence, and the Author representing the
+circumstances of the case to the Bank Directors, the whole were called
+in, leaving, however, in the hands of the dealers a large surplus of
+actual counterfeits,&mdash;which appears to have suggested to them the
+expedient of finding a market in the British American Colonies and the
+United States, where, in general, frauds are less likely to be
+detected from the payments being made (particularly in the West India
+islands) in dollars put up in bags containing a certain value in each.
+However, they were fortunately defeated in this object by the timely
+notice given, by the Author of this Treatise, to his Majesty's
+Secretary of State, and the American Minister, and through these
+respectable mediums commercial people were put upon their guard before
+the intended fraud could be carried into effect.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_44_44" id="Footnote_44_44"></a><a href="#FNanchor_44_44"><span class="label">[44]</span></a> A <i>Liquid Test</i> has been discovered by Mr. <span class="smcap">Alston</span>, an
+eminent Manufacturer, in Birmingham, of great worth and
+respectability, which cannot fail to be of the greatest use in
+detecting every species of counterfeit Gold and Silver money, whether
+<i>plated</i> or <i>washed</i>. This discovery is mentioned with pleasure by the
+Author, as it is likely to be productive of much benefit to the
+Public, in protecting the fair dealers against the frauds daily
+practised upon them, in the circulation of base money.&mdash;The discovery
+is instantaneous by a single touch, and the expence of the Liquid and
+Apparatus is trifling.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_45_45" id="Footnote_45_45"></a><a href="#FNanchor_45_45"><span class="label">[45]</span></a> A species of counterfeit halfpence made <i>wholly of
+lead</i>, has been circulated in considerable quantities, coloured in
+such a manner as even to deceive the best judges. They are generally
+of the Reign of George II. and have the exact appearance of old Mint
+halfpence.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_46_46" id="Footnote_46_46"></a><a href="#FNanchor_46_46"><span class="label">[46]</span></a> It is a curious fact, that although the number of Pence
+which have been supplied by that admirable Artist, Mr. <span class="smcap">Boulton</span>, of
+Birmingham, and which have been actually circulated amounts to Forty
+Million of Pieces, making £.166,666. 12<i>s.</i> 4<i>d.</i> sterling, and which
+is equal to 4<i>d.</i> for every inhabitant in this Island, according to
+the largest computation: yet the quantity of halfpence (chiefly
+counterfeits) which are found in actual circulation, are at least in
+the proportion of forty to one. This must ever be the case until some
+expedient, such as is hereafter recommended, shall be adopted for
+calling them in, and substituting in their place a new Coinage of the
+full standard weight: For it is evident that the Dealers and Tradesmen
+at present hoard up the penny pieces, and only circulate the
+counterfeit halfpence which they receive; the nuisance therefore
+remains, and the coiners are thus encouraged to continue their
+nefarious practices.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_47_47" id="Footnote_47_47"></a><a href="#FNanchor_47_47"><span class="label">[47]</span></a> A few years ago sheet-copper was as low as 11&frac12;<i>d.</i> a
+pound, and will probably be again at the same price on the return of
+Peace. Indeed it has been even lower, although it has recently very
+much advanced in price.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_48_48" id="Footnote_48_48"></a><a href="#FNanchor_48_48"><span class="label">[48]</span></a> This observation does not apply to Mr. Boulton's New
+Copper Coinage; for although some feeble attempts have been made to
+counterfeit it, these can never go to a great extent, from its not
+being a sufficient object of profit; besides the fraud is easily
+detected, since each penny weighs an exact ounce: of course the
+halfpence should weigh half an ounce, and the farthings one quarter of
+an ounce, when these last two denominations are brought into
+circulation; as it is expected they will be.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_49_49" id="Footnote_49_49"></a><a href="#FNanchor_49_49"><span class="label">[49]</span></a> See ante, p. <a href="#Page_17">17</a>, <a href="#Page_18">18</a>.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_50_50" id="Footnote_50_50"></a><a href="#FNanchor_50_50"><span class="label">[50]</span></a> Journal, House of Commons, Vol. xviii. p. 178.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_51_51" id="Footnote_51_51"></a><a href="#FNanchor_51_51"><span class="label">[51]</span></a> It was suggested in a former edition of this work, that
+a coinage of <i>seven shilling</i> pieces of <i>gold</i> would be of great
+utility.&mdash;The expedient was adopted by Government at the end of the
+year 1797.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_52_52" id="Footnote_52_52"></a><a href="#FNanchor_52_52"><span class="label">[52]</span></a> For a specific Estimate of the plunder on all branches
+of trade carried on to and from the port of London, see "A Treatise on
+the Commerce and Police of the River Thames: with a summary View of
+the Laws of Shipping and Navigation:" (now in the press) by the Author
+of this Work.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_53_53" id="Footnote_53_53"></a><a href="#FNanchor_53_53"><span class="label">[53]</span></a> No rule being established, whereby the British Coasting
+trade can be valued, the Estimate here given is grounded on the
+supposition, that the value of each cargo must amount to a certain
+moderate sum.&mdash;The aggregate of the whole is believed to exceed the
+estimate considerably.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_54_54" id="Footnote_54_54"></a><a href="#FNanchor_54_54"><span class="label">[54]</span></a> While every thing connected with the present state of
+Europe, and the whole Commercial world, appears favourable for the
+accomplishment of the aggrandisement of the port of London, by the
+establishment of Docks (already in part adopted by the Legislature)
+and by a general Warehousing System, there is no opinion more
+erroneous and delusive than that which supposes that arrangements of
+this kind will supersede the necessity of a Police for the protection
+of the trade, and for the preservation of the public peace within
+these extensive repositories.
+</p><p>
+In what manner are from two to three thousand labourers, who must be
+frequently employed at the same time within these Docks, (and those
+too of a class that have been accustomed to plunder, and are not
+restrained by any sense of the turpitude of the action) to be
+over-awed and controlled, if no Police shall be conceived necessary?
+</p><p>
+The risk would be immense to commercial property; and pillage, in
+spite of the gates, and every precaution which could be taken, would
+probably be as extensive as it has been from the Warehouses, or from
+his Majesty's Dock Yards, where the want of an appropriate Police has
+been the cause of many abuses.
+</p><p>
+Police as recently exemplified, is quite a new science in political
+&#339;conomy, not yet perfectly understood; it operates as a restraint
+of the most powerful kind upon all delinquents who would be restrained
+by nothing else. To the system of vigilance which pervades the
+criminal actions of labourers upon the River, joined to the imminent
+danger of detection, is to be attributed the general success of the
+Marine Police, in preventing depredations.
+</p><p>
+Wherever a proper Police attaches, good order and security will
+prevail; where it does not, confusion, irregularity, outrages, and
+crimes must be expected; wherever great bodies of aquatic labourers
+are collected together, risk of danger from turbulent behaviour, will
+be greater in proportion to the number of depraved characters, who,
+from being collected in one spot, may hatch mischief, and carry it
+into effect much easier in Docks than on the River. A Police only can
+counteract this; and to the same preventive system will the commerce
+of the Port be indebted for securing both the Docks and the Pool
+against Conflagration. In fine, under every circumstance where
+Property is exposed, a preventive Police must be resorted to, in order
+to be secure.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_55_55" id="Footnote_55_55"></a><a href="#FNanchor_55_55"><span class="label">[55]</span></a> It is not here meant to criminate all the Mates of ships
+in this trade; for a large proportion are known to be men worthy of
+the trust reposed in them.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_56_56" id="Footnote_56_56"></a><a href="#FNanchor_56_56"><span class="label">[56]</span></a> In the throng season of the year at least 900 inferior
+Customhouse officers, and about 300 Excisemen, are stationed on board
+of ships in the Port of London, besides 82 Customhouse watermen and 36
+superior Officers who do duty on the River Thames. The fair allowance
+of the established Tide Officers may be from 50<i>l.</i> to 55<i>l.</i> a year.
+The preferable Officers having 3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> a day only when employed,
+are supposed to receive wages for 2-3ds. of the year; while the extra
+Officers, who have only 3<i>s.</i> a day, are not supposed to be employed
+above half the year: and the Glutmen not more than two months in the
+throngest part of the season.
+</p><p>
+Men in such situations having a trust committed to them of great
+magnitude and importance, in the protection of a Revenue amounting to
+more than Seven Millions, and receiving wages inferior to common
+labourers, with pecuniary pressures upon them, arising from the wants
+in many instances of large families, assailed on all hands by
+temptations to connive at evil practices, as they relate both to the
+Revenue and the Individual&mdash;What can be expected from them?&mdash;Humanity,
+policy, and even justice pleads for an increase of salary, as the best
+means of preserving their morals and increasing the Revenue. Other
+Regulations through the medium of the Police System might be
+established, whereby their purity might be secured, and the Revenue
+eased of a considerable expence, by reducing the number employed at
+present, often in promoting mischievous instead of useful purposes.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_57_57" id="Footnote_57_57"></a><a href="#FNanchor_57_57"><span class="label">[57]</span></a> Sugar and Rum imported into the Port of London, from the
+25th of March 1798 to the 25th of March 1799:&mdash;</p>
+
+<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="sugar and rum">
+<tr><td>Islands.</td><td class="right">Ships.</td><td class="right">Casks,<br />Sugar.</td><td class="right">Casks,<br />Rum.</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Jamaica</td><td class="right">151</td><td class="right">64,108</td><td class="right">17,279</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Antigua</td><td class="right">14</td><td class="right">5,258</td><td class="right">715</td></tr>
+<tr><td>St. Kitt's</td><td class="right">14</td><td class="right">6,137</td><td class="right">755</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Barbadoes</td><td class="right">17</td><td class="right">7,961</td><td class="right">65</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Granadoes</td><td class="right">18</td><td class="right">6,806</td><td class="right">443</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Mountserat</td><td class="right">6</td><td class="right">2,742</td><td class="right">568</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Nevis</td><td class="right">4</td><td class="right">1,867</td><td class="right">418</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Dominica</td><td class="right">14</td><td class="right">4,152</td><td class="right">400</td></tr>
+<tr><td>St. Vincent</td><td class="right">26</td><td class="right">10,147</td><td class="right">908</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Tortola</td><td class="right">3</td><td class="right">789</td><td class="right">109</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Sundry Places, including captured Islands, &amp;c.</td><td class="right">106</td><td class="right">32,739</td><td class="right">2,271</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="rtbl">373</td><td class="rtbl">142,760</td><td class="rtbl">23,931</td></tr>
+</table>
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_58_58" id="Footnote_58_58"></a><a href="#FNanchor_58_58"><span class="label">[58]</span></a> Independent of the excessive pillage by the labourers in
+the Warehouses, which has been rendered but too evident from the
+detections of Offenders since the establishment of the Marine Police,
+the samples alone, which on an average are said to amount to 12<i>lb.</i>
+per hhd. (instead of 1&frac12;<i>lb.</i> per hhd. in conformity to the
+Regulations of the West India Merchants, of the 12th of June 1789,)
+make a net aggregate of 1,470,000 pounds of sugar, which at 10<i>d.</i> per
+pound amounts to 61,250<i>l.</i> a year!</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_59_59" id="Footnote_59_59"></a><a href="#FNanchor_59_59"><span class="label">[59]</span></a> See the "Treatise on the Commerce and Police of the
+River Thames," for a particular account of these classes.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_60_60" id="Footnote_60_60"></a><a href="#FNanchor_60_60"><span class="label">[60]</span></a> For the purpose of defraying the expence of prosecutions
+for criminal offences upon the River Thames, and to raise a fund for
+suborning evidence, and employing counsel for higher crimes, and of
+paying the penalties under the Act of the 2d Geo. III. cap. 28.
+commonly called the Bumboat Act; there existed a club composed of
+<i>River Plunderers</i>, and <i>Lumpers</i>, <i>Coopers</i>, <i>Watermen</i>, and
+<i>Receivers</i>, (denominated <i>Light-Horsemen</i>, <i>Heavy-Horsemen</i>, and
+<i>Copes</i>,) from the funds of which the Law expences and the penalties
+incurred by members of the fraternity were paid. By these iniquitous
+means not a few notorious offenders escaped justice, while those who
+were convicted of penalties for misdemeanors escaped the punishment of
+imprisonment, and being thus screened from justice the culprits
+(previous to the establishment of the Marine Police System) returned
+to their evil practices without the least apprehension of any other
+inconvenience than the payment of a fine of 40<i>s.</i> defrayed by the
+Club. The New System, however, affording means of detection in the
+ships where the offences were committed: what were formerly
+misdemeanors are now treated as larcenies, which has operated most
+powerfully in breaking up this atrocious confederacy, and in defeating
+all the nefarious designs of the criminal delinquents of which it was
+formed, some of whom, although apparently common labourers, resided in
+handsome houses furnished in a very superior style for the rank in
+life of the occupiers.
+</p><p>
+As a proof, among many others, of the enormous extent of the River
+Plunder, the convictions for misdemeanors under the Act of the 2d Geo.
+III. cap. 28. from August 1792 to August 1799, exceeded <i>two thousand
+two hundred</i>; of which number about 2000 culprits paid the penalty;
+partly from their own resources, but chiefly, it is believed, from the
+funds of the club, amounting in all to about 4000<i>l.</i> in the course of
+seven years.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_61_61" id="Footnote_61_61"></a><a href="#FNanchor_61_61"><span class="label">[61]</span></a> A Shipmaster in the trade a few months since was
+compelled to pay 40<i>l.</i> for deficient sugars plundered by Lumpers and
+others, who assisted in lading his vessel, notwithstanding his utmost
+personal vigilance and attention while the sugars were taking on
+board. A single Marine Police Officer would have prevented this. The
+effect of their power in overawing delinquents, from the nature of the
+system and the discipline peculiar to the institution, is not to be
+conceived.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_62_62" id="Footnote_62_62"></a><a href="#FNanchor_62_62"><span class="label">[62]</span></a> For a particular account of this Institution, see the
+"Treatise on the Commerce and Police of the River Thames," already
+alluded to.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_63_63" id="Footnote_63_63"></a><a href="#FNanchor_63_63"><span class="label">[63]</span></a> With respect to the advantages which have resulted in
+the aggregate, to the West India Planters and Merchants, from this New
+Institution, it is impossible to form any decided opinion; but
+estimating the savings, on an average, at 28<i>lbs.</i> of sugar per hhd.
+(which is only one half of what the Committee of West India Merchants,
+in their Report to a General Meeting in 1798, supposed the plunderage
+might have been formerly) it appears, upon this data, that the gain to
+the Planters, Merchants, and the Revenue, on a very reduced estimate
+as to the actual importation may be thus stated.&mdash;</p>
+
+<table style="width: 80%" border="0" cellpadding="10" cellspacing="0" summary="savings">
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="center">Saving to the Planters.</td><td class="center">Saving to the Revenue.</td><td class="center"><span class="smcap">Total.</span></td></tr>
+<tr><td>On 115,000 casks of sugar, at 28<i>lbs.</i> per cask</td><td class="right">£.97,012</td><td class="right">£.25,150</td><td class="right">£.122,162</td></tr>
+<tr><td>15,000 casks of rum, at three gallons each</td><td class="right">9,000</td><td class="right">15,000</td><td class="right">24,000</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Coffee, pimento, and other articles, suppose</td><td class="right">5,000</td><td class="right">10,000</td><td class="right">15,000</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="right">Totals</td><td class="rtl">£.111,012</td><td class="rtl">£.50,150</td><td class="rtl">£.161,162</td></tr>
+</table>
+
+<p>If credit is to be given to the general and specific proofs of the
+depredations which took place before the establishment of the Marine
+Police, and to the numerous documents which demonstrate the saving of
+property, which has been the effect of this system of prevention, the
+above estimate will not appear to be over-rated. In an importation
+amounting to above £.8,000,000 sterling a year, it is not too much to
+say that 1&frac12; per cent. on this sum may have been saved under a
+system of such extreme vigilance, where every class of depredators
+were defeated in their iniquitous designs, and deprived in a great
+measure of the powers they formerly possessed, of doing mischief. The
+probability is, that it has amounted to more, though the fact never
+can be accurately ascertained.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_64_64" id="Footnote_64_64"></a><a href="#FNanchor_64_64"><span class="label">[64]</span></a> At a meeting of the Committee of the West India
+Merchants appointed to manage the general concerns of the Trade, held
+on the 4th of January 1799, It was</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"<span class="smcap">Resolved</span>,</p>
+<p>"That this Committee are deeply impressed with a high sense
+of the singular advantages, which appear to have resulted to
+the Commerce of the Port of London in general, but
+particularly to the West India Planters and Merchants, in
+the protection afforded to their property by the exertions
+of <i>The Marine Police Institution</i>, as well as by the
+General System established for the prevention of pillage and
+plunder arising out of the measures for detection pursued by
+the Magistrates presiding at the Marine Police Office, by
+which, in the opinion of this Committee, great and extensive
+benefits have also resulted to his Majesty's Revenue."</p></div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_65_65" id="Footnote_65_65"></a><a href="#FNanchor_65_65"><span class="label">[65]</span></a> For the specific provisions of <i>the Marine Police Bill</i>,
+see the "Treatise on the Commerce Navigation Police of the River
+Thames."&mdash;The object of this Bill is rather to prevent Crimes than to
+punish; and where punishments on conviction are to be inflicted, they
+are of a nature which, it is to be hoped, will operate sufficiently as
+an example to diminish the evil, without the exercise of any great
+degree of severity.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_66_66" id="Footnote_66_66"></a><a href="#FNanchor_66_66"><span class="label">[66]</span></a> John Harriott, Esq. the Resident Magistrate.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_67_67" id="Footnote_67_67"></a><a href="#FNanchor_67_67"><span class="label">[67]</span></a> So powerful was the effect of the preventive System,
+wherever it was permitted to be applied, that no instance has occurred
+in the course of more than fifteen months, since the Marine Police was
+established, of sufficient grounds for a criminal prosecution having
+taken place by the commission of any Larceny or Felony in ships or
+craft under the immediate protection of the Institution.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_68_68" id="Footnote_68_68"></a><a href="#FNanchor_68_68"><span class="label">[68]</span></a> As a proof of the approbation of the whole body of the
+West India Planters at the General Meeting, not only of the System of
+the Marine Police, but also of the Bill which has been prepared to
+extend its influence to the general Trade of the River Thames, the
+following extracts are inserted:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p class="center"><i>Extract from the Minutes of a Meeting of a Committee of the
+West India Planters and Merchants&mdash;London, June 7, 1799.</i></p>
+
+<p>"Resolved,</p>
+
+<p>"That this Committee is fully convinced that considerable
+advantages have been derived from the institution of the
+Marine Police in checking the depredations on West India
+produce on board ships in the River Thames; and consequently
+approves of the Bill for constituting the said <i>Marine
+Police</i>, with powers enlarged and more effective, and on a
+more extended plan, provided the Act for that purpose be in
+the first instance limited to the duration of three years,
+and that the whole expence of the Institution does not
+exceed Ten Thousand Pounds annually."</p>
+
+<p class="centertp"><i>Extract from the Minutes of a General Meeting of the West
+India Planters, held by public Advertisement at Wright's
+Coffee-house, Soho-square, London, June 13, 1799.</i></p>
+
+<p class="center">The Right Honourable Lord <span class="smcap">Penrhyn</span> in the Chair.</p>
+<p>"Resolved,</p>
+<p>"That this Meeting confirms the Report of its Committee, and
+approves of the project of a Bill for the purposes, and
+within the limitations stated in that Report.</p>
+<p>"Resolved,</p>
+<p>"That Lord Penrhyn be requested to present to the Chancellor
+of the Exchequer the Report of a Committee of this Meeting,
+on the subject of the Marine Police Institution, and the
+Resolution of this meeting approving the said Report.</p>
+<p>"Resolved,</p>
+<p>"That Lord Penrhyn be requested to communicate the thanks of
+this Meeting to Mr. Colquhoun for the zeal, ability, and
+perseverance with which he has endeavoured to form an
+effectual check to the system of depredation which prevailed
+on the River Thames."</p></div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_69_69" id="Footnote_69_69"></a><a href="#FNanchor_69_69"><span class="label">[69]</span></a> Since the publication of the last edition of this work,
+the Select Committee on Finance in the House of Commons, who have
+derived immortal honour from their various and useful Reports, have
+recommended the abolition of fees; and the Lords of the Admiralty, and
+the Commissioners of the subordinate Boards, are entitled to the
+thanks of their country, from the exertions they are using to carry
+this measure into effect.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_70_70" id="Footnote_70_70"></a><a href="#FNanchor_70_70"><span class="label">[70]</span></a> It is by no means to be inferred from what is here
+stated, that there are not, both among the furnishers and contractors
+for Public Stores, as well as the Officers and Clerks employed in the
+departments here alluded to, many individuals of great honour and
+integrity.&mdash;It is to be hoped, the fraudulent are the smallest in
+point of number, or that they will soon be so.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_71_71" id="Footnote_71_71"></a><a href="#FNanchor_71_71"><span class="label">[71]</span></a> See a plan for disposing of old stores with a view to
+remedy the evil, in a subsequent part of this chapter.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_72_72" id="Footnote_72_72"></a><a href="#FNanchor_72_72"><span class="label">[72]</span></a> It seems evident, that the abolition of the perquisite
+of Chips would be a great improvement, and prove the means of
+correcting many gross abuses which at present prevail. In this
+suggestion the Author is supported by the very able and decided
+evidence of Brigadier-General Bentham, before the Select Committee of
+the House of Commons on Finance, in 1798. [<i>See the 31st Report of
+that Committee.</i>] On a supposition that 3000 shipwrights are employed
+in the several Dock-yards at the wages of 2<i>s.</i> 1<i>d.</i> with the
+privilege of one bundle of chips each day, which, though not worth
+more than 6<i>d.</i> to each shipwright, actually costs Government 1<i>s.</i>
+6<i>d.</i> because good and valuable timber is often cut down to make these
+chips.&mdash;The following estimate will elucidate what has been stated:
+and shew the benefits which Government would probably derive from the
+abolition of this perquisite, even if the wages should be raised,
+which are perhaps too low at present.</p>
+
+<table style="width: 90%" border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="benefits">
+<tr><td>3000 men, working 300 days in a year, entitled to 900,000 bundles of chips at 1<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></td><td class="vabr">£.67,500</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Time lost to Government in making up these chips, equal to 6<i>d.</i> per day</td><td class="vabr">22,500</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Articles purloined and stolen, by being concealed within these bundles, and by women and children, who resort to the yards on pretence of carrying them away, supposed</td><td class="vabr">50,000</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="rtl">£.140,000</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Deduct 6<i>d.</i> a day additional wages in lieu of the perquisite of chips; which, it is understood, the shipwrights would consider as an ample remuneration</td><td class="vabr">22,500</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="right">Presumed gain by this arrangement</td><td class="rtl">£.117,500</td></tr>
+</table>
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_73_73" id="Footnote_73_73"></a><a href="#FNanchor_73_73"><span class="label">[73]</span></a> When it is recollected, that 9176 coasting vessels, and
+also 4268 traders to foreign parts, enter and clear in the
+Custom-house of London, in the course of a year, independent of small
+craft in the River; an inexhaustible resource for the sale of cheap
+cordage, sail-cloth, and every other material, must be obvious at
+first view.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_74_74" id="Footnote_74_74"></a><a href="#FNanchor_74_74"><span class="label">[74]</span></a> Much to the honour of the present Commissioners, both of
+the Navy and Victualing, a most laudable zeal has been manifested to
+suppress the frauds, embezzlements and pillage, which have so long
+afflicted these departments of the public service. The following copy
+of a letter from the Solicitor to the Navy Board to the Author of this
+Work, is a strong proof, not only of the sense they entertain of the
+evils which are felt to exist, but of the necessity of a speedy and
+effectual remedy being applied.&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p class="right">"<i>Norfolk Street, 19 May, 1799.</i></p>
+<p>"<span class="smcap">Sir</span>,</p>
+<p>"<span class="smcap">The</span> Commissioners of the Navy having an intention of
+applying to Parliament, to extend and amend the Laws, for
+preventing the embezzlement and stealing of his Majesty's
+Naval Stores; and having directed me, in preparing the
+intended Bill, to attend to the suggestions and
+recommendations on the subject, in your excellent and
+valuable publication, I shall consider myself much obliged
+to you, as I am sure the Commissioners will, if you will, at
+your leisure, have the goodness to furnish me with any hints
+on the subject, which may have occurred to you, since the
+publication of your Treatise, and which you think may be
+worthy the attention of the Legislature.</p>
+<p><span style="margin-left: 2em;">"I am, Sir, with respect,</span></p>
+<p class="center">"Your most obedient humble Servant,</p>
+<p class="right">"CHA. BICKNELL.</p>
+<p>"<i>P. Colquhoun, Esq.</i>."</p>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_75_75" id="Footnote_75_75"></a><a href="#FNanchor_75_75"><span class="label">[75]</span></a> An instance of this kind occurred about two years ago in
+one of the principal yards, where a large quantity of new and valuable
+Cordage was found concealed within the coils of a large unserviceable
+Cable; which composed one of the lots in the Catalogue of the
+Sale.&mdash;And thus a connection was discovered between the Criminal
+Purchaser and the Labourers employed in making up the Lots.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_76_76" id="Footnote_76_76"></a><a href="#FNanchor_76_76"><span class="label">[76]</span></a> Vide <a href="#Page_9">Page 9</a>.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_77_77" id="Footnote_77_77"></a><a href="#FNanchor_77_77"><span class="label">[77]</span></a> It was held in the trial of Moses Pike, at the Old
+Bailey, in May, 1784, that to steal from a Barge aground in
+Limehouse-Dock, was not within the meaning of the Act of 24th of
+George the Second, cap. 45, which makes it felony to steal from any
+vessel or craft upon a Navigable River, &amp;c.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_78_78" id="Footnote_78_78"></a><a href="#FNanchor_78_78"><span class="label">[78]</span></a> Mr. Serjeant <span class="smcap">Adair</span>, then Recorder of London.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_79_79" id="Footnote_79_79"></a><a href="#FNanchor_79_79"><span class="label">[79]</span></a> The general rule of the ancient Law is this;&mdash;that
+Accessaries shall suffer the same punishment as Principals. If one be
+liable to death, the other is also liable. <span class="smcap">Blackstone.</span>
+</p><p>
+In France, (before the Revolution) the offence of receiving stolen
+goods was punished with death.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_80_80" id="Footnote_80_80"></a><a href="#FNanchor_80_80"><span class="label">[80]</span></a> Vide Act 30 Geo. II. cap. 24.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_81_81" id="Footnote_81_81"></a><a href="#FNanchor_81_81"><span class="label">[81]</span></a> An Officer of Police who was watching the
+house of a noted Receiver, in St. James's parish, being
+taken for a Thief by the watchmen, the latter entered into
+conversation with him, and naming the Receiver, he told the
+Officer that he being very liberal and kind to them, they
+did not disturb any person going to his house; and if he had
+any thing to carry there, he would step out of sight, so as
+to be able to say he had seen nothing.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_82_82" id="Footnote_82_82"></a><a href="#FNanchor_82_82"><span class="label">[82]</span></a> Vide Act 30 Geo. II. cap. 24.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_83_83" id="Footnote_83_83"></a><a href="#FNanchor_83_83"><span class="label">[83]</span></a> It is even a practice with not a few of the labouring
+families in the Eastern part of the Town, to take lodgings in
+Ale-houses.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_84_84" id="Footnote_84_84"></a><a href="#FNanchor_84_84"><span class="label">[84]</span></a> Such is the thoughtless improvidence of this class of
+the labouring people, that they are generally the first who indulge
+themselves by eating Oysters, Lobsters, and Pickled Salmon, &amp;c. when
+first in Season, and long before these luxuries are considered as
+accessible to the middle ranks of the Community; whose manners are
+generally as virtuous as the others are depraved.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_85_85" id="Footnote_85_85"></a><a href="#FNanchor_85_85"><span class="label">[85]</span></a> It is not to be inferred from this statement, that there
+are not to be found even among the lower classes of the labouring
+People in the Metropolis, many instances of honest and virtuous Poor,
+whose distresses are to be attributed to the calamity of a failure of
+employment, bad health, death of Parents or Children, and other causes
+which human prudence cannot prevent; and particularly where the want
+of opulent Inhabitants in several of the Eastern Parishes, renders it
+necessary to assess <i>Indigence</i> for the support of <i>Poverty</i>.&mdash;To
+these Parishes and Hamlets the Poor resort, both from the nature of
+their employments, and the impossibility of finding habitations any
+where else.&mdash;They have perhaps no legal settlement where they reside,
+or the funds of the Parish can afford but a very scanty and inadequate
+relief. Depressed with sickness, and broke down and dispirited by
+extreme poverty, the little furniture and apparel of Man, Woman, and
+Child, is carried to the Pawn-broker's to obtain a scanty pittance for
+the immediate support of life, until at length there does not remain
+what is sufficient to cover nakedness.&mdash;In these miserable mansions
+the Author has himself frequently witnessed scenes of distress, which
+would rend the heart of the most unfeeling of the human species.&mdash;A
+temporary and partial expedient has through the benevolence of the
+Publick, been administered in the excellent institutions of
+<i>Soup-houses</i>: but until the funds of the different Parishes can be
+made <i>one Common Purse</i>, and an intelligent management substituted in
+the place of an ignorant and incompetent superintendance, the evil
+will not diminish.&mdash;To the opulent part of the Community the burden
+would never be felt.&mdash;At present, where the most indigent are
+assessed, the rates are double and treble those in the rich
+Parishes.&mdash;It is principally to this cause, that Poverty is no where
+to be found in so great a degree, cloathed in the garb of the
+extremest misery and wretchedness, as in the Metropolis.&mdash;And it is to
+this cause also, joined to various others explained in this Chapter,
+<i>that above Twenty Thousand miserable Individuals of various classes,
+rise up every morning without knowing how, or by what means they are
+to be supported, during the passing day; or where, in many instances,
+they are to lodge on the succeeding night</i>.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_86_86" id="Footnote_86_86"></a><a href="#FNanchor_86_86"><span class="label">[86]</span></a> The Author has often had occasion to witness the extreme
+ignorance of the younger part of this class, when called upon to give
+evidence in judicial proceedings.&mdash;Of the nature of an oath they had
+not the least conception,&mdash;nor even of the existence of a Supreme
+Being.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_87_87" id="Footnote_87_87"></a><a href="#FNanchor_87_87"><span class="label">[87]</span></a> In the course of the Author's investigations, in his
+official situation as a Magistrate, he actually discovered that clubs
+of apprentice-boys were harboured in Public-houses, for the purpose of
+supporting their fellow-apprentices who ran away from their masters.
+The means of thus indulging themselves in lewdness and debauchery was
+obtained by pilfering from their Masters, and disposing of the
+property at Old Iron Shops.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_88_88" id="Footnote_88_88"></a><a href="#FNanchor_88_88"><span class="label">[88]</span></a> It is to be feared that much evil arises from the want
+of attention on the part of Masters among the superior classes of
+Tradesmen with respect to their apprentices, who too seldom consider
+the morals of their apprentices as a matter in which they have any
+concern.&mdash;It is even the practice to allow apprentices a certain sum
+of money weekly, for the purpose of enabling them to provide
+themselves out of doors, and to prevent the trouble of boarding them
+in the house. If it were possible for a Master, after exerting all his
+ingenuity, to invent one mode more likely than another to ruin his
+apprentices, it is by adopting this plan. If he means to subject
+himself to great risques with respect to the security of his property,
+he will permit his apprentice, at the age of puberty when open to
+seduction, to be at large in this great Town, where he is liable to be
+assailed by swindlers, cheats, and sharpers, who, availing themselves
+of the inexperience of youth, may corrupt the mind, and give it a
+wrong bias. The dangers arising from allowing apprentices to victual
+out of doors, extend much farther than masters are generally aware of:
+and they who suffer it do great injury to themselves, and even great
+injustice to their apprentices, whose morals they are virtually, at
+least, bound to preserve pure. This is not to be expected where
+apprentices are not under the eye of the master at Meal-times. Their
+Sundays, in such cases, are their own, which they waste in idleness,
+not seldom in water-parties on the River, where they are introduced
+into low and bad company, which gives frequently a taint to their
+manners of the most injurious nature. The result is, that their
+master, without reflecting that he himself was the cause of their
+idleness, withdraws his confidence, and turns them adrift after their
+time expires, if not before; and in the end ruin, as might well be
+expected, inevitably ensues.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_89_89" id="Footnote_89_89"></a><a href="#FNanchor_89_89"><span class="label">[89]</span></a> Another class of Jews which belong to the Portuguese
+Synagogue are generally opulent and respectable, and hold no community
+with the others; they use a different Liturgy and their language is
+even different; their number does not exceed three thousand; they
+never intermarry with the Jews of the Dutch Synagogue.&mdash;They generally
+pride themselves on their Ancestry, and give their Children the best
+education which can be obtained in the countries where they
+reside.&mdash;While the Dutch Jews (or rather <i>the German Dutch Jews</i>) get
+no education at all. Even the most affluent of them are said to be
+generally unable either to read or write the language of the country
+which gave them birth.&mdash;They confine themselves to a Bastard or vulgar
+Hebrew which has little analogy to the original. The Portuguese
+Synagogue has been established in England ever since the
+Usurpation.&mdash;Their place of worship is in Bevis Marks.&mdash;The Members of
+it being mostly wealthy are extremely attentive to their poor, among
+whom there is said not to be a single beggar or itinerant.&mdash;The
+Brokers upon the Exchange of the Jewish Persuasion, are all or chiefly
+of the Portuguese Synagogue. Their number is limited to <i>Twelve</i> by a
+particular Act of Parliament.&mdash;Originally this privilege was given
+gratis by the Lord Mayor, but afterwards 100<i>l.</i> was required, which
+has gradually increased to <i>One Thousand Guineas for each Broker</i>.
+</p><p>
+The schism between the two classes of Jews prevail all over the world,
+though the rational Jews treat the distinction as absurd.
+</p><p>
+The German Dutch Jews, who may amount to from twelve to fifteen
+thousand have Six Synagogues, the principal of which are in <i>Duke's
+Place, Leadenhall Street</i>, and <i>Church Row, Fenchurch Street</i>. They
+observe the particular ritual of the German Synagogue, and also
+include the <i>Polish</i>, <i>Russian</i>, and <i>Turkish Jews</i>, established in
+London.&mdash;With the exception of three or four wealthy Individuals, and
+as many Families who are in trade on the Royal Exchange, they are in
+general a very indigent class of people, through whose medium crimes
+are generated to a considerable extent.&mdash;Their Community is too poor
+to afford them adequate relief, whence they have resorted to the
+expedient of lending them small sums of money at interest to trade
+upon, which is required to be repaid monthly or weekly, as the case
+may be. Otherwise they forfeit all claim to this aid.&mdash;The reproach
+arising from their evil practices and idleness, is said to have
+engaged the attention of the respectable part of both Synagogues with
+a view to a remedy, but all their attempts have been heretofore
+unsuccessful.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_90_90" id="Footnote_90_90"></a><a href="#FNanchor_90_90"><span class="label">[90]</span></a> In a Tract entitled 'Observations and Facts relative to
+Public-Houses,' by the Author of this Work, the mode of conducting
+Ale-houses in the Metropolis, and the evils arising from this source
+of iniquity and idleness is very fully explained. By this publication
+it is discovered, after much investigation, that there is consumed and
+sold in the 5000 Public-houses in and round the Metropolis:</p>
+
+<table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="alcohol">
+<tr><td>158,400,530 pots of Porter, Ale, and Twopenny</td><td class="right">£.2,311,466</td><td class="right">15</td><td class="right">10</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Gin and Compounds from the Distillers and Rectifiers</td><td class="right">975,000</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">0</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="rtl">3,236,466</td><td class="rtl">15</td><td class="rtl">10</td></tr>
+<tr><td>To which add Pipes, Tobacco, &amp;c. at least</td><td class="right">113,533</td><td class="right">4</td><td class="right">2</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="right">Total</td><td class="rtl">£.3,310,000</td><td class="rtl">0</td><td class="rtl">0</td></tr>
+</table>
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_91_91" id="Footnote_91_91"></a><a href="#FNanchor_91_91"><span class="label">[91]</span></a> It is a curious and important fact, that during the
+period when Distilleries were stopped in 1796 and 1797, although
+Bread, and every necessary of life was considerably higher than during
+the preceding year, the Poor in that quarter of the Town where the
+chief part reside were apparently more comfortable, paid their rents
+more regularly, and were better fed than at any period for some years
+before;&mdash;even although they had not the benefit of the extensive
+charities which were distributed in 1795. This can only be accounted
+for by their being denied the indulgence of Gin, which had become in a
+great measure inaccessible from its very high price. It may fairly be
+concluded, that the money formerly spent in this imprudent manner had
+been applied in the purchase of provisions and other necessaries to
+the amount of some hundred thousand pounds.&mdash;The effects of their
+being deprived of this baneful Liquor was also evident in their more
+orderly conduct.&mdash;Quarrels and assaults were less frequent, and they
+resorted seldomer to the Pawnbrokers' shops: and yet during the chief
+part of this period Bread was 15<i>d.</i> the Quartern Loaf, and Meat
+higher than the preceding year, particularly Pork, which arose in part
+from the stoppage of the Distilleries; but chiefly from the scarcity
+of Grain.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_92_92" id="Footnote_92_92"></a><a href="#FNanchor_92_92"><span class="label">[92]</span></a> It is in the first stage of Seduction, before the female
+mind becomes vitiated and depraved, that Asylums are most useful. If
+persons in this unhappy situation had it in their power to resort to a
+medium, whereby they might be reconciled to their relations, while
+uncontaminated by the vices attached to <i>General Prostitution</i>,
+numbers, who are now lost, might be saved to Society.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_93_93" id="Footnote_93_93"></a><a href="#FNanchor_93_93"><span class="label">[93]</span></a> See page <a href="#Page_81">81</a> and <a href="#Page_82">82</a> for an account of this Charity.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_94_94" id="Footnote_94_94"></a><a href="#FNanchor_94_94"><span class="label">[94]</span></a> For a specific account of these Institutions, see the
+<a href="#CHAP_XIX">Chapter on Municipal Police</a>.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_95_95" id="Footnote_95_95"></a><a href="#FNanchor_95_95"><span class="label">[95]</span></a> An office has for some time past been instituted under
+the direction of <i>Mathew Martin, Esq.</i> assisted by one or two
+philanthropic individuals, for inquiring into cases and causes of
+distress.&mdash;The generality of the poor persons have been invited to the
+office by the distribution of tickets, directing them when and where
+they are to apply. On such occasions a small relief has been afforded,
+arising from a fund constituted by private benevolence;&mdash;but the chief
+advantage which these poor people have derived has been from the
+consolatory advice given them, and still more from the assistance
+afforded by the indefatigable industry, and laudable zeal of Mr.
+Martin, in getting those into workhouses who have parochial
+settlements in the Metropolis, or assisting in procuring the means of
+passing them to their parishes, where such settlements are in the
+country. Seasonable pecuniary relief has been also extended in certain
+cases, and small loans of money, made to enable those who are able to
+work to redeem their apparel, and tools to rescue them from
+despondence, and to help themselves by their own labour, in such
+employments as they could either themselves obtain, or as could be
+procured for them.
+</p><p>
+From the beginning of the year 1796 to the end of the year 1797, Mr.
+Martin investigated the cases of 120 poor persons, who attended him in
+consequence of the tickets which were distributed.&mdash;Of these 21 were
+men; the greater part maimed or disabled by age or sickness, only two
+of whom had any legal settlement in London.&mdash;Of the women, 99 in
+number, 48 were widows, about one-third were aged&mdash;some crippled, and
+others distressed for want of work, while many were embarrassed by
+ignorance of the mode of obtaining parochial relief, or by the fear of
+applying for it&mdash;of the wives, in most cases, the difficulty arose
+from want of work or incapacity of doing it, on account of a child in
+arms. There were cases of very great distress. Above half had two or
+more children. Some of them infants, and the chief part too young to
+work. Of the women 24 claimed settlements in London and
+Westminster&mdash;33 in different parts of England&mdash;22 belonged to Scotland
+and Ireland, and the remaining 20 said they could give no account of
+their place of settlement. In most instances by an application to
+their parishes, and in some to their friends, Mr. Martin was enabled
+to obtain effectual relief to all of them; the gift of a little food,
+and hearing their melancholy story, afforded some comfort; and had a
+small fund been appropriated to this object, it might have been
+possible to have enabled those who were in health to have earned a
+livelihood. See 12th Report of the <i>Society for bettering the
+Condition of the Poor</i>.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_96_96" id="Footnote_96_96"></a><a href="#FNanchor_96_96"><span class="label">[96]</span></a> In the Preamble of the Statute on 3 &amp; 4 <i>William</i> and
+<i>Mary</i> <i>cap.</i> 11. and particularly § 11 of that Act, in which the
+sense entertained by Parliament, of the shocking abuses of the Statute
+of Elizabeth, "through the unlimited power of Parish Officers," is
+very forcibly expressed&mdash;the truths there stated are found to have
+full force, even at the distance of more than a Century.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_97_97" id="Footnote_97_97"></a><a href="#FNanchor_97_97"><span class="label">[97]</span></a> It is a well-known fact, that many persons who suffer by
+means of small Robberies, afraid of the trouble and expence of a
+prosecution, submit to the loss without inquiry; while others from
+being strangers to the laws, and to the proper mode of application,
+fall into the same mistake; this, by proving a great encouragement to
+thieves of every class, is of course an injury to the Public.&mdash;In all
+cases where robberies are committed, the parties sustaining the loss
+have only to inquire for the nearest Public Office, and apply there,
+and state the case to the sitting Magistrates, who will point out the
+proper mode of detection; every assistance through the medium of
+constables, will then be given for the purpose of recovering the
+property and apprehending the offenders.&mdash;The same assistance will be
+afforded by the Lord Mayor and Aldermen, sitting at the Mansion-house
+and Guildhall, whenever the offence is committed within the limits of
+the City of London.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_98_98" id="Footnote_98_98"></a><a href="#FNanchor_98_98"><span class="label">[98]</span></a> It had been usual for many years previous to 1752, when
+robberies were committed, to make a composition of the felony, by
+advertising a reward to any person who would bring the property
+stolen, to be paid without asking any questions; but the pernicious
+consequences of recovering goods in this way from the encouragement
+such advertisements held out to thieves and robbers of every
+description, became so glaring and obvious, that an Act passed the
+25th year of George II. cap. 36. <i>inflicting a penalty of 50l. on
+any person</i> (including the printer and publisher) <i>who shall publicly
+advertise a reward for the return of stolen goods with "no questions
+asked," without seizing the person producing the goods stolen:&mdash;or who
+shall offer to return to any pawnbroker, or other person, the money
+lent thereon, or any other reward for the return of the articles
+stolen</i>.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_99_99" id="Footnote_99_99"></a><a href="#FNanchor_99_99"><span class="label">[99]</span></a> Fineux.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_100_100" id="Footnote_100_100"></a><a href="#FNanchor_100_100"><span class="label">[100]</span></a> Winton, chap. 4.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_101_101" id="Footnote_101_101"></a><a href="#FNanchor_101_101"><span class="label">[101]</span></a> Hale.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_102_102" id="Footnote_102_102"></a><a href="#FNanchor_102_102"><span class="label">[102]</span></a> Pult. 10, a.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_103_103" id="Footnote_103_103"></a><a href="#FNanchor_103_103"><span class="label">[103]</span></a> Hale.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_104_104" id="Footnote_104_104"></a><a href="#FNanchor_104_104"><span class="label">[104]</span></a> Dalton.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_105_105" id="Footnote_105_105"></a><a href="#FNanchor_105_105"><span class="label">[105]</span></a> Blackstone.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_106_106" id="Footnote_106_106"></a><a href="#FNanchor_106_106"><span class="label">[106]</span></a> Blackstone.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_107_107" id="Footnote_107_107"></a><a href="#FNanchor_107_107"><span class="label">[107]</span></a> Blackstone.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_108_108" id="Footnote_108_108"></a><a href="#FNanchor_108_108"><span class="label">[108]</span></a> Blackstone.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_109_109" id="Footnote_109_109"></a><a href="#FNanchor_109_109"><span class="label">[109]</span></a> Hale.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_110_110" id="Footnote_110_110"></a><a href="#FNanchor_110_110"><span class="label">[110]</span></a> Hale.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_111_111" id="Footnote_111_111"></a><a href="#FNanchor_111_111"><span class="label">[111]</span></a> It may not be improper in this place to hint, that
+there is a deficiency in the present state of the Law, which calls
+aloud for a remedy. None can be arrested on a Sunday, but for felony
+or breach of the peace (except in certain cases, where their guilt has
+been previously decided on, as in <i>Escape</i>, &amp;c.) By this means
+Lottery-Vagrants, Gamblers, Sharpers, and Swindlers, bid defiance to
+the Civil Power on that day; while a person guilty of pushing or
+striking another in an accidental squabble, may be arrested and
+confined.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_112_112" id="Footnote_112_112"></a><a href="#FNanchor_112_112"><span class="label">[112]</span></a> In consequence of some doubts which have been started
+relative to washed money, the reward in this case is not paid; it is
+confined entirely to the conviction of <i>Coiners</i>.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_113_113" id="Footnote_113_113"></a><a href="#FNanchor_113_113"><span class="label">[113]</span></a> This is a Certificate which may be assigned <i>once</i>,
+exempting the person who receives it, or his immediate assignee, from
+all offices within the parish or ward where the felony was committed.
+In some parishes it will sell from 25<i>l.</i> to 30<i>l.</i> In others it is
+not worth above 15<i>l.</i> to 18<i>l.</i> according to local situation.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_114_114" id="Footnote_114_114"></a><a href="#FNanchor_114_114"><span class="label">[114]</span></a> The expence to the Public for rewards paid by the
+Sheriffs of the different Counties for 12 years, from 1786 to 1797
+inclusive, appears from the Appendix of the 28th Report of the Select
+Committee on Finance, page 104, to stand thus:</p>
+
+<table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="rewards">
+<tr><td>1786</td><td class="right">£.10,840</td></tr>
+<tr><td>1787</td><td class="right">15,060</td></tr>
+<tr><td>1788</td><td class="right">6,590</td></tr>
+<tr><td>1789</td><td class="right">7,340</td></tr>
+<tr><td>1790</td><td class="right">8,970</td></tr>
+<tr><td>1791</td><td class="right">6,050</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="rtl">£.54,850</td></tr>
+<tr><td>1792</td><td class="right">7,330</td></tr>
+<tr><td>1793</td><td class="right">8,160</td></tr>
+<tr><td>1794</td><td class="right">7,140</td></tr>
+<tr><td>1795</td><td class="right">3,290</td></tr>
+<tr><td>1796</td><td class="right">4,010</td></tr>
+<tr><td>1797</td><td class="right">9,650</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="rtl">£.39,580</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Total in 12 years,</td><td class="rtl">£.94,430.</td></tr>
+</table>
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_115_115" id="Footnote_115_115"></a><a href="#FNanchor_115_115"><span class="label">[115]</span></a> Grand Larceny is defined to be a felonious and
+fraudulent taking away by any person, of the mere personal goods of
+another, above the value of <i>twelve pence</i>.&mdash;1 <i>Hawk. P.C.</i> <i>c.</i> 33. §
+1.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_116_116" id="Footnote_116_116"></a><a href="#FNanchor_116_116"><span class="label">[116]</span></a> The Thames Police Establishment fluctuates according to
+the Season of the year, and the number of West India ships on the
+River.&mdash;</p>
+
+<table style="width: 80%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="Thames Police">
+<tr><td colspan="2">The permanent force in House Constables, Boat Surveyors, and Water Officers, &amp;c. is</td><td class="vabr">41</td></tr>
+<tr><td rowspan="2">The fluctuating Civil Force in</td><td>Ship Constables</td><td class="right">150</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Quay Guards</td><td class="right">30</td></tr>
+<tr><td colspan="2">Total Civil Force of the Marine Police Establishment when the West-India Fleets are in port</td><td class="rtl" style="vertical-align: bottom">221</td></tr>
+</table>
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_117_117" id="Footnote_117_117"></a><a href="#FNanchor_117_117"><span class="label">[117]</span></a> There is, in some respect, an exception to this rule,
+with regard <i>to the City and Liberty of Westminster</i>, and the parishes
+of <i>St. Clement Danes</i>,&mdash;<i>St. Mary le Strand</i>,&mdash;<i>The Savoy</i>, The
+united parishes of <i>St. Giles</i> and <i>St. George, Bloomsbury</i>,&mdash;The
+united parishes of <i>St. Andrew, Holborn above the Bars</i>, and <i>St.
+George the Martyr</i>, and the liberty of <i>Saffron Hill</i>, <i>Hatton
+Garden</i>, and <i>Ely Rents</i>.&mdash;The Act of the 14th George III. cap. 90,
+contains regulations applicable to the whole of these Parishes and
+Liberties, fixing the <i>minimum</i> of watchmen at 523, and patroles at 56
+men, for the <i>whole</i>; but leaving the management still to the
+inhabitants of each respective Parish or Liberty. The same act fixes
+the <i>minimum</i> of wages at 1<i>s.</i> a night, and patroles 15<i>d.</i> In the
+City of London, the salaries given to watchmen vary in each Ward, from
+13<i>l.</i> to 18<i>l.</i> 19<i>l.</i> 20<i>l.</i> 21<i>l.</i> 7<i>s.</i> 23<i>l.</i> 8<i>s.</i> up to 26<i>l.</i>
+and patroles are allowed from 13<i>l.</i> to 35<i>l.</i> and 40<i>l.</i> a year.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_118_118" id="Footnote_118_118"></a><a href="#FNanchor_118_118"><span class="label">[118]</span></a> This proves how highly meritorious the conduct of the
+<i>Managers</i> and <i>Trustees</i> of this branch of the Police of the
+Metropolis must, in many instances, be. There can indeed be no manner
+of doubt, but that great advantages arise from dividing the labour,
+where all the benefits of local knowledge enter into the system.&mdash;So
+far as this goes, it ought not to be disturbed. But it is also
+necessary to consider the Metropolis as a <i>great Whole</i>, and to
+combine the organs of Police which at present exist, in such a manner,
+by a general superintendance, as to give equal encouragement, and to
+instil one principle of universal energy into all its parts.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_119_119" id="Footnote_119_119"></a><a href="#FNanchor_119_119"><span class="label">[119]</span></a> Watch-houses are now placed at convenient distances all
+over the Metropolis; where a parochial constable attends, in rotation,
+every night, to receive disorderly and criminal persons, and to carry
+them before a Magistrate next morning.&mdash;In each watch-house also (in
+case of fire) the names of the turn-cocks, and the places where
+engines are kept, are to be found. This circumstance is mentioned for
+the information of strangers unacquainted with the Police of the
+Metropolis; to whom it is recommended, in case of fire, or any
+accident or disturbance requiring the assistance of the Civil Power,
+to apply immediately to the Officer of the night, at the nearest
+watch-house, or to the watchmen on the beat.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_120_120" id="Footnote_120_120"></a><a href="#FNanchor_120_120"><span class="label">[120]</span></a> Beadles are, in many instances, employed at present as
+local superintendants of the watch, within their respective Parishes.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_121_121" id="Footnote_121_121"></a><a href="#FNanchor_121_121"><span class="label">[121]</span></a> The Select Committee of the House of Commons, in their
+28th Report, 1798, on Finance, have strongly recommended a Concurrent
+Jurisdiction; and also, that two Police Offices should be established
+in London, upon the plan of the others, with Magistrates to be
+appointed by the Lord Mayor and Aldermen.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_122_122" id="Footnote_122_122"></a><a href="#FNanchor_122_122"><span class="label">[122]</span></a> It is true, that by the Acts of 25th Geo. II. cap. 36,
+and 18th Geo. III. cap. 13, the expences of the prosecutors and
+witnesses are to be paid; and also (if the parties shall appear to be
+in poor circumstances) a reasonable allowance made for trouble and
+loss of time; but this is connected with the regulations of the
+Justices, confirmed by one of the Judges of Assize, which vary
+according to local circumstances, and it is also necessary to plead
+poverty in order to be remunerated for loss of time: <i>but as the poor
+seldom suffer by thieves</i>, these Acts appear to have had little effect
+in encouraging prosecutors to come forward; and it is believed few
+applications are made excepting in cases of real poverty.&mdash;In the
+County of Middlesex there is an exception; where witnesses are
+directed to be paid by the Overseers of the Poor of the Parish, where
+the person was apprehended; but this mode of payment is seldom if ever
+adopted.&mdash;The fund, however, which the Legislature has thus provided,
+if &#339;conomically and judiciously applied by a Public Prosecutor,
+would remove many difficulties, without any material addition to the
+county rates.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_123_123" id="Footnote_123_123"></a><a href="#FNanchor_123_123"><span class="label">[123]</span></a> The propriety of this suggestion is sanctioned by the
+recommendation of the Finance Committee of the House of Commons in
+their 27th and 28th Report; and forms part of that System of general
+controul and arrangement for the prevention of crimes, stated more at
+large in a <a href="#CHAP_XVIII">subsequent Chapter</a>.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_124_124" id="Footnote_124_124"></a><a href="#FNanchor_124_124"><span class="label">[124]</span></a> Considerable inconvenience arises (and, indeed, great
+hardship, where prisoners are innocent) from the length of time which
+must elapse, where offences have been committed in Southwark, before
+they can be brought to trial; either for inferior or more atrocious
+crimes. In the former case, prisoners must remain till the Quarter
+Sessions, (there being no intermediate General Sessions of the Peace)
+and in the latter case till the Assizes, held only twice a year; this
+occasions a confinement, previous to trial, lengthened out, in some
+instances, to three, four, five, and even nearly to six months.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_125_127" id="Footnote_125_127"></a><a href="#FNanchor_125_127"><span class="label">[125]</span></a> Notwithstanding the severity of the Law, the
+composition of felonies and misdemeanors is carried to a much greater
+height than it is almost possible to believe; and various artifices
+are resorted to, to elude the penalties.&mdash;An instance occurred in
+August 1792; where a Jew was ordered to take his trial for a rape,
+committed on a married woman.&mdash;The offence appeared, on examination,
+to be extremely aggravated.&mdash;The Grand Jury however did not find a
+bill; which was thought a very singular circumstance, as the proof had
+been so clear before the Magistrate. The reasons were afterwards
+sufficiently explained; which show, what corrupt practices, artifices,
+and frauds will be used to defeat the ends of justice:&mdash;In consequence
+of a previous undertaking between the Jew and the husband of the woman
+who had been so grossly abused, a sum of £.20 was left in the hands of
+a publican, which the prosecutor was to receive if the bill was not
+found. In this confidence the woman gave a different evidence from
+that which she had given before the Magistrate. The Jew, however,
+cheated both the husband and the wife; for he no sooner discovered
+that he was safe, than he demanded the money of the publican and
+laughed at the prosecutor.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_126_128" id="Footnote_126_128"></a><a href="#FNanchor_126_128"><span class="label">[126]</span></a> In criminal cases, a defective indictment is not aided
+by the verdict of a Jury, as defective pleadings are in civil cases.
+Indeed wherever life is concerned, great strictness has been at all
+times observed. That able and humane Judge, <span class="smcap">Sir Matthew Hale</span>,
+complained above a century ago,<a name="FNanchor_A_129" id="FNanchor_A_129"></a><a href="#Footnote_A_129" class="fnanchor">[A]</a> "<i>That this strictness has grown to
+be a blemish and inconvenience in the law and the administration
+thereof; for that more offenders escape by the over-easy ear given to
+exceptions in indictments, than by their own innocence: and many times
+gross murders, burglaries, robberies, and other heinous and crying
+offences remain unpunished, by those unseemly niceties; to the
+reproach of the Law, to the shame of the Government, to the
+encouragement of villainy, and to the dishonour of God</i>."<a name="FNanchor_B_130" id="FNanchor_B_130"></a><a href="#Footnote_B_130" class="fnanchor">[B]</a></p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><div class="blockquot"><p><a name="Footnote_A_129" id="Footnote_A_129"></a><a href="#FNanchor_A_129"><span class="label">[A]</span></a> He died 1676.</p></div></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><div class="blockquot"><p><a name="Footnote_B_130" id="Footnote_B_130"></a><a href="#FNanchor_B_130"><span class="label">[B]</span></a> Hale, P.C. 193.</p></div></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_127_131" id="Footnote_127_131"></a><a href="#FNanchor_127_131"><span class="label">[127]</span></a> 1 Edward VI. cap. 12: 21 Jac. I. cap. 6: 3 and 4
+William and Mary, cap. 9: 4 and 5 William and Mary, cap. 24.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_128_132" id="Footnote_128_132"></a><a href="#FNanchor_128_132"><span class="label">[128]</span></a> Blackstone.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_129_133" id="Footnote_129_133"></a><a href="#FNanchor_129_133"><span class="label">[129]</span></a> The benefit of Clergy originated in injustice and
+inhumanity, and can only be palliated by the rude state of society,
+when so disgraceful a privilege was legalized and interwoven in the
+criminal code.&mdash;It partakes of the nature of a compromise with
+villainy.&mdash;It perplexes the system of criminal jurisprudence; and
+since its sting is taken away it would be an improvement to
+discontinue it totally.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_130_134" id="Footnote_130_134"></a><a href="#FNanchor_130_134"><span class="label">[130]</span></a> It is said that exile was first introduced as a
+punishment by the Legislature in the 39th year of Queen Elizabeth,
+when a statute (39 <i>Eliz.</i> <i>c.</i> 4.) enacted that such rogues as were
+dangerous to the inferior people should be banished the realm, <i>Barr.
+Ant. Stat.</i> 269: and that the first statute in which the word
+Transportation is used is the 18th of <i>Charles</i> II. <i>c.</i> 3. which
+gives power to Judges at their discretion either to execute or
+transport to America <i>for life</i> the Moss-Troopers of <i>Cumberland</i> and
+<i>Northumberland</i>; a law which was made perpetual by the Act 31 <i>Geo.</i>
+II. <i>c.</i> 42. 2 <span class="smcap">Woodd.</span> 498.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_131_135" id="Footnote_131_135"></a><a href="#FNanchor_131_135"><span class="label">[131]</span></a> The unwillingness which it must be expected a
+Jury would have to convict a man capitally for <i>this</i>
+<i>offence</i>, might be adduced among many other instances, to
+show to what extent public justice is defeated, merely from
+the severity of the laws, and the want of a Scale of
+punishments proportioned to the offences.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_132_136" id="Footnote_132_136"></a><a href="#FNanchor_132_136"><span class="label">[132]</span></a> All endeavours towards the prevention of crimes will
+ever be attended with unconquerable difficulty, until some general
+House of Industry can be established in the Metropolis: where persons
+discharged for petty offences, as well as strangers and others out of
+work, may have an opportunity of finding, at least a temporary
+employment, sufficient to maintain them. An Institution of this sort
+would be a work of great charity and humanity; and it is earnestly to
+be hoped, that the view of the subject given in this Work may induce
+the Legislature to form a Police Establishment, calculated to promote
+such a multitude of good and useful objects;<a name="FNanchor_C_137" id="FNanchor_C_137"></a><a href="#Footnote_C_137" class="fnanchor">[C]</a> more especially as
+with proper management it would very soon pay itself.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><div class="blockquot"><p><a name="Footnote_C_137" id="Footnote_C_137"></a><a href="#FNanchor_C_137"><span class="label">[C]</span></a> Vide <a href="#Page_99"><i>page</i> 99</a> <i>n.</i></p></div></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_133_138" id="Footnote_133_138"></a><a href="#FNanchor_133_138"><span class="label">[133]</span></a> In the year 1795, 1894 prisoners were tried at the Old
+Bailey, and the different Assizes in the Country, exclusive of a much
+greater number at the General and Quarter Sessions of the Peace, in
+the different Counties. These trials in the Superior Courts of
+Judicature, produced the following results:&mdash;</p>
+
+<table style="width: 80%" border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="trials">
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="right">London.</td><td class="right">Assizes in<br />the Country.</td><td class="right">Total.</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Received Sentence of Death</td><td class="right">44</td><td class="right">174</td><td class="right">218</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&mdash; &mdash; &mdash; Transportation</td><td class="right">84</td><td class="right">159</td><td class="right">243</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Imprisoned and Whipt</td><td class="right">129</td><td class="right">411</td><td class="right">540</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Judgment respited to serve his Majesty</td><td class="right">23</td><td class="right">25</td><td class="right">48</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Acquitted</td><td class="right">150</td><td class="right">351</td><td class="right">501</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Discharged for want of Prosecutors</td><td class="right">91</td><td class="right">253</td><td class="right">344</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="rtl">521</td><td class="rtl">1373</td><td class="rtl">1894</td></tr>
+</table>
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_134_139" id="Footnote_134_139"></a><a href="#FNanchor_134_139"><span class="label">[134]</span></a> The acquittals will generally be found to attach mostly
+to small offences which are punishable with death: where Juries do not
+consider the crime deserving so severe a punishment, the delinquent
+receives no punishment at all. If all were convicted who were really
+guilty of these small offences, the number of victims to the severity
+of the Law would be greatly increased.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_135_140" id="Footnote_135_140"></a><a href="#FNanchor_135_140"><span class="label">[135]</span></a> As punishments became more mild, clemency and pardons
+became less necessary.&mdash;Clemency is a virtue that ought to shine in
+the code, and not in the private judgment.&mdash;The Prince in pardoning
+gives up the Public Security in favour of an individual; and by the
+exercise of this species of benevolence proclaims a public act of
+impunity.&mdash;Let the Executors of the Laws be inexorable; but let the
+Legislature be tender, indulgent and humane.</p>
+
+<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Beccaria</span>, cap. 46.</p>
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_136_141" id="Footnote_136_141"></a><a href="#FNanchor_136_141"><span class="label">[136]</span></a> It is not here meant to say there have not been some
+instances, and even one of a recent date, where an innocent man may be
+convicted; but they are certainly very rare, and when discovered, the
+Royal mercy, of course, relieves the unfortunate person.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_137_142" id="Footnote_137_142"></a><a href="#FNanchor_137_142"><span class="label">[137]</span></a> That able and excellent Magistrate, the late Henry
+Fielding, Esq. (to whose zeal and exertions in the exercise of the
+duties of a Justice of the Peace, in the Metropolis, the Public were
+under infinite obligations)&mdash;manifested, half a century ago, how much
+he was impressed with the injuries arising from frequent
+pardons.&mdash;Those who will contemplate the character and conduct of this
+valuable man, as well as that of his brother, the late Sir John
+Fielding, will sincerely lament that their excellent ideas, and
+accurate and extensive knowledge upon every subject connected with the
+Police of the Metropolis, and of the means of preventing crimes, were
+not rendered more useful to the Public. It is to be hoped, however,
+that it is not yet too late, since the state of Society, and the
+progress and increase of crimes, call loudly for the establishment of
+a responsible preventive System.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_138_143" id="Footnote_138_143"></a><a href="#FNanchor_138_143"><span class="label">[138]</span></a> By the Acts 4 George I. c. 11, and 6 George I. c. 23,
+the persons contracting for the transportation of convicts to the
+Colonies, or their assigns, had an interest in the service of each,
+for seven or fourteen years, according to the term of transportation.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_139_144" id="Footnote_139_144"></a><a href="#FNanchor_139_144"><span class="label">[139]</span></a> For some years previous to the commencement of the
+American War, the adjudged services of convicts became so valuable in
+Maryland, that contracts were made to convey them without any expence
+whatsoever to Government, who had formerly allowed 5<i>l.</i> a head; for
+the reasons already assigned, they generally were more adroit, and had
+better abilities than those who voluntarily engaged themselves to go
+to America.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_140_145" id="Footnote_140_145"></a><a href="#FNanchor_140_145"><span class="label">[140]</span></a> 16 George III. cap. 43, sect. 1st, 3d, and 11th.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_141_146" id="Footnote_141_146"></a><a href="#FNanchor_141_146"><span class="label">[141]</span></a> An enormous expence has been incurred in building
+Penitentiary-Houses in various Counties, and many philanthropic
+individuals have exerted their best endeavours to carry this Act into
+execution; but it is to be lamented, that crimes have been by no means
+diminished. The fact is, that the System is erroneous&mdash;Responsibility
+is no where established.&mdash;No uniformity of System prevails, and no
+general superintendance or center point exists.&mdash;Like the Poor Laws,
+the only part of the Act which is rigidly carried into execution is
+raising a fund, which, without imputing blame to Magistrates (for the
+error is in the System), has increased the expence of this branch of
+the Police of the Country very far beyond what could have been
+conceived&mdash;and it now becomes a heavy burden upon many of the
+Counties.&mdash;The reform began at the wrong end.&mdash;The same expence
+applied in establishing a System of Preventive Police, ought to render
+numerous penitentiary houses in a great measure unnecessary.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_142_147" id="Footnote_142_147"></a><a href="#FNanchor_142_147"><span class="label">[142]</span></a></p>
+
+<table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="expenses">
+<tr><td class="right">In 1785,</td><td>George Moore, Esq. received for transporting convicts</td><td class="right">£.1,512</td><td class="right">7</td><td class="right">6</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="right">&nbsp;</td><td>John Kirby for expences</td><td class="right">540</td><td class="right">19</td><td class="right">4</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="right">1786,</td><td>John Kirby; further expences</td><td class="right">578</td><td class="right">10</td><td class="right">1</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="right">&nbsp;</td><td>Anthony Calvert for Transportation</td><td class="right">286</td><td class="right">14</td><td class="right">0</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="right">&nbsp;</td><td>Thomas Cotton, Esq. Cloathing, &amp;c.</td><td class="right">303</td><td class="right">2</td><td class="right">7</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="right">&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="rtl"><a name="FNanchor_D_148" id="FNanchor_D_148"></a><a href="#Footnote_D_148" class="fnanchor">[D]</a>£.3,721</td><td class="rtl">13</td><td class="rtl">6</td></tr>
+</table>
+</div>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_D_148" id="Footnote_D_148"></a><a href="#FNanchor_D_148"><span class="label">[D]</span></a> See Appendix (L. i.) to the 28th Report of Select
+Committee on Finance.</p></div></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_143_149" id="Footnote_143_149"></a><a href="#FNanchor_143_149"><span class="label">[143]</span></a> A malignant fever, at one period, carried off a vast
+number, in spite of every effort to prevent it.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_144_150" id="Footnote_144_150"></a><a href="#FNanchor_144_150"><span class="label">[144]</span></a> See <a href="#Page_98">page 98</a> of this volume, for an Account of the
+Convicts enlarged the preceding eight years,</p>
+
+<table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="convicts">
+<tr><td>in all</td><td class="right">1383</td></tr>
+<tr><td>To be discharged as above</td><td class="right">995</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Total</td><td class="rtl">2378</td></tr>
+</table>
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_145_151" id="Footnote_145_151"></a><a href="#FNanchor_145_151"><span class="label">[145]</span></a> This expence, by an account laid before the House of
+Commons, for one Year, ending the 15th Feb. 1792, appears to be&mdash;</p>
+
+<table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="expenses and bounties">
+<tr><td>Expence of Chaplain, Coroner, and Bounties for Convicts at Woolwich</td><td class="right">£.221</td><td class="right">17</td><td class="right">4</td></tr>
+<tr><td>At Langston and Portsmouth Harbours</td><td class="right">153</td><td class="right">19</td><td class="right">8</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="right">Total</td><td class="rtl">£.375</td><td class="rtl">17</td><td class="rtl">0</td></tr>
+</table>
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_146_152" id="Footnote_146_152"></a><a href="#FNanchor_146_152"><span class="label">[146]</span></a> See 28th Report of Finance Committee, page 17.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_147_153" id="Footnote_147_153"></a><a href="#FNanchor_147_153"><span class="label">[147]</span></a> See the Examination of the Author before the Select
+Committee of the House of Commons.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_148_154" id="Footnote_148_154"></a><a href="#FNanchor_148_154"><span class="label">[148]</span></a> Norfolk Island is a small fertile spot, containing
+about 14,000 acres of land, situated about 1200 miles distant from
+Sydney Cove in New South Wales, where the seat of Government is
+fixed.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_149_155" id="Footnote_149_155"></a><a href="#FNanchor_149_155"><span class="label">[149]</span></a> In 21 months after the arrival of the first Convicts in
+May 1788, there were 77 deaths and 87 births in the whole Settlement.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_150_156" id="Footnote_150_156"></a><a href="#FNanchor_150_156"><span class="label">[150]</span></a> An account of the Live Stock in the possession of, and
+Land in cultivation by, Government, and the Officers civil and
+military, 1st September 1796, extracted from page 123, of the above
+Report of the Select Committee on Finance.</p>
+
+<table style="width: 80%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="livestock">
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="center">Government.</td><td class="center">Civil and<br />Military Officers.</td><td class="center">Settlers.</td><td class="center">Total.</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Mares and Horses</td><td class="right">14</td><td class="right">43</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">57</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Cows and Cow Calves</td><td class="right">67</td><td class="right">34</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">101</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Bulls and Bull Calves</td><td class="right">37</td><td class="right">37</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">74</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Oxen</td><td class="right">46</td><td class="right">6</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">52</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Sheep</td><td class="right">191</td><td class="right">1310</td><td class="right">30</td><td class="right">1531</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Goats</td><td class="right">111</td><td class="right">1176</td><td class="right">140</td><td class="right">1427</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Hogs</td><td class="right">59</td><td class="right">889</td><td class="right">921</td><td class="right">1869</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="rtbl">525</td><td class="rtbl">3495</td><td class="rtbl">1091</td><td class="rtbl"><a name="FNanchor_E_157" id="FNanchor_E_157"></a><a href="#Footnote_E_157" class="fnanchor">[E]</a>5111</td></tr>
+</table>
+
+<table style="width: 50%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="land">
+<tr><td>Land in cultivation, viz:&mdash;</td><td class="right">Acres.</td></tr>
+<tr><td><span style="margin-left: 1em;">Government</span></td><td class="right">1700</td></tr>
+<tr><td><span style="margin-left: 1em;">Civil and Military Officers</span></td><td class="right">1172</td></tr>
+<tr><td><span style="margin-left: 1em;">Settlers</span></td><td class="right">2547</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="rtl">5419</td></tr>
+</table>
+
+<p>The above 1700 acres were unemployed in 1796, on account of the want
+of public labourers, and the many buildings required&mdash;about 4-5th
+parts of the 1172 acres were sown with wheat&mdash;much timber cut, but not
+burnt off, on the 2547 acres belonging to the settlers.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><div class="blockquot"><p><a name="Footnote_E_157" id="Footnote_E_157"></a><a href="#FNanchor_E_157"><span class="label">[E]</span></a> In addition to the above Stock 61 head of Cattle were
+discovered in the year 1795, about 50 miles S.W. of the town of
+Sydney, which must have been produced from three Cows which strayed
+from the Settlement in 1788. This proves that at least one of the Cows
+at the time must have been big with a Bull Calf, and also gives the
+data for calculating the rate of the increase.</p></div></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_151_158" id="Footnote_151_158"></a><a href="#FNanchor_151_158"><span class="label">[151]</span></a></p>
+
+<table style="width: 80%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="expenses">
+<tr><td>Expence of maintaining about 9000 Convicts in the Hulks, from January 1, 1795, to January 1, 1798</td><td class="vabr">£.623,022</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Expence of Transporting Convicts in 1785 and 1786</td><td class="vabr">3,722</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Expence of Transporting and Maintaining Convicts from 1786 to 1797, New South Wales</td><td class="vabr">1,037,230</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="right">Total</td><td class="rtl">£.1,663,974</td></tr>
+</table>
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_152_159" id="Footnote_152_159"></a><a href="#FNanchor_152_159"><span class="label">[152]</span></a> All these articles taken into the account, the
+originally-intended Penitentiary Houses on the late Mr. Blackburne's
+plan, would not have cost so little as £.200 per man:&mdash;for 1000
+Prisoners, £.200,000: exclusive of the whole <i>annual</i> expence of
+maintenance, &amp;c. to an unliquidated amount.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_153_160" id="Footnote_153_160"></a><a href="#FNanchor_153_160"><span class="label">[153]</span></a> At the close of the Session in June 1798, the House of
+Commons voted 36000<i>l.</i> to Mr. Bentham, toward the expence of carrying
+his plan into execution. See the Appropriation Act, 39 Geo. III. c.
+114.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_154_161" id="Footnote_154_161"></a><a href="#FNanchor_154_161"><span class="label">[154]</span></a> The following are the names of the Aldermen at present
+in the Magistracy of the City; arranged according to their Seniority.</p>
+
+<table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="magistrates">
+<tr><td class="right">1761</td><td>Right Hon. Thos. Harley,</td><td>Bridge Ward Without</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="right">72</td><td>Sir Watkin Lewis, Knt.</td><td>Lime-street</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="right">72</td><td>Sir William Plomer, Knt.</td><td>Bassishaw</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="right">74</td><td>Nathaniel Newnham, Esq.</td><td>Vintry</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="right">82</td><td>John Boydell, Esq.</td><td>Cheap</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="right">84</td><td>Paul Le Mesurier, Esq.</td><td>Dowgate</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="right">84</td><td>Brock Watson, Esq.</td><td>Cordwainers</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="right">85</td><td>Thomas Skinner, Esq.</td><td>Queenhithe</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="right">85</td><td>William Curtis, Esq.</td><td>Tower</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="right">86</td><td>William Newnham, Esq.</td><td>Farringdon Within</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="right">86</td><td>G.M. Macauley, Esq.</td><td>Coleman-street</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="right">89</td><td>J.W. Andersen, Esq.</td><td>Aldersgate-street</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="right">90</td><td>Harvey C. Combe, Esq.</td><td>Aldgate</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="right">90</td><td>Sir Richard Carr Glyn, Knt.</td><td>Bishopsgate-street</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="right">93</td><td>William Staines, Esq.</td><td>Cripplegate</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="right">95</td><td>Sir John Eamer, Knt.</td><td>Langborne</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="right">96</td><td>Sir William Herne, Knt.</td><td>Castle-Baynard</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="right">96</td><td>Robert Williams, Esq.</td><td>Cornhill</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="right">97</td><td>Charles Hamerton, Esq.</td><td>Bread-street</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="right">98</td><td>Charles Price, Esq.</td><td>Farringdon Without</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="right">98</td><td>Peter Perchard, Esq.</td><td>Candlewick</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="right">98</td><td>Thomas Cadell, Esq.</td><td>Walbrook</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="right">98</td><td>George Hibbert, Esq.</td><td>Bridge Within</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="right">98</td><td>James Shaw, Esq.</td><td>Portsoken</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="right">98</td><td>John Perring, Esq.</td><td>Broad-street</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="right">99</td><td>William Leighton, Esq.</td><td>Billingsgate</td></tr>
+</table>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>Sir John William Rose, Knt. Recorder of London, a Magistrate, holding
+rank above the Aldermen who have not served the office of Lord
+Mayor.&mdash;He assists at the General and Quarter Sessions of the Peace,
+and in the principal affairs of the City; but does not sit in
+rotation.</p>
+
+<p>Richard Clark, Esq. Chamberlain, acting judicially with respect to
+Apprentices.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Newman, Clerk to the Lord-Mayor, or Sitting Alderman at the
+Mansion-house.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Whittle, Clerk to the sitting Alderman at Guildhall.</p>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_155_162" id="Footnote_155_162"></a><a href="#FNanchor_155_162"><span class="label">[155]</span></a> The following are the Public Offices in the Metropolis;
+(exclusive of the City of London;) and the respective Magistrates who
+<i>preside</i>, and the Clerks who <i>officiate</i> at each.</p>
+
+<table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="magistrates and clerks">
+<tr>
+<td class="vat" rowspan="7">Westminster.</td>
+<td class="vat" rowspan="2">Bow-street,<br />Covent Garden.</td>
+<td>Sir William Addington, Knt.<br />
+Nicholas Bond, Esq.<br />
+Richard Ford, Esq.</td>
+<td><i>Magistrates</i>.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>Mess. Lavender and Davies,</td>
+<td><i>Clerks</i>.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan="3">The following seven Public Offices were established by the
+Act 32 Geo. III. cap. 53. and continued for 5 years by 36
+Geo. III. cap. 75.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat" rowspan="2">Queen's Square,<br />St. Margaret's<br />Westminster.</td>
+<td>Cranley Thomas Kerby, Esq.<br />
+Henry James Pye, Esq.<br />
+Patrick Colquhoun, Esq.</td>
+<td><i>Magistrates</i>.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>Mess. Arthur Gliddon and J. Jones,</td>
+<td><i>Clerks</i>.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat" rowspan="2">Great Marlborough-street,<br />Oxford Road.</td>
+<td>Nathaniel Conant, Esq.<br />
+John Scott, Esq.<br />
+Phillip Neave, Esq.</td>
+<td><i>Magistrates</i>.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>Mess. H.P. Butler and J. Thornton,</td>
+<td><i>Clerks</i>.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat" rowspan="8">Middlesex.</td>
+<td class="vat" rowspan="2">Hatton Garden<br />Holborn.</td>
+<td>William Bleamire, Esq.<br />
+Aaron Graham, Esq.<br />
+Robert Baker, Esq.</td>
+<td><i>Magistrates</i>.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>Mess. A. Todd and W. Upton,</td>
+<td><i>Clerks</i>.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat" rowspan="2">Worship-street,<br />Finsbury-Squ.</td>
+<td>John Floud, Esq.<br />
+William Brodie, Esq.<br />
+John Nares, Esq.</td>
+<td><i>Magistrates</i>.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>Mess. Chas. Lush and J. Chalmers,</td>
+<td><i>Clerks</i>.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat" rowspan="2">Lambeth-street,<br />Whitechapel.</td>
+<td>Rice Davies, Esq.<br />
+Henry Reynett, D.D.<br />
+Daniel Williams, Esq.</td>
+<td><i>Magistrates</i>.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>Mess. John Smith and J. Bailey,</td>
+<td><i>Clerks</i>.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat" rowspan="2">High-street,<br />Shadwell.</td>
+<td> George Storie, Esq.<br />
+John Staples, Esq.<br />
+Rupert Clarke, Esq.</td>
+<td><i>Magistrates</i>.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>Mess. J. Rowswell and G. Skeen,</td>
+<td><i>Clerks</i>.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat" rowspan="2">Surrey.</td>
+<td class="vat" rowspan="2">Union-street,<br />Southwark.</td>
+<td>Gideon Fournier, Esq.<br />
+Benjamin Robinson, Esq.<br />
+Richard Carpenter Smith, Esq.</td>
+<td><i>Magistrates</i>.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>Mess. D. Campbell and J.A. Jallicoe,</td>
+<td><i>Clerks</i>.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="vat" colspan="2">Marine Police,<br />Wapping New Stairs.</td>
+<td colspan="2">P. Colquhoun, Esq. superintending Magistrate, gratis<br />
+John Harriot, Esq. Resident Magistrate<br />
+Henry Lang, Esq. Chief Clerk<br />
+William Brooke, Cashier<br />
+Three Junior Clerks, and Ten Surveyors, &amp;c.</td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p>N.B. The whole Fees and Penalties taken and received at the seven
+Offices, established by 32 Geo. III. cap. 53. are paid into the
+<i>Receiver</i> on account of the Public, and the whole expences of the
+Establishments are defrayed from the funds placed in his hands for
+that purpose.</p>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_156_163" id="Footnote_156_163"></a><a href="#FNanchor_156_163"><span class="label">[156]</span></a> The Marine Police Magistrates, on account of the extent
+of the Establishment, and the number of River Officers under their
+Control, never leave the Office from the time that business commences
+in the morning until a late hour in the evening.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_157_164" id="Footnote_157_164"></a><a href="#FNanchor_157_164"><span class="label">[157]</span></a> See Tract on Public Houses, by the Author of this
+Treatise.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_158_165" id="Footnote_158_165"></a><a href="#FNanchor_158_165"><span class="label">[158]</span></a> The Magistrates at the Marine Police confine their
+attention almost wholly to the cognizance of offences, either
+committed on the River, or connected with Maritime Affairs, and his
+Majesty's Stores in the Public Arsenals.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_159_166" id="Footnote_159_166"></a><a href="#FNanchor_159_166"><span class="label">[159]</span></a> It is by no means to be understood, that this
+deficiency arose from any want of real attention or public spirit on
+the part of the respectable individuals who framed and promoted this
+act. It was perhaps as much as could reasonably be expected at the
+time, until the public mind could be more fully informed. It was by
+the operation of this act, that a correct view of the improvements
+necessary to complete the System, were to be obtained. This first step
+was, therefore, of great importance; and it is but justice to state,
+that to the Authors of this Act the Public will be indebted for every
+subsequent arrangement, which may be adopted for perfecting the Police
+of the Metropolis.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_160_167" id="Footnote_160_167"></a><a href="#FNanchor_160_167"><span class="label">[160]</span></a> The Author having had occasion to represent to a late
+Chief Magistrate, of great talents and respectability, the enormous
+evil arising from <i>base coin</i>:&mdash;He very judiciously observed, that to
+do any good in protecting the Public against this species of offence,
+<i>it would require the mind of a Magistrate to be given up to that
+object alone</i>. This pointed and accurate remark is sufficient to
+elucidate, in an eminent degree, the necessity of Magistrates with
+salaries, in all large Communities.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_161_168" id="Footnote_161_168"></a><a href="#FNanchor_161_168"><span class="label">[161]</span></a> The Select Committee of the House of Commons on
+Finance, in their 28th Report (already repeatedly quoted), appear to
+be very strongly impressed with the necessity of Police Magistrates,
+and a Concurrent Jurisdiction for the City of London.&mdash;They express
+themselves in the following words: "It is further to be stated, that a
+considerable defect is felt in the Police of the Metropolis, from the
+limited jurisdiction of the present Magistrates in every part of it,
+and from the want of an Institution similar to that of the Police
+Offices to be established in the City of London, as was originally
+intended and proposed: that the delay which necessarily takes place in
+obtaining the sanction of the local Magistracy in either case, to the
+warrants of those presiding in other districts, operates in all cases
+to the advantage of offenders against the Laws, and to the obstruction
+of Public Justice: add to which, that the numerous and important
+avocations, both public and private, of the truly respectable
+Magistracy of the City, is too often inconsistent with that constant
+and unremitting attention which the due preservation of the Police of
+the Metropolis requires. That it would be unfortunate indeed if any
+local jealousy founded upon no just grounds, though entertained by
+honourable minds, should continue to deprive even the Inhabitants of
+the City itself, as well as those of the rest of the Metropolis, of
+that security which a more permanent attendance, and a perfect
+intercommunity of Jurisdiction in Criminal matters between the
+Magistrates of every part of the Metropolis, and of the five adjoining
+Counties, could not fail to produce."&mdash;See p. 13, 28th Report, 26th of
+June, 1798.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_162_169" id="Footnote_162_169"></a><a href="#FNanchor_162_169"><span class="label">[162]</span></a> If this were the case, neither the Bank, nor the
+avenues to every part of Cheapside, &amp;c.<a name="FNanchor_F_170" id="FNanchor_F_170"></a><a href="#Footnote_F_170" class="fnanchor">[F]</a> would be beset with gangs
+of rogues and sharpers, both men and women, who support themselves
+principally by the resource which the vast amount of moving property,
+in money and portable goods, affords them, in this part of the
+Metropolis; where, it appears, capital offenders are rarely detected;
+since, at the Old Bailey, those convicted in the course of a year,
+from the City and County, run in the proportion of about 1-7th part
+for London, and 6-7th parts for Middlesex.<a name="FNanchor_G_171" id="FNanchor_G_171"></a><a href="#Footnote_G_171" class="fnanchor">[G]</a></p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><div class="blockquot"><p><a name="Footnote_F_170" id="Footnote_F_170"></a><a href="#FNanchor_F_170"><span class="label">[F]</span></a> See <a href="#Page_106">p. 106</a>.</p></div></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><div class="blockquot"><p><a name="Footnote_G_171" id="Footnote_G_171"></a><a href="#FNanchor_G_171"><span class="label">[G]</span></a> Vide Table, <a href="#Page_429">p. 429</a>.</p></div></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_163_172" id="Footnote_163_172"></a><a href="#FNanchor_163_172"><span class="label">[163]</span></a> In the measures finally proposed by the Finance
+Committee, in the 9th Article (page 30), they recommend it to
+Parliament, "That two additional Offices of Police should be
+established in the City, consisting each of three Magistrates, to sit
+at the Mansion-house, and at Guildhall, for the purpose of assisting
+the Lord-Mayor and the Court of Aldermen: such Magistrates to be named
+by the Lord-Mayor and Court of Aldermen; and paid out of the General
+Funds arising from the proposed regulations; to sit permanently, as at
+the other Offices, with Commissions from the Crown, extending over the
+whole Metropolis, and the counties of Middlesex, Kent, Essex, and
+Surry."</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_164_173" id="Footnote_164_173"></a><a href="#FNanchor_164_173"><span class="label">[164]</span></a> A Police Magistrate has nothing to do with the politics
+of the Country; and he is incapable, and unworthy of the trust reposed
+in him, if he permits any bias, or influence, but that which is
+immediately connected with a correct and chaste execution of the Laws,
+to take hold of his mind.&mdash;It is only by this line of conduct, that he
+can either render himself useful or respectable.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_165_174" id="Footnote_165_174"></a><a href="#FNanchor_165_174"><span class="label">[165]</span></a> In the month of October, 1793, a respectable Committee,
+representing the great body of the Manufacturers in Spitalfields,
+waited on His Majesty's Principal Secretary of State for the Home
+Department, with an Address of Thanks for the Establishment of the
+Police System; the substance of which is as follows:
+</p><p>
+"That it is the opinion of this Society, that great benefits have
+arisen, with regard to the security of property, from the correct and
+regular manner in which the judicial business has been conducted by
+the Magistrates of Police; in consequence of whose vigilance and
+attention, an effectual check has been given to a System of
+depredation which heretofore occasioned a loss of many thousands per
+annum to the Silk Manufacturers:"&mdash;And it was Resolved,&mdash;"That the
+Thanks of this Society are due to the Right Honourable Henry Dundas,
+one of His Majesty's Principal Secretaries of State; and also to Mr.
+Burton, and the other Members of Parliament, who proposed and
+supported the Police System, for the share they had in the
+establishment of a judicial Tribunal, which has been found to extend,
+to the Silk Manufacturers, many advantages in a just and proper
+execution of the Laws which were not heretofore experienced."</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_166_175" id="Footnote_166_175"></a><a href="#FNanchor_166_175"><span class="label">[166]</span></a> Vide <a href="#Page_63">page 63</a> &amp; <i>seq.</i> of this Volume.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_167_176" id="Footnote_167_176"></a><a href="#FNanchor_167_176"><span class="label">[167]</span></a> In mentioning what regards the protection of the
+Metropolis, with the inefficiency of the existing Civil Force in
+Constables, it is impossible to overlook those eminent advantages
+which have arisen from the excellent institutions of the Honourable
+Artillery Company, the Light Horse Volunteers, and the other
+associated Corps, who have so nobly stood forth in the hour of danger
+to support the deficient Police of the Country.
+</p><p>
+To these Patriotic individuals, the inhabitants of the Metropolis are
+under infinite obligations.
+</p><p>
+Regardless of their own <i>ease</i>, <i>convenience</i>, <i>interest</i>, or <i>personal
+safety</i>, the members of these public-spirited associations have ever
+stood forward in the hour of tumult and disorder gratuitously, and at
+their own expence, for the protection of their Fellow-citizens, and
+for the preservation of the Public peace.
+</p><p>
+The assistance they have, on every occasion, afforded the civil power,
+and the sacrifices of valuable time which they have made, at the risk
+of health, and under circumstances where they were compelled to forego
+that ease and comfort, which, in many instances, from their opulence
+and rank in life, are attached to their particular situations&mdash;it is
+to be hoped will never be forgotten by a grateful Public.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_168_177" id="Footnote_168_177"></a><a href="#FNanchor_168_177"><span class="label">[168]</span></a> See Appendix to the 28th Report of the Committee.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_169_178" id="Footnote_169_178"></a><a href="#FNanchor_169_178"><span class="label">[169]</span></a> It is not proposed in the Bill, now in preparation,
+hereafter stated, to introduce any thing respecting the City of
+London, unless the consent of the Lord-Mayor, Aldermen, and
+Common-Council, shall be previously obtained.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_170_179" id="Footnote_170_179"></a><a href="#FNanchor_170_179"><span class="label">[170]</span></a> The Trades alluded to are these
+following,&mdash;vide Appendix (C) 28th Report of Select
+Committee of the House of Commons on Finance, page 45, 46,
+and 47.</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p class="center"><i>New Revenues.</i></p>
+
+<p>1. Wholesale and Retail Dealers in old Naval Stores,
+Hand-stuff, and Rags.</p>
+
+<p>2. Dealers in second-hand wearing Apparel, Stationary and
+Itinerant.</p>
+
+<p>3. Dealers in old Iron and other Metals, &amp;c.</p>
+
+<p>4. Founders and others using Crucibles.</p>
+
+<p>5. Persons using Draught and Truck Carts for conveying
+Stores, Rags, and Metals.</p>
+
+<p>6. Persons Licenced to slaughter horses.</p>
+
+<p>7. Persons keeping Livery Stables, and letting Horses for
+hire.</p>
+
+<p>8. Auctioneers, who hold periodical or diurnal Sales.</p>
+
+<p class="center"><i>Existing Revenues proposed to be transferred with a view to
+a more effectual control, and to an improved Finance.</i></p>
+
+<p>9. Hackney Coaches and Chairs.</p>
+
+<p>10. Hawkers and Pedlars.</p>
+
+<p>11. Pawn Brokers.</p>
+
+<p>12. Dealers in Horses.</p>
+
+<table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="revenues">
+<tr><td>N.B. The new Revenues are Estimated to yield</td><td class="right">£.64,000</td></tr>
+<tr><td>The increase of the existing Revenues is stated at</td><td class="right">19,467</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="rtbl">£.83,467</td></tr>
+</table>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_171_180" id="Footnote_171_180"></a><a href="#FNanchor_171_180"><span class="label">[171]</span></a> The amount of the general expence of the Criminal
+Police of the Kingdom as stated by the Committee on Finance in their
+28th Report is as follows:</p>
+
+<table style="width: 90%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="police expenses">
+<tr><td colspan="4">1st. The annual average of the total expence of the Seven Public Offices in the Metropolis, from the institution in August 1792 to the end of the year 1797, being a period of 5&frac12; years</td><td class="vabr">£.18,281</td><td class="vabr">18</td><td class="vabr">6</td></tr>
+<tr><td colspan="4">2d. The total expence of the Office at Bow-street, in the year 1797, including remunerations to the Magistrates in lieu of fees, perquisites, and special services, and the expence of the patrole of 68 persons</td><td class="vabr">7,901</td><td class="vabr">7</td><td class="vabr">7</td></tr>
+<tr><td colspan="4" class="right">Total expence for the Metropolis</td><td class="rtl">26,183</td><td class="rtl">6</td><td class="rtl">1</td></tr>
+<tr><td colspan="4">3d. The money paid to the several Sheriffs for the conviction of Felons in 1797</td><td class="vabr">9,650</td><td class="vabr">0</td><td class="vabr">0</td></tr>
+<tr><td>4th. The expence of maintaining Convicts on board the Hulks, (exclusive of 415 under Sentence of Transportation in the different gaols), amounted in 1797 to</td><td class="vabr">£.32,080</td><td class="vabr">0</td><td class="vabr">0</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>5th. The expences incurred in the employment of Convicts by the Navy and Ordnance Boards, probably amounting to not less than from 10<i>l.</i> to 20<i>l.</i> per Man per annum, were by computation</td><td class="vabr">1,498</td><td class="vabr">14</td><td class="vabr">10&frac14;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>6th. The annual average of cloathing, victualling, and transporting Convicts, and of the Civil, Military, and Marine Departments of New South Wales, and Norfolk Island, from 1786 to 1797</td><td class="vabr">86,457</td><td class="vabr">12</td><td class="vabr">11&frac12;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="right">120,036</td><td class="right">7</td><td class="right">9&frac34;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="rtl">155,869</td><td class="rtl">13</td><td class="rtl">10&frac34;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>To which add the farther sums annually charged on the County Rates, or incurred in places having peculiar Jurisdiction in England</td><td class="vabr">50,000</td><td class="vabr">0</td><td class="vabr">0</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>Borne by the Sheriffs in England</td><td class="right">10,000</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">60,000</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">0</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="right">Total for all England</td><td class="rtl">&nbsp;</td><td class="rtl">&nbsp;</td><td class="rtl">&nbsp;</td><td class="rtl">215,869</td><td class="rtl">13</td><td class="rtl">10&frac34;</td></tr>
+</table>
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_172_181" id="Footnote_172_181"></a><a href="#FNanchor_172_181"><span class="label">[172]</span></a> It is presumed, that the distinction of <i>Select
+Magistrates</i>, joined to the patronage arising from the appointment of
+inferior Officers of Police in the respective Districts of the
+Country, (as Surveyors and Collectors of Licence Duties), would be
+considered as a sufficient inducement to men of Property, talents, and
+respectability, to undertake this very honourable Trust: to which it
+may reasonably be hoped, that many would be stimulated, in a
+particular degree, by the impulses of patriotism, and a desire to
+introduce a correct and improved System of Police in their respective
+Districts.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_173_182" id="Footnote_173_182"></a><a href="#FNanchor_173_182"><span class="label">[173]</span></a> Nothing can exceed the pains and labour which
+have been bestowed in settling the description of the
+persons, proposed to be licenced, with a view to an accurate
+system of Legislation. A regard to this accuracy made it
+necessary to abandon <span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: blank space in original; probably should be 'two'">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span> classes recommended by the proposer to the
+Select Committee; because on attempting to frame a Bill, it
+was found impracticable in one case, and impolitic in
+another, to apply Legislative rules that would not either be
+defeated or invade the privileges of innocence.<a name="FNanchor_H_183" id="FNanchor_H_183"></a><a href="#Footnote_H_183" class="fnanchor">[H]</a></p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><div class="blockquot"><p><a name="Footnote_H_183" id="Footnote_H_183"></a><a href="#FNanchor_H_183"><span class="label">[H]</span></a> Persons keeping Crucibles, and Auctioneers.</p></div></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_174_184" id="Footnote_174_184"></a><a href="#FNanchor_174_184"><span class="label">[174]</span></a> If Twine Spinners and Rope Spinners of a
+certain class could be brought under similar regulations, it
+would prove extremely beneficial, inasmuch as the small
+Manufacturers in this line are known to give considerable
+facilities to the Stealers of Hemp on the River Thames.&mdash;A
+number of small Rope and Twine Manufacturers have undersold
+the fair trader, by working up Stolen Hemp, purchased at
+half price; and it is but too evident from discoveries which
+have recently been made, that this evil has gone to a very
+great extent, and that considerable benefits would be
+derived to the Public, by placing <i>Twine and White Rope</i>
+<i>Spinners</i> under the control of the Police, at least within
+the proposed District of the Metropolis.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_175_185" id="Footnote_175_185"></a><a href="#FNanchor_175_185"><span class="label">[175]</span></a> See the <a href="#CHAP_VII">Chapter</a> on the subject of Base Coin,
+in this <i>Treatise</i>; and the remedies ultimately proposed for
+suppressing this enormous evil.&mdash;The Author has great
+satisfaction in stating that a Bill is now nearly prepared,
+grounded chiefly on his suggestions, for improving the
+Coinage Laws; and that sanguine hopes are entertained of its
+passing during the present Session of Parliament.&mdash;The
+proposition now made of bringing this feature of Police, so
+far as relates to <i>Presses</i>, and other <i>Machinery</i>, under
+the inspection of the proposed <i>Central Board</i>, will
+certainly have a powerful effect in deterring evil-minded
+persons from following the Trade of Coiners of Base Money,
+or Engravers and Stampers of forged Bank Notes.&mdash;In this
+kind of Control, the Police Revenue Board would have an
+advantage arising from the nature of the System, which may
+be considered as <i>invaluable in a national point of view</i>,
+since no part of the Country, however remote, could be said
+to be out of their reach, as Officers, under their immediate
+direction, would be found every where.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_176_186" id="Footnote_176_186"></a><a href="#FNanchor_176_186"><span class="label">[176]</span></a> From an estimate which has been made, the
+three Classes mentioned in division IV. might be made to
+produce above 100,000<i>l.</i> for Police purposes, in addition
+to what is received at present from Pawnbrokers, and Horse
+Dealers.&mdash;The chief part would arise from the transfer of
+Horses.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_177_187" id="Footnote_177_187"></a><a href="#FNanchor_177_187"><span class="label">[177]</span></a> The most &#339;conomical mode would,
+apparently, be to consolidate in one person the office of
+<i>Constable</i> and <i>Collector of the Licence Duties</i> in the
+respective Districts; having it understood that the poundage
+received on the money paid to the Board, should not only be
+considered as a remuneration for the Collection, but also as
+a reward for occasional Services in the general Police
+Department.&mdash;By such an arrangement, a chain of Select and
+reputable Officers may be established all over the Country,
+without being felt as a burden of any kind on the Community;
+while those Services under the general arrangements of the
+Board, could not fail to be productive of infinite benefits
+in the well-ordering of Society.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_178_188" id="Footnote_178_188"></a><a href="#FNanchor_178_188"><span class="label">[178]</span></a> The Registers of our Courts of Record, and
+other well-attested accounts, have developed scenes of
+unfeeling Cruelty and Rapacity, in cases of Shipwrecks,
+which would have disgraced the rudest and most ferocious
+Savages, and would lead a Stranger to suppose that we have
+no Laws for the prevention of such outrages.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_179_189" id="Footnote_179_189"></a><a href="#FNanchor_179_189"><span class="label">[179]</span></a> Nothing can be offered as a more irrefragable proof of
+the utility of a Police Institution, such as has been recommended by
+the Select Committee on Finance, than the effect of the Marine Police
+Establishment upon the River Thames; where, in spite of a crippled
+System, and deficient Laws, the energy of the superintendence, and the
+strength of the Civil force, has, at a very trifling expence, applied
+with strict &#339;conomy, worked such a change in the Port of London,
+both with respect to the security of commercial property, and the
+Revenue, as would scarcely have been conceived possible. For an
+Account of this System, see the <a href="#CHAP_VIII">8th Chapter</a> of this Work: but for a
+more enlarged and comprehensive view of the nature and effect of the
+design, recourse must be had to the Author's <i>Treatise on the Commerce
+and Police of the River Thames, &amp;c.</i> now in the press; in which the
+whole plan is developed, together with the Legislative System
+necessary to give permanent effect to the design.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_180_190" id="Footnote_180_190"></a><a href="#FNanchor_180_190"><span class="label">[180]</span></a> See the 28th Report of the Select Committee, page 4.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_181_191" id="Footnote_181_191"></a><a href="#FNanchor_181_191"><span class="label">[181]</span></a> London Workhouse is a large building, which might, with
+great advantage, be turned into a house of industry, or Penitentiary
+House for Petty offenders, for which purpose it was used in ancient
+times. Although it is said to be sufficient to lodge about 500 people,
+it is now used only as an asylum for a few old persons; and is a
+sinecure for the Keepers and Officers, who live comfortably as the
+servants of the Community without doing any good. This house is amply
+endowed by a power of levying contributions on all the parishes for
+its support.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_182_192" id="Footnote_182_192"></a><a href="#FNanchor_182_192"><span class="label">[182]</span></a> But particularly that branch of it, which relates to
+the management of the Poor, than which nothing in a greater degree
+requires immediate improvement; since it is unquestionably true, and
+has, indeed, been already shewn, that from this source incalculable
+evils have arisen, which must proportionately increase, until some
+effectual remedy is applied.&mdash;See <a href="#CHAP_XIII">Chapter 13th</a>, where a remedy is
+proposed.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_183_193" id="Footnote_183_193"></a><a href="#FNanchor_183_193"><span class="label">[183]</span></a> See for some further particulars the 27th Report of the
+Finance Committee.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p class="bp"><a name="Footnote_184_194" id="Footnote_184_194"></a><a href="#FNanchor_184_194"><span class="label">[184]</span></a> The following authentic table, divided into four
+Classes, will shew in forcible colours, the evils which arise from
+there being no distinction between the amount of the sum to be
+recovered in one action and another, in settling the costs. In the
+county of Middlesex, in the year 1793, the actions for recovering
+debts stood thus:</p>
+
+<table style="padding-top: 0em; padding-bottom: 0em" border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="actions for debt">
+<tr>
+<td class="vatc">Classes.</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="vatc">Number of Writs.</td>
+<td rowspan="7" class="vatc">of which</td>
+<td class="vatc">Bailable.</td>
+<td class="vatc">Executions.</td>
+<td class="vatc">Costs of Actions undefended at 12<i>l.</i> each.<br /><br />£.</td>
+<td class="vatc">Costs of Actions defended at 50<i>l.</i> each.<br />£.</td>
+<td class="vatc">Net Amount of Debts sued for<br /><br />£.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>1</td>
+<td>from 10 to 20<i>l.</i></td>
+<td class="right">5,719</td>
+<td class="right">4,966</td>
+<td class="right">753</td>
+<td class="right">68,728</td>
+<td class="right">285,950</td>
+<td class="right">81,791</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>2</td>
+<td>20 to 30</td>
+<td class="right">2,267</td>
+<td class="right">1,878</td>
+<td class="right">389</td>
+<td class="right">21,090</td>
+<td class="right">113,350</td>
+<td class="right">85,675</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>3</td>
+<td>30 to 100</td>
+<td class="right">4,367</td>
+<td class="right">2,492</td>
+<td class="right">1,875</td>
+<td class="right">52,404</td>
+<td class="right">238,350</td>
+<td class="right">237,358</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>4</td>
+<td>£.100 &amp; upw.</td>
+<td class="right">2,324</td>
+<td class="right">1,769</td>
+<td class="right">555</td>
+<td class="right">27,160</td>
+<td class="right">116,200</td>
+<td class="right">1,010,379</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan="2">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="right">14,677</td>
+<td class="right">11,105</td>
+<td class="right">3,572</td>
+<td class="right">169,382</td>
+<td class="right">753,850</td>
+<td class="right">1,385,203</td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+<p class="tp">Thus it appears, that upwards of one million of money, in the 4th
+class, is recovered at considerably less than half the expence of
+81,791<i>l.</i> in the 1st class.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_185_195" id="Footnote_185_195"></a><a href="#FNanchor_185_195"><span class="label">[185]</span></a> It is to be observed, that the Debtors comprised, in
+the first three classes mentioned in the <a href="#Footnote_184_194">foregoing note</a>, <a href="#Page_587">page 587</a>, are
+generally the objects of imprisonment; while the bankrupt-laws relieve
+the fourth, the insolvency of which class generally produces the
+distress of the other; who must languish in a gaol and suffer a severe
+punishment, although it is clear to demonstration, that the Debtor for
+<i>ninety-nine</i> pounds is equally an object of commiseration as another
+whose debt amounts to <i>one hundred</i>; and almost in the same degree
+subject to accident and misfortune.
+</p><p>
+Under a System so contrary to reason, and so shocking to humanity, too
+much praise cannot be bestowed on the founders and supporters of the
+excellent Institution for the relief of honest, industrious persons
+imprisoned for small debts. The immense number relieved by this
+benevolent Society, who have appeared upon inquiry not to have brought
+misfortunes upon themselves by imprudence, is one of the strongest
+proofs that can be adduced of the imperfection of the laws; which are
+tacitly acknowledged to be erroneous, in the case of every person who
+is discharged by the bounty of the Public.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_186_196" id="Footnote_186_196"></a><a href="#FNanchor_186_196"><span class="label">[186]</span></a> No Rules or Orders have yet been published, although
+nearly six years have elapsed since the passing of this Act. The
+Public are, therefore, without the means of punishing or controlling
+Watermen, which is felt as a serious misfortune.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_187_197" id="Footnote_187_197"></a><a href="#FNanchor_187_197"><span class="label">[187]</span></a> See Table in <a href="#Page_215">page 215</a>.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_188_198" id="Footnote_188_198"></a><a href="#FNanchor_188_198"><span class="label">[188]</span></a> See <a href="#Page_216">page 216</a>.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_189_199" id="Footnote_189_199"></a><a href="#FNanchor_189_199"><span class="label">[189]</span></a> The Publicans in their petition to the House of Commons
+(1796) estimated their loss at 100,000<i>l.</i> But there is some reason to
+suppose this was exaggerated.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_190_200" id="Footnote_190_200"></a><a href="#FNanchor_190_200"><span class="label">[190]</span></a> This sum will, no doubt, astonish the Reader at first
+view; and may even go very far to stagger his belief: but when the
+vast extent of the trade and commerce of London is considered, the
+great quantity of money, Bank notes, and stationary or fixed property
+of a portable nature, as well as moving effects, all which has been
+estimated, exclusive of horses, cattle, corn, provender, fruit,
+vegetables, &amp;c. at two hundred millions sterling, (<i>See p.</i> 605.) it
+will cease to be a matter of surprise, that under an incorrect System
+of Police and deficient Laws, the depredations are estimated so high.
+It would have equally attracted attention with a view to an
+improvement in the Police, and of course have answered the Author's
+purpose full as well to have reduced the estimate to <i>one half the
+present sum</i>: but being solicitous to approach as nearly to the truth
+as possible, he considered himself bound to offer it in its present
+form, which after being four years under the view of the Public, not
+only stands unimpeached; but altho' the Author himself, after the
+additional experience he has acquired, has attempted a new
+modification; and although the River Plunder is greatly reduced, the
+aggregate remains nearly as before.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_191_201" id="Footnote_191_201"></a><a href="#FNanchor_191_201"><span class="label">[191]</span></a> See pages <a href="#Page_345">345</a>, <a href="#Page_346">346</a>, and <a href="#Page_347">347</a>.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_192_202" id="Footnote_192_202"></a><a href="#FNanchor_192_202"><span class="label">[192]</span></a> See page <a href="#Page_348">348</a>.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_193_203" id="Footnote_193_203"></a><a href="#FNanchor_193_203"><span class="label">[193]</span></a> See page <a href="#Page_338">338</a>.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_194_204" id="Footnote_194_204"></a><a href="#FNanchor_194_204"><span class="label">[194]</span></a> See page <a href="#Page_349">349</a>.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_195_205" id="Footnote_195_205"></a><a href="#FNanchor_195_205"><span class="label">[195]</span></a> See pages <a href="#Page_33">33</a>, and <a href="#Page_34">34</a>.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_196_206" id="Footnote_196_206"></a><a href="#FNanchor_196_206"><span class="label">[196]</span></a> See pages <a href="#Page_333">333</a> to <a href="#Page_345">345</a>.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_197_207" id="Footnote_197_207"></a><a href="#FNanchor_197_207"><span class="label">[197]</span></a> It is calculated that there are seldom less than Ten
+Thousand Servants of both Sexes, at all times out of place in the
+Metropolis. This shews, in strong colours, the importance of the
+regulations which are proposed.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_198_208" id="Footnote_198_208"></a><a href="#FNanchor_198_208"><span class="label">[198]</span></a> See <a href="#Page_150">page 150</a>.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_199_209" id="Footnote_199_209"></a><a href="#FNanchor_199_209"><span class="label">[199]</span></a> Said to be above Two Thousand pounds a year.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_200_210" id="Footnote_200_210"></a><a href="#FNanchor_200_210"><span class="label">[200]</span></a> See page <a href="#Page_151">151</a> to <a href="#Page_170">170</a>.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_201_211" id="Footnote_201_211"></a><a href="#FNanchor_201_211"><span class="label">[201]</span></a> See pages <a href="#Page_319">319</a> to <a href="#Page_323">323</a>, <a href="#CHAP_XI">Chap. 11th</a>.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_202_212" id="Footnote_202_212"></a><a href="#FNanchor_202_212"><span class="label">[202]</span></a> See pages <a href="#Page_351">351</a> to <a href="#Page_380">380</a>.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_203_213" id="Footnote_203_213"></a><a href="#FNanchor_203_213"><span class="label">[203]</span></a> 33 Henry VIII. cap. 1. and 30 Geo. II. cap.
+24.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_204_214" id="Footnote_204_214"></a><a href="#FNanchor_204_214"><span class="label">[204]</span></a> The floating Public Property is estimated, including
+Ships of War, Naval, Victualing, Ordnance and Military Stores, in time
+of War at upwards of Forty Millions sterling.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_205_215" id="Footnote_205_215"></a><a href="#FNanchor_205_215"><span class="label">[205]</span></a> See Chapters <a href="#CHAP_III">III.</a> and <a href="#CHAP_IV">IV.</a></p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_206_216" id="Footnote_206_216"></a><a href="#FNanchor_206_216"><span class="label">[206]</span></a> See <a href="#CHAP_VI">Chapter VI.</a> <a href="#Page_430">page 430</a>, where it is stated, that in
+25 years about 15,000 Convicts have cost the Nation no less than
+1,663,974<i>l.</i></p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_207_217" id="Footnote_207_217"></a><a href="#FNanchor_207_217"><span class="label">[207]</span></a> See pages <a href="#Page_105">105</a> and <a href="#Page_539">539</a> in this Work.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_208_218" id="Footnote_208_218"></a><a href="#FNanchor_208_218"><span class="label">[208]</span></a> See pages <a href="#Page_84">84</a>, <a href="#Page_85">5</a>.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_209_219" id="Footnote_209_219"></a><a href="#FNanchor_209_219"><span class="label">[209]</span></a> See pages <a href="#Page_428">428</a> and <a href="#Page_429">429</a>.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_210_220" id="Footnote_210_220"></a><a href="#FNanchor_210_220"><span class="label">[210]</span></a> See pages <a href="#Page_584">584</a> to <a href="#Page_590">590</a>.</p></div>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+
+<div class="notes">
+<p class="center"><a name="ERRATA" id="ERRATA"></a><i>Transcriber's Errata List</i></p>
+
+<p><a href="#Page_ii">p. ii</a>: The page number for <a href="#CHAP_II">Chapter II</a> should be <a href="#Page_28">28</a>.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#Page_ix">p. ix</a>: The page number for <a href="#CHAP_XII">Chapter XII</a> should be <a href="#Page_333">333</a>.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#Page_xii">p. xii</a>: The page number for <a href="#CHAP_XV">Chapter XV</a> should be <a href="#Page_421">421</a>.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#Page_xiii">p. xiii</a>: The page number for <a href="#CHAP_XVI">Chapter XVI</a> should be <a href="#Page_434">434</a>.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#Page_xv">p. xv</a>: The page number for <a href="#CHAP_XVIII">Chapter XVIII</a> should be <a href="#Page_535">535</a>.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#Page_xvi">p. xvi</a>: The page number for <a href="#CHAP_XIX">Chapter XIX</a> should be <a href="#Page_565">565</a>.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#Page_41">p. 41</a>: "sown" should be "sewn."</p>
+
+<p><a href="#Page_249">p. 249</a>: Page 248 is skipped, as it contains only the continuation of <a href="#Footnote_68_68">Footnote 68</a>.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#Page_398">p. 398</a>: The table entry for the Division of Kensington contains no figures in the original for the High Constable and the Parochial Constables and Headboroughs.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#Page_430">p. 430</a>: In the second table, fourth heading, "Acquitals" should be "Acquittals."</p>
+
+<p><a href="#Page_475">p. 475</a>: "loose" should be "lose."</p>
+
+<p><a href="#Page_632">p. 632</a>: "mean" should be "means."</p>
+
+<p><a href="#INDEX">Index</a>: Under the entry "Marine Police Institution," the reference to p. 248 should be <a href="#Page_240">240</a>.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#INDEX">Index</a>: Under the entry "Prisoners, Discharged from 1792 to 1799, from the Hulks, ditto," the figure "11,183" should be "1,383."</p>
+
+<p><a href="#INDEX">Index</a>: Under the entry "River Plunder," there is no page reference in the original after "Various classes of River Plunderers."</p>
+
+<p><a href="#INDEX">Index</a>: Under the entry "Watchmen, How appointed and paid," the reference to "411, <i>n.</i>" is out of order in the original.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#Footnote_173_182">Footnote 173</a>: The blank space in the original after "abandon" probably should be "two."</p>
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of A Treatise on the Police of the
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+</body>
+</html>
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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of A Treatise on the Police of the Metropolis, by
+Patrick Colquhoun
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: A Treatise on the Police of the Metropolis
+       Containing a Detail of the Various Crimes and Misdemeanors
+       by which Public and Private Property and Security are, at
+       Present, Injured and Endangered: and Suggesting Remedies
+       for their Prevention
+
+Author: Patrick Colquhoun
+
+Release Date: March 21, 2011 [EBook #35650]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A TREATISE ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Robert Connal, Linda Cantoni, and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This
+file was produced from images generously made available
+by the Bibliotheque nationale de France (BnF/Gallica)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+[Transcriber's Note: This book was published in 1800 and contains some
+inconsistent spelling, capitalization, hyphenation, and punctuation
+typical of that era. These have been retained as they appear in the
+original, including the inconsistent use of a period after the pound
+symbol (e.g., L.100 and L100). Inconsistent italicizing of _l._, _s._,
+and _d._ has been normalized to italics. Long-s has been normalized to
+s. The pointing hand symbol has been rendered as [-->]. Printer errors
+have been resolved with reference to a later and apparently corrected
+printing of the same edition, available at the Internet Archive,
+http://www.archive.org/details/atreatiseonpoli03colqgoog. Unresolved
+printer errors have been noted with a [Transcriber's Note].]
+
+
+
+
+A
+
+TREATISE
+
+ON THE
+
+POLICE OF THE METROPOLIS;
+
+
+CONTAINING A DETAIL OF THE
+
+VARIOUS CRIMES AND MISDEMEANORS
+
+_By which Public and Private Property and Security are, at present,
+injured and endangered:_
+
+AND
+
+SUGGESTING REMEDIES
+
+FOR THEIR
+
+PREVENTION.
+
+
+THE SIXTH EDITION, CORRECTED AND CONSIDERABLY ENLARGED.
+
+
+BY P. COLQUHOUN, LL.D.
+
+_Acting as a Magistrate for the Counties of Middlesex, Surry, Kent,
+and Essex.--For the City and Liberty of Westminster, and for the
+Liberty of the Tower of London._
+
+
+     Meminerint legum conditores, illas ad proximum hunc finem
+     accommodare; Scelera videlicet arcenda, refraenandaque vitia
+     ac morum pravitatem.
+
+     Judices pariter leges illas cum vigore, aequitate,
+     integritate, publicaeque utilitatis amore curent exequi; ut
+     justitia etvirtus omnes societatis ordines pervadant.
+     Industriaque simul et Temperantia inertiae locum assumant et
+     prodigalitatis.
+
+
+_LONDON:_
+
+PRINTED BY H. BALDWIN AND SON, NEW BRIDGE-STREET, BLACKFRIARS;
+
+FOR JOSEPH MAWMAN, IN THE POULTRY,
+
+SUCCESSOR TO MR. DILLY.
+
+
+M.DCCC.
+
+
+
+
+TO THE SOVEREIGN,
+
+     _Who has graciously condescended to approve of the Author's
+     Efforts "To establish a System of Morality and good Order in
+     The Metropolis:"_
+
+AND TO HIS PEOPLE;
+
+     _In every Part of the British Dominions; whose favourable
+     Reception of these Labours, for the Good of their Country,
+     has contributed, in a considerable degree, to the Progress
+     which has been already made, towards the Adoption of the
+     Remedies proposed for the Prevention of Crimes, the Comfort
+     of Society, and the Security of the Peaceful Subject:_
+
+This Improved and Enlarged Edition of
+
+THE TREATISE ON THE POLICE OF THE METROPOLIS,
+
+_is humbly_
+
+_and respectfully_
+
+DEDICATED.
+
+  LONDON,
+    Jan. 1, 1800.
+
+
+
+
+ADVERTISEMENT.
+
+
+Occupied in a variety of laborious pursuits, which afford little time
+either for study or recreation, the Author once more presents this
+Work to the Public with an unfeigned Diffidence, arising from his
+consciousness, that under such circumstances it must require their
+indulgence. This, he trusts, will be granted when it is considered,
+that his employments are of a nature unfriendly to that critical
+accuracy and precision, the necessity of which is impressed on his
+mind, not less by a sense of his own personal character, than of his
+obligations to the long-experienced candour and liberality of his
+readers.
+
+In the present Edition much new matter has been brought forward, and
+considerable improvements have been attempted by the introduction of
+official facts, and authentic details calculated to elucidate and
+explain the general system first placed by the Author under the review
+of the Public. Their extensive approbation (although his only reward)
+is of a nature which can never be too highly estimated. That
+approbation has not only been confirmed by many of the first and most
+respectable characters in these kingdoms, not less conspicuous for
+talents and abilities than for that genuine patriotism which
+distinguishes the good subject, and the valuable member of Society;
+but also by several Foreigners eminent for learning and virtue.
+
+While we deplore the miserable condition of those numerous delinquents
+who have unfortunately multiplied with the same rapidity that the
+great wealth of the Metropolis has increased: while their errors and
+their crimes are exposed only for the purpose of amendment: while the
+tear of pity is due to their forlorn state, a prospect happily opens
+through the medium of _the Report of the_ SELECT COMMITTEE _of the_
+HOUSE _of_ COMMONS, for the adoption of those remedies which will
+unquestionably give a seasonable check to immorality and delinquency;
+so as by their prevention not only to protect the rights of innocence,
+but also increase the number of the useful members of the community,
+and render punishments less frequent and necessary.
+
+To witness the ultimate completion of legislative arrangements,
+operating so favourably to the immediate advantage and security of the
+Metropolis, and extending also similar benefits to the country at
+large, will prove to the Author of this Work a very great and genuine
+source of happiness.
+
+To the Public, therefore, in general, and to the Legislature in
+particular, does he look forward with confidence for that singular
+gratification which, by giving effect to his well-meant endeavours for
+the prevention of Crimes, will ultimately crown with success the
+exertions he has used in the course of a very intricate and laborious
+investigation, in which his only object has been the good of his
+country.
+
+  LONDON,
+    _1st January_, 1800.
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE.
+
+
+Police in this Country may be considered as a _new Science_; the
+properties of which consist not in the Judicial Powers which lead to
+_Punishment_, and which belong to Magistrates alone; but in the
+PREVENTION and DETECTION OF CRIMES, and in those other Functions which
+relate to INTERNAL REGULATIONS for the well ordering and comfort of
+Civil Society.
+
+THE POLICE OF THE METROPOLIS, in every point of view, is a subject of
+great importance to be known and understood; since every innocent and
+useful Member of the Community has a particular interest in the
+correct administration of whatever relates to the Morals of the
+People, and to the protection of the Public against Fraud and
+Depredation.
+
+Under the present circumstances of insecurity, with respect to
+property and even life itself, this is a subject which cannot fail to
+force itself upon the attention of all:--All are equally concerned in
+the Information which this Work conveys; the chief part of the
+details in which are entirely novel, not to be found in books, and
+never laid before the Public through the medium of the Press, previous
+to the first Publication of this Treatise.
+
+It may naturally be imagined, that such an accumulation of delinquency
+systematically detailed, and placed in so prominent a point of view,
+must excite a considerable degree of astonishment in the minds of
+those Readers who have not been familiar with subjects of this nature;
+and hence a desire may be excited to investigate how far the amazing
+extent of the Depredations upon the Public here related, can be
+reconciled to reason and possibility.
+
+Four years have, however, elapsed, since these details have been
+before the Public, and they still stand on their original ground,
+without any attempt which has come to the Author's knowledge, to
+question the magnitude or the extent of the evil.--On the contrary,
+new sources of Fraud and Depredation have been brought forward,
+tending greatly to increase the general mass of Delinquency.[1]
+
+[Footnote 1: See Mr. Middleton's interesting Report on the County of
+Middlesex, and the extracts from thence in Chapter III. of this
+Work.]
+
+In revising the present Edition, the Author felt a strong impulse to
+reduce his estimates; but after an attentive review of the whole,
+excepting in the instances of the Depredations on Commercial Property,
+(which have been greatly diminished by the establishment of a _Marine
+Police_, applicable to that particular object,) he was unable to
+perceive any ground for materially altering his original
+calculations.--If some classes of Theft, Robbery, and Depredation,
+have been reduced, others have been augmented; still leaving the
+aggregate nearly as before.
+
+The causes of these extensive and accumulated wrongs being fully
+explained, and accounted for, in various parts of the Work; a very
+short recapitulation of them is, therefore, all that is necessary in
+this Preface.
+
+The enlarged state of Society, the vast extent of moving property, and
+the unexampled wealth of the Metropolis, joined to the depraved habits
+and loose conduct of a great proportion of the lower classes of the
+people; and above all, the want of an appropriate Police applicable to
+the object of prevention, will, after a careful perusal of this work,
+reconcile the attentive mind to a belief of the actual existence of
+evils which could not otherwise have been credited.--Let it be
+remembered also, that this Metropolis is unquestionably not only the
+greatest Manufacturing and Commercial City in the world, but also the
+general receptacle for the idle and depraved of almost every country;
+particularly from every quarter of the dominions of the Crown--Where
+the temptations and resources for criminal pleasures--Gambling, Fraud
+and Depredation almost exceed imagination; since besides being the
+seat of Government it is the centre of _fashion, amusements,
+dissipation and folly_.
+
+Under such peculiar circumstances, while immorality, licentiousness
+and crimes are known to advance in proportion to the excessive
+accumulation of wealth, it cannot fail to be a matter of deep regret,
+that in the progressive increase of the latter the means of checking
+the rapid strides of the former have not been sooner discovered and
+effectually applied.
+
+It is, however, earnestly to be hoped that it is not yet too
+late.--Patriots and Philanthropists who love their country, and glory
+in its prosperity, will rejoice with the Author in the prospect, that
+the great leading features of improvement suggested and matured in the
+present Edition of this Work will ultimately receive the sanction of
+the Legislature.
+
+May the Author be allowed to express his conviction that the former
+Editions of this book tended in no small degree, to remove various
+misconceptions on the subject of Police: and at the same time
+evidently excited in the public mind a desire to see such remedies
+applied as should contribute to the improvement of the Morals of the
+People, and to the removal of the danger and insecurity which were
+universally felt to exist?
+
+An impression it is to be hoped is generally felt from the example of
+the Roman Government, when enveloped in riches and luxury, that
+National prosperity must be of short duration when public Morals are
+too long neglected, and no effectual measures adopted for the purpose
+either of checking the alarming growth of depravity, or of guarding
+the rising generation against evil examples.
+
+It is by the general influence of good Laws, aided by the regulations
+of an energetic Police, that the blessings of true Liberty, and the
+undisturbed enjoyment of Property are secured.
+
+The sole object of the Author in pointing out the accumulated wrongs
+which have tended in so great a degree to abridge this Liberty, is to
+pave the way for the adoption of those practical remedies which he
+has suggested, in conformity with the spirit of the Laws, and the
+Constitution of the Country, for the purpose of bettering the state of
+Society, and improving the condition of human life.
+
+If in the accomplishment of this object the Morals of the People shall
+undergo a favourable change, and that species of comfort and security
+be extended to the inhabitants of this great Metropolis, which has not
+heretofore been experienced, while many evils are prevented, which in
+their consequences threaten to be productive of the most serious
+mischief, the Author of this Work will feel himself amply rewarded in
+the benefits which the System he has proposed shall be found to confer
+upon the Capital of the British Dominions, and on the Nation at
+large.
+
+
+
+
+_Preparing for the Press, by the Author of this Work._
+
+A TREATISE
+
+ON
+
+_THE COMMERCE AND POLICE_
+
+OF
+
+THE RIVER THAMES:
+
+CONTAINING
+
+AN HISTORICAL VIEW OF
+
+_THE TRADE OF THE PORT OF LONDON;_
+
+THE DEPREDATIONS COMMITTED ON ALL PROPERTY IMPORTED AND EXPORTED
+THERE; THE REMEDIES HITHERTO APPLIED; AND THE MEANS OF FUTURE
+PREVENTION, BY A COMPLETE SYSTEM OF
+
+_RIVER-POLICE;_
+
+WITH AN ACCOUNT OF
+
+_THE FUNCTIONS OF THE VARIOUS MAGISTRATES AND OTHERS_
+
+EXERCISING OR CLAIMING JURISDICTION ON THE RIVER;
+
+AND OF THE
+
+_PENAL STATUTES AGAINST MARITIME OFFENCES_
+
+OF EVERY DESCRIPTION.
+
+[_The above will be published in the course of the Spring, by_ JOS.
+MAWMAN, _in the Poultry._]
+
+
+
+
+_CONTENTS._
+
+
+CHAP. I.
+
+GENERAL VIEW OF EXISTING EVILS.
+
+                                                                  PAGE
+
+  _Ineffective System of Criminal Jurisprudence.--Facility
+  of eluding Justice.--Severity and inequality of
+  Punishments.--Necessity of revising our Penal
+  Code.--Certain dangerous Offences not punishable.--Receivers
+  of Stolen Property.--Extent of Plunder in the Metropolis,
+  &c.--Proposed Restrictions on Receivers.--Coiners and
+  Utterers of Base Money; the extent of their crimes.--Defects
+  in the mode of prosecuting Offenders.--Pardons.--Periodical
+  Discharges of Prisoners.--Summary of the causes of the
+  present inefficacy of the Police, under nine different heads._     1
+
+
+CHAP. II.
+
+ON THE SYSTEM OF PUNISHMENTS: THEORETICALLY CONSIDERED.
+
+  _The mode of ascertaining the Degrees of Punishment.--The
+  object to be considered in inflicting Punishments--Amendment,
+  Example, and Retribution.--In order to render Criminal
+  Laws perfect, prevention ought to be the great object of
+  the Legislature.--General Rules suggested for attaining this
+  object.--Reflections on the Punishments authorised by the
+  English Laws, and their disproportion.--The necessity of
+  enforcing the observance of religious and moral Virtue.--The
+  leading Offences made Capital by the Laws of England
+  considered, with the Punishments allotted to each; compared
+  with, and illustrated by, the Custom of other Countries;
+  with Reflections.--The Code of the Emperor_ JOSEPH _the
+  Second, shortly detailed.--Reflections thereon._                  29
+  [Transcriber's Note: should be p. 28]
+
+
+CHAP. III.
+
+THE CAUSE AND PROGRESS OF SMALL THEFTS.
+
+  _The numerous Receivers of Stolen Goods, under the
+  denomination of Dealers in Rags, Old Iron, and other
+  Metals.--The great Increase of these Dealers of late
+  years.--Their evil tendency, and the absolute necessity
+  of restraining them by Law.--Petty Thefts in the Country
+  round the Metropolis.--Workhouses the causes of
+  Idleness.--Commons.--Cottagers.--Gypsies.--Labourers
+  and Servants.--Thefts in Fields and Gardens.--Frauds in
+  the Sale and Adulteration of Milk._                               74
+
+
+CHAP. IV.
+
+ON BURGLARIES AND HIGHWAY ROBBERIES.
+
+  _These Crimes more peculiar to England than to
+  Holland and Flanders, &c.--A General View
+  of the various classes of Criminals engaged in
+  these pursuits, and with those discharged from
+  Prisons and the Hulks, without the means of
+  support.--The necessity of some antidote previous
+  to the return of Peace.--Observations on
+  the stealing Cattle, Sheep, Corn, &c.--Receivers
+  of Stolen Goods, the nourishers of every
+  description of Thieves.--Remedies suggested, by
+  means of detection and prevention._                               93
+
+
+CHAP. V.
+
+ON CHEATS AND SWINDLERS.
+
+  _A considerable check already given to the higher
+  class of Forgeries, by shutting out all hopes of
+  Royal Mercy.--Petty Forgeries have, however,
+  encreased.--The qualifications of a Cheat,
+  Swindler and Gambler.--The Common and
+  Statute Law applicable to Offences of this
+  nature, explained.--Eighteen different classes
+  of Cheats and Swindlers, and the various tricks
+  and devices they pursue.--Remedies proposed._                    110
+
+
+CHAP. VI.
+
+ON GAMING AND THE LOTTERY.
+
+  _The great anxiety of the Legislature to suppress
+  these Evils, which are however encouraged by
+  high sounding names, whose houses are opened
+  for purposes odious and unlawful.--The civil
+  Magistrate called upon to suppress such mischiefs.--The
+  danger arising from such Seminaries.--The
+  evil tendency of such examples to
+  Servants and others.--A particular statement
+  of the proceedings of a confederacy of Persons
+  who have set up Gaming-Houses as regular
+  Partnership-Concerns, and of the Evils resulting
+  therefrom.--Of Lottery Insurers of the
+  higher class.--Of Lottery Offices opened for
+  Insurance.--Proposed Remedies.--Three Plans
+  for drawing the Lottery so as to prevent all
+  Insurance._                                                      133
+
+
+CHAP. VII.
+
+ON THE COINAGE OF COUNTERFEIT MONEY.
+
+  _The Causes of the enormous increase of this Evil
+  of late years.--The different kinds of false coin
+  detailed.--The process in fabricating each
+  Species.--The immense profits arising therefrom.--The
+  extensive Trade in sending base Coin to
+  the Country.--Its universal circulation in the
+  Metropolis.--The great grievance arising from
+  it to Brewers, Distillers, Grocers, and all Retail
+  Dealers, as well as to the Labouring Poor.--Counterfeit
+  Foreign Money extremely productive
+  to the Dealers.--A summary View of the Causes
+  of the Mischief.--The Defects in the present
+  Laws explained:--And a Detail of the Remedies
+  proposed to be provided by the Legislature._                     171
+
+
+CHAP. VIII.
+
+ON RIVER PLUNDER.
+
+  _The magnitude of the Plunder of Merchandize
+  and Naval Stores on the River Thames.--The
+  wonderful extent and value of the Floating Property,
+  laden and unladen, in the Port of London
+  in the course of a year.--The modes heretofore
+  pursued in committing depredations through
+  the medium of various classes of Criminals, denominated
+  River Pirates:--Night Plunderers:--Light
+  Horsemen:--Heavy Horsemen:--Game Watermen:--Game
+  Lightermen:--Mudlarks:--Game Officers of the
+  Revenue:--And Copemen, or Receivers of Stolen
+  Property.--The effects of the Marine Police
+  Institution in checking these Depredations.--The
+  advantages which have already resulted to Trade and
+  the Revenue from this system partially tried.--The
+  further benefits to be expected from Legislative
+  Regulations, extending the System to the whole
+  Trade of the River._                                             213
+
+
+CHAP. IX.
+
+ON PLUNDER IN THE DOCK-YARDS, &C.
+
+  _Reflections on the causes of this Evil.--Summary
+  view of the means employed in its perpetration.--Estimate
+  of the Public Property exposed to Hazard.--A Statement of
+  the Laws at present in force for its protection:--Proofs
+  adduced of their deficiency.--Remedies proposed and
+  detailed, viz:--1st. A Central Board of Police.--2d.
+  A Local Police for the Dock-yards.--3d. Legislative
+  Regulations in aid thereof.--4th. Regulations respecting
+  the sale of Old Stores.--5th. The Abolition of the
+  Perquisite of Chips.--6th. The Abolition of Fees and
+  Perquisites, and liberal Salaries in lieu thereof.--7th.
+  An improved Mode of keeping Accounts.--8th. An annual
+  Inventory of Stores in hand.--Concluding Observations._          249
+
+
+CHAP. X.
+
+ON THE RECEIVERS OF STOLEN GOODS.
+
+  _Receivers more mischievous than Thieves.--The
+  increase of their number to be attributed to the
+  imperfection of the Laws, and to the disjointed
+  state of the Police of the Metropolis.--Thieves
+  in many instances, settle with Receivers before
+  they commit Robberies--Receivers always benefit
+  more than Thieves:--Their profit immense:--They
+  are divided into two Classes:--The immediate
+  Receivers connected with Thieves, and those who
+  keep shops and purchase from Pilferers in the way
+  of Trade:--The latter are extremely numerous.--The
+  Laws are insufficient effectually to reach either
+  class.--The existing statutes against Receivers
+  examined and briefly detailed, with Observations
+  thereon.--Amendments and Improvements suggested
+  with means to ensure their due execution._                       288
+
+
+CHAP. XI.
+
+ON THE ORIGIN OF CRIMINAL OFFENCES.
+
+  _The increase of Crimes imputed to deficient
+  Laws and an ill-regulated Police:--To the
+  habits of the Lower Orders in feeding their
+  families in Alehouses:--To the bad Education
+  of Apprentices:--To the want of Industry:--To
+  idle and profligate menial Servants out of
+  Place:--To the Lower Orders of the Jews, of the
+  Dutch and German Synagogues; To the depraved
+  Morals of aquatic Labourers:--To the Dealers in
+  Old Metals, Furniture, Clothes, &c.--To
+  disreputable Pawnbrokers:--And finally, to
+  ill-regulated Public Houses.--Concluding
+  Reflections._                                                    310
+
+
+CHAP. XII.
+
+THE ORIGIN OF CRIMES CONTINUED: FEMALE PROSTITUTION.
+
+  _The pitiable condition of the unhappy Females, who
+  support themselves by Prostitution:--The progress
+  from Innocence to Profligacy.--The morals of Youth
+  corrupted by the multitude of Prostitutes in the
+  streets.--The impossibility of preventing the existence
+  of Prostitution in a great Metropolis.--The Propriety
+  of lessening the Evil, by stripping it of its Indecency
+  and much of its immoral tendency.--The advantages of
+  the measure in reducing the mass of Turpitude.--Reasons
+  offered why the interests of Morality and Religion
+  will thus be promoted.--The example of Holland, Italy,
+  and the East-Indies quoted.--Strictures on the offensive
+  manners of the Company who frequent Public Tea
+  Gardens:--These places under a proper Police might be
+  rendered beneficial to the State.--Ballad-Singers--Immoral
+  Books and Songs--Necessity of Responsibility for the
+  execution of the Laws attaching somewhere._                      334
+  [Transcriber's Note: should be p. 333]
+
+
+CHAP. XIII.
+
+THE ORIGIN OF CRIMES CONTINUED: STATE OF THE POOR.
+
+  _The System with respect to the Casual Poor
+  erroneous.--The effect of Indigence on the
+  Offspring of the Sufferers.--Estimate of the
+  private and public Benevolence amounting to
+  850,000l. a year.--The deplorable state of
+  the Lower Ranks, attributed to the present
+  System of the Poor Laws.--An Institution to
+  inquire into the cause of Mendicity in the
+  Metropolis explained.--A new System of Relief
+  proposed with respect to Casual Poor, and
+  Vagrants in the Metropolis.--The distinction
+  between Poverty and Indigence.--The Poor
+  divided into five classes, with suggestions applicable
+  to each.--The evil Examples in Work-Houses.--The
+  stat. of 43 Eliz. considered.--The defective system
+  of Execution exposed.--A Public Institution
+  recommended in the nature of a Pauper Police,
+  under the direction of three Commissioners:--Their
+  Functions.--A proposition for raising a fund of
+  5230l. from the Parishes for the support of the
+  Institution, and to relieve them from the Casual
+  Poor.--Reasons why the experiment should be
+  tried.--Assistance which might be obtained from
+  Gentlemen who have considered this subject fully._               351
+
+
+CHAP. XIV.
+
+ON THE DETECTION OF OFFENDERS.
+
+  _The present state of the Police on this subject
+  explained.--The necessity of having recourse to
+  known Receivers.--The great utility of Officers
+  of Justice.--The advantages of rendering them
+  respectable in the opinion of the Public.--Their
+  powers by the common and statute Law.--Rewards
+  granted to Officers in certain cases of
+  Conviction.--The Statutes quoted, applicable to
+  such rewards.--The utility of parochial Constables,
+  under a well-organized Police.--A Fund for this
+  purpose might arise from the reduction of the
+  expences of the Police, by the diminution of
+  Crimes.--The necessity of a competent Fund.--A new
+  System for prevention and detection of Crimes
+  proposed.--The functions of the different classes
+  of Officers.--Salaries necessary to all.--Improvements
+  in the system of Rewards suggested.--1040 Peace-Officers
+  in the Metropolis and its vicinity, of whom only
+  90 are stipendiary Constables.--Defects and abuses
+  in the  system of the Watch explained.--A general
+  Plan of Superintendance suggested.--A view of the
+  Magistracy of the Metropolis.--The inconvenience
+  of the present System._                                          381
+
+
+CHAP. XV.
+
+ON THE PROSECUTION OF OFFENDERS.
+
+  _The prevailing Practice when Offenders are brought
+  before Magistrates.--The duty of Magistrates in such
+  cases.--Professed Thieves seldom intimidated when put
+  upon their Trial, from the many chances they have of
+  escaping.--These Chances shortly detailed.--Reflections
+  on false Humanity towards Prisoners.--The delays and
+  expences of Prosecutions a great discouragement to
+  Prosecutors.--An account of the different Courts of
+  Justice, for the trial of Offences committed in the
+  Metropolis.--Five inferior and two superior Courts.--A
+  statement of Prisoners convicted and discharged in one
+  year.--Reflections thereon.--The advantage which would
+  arise from the appointment of a Public Prosecutor, in
+  remedying Abuses in the Trial of Offenders.--From 2500
+  to 3000 Persons committed for trial, by Magistrates,
+  in the course of a year.--The chief part afterwards
+  returned upon Society._                                          422
+  [Transcriber's Note: should be p. 421]
+
+
+CHAP. XVI.
+
+ON THE SYSTEM OF PUNISHMENTS: CONSIDERED PRACTICALLY.
+
+  _The mode authorised by the Ancient Laws.--The period
+  when Transportation commenced.--The principal Crimes
+  enumerated which are punishable with Death.--Those
+  punishable by Transportation and Imprisonment.--Number
+  of Persons tried compared with those discharged.--The
+  system of Pardons examined; and Regulations suggested.--An
+  historical Account of the rise and progress of
+  Transportation.--The system of the Hulks; and the Laws
+  as to provincial and national Penitentiary Houses.--Number
+  of the Convicts confined in the Hulks for twenty-two
+  years.--The enormous expence of maintenance and inadequate
+  produce of their Labour.--The impolicy of the System.--The
+  system of Transportation to New South Wales examined, and
+  Improvements suggested.--Erection of National Penitentiary
+  Houses recommended.--The National Penitentiary House
+  (according to the Proposal of_ Jeremy Bentham, _Esq.)
+  considered:--Its peculiar advantages with respect to
+  Health, productive Labour, and Reformation of
+  Convicts.--General Reflections on the means of rendering
+  Imprisonment useful._                                            435
+  [Transcriber's Note: should be p. 434]
+
+
+CHAP. XVII.
+
+CRIMINAL POLICE OF THE METROPOLIS.
+
+  _The Police of the Metropolis examined, and its
+  Organization explained.--The utility of the
+  system, established in 1792 examined and explained.--Its
+  great deficiency from the want of Funds to reward
+  Officers for the detection and punishment of
+  Offenders.--Suggestions relative to stipendiary
+  Justices, and the benefits likely to result from
+  their exertions in assisting the City Magistrates.--The
+  vast labour and weight of duty attached to the chief
+  Magistrate and Aldermen in London.--The benefits to
+  result from Established Police Magistrates exemplified
+  by the System already adopted under the Act of 1792.--The
+  advantages which would arise from the various remedies
+  proposed in the course of this Work, only of a partial
+  nature, for want of a centre-point and superintending
+  Establishment.--The ideas of Foreigners on the Police
+  of the Metropolis.--Observations on the Old Police of
+  Paris, elucidated by Anecdotes of the Emperor_ JOSEPH II.
+  _and Mons. de_ Sartine.--_A Central Board of Commissioners
+  for managing the Police, peculiarly necessary on the
+  return of Peace.--This measure recommended by the
+  Finance Committee._                                              501
+
+
+CHAP. XVIII.
+
+PROPOSED SYSTEM OF CRIMINAL POLICE.
+
+  _A Proposition to consolidate the two Boards of
+  Hawkers and Pedlars, and Hackney Coaches,
+  into a Board of Police Revenue.--The whole
+  Revenue of Police from Fees, Penalties, and
+  Licence Duties, to make a common Fund.--Accounts
+  to be audited.--Magistrates to distribute
+  small Rewards.--A power to the Board
+  to make Bye Laws.--A concurrent Jurisdiction
+  recommended.--The Penitentiary House for
+  reforming Convicts.--Measures proposed after
+  the Board is established--namely, A Public
+  Prosecutor for the Crown:--A Register of
+  Lodging Houses--The Establishment of a
+  Police Gazette--Two leading Objects: the
+  prevention of Crimes; and raising a Revenue
+  for Police purposes.--The enumeration of the
+  Dealers, who are proposed to be licenced.--A
+  general View of the annual Expence of the
+  present and proposed Police System.--Suggestions
+  respecting a chain of connections with
+  Magistrates in the Country.--The Functions of
+  the proposed Central Board of Police.--Specification
+  of the Trades to be regulated and
+  licenced.--The advantages likely to result from
+  the adoption of the Plan._                                       536
+  [Transcriber's Note: should be p. 535]
+
+
+CHAP. XIX.
+
+MUNICIPAL POLICE OF THE METROPOLIS.
+
+  _Extent and Opulence of the City of London, its
+  Streets, Lanes, Allies, Courts and Squares
+  estimated at 8000.--Churches, &c. 400.--Seminaries
+  for Education 4000.--The various Institutions and
+  Societies for Learning, for the fine Arts, and for
+  charitable and humane Purposes.--The Courts of
+  Law.--The Prisons--Suggestions as to improving the
+  System of Imprisonment for Debt, particularly as
+  relates to Small Debts: and as to dividing the
+  judicial and ministerial Labours among more
+  Officers.--The internal or municipal Regulations
+  established in the Metropolis by several Statutes;
+  respecting Paving--Watching--Sewers--Hackney
+  Coaches--Carts--Watermen--and Buildings.--Necessity
+  of rendering these Laws uniform and coextensive, so as
+  to consolidate the System of Municipal Police.--Expence
+  calculated at 1,000,000l. a year.--Suggestions for
+  reducing it.--The present Epoch calls for Improvements._         567
+  [Transcriber's Note: should be p. 565]
+
+
+CHAP. XX.
+
+CONCLUSION.
+
+  _A summary View of the Evils detailed in the
+  preceding Chapters.--Arguments in favour of
+  a more energetic Police as the only means of
+  remedying these Evils.--A general View of the
+  estimated Depredations annually in the Metropolis
+  and its Vicinity; amounting in all to Two
+  Millions sterling.--A View of the Remedies
+  proposed--1st. With respect to the Corruption
+  of Morals.--2d. The means of preventing
+  Crimes in general.--3d. Offences committed on
+  the River Thames.--4th. Offences in the Public
+  Arsenals and Ships of War.--5th. Counterfeiting
+  Money and fabricating Bank Notes.--6th.
+  Punishments.--7th. Further advantages
+  of an improved System of Police.--Concluding
+  Reflections._                                                    602
+
+
+
+
+A
+
+TREATISE, &c.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+     _A general view of the Evils existing in the Metropolis, and
+     the causes from which they arise.--Necessity of a
+     well-regulated Police.--Ineffective system of Criminal
+     Jurisprudence.--Facility of eluding Justice. Severity and
+     inequality of Punishments.--Necessity of revising our Penal
+     Code.--Certain dangerous Offences not punishable.--Receivers
+     of stolen property.--Extent of plunder in the Metropolis,
+     &c.--Proposed restrictions on Receivers.--Coiners and
+     Utterers of Counterfeit Money; the extent of their
+     crimes.--Defects in the mode of prosecuting
+     Offenders.--Pardons.--Periodical discharges of
+     Prisoners.--Summary of the causes of the present inefficacy
+     of the Police, under nine different heads._
+
+
+Next to the blessings which a Nation derives from an excellent
+Constitution and System of general Laws, are those advantages which
+result from a well-regulated and energetic plan of Police, conducted
+and enforced with purity, activity, vigilance, and discretion.
+
+Upon this depends, in so great a degree, the comfort, the happiness,
+and the true liberty and security of the People, that too much labour
+and attention cannot possibly be bestowed in rendering complete the
+domestic administration of Justice in all cases of criminal
+delinquency.
+
+That much remains to be done in this respect no person will deny; all
+ranks must bear testimony to the dangers which both life and property
+are at present subjected to by the number of criminal people, who,
+from various causes (which it is the object of the Writer of these
+pages to explain), are suffered with impunity to repeat acts of
+licentiousness and mischief, and to commit depredations upon
+individuals and the Public.
+
+In vain do we boast of those liberties which are our birthright, if
+the vilest and most depraved part of the Community are suffered to
+deprive us of the privilege of travelling upon the highways, or of
+approaching the Capital in any direction after dark, without risk of
+being assaulted, and robbed; and perhaps wounded or murdered.
+
+In vain may we boast of the security which our Laws afford us, if we
+cannot lie down to rest in our habitations, without the dread of a
+burglary being committed, our property invaded, and our lives exposed
+to imminent danger before the approach of morning.
+
+Imperfect must be either the plan or the execution, or both, of our
+Criminal Code, if crimes are found to increase; if the moral
+principle ceases to be a check upon a vast proportion of the lower
+ranks of the People; and if small thefts are known to prevail in such
+a degree, as to affect almost all ranks of the Community who have any
+property to lose, as often as opportunities occur, whereby pilfering
+in a little way can be effected without detection.
+
+If, in addition to this, the peace of Society can, on every specious
+pretence, be disturbed by the licentious clamours or turbulent
+effusions arising from the ill-regulated passions of vulgar life,
+surely it becomes an interesting inquiry, worthy the attention of
+every intelligent member of the Community, _from what source spring
+these numerous inconveniences; and where is a remedy to be found for
+so many accumulated evils_?
+
+In developing the causes which have produced that want of security,
+which it is believed prevails in no other civilised country in so
+great a degree as in England, it will be necessary to examine how far
+the System of Criminal Jurisprudence has been, hitherto, applicable to
+the prevention of crimes.
+
+If we look back to the measures pursued by our ancestors two centuries
+ago, and before that period, we shall find that many wholesome laws
+were made with a view to prevention, and to secure the good behaviour
+of persons likely to commit offences. Since that aera in our history, a
+different plan has been pursued. Few regulations have been established
+to restrain vice, or to render difficult the commission of crimes;
+while the Statute Books have been filled with numerous Laws, in many
+instances doubtfully expressed, and whose leading feature has
+generally been severe punishment. These circumstances, aided by the
+false mercy of Juries in cases of slight offences, have tended to let
+loose upon Society a body of criminal individuals, who under a better
+Police--an improved system of Legislation, and milder punishments,--might,
+after a correction in Penitentiary Houses, or employment in out-door
+labour, under proper restraints, have been restored to Society as
+useful members.
+
+As the Laws are at present administered, it is a melancholy truth not
+to be contradicted, that the major part of the criminals who infest
+this Metropolis, although committed by magistrates for trial on very
+satisfactory proof, are returned upon the Public in vast numbers year
+after year; encouraged to renew their former practices, by the
+facility they experience in evading justice.
+
+But this is not all:--The adroit Thief and Receiver, availing
+themselves of their pecuniary resources, often escape, from their
+knowledge of the tricks and devices which are practised, through the
+medium of disreputable practitioners of the Law; while the novices in
+delinquency generally suffer the punishment attached to conviction.
+If, as is the case in some other countries, evidence were allowed to
+be received of the general character of persons, put upon their trial
+for offences, and the means by which they obtain their subsistence,
+so as to distinguish the old reputed Thief and Receiver from the
+novice in crimes, the minds of Jurymen would be often enlightened, to
+the furtherance of substantial justice; and a humane and proper
+distinction might be made between the young pupil of depravity, and
+the finished villain; as well in the measure of punishment, as in the
+distribution of mercy.
+
+The severity of the punishment, which at present attaches to crimes
+regarded by mankind as of an inferior nature, and which affect
+property in a trivial manner, is also deserving the most serious
+attention. It is only necessary to be acquainted with the modern
+history of the _criminal prosecutions, trials, acquittals, and pardons
+in this country_, in order to be completely convinced that the
+progressive increase of delinquents, and the evils experienced by
+Society from the multitude of petty crimes, result in a great measure
+from this single circumstance.
+
+It will scarcely be credited by those, whose habits of life do not
+permit them to enter into discussions of this sort, that by the Laws
+of England, there are above _one hundred and sixty_ different offences
+which subject the parties who are found guilty, to death without
+benefit of Clergy. This multiplicity of capital punishments must, in
+the nature of things, defeat those ends, the attainment of which ought
+to be the object of all Law, namely, _The Prevention of Crimes_.
+
+In consequence of this severity, (to use the words of an admired
+Writer,) "The injured, through compassion, will often forbear to
+prosecute: Juries, through compassion, will sometimes forget their
+oaths, and either acquit the guilty or mitigate the nature of the
+offence: and Judges, through compassion, will respite one half the
+convicts, and recommend them to Royal Mercy."[2]
+
+[Footnote 2: Blackstone's Commentaries.]
+
+The Roman Empire never flourished so much as during the aera of the
+Portian Law, which abrogated the punishment of death for all offences
+whatsoever. When severe punishments and an incorrect Police were
+afterwards revived, the Empire fell.
+
+It is not meant, however, to be insinuated that this would be,
+altogether, a proper system of Criminal Jurisprudence to be adopted in
+modern times.
+
+In the present state of society it becomes indispensably necessary,
+that offences, which in their nature are highly injurious to the
+Public, and where no mode of prevention can be established, should be
+punished by the forfeiture of life; but these dreadful examples should
+be exhibited as seldom as possible: for while on the one hand, such
+punishments often defeat the ends of Justice, by their not being
+carried into execution; so on the other, by being often repeated, they
+lose their effect upon the minds of the People.[3]
+
+[Footnote 3: Can that be thought a correct System of Jurisprudence,
+which inflicts the penalty of Death, for breaking down the mound of a
+fish-pond, whereby the fish may escape; or cutting down a fruit-tree
+in a garden or orchard; or stealing a handkerchief, or any trifle,
+privately from a person's pocket, above the value of 12d;--while a
+number of other crimes of much greater enormity, are only punished
+with Transportation and Imprisonment; and while the punishment of
+murder itself is, and can be, only Death; with a few circumstances of
+additional ignominy?]
+
+However much we glory (and we ought to glory) in the general
+excellence of our Criminal Law, yet there is no truth more clear and
+obvious than this:--"That this code exhibits too much the appearance
+of a heterogeneous mass, concocted too often on the spur of the
+occasion (as Lord Bacon expresses it):--and frequently without that
+degree of accuracy which is the result of able and minute discussion,
+or a due attention to the revision of the existing laws; or how far
+their provisions bear upon new and accumulated statutes introduced
+into Parliament; often without either consideration or knowledge, and
+without those precautions which are always necessary, when laws are to
+be made which may affect the property, the liberty, and perhaps even
+the lives of thousands."
+
+Some steps have indeed, been taken in Parliament, since this work
+first appeared, towards a general revision of our Statute Law;[4] and
+which, it is hoped, will ere long be adopted. Whenever the time shall
+arrive that the existing laws, which form the present Criminal Code,
+shall be referred to able and intelligent men effectually to revise,
+consolidate, and adjust the whole, in a manner best suited to the
+present state of Society and Manners, the investigation will
+unquestionably excite no little wonder and astonishment.
+
+[Footnote 4: See the "Report from the Committee of the House of
+Commons on Temporary Laws;" May 13, 1796--and also the "Report from
+the Committee for promulgation of the Statutes," December 5, 1796; and
+the "Resolutions of a Committee of the whole House," March 20, 1797.]
+
+Penal laws, which are either obsolete or absurd, or which have arisen
+from an adherence to rules of Common Law when the reasons have ceased
+upon which these rules are founded; and in short, all Laws which
+appear not to be consonant to the dictates of truth and justice, the
+feelings of Humanity, and the indelible rights of Mankind should be
+abrogated and repealed.[5]
+
+[Footnote 5: Blackstone.]
+
+But the deficiency of the Criminal Code does not arise solely from an
+erroneous and undigested scale of penalties and punishments. While on
+the one hand, we have to lament the number of these applicable to
+certain offences of a slight nature; we have equally to regret, that
+there exist crimes of considerable enormity, for the punishment of
+which the Law has made no provision.
+
+Among the most prominent of these crimes, may be ranked the receiving
+_Cash or Specie, Bank-Notes_ or _Bills, knowing them to be stolen_.
+
+To this very high offence, in its nature so productive of mischief in
+a Commercial Country, no punishment at all attaches; inasmuch as
+_Specie, Notes and Bills_, are not considered for this purpose to be
+_Goods and Chattels_; and the law only makes it a crime to receive
+property so described.
+
+If therefore a notorious Receiver of stolen goods shall be convicted
+of purchasing a glass bottle or a pewter pot, he is liable to be
+punished severely; but if he receives ten or twenty thousand pounds in
+_Cash_, _Bank Notes_, or _Bills_, he escapes with impunity![6]
+
+[Footnote 6: It is said the same construction of the Law has been made
+with respect to the Offence of buying or receiving Horses, knowing
+them to be stolen.]
+
+Innumerable almost are the other instances which could be collected
+from Reporters of Criminal Cases, shewing the deficiency of the
+Criminal Code; and in how many instances substantial justice is
+defeated, and public wrongs are suffered to go unpunished, through the
+objections and quibbles constantly raised in Courts of Justice; and
+which are allowed to prevail, principally, for want of that revision
+of our laws and those amendments which the present state of Society
+and Commerce requires.
+
+One of the chief nurseries of Crimes is to be traced to the Receivers
+of Stolen Property.
+
+Without that easy encouragement which these Receivers hold out, by
+administering immediately to the wants of criminals, and concealing
+what they purloin, a Thief, a Robber, or a Burglar, could not in fact,
+carry on his trade.
+
+And yet, conclusive and obvious, as this remark must be, it is a
+sorrowful truth, that in the Metropolis alone there are at present
+supposed to be upwards of Three Thousand Receivers of various kinds
+of stolen Goods; and an equal proportion all over the Country, who
+keep open shop for the purpose of purchasing at an under-price--often
+for a mere trifle,--every kind of property brought to them; from a
+nail, or a glass bottle, up to the most valuable article either new or
+old; and this without asking a single question.
+
+It is supposed that the property, purloined and pilfered in a little
+way, from almost every family, and from every _house, stable, shop,
+warehouse, workshop, foundery, and other repository_, in and about the
+Metropolis, may amount to about L.700,000 in one year, exclusive of
+depredations on ships in the River Thames, which, before the
+establishment of the Marine Police System in June 1798, were estimated
+at half a million more, including the stores and materials!--When to
+this is also added the Pillage of his Majesty's stores, in ships of
+war, Dock-yards, and other public repositories, the aggregate will be
+found in point of extent, almost to exceed credibility!
+
+It is a melancholy reflection to consider how many individuals, young
+and old, who are not of the class or description of common or even
+repeated thieves, are implicated in this system of depredation; who
+would probably have remained honest and industrious, had it not been
+for the easy mode of raising money, which these numerous Receivers of
+stolen goods hold out in every bye-street and lane in the Metropolis:
+In their houses, although a beggarly appearance of old iron, old rags,
+or second-hand clothes, is only exhibited, the back apartments are
+often filled with the most valuable articles of ship-stores,
+copper-bolts and nails, brass and other valuable metals, West-India
+produce, household goods and wearing apparel; purchased from
+artificers, labourers in the docks, lumpers, and others employed on
+the River Thames, menial servants, apprentices, journeymen, porters,
+chimney-sweepers, itinerant Jews, and others; who, thus encouraged and
+protected, go on with impunity, and without the least dread of
+detection, from the easiness of access, which their various
+employments give them, plundering every article not likely to be
+missed, in the houses or stables of men of property; or in the shops,
+ware-houses, founderies, or work-shops of manufacturers; or from new
+buildings; from ships in the river; nay even from his Majesty's
+stores, and other repositories, so that in some instances, the same
+articles are said to be sold to the Public Boards three or four times
+over.
+
+Thus the moral principle is totally destroyed among a vast body of the
+lower ranks of the People; for wherever prodigality, dissipation, or
+gaming, whether in the Lottery or otherwise, occasions a want of
+money, every opportunity is sought to purloin public or private
+property; recourse is then had to all those tricks and devices, by
+which even children are enticed to steal before they know that it is a
+crime; and to raise money at the pawnbrokers, or the old iron or rag
+shops, to supply the unlawful desires of profligate parents.
+
+Hence also, Servants, Apprentices, Journeymen, and in short all
+classes of labourers and domestics, are led astray by the temptations
+to spend money, which occur in this Metropolis; and by the facility
+afforded through the numerous Receivers of stolen Goods, who
+administer to their pecuniary wants, on every occasion, when they can
+furnish them with any article of their ill-gotten plunder.
+
+The necessity of adopting some effectual regulations respecting the
+numerous class of Dealers in old metal, stores, and wearing apparel,
+is too obvious to require illustration; and the progressive
+accumulation of these pests of Society is proved, by their having
+increased, from about 300 to 3000, in the course of the last twenty
+years, in the Metropolis alone!
+
+Similar regulations should also be extended to all the more latent
+Receivers, who do not keep open shop; but secretly support the
+professed Robbers and Burglars, by purchasing their plunder the moment
+it is acquired: of which latter class there are some who are said to
+be extremely opulent.
+
+It would by no means be difficult to form such a plan of Police as
+should establish many useful restrictions, for the purpose of checking
+and embarrassing these criminal people; so as to render it extremely
+difficult, if not impracticable for them, in many instances, to carry
+on their business without the greatest hazard of detection.
+
+But laws for this purpose must not be placed upon the Statute-Book as
+a kind of dead letter, only to be brought into action when accident
+may lead to the detection, perhaps of one in a thousand. If the evil
+is to be cured at all, it must be by the promotion and encouragement
+of an active principle, under proper superintendance, calculated to
+prevent every class of dealers, who are known to live partly or wholly
+by fraud, from pursuing those illegal practices; which nothing but a
+watchful Police, aided by a correct system of restraints, can possibly
+effect.
+
+Nor ought it to be argued, that the restraints, which may hereafter be
+proposed, will affect the liberty of the Subject. They will assist and
+protect the honest and fair dealer; and it is perfectly consistent
+with the spirit of our ancient laws, to restrain persons from doing
+evil, who are likely to commit offences; the restrictions can affect
+only a very few, comparatively speaking; and those too whose criminal
+conduct has been the principal, if not the sole cause, of abridging
+the general liberty; while it subjected the great mass of the people
+to the risk of their life and property.
+
+Whenever Dealers, of any description, are known to encourage or to
+support crimes, or criminal or fraudulent persons, it becomes the
+indispensable interest of the State, and the duty of the Legislators
+to prevent them from pursuing, at least, the mischievous part of their
+trade; and that provisions should be made for carrying the laws
+strictly and regularly into execution.
+
+While restraints of a much severer nature than those which are
+hereafter proposed, attach to all trades upon which a revenue is
+collected; can it be considered as any infringement of freedom, to
+extend a milder system to those who not only destroy liberty but
+invade property?
+
+The present state of Society and Manners calls aloud for the adoption
+of this principle of regulation, as the only practicable means of
+preserving the morals of a vast body of the Community; and of
+preventing those numerous and increasing crimes and misdemeanors,
+which are ultimately attended with as much evil to the perpetrators as
+to the sufferers.
+
+If such a principle were once established, under circumstances which
+would insure a correct and regular execution; and if, added to this,
+certain other practicable arrangements should take place, (which will
+be discussed in their regular order in these pages,) we might soon
+congratulate ourselves on the immediate and obvious reduction of the
+number of Thieves, Robbers, Burglars, and other criminals in this
+Metropolis, being no longer able to exist, or to escape detection.
+Without the aid, the concealment, and the opportunities, afforded at
+present by the multitude of Receivers spread all over the Capital,
+they would be compelled to abandon their evil pursuits, as no less
+unprofitable and hazardous, than they are destructive to the best
+interests of Society.
+
+This indeed is very different from what is said to have once prevailed
+in the Capital, when criminals were permitted to proceed from the
+first stage of depravity until they were worth forty pounds.--This is
+not the System which subjected the Public to the intermediate
+depredations of every villain from his first starting, till he could
+be clearly convicted of a capital offence.--Neither is it the System
+which encouraged public houses of rendezvous for Thieves, for the
+purpose of knowing where to apprehend them, when they became ripe for
+the punishment of death.
+
+The System now suggested, is calculated to prevent, if possible, the
+seeds of villainy from being sown; or, if sown, to check their growth
+in the bud, and never permit them to ripen at all.
+
+It is proposed to extend this system of prevention to the Coiners,
+Dealers, and Utterers of base Money; and to every species of theft,
+robbery, fraud, and depredation.
+
+The vast increase, and the extensive circulation of counterfeit Money,
+particularly of late years, is too obvious not to have attracted the
+notice of all ranks. It has become an enormous evil in the melancholy
+catalogue of Crimes which the Laws of the Country are called upon to
+assist the Police in suppressing.--Its extent almost exceeds
+credibility; and the dexterity and ingenuity of these counterfeiters
+have, (after considerable practice,) enabled them to finish the
+different kinds of base Money in so masterly a manner, that it has
+become extremely difficult for the common observer to distinguish
+their spurious manufacture from the worn-out Silver of the Mint.--So
+systematic, indeed, has this nefarious traffic become of late, that
+the great dealers, who, in most instances are the employers of the
+Coiners, execute orders for the Town and Country, with the same
+regularity as manufacturers in fair branches of trade.
+
+Scarcely a waggon or coach departs from the Metropolis, which does not
+carry boxes and parcels of base Coin to the camps, sea-ports, and
+manufacturing towns. In London, regular markets, in various public and
+private houses, are held by the principal Dealers; where _Hawkers,
+Pedlars, fraudulent Horse-Dealers, Unlicensed Lottery-Office-Keepers,
+Gamblers at Fairs, Itinerant Jews, Irish Labourers, Servants of
+Toll-Gatherers, and Hackney-Coach Owners, fraudulent Publicans,
+Market-Women, Rabbit-Sellers, Fish-Cryers, Barrow-Women_, and many who
+would not be suspected, are regularly supplied with counterfeit Copper
+and Silver, with the advantage of nearly L.100 _per cent._ in their
+favour; and thus it happens, that through these various channels, the
+country is deluged with immense quantities of base Money, which get
+into circulation; while an evident diminution of the Mint Coinage is
+apparent to every common observer.
+
+It is impossible to reflect on the necessity to which all persons are
+thus reduced, of receiving and again uttering, Money which is known to
+be false and counterfeit, without lamenting, that by thus
+familiarizing the mind to fraud and deception, the same laxity of
+conduct may be introduced into other transactions of life:--The
+barrier being broken down in one part, the principle of common honesty
+is infringed upon, and infinite mischief to the very best interests of
+Society, is the result, in cases at first unthought of.
+
+To permit, therefore, the existence of an adulterated, and
+ill-regulated Silver and Copper Coinage, is in fact to tolerate
+general fraud and deception, to the ultimate loss of many individuals;
+for the evil must terminate at some period, and then thousands must
+suffer; with this aggravation, that the longer it continues the
+greater will be the loss of property.
+
+Nor has the mischief been confined to the counterfeiting the Coin of
+the Realm. The avarice and ingenuity of man is constantly finding out
+new sources of fraud; insomuch, that in London, and in Birmingham, and
+its neighbourhood, Louis d'Ors, Half Johannas, French Half Crowns and
+Shillings, as well as several coins of Flanders and Germany, and
+Dollars of excellent workmanship, in exact imitation of the Spanish
+Dollars issued from the Bank, in 1797, have been from time to time
+counterfeited apparently without suspicion, that under the act of the
+14th of Elizabeth, (cap. 3,) the offenders were guilty of misprision
+of High Treason.
+
+These ingenious miscreants have also extended their iniquitous
+manufacture to the coins of India; and a Coinage of the Star Pagoda of
+Arcot was established in London for years by one person.--These
+counterfeits, being made wholly of blanched copper, tempered in such a
+manner as to exhibit, when stamped, the cracks in the edges, which are
+always to be found on the real Pagoda, cost the maker only Three
+Half-pence each, after being double gilt.--When finished, they are
+generally sold to Jews at Five Shillings a dozen, who disposed of them
+afterwards at 2_s._ 3_s._ or even 5_s._ each; and through this medium,
+they have been introduced by a variety of channels into India, where
+they were mixed with the real Pagodas of the country, and passed at
+their full denominated value of Eight Shillings sterling.
+
+The Sequins of Turkey, another Gold Coin, worth about five or six
+shillings, have in like manner been counterfeited in London;--Thus the
+national character is wounded, and the disgrace of the British name
+proclaimed in Asia, and even in the most distant regions of India. Nor
+can it be sufficiently lamented that persons who consider themselves
+as ranking in superior stations of life, with some pretensions to
+honour and integrity, have suffered their avarice so far to get the
+better of their honesty, as to be concerned in this iniquitous
+traffic.
+
+It has been recently discovered that there are at least 120 persons in
+the Metropolis and the Country, employed principally in coining and
+selling base Money; and this, independent of the numerous horde of
+Utterers, who chiefly support themselves by passing it at its full
+value.
+
+It will scarcely be credited, that of Criminals of this latter class
+who have either been detected, prosecuted, or convicted, within the
+last seven years, there stand upon the Register of the Solicitor to
+the Mint, more than 650 names!--And yet the mischief is not
+diminished. When the Reader is informed, that two persons can finish
+from L.200 to L.300 (nominal value,) in base silver in _six days_; and
+that three people, within the same period, will stamp the like amount
+in Copper, and takes into the calculation the number of known Coiners,
+the aggregate amount in the course of a year will be found to be
+immense.
+
+The causes of this enormous evil are, however, easily developed.--The
+principal laws relative to Counterfeit Coin having been made a Century
+ago, the tricks and devices of modern times are not sufficiently
+provided against;[7] when it is considered also, that the offence of
+dealing in base Money, (which is the main spring of the evil,) is only
+punishable by a slight imprisonment; that several offences of a
+similar nature are not punishable at all, by any existing statute; and
+that the detection of actual Coiners, so as to obtain the proof
+necessary for conviction, required by Law, is, in many instances,
+impracticable; it is not to be wondered at, where the profit is so
+immense, with so many chances of escaping punishment, that the coinage
+of, and traffic in, counterfeit Money has attracted the attention of
+so many unprincipled and avaricious persons.
+
+[Footnote 7: The partial remedy applied to some of these evils by
+Statutes passed since the former Edition of this Work, shall be
+noticed in a subsequent Chapter dedicated to the subject of Coinage.]
+
+Having thus stated many prominent abuses which appear to arise from
+the imperfections in our Criminal Code, as well as the benefits which
+an improved system would extend to the country; it now remains to
+elucidate the further evils arising to Society, from the abuses
+practised in carrying the existing statutes into execution.--As the
+laws now stand, little or no energy enters into the system of
+detection, so as to give vigor and effect to that branch of Police
+which relates to the apprehension of persons charged with offences;
+and no sooner does a Magistrate commit a hacknied Thief or Receiver of
+stolen Goods, a Coiner, or Dealer in base Money, or a Criminal charged
+with any other fraud or offence punishable by law, than recourse is
+immediately had to some disreputable Attorney, whose mind is made up
+and prepared to practise every trick and device which can defeat the
+ends of substantial justice. Depraved persons, frequently accomplices,
+are hired to swear an _alibi_; witnesses are cajoled, threatened, or
+bribed either to mutilate their evidence, or to speak doubtfully on
+the trial, although they swore positively before the committing
+Magistrate.
+
+If bribes and persuasions will not do, the prosecutors are either
+intimidated by the expence,[8] or softened down by appeals to their
+humanity; and under such circumstances, they neither employ counsel
+nor take the necessary steps to bring forward evidence: the result is,
+that the Bill is either returned _ignoramus_ by the Grand Jury; or, if
+a trial takes place, under all the disadvantages of a deficient
+evidence, without a counsel for the prosecution, an advocate is heard
+for the prisoner, availing himself of every trifling inaccuracy which
+may screen his client from the punishment of the Law, the hardened
+villain is acquitted and escapes justice: while, as we before noticed,
+the novice in crimes, unskilled in the deficiencies of the Law, and
+unable, from the want of criminal connections, or that support which
+the professed thief receives from the Buyers of stolen goods, to
+procure the aid of counsel to defend him, _is often convicted_!
+
+[Footnote 8: No hardship can be so great as that of subjecting an
+individual, under any circumstance whatsoever, to the expence of a
+public prosecution, carried on in behalf of the King: Besides adding,
+almost on every occasion, to the loss of the parties, it is productive
+of infinite mischief, in defeating the ends of Justice.]
+
+The Registers of the Old Bailey afford a lamentable proof of the evils
+arising from the present mode of trying criminals without a public
+Prosecutor for the Crown.--In the course of seven years, previous to
+the Police Establishment, no less than 4262 prisoners, who had been
+actually put upon their trial by the Grand Jury, were let loose upon
+the Public by acquittals.
+
+Since that period no material diminution has taken place, except what
+may be easily accounted for by the war; and when to this dreadful
+Catalogue of Human Depravity, is to be added, the vast number of
+criminals who are periodically discharged from the different gaols by
+proclamation, and of cheats, swindlers, gamblers, and others, who have
+never yet been discovered or known, we may state with certainty that
+there are at this time _many thousand_ individuals, male and female,
+prowling about in this Metropolis, who principally support themselves
+by various depredations on the Public.
+
+Nor does the evil rest here; for even convicted felons, in too many
+instances, find means to escape without punishment; and to join that
+phalanx of villains, who are constantly engaged in objects of
+depredation and mischief.
+
+No sooner does the punishment of the law attach on a criminal, than
+false humanity becomes his friend. Pardons are applied for; and it is
+known that his Majesty's great goodness and love of mercy has been
+frequently abused by the tricks, devices, and frauds, too commonly
+resorted to, by convicts and agents equally depraved as themselves;
+who while they have recourse to every species of falsehood and
+forgery, for the purpose of attaining the object in view, at the same
+time plunder the friends and relatives of the prisoner, of their last
+guinea, as the wages of villainy and misrepresentation.
+
+By such nefarious practices, it is much to be feared, that many a
+hardened villain has eluded the punishment of the Law, without any
+previous reference to the committing Magistrates, who may be supposed
+to have accurately examined into his character and connections; and
+what is still worse, without extending to the Community those benefits
+which might arise from important discoveries useful to Public Justice;
+such as convicted felons are always capable of making, and which, in
+conjunction with transportation, it should seem, ought to be one
+indispensable condition, upon which pardons should be granted to
+capital convicts.
+
+Instead of these precautions which appear to be absolutely requisite,
+it is to be lamented, that without reflecting that a common thief can
+seldom be restrained by military discipline, many of the worst class
+of convicts have received his Majesty's gracious pardon, on the simple
+condition of going into the Army or Navy: This has been no sooner
+granted, than the Royal Mercy has been abused, either by desertion, or
+by obtaining a discharge, in consequence of some real or pretended
+incapacity, which was previously concealed. Relieved in so easy a
+manner, from the heavy load of a capital punishment, the culprits
+return again to their old practices; and by this means, punishment not
+only ceases to operate as a prevention of crimes, by example, but
+becomes even an encouragement; while the labour of detection, and the
+expence of trial and conviction, are fruitlessly thrown on an injured
+individual, and their effect is wholly lost to the Public.
+
+In addition to the enormous evil arising from the periodical discharge
+of so many criminals by proclamations, acquittals, and pardons; _the_
+HULKS also send forth, at stated times, a certain number of convicts;
+who having _no asylum_, _no home_, _no character_, and _no means of
+subsistence_, seem to have only the alternative of starving, or
+joining their companions in iniquity; thus adding strength to the body
+of criminals, by the accession of men, who, polluted and depraved by
+every human vice, rendered familiar to their minds in those seminaries
+of profligacy and wickedness from whence they have come, employ
+themselves constantly in planning and executing acts of violence, and
+depredation upon the Public; and some of them, rendered desperate from
+an additional degree of depravity, feel no compunction in adding the
+crimes of murder to that of robbery, as has been too clearly
+manifested by many late instances.
+
+From what has been thus stated, is it not fair to conclude, that the
+want of security which the Public experiences with regard to life and
+property, and the inefficacy of the Police in preventing crimes, are
+to be attributed principally to the following causes?
+
+     1. _The imperfections in the Criminal Code; and in many
+     instances, its deficiency, with respect to the mode of
+     punishment; as well as to the want of many other
+     regulations, provisions, and restraints, applicable to the
+     present of Society, for the purpose of preventing crimes._
+
+     2. _The want of an active principle, calculated to
+     concentrate and connect the whole Police of the Metropolis
+     and the Nation; and to reduce the general management to
+     system and method, by the interposition of a superintending
+     agency, composed of able, intelligent, and indefatigable men,
+     acting under the direction and controul of his Majesty's
+     Principal Secretary of State for the Home Department.--On
+     these persons, it is proposed, should devolve the subordinate
+     care and direction of the general Police of the Metropolis;
+     so as to obtain, by the introduction of order and
+     arrangement, and by efforts of labour and exertion, a
+     complete History of the connections, and pursuits of all or
+     most of the criminal and fraudulent persons who resort to the
+     Metropolis; (either natives or foreigners;) forming, from
+     such materials, a Register of all known offenders, and
+     thereby establishing a clue for their detection, as often as
+     they are charged with committing depredations on the
+     Public--with power to reward Officers of Justice, and all
+     other persons whose services are found to be useful in the
+     discovery or detection of delinquents of every
+     description.--To keep an Account of property stolen, or
+     procured by swindling or fraudulent transactions in the
+     Metropolis, as well as in other parts of Great-Britain:--To
+     establish a Correspondence with the Magistrates in Town and
+     Country, so as to be able more effectually to watch the
+     motions of all suspected persons; with a view to quick and
+     immediate detection; and to interpose such embarrassments in
+     the way of every class of offenders, as may diminish crimes
+     by increasing the risk of detection: All this, under
+     circumstances where a_ centre-point would be formed, _and the
+     general affairs of the Police conducted with method and
+     regularity:--where Magistrates would find assistance and
+     information; where the greater offences, such as the_ Coinage
+     of base Money, _and_ Lottery Insurances, _would be traced to
+     their source; the care and disposal of convicts, according to
+     their different sentences, be minutely attended to; and the
+     whole System conducted with that intelligence and benefit to
+     the Country, which must arise from the attention of men of
+     business being directed solely to these objects, distinct
+     from all other affairs of State; and their exertions being
+     confined principally to the preservation of the morals of the
+     People, and the prevention of crimes._
+
+     3. _The want of an Institution of Police Magistrates in the
+     Dock Yards, and in all great Commercial and Manufacturing
+     Towns, where there are no Corporations or Funds for the
+     administration of Public Justice._
+
+     4. _The want of a Public Prosecutor for the Crown, in all
+     criminal cases, for the purpose of preventing fraud, delay
+     and expence in the administration of Justice._
+
+     5. _The want of a more correct and regular System, for the
+     purpose of obtaining the fullest and most authentic
+     information, to avoid deceptions in the obtaining of
+     pardons._
+
+     6. _The deficiency of the System of the_ Hulks.
+
+     7. _The want of an improved System with regard to the
+     arrangements and disposal of Convicts--destined for hard
+     labour or for transportation._
+
+     8. _The want of national_ Penitentiary Houses, _for the
+     punishment and reformation of certain classes of Convicts._
+
+     9. _The want of a more solemn mode of conducting Executions;
+     whenever such dreadful examples are necessary for the
+     furtherance of Public Justice._
+
+Having thus explained the general features of the actually existing
+_Crimes_, and their probable causes, we shall in the next place
+proceed to some considerations on the present principles of
+_Punishment_ in this Country, as compared with those in other Nations
+and ages. It will then be requisite to enter into particular and
+minute details on both these subjects; and to offer some suggestions
+for the introduction of new and applicable laws to be administered
+with purity under a correct and energetic System of Police; which may
+be, in some degree, effectual in guarding the Public against those
+increasing and multifarious injuries and dangers, which are
+universally felt and lamented.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. II.
+
+     _Of Punishments in general.--The mode of ascertaining the
+     degrees of Punishment.--The objects to be considered in
+     inflicting Punishments--namely, Amendment--Example--and
+     Retribution.--The Punishment of Death has little effect on
+     hardened Offenders.--Examples of convicts exhibited in
+     servile employments would make a greater
+     impression.--Towards the rendering criminal laws perfect,
+     Prevention ought to be the great object of the
+     Legislature.--General Rules suggested for attaining this
+     object, with illustrations.--The severity of our laws with
+     respect to Punishments--not reconcileable to the principles
+     of morality, and a free government--calculated in their
+     operation to debase the human character.--General
+     Reflections on the Punishments authorised by the English
+     Law.--The disproportion of Punishments, exemplified in the
+     case of an assault, opposed to a larceny.--In seduction and
+     adultery, which are not punishable as criminal
+     offences.--The laws severe in the extreme in political
+     offences, while they are lax and defective with regard to
+     moral Crimes.--The necessity of enforcing the observance of
+     religious and moral Virtue by lesser Punishments.--General
+     Reflections applicable to public and private Crimes.--The
+     dangers arising from the progress of immorality to the
+     safety of the State.--The leading offences made capital by
+     the laws of England considered, with the Punishment
+     allotted to each; compared with, and illustrated by, the
+     custom of other countries, in similar cases, both ancient
+     and modern: namely, High Treason--Petit Treason:--Felonies
+     against Life, viz. Murder, Manslaughter, Misadventure, and
+     Self-defence:--against the Body, comprehending Sodomy, Rape,
+     Forcible Marriage, Polygamy, and Mayhem.--Against Goods or
+     Property, comprehending Simple Larceny, Mixt Larceny, and
+     Piracy,--and against the Habitation, comprehending Arson and
+     Burglary.--Concluding Reflections relative to the severity
+     of the Laws, and their imperfections with regard to
+     Punishment--The new Code of the_ Emperor JOSEPH the Second,
+     _shortly detailed.--Reflections thereon._
+
+
+Punishment, (says a learned and respectable author) _is an evil which
+a delinquent suffers, unwillingly, by the order of a Judge or
+Magistrate; on account of some act done which the Law prohibits, or
+something omitted which the Law enjoins._
+
+All Punishment should be proportioned to the nature of the offence
+committed; and the Legislature, in adjusting Punishment with a view to
+the public good, ought, according to the dictates of sound reason, to
+act on a comparison of the Crime under consideration, with other
+offences injurious to Society: and thus by comparing one offence with
+another, to form a scale, or gradation, of Punishments, as nearly as
+possible consistent with the strict rules of distributive justice.[9]
+
+[Footnote 9: Beccaria, or Crimes and Punishments, Cap. 6.]
+
+It is the triumph of Liberty, says the great Montesquieu, when the
+criminal laws proportion punishments to the particular nature of each
+offence.--It may be further added, that when this is the case, it is
+also the triumph of Reason.
+
+In order to ascertain in what degree the Public is injured or
+endangered by any crime, it is necessary to weigh well and
+dispassionately the nature of the offence, as it affects the
+Community.--It is through this medium, that Treason and Rebellion are
+discovered to be higher and more dangerous offences than breaches of
+the peace by riotous assemblies; as such riotous meetings are in like
+manner considered as more criminal than a private assault.
+
+In punishing delinquents, two objects ought to be invariably kept in
+view.--
+
+     1. The Amendment of the Delinquent.
+
+     2. The Example afforded to others.
+
+_To which may be added, in certain cases_,
+
+     3. Retribution to the party injured.
+
+If we attend to Reason, the _Mistress of all Law_, she will convince
+us that it is both unjust and injurious to Society to inflict Death,
+except for the highest offences, and in cases where the offender
+appears to be incorrigible.
+
+Wherever the amendment of a delinquent is in view, it is clear that
+his punishment cannot extend to death: If expiating an offence by the
+loss of life is to be (as it certainly is at present) justified by the
+necessity of making examples for the purpose of preventing crimes, it
+is evident that the present System has not had that effect, since they
+are by no means diminished; and since even the dread of this
+Punishment, has, under present circumstances, so little effect upon
+guilty associates, that it is no uncommon thing for these hardened
+offenders to be engaged in new acts of theft, at the very moment their
+companions in iniquity are launching in their very presence into
+eternity.
+
+The minds of offenders, long inured to the practice of criminal
+pursuits, are by no means beneficially affected by the punishment of
+Death, which they are taught to consider as nothing but a momentary
+paroxysm which ends all their distress at once; nay even as a relief,
+which many of them, grown desperate, look upon with a species of
+indifference, bordering on a desire to meet that fate, which puts an
+end to the various distresses and anxieties attendant on a life of
+criminality.
+
+The effect of capital punishments, in the manner they are now
+conducted, therefore, as relates to example, appears to be much less
+than has been generally imagined.
+
+Examples would probably have much greater force, even on those who at
+present appear dead to shame and the stigma of infamy, were convicts
+exhibited day after day, to their companions, occupied in mean and
+servile employments in Penitentiary Houses, or on the highways,
+canals, mines, or public works.--It is in this way only that there is
+the least chance of making retribution to the parties whom they have
+injured; or of reimbursing the State, for the unavoidable expence
+which their evil pursuits have occasioned.
+
+Towards accomplishing the desirable object of perfection in a criminal
+code, every wise Legislature will have it in contemplation rather to
+prevent than to punish crimes; that in the chastisement given, the
+delinquent may be restored to Society as an useful member.
+
+This purpose may possibly be best effected by the adoption of the
+following general rules.
+
+     1. That the Statute-Laws should accurately explain the
+     enormity of the offence forbidden: and that its provisions
+     should be clear and explicit, resulting from a perfect
+     knowledge of the subject; so that, justice may not be
+     defeated in the execution.
+
+     2. That the Punishments should be proportioned and adapted,
+     as nearly as possible, to the different degrees of offences;
+     with a proper attention also to the various shades of
+     enormity which may attach to certain crimes.
+
+     3. That persons prosecuting, or compelled so to do, should
+     not only be indemnified from expence; but also that
+     reparation should be made, for losses sustained by the
+     injured party, in all cases where it can be obtained from
+     the labour, or property of the delinquent.
+
+     4. That satisfaction should be made to the State for the
+     injury done to the Community; by disturbing the peace, and
+     violating the purity of Society.
+
+Political laws, which are repugnant to the Law of nature and reason,
+ought not to be adopted. The objects above-mentioned seem to include
+all that can be necessary for the attention of Law-givers.
+
+If on examination of the frame and tendency of our criminal Laws, both
+with respect to the principles of reason and State Policy, the Author
+might be allowed to indulge a hope, that what he brings under the
+Public Eye on this important subject, would be of use in promoting the
+good of Mankind, he should consider his labours as very amply
+rewarded.
+
+The severity of the criminal Laws is not only an object of horror, but
+the disproportion of the punishments, as will be shewn in the course
+of this Work, breathes too much the spirit of DRACO,[10] who boasted
+_that he punished all crimes with death; because small crimes deserved
+it, and he could find no higher punishment for the greatest_.
+
+[Footnote 10: He lived 624 years before the Christian aera.]
+
+Though the ruling principle of our Government is unquestionably,
+_Liberty_, it is much to be feared that the rigour which the Laws
+indiscriminately inflict on slight as well as more atrocious offences,
+can be ill reconciled to the true distinctions of Morality, and strict
+notions of Justice, which form the peculiar excellence of those
+States which are to be characterised as free.
+
+By punishing smaller offences with extraordinary severity, is there
+not a risque of inuring men to baseness; and of plunging them into the
+sink of infamy and despair, from whence they seldom fail to rise
+capital criminals; often to the destruction of their fellow-creatures,
+and always to their own inevitable perdition?
+
+To suffer the lower orders of the people to be ill educated--to be
+totally inattentive to those wise regulations of State Policy which
+might serve to guard and improve their morals; and then to punish them
+for crimes which have originated in bad habits, has the appearance of
+a cruelty not less severe than any which is exercised under the most
+despotic Governments.
+
+There are two Circumstances which ought also to be minutely considered
+in apportioning the measure of Punishment--_the immorality of the
+action; and its evil tendency_.
+
+Nothing contributes in a greater degree to deprave the minds of the
+people, than the little regard which Laws pay to Morality; by
+inflicting more severe punishments on offenders who commit, what may
+be termed, _Political Crimes_, and crimes against property, than on
+those who violate religion and virtue.
+
+When we are taught, for instance, by the measure of punishment that
+it is considered by the Law as a greater crime to coin a sixpence than
+to kill our father or mother, nature and reason revolt against the
+proposition.
+
+In offences which are considered by the Legislature as merely
+personal, and not in the class of public wrongs, the disproportionate
+punishment is extremely shocking.
+
+If, for example, a personal assault is committed of the most cruel,
+aggravated, and violent nature, the offender is seldom punished in any
+other manner than by fine and imprisonment: but if a delinquent steals
+from his neighbour secretly more than the value of twelve-pence, the
+Law dooms him to death. And he can suffer no greater punishment
+(except the ignominy exercised on his dead body,) if he robs and
+murders a whole family. Some private wrongs of a flagrant nature are
+even passed over with impunity: the seduction of a married woman--the
+destruction of the peace and happiness of families, resulting from
+alienating a wife's affections, and defiling her person, is not an
+offence punishable by the Criminal Law; while it is death to rob the
+person, who has suffered this extensive injury, of a trifle exceeding
+a shilling.
+
+The Crime of Adultery was punished with great severity both by the
+Grecian and the Roman Laws.--In England this offence is not to be
+found in the Criminal Code.--It may indeed be punished with fine and
+penance by the Spiritual Law; or indirectly in the Courts of Common
+Law, by an action for damages, at the suit of the party injured. The
+former may now (perhaps fortunately) be considered as a dead letter;
+while the other remedy, being merely of a pecuniary nature, has little
+effect in restraining this species of delinquency.
+
+Like unskilful artists, we seem to have begun at the wrong end; since
+it is clear that the distinction, which has been made in the
+punishments between public and private crimes, is subversive of the
+very foundation it would establish.
+
+Private Offences being the source of public crimes, the best method of
+guarding Society against the latter is, to make proper provisions for
+checking the former.--A man of pure morals always makes the best
+Subject of every State; and few have suffered punishment as public
+delinquents, who have not long remained unpunished as private
+offenders. The only means, therefore, of securing the peace of
+Society, and of preventing more atrocious crimes, is, to enforce by
+lesser punishments, the observance of religious and moral duties:
+Without this, Laws are but weak Guardians either of the State, or the
+persons or property of the Subject.
+
+The People are to the Legislature what a child is to a parent:--As the
+first care of the latter is to teach the love of virtue, and a dread
+of punishment; so ought it to be the duty of the former, to frame Laws
+with an immediate view to the general improvement of morals.
+
+"That Kingdom is happiest where there is most virtue," says an elegant
+writer.--It follows, of course, that those Laws are the best which are
+most calculated to promote Religion and Morality; the operation of
+which in every State, is to produce a conduct intentionally directed
+towards the Public Good.
+
+It seems that by punishing what are called public Crimes, with
+peculiar severity, we only provide against present and temporary
+mischiefs. That we direct the vengeance of the Law against effects,
+which might have been prevented by obviating their causes:--And this
+may be assigned in part as the cause of Civil Wars and Revolutions.--The
+Laws are armed against the _powers_ of Rebellion, but are not
+calculated to oppose its _principle_.
+
+Few civil wars have been waged from considerations of Public Virtue,
+or even for the security of Public Liberty. These desperate
+undertakings are generally promoted and carried on by abandoned
+characters, who seek to better their fortunes in the general havoc and
+devastation of their country.--Those men are easily seduced from their
+Loyalty who are apostates from private virtue.
+
+To be secure therefore against those public calamities which, almost
+inevitably, lead to anarchy and confusion, it is far better to improve
+and confirm a nation in the true principles of natural justice, than
+to perplex them by political refinements.
+
+Having thus taken a general view of the principles applicable to
+Punishments in general, it may be necessary, for the purpose of more
+fully illustrating these reflections, briefly to consider the various
+leading Offences, and their corresponding Punishments according to the
+present state of our Criminal Law; and to examine how far they are
+proportioned to each other.
+
+High Treason is the highest civil Crime which can be committed by any
+member of the Community.--After various alterations and amendments
+made and repealed in subsequent reigns, the definition of this offence
+was settled as it originally stood, by the Act of the 25th of Edward
+III. stat. 5, cap. 2. and may be divided into seven different heads:
+
+     1. Compassing or imagining the Death of the King, Queen, or
+     Heir Apparent.
+
+     2. Levying War against the King, in his realm.
+
+     3. Adhering to the King's enemies, and giving them aid, in
+     the realm or elsewhere.[11]
+
+     [Footnote 11: It has been thought necessary, by the
+     Legislature, to explain and enlarge these clauses of the Act
+     25 _Ed._ III. as not extending, with sufficient
+     explicitness, to modern treasonable attempts. It is
+     therefore provided by the Act 36 _Geo._ III. _cap._ 7, "That
+     if any person (during the life of his present Majesty, and
+     until the end of the Session of Parliament next after a
+     demise of the Crown) shall within the realm, or without,
+     compass, imagine, invent, devise, or intend death or
+     destruction, _or any bodily harm, tending to death or
+     destruction, maim, or wounding, imprisonment, or restraint_
+     of the person of the King, his heirs, and successors, or to
+     deprive or depose him or them from his stile, honour, or
+     Kingly name; or to levy war against the King within this
+     Realm, in order by force to compel him to change his
+     measures; _or in order to put any force or constraint upon,
+     or to intimidate or overawe_, BOTH HOUSES, OR EITHER HOUSE,
+     OF PARLIAMENT; or to incite any foreigner to invade the
+     dominions of the Crown: and such compassings, &c., shall
+     express, utter, or declare, _by publishing any printing, or
+     writing_, or by _any other_ overt act or deed"--the offender
+     shall be deemed _a Traitor_, and punished accordingly.]
+
+     4. Slaying the King's Chancellor or Judge in the execution
+     of their offices.
+
+     5. Violating the Queen, the eldest daughter of the King, or
+     the wife of the Heir Apparent, or eldest Son.
+
+     6. Counterfeiting the King's Great Seal, or Privy Seal.
+
+     7. Counterfeiting the King's Money, or bringing false Money
+     into the kingdom.
+
+This detail shews how much the dignity and security of the King's
+person is confounded with that of his officers, and even with his
+effigies imprest on his Coin.--To assassinate the servant, or to
+counterfeit the type, is held as criminal as to destroy the Sovereign.
+
+This indiscriminate blending of crimes, so different and
+disproportionate in their nature, under one common head, is certainly
+liable to great objections; seeing that the judgment in this offence
+is so extremely severe and terrible, _viz. That the offender be drawn
+to the gallows on the ground or pavement: That he be hanged by the
+neck, and then cut down alive: That his entrails be taken out and
+burned while he is yet alive: That his head be cut off: That his body
+be divided into four parts: And that his head and quarters be at the
+King's disposal_.--Women, however, are only to be drawn and
+hanged:--though in all cases of treason, they were heretofore
+sentenced to be burned: a cruel punishment, which, after being
+alleviated by the custom of previous strangulation, was at length
+repealed, by the Act 30 Geo. III. _c._ 48.
+
+There are indeed some shades of difference with regard to coining
+money; where the offender is only drawn and hanged; and that part of
+the punishment which relates to being _drawn_ and _quartered_ is, to
+the honour of humanity, never practised. But even in cases of the most
+atrocious criminality, the execution of so horrid a sentence seems to
+answer no good political purpose.--Nature shudders at the thought of
+imbruing our hands in blood, and mangling the smoaking entrails of our
+fellow-creatures.
+
+In most Countries and in all ages, however, Treason has been punished
+capitally.--Under the Roman Laws, by the _Cornelia Lex_, of which
+Sylla, the Dictator, was the author, this Offence was created.--It was
+also made a capital Crime when the Persian Monarchy became despotic.
+
+By the Laws of China, Treason and Rebellion are punished with a rigour
+even beyond the severity of our judgment, for the criminals are
+ordained to be cut in _ten thousand_ pieces.
+
+There is another species of Treason, called _Petty Treason_,
+described by the Statute of the 25th of Edward the III. to be the
+offence of _a Servant killing his Master, a Wife killing her Husband_,
+or a _Secular or Religious slaying his Prelate_.--The Punishment is
+somewhat more ignominious than in other capital offences, inasmuch as
+a _hurdle_ is used instead of a _cart_.--Here again occurs a very
+strong instance of the inequality of Punishments; for although the
+principle and essence of this Crime is breach of duty and obedience
+due to a superior slain, yet if a child murder his parents (unless he
+serve them for wages) he is not within the Statute; although it must
+seem evident to the meanest understanding that Parricide is certainly
+a more atrocious and aggravated offence, than either of those
+specified in the Statute.
+
+By the _Lex Pompeia_ of the Romans, Parricides were ordained to be
+sown [Transcriber's Note: sewn] in a sack with a _dog_, a _cock_, a
+_viper_, and an _ape_, and thrown into the sea, thus to perish by the
+most cruel of all tortures.
+
+The ancient Laws of all civilized nations punished the crime of
+Parricide by examples of the utmost severity.--The Egyptians put the
+delinquents to death by the most cruel of all tortures--mangling the
+body and limbs, and afterwards laying it upon thorns to be burnt
+alive.
+
+By the Jewish Law it was death for children to curse, or strike their
+parents; and in China, this crime was considered as next in atrocity
+to Treason and Rebellion, and in like manner punished by cutting the
+delinquent in _one thousand_ pieces.
+
+The Laws of England however make no distinction between this crime and
+common Murder; while it is to be lamented that offences far less
+heinous, either morally or politically considered, are punished with
+the same degree of severity; and it is much to be feared, that this
+singular inequality is ill calculated to inspire that filial awe and
+reverence, to parents, which all human Laws ought to inculcate.
+
+The offences next in enormity to Treason, are by the Laws of England,
+denominated Felonies, and these may be considered as of two kinds,
+_public_ and _private_.
+
+Under the head of _Public Felonies_ we shall class the following:
+having peculiar relation to the State.
+
+  1. Felonies relative to the Coin of the Realm.
+  2. ----------------- to the King and his Counsellors, &c.
+  3. ----------------- to Soldiers and Marines.
+  4. ----------------- to embezzling Public Property.
+  5. ----------------- to Riot and Sedition.
+  6. ----------------- to Escape from Prison.
+  7. ----------------- to Revenue and Trade, &c.
+
+We consider as comprehended under _Private Felonies_ the following
+crimes committed, 1. _Against the Life_, 2. _the Body_, 3. _The
+Goods_, 4. _The Habitation of the Subject_.
+
+  Against      1. By Murder.
+  Life.        2. By Man-slaughter.
+               3. By Misadventure.
+               4. By Necessity.
+
+  Against the  1. Sodomy.
+  Body.        2. Rape.
+               3. Forcible Marriage.
+               4. Polygamy.
+               5. Mayhem.
+
+  Against      1. Simple Larceny.
+  Goods.       2. Mixt Larceny.
+               3. Piracy.
+
+  Against the  1. Arson.
+  Dwelling or  2. Burglary.
+  Habitation.
+
+Those Crimes which we have denominated _Public Felonies_ being merely
+of a political nature, it would seem that the ends of justice would be
+far better answered, than at present, and convictions oftener
+obtained, by different degrees of Punishment short of Death.
+
+With regard to _Private Felonies_, it may be necessary to make some
+specific observations----
+
+The first, in point of enormity, is _Murder_, which may be committed
+in two Ways:--first, upon _one's self_, in which case the offender is
+denominated _Felo de se_ or a _Self-murderer_;--secondly, by killing
+another person.
+
+The Athenian Law ordained, that persons guilty of Self-murder should
+have the hand cut off which did the murder, and buried in a place
+separate from the body; but this seems of little consequence.--When
+such a calamity happens, it is a deplorable misfortune; and there
+seems to be a great cruelty in adding to the distress of the wife,
+children, or nearest kin of the deceased, by the forfeiture of his
+whole property; which is at present confiscated by Law.
+
+By the Law of England, the judgment in case of Murder is, that the
+person convicted shall suffer death and that his body shall be
+dissected.
+
+The Laws of most civilized nations, both ancient and modern, have
+justly punished this atrocious offence with death. It was so by the
+Laws of Athens, and also by the Jewish and Roman Laws.--By the Persian
+Law Murderers were pressed to death between two stones; and in China,
+persons guilty of this offence are beheaded, except where a
+person kills his adversary in a duel, in which case he is
+strangled.--Decapitation, by the Laws of China, is considered the most
+dishonourable mode of execution.
+
+In the ruder ages of the world, and before the manners of mankind were
+softened by the arts of peace and civilization, Murder was not a
+capital crime: Hence it is that the barbarous nations which over-ran
+the Western Empire, either expiated this crime by private revenge, or
+by a pecuniary composition.--Our Saxon ancestors punished this high
+offence with a fine; and they too countenanced the exercise of that
+horrid principle of revenge, by which they added blood to blood.--But
+in the progress of civilization and Society, the nature of this crime
+became better understood; private revenge was submitted to the power
+of the Law; and the good King Alfred first made Murder a capital
+offence in England.
+
+In this case, as in that of Self-murder, the property of the murderer
+goes to the State; without any regard to the unhappy circumstances of
+the families either of the murdered or the guilty person, who may be
+completely ruined by this fatal accident.--A provision which seems not
+well to accord with either the justice or mildness of our Laws.
+
+Man-slaughter is defined to be _The killing another without malice,
+either express or implied: which may be either, voluntarily, upon a
+sudden heat; or involuntarily, but in the commission of some unlawful
+Act_. And the Punishment is, _that the person convicted shall be burnt
+in the hand, and his goods forfeited_.--And offenders are usually
+detained in prison for a time not exceeding one year, under the
+Statutes regulating the Benefit of Clergy.
+
+Homicide by _Misadventure_ is, when _one is doing a lawful act,
+without intent to hurt another_, and _death ensues_.--For this offence
+a pardon is allowed of course; but in strictness of Law the property
+of the person convicted is forfeited; the rigour of which, however, is
+obviated by a Writ of Restitution of his goods, to which the party is
+now, by long usage, entitled of right; only paying for suing out the
+same.
+
+Homicide _by necessity_ or in _Self-defence_, is another shade of
+Murder, upon which no punishment is inflicted: and in this is included
+what the Law expresses by the word _Chance-medley_: which is properly
+applied to such killing as happens in self-defence upon a sudden
+rencounter. Yet, still by strictness of Law, the goods and chattels of
+the person charged and convicted are forfeited to the Crown; contrary,
+as it seems to many, to the principles of Reason and Justice.
+
+It should be recollected that in all cases where the Homicide does not
+amount to Murder or Man-slaughter, the Judges permit, nay even direct,
+a verdict of acquittal.--But it appears more consonant with the sound
+principles of Justice, that the Law itself should be precise, than
+that the property of a man should, in cases of _Misadventure_,
+_Chance-medley_, and _Self-defence_ depend upon the construction of a
+Judge, or the lenity of a Jury: Some alteration therefore, in the
+existing Laws, seems called for in this particular.
+
+Having thus briefly discussed what has occurred relative to the
+punishment of offences against life, we come next to make some
+observations on what we have denominated _Private Felonies against the
+Body of the Subject_.
+
+By the Grecian, Roman, and Jewish Laws, the abominable crime of
+_Sodomy_ was punished with death.--In France, under the Monarchy, the
+offenders suffered death by burning.
+
+The Lombards were said to have brought this detestable vice into
+England, in the reign of Edward the Third.--In ancient times the men
+were hanged, and the women drowned: At length by the Act 25th of Henry
+the Eighth, cap. 6, it was made Felony without Benefit of Clergy.--
+
+It has been doubted, however, whether the severity of the punishment
+of a crime so unnatural, as even to appear incredible, does not defeat
+the object of destroying it, by rendering it difficult to convict an
+offender.
+
+The same objection has been made with respect to the crime of
+committing _a Rape_. A proper tenderness for life makes the Law
+require a strong evidence, and of course the proof is nice and
+difficult; whereas, were the punishment more mild, it might be more
+efficacious in preventing the violation of chastity.
+
+By the Law of Egypt, Rapes were punished by cutting off the offending
+parts;--The Athenian Laws compelled the ravisher of a virgin to marry
+her. It was long before this offence was punished capitally by the
+Roman Law: but at length the _Lex Julia_ inflicted the pains of death
+on the Ravisher.--The Jewish Law also punished this crime with death;
+but if a virgin was deflowered without force, the offender was obliged
+to pay a fine, and marry the woman.
+
+By the 18th of Elizabeth, cap. 7, this offence was made Felony without
+Benefit of Clergy.
+
+It is certainly of a very heinous nature, and, if tolerated, would be
+subversive of all order and morality; yet it may still be questioned,
+how far it is either useful or politic to punish it with death; and is
+worth considering, whether, well knowing that it originates in the
+irregular and inordinate gratification of unruly appetite, the injury
+to Society may not be repaired without destroying the offender.
+
+In most cases, this injury might be repaired by compelling (where it
+could be done with propriety,) the criminal to marry the injured
+party; and it would be well for Society, if the same rule extended not
+only to all forcible violations of chastity, but even to instances of
+premeditated and systematic Seduction.
+
+In cases, however, where marriage could not take place, on account of
+legal disability, or refusal on the part of the woman, the criminal
+ought to be severely punished, by pecuniary damages to the party
+injured, and by hard labour and confinement, or transportation for
+life.
+
+The offence considered as next in point of enormity to Rape, is
+_Forcible Marriage_, or _Defilement of Women_: but it is somewhat
+remarkable, that by confining the punishment to offences against women
+of estate only, the moral principles are made to yield to political
+considerations; and the security of property in this instance, is
+deemed more essential, than the preservation of female chastity.
+
+In short, the property of the woman is the measure of the crime; the
+statutes of the 3d of Henry the Seventh, cap. 2. and the 39th of
+Elizabeth, cap. 9, making it Felony without Benefit of Clergy, to take
+away, _for lucre_, any woman having lands or goods, or being an heir
+apparent to an estate, by force, or against her will, and to marry or
+to defile her. The forcible marriage and defilement of a woman without
+an estate is not punished at all; although, according to every
+principle of morality and reason, it is as criminal as the other. It
+is indeed an offence not so likely to be committed.
+
+However, it seems in every point of view, impolitic to punish such
+offences with death; it might be enough, to expiate the crime by
+alienating the estate from the husband--vesting it in the wife alone,
+and confining him to hard labour; or by punishing the delinquent, in
+very atrocious cases, by transportation.
+
+Polygamy stands next as an offence against the person:--It was first
+declared Felony by the statute of James the first, cap. 11, but not
+excluded from the Benefit of Clergy, and therefore not subject to the
+punishment of death.
+
+Though, in one view, the having a plurality of wives or husbands,
+appears only a political offence, yet it is undeniably a breach of
+religious and moral virtue, in a very high degree.--It is true,
+indeed, that in the early ages of the world, Polygamy was tolerated
+both in Greece and Rome, even after the People had arrived at a high
+pitch of refinement.--But since the institution of Matrimony under the
+present form, Polygamy must be considered as highly criminal, since
+marriage is an engagement which cannot be violated without the
+greatest injury to Society. The Public Interest, therefore, requires
+that it should be punished; and the Act 35th George III. cap. 67,
+which punishes this offence with transportation, is certainly not too
+severe.
+
+Mayhem, or Maiming, is the last in the Catalogue of _Offences against
+the Person_. It was first made Single Felony by the 5th of Henry the
+Fourth, cap. 5.--It is defined to be _maiming, cutting the tongue, or
+putting out the eyes of any of the King's liege people_. The statute
+of the 22d and 23d of Charles the Second, cap. 1. extends the
+description of this offence to slitting the nose, cutting off a nose
+or lip, or cutting off or disabling any limb or member, by malice
+forethought, and by lying in wait with an intention to maim and
+disfigure:--And this statute made the offence Felony, without Benefit
+of Clergy.
+
+To prove malice in this crime, it is sufficient that the act was
+voluntary, and of set purpose, though done on a sudden.
+
+Mayhem, as explained in the above statutes, is certainly a very
+atrocious offence; and as the punishment is not followed by corruption
+of blood, or the forfeiture of the property of the offender, it is,
+according to the present system, perhaps not too severe.
+
+One particular sort of Mayhem by cutting off the _ear_, is punishable
+by an Act 37 Hen. VIII. cap. 6. which directs that the offender shall
+forfeit treble damages to the party grieved, to be recovered by action
+of trespass; and L.10 by way of fine to the King.
+
+We next come to examine _Private Felonies_ against the _Goods or
+Property of the Individual_, viz. _Simple Larceny_, _Mixt Larceny_,
+and _Piracy_.
+
+Simple Larceny is divided into two sorts;--1st, Grand Larceny, and 2d,
+Petit Larceny.--The first is defined to be _the felonious taking and
+carrying away the mere personal property or goods of another, above
+the value of twelve pence_.--This offence is capital, and punished
+with death, and the forfeiture of property.
+
+Petit Larceny is where the goods, taken in the above manner, are
+under the value of twelve pence; in which case, the punishment
+(according to the circumstances of atrocity attending the offence,) is
+imprisonment, whipping, or transportation, with forfeiture of goods
+and chattels.
+
+Thus it appears, that by the rigour of the Law, stealing the least
+trifle above 12_d._ subjects the offender to the loss of life; a
+punishment apparently repugnant to reason, policy, or justice: more
+especially when it is considered, that at the time this _Anglo Saxon
+Law_ was made, in the reign of _Athelstan_, 860 years ago, _one
+shilling_ was of more value, according to the price of labour, than
+_seventy-five shillings_ are at the present period: the life of man
+therefore may be justly said to be seventy-five times cheaper than it
+was when this mode of punishment was first established.
+
+By the Athenian Laws, the crime of Theft was punished, by paying
+double the value of what was stolen, to the party robbed; and as much
+more to the public.--Solon introduced a law, enjoining every person to
+state in writing, by what means he gained his livelihood; and if false
+information was given, or he gained his living in an unlawful way, he
+was punished with death.--A similar law prevailed among the Egyptians.
+
+The _Lex Julia_ of the Romans made Theft punishable at discretion; and
+it was forbidden, that any person should suffer death, or even the
+loss of a member, for this crime.--The greatest punishment which
+appears to have been inflicted for this offence, in its most
+aggravated circumstances, was four-fold restitution.
+
+By the Jewish Law, Theft was punished in the same manner: with the
+addition of a fine according to the nature of the offence; excepting
+in cases where _men_ were stolen, which was punished with death.
+
+In China, Theft is punished by the bastinadoe, excepting in cases of a
+very atrocious nature, and then the culprit is condemned to the
+knoutage--a contrivance not unlike the pillory in this country.
+
+The ancient Laws of this kingdom punished the crime of Theft
+differently.--Our Saxon ancestors did not at first punish it
+capitally.--The Laws of King Ina[12] inflicted the punishment of
+death, but allowed the thief to redeem his life, _Capitis
+estimatione_, which was sixty shillings; but in case of an old
+offender, who had been often accused, the hand or foot was to be cut
+off.
+
+[Footnote 12: King of the West Saxons, anno 688.]
+
+After various changes which took place under different Princes, in the
+rude and early periods of our history, it was at length settled in the
+9th of Henry the First, (A.D. 1108,) _that for theft and robbery,
+offenders should be hanged_; this has continued to be the law of the
+land ever since, excepting in the county palatine of Chester; where
+the ancient custom of beheading felons was practised some time after
+the Law of Henry the First; and the Justices of the Peace of that
+county, received one shilling from the King, for every head that was
+cut off.
+
+Montesquieu seems to be of opinion that as thieves are generally
+unable to make restitution, it may be just to make theft a capital
+crime.--But would not the offence be atoned for in a more rational
+manner, by compelling the delinquent to labour, first for the benefit
+of the party aggrieved, till recompence is made, and then for the
+State?[13]
+
+[Footnote 13: That acute Reasoner, the Marquis BECCARIA, who wrote
+after MONTESQUIEU, holds this last opinion.--"A punishment, (says this
+able writer) to be just should have only that degree of severity which
+is sufficient to deter others: perpetual labour will have this effect
+more than the punishment of death."
+
+BECC. chap. 28.]
+
+According to the present system the offender loses his life, and they
+whom he has injured lose their property; while the State also suffers
+in being deprived of a member, whose labour, under proper controul,
+might have been made useful and productive.
+
+Observations have already been made on one consequence of the severity
+of the punishment for this offence; that persons of tender feelings
+conscientiously scruple to prosecute delinquents for inconsiderable
+Thefts. From this circumstance it is believed, that not one
+depredation in a hundred, of those actually committed, comes to the
+knowledge of Magistrates.
+
+Mixed or _compound Larceny_ has a greater degree of guilt in it than
+simple Larceny; and may be committed either by taking from a man, or
+from his house. If a person is previously put in fear or assaulted,
+the crime is denominated _Robbery_.
+
+When a Larceny is committed which does not put the party robbed in
+fear; it is done privately and without his knowledge, by picking his
+pocket, or cutting the purse, and stealing from thence above the value
+of twelve pence; or publicly, with the knowledge of the party, by
+stealing a hat or wig, and running away.
+
+With respect to _Dwelling Houses_ the Common Law has been altered by
+various acts of Parliament; the multiplicity of which is apt to create
+confusion; but upon comparing them diligently, we may collect that the
+following domestic aggravations of Larceny are punishable with death,
+without Benefit of Clergy.
+
+First, _Larcenies above the value of twelve pence_; committed--1st. In
+a church or chapel, with or without violence or breaking the same; 23
+Henry VIII. cap. 1: 1 Edward VI. cap. 12.--2d. In a booth or tent, in
+a market or fair, in the day time or in the night, by violence or
+breaking the same; the owner or some of his family, being therein; 5
+and 6 Edward VI. cap. 9.--3d. By robbing a dwelling house in the day
+time, (which _robbing_ implies a _breaking_,) any person being
+therein: 3 and 4 William and Mary, cap. 9.--4th. By the same Act, (and
+see the Act 23 Henry VIII. cap. 1.) in a dwelling house, by day or by
+night; without breaking the same, any person being therein, and put in
+fear: which amounts in law to a Robbery; and in both these last cases
+the _Accessary before the fact_ is also excluded from the benefit of
+Clergy.
+
+Secondly; _Larcenies to the value of five shillings_; committed--1st.
+By breaking any dwelling house, or any outhouse, shop, or warehouse
+thereunto belonging, in the day time; although no person be therein,
+which also now extends to aiders, abettors, and accessaries before the
+fact: 39 Elizabeth, cap. 15; see also 3 and 4 William and Mary, cap.
+9.--2d. By privately stealing goods, wares, or merchandise in any
+shop, warehouse, coach-houses, or stable, by day or night: though the
+same be not broken open, and though no person be therein: which
+likewise extends to such as assist, hire, or command the offence to be
+committed: 10 and 11 William III. cap. 23.
+
+Lastly; _Larcenies to the value of forty shillings_ from a dwelling
+house, or its outhouses, although the same be not broken, and whether
+any person be therein or not; unless committed against their masters,
+by apprentices, under age of fifteen; 12 Anne, stat. 1. cap. 7.
+
+Piracy is felony against the goods of the Subject by a robbery
+committed at sea.--It is a capital offence by the civil law, although
+by Act of Parliament, it may be heard and determined, according to the
+rules of the common law, as if the offence had been committed on land.
+The mode of trial is regulated by the 28th of Henry VIII. cap. 15; and
+further by the Acts 11 and 12 William III. cap. 7. and 39 George III.
+cap. 37; which also extend to other offences committed on the High
+Seas.
+
+Felonies _against the Dwelling or Habitation of a man are of two
+kinds; and are denounced_ Arson _and_ Burglary.
+
+_Arson_ or _Arsonry_ is a very atrocious offence--it is defined to be
+_the malicious burning of the House of another either by night or by
+day_. It is in this case a capital offence; but if a man burns his own
+house, without injuring any other, it is only a misdemeanor,
+punishable by fine, imprisonment, or the pillory.
+
+By the 23d of Henry the Eighth, cap. 1. the capital part of the
+offence is extended to persons, (whether principals or accessaries,)
+burning dwelling houses; or barns wherein corn is deposited; and by
+the 43d of Elizabeth, cap. 13, burning barns or stacks of corn in the
+four northern counties, is also made Felony without Benefit of Clergy.
+
+By the 22d and 23d of Car. II. cap. 7, it is made felony to set fire
+to any stack of corn, hay, or grain; or other outbuildings, or kilns,
+maliciously in the night time; punished with transportation for seven
+years.
+
+By the 1st George I. cap. 48, it is also made single felony to set
+fire to any wood, underwood, or coppice.
+
+Other burnings are made punishable with death, without Benefit of
+Clergy; _viz._ Setting fire to any house, barn, or outhouse, or to any
+hovel, cock, mow, or stack of corn, straw, hay, or wood: or the
+rescuing any such offender: 9 George I. cap. 22.--Setting fire to a
+coal-mine: 10 George II. cap. 32.--Burning, or setting fire to any
+wind-mill, water-mill, or other mill: (as also pulling down the same:)
+9 George III. cap. 29; but the offender must be prosecuted within
+eighteen months.--Burning any ship; to the prejudice of the owners,
+freighters, or underwriters: 22 and 23 Charles II. cap. 11; 1 Anne,
+stat. 2. cap. 9; 4 George I. cap. 12.--Burning the King's ships of war
+afloat, or building: or the Dock-yards, or any of the buildings,
+arsenals, or stores therein: 12 George III. cap. 24.--And finally,
+_Threatening_ by anonymous or fictitious letters to burn houses,
+barns, &c. is by the Act 27 George II. cap. 15, also made felony
+without Benefit of Clergy.
+
+Burglary is a felony at common law; it is described to be _when a
+person, by night, breaketh into the mansion of another, with an intent
+to commit a felony; whether the felonious intent be executed or not_.
+
+By the 18th of Elizabeth, cap. 7, the Benefit of Clergy is taken away
+from _The Offence_; and by the 3d and 4th William and Mary, cap. 9,
+from _Accessaries before the fact_.--By the 12th of Anne, stat. 1,
+cap. 7, if any person shall enter into a mansion or dwelling house, by
+day or by night, without breaking into the same, with an intent to
+commit any felony; or being in such houses, shall commit any felony;
+and shall, in the night time, _break_ the said house _to get out_ of
+the same, he is declared guilty of the offence of burglary, and
+punished accordingly.
+
+It is, without doubt, highly expedient that this Offence should be
+punished more severely than any other species of theft; since, besides
+the loss of property, there is something very terrific in the mode of
+perpetration, which is often productive of dreadful effects.
+
+The ancient laws made a marked distinction in the punishment, between
+this Offence, which was called Hamsokne, (and which name it retains at
+present in the Northern parts of this kingdom) and robbing a house in
+the day time.
+
+There are many other felonies which have been made capital
+(particularly within the present century) which do not properly fall
+within the class above discussed;--for an account of these the reader
+is referred to the general Catalogue of offences specified in a
+subsequent Chapter.
+
+The number of these various capital Offences upon which the judgment
+of death must be pronounced, if the party is found guilty, has been
+already stated to amount to above one _hundred and sixty_.--And yet if
+a full consideration shall be given to the subject, it is believed
+that (excepting in cases of _Treason_, _Murder_, _Mayhem_, and some
+aggravated instances of Arsonry) it would be found that the punishment
+of death is neither politic nor expedient.
+
+At any rate, it must be obvious to every reasoning mind, that such
+_indiscriminate rigour_, by punishing the petty pilferer with the same
+severity as the atrocious murderer, cannot easily be reconciled to the
+rights of nature or to the principles of morality.
+
+It is indeed true, in point of practice, that in most cases of a
+slight nature, the mercy of Judges, of Juries, or of the Sovereign,
+saves the delinquent; but is not the exercise of this mercy rendered
+so necessary on every occasion, "_a tacit disapprobation of the
+laws_?"[14]
+
+[Footnote 14: Beccaria. _See ante page_ 45.]
+
+Cruelty, in punishment for slight Offences, often induces Offenders to
+pass on from the trifling to the most atrocious crime.--Thus are these
+our miserable fellow-mortals rendered desperate; whilst the laws,
+which ought to soften the ferocity of obdurate minds, tend to corrupt
+and harden them.
+
+What education is to an individual, the Laws are to Society. Wherever
+they are sanguinary, delinquents will be hard-hearted, desperate, and
+even barbarous.
+
+However much our ancestors were considered as behind us in
+civilization, yet their laws were infinitely milder, in many
+instances, than in the present age of refinement.
+
+The real good of the State, however, unquestionably requires that not
+only adequate punishments should be impartially inflicted, but that
+the injured should obtain a reparation for their wrongs.
+
+Instead of such reparation, it has been already stated, and indeed it
+is much to be lamented, that many are induced to desist from
+prosecutions, and even to conceal injuries, because nothing but
+expence and trouble is to be their lot: as all the fruits of the
+conviction, where the criminal has any property, go to the
+State.--That the State should be the only immediate gainer by the
+fines and forfeitures of criminals, while the injured party suffers,
+seems not wholly consonant to the principles either of _justice_,
+_equity_, or _sound policy_.
+
+Having said thus much on the subject of severe and sanguinary
+Punishments, it may not be improper to mention a very recent and
+modern authority, for the total abolition of the Punishment of death.
+This occurred in the Imperial Dominion, where a new code of criminal
+law was promulgated by the late Emperor, JOSEPH II. and legalised by
+his edict in 1787.
+
+This Code, formed in an enlightened age, by Princes, Civilians, and
+Men of Learning, who sat down to the deliberation assisted by the
+wisdom and experience of former ages, and by all the information
+possible with regard to the practice of civilized modern nations; with
+an impression also upon their minds, that sanguinary punishments, by
+death, torture, or dismemberment are not necessary, and ought to be
+abolished; becomes an interesting circumstance in the annals of the
+world.
+
+     "THE EMPEROR _in his edict signed at Vienna the 13th of
+     January, 1787, declares his intention to have been to give a
+     precise and invariable form to Criminal Judicature; to
+     prevent arbitrary interpretations; to draw a due line
+     between criminal and civil offences, and those against the
+     state; to observe a just proportion between offences and
+     punishments, and to determine the latter in such a manner as
+     that they may make more than merely a transient
+     impression.--Having promulgated this new code, he abrogates,
+     annuls, and declares void all the ancient laws which
+     formerly existed in his dominions_.--Forbidding at the same
+     time every criminal Judge to exercise the functions of his
+     office, on any but those who shall be brought before him,
+     accused of a criminal offence expressed in the new code."
+
+This system of criminal law is so concise as to be comprehended in
+less than one hundred octavo pages. It commences with laying down
+certain general principles, favourable in their nature both to
+humanity and public liberty.--In determining the Punishments (which
+will hereafter be very shortly detailed) the following rules are laid
+down for the Judges.
+
+     "_The criminal Judge should be intent on observing the just
+     proportion between a criminal Offence and the punishment
+     assigned it, and carefully to compare every
+     circumstance.--With respect to the_ Offence, _his principal
+     attention should be directed to the degree of malignity
+     accompanying the bad action,--to the importance of the
+     circumstance connected with the Offence,--to the degree of
+     damage which may result from it,--to the possibility or
+     impossibility of the precautions which might have been made
+     use of to prevent it.--With respect to the_ Criminal, _the
+     attention of the Judge should be directed to his youth,--to
+     the temptation or imprudence attending it,--to the
+     punishment which has been inflicted for the same Offence,
+     and to the danger of a relapse_."
+
+  Those denominated    1. Offences against the Sovereign and the
+  Criminal Offences,        State; including High Treason.
+  _viz._               2. Offences against human life and bodily
+                            safety.
+                       3. Offences against honour and liberty.
+                       4. Offences against possessions and rights.
+
+  Those denominated    5. Offences that endanger the life or health
+  Civil Offences,           of the Citizens.
+  _viz._               6. Offences that affect the fortunes or rights
+                            of the Citizens.
+                       7. Offences that tend to the corruption of
+                            morals.
+
+The offences are divided into seven different classes.
+
+It is impossible, within the narrow compass of this Work, to enter
+into a particular detail of the various subdivisions of the Crimes and
+Punishments explained in this Code; which must be perused, in order to
+form a clear and comprehensive view of the subject. The following
+Specification therefore contains merely the _heads_ or outlines of the
+System; which it is hoped may be found, from the mode of its
+arrangement, to convey to the reader both amusement and instruction.
+
+
+ABSTRACT
+
+OF
+
+_THE CRIMINAL CODE_
+
+OF THE
+
+EMPEROR JOSEPH II.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+  CRIMES.                            PUNISHMENTS.
+
+  _High Treason._
+
+  1. Laying violent hands on         Confiscation of property;
+  the Sovereign, whether injury      imprisonment for not less than 30
+  results from it or not.            years; and branding on each
+                                     cheek with the mark of a
+                                     gallows[15] if the prisoner is
+                                     remarkably depraved.
+
+  2. Attacking the Sovereign         Imprisonment 8 years, and not
+  by speeches or writings.           less than 5.
+
+  3. Persons conspiring and          Confiscation of Property and
+  taking up arms, or entering        30 years' imprisonment, with
+  into alliance with an enemy,       branding as above.
+  &c. are guilty of _sedition
+  and tumult_.
+
+         *       *       *       *       *
+
+  _Criminal Offences relative to the Sovereign and the State._
+
+  4. He who enters the house         Imprisonment, not less than
+  or abode of another, and uses      1 month, nor more than 5 years,
+  violence against his person,       and condemnation to the public
+  goods, or possession, is           works.
+  guilty of _open force_.
+
+  5. He who violently resists        Imprisonment not less than
+  the authority of a Judge, or       1 month, nor more than 5 years;
+  Officer of Justice, although       but where there is an injury and
+  no wound result, is guilty of      wounds, not exceeding 8 nor
+  _open violence_.                   less than 5.
+
+  6. Breach of trust, in a           Imprisonment not less than 8,
+  Governor, or Charge des            nor more than 12 years, and
+  Affaires; neglecting the           condemnation to the public works,
+  interest of the State, or          and in aggravated cases, the
+  betraying his Country, &c.         pillory.[16]
+
+  7. A Judge, who from               Imprisonment not less than 8, nor
+  corruption or passion is           more than 12 years, and
+  guilty of an _abuse of             condemnation to the public works,
+  judicial authority_.               and in aggravated cases, the
+                                     pillory.
+
+  8. Accomplices attempting          Imprisonment not less than 1
+  to corrupt a Judge.                month, nor more than 5 years; and
+                                     condemnation to the public works.
+
+  9. Forgery, by attempting to       Imprisonment not less than
+  counterfeit public bills of        30 years, and branding with a
+  the State which circulate as       hot iron.
+  money.
+
+  10. Falsifying a public bill,      Imprisonment not less than 12,
+  by changing or altering it,        nor more than 15 years, and
+  or imitating the signatures.       condemnation to the public works.
+
+  11. Coining false money,           Imprisonment not less than 1
+  resembling the Coin of the         month, nor more than 5 years,
+  Hereditary Dominions, or           with condemnation to the public
+  foreign Coin current by law;       works.
+  even though of equal weight
+  and quality, or superior to
+  the current Coin.
+
+  12. Coining false money, by        Imprisonment not less than 12,
+  using a bad alloy; and by          nor more than 15 years, and
+  fraud giving false money the       condemnation to the public works.
+  quality of good.
+
+  13. Accomplices in                 Imprisonment not less than 8,
+  fabricating tools for              nor more than 12 years, and
+  Coining.                           condemnation to the public works.
+
+  14. Assisting in the escape        Imprisonment not less than 1
+  of a prisoner.                     month, nor more than 5 years; and
+                                     condemnation to the public works.
+
+  15. Magistrates granting           Imprisonment not less than 12,
+  indulgencies contrary to           nor more than 15 years; and
+  law, &c.                           deprivation of authority.
+
+         *       *       *       *       *
+
+  _Criminal Offences against Human Life and Bodily Safety._
+
+  16. _Murder_,--by                  Imprisonment not less than 15,
+  wounding a man so that death       nor more than 30 years; the latter
+  ensues, including all              in cases of consanguinity.[17]
+  accomplices.
+
+  17. Killing a man in               Imprisonment not less than 1
+  self-defence, if the slayer        month, nor more than 5 years, and
+  exceed the bounds of               condemnation to the public works.
+  necessity.
+
+  18. _Murder_,--with an             Imprisonment not less than 30
+  intention to rob or steal the      years, with the hot iron; in
+  property of the person, or         cruel cases, to be closely
+  other property intrusted to        chained, with corporal
+  his care.                          punishment[18] every year.
+
+  19. Assassination by               Condemnation to the Chain,[19]
+  stratagem, arms, or poison.        not less than 30 years.
+
+  20. Inducing another to commit     Imprisonment not less than 5,
+  Murder; by caresses, promises,     nor more than 8 years, and
+  presents, or threats; whether      condemnation to the public
+  death is the result or not.        works.--If murder is committed,
+                                     the criminal shall suffer as a
+                                     murderer.
+
+  21. _Duelling_,--or                If death ensues; condemnation to
+  challenging another to combat      the chain for 30 years, where the
+  with murderous weapons on          survivor is the challenger. If
+  whatever pretence the challenge    the survivor be the party
+  be grounded.--The person           challenged, imprisonment, not
+  accepting the challenge is         more than 12, nor less than 8
+  equally guilty, after agreeing     years, and condemnation to the
+  to combat with murderous weapons.  public works. If neither fall,
+                                     imprisonment to the challenger,
+                                     not less than 1 month, nor more
+                                     than 5 years; and hard labour in
+                                     the public works.
+
+  22. Accomplices acting as          Imprisonment not less than 1,
+  assistants and seconds.            nor more than 5 years.
+
+  23. A woman with child using       Imprisonment not less than 15,
+  means to procure abortion.         nor more than 30 years; and
+                                     condemnation to the public works:
+                                     augmented when married women.
+
+  24. Accomplices advising and       Imprisonment not less than 1
+  recommending abortion.             month, nor more than 5 years,
+                                     and condemnation to the public
+                                     works.--Punishment increased
+                                     when the accomplice is the father
+                                     of the infant.
+
+  25. Exposing a living infant,      Imprisonment not less than 8,
+  in order to abandon it to danger   nor more than 12 years; to be
+  and death; or to leave its         increased under circumstances of
+  deliverance to chance; whether     aggravation.
+  the infant, so exposed, suffers
+  death or not.
+
+  26. Maiming by malignant           Imprisonment not less than 1
+  assault.                           month, nor more than 5 years.
+
+  27. Suicide or self-murder,        The body to be thrown into
+  without any sign of insanity.      the earth by the executioner, and
+                                     the name of the person and crime
+                                     to be publicly notified and fixed
+                                     on a gallows.
+
+         *       *       *       *       *
+
+  _Criminal Offences against Honour and Liberty._
+
+  28. _Calumny_--false               Imprisonment not less than 1
+  accusation--injuring a man of      month, nor more than 5 years,
+  his right, or robbing him of his   and condemnation to the public
+  good name unjustly and without     works; with corporal punishment
+  proof (See post. No. 56.)          if the party receive injury.
+
+  29. _Rape_,--or forcibly,          Imprisonment not less than 3
+  by associates, threatnings, or     years, nor more than 12, and
+  shewing weapons, overpowering      condemnation to the public works.
+  and forcing a woman to submit,
+  and shamefully abusing her by
+  rendering her incapable of
+  opposition.
+
+  30. Accomplices aiding in the      Imprisonment not less than 5,
+  commission of a rape.              nor more than 8 years; and
+                                     condemnation to the public works.
+
+  31. _Forcibly carrying a           Imprisonment not less than 15
+  person out of the State_           years, nor more than 30 years;
+  without his will, or the           augmented if the criminal is a
+  consent of the Magistrate,         natural-born subject.
+  enlisting men into foreign
+  service, &c.
+
+  32. _Forcibly, or by               Imprisonment not less than 1
+  address, secretly carrying         month, nor more than 5 years; if
+  away a Minor_ past the years       no injury result--otherwise
+  of infancy, under the care of      imprisonment, not less than 8, nor
+  parents or guardians, &c.          more than 12 years, and
+                                     condemnation to the public works.
+
+  33. _Forcibly, and by              Imprisonment not less than 5
+  address, getting possession of     years, and not more than 8; and
+  any woman_ contrary to her         condemnation to the public
+  will, obtaining her consent to     works.
+  marriage, or shameful
+  debauchery, and carrying her
+  from her abode; whether
+  the design is accomplished or
+  not.
+
+  34. _Forcibly carrying away        Imprisonment not less than 1
+  a woman known to be bound by       month, nor more than 5 years,
+  lawful marriage_, or under         and condemnation to the public
+  protection of parents, and         works.
+  without her consent.
+
+  35. Accomplices aiding and         The same.
+  assisting.
+
+  36. _Unlawful Imprisonment_,       Imprisonment not less than 1
+  or keeping a person in             month, nor more than 5 years;
+  confinement against his will       augmented in cases of damages.
+  and of his own private
+  authority.
+
+         *       *       *       *       *
+
+  _Criminal Offences against Possessions and Rights._
+
+  37. _Fraud._--Obtaining the        Various, according to the degree
+  property of another by             of malignity--in general by
+  stratagem, with an evil design     imprisonment not less than 8,
+  on his possessions, honour,        nor more than 12 years; and in
+  or liberty; forging title          smaller offences, not less than 5
+  deeds or contracts, or             nor more than 8; and condemnation
+  _altering_ the same.               to the public works.
+
+  _Perjury_ in a Court of            The same.
+  Justice, assuming a false name,
+  &c. &c. bearing false witness.
+
+  38. _Theft_, or taking a           Imprisonment not less than 1
+  moveable from the possession of    month, nor more than 5 years, if
+  another by fraud, and without      unaccompanied by aggravating
+  his consent. (See post. No.        circumstances: but in aggravated
+  47.)                               cases, imprisonment not less than
+                                     5 nor more than 8; or not less
+                                     than 8, nor more than 12 years.
+
+  39. _Accomplices in                Imprisonment not less than 1
+  Theft_.--abettors and              month nor more than 5 years, and
+  receivers, &c.                     condemnation to the public works.
+
+  40. _Robbery_--committed           Imprisonment not less than 15
+  alone or in company, by using      years, nor more than 30; if wounds
+  violence, or forcing a person      ensue, in consequence of the
+  to discover effects, on which      violence used. And if acts of
+  the offender has felonious         cruelty or wounds, occasioning
+  views.                             death, then the punishment of the
+                                     chain additional.
+
+  41. _Incendiary_--where one        Imprisonment not less than 8
+  undertakes an action from which    nor more than 12 years; and
+  fire may ensue, or with intention  condemnation to the public works:
+  to prejudice, or cause damage,     when the flames have been stifled.
+  with a view to profit by the       Setting fire to a Camp, Magazine,
+  disorder that takes place, he      Barn, Timber-yard, &c.
+  shall be considered as an          from 15 to 30 years; according
+  _incendiary_, whether              to the circumstances of the case.
+  damage ensues or not.
+
+  42. _Bigamy_--where one            Imprisonment not less than 5
+  bound by the tie of lawful         nor more than 8 years, or
+  matrimony, concludes a second      condemnation to the public works;
+  marriage with another person,      if the person with whom the
+  single or married.                 offender contracts the second
+                                     marriage was acquainted with the
+                                     first.--If concealed, then
+                                     imprisonment not exceeding 12 nor
+                                     less than 8 years.
+
+         *       *       *       *       *
+
+  _Civil Offences that endanger the Life or Health of the Citizen._
+
+  43. _Misadventure_--where          Imprisonment from 1 month
+  without any ill intention, by      to a year, or condemnation to the
+  means of poisonous merchandize,    public works, if the offender has
+  or apothecaries selling            caused any immediate damage;
+  adulterated drugs, any person      but if the cause of damage be
+  suffers danger or injury.          remote, imprisonment from a day to
+                                     1 month.
+
+  44. Damage to man or child,        Imprisonment from 1 day to
+  occasioned by riding or driving    a month; to be augmented, in
+  carriages with too much speed;     case death or wound should have
+  or injury received by persons      resulted from the accident.
+  incapable of guarding against
+  danger, occasioning a wound or
+  death, which might have been
+  prevented by due vigilance.
+
+  45. Breaking Quarantine, &c.       By a Military Court of
+  and fabricating false bills of     Justice.
+  health.
+
+  46. Actions prejudicial to         Condemnation to the public
+  health, or nuisance, where the     works, with or without fetters;
+  necessary precautions prescribed   either from 1 day to a month, or
+  by the laws of health are          from 1 month to a year.
+  neglected in cases of dead
+  animals, distempers among
+  cattle, &c. &c.
+
+         *       *       *       *       *
+
+  _Civil Offences that affect the Fortunes and Rights of Citizens._
+
+  47. Stealing to the value of       Confinement, corporal correction,
+  25 crowns of any moveable,         and the augmentation of
+  when not accompanied with          the punishment if requisite.
+  aggravating circumstances:
+  _Stealing Wood in a
+  Forest--Poaching by an
+  unqualified person--Stealing
+  Fruit from Trees--or earth
+  from open Fields_--though
+  beyond the value of 25 crowns.
+  (See ante, No. 38, 39.)
+
+  48. Using Frauds in playing        The pillory and condemnation
+  at Games allowed by Law.           to the public works, in atrocious
+                                     cases; also imprisonment, from
+                                     1 day to a month, and
+                                     restitution.--In case of
+                                     foreigners, the pillory and
+                                     banishment.
+
+  49. _Accomplices_                  Imprisonment from 1 day to a
+  co-operating in such Frauds.       month.
+
+  50. _Playing at prohibited         A fine of 300 ducats, or
+  Games._                            imprisonment.
+
+  51. _Persons selling               Imprisonment from 1 day to a
+  Merchandize_ at higher prices      month, which may be augmented.
+  than fixed by the Police, or by
+  false weight or measure.
+
+  52. _Adultery._                    Corporal correction, or
+                                     imprisonment from 1 day to a
+                                     month.
+
+  53. _Contracting illegal           Imprisonment from 1 day to a
+  Marriages._ (See ante, No.         month, and condemnation to the
+  42.)                               public works.
+
+  54. _Servants_ receiving           Corporal correction or
+  earnest, and engaging to serve     imprisonment from 1 day to a
+  more masters than one, or          month.
+  otherwise misbehaving.
+
+  55. _Masters_ giving               Imprisonment from 1 day to a
+  servants a false character.        month.
+
+  56. _Libels_ on another by         Condemnation to the public
+  writings or disgraceful prints     works; reserving the right to
+  or drawings, causing injury to     recompence to the party wronged.
+  another. (See ante, No. 28.)
+
+  57. Distributing or publishing     Condemnation to the public
+  Libels.                            works; reserving the right of
+                                     recompence to the party wronged.
+
+  58. _Actions_ by which             Corporal correction.
+  danger by fire may be
+  occasioned; such as smoking
+  tobacco in a stable,
+  timber-yard, &c.
+
+  59. Acts of hasty petulance,       Imprisonment various, or
+  leading to quarrels, assaults,     condemnation to the public works.
+  and damages.
+
+         *       *       *       *       *
+
+  _Civil Offences that tend to the Corruption of Morals._
+
+  60. Wickedly insulting the         Detention in the hospital destined
+  Supreme Being by words, deeds,     for madmen; where the offender
+  or actions, in a public place,     is to be treated like a man
+  or in the presence of another      out of his senses, until his
+  person.                            amendment be perfect and assured.
+
+  61. Disturbing the exercise        Imprisonment from 1 day to a
+  of Public Worship, &c.             month; to be augmented by
+                                     fasting and corporal correction.
+
+  62. Writing or Preaching           Pillory and Imprisonment,
+  against the Christian Religion,    from 1 day to a month, or to a
+  and Catholick Faith, &c. &c.       year.
+  Heresies, &c.
+
+  63. Committing indecencies         Imprisonment from 1 day to a
+  in any public street or place.     month, augmented by fasting.
+
+  64. Attempting to seduce or        Imprisonment from 1 day to a
+  insult women of reputation, by     month.
+  shameful debauchery, and using
+  gestures, or discourses,
+  tending to that purpose.
+
+  65. Carnal Commerce by             Corporal Correction, and
+  Man with Beast, or with a          condemnation to the public works;
+  person of the same                 and banishment from the place
+  sex,--_Sodomy_.                    where the offence has been
+                                     publicly scandalous.
+
+  66. Consenting to shameful         Condemnation to the public
+  debauchery in his house;           works, from 1 month to 1 year;
+  Keeping a _Bawdy House_.           to be augmented when an innocent
+                                     person has been seduced;
+                                     second offence, the pillory.
+
+  67. Any person, man or woman,      Imprisonment from 1 month
+  making a business of               to a year; second offence,
+  prostitution, and deriving         punishment double, and augmented
+  profit from thence.                by fasting and corporal
+                                     correction.
+
+  68. Dealing in Books, Pictures,    Imprisonment from 1 day to 1
+  or Prints which represent          month.
+  indecent actions.
+
+  69. Disguising in masks, and       The same.
+  obtaining admission into
+  societies, and secret
+  fraternities not notified to
+  the Magistrate.
+
+  70. Harbouring in dwellings        The same.
+  persons not known to have an
+  honest mean of living.
+
+  71. Banished persons, from         Corporal correction, to be
+  the whole of the Austrian          doubled at each successive return;
+  Dominions--returning, &c.          and the offender to be banished
+                                     from the Hereditary Dominions.
+
+[Footnote 15: In cases where a criminal appears to be remarkably
+depraved, and that the apprehensions he may excite require such
+precautions, he shall be branded on each cheek with the mark of a
+gallows, so visibly and strongly impressed as not to be effaced either
+by time or any other means whatever.]
+
+[Footnote 16: This punishment is different from the pillory in
+England. In the German Language it signifies an exposure on the public
+theatre of shame. The Criminal is chained and guarded on an elevated
+scaffold, and exposed an hour at a time, with a paper on his breast
+denoting his offence.]
+
+[Footnote 17: When a criminal is condemned to severe imprisonment, he
+has no bed but the floor, no nourishment but bread and water, and all
+communication with relations, or even strangers, is refused him. When
+condemned to milder imprisonment, better nourishment is allowed; but
+he has nothing to drink but water.]
+
+[Footnote 18: Corporal punishment is inflicted with a whip, rod, or
+stick, publicly, on the criminal; the degree of punishment (within 100
+lashes or strokes at one time) depends on the sound prudence of the
+Judge.]
+
+[Footnote 19: The punishment of the Chain is inflicted in the
+following manner. The criminal suffers severe imprisonment, and is so
+closely chained, that he has no more liberty than serves for the
+indispensable motion of his body.--Chained criminals suffer a corporal
+punishment once a year, as an example to the Public.]
+
+In contemplating the various component parts of this Code, it is easy
+to discover that although some features of it may be worthy of
+imitation, upon the whole it is not suited either to the English
+constitution or the genius of our people. It is, however, a curious
+and interesting document, from which considerable information may be
+drawn; if ever that period shall arrive when a revision of our own
+criminal Code (in many respects more excellent than this) shall become
+an object of consideration with the Legislature.--At all events it
+strongly evinces the necessity of adapting the laws to the
+circumstances and situation of the Government; and of the people whose
+vices are to be restrained.
+
+The total abolition of the Punishment of death (excepting in military
+offences cognizable by Courts Martial) is a very prominent feature in
+this Code; which appears to have been founded in a great measure on
+the principles laid down by the Marquis Beccaria, in his Essay on
+Crimes and Punishments: That able writer establishes it as a maxim,
+which indeed will scarcely be controverted--"That the severity of
+Punishment should just be sufficient to excite compassion in the
+spectators, as it is intended more for them than the criminal.--A
+punishment, to be just, should have only that degree of severity which
+is sufficient to deter others, and no more"--This authour further
+asserts, "That perpetual labour has in it all that is necessary to
+deter the most hardened and determined, as much as the punishment of
+death, _where every example supposes a new crime_:--perpetual labour
+on the other hand, affords a frequent and lasting example."[20]
+
+[Footnote 20: The punishment of death is not authorized by any
+right.--If it were so, how could it be reconciled to the maxim, that a
+man has no right to kill himself?
+
+The punishment of death is a war of a whole nation against a citizen,
+whose destruction is considered as necessary or useful to the public
+good.--If I can demonstrate that it is neither necessary nor useful, I
+shall have gained the cause of humanity.--If the experience of all
+ages be not sufficient to prove that the punishment of death has never
+prevented determined men from injuring society--if the example of the
+Romans--if twenty years' reign of Elizabeth, Empress of Russia, be not
+sufficient, let us consult human nature in proof of my assertion.
+
+The death of a criminal is a terrible, but momentary spectacle; and
+therefore a less efficacious method of deterring others, than the
+continued example of a man deprived of his liberty, and condemned to
+repair by his labour, the injury done to Society. A condition so
+miserable is a much more powerful preventive than the fear of death,
+which men always behold in distant obscurity.
+
+BECCARIA, cap. 28.]
+
+Doubtless, the fundamental principle of good legislation is, rather to
+prevent crimes than to punish.--If a mathematical expression may be
+made use of, relative to the good and evil of human life, it is the
+art of conducting men to the _maximum_ of happiness and the _minimum_
+of misery.
+
+But in spite of all the efforts of human wisdom, aided by the lights
+of Philosophy, and freed from the mist of prejudice or the bigotry of
+darker ages;--In spite of the best laws, and the most correct system
+of Police which the most enlightened Legislature can form: it will
+not be altogether possible, amid the various opposite attractions of
+pleasure and pain, to reduce the tumultuous activity of mankind to
+absolute regularity:--We can only hope for a considerable reduction of
+the evils that exist.--_Let the Laws be clear and simple;--let the
+entire force of the Nation be united in their defence; let the Laws be
+feared, and the Laws only._
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. III.
+
+     _The causes and progress of small Thefts in London explained
+     and traced to the numerous Receivers of stolen Goods, under
+     the denominations of Dealers in Rags, Old Iron, and other
+     Metals.--The great increase of these Dealers of late
+     years.--Their evil tendency, and the absolute necessity of
+     Regulations, to prevent the extensive Mischiefs arising from
+     the Encouragements they hold out, to persons of every age
+     and description, to become Thieves, by the purchase of
+     whatever is offered for sale.--A Remedy suggested.--Petty
+     Thefts in the country round the Metropolis--Workhouses the
+     causes of idleness--Commons--Cottagers--Gypsies--Labourers
+     and Servants; their general bad character and propensity to
+     thieving small articles from their Masters, encouraged by
+     Receivers.--Thefts in Fields and Gardens--Their extent and
+     amount throughout England--Frauds in the sale and
+     adulteration of Milk in the Metropolis._
+
+
+In a preceding Chapter the small thefts committed by persons not known
+to belong to the fraternity of Thieves, are estimated to amount to the
+enormous sum of L.700,000 a year.
+
+This discovery (except what relates to embezzled silk, cotton, and
+worsted) was originally made through the medium of a considerable
+Dealer in Rags and Old Iron, and other Metals, who communicated to the
+Author much interesting information, respecting Receivers of stolen
+Goods, confirmed afterwards through other channels, the substance of
+which has been already alluded to; and of which the following are more
+ample details:
+
+     That there exists in this Metropolis, (and also in all the
+     towns where his Majesty's Dock-Yards are established) a
+     class of Dealers, of late years become extremely numerous,
+     who keep open shops for the purchase of _Rags, Old Iron, and
+     other Metals_.
+
+     "That these Dealers are universally, almost without a single
+     exception, the Receivers of stolen Goods of every
+     denomination; from a nail, a skewer, a key, or a glass
+     bottle, up to the most valuable article of portable
+     household goods, merchandize, plate, or jewels, &c. &c.
+
+     "That they are divided into two classes:--_Wholesale_ and
+     _Retail Dealers_. That the Retail Dealers are generally
+     (with some exceptions) the immediate purchasers in the first
+     instance, from the pilferers or their agents; and as soon as
+     they collect a sufficient quantity of iron, copper, brass,
+     lead, tin, pewter, or other metals, worthy the notice of a
+     large Dealer, they dispose of the same for ready money; by
+     which they are enabled to continue the trade.
+
+     "That the increase of these old iron, rag, and store shops
+     has been astonishing within the last twenty years.
+
+     "That, as the least trifle is received, the vigilance of the
+     parties, from whom the articles are stolen, is generally
+     eluded; by the prevailing practice of taking only a small
+     quantity of any article at a time.
+
+     "That the articles thus received are generally purchased at
+     about one-third of the real value, and seldom at more than
+     half;--glass bottles in particular, are bought at one penny
+     each, and no question asked:--they are afterwards sold to
+     dealers in this particular branch, who assort and wash them,
+     and again re-sell them to inferior wine-dealers at nearly
+     the full value:--this has become, of late, an extensive line
+     of trade.
+
+     "That further facilities are afforded by the dealers in old
+     iron, in the collection of metals, rags, and other articles
+     purloined and stolen in the Country; which are conveyed to
+     town by means of _single-horse carts_, kept by itinerant
+     Jews, and other doubtful characters; who travel to
+     Portsmouth, Chatham, Woolwich, Deptford, and places in the
+     vicinity of London, for the purpose of purchasing metals
+     from persons who are in the habit of embezzling the King's
+     stores, or from dealers on the spot, who are the first
+     receivers; from them, _copper-bolts, nails, spikes, iron,
+     brass, lead, pewter_, and other ship articles of
+     considerable value are procured.--These single-horse carts
+     have increased greatly of late years, and have become very
+     profitable to the proprietors.
+
+     "That some of these dealers in old metals, notoriously keep
+     men employed in knocking the broad Arrow, or King's mark,
+     out of the copper-bolts, nails, and bar iron, whereon it is
+     impressed, and also in cutting such bar iron into portable
+     lengths, after which it is sold to the great dealers, who
+     supply the Public Boards; and who are in some instances
+     supposed by this means to sell the same Article to these
+     boards even _two_ or _three_ times over.
+
+     "That the trade thus carried on, is exceedingly productive
+     both to the retail and wholesale dealers; many of whom are
+     become extremely opulent, and carry on business to the
+     extent of from ten to thirty, and in some few instances,
+     fifty thousand a year in old metals alone.
+
+     "That the quantity of new nails, taken from the public
+     repositories, and from private workshops, and disposed of at
+     the old iron shops exceeds all credibility.
+
+     "And finally, that the retail dealers in old iron, with some
+     exceptions, are the principal purchasers of the pewter pots
+     stolen from the Publicans, which they instantly melt down
+     (if not previously done) to elude detection."
+
+Thus are the lower ranks of Society assailed on all hands; and in a
+manner allured to be dishonest, by the ready means of disposing of
+property, unlawfully acquired, to satisfy _imaginary_ and too
+frequently _criminal_ wants, excited by the temptations which the
+amusements and dissipations of a great Capital, and the delusion of
+the Lottery, hold out.
+
+The rapid growth of this Evil within the last twenty years, and the
+effect it has upon the morals of menial servants and others, who must
+in the nature of things have a certain trust committed to them, is a
+strong reason why some effectual remedy should be administered as
+speedily as possible.
+
+It seems, under all circumstances, that the regulation of these
+Iron-shops, by licence, and by other restrictions connected with the
+public security, has become a matter of immediate necessity; for it is
+a dreadful thing to reflect that there should exist and grow up, in so
+short a period of time, such a body of criminal dealers, who are
+permitted to exercise all the mischievous part of the functions of
+Pawnbrokers; enjoying equal benefits, without any of the restrictions
+which have already been extended to this last class of dealers; who
+themselves also require further regulations, which will be hereafter
+discussed.
+
+But beside the dealers in _old iron_, it will be necessary to extend
+the regulation proposed, to dealers in _second-hand wearing apparel_,
+whether _stationary_ or _itinerant_; for through this medium also, a
+vast quantity of bed and table linen, sheets, wearing apparel, and
+other articles, pilfered in private families, is disposed of; and
+money is obtained, without asking questions, with the same facility as
+at the iron shops.
+
+To prevent metals from being melted by Receivers of stolen Goods, and
+other persons keeping crucibles and melting vessels, by which means
+the most infamous frauds are committed, to the evasion of justice, by
+immediately melting plate, pewter pots, and every kind of metal that
+can be identified; it may be also necessary to regulate, by licence,
+all _Founders of metal_, and also the horse and truck carts used for
+the purpose of conveying old metals from place to place: so as, upon
+the whole, to establish a _mild, but complete System of Prevention_;
+by limiting the dealers in old metals and second-hand wearing apparel,
+to the honest and fair part of their trade, and by restraining them
+with regard to that which is fraudulent and mischievous.
+
+At present these respective dealers may truly be said to be complete
+pests of Society.--They are not, like Pawnbrokers, restrained, as to
+the hours of receiving or delivering goods.--Their dealings are often
+in the night time, by which means they enjoy every opportunity of
+encouraging fraud and dishonesty.
+
+It is impossible to contemplate the consequences arising from the
+seduction of so many individuals, young and old, who must be
+implicated in the crimes which these abominable receptacles encourage,
+without wishing to see so complicate and growing a mischief engage
+the immediate attention of the Legislature, that a remedy may be
+applied as early as possible.[21]
+
+[Footnote 21: This remedy as it respects Receivers of stolen Goods, is
+specifically explained at the close of a subsequent Chapter which
+relates entirely to that subject, and to which the Reader is
+particularly referred.]
+
+This System of petty thievery and general depredation is, however, by
+no means confined to the precincts of the Metropolis: it is extended
+in a peculiar manner through the different Counties in its
+Vicinity.--The following particulars, extracted from Mr. _Middleton's_
+View of the Agriculture of _Middlesex_, will enable the Reader to form
+some judgment of the extent of the mischief, and the causes from which
+it originates; producing and increasing that band of plunderers, of
+which the Metropolis itself has ultimately been at once the Nurse and
+the Victim.
+
+"The funds raised for supporting the _Idle Poor of this country_ (says
+this intelligent writer) are so numerous, efficient, and comfortable,
+as to operate against the general industry of the _Labouring Poor_.
+
+"Lodging and diet in the workhouses, in every instance, are superior
+to what the industrious labourer can provide for his family. It is
+obvious that this must have an influence over their minds, and become
+most injurious to the interests of society; it holds out encouragement
+to prefer the workhouse to labour; and, by filling the poor houses
+with improper inhabitants, it reduces the amount of industry."
+
+The annual expence of each pauper is calculated by the same Writer at
+about _Fifteen Guineas_; a stout healthy labourer in husbandry, with a
+wife and three children, earns only Thirty for the support of five
+persons.
+
+"The want of prudence is increased, and general industry lessened, on
+the part of the poor, by the facility with which voluntary
+contributions are raised during every temporary inconvenience, such as
+a few weeks' frost, or an extraordinary advance in the price of
+provisions.[22] And also by the constantly cloathing upwards of ten
+thousand children of the labouring Poor in this Country.
+
+[Footnote 22: This observation can only apply to such voluntary
+contributions as are liable to abuses, and where the poor are
+permitted to dispose of the benevolence of the opulent in their own
+way.--The _Soup-Charities_ established in different parts of the
+Metropolis are a peculiar exception, inasmuch as they contribute only
+to the relief of those that are really objects of distress, while no
+Public Charity heretofore instituted has been found to be liable to
+fewer abuses. In a great Metropolis like London, it has been clearly
+established, that in spite of every regard to prudence and oeconomy,
+decent families will be suddenly broke down, while the habits of life
+peculiar to the lower orders, and their want of the knowledge of
+frugal cookery have proved a source of much real calamity; for where
+nothing is laid up, every pressure arising from sickness, child-birth,
+or death throws many hundreds upon the Public, who have no legal
+parochial Settlement, and who but for some relief must absolutely
+perish;--While the Soup-Charities hold out immediate and constant
+relief to many families, who might otherwise perish with
+hunger;--while this species of relief may be said to be accessible to
+every indigent family in the Metropolis, no lure is held out to the
+idle or profligate. It cannot be disposed of, as bread, meat, and
+coals, for gin and other articles. There is therefore scarcely any
+risque of deception, more especially as the applicants pay down half
+the original cost on receiving it--Thus establishing the means of
+discrimination between _real_ and _pretended distress_. About 10,000
+families, composed chiefly of persons who had not the means of
+obtaining sufficient food to support nature, consisting of 50,000 men,
+women, and children, were relieved by the daily distribution of Soups
+at _Spital-Fields_, _Clerkenwell_, _St. George's Fields_, and
+_Westminster_, during the last winter, at an expence to the
+Subscribers not exceeding One Guinea for every 504 meals of rich
+nourishing Soup, which those poor people received. But this is not the
+only advantage which attends these Institutions, since there is every
+reason to believe, that while the poor are thus frugally fed, they are
+taught by example, and by circulating among them printed friendly
+advices, what they never knew before--_The means of making a little go
+far_, by introducing the same beneficial mode of dressing food in
+their own houses. And from a minute attention to this object, the
+Author has great satisfaction in stating, that from the eagerness
+shewn to obtain the Soup, and the thankfulness almost universally
+expressed for the benefits it conferred, there is every reason to
+hope, that more good has arisen to the industrious poor from these
+establishments (which are now extending themselves in the Villages and
+Manufacturing Towns) than by any plan which has ever been resorted to
+for relieving distress. Among the various classes of benevolent
+individuals, to whom the Public have been indebted for their pecuniary
+and personal aid in promoting this design the Society of _The Friends_
+is peculiarly prominent. To the zeal and perseverance they have
+manifested, and the valuable time they have bestowed, in giving effect
+and utility to the System, is owing much of its success.]
+
+"Every institution which tends to make the poor depend on any other
+support than their own industry does them great disservice, and is
+highly injurious to society, by diminishing the quantity of labour
+which annually produces consumable goods, the only wealth of a
+nation."
+
+Although these suggestions may appear harsh, and some of them may
+admit of more extended discussion, yet they certainly deserve very
+serious consideration; as do also the following observations on the
+Commons and Waste Lands with which this kingdom still abounds; and on
+the general character of Servants and Labourers; the latter of which
+afford but too melancholy a confirmation of many opinions which the
+author of this treatise has thought it his duty to bring forward to
+the Public eye.
+
+"On estimating the value of the Commons in Middlesex, including every
+advantage that can be derived from them in pasturage, locality of
+situation, and the barbarous custom of turbary, it appears that _they
+do not produce to the Community, in their present state, more than
+four shillings per Acre_! On the other hand, they are, in many
+instances, of real injury to the Public, by holding out a lure to the
+poor man; by affording him materials wherewith to build his cottage,
+and ground to erect it upon; together with firing, and the run of his
+poultry and pigs for nothing. This is, of course, temptation
+sufficient to induce a great number of poor persons to settle upon the
+borders of such Commons. But the mischief does not end here; for
+having gained these trifling advantages, through the neglect or
+connivance of the Lord of the Manor, it unfortunately gives their
+minds an improper bias, and inculcates a desire to live, from that
+time forward, without labour, or at least with as little as possible.
+
+"The animals kept by this description of persons, it is soon
+discovered by their owners, are not likely to afford them much
+revenue, without better feed than the scanty herbage on a Common;
+hence they are tempted to pilfer corn, &c. towards their support; and
+as they are still dependant on such a deceptious supply, to answer the
+demands of their consumption, they are in some measure constrained to
+resort to various dishonest means, so as to make up the deficiency.
+
+"It is a notorious fact, that in all cases cottages not having any
+ground belonging to them promote thieving to a great extent; as their
+inhabitants constantly rob the neighbouring farms and gardens of root
+and pulse sufficient for their own consumption, and which they would
+have no temptation to do, if they had the same articles growing of
+their own." Hence Mr. Middleton suggests the evil admits of an easy
+remedy, namely, the allotting to each cottager a piece of ground.
+
+"Another very serious evil which the Public suffers from these Commons
+is, that they are the constant rendezvous of Gypsies, Strollers, and
+other loose persons, living under tents which they carry with them
+from place to place, according to their conveniency. Most of these
+persons have asses, many of them horses, nay, some of them have even
+covered carts, which answer the double purpose of a caravan for
+concealing and carrying off the property they have stolen, and also of
+a house for sleeping in at night. They usually stay a week or two at a
+place; and the cattle which they keep serve to transport their few
+articles of furniture from one place to another. These, during the
+stay of their owners, are turned adrift to procure what food they can
+find in the neighbourhood of their tents, and the deficiency is made
+up from the adjacent hay-stacks, barns and granaries. They are known
+never to buy any hay or corn, and yet their cattle are supplied with
+these articles of good quality. The women and children beg and pilfer,
+and the men commit greater acts of dishonesty. _In short, the Commons
+of this Country are well known to be the constant resort of footpads
+and highwaymen, and are literally and proverbially a public
+nuisance._"----
+
+"_The Labourers of this country are ruined in morals and constitution
+by the public houses._ It is a general rule, that the higher their
+wages, the less they carry home, and consequently the greater is the
+wretchedness of themselves and their families. Comforts in a cottage
+are mostly found where the man's wages are low, at least so low as to
+require him to labour six days a week. For instance, a good workman at
+nine shillings per week, if advanced to twelve will spend a day in the
+week at the alehouse, which reduces his labour to five days, or ten
+shillings; and as he will spend two shillings in the public house, it
+leaves but eight for his family, which is one less than they had when
+he earned only nine shillings.
+
+"If by any means he be put into a situation of earning eighteen
+shillings in six days, he will get drunk Sunday and Monday, and go to
+his work stupid on Tuesday; and should he be a mechanical journeyman
+of some genius, who by constant labour could earn twenty-four
+shillings or thirty shillings per week, as some of them can, he will
+be drunk half the week, insolent to his employer, and to every person
+about him.
+
+"If his master has business in hand that requires particular dispatch,
+he will then, more than at any other time, be absent from his work,
+and his wife and children will experience the extreme of hunger, rags
+and cold.
+
+"The low _Inns on the road sides_ are, in general, receiving houses
+for the corn, hay, straw, poultry, eggs, &c. which the farmers' men
+pilfer from their masters.
+
+"_Gentlemen's Servants_ are mostly a bad set, and the great number
+kept in this county, is the means of the rural labourers acquiring a
+degree of idleness and insolence unknown in places more remote from
+the Metropolis.
+
+"The poor children who are brought up on the borders of commons and
+copses, are accustomed to little labour, but too much idleness and
+pilfering. Having grown up, and these latter qualities having become a
+part of their nature, they are then introduced to the farmers as
+servants or labourers; and very bad ones they make.
+
+"The children of small farmers, on the contrary, have the picture of
+industry, hard labour, and honesty, hourly before them, in the
+persons of their _parents_, and daily hear the complaints which _they_
+make against idle and pilfering servants, and comparisons drawn highly
+in favour of honesty. In this manner honesty and industry become, as
+it were, a part of the nature of such young folks. The father's
+property is small, and his means few; he is therefore unable to hire
+and stock a farm for each of his children; they consequently become
+servants on large farms, or in gentlemen's families, and in either
+situation are the most faithful part of such establishments."----
+
+"One great hindrance to comfort in a life of agriculture, and which
+drives liberal minded men, who are always the best friends to
+improvement, out of the profession, is the want of laws to put a total
+stop to the Receivers of stolen goods. These are the wretches who
+encourage servants in agriculture, and others to pilfer, by holding
+out the lure of buying every article, which such servants can bring
+without asking them any questions. Most things which are usually
+produced on a farm, from so small an article as an egg, to hay, straw
+and grain of all sorts are daily stolen,[23] and sold on the sides of
+every principal road in this county. Among the Receivers are to be
+reckoned Millers, Cornchandlers, Dealers in eggs, butter and poultry,
+and the Keepers of Chandlers' shops.
+
+[Footnote 23: These thefts are committed by degrees in a small way,
+seldom exceeding a truss of hay or a bushel of corn by one man at one
+time; and are generally of smaller articles. In some places the
+stealing of gate-hooks and iron-fastnings is so common as to compel
+the farmer both to hang and fasten his gates with wood. _Middleton._]
+
+"The Drivers of Gentlemen's carriages are intrusted to buy hay, straw,
+and corn, for their horses; in the doing which, they generally cheat
+their masters of 5_s._ in each load of hay, of 2_s._ 6_d._ in each
+load of straw, and 1_s._ in every quarter of corn. This gives them an
+interest in the consumption, makes them extremely wasteful, and brings
+on habits of dishonesty.
+
+"The Ostlers at the Inns on the sides of the roads, purchase stolen
+hay, straw, corn, eggs, and poultry. A person who kept a horse several
+weeks at one of these inns, in attending occasionally to see the
+animal, discovered him to be fed with wheat, barley and oats mixed
+together, which could only happen by the farmers' servants robbing
+their Master, and selling the corn to the Ostler."----
+
+"The fields near London are never free from men strolling about in
+pilfering pursuits by day, and committing great crimes by night. The
+depredations every Sunday are astonishingly great. There are not many
+gardens within five miles of London, that escape being visited in a
+marauding way, very early on a Sunday morning, and the farmers' fields
+are plundered all day long of fruit, roots, cabbages, pulse and corn.
+Even the ears of wheat are cut from the sheaves, and carried away in
+the most daring manner in open day, in various ways, but mostly in
+bags containing about half a bushel each. It has been moderately
+estimated, that 20,000 bushels of all the various sorts are thus
+carried off every Sunday morning, and 10,000 more during the other six
+days of the week; or one million and a half of bushels in a year,
+which, if valued at so small a sum as sixpence each, would amount to
+L37,500.
+
+"The occupiers of many thousand acres round London, lose annually in
+this manner to the amount of much more than 20_s._ an acre.
+
+"A Miller near London being questioned as to small parcels of wheat
+brought to his mill to be ground, by a suspected person, soon after
+several barns had been robbed, answered, that any explanation on that
+head would put his mills in danger of being burnt. Well may the
+_farmers_ say, 'Their _property is not protected like that of other
+men_.'"
+
+Mr. Middleton calculates that the depredations committed on the landed
+interest probably amount to 4_s._ an acre per annum, on all the
+cultivated lands in England, or to eight millions of pounds sterling
+per annum: and including the injuries done by game and vermin, he
+supposes, that the farmers' property suffers to the amount of 10_s._
+an acre, or nearly twenty millions annually.
+
+The following curious circumstances relative to the adulteration of
+_Milk_ in the Metropolis, ought to be added to the list of petty
+frauds, which not merely affect the pockets but the health of the
+inhabitants of London. The number of milch cows kept for the purpose
+of supplying the Metropolis with this article, is stated by Mr.
+_Middleton_, after very diligent inquiry, at 8,500; and each cow is
+supposed to afford on an average nine quarts of milk per day.--
+
+"When the families of fashion are in London for the winter season, the
+consumption, and consequent deterioration of milk are at the highest;
+during the summer months, when such families are for the most part in
+the country, the milk may probably be of rather a better quality.
+
+"The milk is always given in its genuine state to the retail dealers;
+and as it is sold to them by the Cow-keepers after the rate of
+twopence and 1-8th of a penny per quart, and is retailed by them at
+threepence halfpenny per quart, the profit is surely so large as ought
+to prevent even the smallest adulteration. But when it is considered
+how greatly it is reduced _by water_, and impregnated with _worse_
+ingredients, it is much to be lamented that no method has yet been
+devised to put a stop to the many scandalous frauds and impositions in
+general practice, with regard to this very necessary article of human
+sustenance.
+
+"It is certainly an object well deserving the particular consideration
+of the Legislature. It cannot be doubted, that many persons would be
+glad to make some addition to the price now paid for it (high as that
+price is) provided they could, for such increased price, procure so
+useful an article in domestic oeconomy perfectly genuine.[24]
+
+[Footnote 24: Not satisfied with the profit here stated, which,
+considering the difference of measures, is above 100 per cent. is a
+common practice with the Retailers of this useful article to carry the
+milk first home to their own houses, where it is set up for half a
+day, when the cream is taken from it, at least all that comes up in
+that time, and it is then sold for new milk. By which means, what is
+delivered in the morning is no other than the milk of the preceding
+afternoon, deprived of the cream it throws up by standing during that
+time. By this means a farther considerable profit accrues to the
+Retailers, and the milk is greatly reduced in point of strength and
+quality. This cream, poor as it is, they again mix with flour, chalk,
+and perhaps other more baneful ingredients, and yet it finds a ready
+market in the Metropolis. _Middleton._]
+
+"Five or six men only are employed in attending near three hundred
+cows. As one woman cannot milk above eight or nine cows twice a day,
+that part of the business would necessarily be attended with
+considerable expence to the Cow-keeper, were it not that the Retailer
+agrees for the produce of a certain number of cows, and takes the
+labour and expence of milking on himself.
+
+"Every Cow-house is provided with a milk-room (where the milk is
+measured and served out by the Cow-keeper) and this room is mostly
+furnished with _a pump_, to which the Retail Dealers apply in
+rotation; not secretly, but openly before any person that may be
+standing by, from which they pump water into the milk vessels at their
+discretion. The pump is placed there expressly for that purpose, and
+indeed is very seldom used for any other. A considerable Cow-keeper
+in Surrey has a pump of this kind, which goes, by the name of the
+_Famous Black Cow_ (from the circumstance of its being painted black)
+_and is said to yield more than all the rest put together_.
+
+"Where such a pump is not provided for them things are much worse, for
+in that case the Retailers are not even careful to use _clean_ water.
+Some of them have been seen to dip their pails in a common
+horse-trough. And what is still more disgusting, though equally true,
+one cow-house happens to stand close to the edge of a stream, into
+which runs much of the dung, and most of the urine of the cows, and
+even in this stream, so foully impregnated, they have been observed to
+dip their milk-pails.
+
+"A Cow-keeper informs me, that the Retail Milk Dealers are for the
+most part the refuse of other employments, possessing neither
+character, decency of manners, nor cleanliness.
+
+"No person could possibly drink of the milk, were they fully
+acquainted with the filthy manners of these dealers in it.
+
+"The same person suggests, _as a remedy for these abuses, that it
+would be highly proper for every Retail Milk Dealer to be obliged to
+take out an Annual Licence from the Magistrates_; which licence should
+be granted only to such as could produce a certificate of good
+conduct, signed by the Cow-keeper and a certain number of their
+customers; and also on their being sworn to sell the milk pure and
+unadulterated."
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. IV.
+
+     _General Reflections arising from the perpetration of the
+     higher and more atrocious crimes of Burglary, Highway
+     Robbery, &c.--These crimes more peculiar to England than to
+     Holland and Flanders, &c.--The Reason explained.--A general
+     View of the various classes of Criminals engaged in
+     Robberies and Burglaries and of those discharged from Prison
+     and the Hulks.--Their miserable situation as Outcasts of
+     Society, without the means of Support.--The necessity of
+     some Antidote previous to the return of Peace.--The means
+     used at present by Thieves in accomplishing their nefarious
+     Purposes.--Observations on the stealing Cattle, Sheep, Corn,
+     &c.--Receivers of Stolen Goods shewn to be the Nourishers of
+     every description of Thieves.--Remedies suggested, by means
+     of Detection and Prevention._
+
+
+It is impossible to reflect upon the outrages and acts of violence
+continually committed, more particularly in and near the Metropolis by
+lawless ravagers of property, and destroyers of lives, in disturbing
+the peaceful mansion, _the Castle of every Englishman_, and also in
+abridging the liberty of travelling upon the Public Highways, without
+asking--_Why are these enormities suffered in a Country where the
+Criminal Laws are supposed to have arrived at a greater degree of
+perfection than any other?_
+
+This is an important inquiry, interesting in the highest degree, to
+every member of the Body Politic.
+
+If, in pursuing such an inquiry, the situation of Holland, Flanders,
+and several of the Northern States on the Continent, be examined, it
+will be found that this terrific evil had (alluding to these States
+previous to the present war) there scarcely an existence: and, that
+the precaution of bolting doors and windows during the night, was even
+seldom used; although, in these Countries, from the opulence of many
+of the inhabitants, there were great temptations to plunder property.
+
+This security did not proceed from _severer punishments_, for in very
+few Countries are they more sanguinary than in England.--It is to be
+attributed to a more correct and energetic system of Police, joined to
+an early and general attention to the employment, education, and
+morals of the lower orders of the people; a habit of industry and
+sobriety is thus acquired, which, universally imbibed in early life,
+"grows with their growth, and strengthens with their strength."
+
+Idleness is a never-failing road to criminality. It originates
+generally in the inattention and the bad example of profligate
+parents.--And when it has unfortunately taken hold of the human mind,
+unnecessary wants and improper gratifications, not known or thought
+of by persons in a course of industry, are constantly generated: hence
+it is, that crimes are resorted to, and every kind of violence,
+hostile to the laws, and to peace and good order, is perpetrated.
+
+The criminal and unfortunate individuals, who compose the dismal
+catalogue of Highwaymen, Footpad-Robbers, Burglars, Pick-Pockets, and
+common Thieves, in and about this Metropolis, may be divided into the
+three following classes:
+
+     1. Young men of some education, who having acquired idle
+     habits by abandoning business, or by being bred to no
+     profession, and having been seduced by this idleness to
+     indulge in gambling and scenes of debauchery and
+     dissipation, at length impoverished and unable to purchase
+     their accustomed gratifications, have recourse to the
+     highway to supply immediate wants.
+
+     2. Tradesmen and others, who having ruined their fortunes
+     and business by gaming and dissipation, sometimes as a
+     desperate remedy, go upon the road.
+
+But these two classes are extremely few in number, and bear no
+proportion to the lower and more depraved part of the fraternity of
+thieves, who pursue the trade systematically; who conduct their
+depredations under such circumstances of caution, as to render
+detection extremely difficult; and whose knowledge of all the weak
+parts of the Criminal Law is generally so complete, as to enable them
+to elude justice, and obtain acquittals, when detected and put upon
+their trial:--_Namely_--
+
+     3. 1st. Servants, Ostlers, Stable and Post-Boys out of
+     place, who, preferring what they consider as idleness, have
+     studied the profession of Thieving.--2d. Persons who being
+     imprisoned for debts, assaults, or petty offences, have
+     learned habits of idleness and profligacy in gaols.--3d.
+     Idle and disorderly mechanics and labourers, who having on
+     this account lost the confidence of their masters or
+     employers, resort to thieving, as a means of support; from
+     all whom the notorious and hacknied thieves generally select
+     the most trusty and daring to act as their associates.--4th.
+     Criminals tried and acquitted of offences charged against
+     them, of which class a vast number is annually let loose
+     upon Society.--5th. Convicts discharged from prison and the
+     Hulks, after suffering the sentence of the Law: too often
+     instructed by one another in all the arts and devices which
+     attach to the most extreme degree of human depravity, and in
+     the perfect knowledge of the means of perpetrating Crimes,
+     and of eluding Justice.
+
+To form some judgment of the number of persons in this great
+Metropolis who compose at least a part of the Criminal Phalanx engaged
+in depredations and acts of violence, it is only necessary to have
+recourse to the following Statement of the number of prisoners
+discharged, during a period of four years, from the eight different
+Gaols in the Metropolis, and within the Bills of Mortality.
+
+  1. Discharged by proclamation and gaol-deliveries;
+  having been committed in consequence of being
+  charged with various offences for which bills
+  were not found by the Grand Jury, or where
+  the prosecutors did not appear to maintain and
+  support the charges                                             5592
+
+  2. Discharged by acquittals, in the different Courts;
+  (frequently from having availed themselves of
+  the defects of the Law,--from frauds in keeping
+  back evidence, and other devices)                               2962
+
+  3. Convicts discharged from the different gaols,
+  after suffering the punishment of imprisonment,
+  &c. inflicted on them for the several
+  offences                                                        2484
+                                                                 -----
+                                                          Total  11038
+
+The following is a Statement of the number of these discharges from
+the year 1792 to 1799 inclusive:--
+
+  1. Discharged by Proclamations and Gaol-deliveries              8650
+
+  2. Discharged by Acquittals                                     4935
+
+  3. Discharged after punishment: or by
+     being bailed or pardoned                                     6925
+                                                                ------
+                                                         Total  20,510
+                                                                ------
+
+If to this deplorable Catalogue shall be added the Convicts which have
+been returned on the Public from the Hulks within the same period,
+namely, from 1792 to 1799 inclusive, either from pardons, escapes, or
+the expiration of their punishment, the numbers will stand thus:
+
+  Enlarged in 1792                          303
+  ----        1793                          435
+  ----        1794                           62
+  ----        1795                           67
+  ----        1796                           38
+  ----        1797                           39
+  ----        1798                           93
+  ----        1799                          346
+                                           ----
+                                           1383
+                                         ------
+    Total from Gaols and from the Hulks  21,893
+
+Humanity shudders at the contemplation of this interesting part of the
+discussion, when it is considered, who these our miserable
+fellow-mortals are! and what is to be expected from the extreme
+depravity which attaches to the chief part of them!
+
+And here a prominent feature of the imperfect state of the Police of
+the Metropolis and the Country is too evident to escape notice.
+
+_Without friends, without character, and without the means of
+subsistence_, what are these unhappy mortals to do?--They are no
+sooner known or suspected, than they are avoided.--No person will
+employ them, even if they were disposed to return to the paths of
+honesty; unless they make use of fraud and deception, by concealing
+that they have been the inhabitants of a _Prison_, or of the _Hulks_.
+
+At large upon the world, without food or raiment, and with the
+constant calls of nature upon them for both, without a home or any
+asylum to shelter them from the inclemency of the weather, _what is to
+become of them_?
+
+The Police of the Country has provided no place of industry, in which
+those who were disposed to reform might find subsistence in return for
+voluntary labour; which, in their present situation, becomes useless
+to them, because no person will purchase it by employing them.[25]
+Under all these circumstances it is to be feared, indeed it is known,
+that many Convicts, from dire necessity, return to their old
+courses.--And thus, through the medium of these miserable outcasts of
+Society, crimes are increased and become a regular trade, because many
+of them can make no other election.
+
+[Footnote 25: That man will deserve a statue to his memory who shall
+devise and carry into effect a plan for the employment of _Discharged
+Prisoners and Convicts_, who may be desirous of labouring for their
+subsistence in an honest way.--It is only necessary for some men of
+weight and influence to make the attempt, in order to insure the
+assistance of the opulent and humane in so good and necessary a Work.
+See a future Chapter as to the present state of punishment and the
+remedies proposed.]
+
+It is indeed true, that during the first three years of the present
+war, many Convicts and idle and disorderly persons were sent to the
+Army and Navy: but still a vast number remained behind, who could not
+be accepted on account of ruptures, fits, or some other disability or
+infirmity; which, although they incapacitate them from serving his
+Majesty, do not prevent them from committing crimes.
+
+While it must be evident, that the resource afforded by the present
+war, gives employment, for a time only, to many depraved characters
+and mischievous members of the community; how necessary is it to be
+provided with antidotes, previous to the return of peace; when, to the
+multitude of thieves now at large, there will be added numbers of the
+same class, who may be discharged from the Navy and Army?--If some
+plan of employment is not speedily devised, to which all persons of
+this description may resort, who cannot otherwise subsist themselves
+in an honest way; and if the Police of the Metropolis is not greatly
+improved, by the introduction of more energy, and a greater degree of
+System and Method in its administration; it is much to be feared, that
+no existing power will be able to keep them within bounds.
+
+It is in vain to say the Laws are sufficient.--They are indeed
+abundantly voluminous, and in many respects very excellent, but they
+require to be revised, consolidated, modernized, and adapted in a
+greater degree to the prevention of existing evils, with such
+regulations as would ensure their due execution not only _in every
+part of the Capital_, but also in all parts of the Kingdom.
+
+The means these depredators at present use in accomplishing their
+nefarious purposes are complicated and various; and of late years have
+become as much diversified as it is possible for the ingenuity of men
+to devise, who frequently join good natural abilities to all the
+artifices of the finished villain.
+
+It is no uncommon thing for the more daring and strong-minded to form
+themselves into gangs or societies; to the exclusion of those of their
+fraternity whose hearts are likely to fail them, and who are supposed
+not to be sufficiently firm, so as to secure their accomplices against
+the hazard of discovery in case of detection.
+
+Robbery and theft, as well in houses as on the roads, have long been
+reduced to a regular System. Opportunities are watched, and
+intelligence procured, with a degree of vigilance similar to that
+which marks the conduct of a skilful General, eager to obtain an
+advantage over an enemy.
+
+Houses, intended to be entered during the night, are previously
+reconnoitred and examined for days preceding. If one or more of the
+servants are not already associated with the gang, the most artful
+means are used to obtain their assistance; and when every previous
+arrangement is made, the mere operation of robbing a house becomes a
+matter of little difficulty.
+
+By the connivance and assistance of immediate, or former servants,
+they are led to the places where the most valuable, as well as the
+most portable, articles are deposited, and the object is speedily
+attained.
+
+In this manner do the principal Burglars and House-breakers proceed:
+and let this information serve as a caution to every person in the
+choice both of their male and female servants; since the latter as
+well as the former are not seldom accomplices in very atrocious
+robberies.
+
+The same _generalship_ is manifested in the nocturnal expeditions of
+those criminal associates upon the highways.
+
+A perfect knowledge is obtained every evening of the different routes
+and situations of the patroles:--they are narrowly watched, and their
+vigilance (wherever they are vigilant) is in too many instances
+defeated.
+
+Infinite pains are bestowed in procuring intelligence of persons
+travelling upon the road with money, bank-notes, or other valuable
+effects; and when discovered, the most masterly pains are concerted to
+waylay and rob them of their property: Nor have the measures pursued
+by those atrocious villains, the Footpads, exhibited less skill in the
+plans adopted; while their outrages are too often marked with those
+acts of cruelty and barbarity which justly render them objects of
+peculiar terror.
+
+The same adroitness also marks the conduct of those who turn their
+attention chiefly to picking of pockets, and other smaller robberies.
+
+It would almost fill a volume to detail the various artifices which
+are resorted to, in carrying on this species of thieving; by which
+even the most cautious, and those who are generally upon their guard,
+are not exempted from the ravages of these inferior pests of Society.
+
+In addition to the injuries or losses arising from burglaries,
+highway-robberies and lesser thefts, it is to be lamented that
+extensive and increasing depredations are made upon horses, cattle and
+sheep, and also upon flour, corn, potatoes, provender, and poultry;
+stolen from the drovers, millers, corn-factors, and farmers in the
+vicinity of the Metropolis. These have been stated more at large in a
+preceding Chapter.
+
+It cannot be too often repeated that the great facility experienced,
+in the immediate disposal of every article obtained by dishonesty, is
+one of the chief encouragements to all the acts of outrage and
+depredation enumerated in the course of this Work.
+
+It frequently happens that the Burglars, the Highwaymen, and Footpad
+robbers, make their contracts with the Receivers, on the evening
+before the plunder is obtained; so as to secure a ready admittance
+immediately afterwards, and before day-break, for the purpose of
+effectual concealment by melting plate, obliterating marks, and
+securing all other articles so as to place them out of the reach of
+discovery. This has long been reduced to a regular system which is
+understood and followed as a trade.
+
+Nor do those Thieves who steal horses,[26] cattle and sheep
+experience more difficulty in finding purchasers immediately for
+whatever they can obtain:--they too, generally, make a previous
+bargain with the Receivers, who are ready at an appointed hour to
+conceal the animals, to kill them immediately, and to destroy the
+skins for the purpose of eluding detection.
+
+[Footnote 26: The frauds and felonies committed in the course of a
+year with respect to horses exceed all credibility. Above thirty
+thousand of these useful animals are said to be flayed and boiled in
+the Metropolis, at the Seventeen Licensed Houses, annually, of which
+about one-fourth are brought there alive, supposed chiefly to be
+stolen horses. These Establishments require many additional
+regulations to enforce and insure that purity of conduct, which the
+Legislature had in view when the Act of the 26 Geo. 3, cap. 71, was
+passed for licensing persons to slaughter horses. In the operation of
+this Act is strongly evinced the inefficacy of the best laws, when
+measures are not pursued to insure an accurate and chaste execution.
+Wherever the vigilance of a General Police does not extend its
+influence in carrying into effect all regulations of a preventive
+nature, it is in vain to hope that the evil in the view of the
+Legislature will be diminished.]
+
+It sometimes happens also, that the persons who perpetrate these
+robberies are journeymen-butchers, by trade; who kill whatever they
+steal, and often afterwards sell their plunder in the Public Markets.
+
+If, by wise regulations, it were possible to embarrass and disturb the
+extensive trade carried on by all the _concealed Receivers_, who are
+the particular class having connection with the professed thieves, a
+very great check would be given to public depredations.
+
+In suggesting Remedies, this of all other appears, at first view, to
+be the most difficult; because of the apparent impossibility of
+regulating any class of Dealers who have no shop, or visible trade,
+and who transact all their business under concealment:--but still the
+object is to be obtained by a combination of different legislative
+regulations, carried into execution by a consolidated, vigilant and
+well-regulated Police.
+
+The detail, however, of the means of detecting Receivers will, of
+course, be discussed hereafter, in a subsequent Chapter; at present
+the following Hints will suffice.
+
+A register of lodging-houses and lodgers in every parish, liberty,
+hamlet, and precinct, where the rent does not exceed a certain sum
+(suppose ten shillings) weekly, would prove one great means of
+embarrassment to Thieves of every class; and of course would tend,
+with other regulations, to the prevention of Crimes.
+
+Night-Coaches also promote, in an eminent degree, the perpetration of
+burglaries and other felonies: Bribed by a high reward, many hackney
+coachmen eagerly enter into the pay of nocturnal depredators, and wait
+in the neighbourhood until the robbery is completed, and then draw up,
+at the moment the watchmen are going their rounds, or off their
+stands, for the purpose of conveying the plunder to the house of the
+Receiver, who is generally waiting the issue of the enterprise. Above
+one half of the present Hackney Coachmen, in London, are said to be
+(in the cant phrase) _Flashmen_ designed to assist thieves.
+
+It being certain that a vast deal of mischief is done which could not
+be effected, were it not for the assistance which night coaches afford
+to Thieves of every description, it would seem, upon the whole,
+advantageous to the Public, that no Hackney Coaches should be
+permitted to take fares after twelve o'clock at night; or, if this is
+impracticable, that the coach-hire for night service should be
+advanced, on condition that all coachmen going upon the stands after
+twelve o'clock, should be licensed by a Board of Police. By this means
+the night-coachmen, by being more select, would not be so open to
+improper influence; and they might even become useful to Public
+Justice in giving informations, and also in detecting Burglars, and
+other Thieves.
+
+Watchmen and Patroles, instead of being, as now, comparatively of
+little use, from their _age, infirmity, inability, inattention_, or
+_corrupt practices_, might almost at the present expence, by a proper
+selection, and a more correct mode of discipline, by means of a
+general superintendance over the whole to regulate their conduct, and
+keep them to their duty, be rendered of great utility in preventing
+Crimes, and in detecting Offenders.[27]
+
+[Footnote 27: The depredations which are committed almost every
+evening in Cheapside, and the adjacent streets leading into it,
+affords strong proofs of the necessity of an improved system with
+regard to watchmen and patroles.
+
+Allured to that particular part of the Metropolis, from the extensive
+and valuable property in _piece goods_ and other portable articles
+which are constantly removing to and from the different shops and
+warehouses:--a multitude of thieves and pickpockets, exhibiting often
+in their dress and exterior, the appearance of gentlemen and men of
+business, assemble every evening in gangs, watching at the corners of
+every street, ready to _bustle_ and _rob_, or to _trip up the heels_
+of the _warehouse-porters and the servants of shopkeepers carrying
+goods_; or at the doors of warehouses, at dusk and at the time they
+are locked, to be ready to seize loose parcels when unperceived; by
+all which means, aided by a number of other tricks and fraudulent
+pretences, they are but too successful in obtaining considerable
+booty. In short, there is no device or artifice to which these
+vigilant plunderers do not resort: of which an example appeared in an
+instance, where almost in the twinkling of an eye, while the servants
+of an eminent silk-dyer had crossed a narrow street, his horse and
+cart, containing raw silk to the value of _twelve hundred pounds_,
+were driven clear off. Many of these atrocious villains, are also
+constantly in waiting at the inns, disguised in different ways,
+personating _travellers, coach-office clerks, porters and coachmen_,
+for the purpose of plundering every thing that is portable; which,
+with the assistance of two or three associates if necessary, is
+carried to a coach called for the purpose, and immediately conveyed to
+the receiver.
+
+The most adroit thieves in this line are generally _convicts from the
+hulks, or returned transports_, who under pretence of having some
+ostensible business, (while they carry on the trade of thieving)
+generally open a _chandler's shop_, set up a _green-stall_, or get
+into a _public-house_: some of these old offenders are known also to
+keep livery-stables for thieves, and horses for the use of highwaymen;
+thereby forming a connected chain by which these criminal people
+extend and facilitate their trade; _nourishing_, _accommodating_, and
+supporting one another.]
+
+At present the System of the nightly watch is without energy,
+disjointed, and governed by almost as many different Acts of
+Parliament, as there are Parishes, Hamlets, Liberties, and Precincts
+within the Bills of Mortality; and where the payment is as various,
+running from 8-1/2_d._ up to 2_s._ a night.
+
+The Act of the 14th of George IIId. (_cap._ 90.) entituled, _An Act
+for the better regulation of the Nightly Watch within the City and
+Liberty of Westminster, and parts adjacent_, contains many excellent
+Regulations, but they do not extend to the eastern part of the
+Metropolis; and for want of an active and superintending agency,
+superior to beadles, it is believed and felt that they are not, (even
+within the district included in the Act,) correctly carried into
+execution: and that no small portion of those very men who are paid
+for protecting the public, are not only instruments of oppression in
+many instances, by extorting money most unwarrantably; but are
+frequently accessaries in aiding, abetting or concealing the
+commission of crimes, which it is their duty to detect and suppress.
+
+If as an improvement to the preventive System, and as a check upon the
+improper conduct of parochial Watchmen, a body of honest, able, and
+active Officers, in the character of Police Patroles, were attached to
+each Public Office, or to a General Police System with a sufficient
+fund to defray the expences, to follow up informations for the
+detection of negligent servants of the Public, and liberally to reward
+those who were active and useful in apprehending delinquents, and in
+making discoveries, tending either to the recovery of property stolen,
+or to the detection of the offenders, little doubt need be
+entertained, under the guidance of a Central Board and vigilant
+Police, aided by zealous and active Magistrates, that such a System
+would soon be established, as would go very far towards the prevention
+of many atrocious crimes.
+
+Among the various advantages which may thus be expected to result to
+the Community from the arrangements recommended in this work, would be
+_the suppression of Highway Robberies_. A desideratum impracticable in
+the present state of the Police, although easy and certain under a
+Police Board; having a general superintendance competent to look at
+every point of danger, and with pecuniary resources equal to an object
+so interesting to the inhabitants of this Metropolis.[28] Upon the
+adoption of this important measure, therefore, (a measure so strongly
+recommended by the Select Committee of the House of Commons on
+Finance[29]) depends in a great degree, that security to travellers on
+the highways in the vicinity of the Metropolis; the want of which, and
+of many other valuable regulations, for the prevention of crimes, has
+long been a reproach to the Criminal Jurisprudence, as well as the
+Police, of the Country.
+
+[Footnote 28: Hints have been submitted to the Author for establishing
+a plan of _Travelling Police_, to extend 20 miles round the
+Metropolis; by means of Patroles well armed and mounted, who should be
+on the road at all hours; the expence to be defrayed by the produce of
+a toll to be raised for the purpose. This scheme might in all
+probability be much improved under the sanction of a General Police
+Board, without the additional expence of the proposed toll.]
+
+[Footnote 29: See the 28th Report of that Committee.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. V.
+
+     _Reasons assigned why forgeries and frauds must prevail in a
+     certain degree, wherever the interchange of property is
+     extensive.--A considerable check already given to the higher
+     class of Forgeries, by shutting out all hopes of Royal
+     Mercy:--Petty Forgeries have however increased:--The Reason
+     assigned.--The qualifications of a Cheat, Swindler, and
+     Gambler explained.--This mischievous class of men extremely
+     numerous in the Metropolis.--The Common and Statute Law
+     applicable to offences of this nature explained.--The
+     different classes of Cheats and Swindlers, and the various
+     tricks and devices they pursue, to enable them to live in
+     idleness, by their wits.--Sharpers, Cheats, and Swindlers,
+     divided into eighteen different Classes--1st. Sharpers who
+     become Pawnbrokers.--2d. Sharpers who obtain Licence as
+     Hawkers and Pedlars.--3d. Swindlers who open shops as
+     Auctioneers.--4th. Swindlers who pretend to discount
+     Bills.--5th. Itinerate Jews.--6th. Cheats who sell by false
+     Weights and Measures.--7th. Swindlers who defraud Tradesmen
+     of Goods.--8th. Cheats who take Genteel Lodgings with false
+     Names, &c.--9th. Cheats who personate former Masters to
+     defraud their Tradesmen.--10th. Cheats who personate
+     Footmen, and order Goods from Tradesmen.--11th. Cheats and
+     Sharpers who deceive Persons from the Country.--12th. Cheats
+     and Sharpers who trick Shopmen and Boys out of
+     Parcels.--13th. Sharpers who attend Inns to pick up Parcels
+     by various tricks and devices.--14th. Cheats who go from
+     door to door, begging on false Pretences.--15th. Sharpers
+     selling smuggled Goods; known by the name of Duffers.--16th.
+     Female Sharpers, who attend Court and Public Places.--17th.
+     Female Bankers who lend money to Barrow-Women at 6d. a day
+     for Five Shillings.--18th. Cheats who pretend to tell
+     Fortunes.--Various Remedies suggested._
+
+
+In a great Metropolis, like London, where trade and commerce have
+arrived at such an astonishing height, and where from the extensive
+transactions in the Funds, and the opulence of the People, the
+interchange of property is so expanded, it ceases to be a matter of
+wonder that Forgeries and Frauds should prevail, in a certain
+degree:--the question of difficulty is, _why the Laws and the means of
+prevention, have not kept pace with the progressive advancement of the
+Country; so as to check and keep within bounds those nefarious
+practices_?
+
+Forgeries of the higher class, so dangerous in a commercial country,
+have by the wise policy of the Executive Government, in shutting out
+all hopes of the extension of the Royal Mercy to the guilty, received
+a most severe check: beneficial in the highest degree to the country,
+and clearly manifested by the records of the Old Bailey, where trial
+for offences of this nature certainly do not increase in number.
+
+But it is to be lamented, that, with regard to petty forgeries and
+frauds, this is by no means the case, for they seem to multiply and
+advance with the opulence and luxury of the country; and to branch out
+into innumerable different shades, varying as the fashions of the
+year, and as the resources for the perpetration of this species of
+fraud change their aspect.
+
+When those depraved people who (to use a vulgar phrase) _live entirely
+by their wits_--find that any tricks which they have practised for a
+certain length of time become stale, (such as _pricking the belt for a
+wager_, or _dropping the ring_) they abandon these; and have recourse
+to other devices more novel, and more likely to be effectual in
+cheating and defrauding the unwary.
+
+One of the most prevailing and successful of these, is the fraud
+practised upon shop-keepers, tradesmen, publicans, and others, by the
+circulation of forged copper-plate notes and bills for small sums, of
+L5. and L10. the latter purporting to be drawn, by bankers in the
+manufacturing and sea-port towns, on different banking-houses in
+London.
+
+This species of forgery has been carried to a considerable extent
+suggested no doubt by the confidence which is established from the
+extensive circulation of country bankers' notes and bills, now made
+payable in London; by which the deception is, in some degree,
+covered, and detection rendered more difficult.
+
+The great qualifications, or leading and indispensable attributes of a
+_Sharper_, a _Cheat_, a _Swindler_, or a _Gambler_, are, to possess a
+genteel exterior, a demeanor apparently artless, and a good address.
+
+Like the more violent depredators upon the public, this class (who are
+extremely numerous) generally proceed upon a regular system, and study
+as a _trade_ all those infamous tricks and devices by which the
+thoughtless, the ignorant, and the honest are defrauded of their
+property.
+
+The common law has defined the offence of cheating--to be _a deceitful
+practice in defrauding, or endeavouring to defraud, another of his own
+right, by means of some artful device, contrary to the plain rules of
+common honesty_.
+
+The Statute of the 33d of Henry the Eighth, _cap._ 1. entered into a
+more specific explanation of what might constitute such an offence,
+and fixed the mode of punishment; by declaring, "_that if any persons
+shall falsely or deceitfully obtain, or get into his hands or
+possession, any money, goods, &c. of any other person_, by colour or
+means of any false privy token, or counterfeit letter, _&c.--he shall,
+on conviction, be punished by imprisonment, the pillory, or
+whipping--saving to the party aggrieved the same power of recovering
+the property as he might have had at Common Law, &c._"
+
+From this remote period, until the 30th of George the Second, the
+Legislature does not appear to have seen the necessity of enacting any
+new Law, applicable to this species of offence.
+
+In the progress however of Society and Commerce, joined to the
+consequent influx of riches, producing luxury and extravagance, a
+larger field opened for cheats and sharpers of every description;
+insomuch, that the evil became so great, and the existing Laws were
+found so insufficient, as to render it necessary to provide a
+legislative remedy.
+
+In applying this remedy, it seems that the great increase of a new
+species of cheating, practised by persons known in modern times by the
+name of _Swindlers_, had suggested the propriety of defining the
+offence, in a more applicable and specific manner, and of rendering
+the punishment more severe. By the act of 30 Geo. II. _cap._ 24. it is
+declared, "_that all persons obtaining money, goods, wares, or
+merchandise_, by false pretences, _shall be deemed offenders against
+the Law and the public peace; and the Court, before whom any such
+offender shall be tried, shall on conviction, order them to be put in
+the pillory, or publicly whipped, or transported for seven years_."
+
+Thus stand the Laws at present with regard to Swindlers.[30] They
+ought certainly to embrace a wider field, so as to reach those
+artifices by which sharpers and persons of depraved minds, obtain
+money from the ignorant and unwary, by assuming false characters,
+taking genteel lodgings, and cheating innocent tradesmen, who lose
+large sums annually by such depredations.
+
+[Footnote 30: There appears to be a deficiency in the Act of 30th
+George the Second, cap. 24. in omitting to add _Bank Notes_ after the
+word _Money_, and also _Horses, Cattle, Sheep, or other Animals_,
+after goods, wares, and merchandise; since, (as has already been
+noticed, ante page 9,) it has been held that Bank Notes are not Money,
+nor are horses, cattle, &c. considered as goods, wares, or
+merchandise, according to the legal construction of any existing
+Statute.--An amendment of the Law with regard to these and other
+objects is the more necessary, as _Bank Notes_ and _Horses_ are,
+perhaps, more the objects of swindling, than other species of
+property.]
+
+We shall next proceed to particularize the various classes of Sharpers
+who thus prey upon the public: reserving all that relates to those
+more immediately connected with _Gaming Houses_ and _Lottery
+Insurances_ to the subsequent chapter.
+
+I. _Sharpers who obtain Licences to become Pawnbrokers_,[31] and bring
+disgrace upon the reputable part of the trade, by every species of
+fraud which can add to the distresses of those who are compelled to
+raise money in this way; for which purpose there are abundance of
+opportunities.--Swindling Pawnbrokers, of this Class, are uniformly
+receivers of stolen goods; and under the cover of their licence do
+much mischief to the Public. The evil arising from them might, in a
+great measure, be prevented by placing the power of granting licences
+in a general Board of Police; and rendering it necessary for all
+persons to produce a Certificate of character, before they can obtain
+such licence; and also to enter into recognizance for good
+behaviour.[32]
+
+[Footnote 31:
+
+  Number of Pawnbrokers within the Bills of   }  Persons    L.
+  Mortality, paying a licence of L10. a year. }    213     2130
+
+  In the Country, paying L5. a year.               432     2160
+                                                   ---     ----
+                                            Total  644     4290
+                                                   ---     ----]
+
+[Footnote 32: A regulation of this kind is of great importance; as the
+property of the poorest and most distressed part of the community, to
+the amount of nearly one million sterling, is constantly in the hands
+of Pawnbrokers in the Metropolis alone! and although it is of the
+utmost consequence that they, above all others, should be _honest,
+correct_ and even _humane_ characters, (and it is to be hoped many of
+them are of that description,) yet certain it is that any person, even
+the most notorious rogue or vagabond, who can raise ten pounds to pay
+for a licence, may at present set up the trade of Pawnbroker; and it
+is even said that some have got licences who have actually been on
+board the Hulks!--a thing unavoidable under the present
+circumstances.]
+
+II. _Sharpers and Swindlers who obtain Licences to be Hawkers and
+Pedlars_; under the cover of which every species of villainy is
+practised upon the country people, as well as upon the unwary in the
+Metropolis, and all the great towns in the kingdom.--The artifices by
+which they succeed, are various, as for example;--By fraudulent
+raffles, where plated goods are exhibited as silver, and where the
+chances are exceedingly against the adventurers;--By selling and
+uttering base money, and frequently forged Bank Notes, which make one
+of the most profitable branches of their trade;--By dealing in
+smuggled goods, thereby promoting the sale of articles injurious to
+the Revenue, besides cheating the ignorant with regard to the
+value;--By receiving stolen goods to be disposed of in the country, by
+which discoveries are prevented, and assistance afforded to common
+thieves and stationary receivers;--By purchasing stolen horses in one
+part of the country, and disposing of them in another, in the course
+of their journies; in accomplishing which, so as to elude detection,
+they have great opportunities;--By gambling with EO Tables at Fairs
+and Horse-races.
+
+A number of other devices might be pointed out, which render this
+class of men great nuisances in Society; and shew the necessity of
+either suppressing them totally, (for in fact they are of little use
+to the Public;) or of limiting the licences only to men of good
+character; to be granted by a general Board of Police under whose
+controul they should be placed, while they enter at the same time into
+a recognizance in a certain sum, with one surety for good behaviour;
+by which the honest part would be retained, to the exclusion of the
+fraudulent.
+
+III. _Swindlers who take out Licences as Auctioneers_, and open shops
+in different parts of the Metropolis, with persons at the doors,
+usually denominated _Barkers_, inviting strangers to walk in. In these
+places, various articles of silver plate and household goods are
+exposed to sale, made up on a slight principle, and of little
+intrinsic value; associates, generally denominated _Puffers_, are in
+waiting to bid up the article to a sum greatly beyond its value,
+when, upon the first bidding of the stranger, it is knocked down to
+him, and the money instantly demanded; the goods, however, on being
+carried home and examined, are generally found to be very different in
+reality, from what their appearance exhibited, and upon a close
+examination the fraud is discovered.
+
+Neither the common Law, nor the Act of the 30th George II. cap. 24,
+seem to be sufficiently _broad_ and explanatory to include this
+species of offence; and hence it is, that this mode of selling goods
+continues with impunity, and seems to increase. It is not, however,
+meant here to insinuate that all petty auctions are fraudulent.--It is
+to be hoped there may be some exceptions, although probably, they are
+not numerous. A licence from a general Board of Police, and to be
+subject to certain restrictions only burdensome to the dishonest, and
+obliging the parties to find security, would, in a great measure,
+regulate this kind of business, in a proper manner.
+
+IV. _Swindlers who raise money, by pretending to be Discounters of
+Bills, and Money Brokers_; These chiefly prey upon young men of
+property, who have lost their money at play, or spent it in expensive
+amusements, and are obliged to raise more upon any terms, until their
+rents or incomes become payable; or who have fortunes in prospect, as
+being heirs apparent to estates, but who require assistance in the
+mean time.
+
+Availing themselves of the credit, or the ultimate responsibility, of
+such thoughtless and giddy young men, in the eager pursuit of
+criminal pleasures, and under the influence of those allurements which
+the Faro Tables, and other places of fashionable resort hold
+out--these Swindlers seldom fail to obtain from them securities and
+obligations for large sums; upon the credit of which they are enabled,
+perhaps, at usurious interest, to borrow money, or discount bills; and
+thus supply their unfortunate customers upon the most extravagant
+terms.
+
+Another class, having some capital, advance money upon bonds,
+title-deeds, and other specialities, or upon the bond of the parties
+having estates in reversion: by these and other devices too tedious to
+detail, large sums of money are, most unwarrantably and illegally,
+wrested from the dissipated and thoughtless: and misery and distress
+are thus entailed upon them, as long as they live; or they are driven,
+by utter ruin, to acts of desperation or to crimes.
+
+A Law seems absolutely necessary to be pointed at this particular
+mischief, which is certainly an increasing evil.--Humanity pleads for
+it; and _Policy_ points out the necessity of some effectual guard
+against those miseries which it generates; and which could not exist
+in so great a degree, were it not for the opportunities held out by
+these blood-suckers, in affording money to the young and
+inexperienced, to be expended in scenes of gambling and debauchery.
+
+V. _A Class of Cheats of the Society of Jews, who are to be found in
+every street, lane and alley in and near the Metropolis, under the
+pretence of purchasing old clothes, and metals of different sorts_;
+Their chief business really is to prowl about the houses and stables
+of men of rank and fortune, for the purpose of holding out temptations
+to the servants to pilfer and steal small articles, not likely to be
+missed, which these Jews purchase at about one third of the real
+value.--It is supposed that upwards of fifteen hundred of these
+depraved people are employed in diurnal journies of this kind; by
+which, through the medium of bad money, and other fraudulent dealings,
+many of them acquire property, and then set up shops and become
+Receivers of stolen Goods.
+
+It is estimated that there are from fifteen to twenty thousand Jews in
+the city of London, besides, perhaps, about five or six thousand more
+in the great provincial and sea-port towns; (where there are at least
+twenty synagogues, besides six in the Metropolis;) most of the lower
+classes of those distinguished by the name of German or Dutch Jews,
+live chiefly by their wits, and establish a system of mischievous
+intercourse all over the country, the better to carry on their
+fraudulent designs in the circulation of base money,--the sale of
+stolen goods, and in the purchase of metals of various kinds; as well
+as other articles pilfered from the Dock-Yards, and stolen in the
+provincial towns, which they bring to the Metropolis to elude
+detection,--and _vice versa_.
+
+Educated in idleness from their earliest infancy, they acquire every
+debauched and vicious principle which can fit them for the most
+complicated arts of fraud and deception; to which they seldom fail to
+add the crime of perjury, whenever it can be of use, in shielding
+themselves or their associates from the punishment of the law.--From
+the orange boy, and the retailer of seals, razors, glass, and other
+wares, in the public streets, to the shop-keeper, dealer in wearing
+apparel, or in silver and gold, the same principles of conduct too
+generally prevail.
+
+The itinerants utter base money to enable them, by selling cheap, to
+dispose of their goods; while those that are stationary, with very few
+exceptions, receive and purchase, at an under-price, whatever is
+brought them, without asking questions.
+
+VI. _Cheats who sell provisions and other articles by means of false
+weights and measures._ Nothing requires the assistance of the
+Legislature in a greater degree than this evil; to shield the Poor
+against the numerous tricks thus practised upon them, by low and
+inferior shop-keepers and itinerants.
+
+The ancient System of regulating this useful branch of Police by the
+Juries of the Court-Leet, having been found ineffectual, and in many
+respects inapplicable to the present state of Society, an act passed
+the 35th of his present Majesty, (_cap._ 102,) to remedy the
+inconvenience with regard to fraudulent weights; but difficulties
+having occurred on account of the expence of carrying it into
+execution, certain amendments were made by another act, (37 Geo. III.
+_c._ 143,) and the Magistrates in Petty Sessions have now power to
+appoint Examiners of weights, and to authorize them to visit shops,
+seize false weights, &c.
+
+This plan, if pursued as steadily as that which already prevails in
+regulating Bakers, promises to produce very valuable benefits to the
+lower ranks of people at a very small expence.
+
+VII. _Cheats and Swindlers who associate together, and enter into a
+conspiracy for the purpose of defrauding Tradesmen of their
+goods._--One of these sharpers generally assumes the character of a
+Merchant;--hires a genteel house, with a counting-house, and every
+appearance of business.--One or two associates take upon them the
+appearance of Clerks, while others occasionally wear a livery: and
+sometimes a carriage is set up, in which the ladies of the party visit
+the shops, in the stile of persons of fashion, ordering goods to their
+apartments.--Thus circumstanced, goods are obtained on credit, which
+are immediately pawned or sold, and the produce used as a means of
+deception to obtain more, and procure recommendations, by offering to
+pay ready money,--or discount bills.
+
+When confidence is once established in this way, notes and bills are
+fabricated by these conspirators, as if remitted from the country, or
+from foreign parts; and application is made to their newly acquired
+friends, the tradesmen, to assist in discounting them. Sometimes money
+and bills upon one another are lodged at the bankers for the purpose
+of extending their credit, by referring to some respectable name for
+a character.
+
+After circulating notes to a considerable amount, and completing their
+system of fraud by possessing as much of the property of others as is
+possible, without risk of detection, they move off; assume new
+characters; and when the bills and notes are due, the parties are not
+to be found.
+
+Offences of this sort, where an actual conspiracy cannot be proved,
+which is generally very difficult, are not easily punished; and it
+seems of importance that frauds and impositions of this sort, and
+others of the same nature, where the confidence of tradesmen and
+manufacturers is abused by misrepresentation and falsehood, should be
+defined, so as to render it difficult for the parties to escape
+punishment.
+
+VIII. _Cheats who take genteel Lodgings, dress elegantly, assume false
+names_:--pretend to be related to persons of credit and
+fashion--produce letters familiarly written to prove an
+intimacy,--enter into conversation, and shew these letters to
+tradesmen and others, upon whom they have a design--get into their
+good graces, purchase wearing apparel and other articles, and
+disappear with the booty.
+
+This species of offence would be very difficult to reach by any
+existing Law, and yet it is practised in various shapes in the
+Metropolis, whereby tradesmen are defrauded to a very considerable
+extent.--Some legislative guards would certainly be very desirable to
+define and punish these offences also.
+
+IX. _Cheats, who have been formerly in the service of Milliners,
+Mantua-Makers, Taylors, and other Traders, who have occasion to send
+to shop-keepers and warehousemen for goods_;--These, after being
+discharged from their service, getting into the company of sharpers
+and thieves, while out of place, teach them how to personate their
+former employers; in whose names they too frequently succeed in
+obtaining considerable quantities of goods before the fraud is
+discovered.
+
+It would certainly be a good rule at no time to deliver goods upon a
+verbal message; and it would be useful if all persons discharging
+servants, would give notice of it to every tradesmen with whom they
+deal.
+
+X. _Cheats who personate Gentlemen's footmen_; These order goods to be
+sent to a genteel lodging, where the associate is waiting, who draws
+upon some banker in a distant part of the town for the money; or, if
+the check is refused, a country bank-note (the gentleman just being
+arrived in town) is offered to be changed, which, although a forgery,
+often succeeds: if this should also fail, this mischievous class of
+people, from habit and close attention to the means of deception, are
+seldom at a loss in finding out some other expedient; and before the
+fraud is discovered, the parties are off; and the master transformed
+into the livery-servant, to practise in his turn the same trick upon
+some other person.
+
+XI. _Cheats who associate systematically together, for the purpose of
+finding out and making a prey of every person from the country, or any
+ignorant person who is supposed to have money, or who has come to
+London for the purpose of selling goods._--It is usual in such cases
+for one of them to assume the character of a young 'Squire, just come
+to his estate; to appear careless and prodigal, and to shew handfuls
+of bank-notes, all of which are false and fabricated for the purpose.
+
+Another personates the guardian of the 'Squire, while a part of the
+associates pretend to sit down to play, and having won money of the
+young spendthrift, who appears extremely ignorant and profuse, the
+stranger's avarice gets the better of his prudence, and he is induced
+at length to try his luck,--the result is that he is soon left without
+a penny.
+
+XII. _Cheats who prowl about in all the streets and lanes of the
+trading part of the Metropolis, where shopmen and boys are carrying
+parcels_: These, by means of various stratagems, find out where the
+parcels are going, and regulating their measures accordingly, seldom
+fail by some trick or other, (such as giving the lad a shilling to run
+and call a coach,) to get hold of the property.--Porters and young men
+from the country should be particularly cautious never to quit any
+property intrusted to their care, until delivered (not at the door)
+but within the house to which it is directed.
+
+XIII. _Cheats who attend Inns, at the time that coaches and waggons
+are loading or unloading._ These by personating _porters_ with aprons
+and knots, or _clerks_ with pens stuck in their wigs or hair, and by
+having recourse to a variety of stratagems, according to the peculiar
+circumstances of the case, aided by their having previously noticed
+the address of several of the parcels, seldom fail of success, in the
+general hurry and confusion which prevails at such places. This proves
+how necessary it is at all times to have one or two intelligent
+officers of justice, who know the faces of thieves, in attendance,
+while goods are receiving and delivering.
+
+XIV. _Cheats who go from door to door collecting money; under pretence
+of soliciting for a charitable establishment_, for the benefit of poor
+children, and other purposes. But the money, instead of being so
+applied, is generally spent in eating and drinking; and the most
+infamous imposition is thus practised upon the charitable and humane,
+who are the dupes of this species of fraud in too many instances.
+
+XV. _Sharpers who are known by the name of Duffers._ These go about
+from house to house, and attend public houses, inns, and fairs,
+pretending to sell smuggled goods, such as India handkerchiefs,
+waistcoat patterns, muslins, &c. By offering their goods for sale,
+they are enabled to discover the proper objects, who may be
+successfully practised upon in various ways; and if they do not
+succeed in promoting some gambling scheme, by which the party is
+plundered of his money, they seldom fail passing forged country bank
+notes, or base silver and copper in the course of their dealings.
+
+XVI. _Female Sharpers who dress elegantly, personate women of fashion,
+attend masquerades, and even go to St. James's._ These, from their
+effrontery, actually get into the circle; where their wits and hands
+are employed in obtaining diamonds, and whatever other articles of
+value, capable of being concealed, are found to be most accessible.
+
+The wife of a well-known sharper, lately upon the town, is said to
+have appeared at Court, dressed in a stile of peculiar elegance: while
+the sharper himself is supposed to have gone in the dress of a
+clergyman.--According to the information of a noted receiver, they
+pilfered to the value of L1700. on the King's birth-day (1795,)
+without discovery or suspicion.
+
+Houses are kept where female Cheats dress and undress for public
+places.--Thirty or forty of these sharpers generally attend all
+masquerades, in different characters, where they seldom fail to get
+clear off with a considerable booty.
+
+XVII. _Among the classes of Cheats may be ranked a species of Female
+Bankers._ These accommodate barrow-women and others, who sell fish,
+fruit, vegetables, &c. in the streets, with five shillings a day; (the
+usual diurnal stock in trade in such cases;) for the use of which, for
+twelve hours, they obtain a premium of _six-pence_, when the money is
+returned in the evening, receiving thereby at this rate, about _seven
+pounds ten shillings a year_ for every five shillings they lend out!
+
+The Author, in the course of his Magisterial duty, having discovered
+this extraordinary species of fraud, attempted to explain to a
+barrow-woman on whom it was practised, that by saving up a single
+_five shillings_, and not laying any part of it out in gin, but
+keeping the whole, she would save L7. 10_s._ a year, which seemed to
+astonish her, and to stagger her belief.--It is to be feared, however,
+that it had no effect upon her future conduct, since it is evident
+that this improvident and dissolute class of females have no other
+idea than that of making the day and the way alike long.--Their
+profits (which are often considerably augmented by dealing in base
+money, as well as fruit, vegetables, &c.) seldom last over the day,
+for they never fail to have a luxurious dinner and a hot supper, with
+abundance of gin and porter:--looking in general no farther than to
+keep whole the original stock, with the _six-pence_ interest, which is
+paid over to the female banker in the evening; and a new loan obtained
+on the following morning, of the same number of shillings again to go
+to market.
+
+In contemplating this curious system of Banking, (trifling as it seems
+to be) it is impossible not to be forcibly struck with the immense
+profits that arise from it. It is only necessary for one of these
+female sharpers to possess a capital of _seventy shillings_, or three
+pounds ten shillings, with fourteen steady and regular customers, in
+order to realize an income of ONE HUNDRED GUINEAS a year!
+
+XVIII. _Cheats who pretend to tell fortunes._ These impose on the
+credulity of the public, by advertisements and cards; pretending a
+power, from their knowledge of astrology, to foretell future events,
+to discover stolen property, lucky numbers in the Lottery, &c.
+
+The extent to which this mischief goes in the Metropolis is almost
+beyond belief; particularly during the drawing of the Lottery.--The
+folly and phrenzy which prevail in vulgar life, lead ignorant and
+deluded people into the snare of adding to the misfortunes which the
+Lottery occasions, by additional advances of money (obtained generally
+by pawning goods or apparel) paid to pretended astrologers for
+suggesting _lucky numbers_, upon which they are advised to make
+insurances; and under the influence of this unaccountable delusion,
+they are too often induced to increase their risks, and ruin their
+families.
+
+One of these impostors who lived long in the Curtain-Road, Shoreditch,
+is said, in conjunction with his associates, to have made near L300. a
+year by practising upon the credulity of the lower orders of the
+people.--He stiled himself (in his circulating cards) an _Astronomer
+and Astrologer_; and stated, _That he gave advice to Gentlemen and
+Ladies on business, trade, contracts, removals, journies by land or
+water, marriages, children, law-suits, absent friends, &c._ And
+further, that _he calculated nativities accurately_,--His fee was
+half-a-crown.
+
+An instance of mischievous credulity, occasioned by consulting this
+impostor, once fell under the review of the Author. A person having
+property stolen from him, went to consult the conjuror respecting the
+thief; who having described something like the person of a man whom he
+suspected, his credulity and folly so far got the better of his reason
+and reflection, as to induce him upon the authority of this impostor
+_actually to charge his neighbour with a felony_, and to cause him to
+be apprehended. The Magistrate settled the matter by discharging the
+prisoner; reprimanding the accuser severely, and ordering the conjuror
+to be taken into custody, according to law, _as a Rogue and Vagabond_.
+
+But the delusion with regard to Fortune-tellers is not confined to
+vulgar life, since it is known, that ladies of rank, fashion, and
+fortune, contribute to the encouragement of this fraudulent profession
+in particular, by their visits to a pretended Astrologer of their own
+sex in the neighbourhood of Tottenham-Court Road: This woman, to the
+disgrace of her votaries, whose education ought to have taught them
+the folly and weakness of countenancing such gross impositions, found
+the practice of it extremely productive.[33]
+
+[Footnote 33: The encouragement which this impostor received from the
+weaker part of the females of rank and fortune in the Metropolis,
+raised up others; who had the effrontery to insult the understanding
+of the Public, by advertising in the News-papers.]
+
+The act of the 9th George the Second, _cap._ 5, _punishes all persons
+pretending skill in any crafty science; or telling fortunes, or where
+stolen goods may be found; with a year's imprisonment, and standing
+four times in the pillory_ (once every quarter) _during the term of
+such imprisonment. The act called the Vagrant Act, made the 17th year
+of the same reign, (cap. 5,) declares such persons to be rogues and
+vagabonds, and liable to be punished as such._
+
+It is sincerely to be hoped that those at least who are convinced from
+having suffered by the gross imposition practised upon the credulity
+of the people by these pests of Society, will enable the civil
+Magistrate, by proper informations, to suppress so great an evil.
+
+Innumerable almost are the other tricks and devices which are resorted
+to by the horde of Cheats, Swindlers, and Sharpers, who infest the
+Metropolis.
+
+The great increase of commerce, and the confidence resulting from an
+intercourse so wide and extended, frequently lays men of property and
+tradesmen open to a variety of frauds; credit is obtained by
+subterfuges and devices contrary to the plain rules of common honesty,
+against which, however, there is no remedy but by an action of common
+law.
+
+If it were possible to look accurately at the different evils arising
+from fraudulent and swindling practices, so as to frame a statute that
+would generally reach all the cases that occur, whenever the barrier
+of common honesty is broken down, it would certainly be productive of
+infinite benefit to the community; for, in spite of the laudable
+exertions of the Society established for prosecuting swindlers, it is
+to be lamented that the evil has not diminished. On the contrary, it
+has certainly encreased, and must continue to do so, until the
+Legislature, by applicable Laws and an improved System of Police,
+either directly or collaterally attaching to these offences, shall
+find the means of suppressing them.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. VI.
+
+     _The great anxiety of the Legislature to suppress the evils
+     of Gaming:--The Misery and Wretchedness entailed on many
+     respectable Families from this fatal propensity:--Often
+     arising from the foolish vanity of mixing in what is stiled,
+     Genteel Company; where Faro is introduced.--Games of Chance,
+     though stigmatized by the Legislature, encouraged by
+     high-sounding names, whose houses are opened for purposes
+     odious and unlawful:--The Civil Magistrate called upon by
+     his public duty, as well as by the feelings of humanity, to
+     suppress such mischiefs.--The danger arising from such
+     seminaries--No probability of any considerations of their
+     illegality, or inhumanity, operating as a check, without the
+     efforts of the Magistracy.--The evil tendency of such
+     examples to servants in fashionable Families, who carry
+     these vices into vulgar life; and many of whom, as well as
+     persons of superior education, become Sharpers, Cheats, and
+     Swindlers, from the habits they acquire.--A particular
+     Statement of the proceedings of persons who have set up
+     Gaming Houses as regular Partnership-Concerns; and of the
+     Evils resulting therefrom.--Of Lottery Insurers of the
+     Higher Class.--Of Lottery Offices opened for
+     Insurance--Proposed Remedies.--Three Plans suggested to the
+     Author by Correspondents._
+
+
+Gaming is the source from which has sprung up all that race of cheats,
+swindlers, and sharpers, some of whose nefarious practices have
+already been noticed, and the remainder of which it is the object of
+the Author to develope in this chapter.
+
+Such has been the anxiety of the Legislature to suppress this evil,
+that so early as the reign of Queen Anne, this abandoned and
+mischievous race of men seems to have attracted its notice in a very
+particular degree; for the act of the 9th year of that reign (cap. 14.
+Sec.Sec. 6, 7,) after reciting, "_that divers lewd and dissolute persons
+live at great expences, having no visible estate, profession, or
+calling, to maintain themselves; but support these expences by Gaming
+only_; Enacts, _that any two Justices may cause to be brought before
+them, all persons within their limits whom they shall have just cause
+to suspect to have no visible estate, profession, or calling, to
+maintain themselves by; but do for the most part support themselves by
+Gaming; and if such persons shall not make it appear to such Justices
+that the principal part of their expences is not maintained by gaming,
+they are to be bound to their good behaviour for a twelve-month; and
+in default of sufficient security, to be committed to prison, until
+they can find the same; and if security shall be given, it will be
+forfeited on their playing or betting at any one time, for more than
+the value of twenty shillings_."
+
+If, in conformity to the _spirit_ of this wise statute, sharpers of
+every denomination, who support themselves by a variety of cheating
+and swindling practices, without having any visible means of living,
+were in like manner to be called upon to find security for their good
+behaviour, in all cases where they cannot shew they have the means of
+subsisting themselves honestly, the number of these Pests of Society,
+under a general Police and an active and zealous Magistracy, would
+soon be diminished, if not totally annihilated.
+
+By the 12th of George the Second, (cap. 28. Sec. 2, 3,) "_the Games of
+Faro, Hazard, &c. are declared to be Lotteries, subjecting the persons
+who keep them to a penalty of two hundred pounds, and those who play
+to fifty pounds_."--_One_ witness only is necessary to prove the
+offence before any Justice of the Peace; _and the Justice forfeits ten
+pounds if he neglects to do his duty under the Act_:--and under this
+Act, which is connected with the statute 8th of George I. cap. 2, it
+seems that "_the keeper of a Faro Table may be prosecuted even for a
+penalty of five hundred pounds_."
+
+Notwithstanding these salutary laws, to the reproach of the Police of
+the Metropolis, houses have been opened, even under the sanction of
+high-sounding names, where an indiscriminate mixture of all ranks was
+to be found, from the _finished sharper_ to the _raw inexperienced
+youth_. And where all those evils existed in full force, which it was
+the object of the Legislature to remove.
+
+Though it is hoped that this iniquitous System of plunder, has of late
+been somewhat restrained by the wholesome administration of the Laws,
+under the excellent Chief Justice who presides in the High Criminal
+Department of the Country, in consequence of the detection of
+Criminals, through the meritorious vigilance and attention of the
+Magistrates; to which the Author of this work, by bringing the evil so
+prominently under the view of the Public, may flatter himself in
+having been in some small degree instrumental: Still it is much to be
+feared, that the time is not yet arrived which would induce him to
+withhold the following narrative.
+
+GAMING, although at all times an object highly deserving attention,
+and calling for the exertions of Magistrates, never appeared either to
+have assumed so alarming an aspect, or to have been conducted upon the
+methodized system of _Partnership-Concerns_, wherein pecuniary
+capitals were embarked, till about the years 1777 and 1778, when the
+vast licence which was given to those abominable engines of fraud, EO
+Tables, and the great length of time which elapsed before a check was
+given to them by the Police, afforded a number of dissolute and
+abandoned characters, who resorted to these baneful subterfuges for
+support, an opportunity of acquiring property: This was afterwards
+increased in low Gaming Houses, and by following up the same system at
+Newmarket, and other places of fashionable resort, and in the Lottery;
+until at length, without any property at the outset, or any visible
+means of lawful support, a sum of money, little short of _One Million
+Sterling_, is said to have been acquired by a class of individuals
+originally (with some few exceptions) of the lowest and most depraved
+order of Society. This enormous mass of wealth (acquired no doubt by
+entailing misery on many worthy and respectable Families, and driving
+the unhappy victims to acts of desperation and suicide,) is said to
+have been afterwards engaged as a great and an efficient capital for
+carrying on various illegal Establishments; particularly
+Gaming-Houses, and Shops for fraudulent Insurances in the Lottery;
+together with such objects of dissipation as the Races at Newmarket
+and other places of _fashionable_ resort, held out: all which were
+employed as the means of increasing and improving the ill-gotten
+wealth of the parties engaged in these nefarious pursuits.
+
+A System, grown to such an enormous height, had, of course, its rise
+by progressive advances. Several of those who now roll in their gaudy
+carriages, and associate with some men of high rank and fashion, may
+be found upon the Registers of the Old Bailey; or traced to the
+vagrant pursuit of turning, with their own hands, EO Tables in the
+open streets; These mischievous Members of Society, through the wealth
+obtained by a course of procedure diametrically opposite to Law, are,
+by a strange perversion, sheltered from the operation of that Justice,
+which every act of their lives has offended: they bask in the
+sun-shine of prosperity; while thousands, who owe their distress and
+ruin to the horrid designs thus _executed_, _invigorated_ and
+_extended_, are pining in misery and want.
+
+Certain it is, that the mischiefs arising from the rapid increase,
+and from the vast extent of capital employed in these Systems of ruin
+and depravity, have become great and alarming beyond calculation; as
+will be evinced by developing the nature of the very dangerous
+Confederacy which systematically moves and directs this vast Machine
+of destruction--composed in general of men who have been reared and
+educated under the influence of every species of depravity which can
+debase the human character.
+
+Wherever Interest or resentment suggests to their minds a line of
+conduct calculated to gratify any base or illegal propensity; it is
+immediately indulged. Some are taken into this iniquitous Partnership
+for their dexterity in securing the dice; or in dealing cards at
+Faro.--Informers are apprehended and imprisoned upon writs, obtained,
+by perjury, to deter others from similar attacks. Witnesses are
+suborned--officers of justice are bribed, wherever it can be done, by
+large sums of money[34]--ruffians and bludgeon-men are employed to
+resist the Civil Power, where pecuniary gratuities fail--and houses
+are barricadoed and guarded by armed men: thereby offering defiance to
+the common exertions of the Laws, and opposing the regular authority
+of Magistrates.
+
+[Footnote 34: An Affidavit, made not very long since in one of the
+superior Courts of Justice, illustrates this observation in a very
+striking degree. It is in these words--"That it is almost impossible
+to convict persons keeping Gaming-Houses before the Magistrates, by
+reason of the enormous wealth generally applied to the corruption of
+unwilling evidence brought forward to support the charge--That on an
+information exhibited against one of the Partners of a Gaming-House,
+he got himself discharged by deterring some of the witnesses from
+appearing, and by the perjury of another partner who was examined as a
+witness, and for which he then stood indicted--That divers of these
+Gaming-Houses were kept by practising attornies, who, by threatening
+indictments for pretended Conspiracies, and other infamous means, have
+deterred persons from prosecuting them."]
+
+It is impossible to contemplate a Confederacy thus circumstanced, so
+powerful from its immense pecuniary resources, and so mischievous and
+oppressive from the depravity which directs these resources, without
+feeling an anxiety to see the strong arm of the Law still further and
+unremittingly exerted for the purpose of effectually destroying it.
+
+Whilst one part of the immense property by which this confederacy was
+so strongly fortified was employed in the establishment of
+_Gaming-Houses_, holding out the most fascinating allurements to giddy
+young _men of fortune_, and others, having access to money, by means
+of splendid entertainments,[35] and regular suppers, with abundance of
+the choicest wines, so as to form a genteel lounge for the dissipated
+and unwary; another part of the capital was said to form the stock
+which composes the various Faro-Banks which were to be found at the
+routes of _Ladies of Fashion_: Thus drawing into this vortex of
+iniquity and ruin, not only the _males_, but also the _females_ of the
+thoughtless and opulent part of Society; who too easily became a prey
+to that idle vanity which frequently overpowers reason and reflection;
+and the delusion of which is seldom terminated till it is too late.
+
+[Footnote 35: The expence of entertainments at a Gaming-House of the
+highest class, during eight months, has been said to exceed _Six
+Thousand Guineas_! What must the profits be to afford such a
+profusion?]
+
+Evil example, when thus sanctioned by apparent respectability, and by
+the dazzling blandishment of rank and fashion, is so intoxicating to
+those who have either suddenly acquired riches, or who are young and
+inexperienced, that it almost ceases to be a matter of wonder that the
+fatal propensity to Gaming should become universal; extending itself
+over all ranks in Society in a degree scarcely to be credited, but by
+those who will attentively investigate the subject.
+
+At the commencement of the troubles in France, and before this Country
+was visited by the hordes of Emigrants of all descriptions, who fixed
+a temporary or permanent residence in this Metropolis, the number of
+Gaming-Houses (exclusive of those that are select, and have long been
+established by Subscription,) did not exceed above _four_ or _five_:
+In the year 1797, not less than _thirty_ were said to be actually
+open; where, besides _Faro_ and _Hazard_, the foreign games of
+_Roulet_, and _Rouge et Noir_, were introduced, and where there
+existed a regular gradation of establishment, accommodating to all
+ranks; from the man of fashion, down to the thief, the burglar, and
+the pick-pocket--where immense sums of money were played for every
+evening, for eight months in the year.[36]
+
+[Footnote 36: The latter part of the Affidavit, already mentioned,
+also illustrates these assertions, and proves that they are but too
+well founded: It states--"That Gaming-Houses have increased to such a
+degree, that there were lately not less than six in one street near
+the Hay-Market, at all which persons stood at the door to entice
+passengers to play--That the generality of persons keeping these
+houses are _prize-fighters_, and persons of a desperate description,
+who threaten assassination to any person who will molest them."]
+
+In a commercial Country, and in a great Metropolis, where from the
+vast extent of its trade and manufactures, and from the periodical
+issue of above Twenty Millions annually, arising from dividends on
+funded security, there must be an immense circulation of property, the
+danger is not to be conceived, from the allurements which are thus
+held out to young men in business, having the command of money, as
+well as to the clerks of merchants, bankers, and others concerned in
+different branches of trade: In fact, it is well known, that too many
+of this class resort at present to these destructive scenes of vice,
+idleness, and misfortune.[37]
+
+[Footnote 37: The same Affidavit further states--"That the principal
+Gaming Houses at the West end of the Town have stated days on which
+they have luxurious dinners, (Sunday being the chief day,) to which
+they contrive to get invited merchants' and bankers' clerks, and other
+persons intrusted with money; and that it has been calculated, (and
+the calculation was believed not to be over-rated,) that the expences
+attendant on such houses, amounted to L.150,000 yearly, and that the
+keepers of such houses, by means of their enormous wealth, bid
+defiance to all prosecutions, some of them having acquired from 50 to
+L.100,000 each; considerable estates have been frequently won by them
+in the course of one sitting."]
+
+The mind shrinks with horror at the existence of a System in the
+Metropolis, unknown to our ancestors, even in the worst periods of
+their dissipation; when a _Ward_, a _Waters_, and a _Chartres_,
+insulted public morals by their vices and their crimes: for then no
+regular Establishments--no systematic concerns for carrying on this
+nefarious trade, were known.--No Partnerships in Gaming-Houses, were
+conducted with the regularity of Commercial Houses.
+
+But these Partnerships have not been confined to Gaming-Houses alone.
+A considerable proportion of the immense capital which the conductors
+of the System possess, is employed periodically in the _two
+Lotteries_, in _Fraudulent Insurances_, where, like the Faro Bank, the
+chances are so calculated as to yield about 30 per cent. profit to the
+Gambling proprietors; and from the extent to which these transactions
+have been, and we fear still are carried, no doubt can be entertained
+that the annual gains must be immense.--It has, indeed, been stated,
+with an appearance of truth, that a single individual acquired no less
+than L.60,000 during one English Lottery!
+
+Although it is impossible to be perfectly accurate in any estimate
+which can be formed; for in this, as in all other cases where
+calculations are introduced in this Work, accuracy to a point is not
+to be expected; yet when all circumstances are considered, there
+appear just grounds to suppose that the following Statement, placing
+the whole in one connected point of view, may convey to the Reader no
+very imperfect idea of the vast and unparalleled extent to which this
+horrid mischief had arrived; and to which, if not closely watched, it
+may yet rise once more.
+
+
+GAMING.
+
+                                      Persons    Money     Yearly
+                                      attached.  played    aggregate
+                                                 for       lost and
+                                                 nightly.  won.
+                                                 L.        L.
+  1. 7 Subscription Houses
+     open one-third of the
+     Year, or 100 nights    _suppose_ 1000       2000      1,400,000
+
+  2. 15 Houses of a
+     superior class
+     one-third of the Year,
+     or 100 nights            ----    3000       2000      3,000,000
+
+  3. 15 Houses of an
+     inferior class one-half
+     of the Year, or 150
+     Nights                   ----    3000       1000      2,225,000
+
+  4. 6 Ladies' Gaming Houses
+                   50 Nights  ----    1000       2000        600,000
+                                                           ---------
+                                                           7,215,000
+
+
+FRAUDULENT INSURANCES IN THE LOTTERY.
+
+  350 Insurance Offices at 100_l._
+  a day average, during the 33 days
+  of the Irish Lottery                   1,155,000
+
+  400 Insurance Offices at 150_l._
+  a day average, during the 33
+  days[38] of the English Lottery        1,980,000
+                                         ---------
+                                                     3,135,000
+                                                    ----------
+                                            Total   10,460,000
+                                                    ----------
+
+[Footnote 38: The longer the Lottery continues, the greater the evil.
+A Lottery of 60,000 Tickets is therefore a much greater evil than one
+of 50,000: and that in a ratio more than proportionate to the numbers
+in each.]
+
+This aggregate is only to be considered as shewing the mere
+interchange of property from one hand to another; yet when it is
+recollected that the operation must progressively produce a certain
+loss, with not many exceptions, to all the innocent and unsuspecting
+adventurers either at Pharo or the Lottery, with an almost uniform
+gain to the proprietors; the result is shocking to reflect upon.--To
+individual families in easy circumstances where this unfortunate mania
+prevails, as well as to the mass of the people who are fascinated by
+the delusion of the Lottery Insurances, it is the worst of all
+misfortunes.--By seizing every opportunity to take advantage of this
+unhappy bias, it is no uncommon thing to see the pennyless miscreant
+of to-day become the opulent gambler of to-morrow: leaving the unhappy
+sufferers often no alternative but exile, beggary, or a prison; or
+perhaps, rendered desperate by reflecting on the folly of their
+conduct, to end their days by suicide,[39] while wives, children, and
+dependants are suddenly reduced from affluence to the lowest abyss of
+misery.
+
+[Footnote 39: The Gambling and Lottery transactions of one individual
+in this great Metropolis, are said to be productive of from ten to
+fifteen suicides annually.]
+
+In contemplating these vast establishments of regular and systematic
+fraud and depredation upon the Public, in all the hideous forms which
+they assume, nothing is so much to be lamented as the unconquerable
+spirit which draws such a multitude of the lower ranks of Society into
+the vortex of the Lottery.
+
+The agents in this iniquitous System, availing themselves of the
+existence of the delusion, spare no pains to keep it alive; so that
+the evil extends far and wide, and the mischiefs, distresses, and
+calamities resulting from it, were it possible to detail them, would
+form a catalogue of sufferings of which the opulent and luxurious have
+no conception.
+
+Of how much importance therefore is it to the Public at large, to see
+these evils suppressed; and above all, to have this novel System
+completely annihilated, by which Gambling Establishments have been
+formed upon commercial principles of methodical arrangements, with
+vast capitals employed for the most infamous and diabolical purposes.
+
+Let those who have acquired wealth in this way be satisfied with what
+they have gotten, and with the misery their gains have occasioned to
+ruined thousands: let them abstain from employing it in channels
+calculated to extend these evils. The Law is generally slow in its
+operations: but it seldom fails to overtake the guilty at last.
+
+To this Confederacy, powerful in wealth, and unrestrained by those
+considerations of moral rectitude, which govern the conduct of other
+men engaged in the common pursuits of life, is to be attributed those
+vast additional hazards to which the young and inexperienced have been
+subjected--Hazards, which not only did not exist before these
+establishments were matured and moulded into System; but which were
+considerably increased, from its becoming a part of the general
+arrangements to employ men of genteel exterior, (and it is to be
+feared too, in many instances of good connections) who, having been
+ruined by the delusion, descended as a means of subsistence, to
+accept the degrading office of seeking out those customers, whose
+access to money rendered them proper objects to be ensnared.--For such
+was the nature of this new System of destruction, that while a young
+man entering upon life, conceived himself honoured by the friendship
+and acquaintance of those who were considered to be men of fashion,
+and of good connections, he was deluded by splendid entertainments
+into the snare, which afterwards robbed him of his property and peace
+of mind.
+
+Such were the arrangements of this alarming and mischievous
+Confederacy, for the purpose of plundering the thoughtless and
+unwary.--The evidence given in the Court of King's Bench, in an
+action, tried for Gaming, on the 29th November, 1796, served pretty
+fully to develope the shocking System of fraud pursued, after the
+inexperienced and unwary were entrapped into these receptacles of ruin
+and destruction.[40]
+
+[Footnote 40: The following is the substance of the most striking
+parts of the Evidence of John Shepherd, in the action alluded to.
+
+"The witness saw Hazard played at the Gaming-House of the defendant,
+in Leicester-street.--Every person who was three times successful,
+paid the defendant a Silver Medal, which he purchased from him on
+entering the house, at eight for a guinea, and he received six or
+seven of these in the course of an hour for the Box Hands, as it was
+called. The people who frequented this house always played for a
+considerable sum. Sometimes L.20 or L.30 depended on a single throw of
+the Dice. The witness remembered being once at the defendant's
+Gaming-House about three or four o'clock in the morning, when a
+gentleman came in very much in liquor.--He seemed to have a great deal
+of money about him.--The defendant said he had not intended to play,
+but now he would set to with this fellow.--He then scraped a little
+wax with his finger off one of the candles and put the Dice together,
+so that they came seven every way. After doing this, he dropped them
+into the box and threw them out, and afterwards drew all the money
+away, saying he had won it.--_Seven_ was the main, and he could not
+throw any thing but _seven_. The young gentleman said he had not given
+him time to _bar_.--A dispute arose between the defendant and him. It
+was referred to two or three persons who were round the table, and
+they gave it in favour of the defendant. The gentleman said he had
+lost upwards of L.70. The defendant said, _we have cleared him_. The
+witness has seen a man pawn his watch and ring in several instances;
+and once he saw a man pawn his coat and go away without it.
+
+"After the Gaming Table was broken by the Bow-street Officers, the
+defendant said it was too good a thing to be given up, and instantly
+got another Table, large enough for twenty or thirty people. The
+frequenters of this house used to play till day-light: and on one or
+two occasions, they played all the next day. This is what the
+defendant called, _sticking to it rarely_. The guests were furnished
+with wine and suppers gratis, from the funds of the partnership, in
+abundance. Sunday was a grand day. The witness has seen more than
+forty people there at a time. The table not being sufficient for the
+whole, half-a-crown used on such occasions to be given for a seat, and
+those behind looked over the back of the others and betted."
+
+The person above-mentioned (whose name was Smith) who pawned his coat,
+corroborated the above evidence; and added, that he had seen a person
+after he had lost all his money, throw off his coat and go away,
+losing it also.]
+
+While a vice, ruinous to the morals and to the fortunes of the younger
+part of the Community who move in the middle and higher ranks of life
+is suffered to be pursued in direct opposition to _positive
+statutes_,--surely, blame must attach somewhere!
+
+The idle vanity of being introduced into what is generally, but
+erroneously, termed genteel society, where a fashionable name
+announces an intention of seeing company, has been productive of more
+_domestic misery_ and more _real distress_, _poverty_, and
+_wretchedness_ to _families_ in this great City (who but for their
+folly might have been easy and comfortable,) than many volumes could
+detail.
+
+A mistaken sense of what constitutes human happiness, fatally leads
+the mass of the People who have the means of moving in any degree
+above the middle ranks of life, into circles where Faro Tables and
+other games at hazard are introduced in private families:--Where the
+least recommendation (and Sharpers spare no pains to obtain
+recommendations) is a passport to all who can exhibit a genteel
+exterior; and where the young and the inexperienced are initiated in
+every propensity tending to debase human character; while they are
+taught to view with contempt every acquirement, connected with the
+duties which lead to domestic happiness, or to those qualifications
+which can render either sex respectable in the world.
+
+When such infamous practices are encouraged and sanctioned by
+high-sounding names,--when sharpers and black-legs find an easy
+introduction into the houses of persons of fashion, who assemble in
+multitudes together, for the purpose of playing at those most odious
+and detestable games of hazard, which the Legislature has stigmatised
+with such marks of reprobation, it is time for the Civil Magistrate
+to step forward:--It is time for him to feel, that, in doing that duty
+which the Laws of his Country impose on him, he is perhaps saving
+hundreds of families from ruin and destruction; and preserving to the
+infants of thoughtless and deluded parents that property which is
+their birth-right: but which, for want of an energetic Police in
+enforcing the Laws made for their protection, is now too frequently
+squandered; and the mind is tortured with the sad reflection, that
+with the loss of fortune, all opportunities (in consequence of idle
+habits) are also lost, of fitting the unfortunate sufferer for any
+reputable pursuit in life, by which an honest livelihood could be
+obtained.
+
+In this situation, the transition from the plain gamester to the
+fraudulent one, and from that to every other species of criminality,
+is easily conceived: and it is by no means an unfair conclusion, that
+this has been the fate of not a few who have been early introduced
+into these haunts of idleness and vice; and who, but for such an
+education, might have become useful members of the State.
+
+The accumulated evils, arising from this source, are said to have been
+suffered to continue, from a prevailing idea, that Persons of Rank and
+their immediate associates were beyond the reach of being controlled,
+by laws made for the mass of the People; and that nothing but capital
+offences could attach to persons of this condition in life.
+
+If these evils were, in fact, merely confined to Persons of rank and
+fortune, and did not extend beyond that barrier where no general
+injury could accrue to Society, there might be a shadow of excuse (and
+it would be but a shadow) for not hazarding an attack upon the
+amusements of the Great, where the energy of the Laws to controul
+their oeconomy may be doubtful: but surely in the present case,
+where the mischief spreads _broad_ and _wide_, no good Magistrate can
+or ought to be afraid to do his duty, because persons in high life may
+dare to sanction and promote offences of a nature the most mischievous
+to Society at large, as well as to the peace, comfort, and happiness
+of families.
+
+If the exertions of the Magistracy are to be suspended until the
+Higher Ranks see the frivolity, the shameful profligacy and the horrid
+waste of useful time, as well as the cruel destruction of decent and
+respectable families in that point of view which will operate as an
+antidote to the evil, it is much to be feared that it must, under such
+circumstances, become incurable.
+
+But there are other inducements, more nearly allied to the occurrences
+in humble life, which render it in a particular degree incumbent on
+Magistrates to make trial, at least, whether there is not sufficient
+energy in the law to control the hurtful vices of the higher, as well
+as the middling, and inferior ranks of the People: The examples of the
+great and opulent, operate most powerfully among the tribe of _menial
+servants_ they employ; and these carry with them into the lower ranks
+that spirit of gambling and dissipation which they have practised in
+the course of their servitude; thus producing consequences of a most
+alarming nature to the general interests of the Community. To the
+contagion of such examples, is owing in a great measure the number of
+persons attached to pursuits of this kind, who become the Swindlers,
+Sharpers, and Cheats, of an inferior class, described in the preceding
+Chapter: and from the same source spring up those Pests of Society,
+_The Lottery Insurers_, whose iniquitous proceedings we shall in the
+next place lay before the Reader.
+
+These, with some exceptions, are composed of persons, in general very
+depraved or distressed: the depredations committed on the Public by
+their means are so ruinous and extensive as to require a consideration
+peculiarly minute: in order to guard the ignorant and unwary, as much
+as possible, against the fatal effects of that fraud and delusion,
+which, if not soon checked, bid fair to destroy all remains of honesty
+and discretion.--These Classes consist of
+
+_Sharpers, who take Lottery Insurances_, by which means gambling,
+among the higher and middling ranks, is carried on, to an extent which
+exceeds all credibility; producing consequences to many private
+families, otherwise of great worth and respectability, of the most
+distressing nature; and implicating in this misery, the innocent and
+amiable branches of such families, whose sufferings, arising from this
+source, while they claim the tear of pity, would require many volumes
+to recount; but silence and shame throw a veil over the calamity: and,
+cherished by the hopes of retrieving former losses, or acquiring
+property, in an easy way, the evil goes on, and seems even yet to
+increase, in spite of every guard which the Legislature has repeatedly
+endeavoured to establish.
+
+With a very few exceptions all who are or have been proprietors of the
+Gambling Houses are also concerned in the fraudulent Insurance
+Offices; and have a number of Clerks employed during the drawing of
+the two Lotteries, who conduct the business without risk in
+counting-houses, where no insurances are taken, but to which books are
+carried, not only from all the different Offices in every part of the
+town, but also from the Morocco-Men; so called, from their going from
+door to door with a book covered with red leather for the purpose of
+taking insurances, and enticing the poor and the middle ranks to
+become adventurers.
+
+_Several of the Keepers of Insurance Offices, during the interval of
+the drawing of the English and Irish Lotteries_ have invented and set
+up private Lotteries, or Wheels, called by the nick-name of _Little
+Go's_, containing Blanks and Prizes, which are drawn for the purpose
+of establishing _a ground for Insurance_; the fever in the minds of
+the lower order of the people is thus kept up, in some measure, all
+the year round, and produces incalculable mischiefs; and hence the
+spirit of gambling becomes so rooted from habit, that no domestic
+distress, no consideration, arising either with the frauds that are
+practised, or the number of chances that are against them, will
+operate as a check upon their minds.
+
+In spite of the high price of provisions, and of the care and
+attention of the Legislature in establishing severe checks and
+punishments for the purpose of preventing the evil of Lottery
+Insurances, these criminal agents feel no want of customers; their
+houses and offices are not only extremely numerous all over the
+Metropolis; but in general _high-rented_; exhibiting the appearance of
+considerable expence, and barricadoed in such a manner, with iron
+doors and other contrivances, as in many instances to defy the arm of
+the Law to reach them.
+
+In tracing all the circumstances connected with this interesting
+subject, with a view to the discovery of the cause of the great
+encouragement which these Lottery Insurers receive, it appears that a
+considerable proportion of their emolument is derived from _menial
+servants_ in general, all over the Metropolis; but particularly from
+the pampered male and female domestics in the houses of men of fashion
+and fortune; who are said, almost without a single exception, to be in
+the constant habit of insuring in the English and Irish Lotteries.
+
+This class of _menials_, being in many instances cloathed as well as
+fed by their masters, have not the same calls upon them as labourers
+and mechanics, who must appropriate at least a part of their earnings
+to the purpose of obtaining both food and raiment.
+
+With a spirit of gambling, rendered more ardent than prevails in
+vulgar life, from the example of their superiors, and from their idle
+and dissipated habits, these servants enter keenly into the Lottery
+business; and when ill luck attends them, it is but too well known
+that many are led, step by step, to that point where they lose sight
+of all moral principle; impelled by a desire to recover what they have
+lost, they are induced to raise money for that purpose, by selling or
+pawning the property of their masters, wherever it can be pilfered in
+a little way, without detection; till at length this species of
+peculation, by being rendered familiar to their minds, generally
+terminates in more atrocious crimes.
+
+Upon a supposition that one hundred thousand families in the
+Metropolis keep two servants upon an average, and that one servant
+with another insures only to the extent of twenty-five shillings each,
+in the English, and the same in the Irish Lottery, the aggregate of
+the whole will amount to HALF A MILLION STERLING.
+
+Astonishing as this may appear at first view, it is believed that
+those who will minutely examine into the Lottery transactions of their
+servants, will find the calculation by no means exaggerated; and when
+to this are added the sums drawn from persons in the middle ranks of
+life, as well as from the numerous classes of labourers and artisans
+who have caught the mania; it ceases to be a matter of wonder, that so
+many Sharpers, Swindlers, and Cheats, find encouragement in this
+particular department.
+
+If servants in general, who are under the control of masters, were
+prevented from following this abominable species of gambling; and if
+other expedients were adopted, which will be hereafter detailed, a
+large proportion of the present race of rogues and vagabonds who
+follow this infamous trade, would be compelled to become honest; and
+the poor would be shielded from the delusion which impels them to
+resort to this deceitful and fraudulent expedient; at the expence
+sometimes of pledging every article of household goods, as well as the
+last rag of their own, and their children's wearing apparel, not
+leaving even a single change of raiment!
+
+This view of a very prominent and alarming evil, known to exist from a
+variety of facts well established and evinced, among others, by the
+pawnbrokers' shops overflowing with the goods of the labouring poor,
+during the drawing of the three Lotteries, ought to create a strong
+desire on the part of all masters of families, to exert their utmost
+endeavours to check this destructive propensity; and to prevent, as
+far as possible, those distresses and mischiefs which every person of
+humanity must deplore. The misery and loss of property which springs
+from this delusive source of iniquity, is certainly very far beyond
+any idea that can be formed of it by the common observer.[41]
+
+[Footnote 41: In consequence of a very accurate inquiry which has been
+made, and of information derived from different sources, it appears
+that fraudulent Lottery Insurances have not diminished. The Offices
+are numerous all over the Metropolis, and are supposed to exceed four
+hundred of all descriptions; to many of which there are persons
+attached, called _Morocco Men_, who go about from house to house among
+their former customers, and attend in the back parlours of Public
+Houses, where they are met by customers who make insurances. It is
+calculated that at these offices (exclusive of what is done at the
+_licensed_ offices) premiums for insurance are received to the amount
+of _eight hundred thousand pounds_, during the Irish Lottery, and
+above _one million_ during the English; upon which it is calculated
+that they make from 15 to 25 per cent. profit.--This infamous
+confederacy was estimated, during the English Lottery of the year
+1796, to support about 2000 agents and clerks, and nearly 7500 Morocco
+Men, including a considerable number of hired _armed Ruffians_ and
+_Bludgeon Men_: these were paid by a general association of the
+Principal Proprietors of these fraudulent Establishments; who
+regularly met in Committee, in a well-known public house in Oxford
+Market, twice or thrice a week, during the drawing of the Lottery; for
+the purpose of concerting measures to defeat the exertions of the
+Magistrates, by alarming and terrifying, and even forcibly resisting,
+the Officers of Justice in all instances where they could not be
+bribed by pecuniary gratuities;--to effect which last purpose, neither
+money nor pains were spared; and the wretched agents of these
+unprincipled miscreants were, in many cases, prepared to commit
+murder, had attempts been made to execute the Warrants of Magistrates;
+as can be proved by incontestable evidence. It is greatly to be feared
+that too much success attended these corrupt and fraudulent
+proceedings, in violation and defiance of the Laws of the Kingdom.]
+
+A general Association, or perhaps an act of Parliament, establishing
+proper regulations, applicable to this and other objects, with regard
+to menial servants, would be of great utility.
+
+If a Legislative regulation could also be established, extending
+certain restrictions to the members of the different _Friendly
+Societies_ situated within the Bills of Mortality, with regard to
+Fraudulent Lottery Insurances, above _seventy thousand families_ would
+be relieved from the consequences of this insinuating evil; which has
+been so fatal to the happiness and comfort of a vast number of
+tradesmen and artisans, as well as inferior classes of labourers.[42]
+
+[Footnote 42: The regulation proposed, is this--that every member
+belonging to a Friendly Society, should be _excluded_ or _expelled_,
+and deprived of all future benefits from the funds of that Society, on
+proof of his having insured in any Lottery whatsoever, contrary to
+law;--and that this rule should be general, wherever the Acts of
+Parliament, relative to Friendly Societies, have taken effect.]
+
+Such prohibitions and restraints would have a wonderful effect in
+lessening the profits of the Lottery-Office Keepers; which, perhaps,
+is the very best mode of suppressing the evil.--At present, the
+temptation to follow these fraudulent practices is so great, from the
+productive nature of the business, that unless some new expedient be
+resorted to, no well-grounded hope can be entertained of lessening the
+evil in any material degree.
+
+In addition, therefore, to what has already been suggested on the
+subject, other expedients have occurred to the Author; and some have
+been suggested by persons well informed on this subject.
+
+The Lottery in itself, if the poorer classes could be exempted from
+its mischiefs, has been considered by many good Writers and Reasoners
+as a fair resource of Revenue; by taxing the vices or follies of the
+People, in a country where such a considerable proportion of the
+higher and middling ranks are possessed of large properties in money,
+and may be induced, through this medium to contribute to the
+assistance of the State, what would (probably to the same extent) be
+otherwise squandered and dissipated, in idle amusements.
+
+It is a means also of benefit to the Nation, by drawing considerable
+sums of money annually from foreign Countries, which are laid out in
+the purchase of tickets.
+
+In many respects therefore, it might be desirable to preserve this
+source of Revenue if it can be confined to the purchase of Tickets,
+and to persons of such opulence, as upon the abolition of the Lottery
+could not probably be restrained from squandering their money in
+another way, from which the State would derive no benefit.
+
+The Lottery, on the plan upon which it is at present conducted, has
+not yet ceased to be an evil of the utmost magnitude, and perhaps one
+of the greatest nurseries of crimes that ever existed in any
+country.--At the close of the English Lottery drawn in 1796, the Civil
+Power was trampled upon and put to defiance in a most alarming and
+shameful manner, disgraceful to the Police of the Metropolis. The
+means used for this purpose have been already fully detailed; _ante p.
+156 in the note_.
+
+The profits of these Cheats and Swindlers were said to be immense
+beyond all former example, during the Lottery drawn in the spring both
+of 1796 and 1797; and of course, the Poor were never in a greater
+degree plundered.
+
+In calculating the chances upon the whole numbers in the wheels, and
+the premiums which are paid, there is generally about 33 1-3d per
+cent. in favour of the Lottery Insurers; but when it is considered
+that the lower ranks, from not being able to recollect or comprehend
+high numbers, always fix on low ones, the chance in favour of the
+insurer is greatly increased, and the deluded Poor are plundered, to
+an extent which really exceeds all calculation.
+
+At no period is there ever so much occasion for the exertions of the
+Magistracy, as during the drawing of the English and Irish Lotteries;
+but it is to be feared, that even by this energy, opposed as it always
+undoubtedly will be, by a System as well of corruption as of force
+unexampled in former times, no proper check can be given, until by new
+Legislative regulations, some more effectual remedy is applied.
+
+The following expedients with the assistance of a superintending,
+energetic, and well-regulated Police, it is to be hoped, might be the
+means of greatly abridging this enormous evil, and of securing to
+Government the same annual revenue, which is at present obtained, or
+nearly so.
+
+     "1. That the numbers of the Tickets to be placed in the
+     Lottery Wheels shall not be _running numbers_, as heretofore
+     used; but shall be _intermediate_ and _broken_; thereby
+     preventing insurances from being made on specific numbers,
+     from the impossibility of its being known, to any but the
+     _holders of tickets, or the Commissioners_, what particular
+     ticket at anytime remains in the wheel.
+
+     "2. That all persons taking out licences to sell Lottery
+     Tickets, shall (instead of the bond with two sureties for
+     one thousand pounds, now entered into under the act of the
+     22d George 3. cap. 47,) enter into a bond, with two sureties
+     also, for L.50,000--which sum shall be forfeited, on due
+     proof that any person, so licensed, shall have been,
+     directly or indirectly, concerned in taking insurances
+     contrary to law; or in setting up, or being connected in the
+     profit or loss arising from any illegal insurance-office: or
+     in employing itinerant Clerks, to take insurances on account
+     of persons so licensed.
+
+     "3. That besides the above-mentioned bond, all licensed
+     Lottery Office Keepers shall, previous to the drawing of
+     each Lottery, make oath before a Magistrate, that they will
+     not, in the course of the ensuing Lottery, be concerned,
+     either directly or indirectly, in setting up any illegal
+     offices for the sale of tickets, or insurance of numbers,
+     contrary to law: Which affidavit shall be recorded, and a
+     certificate thereof shall be indorsed on the licence
+     without which it shall not be valid. And that the affidavit
+     may be produced in evidence, against persons convicted of
+     illegally insuring; who shall in that event be liable to the
+     punishment attached to perjury, and of course, to the
+     ignominy of the pillory and imprisonment.
+
+     "4. That all peace-officers, constables, headboroughs, or
+     others, lawfully authorised to execute the warrants of
+     Magistrates, who shall receive any gratuity, or sum of money
+     from illegal Lottery Insurers, or from any person or
+     persons, in consideration of any expected services in
+     screening such offenders from detection or punishment,
+     shall, on conviction, be rendered infamous, and incapable of
+     ever serving any public office; and be punished by fines,
+     imprisonment, or the pillory, as the Court, before whom the
+     offence is tried, shall see proper.
+
+     "5. That all persons who shall be convicted of _paying
+     money_ on any contract for the benefit arising from the
+     drawing of any Lottery Ticket, insured upon any contingency
+     (not being in possession of the original ticket, or a legal
+     share thereof) shall forfeit L.20 for every offence, to be
+     levied by distress, &c.
+
+     "6. That an abstract of the penalties inflicted by law on
+     persons insuring, or taking illegal insurances in the
+     Lottery, shall be read every Sunday, in all churches,
+     chapels, meeting-houses, and other places of public worship,
+     during the drawing of the Irish and English Lotteries
+     respectively; with a short exhortation, warning the people
+     of the consequences of offending against the law: And that a
+     copy of the same shall be pasted up in different parts of
+     Guildhall, and constantly replaced during the drawing of the
+     Lottery; and also at all the licensed Lottery Offices within
+     the Metropolis.
+
+     "7. That a reward, not exceeding L.50 be paid to any person
+     employed as a clerk or servant in any illegal Lottery
+     Office, who shall be the means of convicting the actual or
+     principal proprietor or proprietors of the said office, who
+     shall not appear themselves in the management; also a sum
+     not exceeding L.40 on conviction of a known and acting
+     proprietor; and a sum not exceeding L.10 on conviction of
+     any clerk or manager, not being partners.
+
+     "8. That the punishment to be inflicted on offenders shall
+     be fine, imprisonment, or the pillory; according to the
+     atrocity of the offence, in the discretion of the Court
+     before which such offenders shall be tried."
+
+The following Plans have also been transmitted to the Author by
+Correspondents who appear to be well-wishers to Society. They are here
+made public, in hopes that from the whole of the suggestions thus
+offered, some regulations may ultimately be adopted by the Legislature
+towards effectually remedying this peculiarly dangerous and
+still-increasing evil.
+
+
+PLAN I.
+
+"It is proposed, that the _Prizes only_ should be drawn, and that
+Seven Hours and a Half per Day should be the time of drawing, instead
+of Five Hours, by which means a lottery of the same number of tickets
+now drawn in thirty-five days, would be drawn in seven days and a
+half; and each adventurer would have exactly the same chance as he has
+by the present mode of drawing; since it is evidently of no
+consequence to him whether all the blanks remain in the Number Wheel
+undrawn, or an equal number of Blanks are drawn from a blank and prize
+wheel; the chance of blank or prize on _each ticket_ being in either
+case exactly the same.
+
+"According to the usual mode of drawing, 50,000 tickets take about
+thirty-five days in drawing, which is 1,420-6/7 per day.--By
+increasing the time of each day's drawing, from five hours to seven
+and a half, 2,131 tickets would be drawn each day; but as the reading
+prizes above L.20 _thrice_, causes some little delay, I reckon only
+2000 per day; at which rate 15,000 tickets, the usual proportion of
+prizes in a Lottery of 50,000 tickets, would be drawn in seven days
+and a half. Thus the _Period_ of Insurance would be nearly reduced to
+one-fifth part of its present duration, and the _daily_ insurance on
+_Blanks_, and _Blank and Prize_, which opens the most extensive field
+for gambling, would be _entirely abolished_. Reducing, therefore, the
+time of Insurance to one-fifth, and the numbers drawn to less than
+one-third of what they have hitherto been, there could scarce remain
+in Lotteries thus drawn, one-fifteenth part of the insurance as in
+former Lotteries of an equal number of Tickets.--It is also worthy of
+remark, that as all the late Lotteries have been thirty-five days at
+least in drawing, the Insurance Offices had thirty-four to one in
+their favour the first day, by which circumstance they were enabled to
+tempt chiefly that class of people who can only gamble on the lowest
+terms, and to whom gambling is most extensively pernicious, with a
+very moderate premium, (_e.g._ about twelve shillings to return twenty
+pounds) which increases daily by almost imperceptible degrees, and
+thus insensibly leads them on to misery, desperation, and guilt.
+
+"But in the proposed Plan, the Insurance Offices would have only six
+days and a half to one in their favour the first day; so that they
+must begin with a much higher premium than the generality of the
+common people can advance, which premium must each day be very
+considerably increased.--These considerations would undoubtedly
+operate as an absolute prohibition, on far the greatest part of
+Lottery Insurers; beside which, the great probability of numbers
+insured being drawn each day, would deter even the Office Keepers from
+venturing to insure so deeply, or extensively, as they have been
+accustomed to do.
+
+"Should it be objected, that if Insurance is thus abridged, or
+prohibited, tickets will not sell, and the Lottery, as a source of
+Revenue, must be abandoned: the following expedient may, it is
+apprehended, effectually obviate such an objection.--
+
+"Let Tickets, which cannot now be legally divided below a sixteenth,
+be divisible down to a _Sixty-fourth_ share, properly stamped; which
+regulation, while it would greatly benefit and encourage Licensed
+Offices, would equally discountenance illegal Gamblers; and whilst it
+permitted to the lower orders of the Community a fair chance of an
+adventure in the Lottery on moderate terms, would co-operate with the
+restrictions on Insurance to advance the intrinsic value, as well as
+the price of tickets, which every illegal _Scheme_ evidently tends to
+depreciate."
+
+The preceding Plan appeared in the Appendix to the fifth edition of
+this Treatise; in consequence of which the Author received the
+following observations and which therefore he presents as--
+
+
+PLAN II.
+
+"The Suggestions as far as they extend and relate to the shortening
+the duration of the drawing are highly useful, but they fall short of
+the object, and the Plan, if executed, would nearly prevent the sale
+of tickets, and totally so that of shares, and consequently abolish
+Lotteries altogether;--a consummation devoutly to be wished by every
+friend to the public, but under the pecuniary influences, which
+perhaps too much affect political considerations, little to be
+expected.
+
+"It will be necessary to exhibit only a plain Statement of the
+proportionate chances in the wheel during the 7-1/2 days of drawing on
+the Scheme of 50,000 Tickets, viz.--
+
+              _Prizes._     _Blanks._
+
+  1st.  Day    15,000   to   35,000    2-1/3 to a Prize
+  2d.   ---    13,000   --   35,000
+  3d.   ---    11,000   --   35,000
+  4th.  ---     9,000   --   35,000
+  5th.  ---     7,000   --   35,000
+  6th.  ---     5,000   --   35,000
+  7th.  ---     3,000   --   35,000
+  last. ---     1,000   --   35,000    35 to a Prize.
+
+"Hence it is evident, that on supposition the value of the Prizes
+diminish by an equal ratio, every day of drawing, still the actual
+value of the Prizes in proportion to the permanent number of the
+Blanks will be diminished by the relative proportion increasing at the
+rate of about 4666 Blanks every day after the first. Consequently it
+must follow, that the premiums of insurance, as well as the price of
+Shares and Tickets, instead of acquiring in their value _a very
+considerable increase_, must be subject to a very considerable
+diminution.
+
+"To maintain the foregoing Plan, No. I. which is a good ground-work
+for lessening the evil, I take the liberty (says my Correspondent) of
+suggesting the following improvement.
+
+"After the Prizes are drawn each day, let the proportion of the
+Blanks, namely, 4666 be drawn also. Let there be a suspension likewise
+of five or seven days between each drawing for the sale of Tickets and
+Shares, and to give time for insurance. It may be objected, that the
+time being thus prolonged the inconvenience will remain the same; to
+avoid which, the blank numbers so drawn, must be done secretly and
+sealed up by the Commissioners, or, they may be drawn openly but not
+unfolded or declared, and if necessary, made public after the drawing;
+by which means the insurance against Blanks or Blank and Prize will be
+equally abolished."
+
+
+PLAN III.
+
+"The Evils of a Lottery are many.--The Advantages might, if well
+regulated, be as numerous. According to the Schemes that have hitherto
+prevailed the _principle_ has been wrong. Since the bait held out has
+been the obtaining of an immense fortune, and the risk has been
+proportionably great--Insurance has reigned unchecked by all penalties
+and punishments that could be devised to the ruin and misery of
+thousands. The price of tickets has been fluctuating, and fortunes
+have been won and lost on the chance of the great Prizes keeping in
+the Wheel: the L.20 prizes have always proved dissatisfactory, as
+though there are only 2-1/2 prizes _on an average_ to a blank, yet
+such is the uncertainty, that many have scores of tickets without
+obtaining the proportionate advantage even from these low prizes. It
+is thought, therefore, that a scheme which should offer considerably
+more chances for prizes of and above L.50, and which should ensure a
+return on all blanks, would be acceptable. If also it could be made to
+prevent insuring of tickets and capitals, it seems to be the grand
+desideratum in this branch of financeering.
+
+"The principle on which these benefits may be obtained is this. There
+should be a considerable number of moderate prizes, such as might be
+fortunes, if obtained by the inferior ranks, and of consequence
+sufficient to answer the risk of the rich. The tickets to be drawn
+each day should be previously specified which may be done by
+appropriating a certain share of the prizes to a certain number of
+tickets. All the tickets not drawn prizes of L.50 or upwards shall be
+entitled to a certain return, which would be superior to a chance for
+a L.20 prize.
+
+
+"SCHEME.
+
+  _Number of Prizes._       _Value of each._         _Total Value._
+                                     L.                    L.
+            25                     5,000                125,000
+            25                     1,000                 25,000
+           100                       500                 50,000
+           250                       100                 25,000
+           600                        50                 30,000
+         -----                                          -------
+         1,000                                          255,000
+        49,000--L.5 returned on each.                   245,000
+        ------                                          -------
+        50,000 Tickets.                                 500,000
+
+
+"SCHEME OF DRAWING.
+
+"Let 2000 Tickets from No. 1, to 1999 inclusive, (with Number 50,000)
+be put into a Wheel the first day, and proceed in the same manner
+numerically for 25 days. In the other Wheel, each day let there be put
+the following proportion of Prizes, viz.
+
+
+                      L.                L.
+     1               5000              5000
+     1               1000              1000
+     4                500              2000
+    10                100              1000
+    24                 50              1200
+  ----                               ------
+    40                               10,200
+  1960.--L.5 to be returned on each.   9800
+  ----                               ------
+  2000 Tickets                       20,000
+
+"In Lotteries where the lowest prizes have been of L.20 the blanks
+have been the proportion of 2-1/2 to a prize. If therefore a person
+had seven tickets they were entitled to expect only two L.20 prizes or
+L.40. In this, however, they were frequently disappointed, and their
+chance for a prize of L.50 or upwards has been as about 200 to 50,000.
+By the above Scheme, if a person has seven tickets they are sure of a
+return of L.35, and have the chance of 40 to 2000, or 1000 to 50,000
+for a superior prize. The certainty of the numbers and the prizes to
+be drawn each day would prevent insurance on those events, and every
+ticket being a prize there could be no insurance against blanks.
+
+"In fact, the Lottery might be drawn in one day,--thus: Let there be
+twenty-five bags containing each 2000 numbers, either promiscuously
+chosen or of stated thousands. Let there be also 25 bags each
+containing the 40 prizes above appropriated to each day's drawing. Let
+the Commissioners empty one bag of numbers and one of prizes into two
+wheels. Let them draw 40 numbers out of the Number Wheel, and the 40
+prizes out of the other. The remaining 1960 numbers to be entitled to
+L.5 each.--Then let them proceed with other 2000 numbers in the same
+way."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+At all events, whether these Plans for reforming this enormous evil,
+are or are not superior to others which have been devised, it is clear
+to demonstration, that the present System is founded on a principle
+not less erroneous than mischievous; and, therefore, it cannot too
+soon be abandoned; especially since it would appear that the Revenue
+it produces might be preserved, with the incalculable advantage to the
+nation of preserving, at the same time, the morals of the people, and
+turning into a course of industry and usefulness the labour of many
+thousand individuals, who, instead of being, as at present, pests in
+Society, might be rendered useful members of the State.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. VII.
+
+     _The Frauds arising from the manufacture and circulation of
+     base Money:--The Causes of its enormous increase of late
+     years.--The different kinds of false Coin detailed:--The
+     Process in fabricating each species explained:--The immense
+     Profits arising therefrom:--The extensive Trade in sending
+     base Coin to the Country.--Its universal Circulation in the
+     Metropolis.--The great Grievance arising from it to Brewers,
+     Distillers, Grocers, and Retail Dealers, in particular, as
+     well as the Labouring Poor in general.--The principal
+     Channels through which it is uttered in the Country and in
+     the Metropolis.--Counterfeit foreign Money extremely
+     productive to the dealers.--A summary View of the Causes of
+     the mischief.--The Defects in the present Laws
+     explained:--And a Detail of the Remedies proposed to be
+     provided by the Legislature._
+
+
+The frauds committed by the fabrication of base Money, and by the
+nefarious practices, in the introduction of almost every species of
+Counterfeit Coin into the circulation of the Country, are next to be
+discussed.
+
+The great outlines of this enormous evil having been stated in the
+first Chapter, it now remains to elucidate that part of the subject
+which is connected with _specific detail_.
+
+One of the greatest sources of these multiplied and increasing frauds
+is to be traced to the various ingenious improvements which have taken
+place of late years, at Birmingham, and other manufacturing towns, in
+mixing metals, and in stamping and _colouring_ ornamental buttons.
+
+The same ingenious process is so easily applied to the coinage and
+colouring of false money, and also to the mixing of the metals of
+which it is composed, that it is not to be wondered at, that the
+avarice of man, urged by the prospect of immense profit, has
+occasioned that vast increase of counterfeit money of every
+description, with which the Country is at present deluged.
+
+The false coinages which have been introduced into circulation, of
+late years, are _Guineas, Half-Guineas and Seven Shilling Pieces,
+Crowns and Half-Crowns, Shillings, Sixpences, Pence, Halfpence, and
+Farthings_, of the similitude of the coin of the realm: of foreign
+coin, _Half Johannas, Louis d'ors, Spanish Dollars, French
+Half-Crowns, Shillings and Sixpences, 30 Sol pieces, Prussian and
+Danish Silver money, and other continental coins_; to which may be
+added, _Sequins of Turkey, and Pagodas of India_. These foreign coins
+except in the instance of the _Spanish Dollars_[43] issued by the
+Bank of England in 1797, have generally been sold as articles of
+commerce for the purpose of being fraudulently circulated in the
+British Colonies or in Foreign Countries.
+
+[Footnote 43: The circulation of stamped Spanish Dollars, in 1797,
+gave rise to a very extensive coinage of counterfeit money of the same
+species, which was generally executed in a very masterly manner, and
+before the fraud was discovered vast quantities were in the hands of
+many innocent members of the community. Several detections, however,
+having checked the circulation, and silver bullion having fallen
+greatly in price, those who were in the habit of dealing in base money
+availing themselves of this circumstance, purchased Dollars in great
+quantities at about 4_s._. 2_d._ which they instantly stamped and
+circulated at 4_s._ 9_d._ and by which species of villainy large sums
+of money were suddenly amassed.--One dealer in particular is said to
+have made above L.5000 in six weeks. The Laws attaching no punishment
+to this unforeseen offence, and the Author representing the
+circumstances of the case to the Bank Directors, the whole were called
+in, leaving, however, in the hands of the dealers a large surplus of
+actual counterfeits,--which appears to have suggested to them the
+expedient of finding a market in the British American Colonies and the
+United States, where, in general, frauds are less likely to be
+detected from the payments being made (particularly in the West India
+islands) in dollars put up in bags containing a certain value in each.
+However, they were fortunately defeated in this object by the timely
+notice given, by the Author of this Treatise, to his Majesty's
+Secretary of State, and the American Minister, and through these
+respectable mediums commercial people were put upon their guard before
+the intended fraud could be carried into effect.]
+
+So dexterous and skilful have Coiners now become, that by mixing a
+certain proportion of pure gold with a compound of base metal, they
+can fabricate guineas that shall be full weight, and of such perfect
+workmanship as to elude a discovery, except by persons of skill; while
+the intrinsic value does not exceed thirteen or fourteen shillings,
+and in some instances is not more than eight or nine. Of this coinage
+considerable quantities were circulated some years since, bearing the
+impression of George the Second: and another coinage of counterfeit
+guineas of the year 1793, bearing the impression of his present
+Majesty, has been for some years in circulation, finished in a
+masterly manner, and nearly full weight, although the intrinsic value
+is not above eight shillings: half guineas are also in circulation of
+the same coinage: and lately a good imitation of the seven-shilling
+pieces. But as the fabrication of such coin requires a greater degree
+of skill and ingenuity than generally prevails, and also a greater
+capital than most coiners are able to command, it is to be hoped it
+has gone to no great extent; for amidst all the abuses which have
+prevailed of late years, it is unquestionably true, that the guineas
+and half-guineas which have been counterfeited in a style to elude
+detection, have borne no proportion in point of extent to the coinage
+of base _Silver_. Of this latter there are _five_ different kinds at
+present counterfeited; and which we shall proceed to enumerate.
+
+_The first of these are denominated_ Flats, from the circumstance of
+this species of money being cut out of flatted plates, composed of a
+mixture of silver and blanched copper. The proportion of silver runs
+from one-fourth to one-third, and in some instances to even one-half:
+the metals are mixed by a chemical preparation, and afterwards rolled
+by flatting mills, into the thickness of _shillings_, _half-crowns_,
+or _crowns_, according to the desire of the parties who bring the
+copper and silver, which last is generally stolen plate. It is not
+known that there are at present above one or two rolling mills in
+London, although there are several in the Country, where all the
+dealers and coiners of this species of base money resort, for the
+purpose of having these plates prepared; from which, when finished,
+_blanks_ or round pieces are cut out, of the sizes of the money meant
+to be counterfeited.
+
+The artisans who stamp or coin these blanks into base money are seldom
+interested themselves. They generally work as mechanics for the large
+dealers who employ a capital in the trade;--and who furnish the
+plates, and pay about eight per cent. for the coinage, being at the
+rate of one penny for each shilling, and twopence-halfpenny for each
+half-crown.
+
+This operation consists first in turning the blanks in a lathe;--then
+stamping them, by means of a press, with dies of the exact impression
+of the coin intended to be imitated:--they are afterwards rubbed with
+sandpaper and cork; then put into aquafortis to bring the silver to
+the surface; then rubbed with common salt; then with cream of tartar;
+then warmed in a shovel or similar machine before the fire; and last
+of all rubbed with _blacking_, to give the money the appearance of
+having been in circulation.
+
+All these operations are so quickly performed, that two persons (a man
+and his wife for instance,) can completely finish to the nominal
+amount of fifty pounds in shillings and half-crowns in two days, by
+which they will earn each two guineas a day.
+
+A shilling of this species, which exhibits nearly the appearance of
+what has been usually called a Birmingham shilling, is intrinsically
+worth from _twopence to fourpence_; and crowns and half-crowns are in
+the same proportion. The quantity made of this sort of counterfeit
+coinage is very considerable: it requires less ingenuity than any of
+the other methods of coining, though at the same time it is the most
+expensive, and of course the least profitable to the Dealer; who for
+the most part disposes of it to the utterers, vulgarly called
+_Smashers_, at from 28_s._ to 40_s._ for a guinea, according to the
+quality; while these _Smashers_ generally manage to utter it again to
+the full import value.
+
+_The Second Species of counterfeit Silver money_ passes among the
+dealers by the denomination of Plated Goods; from the circumstance of
+the shillings and half-crowns being made of copper of a reduced size,
+and afterwards plated with silver, so extended as to form a rim round
+the edge. This coin is afterwards stamped with dies so as to resemble
+the real coin; and, from the circumstance of the surface being pure
+silver, is not easily discovered except by ringing the money on a
+table: but as this species of base money requires a knowledge of
+_plating_ as well as a great deal of ingenuity, it is of course
+confined to few hands. It is however extremely profitable to those who
+carry it on, as it can generally be uttered, without detection, at
+its full import value.
+
+_The Third Species of base Silver-money is called_ Plain Goods, and is
+totally confined to shillings. These are made of copper blanks turned
+in a lathe, of the exact size of a Birmingham shilling, afterwards
+silvered over by a particular operation used in colouring metal
+buttons; they are then rubbed over with cream of tartar and blacking,
+after which they are fit for circulation.
+
+These shillings do not cost the makers above one halfpenny each: they
+are sold very low to the _Smashers_ or _Utterers_, who pass them where
+they can, at the full nominal value; and when the silver wears off,
+which is very soon the case, they are sold to the Jews as bad
+shillings, who generally resell them at a small profit to customers,
+by whom they are recoloured, and thus soon brought again into
+circulation. The profit is immense, owing to the trifling value of the
+materials; but the circulation, on account of the danger of discovery,
+it is to be hoped is not yet very extensive. It is, however, to be
+remarked, that it is a species of coinage not of a long standing.
+
+_The Fourth Class_ of counterfeit silver-money is known by the name of
+CASTINGS or CAST GOODS. This species of work requires great skill and
+ingenuity, and is therefore confined to few hands; for none but
+excellent artists can attempt it, with any prospect of great success.
+
+The process is to melt blanched copper, and to cast it in moulds,
+having the impression, and being of the size of a _crown_, a
+_half-crown_, a _shilling_, or a _sixpence_, as the case may be; after
+being removed from the moulds, the money thus formed is cleaned off,
+and afterwards neatly silvered over by an operation similar to that
+which takes place in the manufacture of buttons.
+
+The counterfeit money made in imitation of shillings by this process,
+is generally cast so as to have a _crooked appearance_; and the
+deception is so admirable, that although intrinsically not worth _one
+halfpenny_, by exhibiting the appearance of a _thick crooked
+shilling_, they enter into circulation without suspicion, and are
+seldom refused while the surface exhibits no part of the copper; and
+even after this the itinerant Jews will purchase them at threepence
+each though six times their intrinsic value, well knowing that they
+can again be recoloured at the expence of half a farthing, so as to
+pass without difficulty for their nominal value of twelve pence.--A
+vast number of the sixpences now in circulation is of this species of
+coinage.
+
+The profit in every view, whether to the original maker, or to the
+subsequent purchasers (after having lost their colour,) is _immense_.
+
+In fabricating Cast Money, the workmen are always more secure than
+where presses and dies are used; because upon the least alarm, and
+before any officer of justice can have admission, the counterfeits are
+thrown into the crucible; the moulds are destroyed; and nothing is to
+be found that can convict, or even criminate the offender: on this
+account the present makers of cast money have reigned long, and were
+they careful and frugal, they might have become extremely rich; but
+prudence rarely falls to the lot of men who live by acts of
+criminality.
+
+The _Fifth and last Species_ of base coin made in imitation of
+silver-money of the realm is called Figs or Fig Things. It is a very
+inferior sort of counterfeit money, of which composition, however, a
+great part of the sixpences now in circulation are made. The
+proportion of silver is not, generally speaking, of the value of one
+farthing in half a crown; although there are certainly some
+exceptions, as counterfeit sixpences have been lately discovered, some
+with a mixture, and some wholly silver; but even these did not yield
+the makers less than from 50 to 80 per cent. while the profit on the
+former is not less than from five hundred to one thousand per cent.
+and sometimes more.
+
+It is impossible to estimate the amount of this base money which has
+entered into the circulation of the Country during the last twenty
+years; but it must be very great, since one of the principal Coiners
+of stamped money, who some time since left off business, and made some
+important discoveries, acknowledged to the Author, that he had coined
+to the extent of _two hundred thousand pounds_ sterling in counterfeit
+_half-crowns_, and other base silver money, in a period of seven
+years. This is the less surprising, as two persons can stamp and
+finish to the amount of from 200_l._ to 300_l._ a week.[44]
+
+[Footnote 44: A _Liquid Test_ has been discovered by Mr. ALSTON, an
+eminent Manufacturer, in Birmingham, of great worth and
+respectability, which cannot fail to be of the greatest use in
+detecting every species of counterfeit Gold and Silver money, whether
+_plated_ or _washed_. This discovery is mentioned with pleasure by the
+Author, as it is likely to be productive of much benefit to the
+Public, in protecting the fair dealers against the frauds daily
+practised upon them, in the circulation of base money.--The discovery
+is instantaneous by a single touch, and the expence of the Liquid and
+Apparatus is trifling.]
+
+Of the Copper Money made in imitation of the current coin of the
+realm, there are many different sorts sold at various prices,
+according to the size and weight; but in general they may be divided
+into two kinds, namely, the stamped and the plain halfpence, of both
+which kind immense quantities have been made in London; and also in
+Birmingham, Wedgbury, Bilston, and Wolverhampton, &c.[45]
+
+[Footnote 45: A species of counterfeit halfpence made _wholly of
+lead_, has been circulated in considerable quantities, coloured in
+such a manner as even to deceive the best judges. They are generally
+of the Reign of George II. and have the exact appearance of old Mint
+halfpence.]
+
+The plain halfpence are generally made at Birmingham; and from their
+thickness, afford a wonderful deception. They are sold, however, by
+the coiners to the large dealers at about a farthing each, or 100 per
+cent. profit in the tale or aggregate number. These dealers are not
+the _utterers_; but sell them again by retail in _pieces_, or
+_five-shilling papers_, at the rate of from 28_s._ to 31_s._ for a
+guinea; not only to the Smashers, but also to persons in different
+trades, as well in the Metropolis as in the Country Towns, who pass
+them in the course of their business at the full import value.
+
+Farthings are also made in considerable quantities, chiefly in London,
+but so very thin that the profit upon this species of coinage is much
+greater than on the halfpence, though these counterfeits are not now,
+as formerly, made of base metal. The copper of which they are made is
+generally pure. The advantage lies in the weight alone, where the
+_coiners_, _sellers_, and _utterers_, do not obtain less than 200 per
+cent. A well known coiner has been said to finish from sixty to eighty
+pounds sterling a week. Of halfpence, two or three persons can stamp
+and finish to the nominal amount of at least two hundred pounds in six
+days.
+
+When it is considered that there are seldom less than between forty
+and fifty coinages or private mints, almost constantly employed in
+London and in different country towns; in stamping and fabricating
+base silver and copper money, the evil may justly be said to have
+arrived at an enormous height. It is indeed true that these people
+have been a good deal interrupted and embarrassed from time to time,
+by detections and convictions; but while the laws are so inapplicable
+to the new tricks and devices they have resorted to, these convictions
+are only _a drop in the bucket_: while such encouragements are held
+out the execution of one rogue only makes room for another to take up
+his customers; and indeed as the offence of selling is only a
+misdemeanor it is no unusual thing for the wife and family of a
+culprit, or convicted _seller_ of _base money_ to carry on the
+business, and to support him luxuriously in Newgate, until the
+expiration of the _year_ and _day's_ imprisonment, which is generally
+the punishment inflicted for this species of offence.
+
+It has been already stated [_page_ 16, &c.] that trading in base money
+has now become as regular and systematic as any fair branch of
+trade.--
+
+Certain it is, that immense quantities have been regularly sent from
+London to the Camps during the summer season; and to persons at the
+sea-ports and manufacturing towns, who again sell in retail to the
+different tradesmen and others who pass them at the full _import_
+value.
+
+In this nefarious traffic a number of the lower order of the German
+Jews in London assist the dealers in an eminent degree, particularly
+in the circulation of bad halfpence.
+
+It has not been an unusual thing for several of these dealers to hold
+a kind of market every morning, where from forty to fifty of these
+German Jew boys are regularly supplied with counterfeit halfpence;
+which they dispose of in the course of the day in different streets
+and lanes of the Metropolis, for _bad shillings_, at about 3_d._ each.
+Care is always taken that the person who cries bad shillings shall
+have a companion near him who carries the halfpence, and takes charge
+of the purchased shillings (which are not cut:) so as to elude the
+detection of the Officers of the Police, in the event of being
+searched.
+
+The bad shillings thus purchased, are received in payment by the
+employers of the boys, for the bad halfpence supplied them, at the
+rate of four shillings a dozen; and are generally resold to
+_Smashers_, at a profit of two shillings a dozen; who speedily
+re-colour them, and introduce them again into circulation, at their
+full nominal value.
+
+The boys will generally clear from five to seven shillings a day, by
+this fraudulent business; which they almost uniformly spend, during
+the evening, in riot and debauchery; returning pennyless in the
+morning to their old trade.
+
+Thus it is that the frauds upon the Public multiply beyond all
+possible conception, while the tradesman, who, unwarily at least if
+not improperly, sells his counterfeit shillings to Jew boys at
+threepence each, little suspects that it is for the purpose of being
+returned upon him again at the rate of twelve-pence; or 300 per cent.
+profit to the purchasers and utterers.
+
+But these are not the only criminal devices to which the coiners and
+dealers, as well as the utterers of base money, have had recourse, for
+answering their iniquitous purposes.
+
+Previous to the Act of the 37 Geo. 3. cap. 126, counterfeit French
+crowns, half-crowns, and shillings, of excellent workmanship, were
+introduced with a view to elude the punishment of the then deficient
+Laws relative to Foreign Coin.
+
+Fraudulent die-sinkers are to be found both in the Metropolis and in
+Birmingham, who are excellent artists; able and willing to copy the
+exact similitude of any coin, from the British guinea to the sequin of
+Turkey, or to the Star Pagoda of Arcot. The delinquents have therefore
+every opportunity and assistance they can wish for; while their
+accurate knowledge of the deficiency of the laws, (particularly
+relative to British Coin) and where the point of danger lies, joined
+to the extreme difficulty of detection, operates as a great
+encouragement to this species of treason, felony, and fraud; and
+affords the most forcible reason why these pests of society still
+continue to afflict the honest part of the community.
+
+An opinion prevails, founded on information obtained through the
+medium of the most intelligent of these coiners and dealers, that of
+the counterfeit money now in circulation, not above one third part is
+of the species of _Flats_ or _composition money_; which has been
+mentioned as the most intrinsically valuable of counterfeit silver,
+and contains from one fourth to one third silver; the remainder being
+blanched copper.--The other two thirds of the counterfeit money being
+_cast_ or _washed_, and intrinsically worth little or nothing, the
+imposition upon the public is obvious. Taking the whole upon an
+average, the amount of the injury may be fairly calculated at within
+ten per cent. of a total loss upon the mass of the base silver money
+now in circulation; which, if a conclusion may be drawn from what
+passes under the review of any person who has occasion to receive
+silver in exchange, must considerably exceed _one million sterling_!
+To this we have the miserable prospect of an accession every year,
+until some effectual steps shall be taken to remedy the evil.
+
+Of the Copper Coinage, the quantity of counterfeits at one time in
+circulation might be truly said to equal three fourth parts of the
+whole, and nothing is more certain than that a very great proportion
+of the actual counterfeits passed as Mint halfpence, from their size
+and appearance, although they yielded the coiners a large profit.
+
+Even at present the state both of the silver and copper coinage of
+this kingdom (the copper pence only excepted) deserves very particular
+attention, for at no time can any person minutely examine either the
+one coin or the other, which may come into his possession, without
+finding a considerable proportion counterfeit.
+
+Until, therefore, a new coinage of halfpence and farthings takes place
+upon the excellent plan adopted by Government, with respect to the
+pence now partially in circulation, what must be the situation of the
+retail dealers, the brewers, distillers, and many other classes of
+industrious traders, who in the course of their business, are
+compelled to receive depreciated counterfeit money?[46]
+
+[Footnote 46: It is a curious fact, that although the number of Pence
+which have been supplied by that admirable Artist, Mr. BOULTON, of
+Birmingham, and which have been actually circulated amounts to Forty
+Million of Pieces, making L.166,666. 12_s._ 4_d._ sterling, and which
+is equal to 4_d._ for every inhabitant in this Island, according to
+the largest computation: yet the quantity of halfpence (chiefly
+counterfeits) which are found in actual circulation, are at least in
+the proportion of forty to one. This must ever be the case until some
+expedient, such as is hereafter recommended, shall be adopted for
+calling them in, and substituting in their place a new Coinage of the
+full standard weight: For it is evident that the Dealers and Tradesmen
+at present hoard up the penny pieces, and only circulate the
+counterfeit halfpence which they receive; the nuisance therefore
+remains, and the coiners are thus encouraged to continue their
+nefarious practices.]
+
+The burden is not only grievous beyond expression, to those who have
+no alternative but to take such base money in payment; but extends
+indirectly to _the Poor_: in as much as the diminished value of such
+coin, arising from its reduced or base quality taken in connection
+with the quantities thrown into circulation, tends to enhance the
+price of the first articles of necessity.
+
+The labourer, the handicraftsman, and the working manufacturer, being
+generally paid their weekly wages, partly in copper money of
+depreciated value;--it is obvious that they must obtain less than they
+would otherwise receive, were the coin of a higher standard; for the
+retail dealers who furnish the poor with food, must shield themselves,
+at least in part, against the unavoidable losses arising from base
+money; by advancing the prices of their various commodities.
+
+Nor are such advances made upon a principle which cannot be defended;
+since it is evident that the relative value _even of the old copper
+coin of the Mint_ to gold or silver, is nearly _twice its intrinsic
+value_; and while such copper money cannot be paid into the receipt of
+his Majesty's Exchequer, or received in payment by the officers of the
+revenue, the burden and loss of a diminished coin fall entirely upon
+the traders, (who are compelled to receive such money,) and upon the
+labourers and mechanics through whose medium it is chiefly circulated.
+
+While the disproportion thus stated between the denominative value of
+copper and silver money is so very great, it is evident that the legal
+coinage of copper must produce an immense profit; as _one pound_ of
+copper estimated at 15 _pence_[47] will make as many halfpence, of the
+legal coinage, as pass for _two shillings_.
+
+[Footnote 47: A few years ago sheet-copper was as low as 11-1/2_d._ a
+pound, and will probably be again at the same price on the return of
+Peace. Indeed it has been even lower, although it has recently very
+much advanced in price.]
+
+This fact plainly shews the vast temptation which is held out to those
+who carry on the counterfeit coinage, where the profit from the coiner
+to the dealers, and from these dealers to the utterers, at the full
+denominative value, must be in many instances from two to three
+hundred per cent. When to this circumstance is added the security
+which the deficiencies in the present laws hold out, the whole
+operates as a kind of bounty to these fraudulent people, who cannot
+resist the prosecution of a trade where the profit is so immense, and
+where a coinage equally _pure and heavy_ as the old mint standard
+would even be extremely productive.[48]
+
+[Footnote 48: This observation does not apply to Mr. Boulton's New
+Copper Coinage; for although some feeble attempts have been made to
+counterfeit it, these can never go to a great extent, from its not
+being a sufficient object of profit; besides the fraud is easily
+detected, since each penny weighs an exact ounce: of course the
+halfpence should weigh half an ounce, and the farthings one quarter of
+an ounce, when these last two denominations are brought into
+circulation; as it is expected they will be.]
+
+In every view the evil at present arising from base money of every
+denomination appears to be of the greatest magnitude--while its extent
+will scarce be credited by any but those who have turned their
+attention very minutely to the subject.
+
+The trade of dealing in counterfeit coin acquires its greatest vigour
+towards the end of March; for then the Lotteries are over, when
+_Swindlers_, _Gamblers_, _Pretended Dealers in Horses_, _Travellers
+with EO Tables_, and _Hawkers_ and _Pedlars_ go into the country,
+carrying with them considerable quantities of base silver and copper
+money; by which they are enabled, in a great degree, to extend the
+circulation, by cheating and defrauding ignorant country people.
+
+In the spring season too, the dealers in counterfeit coin begin to
+make up their orders for the different country towns; and it is
+supposed, upon good grounds, that there is now scarcely a place of any
+consequence all over the kingdom where they have not their
+correspondents; it is also a fact well established, that many of these
+correspondents come regularly to the _Metropolis_, and also go to
+Birmingham and the neighbouring towns once or twice a year for the
+purpose of purchasing base money, where the evil is said to be
+increasing even more than in London.
+
+It very seldom happens, on account of the great demand, (especially of
+late years) that the dealers have ever any considerable stock on hand.
+The base money is no sooner finished, than it is packed up and sent to
+customers in town and country; and with such rapidity has it been
+fabricated, on occasions of pressing emergency, that a single dealer
+has been known to procure from the coiners who worked for him, from
+L.300 to L.500 for country orders, in the course of the week!
+
+The lower ranks among the Irish, and the German Jews, are the chief
+supporters of the trade of circulating base money in London;--there is
+said to be scarce an Irish labourer who does not exchange his week's
+wages for base money; taking a mixture of shillings, sixpences, and
+copper.
+
+The Jews principally confine themselves to the coinage and
+circulation of copper; while the Irish women are the chief utterers
+and colourers of base silver. A vast number of these low females have
+acquired the mischievous art of colouring the bad shillings and
+sixpences, which they purchase from the employers of Jew-boys, who cry
+_bad shillings_.
+
+It is somewhat singular that among the Jews, although many cases occur
+where they appear to be coiners of copper money and dealers to a great
+extent, yet scarce an instance can be adduced of their having any
+concern in the coinage of base silver: neither are they extensive
+dealers in any other base money than copper.
+
+The Jews, however, deal largely in foreign coin, counterfeited in this
+country; having been the chief means by which _Louis d'Ors_, _Half
+Johannas_, as well as various silver coins, (particularly _Dollars_)
+made of base metal, have been sent out of this country. It is through
+the same channel that the Sequins of Turkey have been exported; and
+also the Pagodas of India.[49]
+
+[Footnote 49: See ante, p. 17, 18.]
+
+In contemplating and in developing the causes of the vast accumulation
+and increase of base money, which has thus deluged the country of late
+years, the evil will be found to have proceeded chiefly from the want
+of _a new coinage:--of laws, applicable to the new tricks and devices
+practised by the coiners:--of proper checks upon fraudulent
+Circulation:--of rewards for the detection and apprehension of
+Offenders;--and of a sufficient fund to ensure the prompt execution of
+the law; by a vigorous and energetic Police_, directed not only to the
+execution of apposite laws in the detection and punishment of
+offenders, but also to the means of prevention.
+
+The vigour and energy requisite to put good and apposite laws in
+execution for the suppression of crimes of every kind, but
+particularly that of the coinage and circulation of base money, depend
+much on the zeal and activity of the Magistrate: and on the affording
+an adequate pecuniary resource, to enable him to reward men who may
+undertake to risk their persons in the company of desperate and daring
+offenders, in order to obtain that species of evidence which will
+produce a conviction. Without such pecuniary resource, the law, as
+well as the exertions of the Magistrate, becomes a dead letter: and
+his efforts for the purpose of promoting the ends of public justice,
+are crippled and lost to the Community.
+
+In suppressing great evils, strong and adequate powers must be
+applied, and nothing can give force and activity to these powers, but
+the ability to reward liberally all persons engaged in the public
+service, either as police officers, or as temporary agents for the
+purpose of detecting atrocious offenders. The following ideas are
+therefore suggested with a view to the important subject at present
+under discussion.
+
+The Coinage Laws (except those relating to copper money) which
+contain the most important regulations in the way of prevention,
+having been made a century ago, it is not to be wondered at, in
+consequence of the regular progress of the evil, and the new
+contrivances and artifices resorted to, in that period, that many
+obvious amendments have become necessary. A consolidation of the whole
+laws from the 25th of Edward the Third, to the 14th of his present
+Majesty, would, perhaps, be the most desirable object; as it would
+afford a better opportunity of correcting every deficiency, and of
+rendering this branch of the criminal code, _concise_, _clear_,
+_explicit_,--applicable to the existing evils, and to the means of
+prevention.
+
+For the purpose, however, of more fully elucidating this proposition,
+it will be necessary to state the existing laws, and what are
+considered as the most apparent deficiencies therein.
+
+We will begin by giving a short _Summary_ of the existing Laws.
+
+  25 Edw. III. _stat._      These acts make counterfeiting the
+     5, _cap._ 2.           gold and silver coin of the
+  1 Mary, _stat._ 2, _c._   realm--counterfeiting foreign money,
+    6.                      current within the realm--knowingly
+  1 & 2 Ph. & Mary,         bringing false money into the realm
+    _cap._ 11.              counterfeit to the money of England;
+  5 Eliz. _cap._ 11.        or bringing in _any_ false and
+  14 Eliz. _cap._ 3.        counterfeit money, current within
+  18 Eliz. _cap._ 1.        the realm; in order to utter the
+                            same here;--diminishing or
+                            lightening any current (gold or
+                            silver) coin--_High
+                            Treason_.--Counterfeiting foreign
+                            money, not current in the
+                            kingdom--_Misprision of Treason_.
+
+  8 & 9 Will. III.          These Acts contain a detail of
+    _cap._ 26 (_made        the principal offences and punishments,
+    perpetual by_ 7         upon which prosecutions
+    Anne, _c._ 25)--9       are founded at present.
+    & 10 Will. III.
+    _c._ 21.
+
+  7th of Queen Anne,        Allows 400_l._ a year for prosecuting
+    _cap._ 24.              offenders; increased by 15
+                            Geo. II. _c._ 28. Sec. 10, to 600_l._
+
+  15th of George II.        Amends some of the above laws, and
+    _cap._ 28.              establishes new regulations relative
+                            to the Copper Coinage.
+
+  11th George III.          Makes further regulations respecting
+    _cap._ 40.              the Copper Coinage; which, however,
+                            have not been at all effectual.
+
+Since the last edition of this work the following additions have been
+made to the Statute Law on this subject.
+
+By 37 Geo. III. _c._ 126, so much of 15 Geo. II. _c._ 28, as relates
+to _halfpence and farthings_, and the statute 11 Geo. III. _c._ 40,
+and all other acts relating to the copper money of this realm, are
+extended to all such copper money as shall be coined and issued, by
+the King's Proclamation.--This was for the purpose of protecting the
+Coinage of _penny_ and _twopenny_ pieces made for Government by Mr.
+Boulton, of Birmingham; and which it is believed have not yet been
+counterfeited, at least to any great extent.
+
+By the same statute, 37 Geo. III. _c._ 126, persons counterfeiting any
+_foreign gold or silver coin_, tho' not current in this realm, are
+made guilty of felony, punishable by seven years' transportation; as
+are also persons bringing the same into the realm, with intent to
+utter it.--A penalty is imposed on persons tendering _such_
+counterfeit coin in payment, _or exchange_; for the first offence, six
+months' imprisonment: for the second, two years; and on the third,
+they are declared guilty of felony without Clergy.--Persons having
+more than _five_ pieces of such counterfeit coin in their possession,
+shall forfeit the same, and also a penalty of not more than L.5, nor
+less than 40_s._ for each piece; or suffer three months'
+imprisonment.--Justices are impowered to grant warrants for searching
+suspected places, _for such counterfeit foreign coin_; which with the
+tools and materials may be seized and carried before a Justice, who
+shall secure the same as evidence: to be afterwards destroyed.
+
+By statute 38 Geo. III. _c._ 59, the act 14 Geo. III. _c._ 42,
+prohibiting the importation of light silver coin of this realm, was
+revived and continued till June 1, 1799.--And by statute 39 Geo. III.
+_c._ 75, it was made perpetual.
+
+By statute 38 Geo. III. _c._ 67, _Copper Coin_ not being the legal
+Copper Coin of this realm, and _all counterfeit gold or silver coin
+whatever_, exported, or shipped for exportation, to Martinique or any
+of the British Colonies in the West Indies or America, is declared to
+be forfeited, and may be seized as under the laws respecting the
+Customs.--And a penalty is imposed on persons exporting it, of L.200
+and double the value of the coin.
+
+We next proceed to state the deficiencies which still remain
+unremedied.
+
+     1. The punishment inflicted on the different offences
+     specified in the Coinage Laws, do not seem to be adequate to
+     the degree of enormity, in some instances; while in others,
+     from being too severe, the law is not always put in
+     execution. The sale of base Money (for instance) under the
+     value it imports, is only punishable by a year's
+     imprisonment; although in point of fact, it is well known,
+     that the Sellers are the _Employers of the Coiners_; that
+     with them this high offence originates, and but for them it
+     would not have been committed: while the actual Coiners, who
+     work for these Dealers merely as Journeymen, subject
+     themselves to the punishment of Death.
+
+     2. Prosecutions under the stat. 8 & 9 W. III. _c._ 26, are
+     at present limited to commence within three months. This may
+     often defeat justice, as offences committed in the country
+     frequently cannot be tried in less than four, five, and in
+     some cases nearly six months. [-->] _The limitation to
+     twelve months would remove the difficulty._ [There is no
+     such limitation in the statutes of 37 & 38 of Geo. III. just
+     alluded to.]
+
+     3. The words _Milled Money_ seemed necessary, in the minds
+     of the makers of the act of 8 & 9 William III. _cap._ 26, to
+     form the description of coin similar to the current Coin of
+     the Realm; and that Act declares it to be felony to take,
+     receive, pay, or put off _counterfeit milled Money_.--A
+     considerable portion of counterfeit Coin is _cast_, and _not
+     milled_. [-->] _The words_ counterfeit Money, Milled _or_
+     not Milled, _would remove the ambiguity._
+
+     4. It does not appear that any provision is clearly made, or
+     punishment inflicted, for the offence of _uttering base
+     silver Money in exchange_, as well as in payment: except
+     under _stat._ 8 and 9 Will. III. _cap._ 26, where the
+     expression of _counterfeited milled money_ is used, the
+     ambiguity of which has already been noticed. The words in
+     the _stat._ 15 Geo. II. _c._ 28. are, "any person who shall
+     utter or tender in payment," and it seems that the word
+     _utter_ cannot be detached from the subsequent words, "in
+     payment." [The partial remedy applied in this particular in
+     the instance of counterfeit _foreign gold and silver coin_,
+     under 37 Geo. III. _c._ 126, should be extended to _all_
+     cases of counterfeit money.]
+
+     5. The laws peculiarly relating to the _Copper Coinage_,
+     although more modern, have also been found to be extremely
+     defective, and totally inadequate to their object. The Act
+     of the 11th of his present Majesty, _cap._ 40, indeed,
+     makes it felony to sell Copper Money of the similitude _of
+     the current Money of the Realm_ at a less value than the
+     denomination doth import; but the benefit of Clergy not
+     being taken away, and no specific punishment being
+     mentioned, the offenders are generally subjected only to a
+     year's inprisonment, which proves no check whatever, as
+     their families carry on business in the mean time; and if
+     they sell _plain or evasive Halfpence_, or what are called
+     _Irish Harps_, or mix them with _stamped Half-pence_,
+     similar to the current Coin of the Realm, so that the
+     stamped Coin does not exceed the value of what the
+     denomination imports, it is doubtful whether the prosecution
+     will not fail.
+
+[-->] It is submitted, that a statute ought to be framed, declaring it
+_Felony_, punishable by seven years' transportation: 1st. For any
+person to make or manufacture any piece of Copper or other metal, with
+or without any device whatsoever, with an intent that it shall pass as
+the _Copper Monies of the Kingdoms of Great Britain or Ireland_. 2nd.
+For any smith, engraver, founder, &c. or any person, except those
+employed in the Mint, or authorized by the Treasury, to make or mend,
+buy or sell, conceal or have in their possession, without a lawful
+excuse, any puncheon, stamp, die, mould, &c. on which shall be
+impressed, or with intent that there shall be impressed on the same,
+any resemblance whatever, in part or in the whole, of such _Copper
+Monies_. 3d. For any person to buy or sell, or offer to buy or sell,
+or to utter or tender in payment, or to give or offer to give in
+exchange, _thirty or more pieces of Copper_ in any one day; such piece
+resembling or being intended to resemble, or passing or being intended
+to pass as the current Copper Money of the said kingdoms.
+
+That such proposed statute should also make it a misdemeanor
+(punishable by a fine of 40_s._ for the first offence, L5. for the
+second, and L10. for every subsequent offence) for any person to buy,
+sell, utter, &c. any number _less than thirty_ of such pieces of
+Copper, resembling or intended to resemble or pass, &c. as such
+current Copper Money. The fines to be recoverable in a summary way
+before one magistrate. This would reach Turnpike-men and others, who
+wilfully pass bad Halfpence at one gate which are refused at another:
+and would generally check the circulation of base Copper Money, which
+has become an evil of great magnitude.
+
+     6. The laws, as they now stand, are silent regarding
+     Provincial Copper Coin, or what are called _Tokens_,
+     representing an Halfpenny. It might perhaps be useful to
+     legalize _Tokens_ or _Provincial Coins_ on three conditions.
+     [-->] _1. That the Copper of which they are made shall be
+     pure.--2. That this Coin shall be at least 10 per cent.
+     heavier than Mr. Boulton's new Coinage.--3. That the parties
+     circulating such Coin be responsible to the holders, for the
+     value in Gold or Silver, when demanded: and shall stamp
+     their names and an obligation to that purpose on the Coins,
+     Tokens, or Medals so issued by them._--It would be necessary
+     under such circumstances that every person, issuing Tokens
+     or Medals, should take out a Licence for that purpose from
+     the principal Officers of the Mint, as an authority for such
+     Coinage: giving security at the same time to observe the
+     above Conditions.
+
+It may, however, be worthy consideration, whether these tokens should
+not be wholly suppressed, and the offence of fabricating any Copper
+pieces passing, or intended to pass "_as, for, or in lieu of_" the
+lawful Copper Coin, be made felony: and that such tokens should in all
+respects be considered as actual Counterfeit Coin, and treated
+accordingly: or, at all events, that persons issuing and circulating
+such tokens should be liable to a severe penalty; and bound to pay the
+holder, on demand, the full denominated value.
+
+     7. The mischievous agents of the Dealers in base Money, _the
+     persons who keep Flatting-mills, and other machinery, for
+     preparing, and rolling their metals, for being coined into
+     base Money_, are not at present within the reach of
+     punishment by any existing law. Although by preparing the
+     metal for the subsequent process of stamping, they are in
+     fact parties concerned, without whose aid the Coinage of
+     what are called _Flats_, or milled money, could not be
+     carried on.--The chief difficulty is in punishing persons
+     for producing an article which may be turned into coach and
+     harness ornaments, buttons, and many purposes as well as
+     base Money.
+
+[-->] With respect to this whole tribe of dangerous manufacturers,
+whose trade and abilities are so liable to be perverted to iniquitous
+purposes, it has been under consideration to regulate them, by
+legislative measures, to the following effect: viz. "That no person,
+except those employed in the mints, shall erect, set up, or use, or
+knowingly have in possession any _cutting engine for cutting round
+blanks by the force of a screw out of fatted bars or sheets of Copper,
+or other metal_; or any _stamping press, fly, rolling mill, flatting
+mill, or other instrument for stamping, flatting, or marking metals_,
+or _which, with the assistance of any matrix, Stamp, or dye, will
+stamp or mark Copper or other metals, or prepare the same for stamping
+or marking_, without first giving notice thereof in writing to persons
+authorized to keep an entry and registry thereof, containing the
+Christian and Surnames of the owners of such instruments, and
+describing the use thereof, and the house or other place in which the
+same is intended to be erected, set up, used or kept; and to give the
+like notice on any removal, under a certain penalty, recoverable as in
+the case of Hair Powder, and other revenue laws."--It is believed, on
+the best authority, that the Licence here proposed (especially as it
+would subject the parties to no pecuniary burden) would meet the
+approbation of the principal manufacturers, on account of the
+facilities which it would afford in detecting and in embarrassing
+those who set up machinery for unlawful purposes.
+
+     8. No provision is made in any Act against, and consequently
+     no punishment is inflicted on, the offence of _buying base
+     money to recolour it_--[-->] This is a modern device, and
+     may be remedied, as it seems, by enacting--"That every
+     person who shall buy, take or receive any blank or round
+     piece of blanched copper, mixed metal, or metal of any sort
+     whatsoever, for the purpose of colouring the same, or
+     causing the same to be coloured, or with intent or knowledge
+     that the same shall or will be coloured, or which shall have
+     been coloured, so as to pass for the current Gold or Silver
+     Coins of Great Britain or Ireland, shall be punishable by a
+     fine of L.20 and one month's imprisonment; and that any
+     person who shall buy or sell, or offer to buy or sell any
+     piece of blanched Copper, &c. which may formerly have passed
+     as or for such current Gold or Silver Coin, shall be
+     punishable by a fine of 40_s._ recoverable in a summary way;
+     or by one month's imprisonment."--This last penalty will
+     reach the Jew Boys, who cry bad shillings, and will prove,
+     it is hoped, an effectual check by means of a very mild
+     punishment upon shopkeepers, tradesmen, and others, who
+     inadvertently sell defaced counterfeit shillings without
+     reflecting that although they obtain 3_d._ in this traffick
+     for what is not intrinsically worth one farthing, that the
+     same counterfeits are again coloured, and received by them
+     at the full value of 12_d._
+
+     9. No existing law gives any power to Magistrates upon
+     information on oath, to search for, or seize Counterfeit
+     Coin of this realm in the custody or possession of _known
+     Dealers_ or _reputed Utterers_; although these Dealers and
+     Utterers are now the persons (and not the actual Coiners)
+     who keep the base money: neither is there any power to seize
+     base money conveying in coaches or waggons going into the
+     country. Under this shelter the Dealers are enabled to hold
+     markets for sale in their houses, where they frequently keep
+     large stocks; and base money is also sent into the country
+     without the least hazard of detection or seizure.
+
+[-->] Here again the partial remedy introduced by 37 Geo. III. c. 126,
+should be extended and applied.
+
+     10. No power is directly given by any existing law, (not
+     even by the modern Act last mentioned) though upon the most
+     pointed information, to search the houses or workshops of
+     coiners _in the night time_. Hence it is that _detection_
+     becomes so difficult, and the evil increases, because the
+     law in some measure shields the offenders from discovery.
+     Since in Lottery offences (which are certainly greatly
+     inferior in their enormity to Coining) a power is granted to
+     break open houses in the night-time, surely no reason can be
+     assigned why treasonable offences, in Coining base Money,
+     should not in this respect be on the same footing. Unless a
+     positive power is given to search in the night, and suddenly
+     to force open doors or windows, it will be impossible to
+     detect the Makers of Cast Money.
+
+     11. The act 11 Geo. III. cap. 40. gives a power to
+     Magistrates to issue their warrants to search for tools and
+     implements used in the _Copper Coinage_, (with regard to
+     Silver or Gold Coinage of this realm no such power is
+     given); but, what is very singular, _no punishment whatever
+     can be inflicted by any existing law_ on the owner or
+     proprietor of such tools for making Copper Money, nor upon
+     the person in whose house they are found; and if when such
+     search is made, there should be found only _plain_
+     Halfpence, or _Irish Harps_, or _evasive Halfpence_ or
+     _Farthings, varying in the Stamp_ in any degree from the
+     current Coin of the Realm, so as not to be of the exact
+     similitude, (a practice which has now for some time very
+     much prevailed) the act in question is defeated; inasmuch as
+     the crime of felony does not attach to offences short of
+     Coining _Copper Money of the similitude of the current Coin
+     of the Realm_. The Coinage of base Copper therefore goes on
+     with impunity; because it is owing to the carelessness of
+     the parties themselves if ever they permit the law to reach
+     them.
+
+     12. The laws now in being give no power to seize Counterfeit
+     Halfpence; either in the hands of the Dealers, who keep a
+     kind of open market at their own houses every morning to
+     supply Jew Boys, who cry bad Shillings, or in those of many
+     others in various trades, who become the channels of
+     circulation to a vast extent without risk or inconvenience.
+     Neither does the statute law authorize the apprehension of
+     Jew Boys, who go out every morning loaded with counterfeit
+     Copper, which they exchange for bad shillings.
+
+[-->] To remedy this part of the evil, it is proposed, "That on
+complaint made to any one Justice of Peace upon oath, that there is
+just cause to suspect that any person is concerned in making or using,
+or has in their custody any unlawful puncheon, stamp, die, mould, &c.
+made for the purpose, or which may be applied to the purpose, of
+counterfeiting the Gold, Silver, or Copper Coin of the Kingdoms of
+Great Britain or Ireland; or of making or manufacturing any pieces of
+metal intended to pass as such coin, or any cutting engine for cutting
+round blanks by means of force applied to a screw, or flatted bars of
+metal, &c. or any wash or material which will produce the colour of
+Gold or silver, or copper, or any round blank of base metal or mixed
+metal, or of brass copper, or lead, so as to resemble such coin; or
+who hath been concerned in buying, selling, taking in exchange,
+receiving, or putting off any Gold, Silver, or Copper Money, not
+melted or cut, at a lower rate or value than the same doth import,
+such Justice may, by a warrant under his hand, cause the house,
+out-house, and other places occupied by such suspected person to be
+searched, _either by night or by day_; and if any of the articles
+hereinbefore mentioned, or any counterfeit or pretended coin, blanks,
+or round pieces of metal be found, the parties to be seized, and, with
+the said articles, brought before a Justice, and such articles may be
+afterwards used in evidence, and then broken, defaced, and disposed of
+as the Court or Justices shall direct.
+
+"That any Constable, Headborough, or Beadle, and every Watchman, while
+on duty, may apprehend and detain all and every person or persons who
+may be reasonably suspected of having and carrying, or any ways
+conveying for the purpose of selling or trafficking in the same, any
+counterfeited or forged Gold, Silver, or Copper Money, whether the
+same shall resemble or be intended to resemble, or shall pass or be
+intended to pass as and for the coin of the said kingdoms, or of any
+foreign Country or State; or having in their possession, without
+lawful excuse, any round blanks of base metal or mixed metal, &c. or
+any pieces of Gold, Silver, Brass, Copper, or Lead, of a fit size and
+figure to be coined, coloured, or converted into Counterfeit Money;
+with power also to seize and detain the said Counterfeit Money,
+blanks, &c. and convey the same, with the person or persons
+apprehended, before one or more Justices; and if the party shall not
+give a satisfactory account how the same came into their possession,
+or shall not produce the party from whom it was received, he shall be
+deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by fine and imprisonment
+in a summary manner."
+
+     13. The statute 37 Geo. III. cap. 126. (see p. 194) has
+     restrained the evil pointed out in former editions of this
+     Treatise, respecting the counterfeiting of Foreign Gold and
+     Silver Coin. It is to be wished, however, that the penalties
+     imposed on the _exportation_ of such counterfeit Coin by 38
+     Geo. III. cap. 67, could be further extended and enforced.
+
+     14. It must here be repeated, that the great cause of the
+     defect in the execution of the Laws against Coiners, is the
+     want of a proper fund for Prosecutions and Rewards, and
+     other expences for detecting Offenders.--The acts 7 Anne,
+     cap. 24, and 15 Geo. II. cap. 28, allow only L.600 for the
+     expence of prosecutions, which has never been increased for
+     above half a century; although the offences, as well as the
+     expence of detection and prosecutions, have increased, at
+     least, six fold.
+
+     15. The reward of L.40, given under the Acts 6 and 7 William
+     III. cap. 17; 15 Geo. II. cap. 28, is construed to be
+     limited only to the Conviction of actual Coiners and
+     Clippers of Gold and Silver; and is not allowed to extend to
+     colouring and finishing, as well as a number of other
+     offences connected with _making_, _counterfeiting_, and
+     _uttering base_ Money:--the reward for Copper Coin is by the
+     said Act of 15 Geo. II. cap. 28, limited to L.10, and is by
+     no means a sufficient encouragement to Officers to do their
+     duty. _It would be a great improvement if a liberal sum were
+     allowed by Parliament for detections, prosecutions, and
+     rewards; to be paid on the report of the Judges who try the
+     offenders, according to the merit and trouble of the
+     apprehenders, prosecutors, and witnesses; whether there is a
+     conviction or not._
+
+The following rewards have been suggested as proper to make part of a
+Bill now in a state of preparation, for the general Regulation of the
+Coinage: and which is meant to include all the remedies before hinted
+at and pointed out: a Legislative measure which must do honour to the
+Minister who will carry it into execution.
+
+  To persons contributing to the conviction
+  of _Coiners of British or Foreign Coin, or
+  persons plating with Gold or Silver_, or
+  _persons colouring with wash_ or _materials
+  to produce the colour of Gold or Silver_, any
+  blanks or flats of metal, base or mixed,               L.  _s._ _d._
+  to resemble the said current Coin                      40   0    0
+
+  Convicting, &c. persons guilty of counterfeiting
+  Copper money of these Kingdoms
+  or of Foreign States, or colouring such
+  Copper money to resemble the same                      20   0    0
+
+  Convicting, &c. persons guilty of uttering
+  counterfeit Gold and Silver Coin, and
+  selling it at a lower rate than it imports             10   0    0
+
+  Convicting, &c. persons guilty of buying
+  or selling Counterfeit Copper money of
+  Foreign States at a lower rate than it
+  imports                                                10   0    0
+
+To be paid without deduction or fee, within one month after such
+conviction, on tendering a certificate to the Sheriff.
+
+It is also proposed that the Treasury shall have power to issue out of
+the Duties of Customs a sufficient sum of money for prosecuting
+offenders against the Mint laws.
+
+Whatever might be the effect of these amendments in the Mint laws, and
+necessary as they appear to be, it is still to be feared that until a
+new coinage of Silver money and Copper halfpence and farthings shall
+take place, no legislative restrictions, regulations, or punishments,
+can produce an effectual cure to this enormous evil; although, from
+the many deficiencies which have been detailed, it is evident a great
+deal of good may be done immediately in this way.
+
+A coinage of Silver money is a great State question, which may require
+a fuller consideration; but no doubt can be entertained of the
+indispensable necessity of such a measure, as soon as circumstances
+will admit.
+
+If to a new coinage of _shillings_ and _sixpences_, should be added an
+extensive coinage of silver money of the value of _four pence_ and
+_three pence_, according to ancient usage, it would prove a great
+convenience to the public, and remedy much of the inconvenience which
+arises from the ponderous nature of Copper money; while a smaller
+quantity would be required for circulation.
+
+No doubt can be entertained of the nation deriving considerable
+advantages from having increased the weight of copper coin, so as to
+bring it as near as possible to the _intrinsic_ value of the metal of
+which it is composed.
+
+This arrangement will, it is hoped, ultimately prove the means of
+effectually preventing counterfeits; and the copper, being a native
+article produced in the country, may in time, through the medium of
+_coined money_, become a profitable branch of commerce with foreign
+nations; where even an extensive circulation may be insured, in
+consequence of the _intrinsic_ and _denominative_ value being the
+same, or nearly so.
+
+This is exemplified in the policy of Sweden, where the copper dollar
+being so heavy as to answer to sixpence sterling, has long been
+exported; and forms a considerable, and even a profitable branch of
+commerce to that nation.
+
+In Russia the _Three Copee Piece_ is very nearly of the weight of six
+English halfpence, yet its current value is only a small fraction
+above one penny sterling;--and thus by issuing no copper coin where
+the _denominative_ is not in proportion to the _intrinsic_ value,
+every class of dealers who vend the necessaries of life are shielded
+against loss; and every unnatural rise in the price of provisions for
+the subsistence of the poor is of course prevented.
+
+This principle seems to have been admitted by the Legislature; for
+when the subject of Copper Money was under the consideration of the
+House of Commons, at a period not very remote, the Journals shew that
+an opinion then prevailed, "_that the most effectual means to secure
+the Copper Coin from being counterfeited, was, that the denominative
+value of such Coin should bear as near a proportion as possible to the
+intrinsic_ value of the metal of which it was formed."[50]
+
+[Footnote 50: Journal, House of Commons, Vol. xviii. p. 178.]
+
+In fine, it is a question worthy of attention, whether in order to
+prevent clamour, and to shut out at once all pretence for circulating
+any of the old Copper money, _good or bad_, after the period when Mr.
+Boulton shall be able to furnish a sufficient quantity of halfpence
+and farthings for circulation, it might not be proper to consider how
+far it would be practicable as a measure of State policy, to introduce
+a clause into the proposed Bill, empowering the Treasury, within a
+given time, to receive all the old Copper Coin, good and bad, at a
+certain price per ton, allowing a _bonus_ to the honest holders of it
+of 20 per cent. above the current price of Copper.--This would at once
+clear the country of counterfeit halfpence and farthings, and would
+reconcile the holders to the loss; while the pecuniary sacrifice to
+Government would be more than compensated an hundred-fold by a
+compleat and instant renovation of this species of coinage.--As the
+chief part of the bad halfpence are good copper, they could be
+recoined, or sold, as might appear most beneficial.
+
+It is earnestly to be hoped that the further regulations proposed will
+be adopted; and followed up, by an extensive coinage of Silver money,
+so as to shield the honest part of the Community against a system of
+fraud, rapid beyond all example in its growth, and unparalleled as to
+its extent.[51]
+
+[Footnote 51: It was suggested in a former edition of this work, that
+a coinage of _seven shilling_ pieces of _gold_ would be of great
+utility.--The expedient was adopted by Government at the end of the
+year 1797.]
+
+Certain it is, that base money contributes more to the support as well
+as to the _increase_ of the number of those mischievous and abandoned
+members of the community, who exist _wholly_ by different kinds of
+fraud, than any other device which they pursue to enable them to live
+in their present state of idleness and debauchery, and to indulge in
+luxury and extravagance.
+
+The increase is certainly astonishing, since it is known that in
+London and the Country, there were some time since fifty-four actual
+Coiners, and fifty-six large Dealers, besides, at least, ten Die
+sinkers, whose _names_, _characters_, and pursuits, were perfectly
+known; but these bear no proportion to the horde of smaller dealers
+and utterers of base money in the Metropolis, and in most of the
+commercial and manufacturing towns in the kingdom. Their numbers must
+amount to several thousands. From being at present nuisances to
+society, in the constant habit of defrauding the Public, they might be
+rendered (through the application of the remedies proposed) useful
+members of the State; by changing a life of idleness and crimes, for a
+course of useful labour and industry.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. VIII.
+
+     _The magnitude of the Plunder of Merchandize and Naval
+     Stores on the River Thames.--The wonderful extent and value
+     of the Floating Property, laden and unladen in the Port of
+     London in the course of a year.--Reasons assigned for the
+     rise and progress of the excessive Pillage which had so long
+     afflicted the Trade of the River Thames.--The modes pursued
+     in committing Depredations as the result of a regular
+     System, which had been established through the medium of
+     various classes of Criminal Delinquents, denominated--River
+     Pirates--Night Plunderers--Light Horsemen--Heavy
+     Horsemen--Game Watermen--Game Lightermen--Mudlarks--Game
+     Officers of the Revenue--And Copemen, or Receivers of Stolen
+     Property.--The devices practised by each Class in carrying
+     on their criminal designs.--General Observations on the
+     extent of the Plunder and number of Individuals implicated
+     in this Species of Criminality.--The effects of the Marine
+     Police in checking these Depredations.--The advantages which
+     have resulted to Trade and Revenue from the partial
+     experiment which has been made.--The further benefits to be
+     expected when, by apposite Legislative Regulations, the
+     System of Protection is extended to the whole Trade of the
+     River.--General Reflections arising from the Subject._
+
+
+The immense depredations committed on every species of Commercial
+Property in the River Thames, but particularly on West India produce,
+had long been felt as a grievance of the greatest magnitude;
+exceedingly hurtful to the Commerce and Revenue of the port of London,
+and deeply affecting the interest of the Colonial Planters, as well as
+every description of Merchants and Ship-Owners concerned in the Trade
+of the River Thames.
+
+The subject of this Chapter will therefore be chiefly confined to a
+detail of the causes, which produced these extraordinary and extensive
+depredations, and the various means by which they were perpetrated;
+and also to the remedies which have been successfully applied since
+the publication of the preceding editions of this Work, for the
+purpose of reducing within bounds, and keeping in check, this enormous
+and growing evil; for certain it is, that previous to the
+establishment of the Marine Police System, in the Month of July 1798,
+the increase had been regular and progressive, while the easy manner
+in which this species of property was obtained, generated an accession
+of plunderers every year.
+
+To those whose habits of life afford no opportunities of attending to
+subjects of this nature, the details which are now to be given will
+appear no less novel than extraordinary; and with respect to the
+extent of the mischief in some instances perhaps incredible. The
+West India Planters alone have estimated their losses by depredations
+upon the River and in the Warehouses at the enormous sum of L.250,000
+a year. It cannot be unreasonable then to suppose, that the extent of
+the plunder on the other branches of Commerce, which form nearly 5-6th
+parts of the whole value of Imports and Exports, could not be less
+than L.250,000 more, making an aggregate upon the whole of Half a
+Million sterling![52]
+
+[Footnote 52: For a specific Estimate of the plunder on all branches
+of trade carried on to and from the port of London, see "A Treatise on
+the Commerce and Police of the River Thames: with a summary View of
+the Laws of Shipping and Navigation:" (now in the press) by the Author
+of this Work.]
+
+Surprising as this may appear at first view, yet when, by a cool
+investigation of the subject, it comes to be measured by the scale of
+the astonishing Commerce which centers in the port of London,
+(according to the annexed Abstract) and the vast extent of Floating
+Property moving constantly upon the River Thames, and the adjacent
+Wharfs and Quays subject to depredations; when by calculation it is
+also found, that the whole amount of the aggregate plunder, great and
+extensive as it appears to be, does not much exceed _three quarters
+per cent._ on the value of the whole property exposed to danger: the
+Reader will be reconciled to an estimate, which from the elucidations
+contained in this chapter, will ultimately appear by no means to be
+exaggerated.
+
+
+ABSTRACT
+
+OF THE _IMPORTS_ INTO, AND THE _EXPORTS_ FROM, THE _PORT OF LONDON_;
+
+_Made up from the Public Accounts for one year, ending the 5th day of
+January, 1798; but differing with regard to the value, from those
+accounts; in which the price is estimated on data established many
+years ago, when the articles of commerce imported and exported were
+not rated at above half the sum they now fetch,_ exclusive _of duty._
+
+_It is, therefore, to be understood that the following Estimate of
+Foreign Articles is made up according to the_ present value, _as
+nearly as it has been possible to ascertain it, by the payment of the
+Convoy-duties, under the Act 38 Geo. 3. cap. 76--It exhibits a very
+astonishing picture of the immense opulence and extent of the commerce
+of the Metropolis; and accounts in a very satisfactory manner for the
+vast resources of the Country, which have been manifested in so
+eminent a degree in the course of the present and former wars._
+
+  From whence    Number of Average  Value of Goods Value of Goods   Total Value of
+  arrived.       vessels   Tonnage. Imported.      Exported.        Goods imported
+                 including                                          and exported.
+                 repeated
+                 voyages.
+                                   L.        s. d. L.         s. d. L.         s. d.
+
+  East Indies        53    41,456  6,544,402 10  2  3,957,905  5  1 10,502,307 15  3
+  West Indies       346   101,484  7,118,623 12  8  3,895,313 18  7 11,013,937 11  3
+  British
+   Continental
+   Colonies          68    13,986    290,894  4 10  1,347,250  1  7  1,638,144  6  5
+  Africa and
+   Cape of
+   Good Hope         17     4,336     82,370 15  0    449,077 19  3    531,446 15  1
+  Southern
+   Fishery           29     7,461    250,689  3  2         54 16  4    250,743 19  6
+  Greenland
+   Fishery           16     4,769     64,142  0  8          0  0  0     64,142  0  8
+  United States
+   of America       140    32,213  1,517,386  2  8  3,898,864 12  9  5,416,250 15  5
+  Mediterranean
+   and Turkey        72    14,757    390,794 19 10    118,914  3  7    509,709  3  5
+  Spain             121    16,509    776,686 12  2    171,073  4  6    947,759 17  8
+  Portugal          180    27,670    414,359  7  2    438,877 16  2    853,237  3  4
+  France             56     5,573     15,951 17  8    859,974 16  0    875,926 13  8
+  Austrian
+   Flanders          66     5,104     21,027  3  2    118,064  2  2    139,091  5  4
+  Holland           329    19,166    673,241 17  4  1,538,120  3  6  2,211,362  0 10
+  Germany           235    37,647  2,658,011  8  2  8,014,260  3  0 10,672,271 11  2
+  Prussia           608    56,955    220,827 14  0    211,662 12  0    432,490  6  0
+  Poland             69    17,210    207,477  0  0     35,468 18  3    242,945 18  3
+  Sweden            109    14,252    152,707  6 10    169,293 18  4    322,001  5  2
+  Denmark and
+   Norway           202    48,469     94,821  3  6    711,082 10  8    805,903 14  2
+  Russia            230    56,131  1,565,118  7  6    452,106 16  7  2,017,225  4  1
+
+  Foreign
+   Coasting
+   (Including
+   repeated
+   voyages.)
+    Guernsey,
+    Jersey and
+    Alderney         46     5,344    218,916 12  8     83,281 12  1    302,198  4  9
+    Ireland         276    32,824  1,878,971  7  2    659,922 14  1  2,538,894  1  3
+
+  British
+   Coasting[53]
+   (Including
+   repeated
+   voyages.)
+    Coal Trade     3676   650,000  1,700,000  0  0     10,000  0  0  1,710,000  0  0
+    English
+     Coasting
+     incl. Wales   5816   500,000  3,900,000  0  0  2,200,000  0  0  6,100,000  0  0
+    Scotch
+     Coasting       684    60,000    300,000  0  0    300,000  0  0    500,000  0  0
+                 -------------------------------------------------------------------
+                 13,444 1,779,326 30,957,421  8  2 29,640,568  4  6 60,597,989 12  8
+
+[Footnote 53: No rule being established, whereby the British Coasting
+trade can be valued, the Estimate here given is grounded on the
+supposition, that the value of each cargo must amount to a certain
+moderate sum.--The aggregate of the whole is believed to exceed the
+estimate considerably.]
+
+
+RECAPITULATION.
+
+                                          Ships and    Tonnage.
+                                          Vessels.
+  Foreign and Coasting Trade as
+  stated in the foregoing Table           13,268       1,773,326
+
+  Value of Merchandize imported            L.30,957,421  8  2
+  Value of Merchandize exported              29,640,568  4  6
+                                           ------------------
+  Total imported and exported                60,597,989 12  8
+
+  To which add the Local Trade within
+  the limits of the Port, in the Upper
+  and Lower Thames, and the River Lea           235,000  0  0
+
+  _With a view to give the mind of
+  the Reader a competent idea of the
+  whole of the property upon the River
+  Thames, which is exposed to hazard,
+  the following estimate is added_,
+  viz.--
+
+  1. Value of the Hull, Tackle, Apparel
+  and Stores of 2144 British, and Coasting
+  vessels, trading to the port of
+  London, without including, as above,
+  the repeated voyages                        8,825,000  0  0
+
+  2. Value of the Hull, Tackle, and Stores
+  of 3507 Lighters, Barges, Punts, Hoys,
+  Sloops, &c. employed in the Trade of
+  the Thames, River Lea, &c.                    350,000  0  0
+
+  3. Value of 3349 Wherries, Bumboats,
+  and Police Boats employed on the
+  River, &c.                                     25,000  0  0
+                                             ----------------
+                                             70,032,989 12  8
+
+  4. Value of Goods, including Coals,
+  exposed in Craft and upon the Quays,
+  to the risque of pillage on an average
+  each day in the year; (Exclusive of the
+  Public Arsenals, Ships of War, Gunboats,
+  Transports, and Hoys, for conveying
+  Navy, Victualing, and Ordnance Stores,
+  nearly equal to five Millions more)           235,000  0  0
+                                             ----------------
+                              General Total  70,267,989 12  8
+                                             ----------------
+
+Let the mind only contemplate this proud view of the Commerce of a
+Single River, unparalleled in point of extent and magnitude in the
+whole world; where 13,444 ships and vessels discharge and receive in
+the course of a year above three _Millions of Packages_, many of which
+contain very valuable articles of merchandize, greatly exposed to
+depredations, not only from the criminal habits of many of the aquatic
+labourers and others who are employed, but from the temptations to
+plunder, arising from the confusion unavoidable in a crowded port, and
+the facilities afforded in the disposal of stolen property.--It will
+then be easily conceived, that the plunder must have been excessive,
+especially where from its analogy to smuggling, at least in the
+conceptions of those who were implicated; and from its gradual
+increase, the culprits seldom were restrained by a sense of the moral
+turpitude of the offence; and where for want of a _Marine Police_
+applicable to the object, no means existed whereby offenders could be
+detected on the River.[54]
+
+[Footnote 54: While every thing connected with the present state of
+Europe, and the whole Commercial world, appears favourable for the
+accomplishment of the aggrandisement of the port of London, by the
+establishment of Docks (already in part adopted by the Legislature)
+and by a general Warehousing System, there is no opinion more
+erroneous and delusive than that which supposes that arrangements of
+this kind will supersede the necessity of a Police for the protection
+of the trade, and for the preservation of the public peace within
+these extensive repositories.
+
+In what manner are from two to three thousand labourers, who must be
+frequently employed at the same time within these Docks, (and those
+too of a class that have been accustomed to plunder, and are not
+restrained by any sense of the turpitude of the action) to be
+over-awed and controlled, if no Police shall be conceived necessary?
+
+The risk would be immense to commercial property; and pillage, in
+spite of the gates, and every precaution which could be taken, would
+probably be as extensive as it has been from the Warehouses, or from
+his Majesty's Dock Yards, where the want of an appropriate Police has
+been the cause of many abuses.
+
+Police as recently exemplified, is quite a new science in political
+oeconomy, not yet perfectly understood; it operates as a restraint
+of the most powerful kind upon all delinquents who would be restrained
+by nothing else. To the system of vigilance which pervades the
+criminal actions of labourers upon the River, joined to the imminent
+danger of detection, is to be attributed the general success of the
+Marine Police, in preventing depredations.
+
+Wherever a proper Police attaches, good order and security will
+prevail; where it does not, confusion, irregularity, outrages, and
+crimes must be expected; wherever great bodies of aquatic labourers
+are collected together, risk of danger from turbulent behaviour, will
+be greater in proportion to the number of depraved characters, who,
+from being collected in one spot, may hatch mischief, and carry it
+into effect much easier in Docks than on the River. A Police only can
+counteract this; and to the same preventive system will the commerce
+of the Port be indebted for securing both the Docks and the Pool
+against Conflagration. In fine, under every circumstance where
+Property is exposed, a preventive Police must be resorted to, in order
+to be secure.]
+
+The fact is, that the system of River depredations grew, and ramified
+as the Commerce of the Port of London advanced, until at length it
+assumed the different forms, and was conducted by the various classes
+of delinquents, whose nefarious practices are now to be explained
+under their respective heads.
+
+1st. _River Pirates._--This class was generally composed of the most
+desperate and depraved characters, who followed aquatic pursuits.
+Their attention was principally directed to ships, vessels, and craft
+in the night, which appeared to be unprotected; and well authenticated
+instances of their audacity are recounted, which strongly prove the
+necessity of a vigorous and energetic Police. Among many other
+nefarious exploits performed by these miscreants, the following may
+suffice to shew to what extent their daring and impudent conduct
+carried them.
+
+An American vessel lying at East-lane Tier, was boarded in the night,
+while the Captain and crew were asleep, by a gang of River Pirates,
+who actually weighed the ship's anchor, and hoisted it into their boat
+with a complete new cable, with which they got clear off.--The Captain
+hearing a noise, came upon deck at the moment the villains had secured
+their booty, with which they actually rowed away in his presence,
+impudently telling him, they had taken away his anchor and cable, and
+bidding him good morning. Their resources afforded them means of
+immediate concealment. No Police then existed upon the River, and his
+property was never recovered.
+
+A similar instance of atrocity occurred about the same time, where the
+bower anchor of a vessel from Guernsey was weighed, and, with the
+cable, plundered and carried off in the same manner.
+
+Although only these two instances of extraordinary audacity are
+specified, others equally bold and daring could be adduced if the
+limits of this Work would admit of it. When vessels first arrive in
+the river, particularly those from the West Indies, they are
+generally very much lumbered. Ships in this situation were considered
+as the harvest of the River Pirates, with whom it was a general
+practice to cut away bags of _Cotton_, _Cordage_, _Spars_, _Oars_, and
+other articles from the quarter of the vessels, and to get clear off,
+even in the day time as well as in the night. Before a Police existed
+upon the River all classes of aquatic labourers having been themselves
+more or less implicated in the same species of criminality, generally
+connived at the delinquency of each other, and hence it followed, that
+few or none were detected while afloat and the evil became so
+extensive.
+
+It was frequently the practice of these River Pirates to go armed, and
+in sufficient force to resist, and even to act offensively if they met
+with opposition.--Their depredations were extensive among craft
+wherever valuable goods were to be found; but they diminished in
+number after the commencement of the war; and now since the
+establishment of the Marine Police they have almost totally
+disappeared.
+
+On the return of peace, however, if a system of watchful energy is not
+maintained, these miscreants must be expected (as on former occasions
+on the termination of wars) to renew their iniquitous depredations in
+great force, as numbers of depraved characters may then be expected to
+be discharged from the Army and Navy.
+
+2d. _Night Plunderers._--These were composed chiefly of the most
+depraved class of watermen, who associated together in gangs of four
+or five in number, for the purpose of committing depredations on the
+cargoes of lighters and other craft employed in conveying goods to the
+quays and wharfs. Their practice was to associate themselves with one
+or more of the watchmen who were employed to guard these lighters
+while cargoes were on board, and by the connivance of these faithless
+guardians of the night, to convey away in lug boats every portable
+article of merchandize, to which, through this medium, they often had
+too easy access.
+
+These corrupt watchmen did not always permit the lighters under their
+own charge to be pillaged.--Their general practice was, to point out
+to the leader of the gang those lighters that were without any guard,
+and lay near their own, and which, on this account, might be easily
+plundered. An hour was fixed on for effecting the object in view. The
+Receiver (generally a man of some property) was applied to, to be in
+readiness at a certain hour before day-light to warehouse the goods. A
+lug boat was seized on for the purpose. The articles were removed into
+it out of the lighter, and conveyed to a landing-place nearest the
+warehouse of deposit. The watchmen in the streets leading to this
+warehouse were bribed to connive at the villainy, often under pretence
+that it was a smuggling transaction, and thus the object was effected.
+
+In this precise manner was a quantity of ashes and hemp conveyed in
+1798, to the house of an opulent Receiver. Several other cargoes of
+hemp, obtained in the same manner, were conveyed up the river, and
+afterwards carted in the day-time to the repositories of the
+purchaser, till by the vigilance of the Police Boats, a detection took
+place, and the whole scene of mischief was laid open.
+
+This species of depredation went to a great extent, and when it was
+considered that the very men who Were appointed to guard property in
+this situation were themselves associates in the criminality, and
+participated in the profit arising from the booty; and that matters
+were so arranged as to secure the connivance of all those who were
+appointed to situations with a view to detect and apprehend
+delinquents; it ceases to be a matter of wonder, that the plunder in
+this particular line was excessive.
+
+In many instances where goods could not be plundered through the
+connivance of watchmen, it was no uncommon thing to cut lighters
+adrift, and to follow them to a situation calculated to elude
+discovery where the pillage commenced. In this manner have whole
+lighter loads even of coals been discharged at obscure landing places
+upon the river, and carted away during the night.
+
+Even the article of Tallow from Russia, which, from the unwieldiness
+of the packages, appears little liable to be an object of plunder, has
+not escaped the notice of these offenders: large quantities have been
+stolen, and an instance has been stated to the Author, where a lighter
+loaded with this article was cut from a ship in the Pool, and found
+next morning with six large casks of tallow stolen, and two more
+broken open, and the chief part plundered and carried away. In short,
+while the river remained unprotected nothing escaped these marauders.
+
+3d. _Light-Horsemen_, or Nightly Plunderers of West India ships.--This
+class of depredators for a long period of time had carried on their
+nefarious practices with impunity, and to an extent in point of value,
+that almost exceeds credibility; by which the West India planters and
+merchants sustained very serious and extensive losses.
+
+The practice seems to have originated in a connection which was formed
+between the Mates of West India ships[55] and the criminal Receivers,
+residing near the river, who were accustomed to assail them under the
+pretence of purchasing what is called _sweepings_, or in other words,
+the spillings or drainings of sugars, which remained in the hold and
+between the decks after the cargo was discharged. These sweepings were
+claimed as a perquisite by a certain proportion of the Mates, contrary
+to the repeated and express rules established by the Committee of
+Merchants, who early saw the evils to which such indulgences would
+lead, and in vain attempted to prevent it. The connivance, however, of
+the Revenue officers became necessary to get these sweepings on
+shore, and the quantity of spillings were gradually increased year
+after year by fraudulent means, for the purpose of satisfying the
+rapacity of all whose assistance and collusion was found necessary to
+obtain the object in view.
+
+[Footnote 55: It is not here meant to criminate all the Mates of ships
+in this trade; for a large proportion are known to be men worthy of
+the trust reposed in them.]
+
+The connection thus formed, and the necessary facilities obtained,
+from the sale of sweepings, recourse was at length had to the disposal
+of as much of the cargo as could be obtained by a licence to nightly
+plunderers, composed of Receivers, Coopers, Watermen, and Aquatic
+Labourers, who having made a previous agreement with the Mate and
+Revenue Officers, were permitted, on paying from thirty to fifty
+guineas, to come on board in the night,--to open as many hogsheads of
+sugar as were accessible,--and to plunder without controul. For this
+purpose, a certain number of bags dyed black, and which went under the
+appellation of _Black Strap_, were provided.--The Receivers, Coopers,
+Watermen, and Lumpers, went on board at the appointed time, for all
+these classes were necessary. The hogsheads of sugar and packages of
+coffee, &c. were opened; the black bags were filled with the utmost
+expedition and carried to the Receivers, and again returned to be
+refilled until daylight, or the approach of it, stopped the pillage
+for a few hours. On the succeeding night the depredations were again
+renewed; and thus, on many occasions, from fifteen to twenty hogsheads
+of sugar and a large quantity of coffee, and also in some instances
+rum (which was removed by means of a small pump called a Jigger, and
+filled into bladders with nozzels,) were plundered in a single ship,
+in addition to the excessive depredations which were committed in the
+same ships by the Lumpers or labourers who were employed during the
+day in the discharge of the cargo.--Instances have been adduced, and
+judicially proved, of various specific ships having been plundered in
+an excessive degree in this manner; and it has been estimated upon
+credible authority, that previous to the establishment of the Marine
+Police, above one-fifth of the whole fleet suffered by nightly
+plunder.--The ships subject to this species of depredation were
+generally known from the characters of the Mates or Revenue Officers
+who were on board, and were denominated _Game Ships_, where the
+aquatic labourers, called Lumpers, would on every occasion agree to
+work without wages, and even solicit their employers to be preferred
+on these terms, trusting to a general licence to plunder for their
+remuneration.
+
+This nefarious traffic had long been reduced to a regular system. The
+mode of negociation necessary to obtain all the requisite advantages
+for carrying into execution these iniquitous designs, was not only
+perfectly understood, but in most cases, where new Officers were to be
+practised upon, a plan of seduction was resorted to which seldom
+failed to succeed, when one or more of the old practitioners in this
+species of criminality happened to be stationed in the ship.--In this
+particular line of aquatic depredations, (which certainly was the most
+mischievous,) scenes of iniquity have been developed, which, from
+their extent and magnitude, could not have been credited had they
+stood on any other foundation than that of regular judicial proofs.
+
+4th.--_Heavy Horsemen_, otherwise denominated Lumpers of the most
+criminal class, who generally selected ships where plunder was most
+accessible, either from the criminal connivance of the Mates and
+Revenue Officers, in permitting nightly plunder, or from the
+carelessness or inattention of these Officers.
+
+This class, many of whom occasionally assisted in the depredations
+committed during the night, were exceedingly audacious and depraved.
+They generally went on board of West India ships, furnished with
+habiliments made on purpose to conceal sugar, coffee, cocoa, pimento,
+ginger, and other articles, which they conveyed on shore in great
+quantities, by means of an under waistcoat, containing pockets all
+round, denominated a _Jemie_; and also by providing long bags,
+pouches, and socks, which were tied to their legs and thighs under
+their trowsers.
+
+It is a well-established fact, which does not admit even of the shadow
+of a doubt, that these miscreants, during the discharge of what they
+called a _Game Ship_, have been accustomed to divide from three to
+four guineas a-piece every night from the produce of their plunder,
+independent of the hush-money paid to Officers and others, for
+conniving at their nefarious practices.
+
+Long habituated to this species of depredation, they became at length
+so audacious, that it was found extremely difficult to controul them
+where a disposition existed to protect the cargo from pillage, and
+where no seduction had taken place.--And indeed, so adroit had this
+class of Lumpers become, that no ship escaped plunder in a certain
+degree, wherever they were employed, in spite of the greatest
+vigilance and attention on the part of many of the shipmasters.
+
+5th. _Game Watermen_, so denominated from the circumstance of their
+having been known to hang upon West India ships under discharge for
+the whole of the day, in readiness to receive and instantly convey on
+shore _bags of sugar_, _coffee_ and _other articles_, pillaged by the
+Lumpers and others in the progress of the delivery of the cargo, by
+which they acquired a considerable booty; as they generally on such
+occasions were employed to dispose of the stolen articles, under
+pretence of their being a part of the private adventures of the crew,
+for which service they usually pocketed one moiety of the price
+obtained.--It was by such assistance that Mates, Boatswains,
+Carpenters, Seamen, and Ship Boys, have been seduced, and even taught
+to become plunderers and thieves, who would otherwise have remained
+honest and faithful to the trust reposed in them. Many of the watermen
+of this class were accustomed to live in a style of expence by no
+means warranted, from the fair earnings of honest industry in the line
+of their profession.--An instance has been known of an apprentice lad
+in this line having kept both a mistress and a riding horse out of
+the profits of his delinquency.
+
+6th. _Game Lightermen._--This class, which is composed of the working,
+or Journeymen Lightermen, who navigate the craft which convey West
+India produce and other merchandize from the ships to the quays, are,
+with some exceptions, extremely loose in their morals, and are ever
+ready to forward depredations by the purchase or concealment of
+articles of considerable value, until an opportunity offers of
+conveying the property on shore. Many of these Lightermen, previous to
+the establishment of the Marine Police, were in the constant habit of
+concealing in the lockers of their lighters, _sugar_, _coffee_,
+_pimento_, _ginger_, &c. which they received from Mates, and other
+persons on board of West India ships.--These lockers are generally
+secured by a padlock; they are calculated to hold and conceal
+considerable quantities of goods, whether stolen or smuggled, which
+were seldom taken out until after the discharge of the lighter, unless
+in certain instances where skiffs attended them.--When completely
+unladen, the practice has been to remove to the road where empty craft
+usually lies a-breast of the Custom-house quay, and then carry away
+the stolen or smuggled articles--and it has not seldom happened that
+many of these Lightermen have, under pretence of watching their own
+lighters while laden at the quays, or in connivance with the Watchmen
+selected by themselves, actually plundered the goods under their
+charge to a very considerable amount, without detection.
+
+Nor does it appear that the nefarious practices of these Lightermen
+have been confined to West Indian produce alone. Their criminal
+designs were directed to almost every species of merchandize placed
+under their charge; and the tricks and devices to which they were
+accustomed to resort, clearly evinced that their plans for obtaining
+pillage had long been systematized, and that they seldom permitted any
+opportunity whereby they could profit by making free with property
+under their charge to escape their attention. As a proof that this
+assertion is well grounded, the following authenticated case, among
+others which could be detailed, is stated as an instance of the
+extreme rapacity of this class of men.--A Canada merchant, who had
+been accustomed to ship quantities of oil annually to the London
+market, finding (as indeed almost every merchant experiences) a
+constant and uniform deficiency in the quantity landed, greatly
+exceeding what could arise from common leakage, which his
+correspondents were quite unable to explain; having occasion to visit
+London, was resolved to see his cargo landed with his own eyes; so as,
+if possible, to develope a mystery heretofore inexplicable, and by
+which he had regularly lost a considerable sum for several years.
+Determined therefore to look sharp after his property, he was in
+attendance at the wharf in anxious expectation of a lighter which had
+been laden with his oil on the preceding day; and which, for reasons
+that he could not comprehend, did not get up for many hours after the
+usual time.
+
+On her arrival at the wharf, the proprietor was confounded to find the
+whole of his casks stowed in the lighter with their bungs downwards.
+Being convinced that this was the effect of design, he began now to
+discover one of the causes at least, of the great losses he had
+sustained; he therefore attended the discharge of the lighter until
+the whole of the casks were removed, when he perceived a great
+quantity of oil leaked out, and in the hold of the vessel, which the
+Lightermen had the effrontery to insist was their perquisite. The
+proprietor ordered casks to be brought, and filled no less than nine
+of them with the oil that had thus leaked out. He then ordered the
+ceiling of the lighter to be pulled up, and found between her timbers
+as much as filled five casks more; thus recovering from a single
+lighter-load of his property, no less than fourteen casks of oil,
+that, but for his attendance, would have been appropriated to the use
+of the Lightermen; who, after attempting to rob him of so valuable a
+property, complained very bitterly of his ill usage in taking it from
+them.
+
+7th. _Mud-Larks_, so called from their being accustomed to prowl
+about, at low water, under the quarters, of West India ships; (or at
+least that class which were denominated _Game_, these being mostly the
+objects of pillage;) under pretence of grubbing in the mud for _old
+ropes_, _iron_, and _coals_, &c. but whose chief object, when in such
+situations, was to receive and conceal small bags of sugar, coffee,
+pimento, ginger, and other articles, and sometimes bladders containing
+rum, which they conveyed to such houses as they were directed, and for
+which services they generally received a share of the booty.--These
+auxiliaries in this species of pillage were considered as the lowest
+cast of thieves; but from a general knowledge of the Receivers in the
+vicinity, they frequently afforded considerable assistance to the
+Lumpers, Coopers and others, who collected plunder in the progress of
+the ships' delivery.
+
+8th. _Revenue Officers._--Notwithstanding the laudable severity of the
+Commissioners of his Majesty's Customs and Excise, in making examples
+of their inferior servants by immediate dismission, on proof made of
+any offence, or even neglect of duty; a certain class of these
+officers, who are denominated _Game_, have found means to promote
+pillage to a very extensive degree, not only in West India ships, but
+also in ships from the East Indies, and in every ship and vessel
+arriving and departing from the River Thames, of which it is to be
+lamented, that too many proofs have been adduced. This class of
+officers generally make a point of at least having the appearance of
+being punctual and regular in their attendance upon their duty, and by
+never being found absent by their superior officers obtain
+preferences, where such can be given, with respect to those
+particular ships which afford the best harvest, either from being
+under the charge of Mates or others, with whom they have had criminal
+transactions in former voyages, or from the cargo being of a nature
+calculated to afford a resource for plunder. They are also generally
+acquainted with the _Copemen_ or Receivers, with whom and the other
+officers, after seducing the Mate, (if not already seduced) they
+negociate for the purchase of whatever can be plundered.
+
+In those seasons of the year, when the crouded state of the port
+renders it necessary to have recourse to _extra_ and _Glut Officers_,
+the general distress of this class of men, and the expectations most
+of them have formed of advantages by being placed on board ships of a
+certain description, render it an easy matter to seduce them; and by
+such means had every obstruction been removed to the perpetration of
+these excessive robberies, in all their ramifications, which had so
+long afflicted the port of London.[56]
+
+[Footnote 56: In the throng season of the year at least 900 inferior
+Customhouse officers, and about 300 Excisemen, are stationed on board
+of ships in the Port of London, besides 82 Customhouse watermen and 36
+superior Officers who do duty on the River Thames. The fair allowance
+of the established Tide Officers may be from 50_l._ to 55_l._ a year.
+The preferable Officers having 3_s._ 6_d._ a day only when employed,
+are supposed to receive wages for 2-3ds. of the year; while the extra
+Officers, who have only 3_s._ a day, are not supposed to be employed
+above half the year: and the Glutmen not more than two months in the
+throngest part of the season.
+
+Men in such situations having a trust committed to them of great
+magnitude and importance, in the protection of a Revenue amounting to
+more than Seven Millions, and receiving wages inferior to common
+labourers, with pecuniary pressures upon them, arising from the wants
+in many instances of large families, assailed on all hands by
+temptations to connive at evil practices, as they relate both to the
+Revenue and the Individual--What can be expected from them?--Humanity,
+policy, and even justice pleads for an increase of salary, as the best
+means of preserving their morals and increasing the Revenue. Other
+Regulations through the medium of the Police System might be
+established, whereby their purity might be secured, and the Revenue
+eased of a considerable expence, by reducing the number employed at
+present, often in promoting mischievous instead of useful purposes.]
+
+9th. _Scuffle-Hunters_--so denominated probably from their resorting
+in numbers to the quays and wharfs where goods are discharging, under
+pretence of finding employment as labourers upon the landing places
+and in the warehouses, and from the circumstance, of _disputes_ and
+_scuffles_ arising about who should secure most plunder from broken
+packages. This class of men, who may fairly be considered as the very
+scum of society, frequently prowl about with long aprons, not so much
+with a view to obtain employment, as for the purpose of availing
+themselves of the confusion which the crowded state of the quays often
+exhibits, and the opportunity of obtaining plunder; in which object
+they have too frequently been successful, particularly when admitted
+into the warehouses as labourers, where they have found means to
+pilfer and carry away considerable quantities of sugar and other
+articles, in which they were not a little countenanced, by similar
+offences committed by journeymen coopers and others, who, under the
+colour of sanctioned perquisites, abstract considerable quantities of
+sugar, thereby subjecting the proprietors to an accumulated loss: for,
+in addition to the first cost or price of the article, the duties
+which have been paid form no inconsiderable part of the ultimate
+value. It is only necessary to resort to the Journals of the House of
+Commons, and the Appendix to the Report of the Dock Committee in 1796,
+in order to be satisfied, that the plunder in the warehouses has been
+excessive. And if credit is to be given to the evidence then brought
+forward, and also to the affidavits of persons, who have worked for
+many years in the sugar warehouses, the loss sustained on an
+importation of 140,000[57] casks of sugar has not fallen much short of
+L.100,000 a year.[58]
+
+[Footnote 57: Sugar and Rum imported into the Port of London, from the
+25th of March 1798 to the 25th of March 1799:--
+
+                               Casks,   Casks,
+  Islands.             Ships.  Sugar.   Rum.
+
+  Jamaica              151     64,108   17,279
+  Antigua               14      5,258      715
+  St. Kitt's            14      6,137      755
+  Barbadoes             17      7,961       65
+  Granadoes             18      6,806      443
+  Mountserat             6      2,742      568
+  Nevis                  4      1,867      418
+  Dominica              14      4,152      400
+  St. Vincent           26     10,147      908
+  Tortola                3        789      109
+  Sundry Places,     }
+  including captured }
+  Islands, &c.       } 106     32,739    2,271
+                       ---    -------   ------
+                       373    142,760   23,931
+                       ---    -------   ------]
+
+[Footnote 58: Independent of the excessive pillage by the labourers in
+the Warehouses, which has been rendered but too evident from the
+detections of Offenders since the establishment of the Marine Police,
+the samples alone, which on an average are said to amount to 12_lb._
+per hhd. (instead of 1-1/2_lb._ per hhd. in conformity to the
+Regulations of the West India Merchants, of the 12th of June 1789,)
+make a net aggregate of 1,470,000 pounds of sugar, which at 10_d._ per
+pound amounts to 61,250_l._ a year!]
+
+10th. _Copemen or Receivers of Stolen Commercial Property._--This
+mischievous class of men may be considered as the chief movers and
+supporters of the extensive scene of iniquity which has been developed
+and explained in the preceding pages of this Chapter. They were
+heretofore extremely numerous, and divided into various classes.[59]
+Those denominated _Copemen_ formed the junto of wholesale dealers, who
+were accustomed to visit ships on their arrival, for the purpose of
+entering into contract with such Revenue Officers or Mates as they had
+formerly known or dealt with, and such others as they could by means
+of friendly officers seduce to their views.
+
+[Footnote 59: See the "Treatise on the Commerce and Police of the
+River Thames," for a particular account of these classes.]
+
+Their negociations were carried on in a language and in terms peculiar
+to themselves; and commenced by settling the price of
+
+  _Sand_ by which, in their cant language, was meant _Sugar_.
+  _Beans_              or                           _Coffee_.
+  _Pease_              --              _Pimento_ or _Pepper_.
+  _Vinegar_            --          _Rum_ and _other Liquors_.
+  _Malt_               --                              _Tea_.
+
+It was their custom to afford assistance wherever such articles were
+to be procured by providing _Black Straps_, (_i.e._, the long black
+bags already mentioned) to contain sugar, and calculated to stow
+easily in the bottom of boats, without being discovered on account of
+the colour. They also procured bladders with wooden nozels for the
+purpose of containing rum, brandy, geneva, and other liquors, and
+furnished boats to convey the plunder from the ships during the night.
+
+Some of these Receivers had acquired considerable sums of money by
+their nefarious traffic, and were able to tempt and seduce those who
+would permit them to plunder the cargo, by administering to their
+wants by considerable advances of money which, however, rarely
+amounted to a moiety of the value of the goods obtained, and
+frequently not 1-4th part, particularly in the article of Coffee.
+
+Other classes of Receivers purchased from the Lumpers, Coopers, &c.
+after the property was landed, and being generally engaged in business
+as small grocers or keepers of chandlers' shops, and old iron and junk
+warehouses, they were accustomed to protect it in its transit, from
+one criminal dealer to another, by means of false bills of parcels.
+
+It would fill a volume to recount the various ramifications of this
+nefarious traffic, and the devices used to defeat Justice and elude
+the punishment of the Law.[60]
+
+[Footnote 60: For the purpose of defraying the expence of prosecutions
+for criminal offences upon the River Thames, and to raise a fund for
+suborning evidence, and employing counsel for higher crimes, and of
+paying the penalties under the Act of the 2d Geo. III. cap. 28.
+commonly called the Bumboat Act; there existed a club composed of
+_River Plunderers_, and _Lumpers_, _Coopers_, _Watermen_, and
+_Receivers_, (denominated _Light-Horsemen_, _Heavy-Horsemen_, and
+_Copes_,) from the funds of which the Law expences and the penalties
+incurred by members of the fraternity were paid. By these iniquitous
+means not a few notorious offenders escaped justice, while those who
+were convicted of penalties for misdemeanors escaped the punishment of
+imprisonment, and being thus screened from justice the culprits
+(previous to the establishment of the Marine Police System) returned
+to their evil practices without the least apprehension of any other
+inconvenience than the payment of a fine of 40_s._ defrayed by the
+Club. The New System, however, affording means of detection in the
+ships where the offences were committed: what were formerly
+misdemeanors are now treated as larcenies, which has operated most
+powerfully in breaking up this atrocious confederacy, and in defeating
+all the nefarious designs of the criminal delinquents of which it was
+formed, some of whom, although apparently common labourers, resided in
+handsome houses furnished in a very superior style for the rank in
+life of the occupiers.
+
+As a proof, among many others, of the enormous extent of the River
+Plunder, the convictions for misdemeanors under the Act of the 2d Geo.
+III. cap. 28. from August 1792 to August 1799, exceeded _two thousand
+two hundred_; of which number about 2000 culprits paid the penalty;
+partly from their own resources, but chiefly, it is believed, from the
+funds of the club, amounting in all to about 4000_l._ in the course of
+seven years.]
+
+It extended to almost every article imported into, and exported from,
+the port of London. But the dealings in stolen West India produce were
+by far the most extensive; at the same time it appears from recent
+investigation, that the _East India Company_ and the _Russian_ and
+_American Merchants_, as well as the Importers of _Timber_, _Ashes_,
+_Furs_, _Skins_, _Oil_, _Provisions_ and _Corn_, were also
+considerable sufferers. The Coal Merchants have likewise sustained
+losses to a great amount annually, while every species of goods
+imported have been more or less subject to depredations.
+
+Nor has the Export Trade on the River Thames been in any respect
+secured against the rapacity of this phalanx of plunderers. Many
+well-authenticated cases have recently been developed, which prove
+that Hamburgh vessels outward bound, have been plundered to a
+considerable amount,[61] particularly those which were laden with
+sugar, coffee, and other West India produce. Outward-bound ships to
+every part of the world have also been more or less objects of
+plunder, to the numerous herds of delinquents who were employed upon
+the River, aided by their associates in iniquity, the Receivers.
+
+[Footnote 61: A Shipmaster in the trade a few months since was
+compelled to pay 40_l._ for deficient sugars plundered by Lumpers and
+others, who assisted in lading his vessel, notwithstanding his utmost
+personal vigilance and attention while the sugars were taking on
+board. A single Marine Police Officer would have prevented this. The
+effect of their power in overawing delinquents, from the nature of the
+system and the discipline peculiar to the institution, is not to be
+conceived.]
+
+To enter _into particulars_, or to detail specific instances, would
+far exceed the limits prescribed for this branch of the general
+catalogue of delinquency exhibited in this Work. Suffice it to say,
+that the most satisfactory evidence can be adduced, that the system of
+depredation which had so long prevailed, and which had advanced with
+the growing Commerce of the Port, had pervaded every species of
+Merchandize laden or discharged, as well as the Tackle, Apparel and
+Stores of almost every ship and vessel arriving in, and departing
+from, the River Thames.
+
+Nor can it be a matter of wonder, that such pervading mischiefs should
+have prevailed when it is known, that above 5000 individuals, employed
+in various stationary situations upon the River, have, with a very few
+exceptions, been nursed from early life in acts of delinquency of this
+nature.
+
+In a group so extensive there are unquestionably many different shades
+of turpitude; but certain it is, that long habit, and general example,
+had banished from the minds of the mass of the culprits implicated in
+these offences, that sense of the criminality of the action, which
+attaches to every other species of theft.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Such was the situation of things in the Port of London, in the month
+of July 1798, when the MARINE POLICE INSTITUTION, a wise and salutary
+measure of Government, arose from the meritorious exertions of the
+West India Merchants.
+
+The object of this Establishment was to counteract these mischievous
+proceedings, and by salutary arrangements _in the Science of Police_
+to prevent in future a repetition of those crimes which had so long
+contaminated the morals of the people, and operated as an evil of no
+small weight and magnitude on the Trade of the River Thames.
+
+How far this System, _planned_ and adapted to the exigencies of the
+case, and carried into effort by the Author of these pages, assisted
+by a very able and indefatigable Magistrate, and by many zealous and
+active Officers, has been productive of the benefits which were in
+contemplation, must be determined by an accurate examination of the
+state of delinquency, among the aquatic labourers and others, employed
+at present in ships and vessels in the River Thames; compared with
+what existed previous to this Establishment, as detailed in the
+preceding pages of this Chapter.
+
+Although much yet remains to be done to prevent the renewal of those
+criminal proceedings, which have by great exertions been happily in
+many instances suppressed.--Although the Marine Police[62] has been
+unquestionably crippled by the want of those apposite _Legislative_
+Regulations, upon which its energy and utility, as a _permanent
+Establishment_, must, in a great measure depend, yet the proofs of the
+advantages which have resulted from it, not only to the West India
+Trade[63] (for the protection of which it was originally instituted)
+but also to the whole Commerce and Navigation of the Port of London,
+are so decided and irrefragable, that specific details are
+unnecessary, especially since Deputations of the most respectable
+Merchants from the whole Commercial Body, sensible of the benefits
+derived from the system have solicited the sanction of Government, for
+the purpose of passing a Bill to extend the design, so as to afford
+the same protection to the general Trade of the Port, which has been
+experienced by the West India Planters and Merchants;[64] and
+requesting to be permitted to defray the expence by an annual
+assessment upon the Trade.
+
+[Footnote 62: For a particular account of this Institution, see the
+"Treatise on the Commerce and Police of the River Thames," already
+alluded to.]
+
+[Footnote 63: With respect to the advantages which have resulted in
+the aggregate, to the West India Planters and Merchants, from this New
+Institution, it is impossible to form any decided opinion; but
+estimating the savings, on an average, at 28_lbs._ of sugar per hhd.
+(which is only one half of what the Committee of West India Merchants,
+in their Report to a General Meeting in 1798, supposed the plunderage
+might have been formerly) it appears, upon this data, that the gain to
+the Planters, Merchants, and the Revenue, on a very reduced estimate
+as to the actual importation may be thus stated.--
+
+                                    Saving      Saving
+                                    to the      to the
+                                    Planters.   Revenue.   TOTAL.
+
+  On 115,000 casks of sugar, at
+  28_lbs._ per cask                 L.97,012    L.25,150   L.122,162
+
+  15,000 casks of rum, at three
+  gallons each                         9,000      15,000      24,000
+
+  Coffee, pimento, and other
+  articles, suppose                    5,000      10,000      15,000
+                                   ---------    --------   ---------
+  Totals                           L.111,012    L.50,150   L.161,162
+
+If credit is to be given to the general and specific proofs of the
+depredations which took place before the establishment of the Marine
+Police, and to the numerous documents which demonstrate the saving of
+property, which has been the effect of this system of prevention, the
+above estimate will not appear to be over-rated. In an importation
+amounting to above L.8,000,000 sterling a year, it is not too much to
+say that 1-1/2 per cent. on this sum may have been saved under a
+system of such extreme vigilance, where every class of depredators
+were defeated in their iniquitous designs, and deprived in a great
+measure of the powers they formerly possessed, of doing mischief. The
+probability is, that it has amounted to more, though the fact never
+can be accurately ascertained.]
+
+[Footnote 64: At a meeting of the Committee of the West India
+Merchants appointed to manage the general concerns of the Trade, held
+on the 4th of January 1799, It was
+
+     "RESOLVED,
+
+     "That this Committee are deeply impressed with a high sense
+     of the singular advantages, which appear to have resulted to
+     the Commerce of the Port of London in general, but
+     particularly to the West India Planters and Merchants, in
+     the protection afforded to their property by the exertions
+     of _The Marine Police Institution_, as well as by the
+     General System established for the prevention of pillage and
+     plunder arising out of the measures for detection pursued by
+     the Magistrates presiding at the Marine Police Office, by
+     which, in the opinion of this Committee, great and extensive
+     benefits have also resulted to his Majesty's Revenue."]
+
+It may only be necessary in this place to state, that under all the
+disadvantages and difficulties attending the execution of this design,
+it may truly be said to have worked wonders in reforming the shocking
+abuses which prevailed.--_The River Pirates do not now exist in any
+shape.--The Nightly Plunderers, denominated Light Horsemen, have not
+dared in a single instance to pursue their criminal designs.--The
+Working Lumpers, denominated Heavy Horse, are no longer to be found
+loaded with Plunder._--Watermen are not now as _formerly to be
+recognized in clusters hanging upon the bows and quarters of West
+India ships under discharge to receive plunder_.--Lightermen, _finding
+nothing to be procured by attending their craft, are accustomed to
+desert them until the period when they are completely laden.--Journeymen
+Coopers do not wilfully demolish casks and packages as heretofore,
+since no advantage is to be reaped from the spillings of sugar,
+coffee, or other articles.--The Mud-Larks find it no longer an object
+to prowl about ships at low water while under discharge, since the
+resource for that species of iniquitous employment, which they were
+accustomed to solicit, is no longer in existence.--The criminal class
+of Revenue Officers, who had long profited (in many instances to an
+enormous extent) by the nefarious practices which prevailed, have not
+been able to suppress their rage against the New Police, by the
+vigilance of which they feel themselves deprived of the means of
+profiting by the system of plunder, which they had so perfectly
+organized, and which, in collusion with the Revenue Watermen, they
+were so well able to cover by availing themselves of their official
+situations, on many occasions, in protecting to the houses of the
+Receivers articles which were both stolen and smuggled_.
+
+By means of a Police Guard upon the Quays, which forms a collateral
+branch of the General System, _the Scuffle-hunters and Long-apron-men,
+who were accustomed to prowl about for the purpose of pillage, have in
+a great measure deserted the quays and landing-places; while the
+Copemen and Receivers, finding from several examples which have been
+made, that their former infamous pursuits cannot be continued without
+the most imminent hazard, have, in many instances, declined business,
+while not a few of these mischievous members of society have quitted
+their former residences, and disappeared_.
+
+Such has been the effect of the remedy which has been applied towards
+the core of the enormous evil of River Plunder.
+
+It is not, however, to be understood that this System has entirely
+eradicated the pillage which prevailed, a circumstance not to be
+expected, since the design was partial and limited in its nature, and
+only intended for the protection of West India property, although very
+extensive benefits have unquestionably arisen from its collateral
+influence, and its energy, in terrifying thieves of every description
+upon the River, and diminishing their depredations, which, but for the
+dread of detection by means of the Police Boats in the night, would
+unquestionably have been committed.
+
+But while it is readily admitted that amidst the opposite attractions
+of pleasure and pain, it is impossible to reduce the tumultuous
+activity of such a phalanx of individuals to absolute order and
+purity, who have been in many instances reared up in habits of
+delinquency. And while it is a vain hope to expect that crimes can be
+totally annihilated, where temptations assail the idle and the
+dissolute, and religion and morality, or even in many instances, the
+fear of punishment, does not operate as a restraint;--yet is it,
+notwithstanding, clear to demonstration, from the effects produced by
+the limited experiment which has been made, that the General Police
+for the River Thames which is in contemplation, aided by the apposite
+Legislative regulations which experience has suggested to be
+necessary,[65] must in its operation, under the guidance of an able
+and active Magistracy, so far diminish and keep down the depredations
+which were committed, as to prove scarce a drop in the bucket, when
+compared to the extensive and enormous evils which it has been the
+object of the promoters of this new System to suppress.
+
+[Footnote 65: For the specific provisions of _the Marine Police Bill_,
+see the "Treatise on the Commerce Navigation Police of the River
+Thames."--The object of this Bill is rather to prevent Crimes than to
+punish; and where punishments on conviction are to be inflicted, they
+are of a nature which, it is to be hoped, will operate sufficiently as
+an example to diminish the evil, without the exercise of any great
+degree of severity.]
+
+Although in this arduous pursuit, the Author of this work has
+experienced infinite difficulties and discouragements, yet is he
+rewarded by the consciousness that he was engaged in an undertaking in
+which the best interests of Society were involved:--that independent
+of the pecuniary benefits derived by the State, and the Proprietors of
+Commercial Property (which already have unquestionably been very
+extensive,) he has been instrumental in bringing forward a great
+preventive System, and by administering the Laws in conjunction with a
+very zealous, able, and humane Magistrate,[66] in a manner rather
+calculated to _restrain_ than to _punish_,[67] a multitude of
+individuals, together with a numerous offspring, are likely to be
+rendered useful members of the Body Politic, instead of nuisances in
+Society.--The advantages thus gained (although his labours have been
+in other respects gratuitous,) will abundantly compensate the
+_dangers_, the _toils_, and the anxieties which have been experienced.
+In the accomplishment of this object, both the interests of _humanity_
+and _morality_, have been in no small degree promoted: unquestionably,
+there cannot be a greater act of benevolence to mankind, in a course
+of _criminal delinquency_, than that which tends to _civilize their
+manners_;--_to teach them obedience to the_ Laws;--_to screen
+themselves and their families from the evils and distress attendant on
+punishment, by preventing the commission of crimes_; and _to lead them
+into the paths of honest industry, as the only means of securing that
+real comfort and happiness which a life of criminality, however
+productive of occasional supplies of money, can never bestow_.--If it
+shall be considered (as it certainly is) a glorious atchievement to
+subdue a powerful Army or Navy, and thereby secure the tranquillity of
+a State--is not the triumph in some degree analogous, where a
+numerous army of delinquents, carrying on a species of warfare no less
+noxious, if not equally hostile, shall not only be subdued by a mild
+and systematic direction of the powers of the Law; but that the
+conquered enemy shall be converted into an useful friend, adding
+strength instead of weakness to the Government of the country?
+
+[Footnote 66: John Harriott, Esq. the Resident Magistrate.]
+
+[Footnote 67: So powerful was the effect of the preventive System,
+wherever it was permitted to be applied, that no instance has occurred
+in the course of more than fifteen months, since the Marine Police was
+established, of sufficient grounds for a criminal prosecution having
+taken place by the commission of any Larceny or Felony in ships or
+craft under the immediate protection of the Institution.]
+
+Such has been, at least, the result of the partial operations of the
+Marine Police; and such will unquestionably be the issue of the
+general measures which have been planned and arranged, when the
+_Key-stone_ shall be finally laid to the fabric, by passing into a Law
+the Bill which has been prepared for the extension of this design to
+the protection of the whole trade of the port of London.[68]
+
+[Footnote 68: As a proof of the approbation of the whole body of the
+West India Planters at the General Meeting, not only of the System of
+the Marine Police, but also of the Bill which has been prepared to
+extend its influence to the general Trade of the River Thames, the
+following extracts are inserted:
+
+     _Extract from the Minutes of a Meeting of a Committee of the
+     West India Planters and Merchants--London, June 7, 1799._
+
+     "Resolved,
+
+     "That this Committee is fully convinced that considerable
+     advantages have been derived from the institution of the
+     Marine Police in checking the depredations on West India
+     produce on board ships in the River Thames; and consequently
+     approves of the Bill for constituting the said _Marine
+     Police_, with powers enlarged and more effective, and on a
+     more extended plan, provided the Act for that purpose be in
+     the first instance limited to the duration of three years,
+     and that the whole expence of the Institution does not
+     exceed Ten Thousand Pounds annually."
+
+
+     _Extract from the Minutes of a General Meeting of the West
+     India Planters, held by public Advertisement at Wright's
+     Coffee-house, Soho-square, London, June 13, 1799._
+
+     The Right Honourable Lord PENRHYN in the Chair.
+
+     "Resolved,
+
+     "That this Meeting confirms the Report of its Committee, and
+     approves of the project of a Bill for the purposes, and
+     within the limitations stated in that Report.
+
+     "Resolved,
+
+     "That Lord Penrhyn be requested to present to the Chancellor
+     of the Exchequer the Report of a Committee of this Meeting,
+     on the subject of the Marine Police Institution, and the
+     Resolution of this meeting approving the said Report.
+
+     "Resolved,
+
+     "That Lord Penrhyn be requested to communicate the thanks of
+     this Meeting to Mr. Colquhoun for the zeal, ability, and
+     perseverance with which he has endeavoured to form an
+     effectual check to the system of depredation which prevailed
+     on the River Thames."]
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. IX.
+
+     _Reflections on the Causes of the Existence and Continuance
+     of the Frauds, Embezzlements, Peculation, and Plunder in his
+     Majesty's Dock-Yards and other Public Repositories, and in
+     the Naval Department in general.--Reasons why the Evil has
+     not been suppressed.--A summary View of the Means employed
+     in committing Offences of this Nature.--Reasons assigned why
+     the Defalcation of this Species of Property must be
+     extensive.--Illustrated by the immense Value, and by an
+     Estimate, and general View, of the Public Property exposed
+     to Hazard.--A summary View of the Laws which relate to
+     Offences on Public Property; proofs adduced of their
+     Deficiency.--Remedies proposed and detailed under the
+     respective Heads of--1st. A Central Board of Police--2d. A
+     Local Police for the Dock-Yards--3d. Legislative Regulations
+     proposed in Aid of the Police System--4th. Regulations
+     respecting the Sale of Old Stores--5th. The Abolition of the
+     Perquisites of Chips--6th. The Abolition of Fees and
+     Perquisites, and liberal Salaries in lieu thereof--7th. An
+     improved Mode of keeping Accounts--8th. An annual Inventory
+     of Stores in Hand--Concluding Observations._
+
+
+Under the pressure of those accumulated wrongs, which constitute the
+extensive frauds, embezzlements, pillage, and plunder, known and
+acknowledged to exist in the Dock-Yards and other Public Repositories,
+it is not easy, at first view, to assign a reason for that apparent
+supineness, on the part of men of known honour and integrity, who have
+heretofore presided, and who now preside at the Public Boards, in not
+using the means necessary to remedy so great an evil.
+
+This may possibly be accounted for, by the extreme difficulty which
+men, constantly occupied in a laborious business, find in pursuing
+inquiries, or forming arrangements, out of their particular sphere;
+more especially when such arrangements require those powers of
+business, and that species of legal and general information, which do
+not usually attach to men whose education and habits of life have run
+in a different channel.
+
+Under such circumstances, it is scarcely to be wondered at, that
+greater efforts have not been used, (for great efforts are
+unquestionably necessary,) to correct those abuses, which have long
+existed; and which have been progressively increasing; by means of
+which, not only the property of the Public suffers a vast annual
+diminution by frauds and embezzlements, but the foundation of all
+morals is sapped; and the most baneful practices extend even to men
+in the upper and middle ranks of Society, who are too seldom
+restrained by any correct principle of rectitude in transactions,
+where the interest of Government only is concerned; either in the
+supplying, or afterwards in the taking charge of the custody of Public
+Stores.
+
+When the object in view is to acquire money, the power of example,
+sanctioned by usage and custom, will reconcile men by degrees, to
+enormities and frauds which at first could not have been
+endured.--Acting under this influence, it too often happens that a
+distinction is made, as regards moral rectitude, in the minds of many
+individuals, between _the property of the Nation_, and _private
+property_.--While the most scrupulous attention to the rules of honour
+prevails in the latter case, principles, the most relaxed, are yielded
+to in the former.
+
+And thus it is, that in such situations, inferior agents also, induced
+by example, become insensibly reconciled to every species of fraud,
+embezzlement, and peculation.
+
+It is no inconsiderable source of the evil, that large gratuities are
+given, under the colour of fees,[69] to those who can assist in
+promoting the views of the fraudulent, or in guarding them against
+detection.--What was at first considered as the wages of turpitude,
+at length assumes the form, and is viewed in the light of a fair
+perquisite of office.
+
+[Footnote 69: Since the publication of the last edition of this work,
+the Select Committee on Finance in the House of Commons, who have
+derived immortal honour from their various and useful Reports, have
+recommended the abolition of fees; and the Lords of the Admiralty, and
+the Commissioners of the subordinate Boards, are entitled to the
+thanks of their country, from the exertions they are using to carry
+this measure into effect.]
+
+In this manner abuses multiply, and the ingenuity of man is ever
+fertile in finding some palliative.--Custom and example sanction the
+greatest enormities: which at length become fortified by immemorial
+and progressive usage: it is no wonder, therefore, that the superior
+Officers find it an Herculean labour to cleanse the Augean stable.
+
+A host of interested individuals opposes them. The task is irksome and
+ungracious. The research involves in it matter of deep concern,
+affecting the peace, comfort, and happiness of old servants of the
+Crown or the Public, and their families; who have not perhaps been
+sufficiently rewarded for their services; and who, but for such
+perquisites, could not have acquired property, or even supported
+themselves with decency.
+
+It is an invidious task to make inquiries, or to impose regulations
+which may ultimately affect the interest or the character of
+dependants, who have heretofore, perhaps, been regarded as objects of
+partiality or affection. Those whose duty it is to superintend the
+departments, knowing their own purity, are unwilling to believe that
+the same principle of rectitude does not regulate the conduct of
+others in inferior situations: and matters, of apparently greater
+importance, constantly forcing themselves upon their attention, the
+consideration of such abuses is generally postponed: while those who
+detect or complain of their existence, seldom meet with much
+encouragement; unless some specific act of criminality is stated, and
+then it is referred, as a matter of course, to the proper Law
+Officers.
+
+These circumstances, however, only prove the necessity of some other
+and more effectual agency to remove an evil, which (if the assertions
+of those whose efficient situations give them access to the very best
+information as to its extent and enormity are correct) _is of the
+greatest magnitude_, and calls aloud for immediate attention.
+
+To understand how this is to be accomplished, it will be necessary in
+the first instance to develope the means which are employed to commit
+these _abuses_, _frauds_, and _embezzlements_.--Then to take a general
+view of the property exposed to depredation, and afterwards to examine
+the nature and effect of the Laws and regulations now in being for the
+purpose of preventing these evils; and last of all, to suggest
+remedies.
+
+The abuses, frauds, and embezzlements, are multifarious, and are
+perpetrated through the medium of a vast variety of agencies, which
+naturally divide themselves into two distinct branches.
+
+The first relates to frauds committed by the connivance and assistance
+of Clerks, Store-keepers, and inferior officers in the Dock-yards, and
+other repositories, and in ships of war and transports; in _receiving
+and delivering Naval, Victualling, and Ordnance stores;--in
+surveys;--in returns of unserviceable stores;--in_ what is called
+_solving off stores;--in fraudulent certificates;--in the sale of old
+stores_; and innumerable other devices; by which a number of
+individuals are enriched at the Public expence; and a system of
+plunder is supported by fraudulent documents and vouchers of articles
+which have no existence but upon paper.
+
+The second branch relates to the actual pillage of _new and old
+Cordage, Bolts of Canvas, Sails, Bunting, Twine of all sorts,
+Fearnought and Kersey, Leather and Hides, old and new Copper, Locks,
+Hinges and Bolts, Copper Bolts and Nails in immense quantities,
+Bar-Iron, old Iron, Lead and Solder, Ship's-Plank, Oars, Timber of
+small sizes, Blocks, Quarterstuff, Candles, Tallow, Oil, Paint, Pitch,
+Tar, Turpentine, Varnish, Rosin, Beer and Water Casks, Iron Hoops,
+Biscuit Bags, Beer, Bread, Wine, Brandy, Rum, Oil, Vinegar, Butter,
+Cheese, Beef, Pork, &c._--All these articles suffer a vast annual
+diminution, by means of that plunder which has become habitual to a
+number of the inferior servants of the Crown, who have in their
+respective situations, access to such stores.[70]
+
+[Footnote 70: It is by no means to be inferred from what is here
+stated, that there are not, both among the furnishers and contractors
+for Public Stores, as well as the Officers and Clerks employed in the
+departments here alluded to, many individuals of great honour and
+integrity.--It is to be hoped, the fraudulent are the smallest in
+point of number, or that they will soon be so.]
+
+This species of plunder is much encouraged by the difficulty of
+detection: Vast quantities are constantly provided, and the
+store-houses are generally full; it happens therefore as a matter of
+course, that the articles which were recently deposited are issued
+first; and hence many valuable stores, it is said, have remained
+untouched and unseen for forty or fifty years, until a number of
+articles perish or become unserviceable from length of time.--An
+annual inventory, upon the plan suggested at the close of this
+Chapter, rendered practicable by more extensive store-houses, would
+remove this obvious inconvenience.
+
+All stores being delivered under the authority of warrants signed by
+the Commissioners and proper officers, the clerks, or in their absence
+the foreman of the warehouses, where the articles stated in the
+warrants are deposited, deliver the stores; and, if opportunities
+offer, large additional quantities are said to be frequently sent out,
+by the connivance of the inferior officers; sometimes stores are even
+delivered two or three times over, under colour of the same warrant,
+without discovery.
+
+A similar System prevails with regard to stores sent to the public
+repositories from dismantled ships of war and transports.
+
+Many vessels in the coasting trade, and even ships of foreign nations,
+it is said, touch at Portsmouth and Plymouth, merely for the purpose
+of purchasing _cheap stores_;--and it is well known, that many dealers
+in naval stores in the neighbourhood of the Dock-Yards are chiefly
+supplied in this way.
+
+The plan which prevails at present with regard to the sale of old
+stores, not only proves a kind of safeguard to these fraudulent
+dealers; but is also in itself subject to great abuses, from the
+delivery of larger quantities than are actually included in the public
+sales, by which the parties concerned are said frequently to pocket
+considerable sums of money.[71]
+
+[Footnote 71: See a plan for disposing of old stores with a view to
+remedy the evil, in a subsequent part of this chapter.]
+
+The artificers in the Dock-yards, availing themselves of their
+perquisite of Chips, not only commit great frauds, by often cutting up
+useful timber, and wasting time in doing so; but also in frequently
+concealing, within their bundles of chips, copper bolts, and other
+valuable articles, which are removed by their wives and children,
+(and, as has appeared in judicial evidence, by boys retained for the
+purpose) and afterwards sold to itinerant Jews, or to the dealers in
+old iron and stores, who are always to be found in abundance wherever
+the Dock-yards are situated.[72]
+
+[Footnote 72: It seems evident, that the abolition of the perquisite
+of Chips would be a great improvement, and prove the means of
+correcting many gross abuses which at present prevail. In this
+suggestion the Author is supported by the very able and decided
+evidence of Brigadier-General Bentham, before the Select Committee of
+the House of Commons on Finance, in 1798. [_See the 31st Report of
+that Committee._] On a supposition that 3000 shipwrights are employed
+in the several Dock-yards at the wages of 2_s._ 1_d._ with the
+privilege of one bundle of chips each day, which, though not worth
+more than 6_d._ to each shipwright, actually costs Government 1_s._
+6_d._ because good and valuable timber is often cut down to make these
+chips.--The following estimate will elucidate what has been stated:
+and shew the benefits which Government would probably derive from the
+abolition of this perquisite, even if the wages should be raised,
+which are perhaps too low at present.
+
+  3000 men, working 300 days in a year, entitled to
+  900,000 bundles of chips at 1_s._ 6_d._                    L.67,500
+
+  Time lost to Government in making up these chips,
+  equal to 6_d._ per day                                       22,500
+
+  Articles purloined and stolen, by being concealed
+  within these bundles, and by women and children, who
+  resort to the yards on pretence of carrying them
+  away, supposed                                               50,000
+                                                             ---------
+                                                            L.140,000
+
+  Deduct 6_d._ a day additional wages in lieu of the
+  perquisite of chips; which, it is understood, the
+  shipwrights would consider as an ample remuneration          22,500
+                                                            ---------
+                    Presumed gain by this arrangement       L.117,500]
+
+The Naval, Victualing, and Ordnance Stores pillaged in the Dock-yards
+and other public Repositories, and also from ships of war, transports,
+and navy and victualing hoys, in the River Thames, and Medway, must
+amount to a very large sum annually. The detections, particularly in
+the victualing hoys and transports, since the establishment of the
+Marine Police, prove the existence of the evil, and the wide field
+which it embraces.
+
+The vicinity of the Metropolis;--the assistance afforded by old iron
+and store shops on the spot;--by carts employed _in this trade alone_,
+constantly going and coming from and to the Capital;--by the advantage
+of an easy and safe conveyance for ponderous and heavy articles, in
+lighters and other craft passing up and down the River; and the
+extensive chain of criminal connection, at every town and village on
+the Thames and Medway, which a course of many years has formed, joined
+to the ease with which frauds are committed, have combined to render
+this nefarious traffic a very serious and alarming evil.
+
+Among the multitude of persons concerned in it, some are said to keep
+men constantly employed in untwisting the cordage, for the purpose of
+removing the King's mark, or coloured stran, which is introduced into
+it as a check against fraud; while others (as has been already
+noticed) are, in like manner, employed in knocking the Broad Arrow out
+of copper bolts, nails, bar iron, and other articles, on which it is
+impressed, so as to elude detection.
+
+It is scarcely to be credited, to what an extent the sale of the
+cordage, sail-cloth, and other Naval articles, including victualing
+stores, thus plundered, is carried, in supplying coasting vessels and
+smaller craft upon the River Thames, at a cheap rate.[73]
+
+[Footnote 73: When it is recollected, that 9176 coasting vessels, and
+also 4268 traders to foreign parts, enter and clear in the
+Custom-house of London, in the course of a year, independent of small
+craft in the River; an inexhaustible resource for the sale of cheap
+cordage, sail-cloth, and every other material, must be obvious at
+first view.]
+
+If the actual value of stores deposited at the different Dock-yards
+and public Repositories in the course of a year, is to be considered
+as a rule whereby a judgment may be formed of the extent of the losses
+sustained by frauds, plunder, and embezzlement, it will be found to
+be very erroneous, since a large proportion of what forms the great
+aggregate loss sustained annually by Government, does not arise from
+the actual stealing of stores, but from frauds committed in
+fabricating documents both at home and abroad.
+
+Reasons have already been assigned, why many individuals reconcile
+their minds to devices, whereby they may be suddenly enriched at the
+Public expence, who would be shocked at the idea of over-reaching an
+individual. For the purpose, therefore, of estimating truly the
+probable extent of the evil, a general view must not only be taken of
+the Naval, Victualing, Ordnance, and other Stores at all times
+deposited in the Public Arsenals, but also the stores and provisions
+on board of the numerous ships of war, and transports, constantly
+consuming and replacing in all quarters of the Globe; and to measure
+the whole by the great annual expence, which is incurred in this
+necessary service, _The Bulwark of Britain, and the Glory and Pride of
+the Nation_.
+
+Looking at the subject in this point of view, where the ramifications
+are so extensive, and the opportunities so numerous, whereby in the
+hurry and confusion of carrying on a most important public service,
+frauds and embezzlements may be committed with impunity, the question
+is, Whether measures are not practicable, whereby the public loss, by
+the rapacity of individuals, may not lie greatly diminished, and what
+system would be best adapted to the attainment of this object?
+
+To illustrate this proposition it may be necessary to form an
+estimate, in the first instance, of the stationary and floating
+property belonging to his Majesty, in the different Public Arsenals
+and ships of War.--The following statement is hazarded with this
+particular view, not as an accurate detail of facts; for accuracy to a
+point under the present circumstances is neither practicable nor
+absolutely necessary. It is sufficient if it tends to elucidate and
+explain an important point, on the subject of the frauds and
+depredations committed on the public stores, which would not be
+otherwise intelligible or useful to the public, to the extent which
+the Author contemplates.--
+
+
+_Estimate of Floating Naval, Victualing and Ordnance Stores, in the
+different Repositories and Ships of War._
+
+  Naval, Victualing   }
+  and Ordnance Stores } at Deptford and Red House          L.1,800,000
+                        Woolwich                               150,000
+                        Sheerness                              100,000
+                        Chatham                                200,000
+                        Portsmouth                           1,300,000
+                        Plymouth                               900,000
+                        Ireland, Leith, and other parts         50,000
+                      { in the Arsenals at Halifax,  }
+                      { and the East and West Indies }         150,000
+                        Gibraltar, Minorca, &c.                 50,000
+                      { in 900 Ships of War and  }
+                      { Transports in Commission }           2,300,000
+                                                           -----------
+                                                    Total  L.7,000,000
+                                                           -----------
+
+The annual pecuniary Supplies for the Navy may be estimated at
+_Thirteen Millions a year_ during war; of which sum about _Six
+Millions_ may be applicable to the pay of the Officers and Seamen, and
+_Seven Millions_ to _Ships-Stores, Provisions, &c._ The last two,
+namely, the stores and provisions being in a constant state of
+movement, both at home and abroad, furnish abundant resource for
+frauds and depredations, which may certainly be greatly diminished,
+though perhaps impracticable to be eradicated entirely.
+
+The object, therefore, is to devise means whereby this _diminution_
+may be accomplished: and in pursuing this important inquiry, it will
+be necessary to precede it by the following general view of the Laws
+now in being, which relate to offences committed in the Naval and
+other Public Departments.
+
+     The Acts of the 31st of Elizabeth, (cap. 4.) and the 22d of
+     Charles II. (cap. 5.) made it felony, without Benefit of
+     Clergy, to steal or embezzle any of his Majesty's Military
+     or Naval Stores or Provisions, above the value of Twenty
+     Shillings.
+
+     By the 9 and 10 of William III. (cap. 41.) the Receivers of
+     embezzled stores, or such as should have the same in their
+     custody, are subject to a penalty of L.200.
+
+     From this period, till the 1st of George the First, the
+     attention of the Legislature does not seem to have been
+     directed to this object; when by the statute, 1st Geo. I.
+     stat. 2. cap. 25, the principal Officers or Commissioners of
+     the Navy were authorized to issue warrants to search for
+     Public Property stolen or embezzled, and to punish the
+     Offenders by fine or imprisonment.
+
+     A succeeding Act, (9 Geo. I. cap. 8.) empowered the Judges
+     to mitigate the fine of L.200 imposed on persons having in
+     their possession public stores, and to punish the offenders
+     corporally, by causing them to be publicly whipped, or kept
+     at hard labour for six months in the House of Correction;
+     which certainly was a great improvement.
+
+     By the Act 17 Geo. II. c. 40. jurisdiction was given to the
+     Judges of Assize, and the General Quarter Sessions, to try
+     the Offenders, and punish them by a fine not exceeding
+     L.200, imprisonment for three months, and other corporal
+     punishment.
+
+     The Laws on this subject were further amended by the 9th of
+     his present Majesty, cap. 35; by which the _Treasurer,
+     Comptroller, Surveyor, Clerk of the Acts_, or any
+     Commissioner of the Navy, are empowered to act as Justices,
+     in causing Offenders to be apprehended and prosecuted. These
+     powers were given with a view to establish a greater degree
+     of energy in detections; but experience has shewn that the
+     purpose has not been answered.
+
+     The last Act which relates to the protection of the Public
+     Stores, was made the 12th year of his present Majesty's
+     reign (cap. 24.) and related solely to burning ships,
+     warehouses, and naval, military, or victualing stores, in
+     any of the dominions of the Crown; which offence is made
+     felony without Benefit of Clergy.
+
+A very superficial view of the above Laws will demonstrate their
+insufficiency to the object of _Prevention_. And even if they were
+complete, the task imposed on the public officers, who are on every
+occasion to act as Justices, has proved from experience to be a
+measure ill calculated to attain the object in view, namely, the
+detection of offenders; otherwise the evil would not have
+increased.--Other _remedies_ must therefore be applied. It is not,
+however, by any single act of the Legislature, that the enormous
+frauds and depredations in the Navy and Victualing Departments of his
+Majesty's service, which the Commissioners and chief Officers, under
+whose management they are placed, are so anxious to suppress,[74] can
+be remedied: This important object must be obtained by a combination
+of various salutary measures, calculated to afford collateral aid to
+specific Legislative Regulations, and to secure their effectual
+execution, by means which are now to be explained under their
+respective heads.--
+
+[Footnote 74: Much to the honour of the present Commissioners, both of
+the Navy and Victualing, a most laudable zeal has been manifested to
+suppress the frauds, embezzlements and pillage, which have so long
+afflicted these departments of the public service. The following copy
+of a letter from the Solicitor to the Navy Board to the Author of this
+Work, is a strong proof, not only of the sense they entertain of the
+evils which are felt to exist, but of the necessity of a speedy and
+effectual remedy being applied.--
+
+     "_Norfolk Street, 19 May, 1799._
+
+     "SIR,
+
+     "THE Commissioners of the Navy having an intention of
+     applying to Parliament, to extend and amend the Laws, for
+     preventing the embezzlement and stealing of his Majesty's
+     Naval Stores; and having directed me, in preparing the
+     intended Bill, to attend to the suggestions and
+     recommendations on the subject, in your excellent and
+     valuable publication, I shall consider myself much obliged
+     to you, as I am sure the Commissioners will, if you will, at
+     your leisure, have the goodness to furnish me with any hints
+     on the subject, which may have occurred to you, since the
+     publication of your Treatise, and which you think may be
+     worthy the attention of the Legislature.
+
+     "I am, Sir, with respect,
+
+     "Your most obedient humble Servant,
+
+     "CHA. BICKNELL.
+
+     "_P. Colquhoun, Esq._."]
+
+
+I. A GENERAL POLICE SYSTEM.
+
+By the Establishment of a Central Board of Police, on the Plan
+strongly recommended by the Select Committee of the House of Commons
+on Finance, in their 28th Report, ordered to be printed in June
+1798:--It is there proposed to bring under regulations by licences,
+all those classes of dealers in _old and second-hand ships'
+stores--old iron and other metals_, and several other dangerous and
+suspicious trades, the uncontrolled exercise of which, by persons of
+loose conduct, is known to contribute to the concealment and
+multiplication of crimes.--Infinite embarrassments would, through this
+collateral medium, be placed in the way of those particular Dealers,
+who reside in the vicinity of the Dock-yards, and who, by a variety of
+criminal devices, while they are instrumental in doing much mischief,
+have been able, in many instances, to elude Justice, and to carry on
+their nefarious practices with impunity.
+
+A Board of Police so organized, by means of Licences and subordinate
+Officers, as to keep the conduct of these classes of delinquents in
+view who, by giving facilities to the embezzlers and stealers of naval
+and other stores, are the chief sources from whence the evil springs;
+and with power to refuse Licences to those who are known to have been
+guilty of criminal conduct; would operate very powerfully in limiting
+these classes of dealers to the honest part of their trade, by which
+infinite mischief would be prevented.
+
+
+II. A LOCAL POLICE FOR THE DOCK-YARDS.
+
+Salutary as the Central Board, recommended by the Select Committee on
+Finance, must certainly be in controlling and checking the Naval
+plunder, in common with the general delinquency of the whole country,
+it would seem indispensably necessary, under circumstances where the
+moving property is so extensive, and where there exists so many
+resources and temptations leading to the commission of crimes, to fix
+on some one person the responsibility of carrying the Laws into
+effect, and of controlling and overawing the various classes of
+Delinquents, whose attention is directed to the Dock-yards, as a means
+of obtaining plunder: That for this purpose, one able and intelligent
+Magistrate should preside in a Police Office, to be established by
+Law, at or near the Dock-yards, at _Chatham_, _Portsmouth_, and
+_Plymouth_, with an establishment consisting of _one Clerk, two House
+and four Boat Constables_, with _two Police Boats_ attached to each
+Office. One Magistrate would be sufficient at each Office, as
+assistance from the neighbouring Justices could always be procured in
+case of sickness, or absence, or where any judicial proceeding would
+require two Magistrates.
+
+No establishment would be necessary for the Dock-yards, and Public
+Arsenal, at Deptford and Woolwich, as the great civil force, and the
+number of boats attached to the Marine Police Office at Wapping, when
+strengthened, extended, and improved in the manner which is proposed,
+would be competent to carry into effect the Laws now in being, and
+such as may hereafter be enacted, for the prevention and detection of
+offences in every part of the River Thames, from London Bridge to the
+Hope Point.
+
+The Magistrate proposed to be established at Chatham, could
+occasionally administer justice at Sheerness, while the Boat Officers
+belonging to the Institution, might be employed advantageously in
+traversing the River Medway, and in keeping a watchful eye on the
+various Receivers of stolen goods, who reside in the vicinity of that
+River, between the two Dock-yards.
+
+At Portsmouth and Plymouth there would be regular employment for the
+respective Magistrates, and the Boat and other Officers on these
+establishments.
+
+These three Institutions may be conducted at an expence not exceeding
+one thousand pounds a year each, viz:--
+
+                                                      L.   _s._ _d._
+  To the responsible resident Magistrate              300   0    0
+  To his Clerk                                        100   0    0
+  To the Constables, 6 in number, 50_l._ each         300   0    0
+  To House Rent, Coal, Candles, Stationary,
+    tear and wear of Boats, and Rewards for
+    meritorious Services                              300   0    0
+                                                     -------------
+                                              Total  1000   0    0
+
+Towards defraying this expence, the fees which would be received, and
+the penalties inflicted for minor offences, under the Legislative
+regulations hereafter to be proposed, would go a certain length in
+reducing the expences of the three Police Institutions. But
+considering the advantages likely to result from those Establishments,
+were the expence to be incurred even _fifty times_ the amount of what
+is estimated, it would in all probability be much more than
+compensated by the savings to the Public, which will result from the
+preservation of the Public property, independent of the advantages
+which must arise from an improvement in the morals of a numerous class
+of delinquents, who have long been in a course of criminal turpitude.
+
+A Police System thus organized under the direction of a Magistrate in
+each situation, whose attention would be solely confined _to this one
+object_, could not fail to be productive of the greatest good,
+especially when aided by officers, well selected and encouraged to be
+_vigilant_ and _pure_ in their conduct, from the advantages they would
+derive from a moiety of the pecuniary penalties, when offenders were
+convicted, in addition to their salaries, thereby rendering their
+situations comfortable and desirable, and fortifying them against
+seduction and connivance with Receivers and Thieves, as too often has
+been discovered to take place, with respect to parochial Constables
+resident near the Dock-yards, by which Public Justice has been
+frequently defeated. The terror which such a System would excite, and
+the extensive evils a Boat Police are likely to prevent, can only be
+conceived by those who have witnessed the effect of the Marine Police
+on the River Thames.
+
+But still apposite Legislative regulations will be necessary to give
+full effect to this design, and the following heads are suggested as
+likely to be productive of infinite public advantage, when passed into
+a Law.
+
+
+III. LEGISLATIVE REGULATIONS PROPOSED IN AID OF THE GENERAL AND LOCAL
+POLICE SYSTEM.
+
+     1st. That persons having possession of _New Naval Stores_;
+     or _Naval Stores not more than one-third worn_, with the
+     King's mark thereon, shall be deemed guilty of receiving
+     goods, knowing them to have been stolen, and on conviction
+     may be transported for 14 years; with power, however, to the
+     Court to reduce it to seven years, or to impose a fine, or
+     punish the offender corporally at its discretion.
+
+     2d. Defacing the King's Mark, on any of his Majesty's
+     Stores, to be deemed felony, and punished by transportation
+     for 7 or 14 years.
+
+     3d. The powers and provisions of the Act of 2 Geo. 3. cap.
+     28. _commonly called, The Bumboat Act_; and also, the
+     general powers and provisions of the Thames Police Act, when
+     it shall pass into a Law, to be extended to all his
+     Majesty's Dock-yards, and to the Rivers and Creeks leading
+     thereto, within the distance of 20 miles.
+
+     4th. In all cases where the Crown or its Agents shall
+     decline to prosecute persons, in whose possession the King's
+     Stores shall be found, any one Justice before whom the
+     offender is carried, may proceed as for an offence under the
+     _Bumboat Act_, or the _Thames Police Act_ (by which maritime
+     offences are to be more minutely explained) and if the party
+     shall not give an account to the satisfaction of the
+     Justice, how the said goods came into his possession, to be
+     convicted of a misdemeanor, and subject to a fine of 40_s._
+     or such other minor punishment as these Acts direct.
+
+     5th. That all Marine Police Constables (whether the _Thames
+     Police_, the _Medway Police_, or the _Police Offices_ at
+     Portsmouth and Plymouth) shall have power to board all hoys
+     and craft in the service of his Majesty, while employed in
+     conveying stores, or in returning after such stores are
+     delivered, for the purpose of searching the same; and in all
+     cases, where stores are found which appear to have been
+     abstracted from the cargo, or otherwise unlawfully obtained,
+     to seize and convey the same, with the offender or
+     offenders, (without prejudice to the service) before a
+     Justice; and in case the Solicitor for the Crown, (on due
+     notice given, shall decline to prosecute for the major
+     offence) the parties in whose custody the stores were found,
+     not giving a satisfactory account of obtaining the same,
+     shall be convicted of a misdemeanor, and punished by fine or
+     imprisonment.
+
+     6th. The act of having _jiggers or small pumps, or bladders
+     with or without nozzles, or casks for drawing off liquor in
+     hoys or craft; of throwing goods over board when pursued to
+     elude detection; of fabricating false bills of parcels, to
+     cover suspected goods, and defeat the ends of Justice; of
+     having goods in possession, suspected to be King's stores,
+     and not giving a good account of the same_; of refusing to
+     assist Marine Police Constables in the execution of their
+     duty; of obstructing the said Officers; of damaging Police
+     Boats, to be punished as misdemeanors, under the authority
+     of the said Bumboat Act, and the proposed Thames Police Act;
+     namely, by fine or imprisonment.
+
+     7th. _Boats, craft, carts, carriages_, or _horses_, &c. from
+     which stolen or embezzled King's stores shall be seized, to
+     be forfeited, and disposed of as directed by the said Marine
+     Police Bill.
+
+     8th. In all cases where, in seizing stores, articles not
+     having the King's mark shall be found intermixed with stores
+     having such mark, the party in whose possession they are
+     found shall be obliged to give an account, to the
+     satisfaction of the Justice, by what means he obtained the
+     unmarked stores, otherwise the same to be forfeited, and
+     sent to his Majesty's Repositories.
+
+     9th. Power to be granted to the Commissioners of the Navy,
+     or any one Justice, to issue warrants, on proper information
+     upon oath to Peace Officers, to search for King's stores,
+     _without any proof of such stores being actually stolen,
+     taken_, or _carried away_. The power of the Commissioners in
+     this case to extend to all Counties in England.
+
+     10th. The Laws relating to falsifying, erasing, or
+     fabricating _documents, vouchers, books, accounts_, or
+     _writings_, of any kind, with an intent to defraud his
+     Majesty, to be revised and amended, so as to apply more
+     pointedly to offences of this nature.
+
+     11th. Persons in his Majesty's service in any of the
+     Dock-yards or Public Arsenals, having King's stores in their
+     possession, to the amount of 5_l._ value, and not being
+     authorised to keep such stores, to be conclusive evidence of
+     embezzlement, and to be punished by transportation.
+
+     12th. As an encouragement to excite vigilance in Officers of
+     Justice, it is humbly proposed, that the Commissioners of
+     his Majesty's _Navy, Victualing, and other Departments_,
+     should be authorised, and required by Law, to pay the
+     following rewards for the conviction of offenders, on the
+     certificate of Judges and Magistrates, before whom such
+     convictions took place--
+
+     40_l._ on Conviction for any Capital Offence.
+
+     20_l._ on Conviction for Felony, punished--Transportation,
+     Fine or Imprisonment, or Whipping, before a Superior Court.
+
+     10_l._ for Misdemeanors, by Indictment before the Quarter or
+     General Sessions of the Peace.
+
+     2_l._ for Convictions before Justices for Minor Offences.
+
+From such _Legislative Regulations_ infinite would be the advantages
+which might reasonably be expected, when by the establishment of a
+Naval Police System, their due and proper execution would be rendered
+certain; and also, in all cases, where the evidence against offenders,
+although perfectly conclusive as to the fact, may be deficient in some
+points of legal nicety, by putting the _onus probandi_ on the
+offender, and treating it as a minor offence: the ends of Public
+Justice will, in a great measure, be answered by inflicting some
+punishment on the offender, and however inferior it may be to what he
+deserves, it will still have an excellent effect, since it is not so
+much by severe punishments, as by the certainty of _some punishment_
+being inflicted, and the obloquy of a conviction when offences are
+committed, that Delinquents of this class are deterred from the
+commission of crimes.
+
+Having thus traced the outlines of such remedies, for the protection
+of his Majesty's _Naval_, _Victualing_, Ordnance and other stores, as
+certainly require Legislative Regulations; it remains now to consider,
+what other measures may appear necessary, within the limits of the
+authority with which the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty are
+invested, for the purpose of rendering the Preventive System complete.
+
+Those which have occurred to the Author of this Work will be classed
+under the following Heads:
+
+     IV. _Regulations respecting the Sale of Old Stores._
+
+     V. _The Abolition of the Perquisite of Chips._
+
+     VI. _The Abolition of Fees and Perquisites of every
+     description; to be recompensed by a liberal increase of
+     Salaries._
+
+     VII. _An improved Mode of keeping Accounts._
+
+     VIII. _An annual Inventory of Stores on hand._
+
+
+IV. OLD STORES.
+
+The mode at present practised in disposing of unserviceable Naval and
+Victualing Stores by Auction, in the Public Arsenals and Repositories,
+is productive of infinite evils, independent of the cover which is
+thereby afforded to many purchasers, of loose conduct, in protecting
+them, by means of the certificates they obtain against the penalties
+of the Law, as Receivers of stolen and embezzled goods of the same
+species and quality; thereby not only defeating the ends of Public
+Justice, but operating as an encouragement to these criminal dealers
+to extend the iniquitous part of their trade, by holding out
+facilities and incitements to those who have access to commit
+depredations on the Public Property, which possibly would never have
+otherwise taken place.
+
+The Public Sales at the Dock-yards and other Repositories, draw
+together men of loose and depraved morals; who, in order to obtain
+bargains, do not hesitate (wherever it can be done) to seduce, by
+means of pecuniary gratuities, the inferior officers and labourers
+into the evil practice of mixing superior stores with unserviceable
+articles, ordered to be made up in lots, so as to elude discovery. New
+and valuable cordage has been detected coiled within old cables,[75]
+while frauds also are practised as to the weight, and in the delivery
+of greater quantities than are actually sold.--Such practices have
+taken place in spite of the vigilance and attention of the superior
+officers, by which a two-fold mischief arises,--in the immediate loss
+which is sustained by the frauds thus practised, and in the cover
+which is thus afforded for the protection of additional stores
+purchased clandestinely; perhaps from the persons who have been thus
+corrupted.--An evil so prominent, in the view of a very able and
+penetrating Judge now upon the bench, as to induce him to declare
+publicly in Court, immediately after a trial, where a notorious
+offender (as many notorious offenders do) escaped Justice, under the
+cover of his certificates: "That _Government had better burn their old
+Stores than suffer them to be the means of generating so many
+offences_"--or to the same effect.
+
+[Footnote 75: An instance of this kind occurred about two years ago in
+one of the principal yards, where a large quantity of new and valuable
+Cordage was found concealed within the coils of a large unserviceable
+Cable; which composed one of the lots in the Catalogue of the
+Sale.--And thus a connection was discovered between the Criminal
+Purchaser and the Labourers employed in making up the Lots.]
+
+It is however humbly presumed that a remedy may be applied without the
+destruction of such valuable materials; and the following suggestions
+are offered with a view to this object.
+
+_Plan for an improved mode of disposing of unserviceable Naval and
+Victualing Stores._
+
+     1st. That instead of selling those stores upon the spot
+     where the criminal connections are formed, the Naval
+     articles shall be made up in assorted lots suitable to the
+     _London, Bristol, Liverpool, Whitehaven, Glasgow, Newcastle,
+     and Hull_ Markets. That a responsible Agent should be
+     appointed to conduct the sales at each of these
+     _Ports_.--That they shall be men of the first respectability
+     in the commercial line, who can give ample security for
+     their fidelity in the execution of the trust reposed in
+     them.--That they shall receive the stores at the yards or
+     repositories where they are made up, and convey them to
+     their respective Warehouses at their own expence: on having
+     an allowance of _6 per Cent. for Freight-charges,
+     Warehouse-rent, Insurance_ against _Sea-risk and Fire_, and
+     all other expences; _and 4 per Cent. for commission on the
+     amount of the Sales_.
+
+That the said stores shall not on any pretence be sold to dealers, but
+only to the _actual consumers_, or Rope Spinners to convert into small
+cordage; _nor shall any certificate be granted to purchasers on any
+pretence whatsoever_.
+
+That accounts of sales shall be furnished monthly, and such sales
+shall be accompanied by _a full remittance for the amount_, it being
+always understood that no credit is to be allowed.
+
+That at the end of each year, an inventory shall be transmitted on a
+specific day to be fixed, of the whole stores on hand, and a general
+account current shall be then furnished; in which shall be exhibited,
+agreeable to a form to be prescribed, a complete view of the whole
+transactions which have occurred during the preceding year, with a
+full remittance for the balance due on the said account.
+
+     2d. That the _Metalic Stores_ which are deemed unserviceable
+     shall be deposited in a commodious Magazine in London, under
+     the charge of a responsible Agent, competent to such a
+     trust.--That it shall be his duty to employ proper
+     Artificers to convert all that are capable of being
+     converted into serviceable Stores, and when so renovated, to
+     be returned to Deptford Yard.--And such Metalic Stores as
+     are incapable of being converted into useful purposes at a
+     moderate expence, so as clearly to demonstrate a saving to
+     Government, shall be disposed of to founders and others, at
+     the best price that can be obtained.
+
+The Agent for Metalic Stores to be allowed 10 per Cent. on the value
+as ascertained, by the original Invoice, founded on a survey and
+valuation upon oath, and this to be in full of _Freight, Carriage,
+Warehouse-rent, Insurance from fire, and all other expences,
+including Commission for his trouble_, on all Stores that are again
+converted to useful purposes; and 7-1/2 per cent. on the value of such
+as are sold, in consequence of their being incapable of being rendered
+useful; so as to make it the interest of the Agent to render as large
+a portion useful as possible.
+
+It is presumed that by an arrangement of this kind, an immense sum
+will be saved to the Public annually; who would retain the
+Contractor's profit in all cases where Old Stores are received back at
+the price of old Metal, and again returned at the full contract price,
+after a small expence is incurred in converting them into serviceable
+Stores.
+
+     3d. That in consequence of the superior resource for the
+     consumption of _Provisions, Casks_, &c. in London, the whole
+     of the unserviceable Victualing Stores (except such as from
+     their small value and bulky nature will not defray the
+     expences of conveyance) shall be collected in a large
+     repository in London, under the charge of an able and
+     intelligent Agent, who shall give proper security for his
+     faithful management; and conduct the sales upon the
+     principles already explained _for ready money only_,
+     rendering an account _and making his payments monthly_, and
+     a final Account and Inventory at the end of the year; to be
+     at the whole expence of removing the goods from the
+     different Repositories to the Magazine in London; to be
+     allowed 4 per Cent. Commission on the sales, and 6 per Cent.
+     in lieu of all charges.
+
+     4th. That the attention of the respective Boards may not be
+     diverted from other objects by attending to the details,
+     which will arise in the management of those establishments,
+     a superintending Agent shall be appointed, who shall receive
+     the directions of the different Boards, and correspond with
+     the local Agents.--He shall moreover be the _Receiver
+     General of the monthly remittances_, and shall immediately
+     pay the same as directed by the Lords Commissioners of the
+     Admiralty.--It will be his duty to arrange the shipping of
+     Old Stores from the different Yards, in conformity to the
+     wants or demands of the respective Agents, so as to keep up
+     their several assortments, by conveying to each not only
+     such articles, (as far as it can be done) as are most in
+     demand, but also such as comparatively fetch the best
+     price.--He shall receive the monthly and yearly accounts,
+     and lay an abstract of the same before the Lords of the
+     Admiralty, and the Navy and Victualing Board respectively,
+     as they apply to their different departments, and shall be
+     the general medium of communication from the respective
+     Boards to the local Agents.--The superintending Agent shall
+     transmit a regular invoice to the local Agents of all goods
+     shipped:--Shall keep regular books and accounts of all
+     transactions under his charge, and shall receive for his
+     trouble _1 per cent._ on the Remittances or Payments which
+     he may make, under the directions of the Lords of the
+     Admiralty.
+
+By this arrangement it will be the interest of all the parties
+concerned, to render the sale as productive as possible; and as the
+stores in question will constantly be exposed to sale, where the
+demand for such articles is most extensive, the probability is, that
+higher prices will be obtained than at present; and that upon the
+whole, after paying all expences, a larger aggregate sum will be
+received annually by Government, since, as the sales are only to be
+made to the actual Containers, the Dealer's profit will make a part of
+the Sale Price, and will be thereby secured to the Public. As men of
+the first character and respectability may be expected to solicit for
+such Commissions, no doubt can be entertained, either of the purity of
+their conduct, or their exertions to sell to the best advantage. Their
+credit and interest, and also the emulation between one Agent and
+another, as to who shall make the best sales, will prove a powerful
+stimulus and a strong ground of security.--Above all, the plan is easy
+and practicable:--It imposes no trouble upon the superior or inferior
+officers in the different Naval Departments, and no doubt can be
+entertained, that while it shuts up all the avenues to fraud and
+peculation, which at present operate so powerfully in facilitating the
+stealing and embezzling of Naval and Victualing Stores, in the result
+it will prove highly beneficial to Government.
+
+
+V. THE PERQUISITE OF CHIPS.
+
+The extensive evils arising from the permission granted to Artificers
+in the Dock-yards, to convert chips to their own use, and to remove
+them in bundles from the Dock-yards, having already been noticed, it
+may only be necessary to add, that on the abolition of this
+perquisite, which the Author has reason to believe is now in
+contemplation, a liberal increase of wages should be made to the
+Artificers in lieu thereof; and that hereafter Chips should not be
+sold in the Yards by Public Auction, but removed to a place of deposit
+at some small distance, and disposed of, not to the highest bidder,
+but at such price as should be offered above the estimated value, and
+by no means by contract.
+
+By adopting this mode, the saving of _useful Timber, Time, and
+Property_, which, through the medium of the existing practice, is
+_purloined, lost and stolen_, would probably exceed any estimate that
+has been formed from a view of the present abuses.
+
+This measure, while it forms an important Link in the preventive
+Chain, would appear to be easy and practicable.
+
+If necessary the superintending Agent for unserviceable stores, whose
+functions have already been explained, could take upon him the sole
+management of the disposal of the chips at the different Yards, by
+which a handsome sum might be obtained annually in aid of the
+resources of the State, perhaps more than would be sufficient to pay
+the additional wages of the Artificers, while no existing arrangement
+in the Yards would be disturbed, nor any trouble given to the
+Officers, who at present fill the respective Departments in those
+Arsenals.
+
+
+VI. THE ABOLITION OF FEES AND PERQUISITES, AND AN INCREASE OF
+SALARIES.
+
+The total Abolition of Fees guarded by the severest penalties, is an
+important object in the preventive System: Until this is effected, it
+will be in vain to expect purity of conduct. Under this pretext, men
+of loose principles, in transactions with Government, seldom fail to
+seduce from the strict line of their duty, _avaricious, extravagant,
+or indigent Officers_, whose business it is to check and control the
+receipt and delivery of property, and to _arrange, settle, and adjust
+Accounts_, or _to form Public Documents_. The delusion and seduction
+of these Officers is not seldom effected by the supposed liberality of
+those whose business must pass through their hands; and they are not
+at all times perfectly aware of the injury that is done to the Public.
+
+It has already been observed, and it is a circumstance much to be
+lamented, that in too many instances, where individuals have pecuniary
+transactions with any of the Departments of Government, a dereliction
+of principle is apparent which does not extend to the general
+intercourse of society, and hence arises the necessity of _stronger
+guards_, where the Public interest is concerned; and nothing appears
+to be better calculated to counteract this baneful propensity in the
+human mind than _the total abolition of fees and perquisites_.
+
+It is said to be no uncommon thing to pay 300_l._ for a Clerk's
+situation in the Dock-yards, where the salary does not exceed 30_l._
+or 40_l._ a year; and it is known that some who hold such situations
+live very expensively. It may be fairly asked, in what manner a person
+so situated is to reimburse himself? the conclusion is obvious, and
+the result has been already explained, which may perhaps be still
+farther elucidated by stating the following fact:--
+
+An Officer of Justice having discovered some instances of pillage and
+peculation going forward in the course of the removal of old copper
+and other articles, from a dismantled ship of war, complained to the
+Store-keeper in the Dock-yard, whose province it was to have received
+those articles into his charge, which were conveyed elsewhere.--He
+replied thus: "D--n it, mind your own business.--Such things have
+always been done, and will continue in spite of you and me; it will,
+at any rate, last our time."
+
+While the resources of Government are fully commensurate to the
+liberal remuneration of its servants, so as to place them above all
+temptations to abuse the trust reposed in them: and while such
+remuneration is in itself no less politic than just, the object and
+view of the Author of these pages differs widely from this faithless
+servant of the Crown. The suggestions now offered, lead to measures,
+which he now trusts to the honour and credit of those respectable
+characters, at the head of the different departments, are in the best
+train of being adopted, by the total abolition of Fees and
+Perquisites, and a liberal Increase of Salary, in lieu of the
+reduction of income, which such an arrangement will occasion: Such
+salaries as will secure to the Nation those inestimable advantages,
+which always result from _rectitude of conduct_, _zeal_, _accuracy_,
+and _fidelity_, in the discharge of Public trusts committed to
+subordinate Officers. It is by this and other wise and practicable
+arrangements, that a confidence is to be established, "that the
+resources of the State _will not only last our time_," but extend to
+many generations; while the improvement of Public morals will
+contribute, in an eminent degree, to the happiness and prosperity of
+the country.
+
+
+VII. AN IMPROVED MODE OF KEEPING ACCOUNTS.
+
+Under an impression, that very few improvements have been introduced,
+since the establishment of the original System, for keeping the Navy
+and Victualing Accounts, brought forward by KING JAMES II. when Duke
+of York; while the frauds which have been committed by various
+devices, prove some imperfections in the mode of accomptantship as now
+practised, since no means appear to exist, whereby deficiencies can be
+checked and discovered; it may be worthy of inquiry, whether many of
+the modern improvements, which the vast extent of our Commerce has
+introduced, might not be rendered useful in establishing new Checks,
+by means of a System of Book-keeping, which would have the same effect
+in detecting frauds, and discovering inaccuracies, as prevails in
+arranging and closing the accounts of well-regulated Commercial
+Establishments; adopting at the same time in the general detail,
+particularly in the transit of stores, some of these excellent
+regulations, which have been found so salutary and useful in the
+system of the Excise. Of the practicability of improvements of this
+nature there can be little doubt, since it merely depends on the
+exercise of that _knowledge, attention_, and _assiduity_, which, when
+properly exerted, has generally accomplished objects, which have often
+appeared impracticable to minds uninformed, or not enlarged by an
+extensive intercourse with the world, or a knowledge of the general
+affairs of life:--But as this observation can in no respect apply to
+the respectable and intelligent Individuals, who superintend the Great
+Public Concerns, which have been subject to the various abuses, which
+they feel so anxious to remedy, sanguine hopes are entertained, that
+an improvement in the mode of keeping the Official Accounts may be
+speedily carried into effect.
+
+
+VIII. AN ANNUAL INVENTORY OF STORES.
+
+Supposing an accurate System of Book-keeping to be adopted, and to be
+followed as a part of the proposed System of Accuracy, indispensably
+necessary, _by an annual account of Stores_; the advantages resulting
+from it are not to be estimated by the most sanguine mind. Independent
+of the benefits which would arise from the general accuracy, which
+would thus incircle the whole oeconomy of the design, discoveries
+would be made wherever frauds or embezzlements took place, while the
+labour and expence, which such a task might impose, would be
+compensated one hundred fold, in the National advantages which it
+would produce.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Thus has the Author briefly gone over the whole ground, which he had
+assigned to himself, as comprehending every object on the subject of
+the depredations on his Majesty's Stores, which appeared likely to
+render his suggestions useful to his country, whether they relate to
+improved Legislative Regulations requiring the aid of Parliament, or
+to Measures competent for the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to
+carry into effect. In the prosecution of this task he has been
+stimulated in a particular degree, by the laudable and patriotic
+disposition, which has been manifested to promote improvements in
+Naval Police, and the honourable proofs he has received of a desire
+to render his suggestions useful.
+
+If the period should indeed arrive (and it is to be hoped it may soon
+arrive) when these suggestions, or even a part of them, shall be acted
+upon, in a manner calculated to promote the National Interest, the
+Author of these pages will then feel himself gratified, and rewarded
+by the pleasing reflection, that his well-meant labours, in placing an
+important branch of the political oeconomy of the country in this
+particular point of view, have not been in vain.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. X.
+
+     _Receivers of stolen Goods more mischievous than
+     Thieves;--the latter could not exist without the assistance
+     of the former:--the Suppression therefore of Receivers would
+     restore to Society, and to honest Industry, a great number
+     who at present live by crimes.--The increase of Receivers of
+     stolen Goods to be attributed to the imperfection of the
+     Laws, and to the disjointed state of the Police of the
+     Metropolis.--The number of common Receivers does not exceed
+     sixty; of whom not above ten are persons of property able to
+     purchase valuable articles.--Thieves, in many instances,
+     settle with receivers before they commit
+     robberies:--Receivers always benefit more than
+     Thieves:--Their profit immense:--They are divided into two
+     classes.--The immediate Receivers connected with Thieves,
+     and those who keep shops and purchase from Pilferers in the
+     way of trade:--The latter are extremely numerous.--The Laws
+     are insufficient effectually to reach either class.--The
+     existing statutes examined and briefly detailed, namely, the
+     3d and 4th of William and Mary, cap. 9; the 1st Anne, cap.
+     9; the 5th of Anne, cap. 31; 4 George I. cap. 11; 29 George
+     II. cap. 30; 30 George II. cap. 24; 2 George III. cap. 28;
+     10 George III. cap. 48; 21 George III. cap. 69; 22 George
+     III. cap. 58.--Observations on these respective
+     statutes.--Amendments and improvements suggested.--Means
+     proposed to ensure the due execution of these improvements._
+
+
+Having in the preceding Chapters completed the proposed explanation of
+the various depredations and frauds upon the Public: It remains now,
+in the order of the plan, to examine and follow up the progress of
+this property, from the hands of _Thieves_, _Robbers_, _Cheats_, and
+_Swindlers_, to that of _Receivers_, or first Purchasers of Goods
+stolen or fraudulently obtained.
+
+In contemplating the characters of all these different classes of
+delinquents, there can be little hesitation in pronouncing the
+_Receivers_ to be the most _mischievous of the whole_; inasmuch as
+without the aid they afford, in purchasing and concealing every
+species of property stolen or fraudulently obtained, Thieves, Robbers,
+and Swindlers, as has already been frequently observed, must quit the
+trade, as unproductive and hazardous in the extreme.
+
+Nothing therefore can be more just than the old observation, "_that if
+there were no Receivers there would be no Thieves_."--Deprive a thief
+of a sale and ready market for his goods, and he is undone.
+
+Let the strong arm of the law, and the vigour and energy of the Police
+be directed in a particular manner against _Receivers_; and the chief
+part of those robberies and burglaries, which are so much dreaded, on
+account of the acts of violence which attend them, _would absolutely
+cease to exist_:--and the resource for plunder being thus narrowed in
+so great a degree, robberies on the highway would _alone_ seldom
+answer the purpose of the adventurer; where the risk would be so
+exceedingly multiplied, while the advantages were in the same
+proportion diminished;--the result therefore would be, that in _the
+suppression of the Receivers_, the encouragement to become Thieves and
+Robbers would be taken away: and the present Depredators upon the
+Public must either return to honest labour as useful members of the
+State, or submit to be starved.
+
+Obvious and desirable however as a measure of this sort would be, it
+has never hitherto been put in practice. This has proceeded from a
+variety of causes; one of the principal of which is the disjointed
+state of the Police of the Metropolis, occasioned by a number of
+jurisdictions clashing with each other, and preventing the full
+operation of a proper system of vigilance and energy; which, with the
+aid of apposite and improved laws and a superintending agency, could
+not fail, either to root out all the Receivers of stolen Goods of any
+consequence, or compel them to abandon their mischievous trade.
+
+These observations apply to that class of Receivers alone, who are in
+immediate connection with the thieves, burglars, and highway
+robbers;--and who aid and assist them in the purchase and concealment
+of whatever is stolen.--From the best information that can be
+obtained, their number does not exceed _fifty_ or _sixty in all_; of
+whom not more than ten, (whose names and places of abode are well
+known) can be said to be persons of property who can raise money to
+purchase articles of considerable value.
+
+Aided by a well-regulated and energetic system of Police that might
+pervade the whole Metropolis, how easy would it be, to compel these
+large dealers to abandon the trade? The measure of watching their
+houses day and night, would cost no great sum, and would embarrass the
+thieves and burglars, more than any other system that could be
+pursued.
+
+It rarely happens that thieves go upon the highway, or commit
+burglaries, until the money they have previously acquired is
+exhausted. Having laid their plans for new depredations, negociation
+is frequently entered upon with the most favourite Receiver, who (to
+use their own language) is likely to be _staunch_, and to keep their
+secrets.--The plan is explained.--Some liquor is drunk to the good
+luck of the enterprize, and the hour fixed when they are to return
+with the booty: if plate is expected, the crucible is ready in a small
+furnace, built for the purpose, instantly to melt it, and arrangements
+are made for the immediate concealment of the other articles.--Of the
+nature of these previous arrangements, something has already been said
+in Chap. IV. on Burglary and Highway Robbery.
+
+There are, however, exceptions to this rule, where the Receivers are
+not trusted till the booty is acquired; and where it is in the first
+instance removed to the houses of the thieves, or to those of some of
+their friends; but it seldom remains longer than may be necessary to
+obliterate the marks: for money must be procured. Most thieves are
+improvident; their wants are therefore pressing--they _must_
+sell--the Receiver knows this and makes his own terms;--and he of
+course enjoys by far the largest share of the profit.
+
+The plunder thus purchased, finds a ready vent through the extensive
+connections of the Jew dealers, both in this Country and upon the
+Continent: and from the facts already stated in the course of this
+Work, it may easily be conceived that the trade is not only extensive,
+but that the profit is immense, since it rarely happens (except in the
+articles of plate,) that thieves receive to the amount of above
+one-third; or one-fourth of the value of what is stolen.
+
+The mass of the Receivers of stolen property in and near the
+Metropolis, (exclusive of those more immediately concerned in
+River-plunder, as stated in Chapter VIII. on that subject,) may be
+classed in two divisions:
+
+     "1. The Dealers already mentioned, as immediately connected
+     with professed and notorious thieves, and who are their
+     principal supporters, especially when apprehended and under
+     prosecution. Many of these have themselves been originally
+     thieves upon the town, _acquitted, pardoned, or discharged
+     from the hulks_: who prefer the trade of a Receiver as less
+     hazardous and more profitable, than that of a thief; and to
+     conceal the fraud frequently set up _Chandlers-Shops_,
+     _Coal-Sheds_, _Potatoe-Warehouses_, or _Old Iron-Shops_, and
+     not seldom become _Masters of Public Houses_, that they may
+     appear to have some _visible_ means of obtaining a
+     livelihood. Those who have not been originally thieves
+     generally keep shops in different branches of trade, some of
+     whom are very opulent.
+
+     "2. The Dealers in _Old Iron and other Metal--Rags--Old
+     Wearing Apparel--Buyers, Refiners, and Workers of Gold and
+     Silver--Dealers in Second-hand Furniture, and Building
+     Materials, and that Class of Sharping Pawnbrokers who have
+     connections with criminal people_.
+
+     "The Dealers last mentioned are extremely numerous, and
+     amount to several thousands in the Metropolis alone, some of
+     whom are _innocent Receivers_, not aware that they are
+     purchasing stolen articles;--others, _careless Receivers_,
+     asking no questions, and purchasing every thing that is
+     offered:--but a large proportion of _criminal Receivers_,
+     who purchase every thing that is offered _in the way of
+     trade_; well knowing, from the price and other
+     circumstances, that the property was originally stolen."
+
+As the Laws now stand, (numerous, and pointed as they appear to be) it
+has been found from experience, that neither of these classes can be
+easily reached; and hence it is that they have multiplied in so great
+a degree, (particularly the small Receivers) within the last twenty
+years, and may even be said to have reigned with impunity.
+
+For the purpose of suggesting an effectual legislative Remedy, it
+will be necessary to examine shortly the laws now in being, which are
+applicable to this peculiar offence.--
+
+By the Statute of the 3d and 4th of William and Mary, cap. 9, it is
+enacted, "_that Receivers of stolen Goods, knowing them to be stolen,
+shall be deemed Accessaries after the fact_."
+
+But this offence being dependent on the fate of the Principal--a
+Receiver, thus circumstanced, could not be tried till after the
+conviction of such Principal; so that, however strong and conclusive
+the evidence might be, the Receiver was still safe, unless the Thief
+could be apprehended--and even if apprehended and put upon his trial,
+if acquitted through any defect of evidence, the Receiver, (although
+he had actually confessed the crime, and the goods found in his
+possession, could be proved to have been stolen,) must be
+acquitted:--this offence also, even if completely proved, applied only
+to capital felonies, and _not to petty larceny_.
+
+These defects were discovered, and partly remedied by the Statutes 1
+Anne, cap. 9; and 5 Anne, cap. 31, which enact, "_That Buyers and
+Receivers of stolen Goods, knowing them to be stolen, may be
+prosecuted for a misdemeanor, and punished by fine and imprisonment;
+though the Principal be not previously convicted of felony_."
+
+This Act, 5 Anne, c. 31, also greatly improved the Laws applicable to
+this species of offence by _empowering the Court to substitute a
+corporal punishment instead of fine and imprisonment; and by
+declaring, that if the felony shall be proved against the Thief, then
+the Receiver shall be taken as Accessary, and shall receive judgment
+of death; but the benefit of Clergy is reserved_.
+
+The Laws being still found insufficient, the Statute of the fourth of
+George the First, cap. 11, enacted, "_That Receivers of stolen Goods,
+knowing them to be stolen, should, on conviction, be transported for
+fourteen years; and that buying at an under value should be
+presumptive evidence of such knowledge_:--and the same statute _makes
+it felony (according to the nature of the felony committed in stealing
+the Goods) for any person directly or indirectly to take a reward for
+helping any person to stolen Goods; unless such person bring the felon
+to his trial, and give evidence against him_."
+
+But these amendments also proving ineffectual, and not being found to
+apply immediately to persons receiving stolen _lead, iron, copper,
+brass, bell-metal or solder_ taken from buildings, or from ships,
+vessels, wharfs, or quays--It was enacted by the 29th of George the
+Second, cap. 30, "_That every person who shall buy or Receive such
+articles, knowing the same to be stolen, or who shall privately
+purchase these respective metals by suffering any door, window, or
+shutter, to be left open between sun-setting and sun-rising, or shall
+buy or receive any of the said metals in any clandestine manner,
+shall, on conviction, be transported for fourteen years, although the
+principal felon has not been convicted_." Sec. 1.
+
+The same Act _empowers one Justice to grant a warrant to search in the
+day time for such metals suspected to be stolen, as by the oath of one
+witness may appear to be deposited or concealed in any house or
+place_; and if goods are found, the Act goes so far as _to empower two
+Justices to adjudge the person having the custody of the same, guilty
+of a misdemeanor, if he cannot produce the party from whom he
+purchased, or give a satisfactory account how they came into his
+possession; and the offender shall, for the first offence forfeit
+40s. for the second 4l. and for every subsequent offence 6l._
+Sec. 2; 6.
+
+This Act also _empowers officers of justice (and watchmen while on
+duty) to apprehend all persons suspected of conveying any stolen
+metals, as already described, after sun-set or before sun-rise; and if
+such persons cannot give a good account of the manner in which they
+were obtained, two Magistrates are in like manner authorized to
+adjudge them guilty of a misdemeanor, and they forfeit forty
+shillings, &c._ Sec. 3; 6.
+
+_The persons also to whom such articles are offered for sale or to be
+pawned, where there is reasonable ground to suppose they were stolen,
+are empowered to apprehend and secure the parties and the materials,
+to be dealt with according to law. And if it shall appear even on the
+evidence of the thief, corroborated by other testimony, that there was
+cause to suspect the goods were stolen, and that the person to whom
+they were offered, did not do his duty in apprehending the person
+offering the same, he shall be adjudged guilty of a misdemeanor, and
+forfeit twenty shillings for the first offence: forty shillings for
+the second, and four pounds for every subsequent offence_, Sec. 5, 6.
+And so anxious has the Legislature been to suppress the evil of
+stealing and receiving metals, that the 8th Section _entitles the
+actual Thief to a pardon, on the discovery and conviction of two or
+more of the Receivers_. And the 9th Section _screens from prosecution
+any person stealing such metals, who shall discover the Receiver to
+whom the same were delivered, so as a conviction may follow_.--In
+spite, however, of these numerous and apparently effectual checks, it
+is to be lamented that the evil has continued to increase.
+
+In the following year it was provided by the Act 30th of George the
+Second, cap. 24, _that it shall be lawful for any Pawnbroker, or any
+other dealer, their servants or agents, to whom any goods shall be
+offered to be pawned, exchanged, or sold, which shall be suspected to
+be stolen, to seize and detain the persons offering the same, for the
+purpose of being examined by a Justice; who is empowered, if he sees
+any grounds to apprehend that the goods have been illegally obtained,
+to commit the persons, offering the same, to prison for a period not
+exceeding six days; and if on further examination, the Justice shall
+be satisfied that the goods were stolen, he shall commit the offender
+to prison, to be dealt with according to Law; and although it may,
+under such circumstances, afterwards appear that the goods in question
+were fairly obtained, yet the parties who seized the supposed offender
+shall be indemnified_.--Sec. 7, 8.
+
+It would have been useful if the principles of the first of these
+excellent acts had extended to every kind of goods and chattels,
+_horses_, _cattle_, _money_, and _Bank-notes_,[76] as well as to the
+metals therein described. Indeed it is to be lamented, that the System
+has not been to look at great features of abuse in _the gross_, so as
+to meet every existing evil at once. Thus another partial Statute was
+made, 2 George III. _c._ 28, extending the provisions of the 29th Geo.
+II. _c._ 30. to goods, stores, or materials taken from ships in the
+River Thames, by enacting, "_that all persons purchasing such goods,
+knowing them to be stolen, or receiving the same in a concealed or
+clandestine manner between sun-setting and sun-rising, shall be
+transported for fourteen years, although the principal felon be not
+convicted_:" but by the wording of this Act, it is doubtful if it
+applies to receiving goods stolen from vessels not afloat in the
+river.[77]
+
+[Footnote 76: Vide Page 9.]
+
+[Footnote 77: It was held in the trial of Moses Pike, at the Old
+Bailey, in May, 1784, that to steal from a Barge aground in
+Limehouse-Dock, was not within the meaning of the Act of 24th of
+George the Second, cap. 45, which makes it felony to steal from any
+vessel or craft upon a Navigable River, &c.]
+
+The next Statute applicable to the Receivers of stolen goods, is the
+10th of George III. cap. 48, by which it is enacted, "_that every
+person who shall buy or receive any jewels, gold, silver, plate or
+watches, knowing the same to be stolen, where such stealing was
+accompanied by a burglary or highway robbery, may be tried as well
+before as after the principal felon is convicted; and whether he be
+in, or out of custody; and if found guilty, shall be transported for
+fourteen years_."
+
+Eleven years after passing of the above mentioned Statute, the
+Legislature, appearing to be impressed with the great extent of the
+depredations committed by persons stealing _pewter pots_, and desirous
+to punish the Receivers, the Statute of the 21st of George the Third,
+cap. 69, enacts, "_that every person who shall buy or receive any
+pewter pot or other vessel, or any pewter in any form or shape
+whatsoever, knowing the same to be stolen, or who shall privately buy
+or receive stolen pewter, in a clandestine manner, between sun-setting
+and sun-rising, shall on conviction, be transported for seven years,
+or detained in the House of Correction, at hard labour for a term not
+exceeding three years, nor less than one; and may be whipped not more
+than three times; although the principal felon has not been
+convicted_."
+
+In the following Session of Parliament, the Statute 22 George III. c.
+28. (said to have been framed by an able and experienced Lawyer and
+Magistrate),[78] removed many of the imperfections of former Statutes,
+and particularly that which respected Petty Larceny; by enacting,
+"_that where any goods (except lead, iron, copper, brass, bell-metal,
+or solder, the Receivers of which are punishable under the_ 29th
+George II. c. 30. _noticed before, p. 295.) have been stolen, whether
+the offence amount to Grand Larceny, or some greater offence, or to
+Petty Larceny only; (except where the offender_ has been convicted _of
+Grand Larceny, or some greater offence; when the Receiver must be
+prosecuted as an Accessary, and under the 4th_ George I. c. 11, _may
+be transported for fourteen years_; see page 295.)--_Every person who
+shall buy or receive the same, knowing them to be stolen, shall be
+guilty of a misdemeanor, and punished by fine, imprisonment, or
+whipping, as the Quarter Sessions, who are empowered to try offenders,
+or any other Court before whom they shall be tried, shall think fit,
+although the Principal be not convicted; and if the felony amounts to
+Grand Larceny, or some greater offence, and the person committing such
+felony has not been before convicted, such offender shall be exempted
+from being punished as Accessary, if the principal shall be afterwards
+convicted_."--Sect. 1.
+
+[Footnote 78: Mr. Serjeant ADAIR, then Recorder of London.]
+
+This Act also empowers _one Justice to grant a warrant to search for
+stolen goods in the day time, on oath being made that there are just
+grounds of suspicion; and the person concealing the said goods, or in
+whose custody they are found, shall in like manner be guilty of a
+misdemeanor, and punished in the manner before-mentioned_.--Sect. 9.
+
+The same Act extended the powers granted by former Acts relative to
+metals, _to any other kind of goods: by authorizing peace officers
+(and also watchmen while on duty) to apprehend all persons suspected
+of carrying stolen goods after sun-setting and before sun-rising, who
+shall, on conviction, be adjudged guilty of a misdemeanor, and
+imprisoned, not exceeding six, nor less than three months_.--Sec. 3.
+
+Power is also given by this Act _to any person to whom goods,
+suspected to be stolen, shall be offered to be sold or pawned, to
+apprehend the person offering the same, and to carry him before a
+Justice_.--Sec. 4.
+
+And as an encouragement to young Thieves to discover the Receivers,
+the same Act provides, _That if any person or persons being out of
+custody, or in custody, if under the age of 15 years, upon any charge
+of felony, within benefit of Clergy, shall have committed any felony,
+and shall discover two Receivers, so as that they shall be convicted,
+such Discoverer shall have pardon for all felonies by him committed
+before such discovery_.
+
+These various Acts of Parliament prove how very prominent the evil of
+receiving stolen goods has been in the view of the Legislature.--It is
+to be lamented however, that a more general and comprehensive view has
+not been taken of the subject, by substituting, instead of the
+piece-meal System which has been from time to time adopted, on
+suggestions applicable only to particular cases, _one general law that
+should have embraced every object_, and remedied every defect in the
+existing Statutes, on this important subject of criminal
+jurisprudence.
+
+That these Laws, numerous as they are, and applicable as many of them
+appear to be, have not been in any degree effectual, is clearly
+manifested by the unquestionable increase of the evil, even to an
+extent beyond all calculation.
+
+Under such circumstances, where the Receiver is in reality the
+greatest offender, and even the source from whence most of the
+burglaries and highway robberies have their origin, the Thief being
+not seldom his pupil--_Why should not the Receipt of Stolen Goods be
+made an original offence?[79]--Why should not the rewards for
+detection, and the punishment on conviction, be the same, in the case
+both of the Receiver and the Thief?_
+
+[Footnote 79: The general rule of the ancient Law is this;--that
+Accessaries shall suffer the same punishment as Principals. If one be
+liable to death, the other is also liable. BLACKSTONE.
+
+In France, (before the Revolution) the offence of receiving stolen
+goods was punished with death.]
+
+In contemplating the best means of preventing depredations upon the
+public, the simplest and perhaps the most effectual mode would be to
+_make a stand at this particular point_; by bending the attention
+_wholly_ to the means of destroying effectually _the trade of
+Receiving stolen goods_; under the fullest conviction that by
+accomplishing so valuable a purpose, thieving and swindling in all its
+branches would also be, in a great measure, destroyed.
+
+It is believed, that this object (difficult as it may appear) is
+attainable, by well digested applicable laws, containing and enforcing
+such regulations as would ensure a full and energetic execution.
+
+The importance of a measure of this kind is so immense, that if even a
+considerable part of one Session of Parliament were employed in
+devising and legalizing a proper System, it would be time well and
+usefully spent for the benefit of the Country.
+
+The obvious means of remedy seem to lie within a narrow compass. The
+first point to be obtained is the _Licensing_ all those dealers (some
+of them already particularized in pages 292, 293), whose various
+branches of trade are friendly to the encouragement of depredations;
+and the putting them under the control of the _Central Board of
+Police_, in the manner stated more fully in the concluding part of
+this Work.--
+
+The next step must be to consolidate and improve the Laws now in
+being, relative to _Receivers of stolen goods_; by an arrangement
+which shall render the whole _clear_ and _explicit_, and applicable to
+all the evils which have been felt to exist.
+
+And lastly to make the following additions to these Laws:
+
+     "1. To make the receiving stolen goods an _original
+     offence_; punishable in the same manner, in all cases, as
+     the principal felony is punishable by Law.
+
+     "2. The offence of receiving _money, bank notes, horses,
+     cattle, poultry_, or _any matter_ or thing whatsoever, to be
+     the same as receiving goods and chattels.
+
+     "3. The persons committing any felony or larceny to be
+     competent to give evidence against the Receiver, and _vice
+     versa_; Provided that the testimony and evidence of such
+     Principal Felon against the Receiver, or the evidence of the
+     Receiver against the Principal Felon, shall not be of itself
+     sufficient to convict, without other concurrent evidence:
+     and that the offenders so giving evidence shall be entitled
+     to his Majesty's pardon, and also to a reward of from 10_l._
+     to 50_l._ as hereafter mentioned; unless they shall be found
+     guilty of wilful and corrupt perjury.--_By this means the
+     Thief will be set against the Receiver, and the Receiver
+     against the Thief._
+
+     "4. That rewards be paid for the detection and apprehension
+     of Receivers as well as Thieves, in all cases whatsoever,
+     according to the discretion of the Judge; _whether there
+     shall be a conviction or not_; which reward shall not be
+     less than _ten_ and may extend to _fifty pounds_.
+
+     "5. That the various classes of dealers to be licensed shall
+     enter into recognizance for their good behaviour: and that
+     no licences be granted to persons having been convicted of
+     felony or perjury, nor to any but such as can obtain and
+     produce a certificate of good character.
+
+     "6. That all such licensed dealers, as also _Publicans_,
+     _Pawnbrokers_, &c. shall be subject to a penalty for
+     concealing any stolen goods which may come into their
+     possession, after the same are advertised;--or punished with
+     transportation, if it can be made appear that such goods
+     were purchased at an under value, being known to be stolen.
+
+     "7. That all drivers of Hackney-Coaches, employed to take
+     fares after twelve o'clock at night, shall be licensed by
+     the Magistrates of the division; and shall enter into
+     recognizance for their good behaviour, themselves and one
+     surety in 50_l._ at least; and that every such coachman
+     shall be obliged, whenever he carries any goods or
+     valuables, to make a report of the same, on the following
+     morning, to the Magistrate of his district, if no suspicion
+     arises as to any improper or felonious intention; but in all
+     cases where a felonious intention shall appear, the coachman
+     to be authorized and required to call the assistance of the
+     watchmen and patroles, and to seize and apprehend the
+     parties, and lodge them and the goods in the nearest
+     watch-house; there to be kept until brought before a
+     justice, at the Public-Office of the district, on the
+     following morning: And although it may ultimately appear
+     that the coachman was mistaken and the parties innocent, yet
+     where it shall be manifest to the Justice that he hath acted
+     _bona fide_, he shall not be liable to any prosecution:[80]
+     and if it shall appear that the goods so conveyed _were_
+     stolen property, then the coachman shall be entitled,
+     whether a conviction shall follow or not, to a reward of
+     _two guineas_; and in all cases where a prosecution shall
+     follow, he shall be entitled to such further reward as the
+     Court shall think proper.
+
+     [Footnote 80: Vide Act 30 Geo. II. cap. 24.]
+
+     "8. That all watchmen or patroles who shall appear upon
+     proper proof to connive at the commission of felonies[81] in
+     the night time, or while they are on duty; or shall
+     knowingly conceal any felonious removal of stolen goods, or
+     goods suspected to be stolen, and conveying to Receivers'
+     houses, shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and liable
+     to be _imprisoned_, _whipt_, or _put in the pillory_.--And
+     in _all cases_ where such watchmen or patroles shall observe
+     any goods or other articles conveyed in Hackney-coaches, or
+     in any other manner, while they are upon duty, from one
+     place to another, they shall report the same to the Justices
+     at the nearest Public Office, in the morning: But if they
+     shall have good grounds to suspect a felonious intention,
+     and that the property is stolen, the goods and all the
+     parties concerned shall be conveyed to the nearest
+     watch-house, for the purpose of being brought before a
+     Magistrate; and such watchmen (acting _bona fide_) shall not
+     be liable to any prosecution in case of a mistake; and if a
+     felony shall have been actually committed, they shall each
+     be entitled to one guinea, besides their proportion of any
+     future reward which may be ordered by the Court who shall
+     try the offenders.[82]"
+
+     [Footnote 81: An Officer of Police who was watching the
+     house of a noted Receiver, in St. James's parish, being
+     taken for a Thief by the watchmen, the latter entered into
+     conversation with him, and naming the Receiver, he told the
+     Officer that he being very liberal and kind to them, they
+     did not disturb any person going to his house; and if he had
+     any thing to carry there, he would step out of sight, so as
+     to be able to say he had seen nothing.]
+
+     [Footnote 82: Vide Act 30 Geo. II. cap. 24.]
+
+In the formation of such a System, it is absolutely necessary that
+care should be taken to secure a _regular_ and perfect _execution_, by
+means of a proper superintendance and inspection:--without this, the
+best laws will remain a _dead letter_.--Such has, in fact, been the
+case in a great measure with respect to several of the very excellent
+Statutes, now in force, relative to Receivers of stolen Goods; and
+such also would be the case with regard to the laws relative to the
+_Revenue_, if a System had not been established to secure their
+execution.
+
+If it be allowed that the prevention of crimes is at least of as much
+importance to Society, as any consideration connected with partial
+revenue:--if experience has shewn that, after the skill and ingenuity
+of the ablest lawyers and the most profound thinkers have been
+exhausted in framing laws to meet offences, which are daily committed;
+these offences are progressively increasing:--Is it not clear to
+demonstration, that some _active principle_ is wanting, which does not
+at present exist, for the purpose of rendering these laws effectual?
+
+This principle of activity is, (it is humbly apprehended,) only to be
+established by the introduction of such a System of _regulation_, as
+shall attach to all classes of dealers, who, in their intercourse
+with Society, are in the train of encouraging either directly or
+collaterally, transactions of _an immoral_, _a fraudulent_, or a
+_mischievous nature_.
+
+The idea is not new in the System of jurisprudence of the
+country;--Publicans have long been under regulations prescribed by
+Magistrates; Pawnbrokers also have been of late years regulated to a
+certain extent by Statute.--Let the same principle be extended to the
+other dealers alluded to; and let the Legislature, profiting by that
+experience which has manifested the cause of the inefficacy of a vast
+number of penal Statutes, establish such a system of _regulation_,
+_inspection_, and _superintendance_, as will insure to the Public the
+full benefits arising from good laws, administered with activity,
+purity, and discretion.
+
+Nothing can evince in a greater degree the necessity of _inspecting_
+the execution of all _laws of regulation_ where the well-being of
+Society is concerned, than the abuses which occur with regard to the
+two classes just mentioned, namely, Public-houses and Pawnbrokers.--Many
+excellent rules are established by the Legislature, and the
+Magistrates; but while it is seldom the interest of the depraved or
+dishonest part of these two classes to adhere to such rules, by what
+means is the execution to be insured, so as to operate as a complete
+protection to the Public?--surely not by the operation of the law
+through the medium of common informers; since independent of the
+invidious nature of the office, experience has shewn that the public
+good rarely enters into the consideration of persons of this
+description; who look merely to their own emolument, frequently
+holding up the penalties as a rod by which money is privately
+extorted, and the parties laid under contribution, for the purpose of
+allowing them to continue in the practice of those abuses, which the
+engine used for this nefarious purpose was meant to prevent.
+
+The System of Inspection, thus strongly and repeatedly recommended,
+while it remedied these corrupt practices, by preventing the existence
+of the evil, could only be disagreeable to _Fraudulent Dealers_.
+
+The honest and fair Tradesmen, as things are at present circumstanced,
+are by no means on an equal footing with men who carry on business by
+fraudulent devices.--Such fair traders who have nothing to dread,
+would therefore rejoice at the System of inspection which is proposed,
+and would submit to it cheerfully; as having an immediate tendency to
+shield them from fraudulent competition, and to protect the Public
+against knavery and dishonesty.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. XI.
+
+     _The prominent Causes of the increase of Crimes reviewed and
+     considered:--Imputable in the first instance to deficient
+     Laws and an ill-regulated Police:--To the unfortunate habits
+     of the lower orders of the People in feeding their families
+     in Ale-houses.--To the bad and immoral Education of
+     Apprentices.--To the number of individuals broke down by
+     misfortunes arising from want of Industry.--To idle and
+     profligate Menial Servants out of place.--To the deplorable
+     state of the lower orders of the Jews of the Dutch and
+     German Synagogue.--To the depraved morals of Aquatic
+     Labourers.--To the Dealers in old Metals--Second-hand Ships'
+     Stores--Rags--Old Furniture--Old Building Materials--Old
+     Apparel: and Cart-keepers for removing these articles.--To
+     disreputable Pawnbrokers.--And finally to ill-regulated
+     Public-houses, and to the Superabundance of these
+     receptacles of idleness and vice.--Concluding Reflections on
+     the evils to the State and the Individual, which arise from
+     the excesses of the Labouring People._
+
+
+In contemplating the mass of turpitude which is developed in the
+preceding Chapters, and which exhibit afflicted Society, groaning
+under a pressure of evils and Public wrongs, which, but for the
+different views which have been taken of the subject, could not have
+been conceived to exist; it may be truly affirmed in the first
+instance, that much is to be imputed to deficient and ill-executed
+Laws, arising chiefly from the want of a proper System of Police.
+
+Offences of every description have their origin in the vicious and
+immoral habits of the people, and in the facilities which the state of
+manners and society, particularly in vulgar life, afford in generating
+vicious and bad habits.
+
+In tracing the progress of those habits which are peculiar to the
+lower orders of the Community in this great Metropolis, from infancy
+to the adult state, the cause will be at once discovered, why that
+_almost universal_ profligacy prevails, which, by being productive of
+so much evil to the unfortunate Individuals as well as the Community
+at large, cannot be sufficiently deplored.
+
+Before a child is perhaps able to lisp a sentence, it is carried by
+its ill-fated mother to the tap-room of an ale-house;[83] in which are
+assembled multitudes of low company, many of whom have been perhaps
+reared in the same manner. The vilest and most profane and polluted
+language, accompanied by oaths and imprecations, is uttered in these
+haunts of idleness and dissipation.--Children follow their parents
+during their progress to maturity, and are almost the constant
+witnesses of their besotted courses.--Reduced, from their unfortunate
+habits, to the necessity of occupying a miserable half furnished
+lodging from week to week, there is no comfort at home.--No knowledge
+of frugal cookery exists, by which a nourishing and palatable meal can
+be provided, and frequently a sufficiency of fuel for that purpose is
+not accessible.--A succedaneum is found in the ale-house at three
+times the expence.--A common fire is provided for the guests,
+calculated to convey that warmth which could not be obtained at home;
+and food[84] and liquor is furnished at an expence which too seldom
+leaves any part of the weekly earning for cloathing, and none at all
+for education.--In this manner is a large proportion of what may be
+denominated the lowest classes of the people reared in the
+Metropolis;[85] and the result is, that while many of the adults are
+lost to the state by premature death, from sottishness and
+irregularity, not a few of their offspring are never raised to
+manhood: But this is not all:--when by means of strong constitutions,
+they survive the shocks which nature has sustained in its progress to
+maturity under the influence of habits so exceedingly depraved, they
+are restrained by no principle of morality or religion,[86] (for they
+know nothing of either,) and only wait for opportunities, to plunge
+into every excess and every crime.
+
+[Footnote 83: It is even a practice with not a few of the labouring
+families in the Eastern part of the Town, to take lodgings in
+Ale-houses.]
+
+[Footnote 84: Such is the thoughtless improvidence of this class of
+the labouring people, that they are generally the first who indulge
+themselves by eating Oysters, Lobsters, and Pickled Salmon, &c. when
+first in Season, and long before these luxuries are considered as
+accessible to the middle ranks of the Community; whose manners are
+generally as virtuous as the others are depraved.]
+
+[Footnote 85: It is not to be inferred from this statement, that there
+are not to be found even among the lower classes of the labouring
+People in the Metropolis, many instances of honest and virtuous Poor,
+whose distresses are to be attributed to the calamity of a failure of
+employment, bad health, death of Parents or Children, and other causes
+which human prudence cannot prevent; and particularly where the want
+of opulent Inhabitants in several of the Eastern Parishes, renders it
+necessary to assess _Indigence_ for the support of _Poverty_.--To
+these Parishes and Hamlets the Poor resort, both from the nature of
+their employments, and the impossibility of finding habitations any
+where else.--They have perhaps no legal settlement where they reside,
+or the funds of the Parish can afford but a very scanty and inadequate
+relief. Depressed with sickness, and broke down and dispirited by
+extreme poverty, the little furniture and apparel of Man, Woman, and
+Child, is carried to the Pawn-broker's to obtain a scanty pittance for
+the immediate support of life, until at length there does not remain
+what is sufficient to cover nakedness.--In these miserable mansions
+the Author has himself frequently witnessed scenes of distress, which
+would rend the heart of the most unfeeling of the human species.--A
+temporary and partial expedient has through the benevolence of the
+Publick, been administered in the excellent institutions of
+_Soup-houses_: but until the funds of the different Parishes can be
+made _one Common Purse_, and an intelligent management substituted in
+the place of an ignorant and incompetent superintendance, the evil
+will not diminish.--To the opulent part of the Community the burden
+would never be felt.--At present, where the most indigent are
+assessed, the rates are double and treble those in the rich
+Parishes.--It is principally to this cause, that Poverty is no where
+to be found in so great a degree, cloathed in the garb of the
+extremest misery and wretchedness, as in the Metropolis.--And it is to
+this cause also, joined to various others explained in this Chapter,
+_that above Twenty Thousand miserable Individuals of various classes,
+rise up every morning without knowing how, or by what means they are
+to be supported, during the passing day; or where, in many instances,
+they are to lodge on the succeeding night_.]
+
+[Footnote 86: The Author has often had occasion to witness the extreme
+ignorance of the younger part of this class, when called upon to give
+evidence in judicial proceedings.--Of the nature of an oath they had
+not the least conception,--nor even of the existence of a Supreme
+Being.]
+
+Profligate and depraved as the lower orders of the People appear to
+have been for several centuries in this great Metropolis, it would
+seem that the practice of married females resorting to Public-houses,
+and mixing generally in tap-rooms with the idle and dissolute, is an
+evil habit of a very modern date; for the period is not even too
+remote to be recollected, since it was considered as disgraceful for
+Females who pretended to any degree of modesty to be seen in a
+Public-house.--It is however now to be lamented that the obloquy of
+thus exposing themselves has as little influence, as the rude and
+obscene language they uniformly hear uttered.
+
+_Another cause_ of the increase of crimes, may be traced to the bad
+and immoral education of Apprentices to Mechanical employments.
+
+Although many of their Masters may not be, and certainly are not,
+composed of the class whose manners have just been depicted, yet their
+habits lead them too generally to Public-houses, where no
+inconsiderable proportion of their earnings are expended;--where low
+gaming is introduced, producing ruin and distress to many families
+even among the inferior ranks, who might otherwise have moved through
+life with credit and reputation.
+
+The force of such an example on young minds is obvious.--No sooner
+does an apprentice advance towards the last year of his time than he
+thinks it incumbent upon him to follow the example of his master, by
+learning to _smoke_.--This accomplishment acquired (according to his
+conception), he is a fit associate for those who frequent
+Public-houses. He resorts at first to those of a lower class, to avoid
+his master or his relations.--There he meets with depraved company;
+while he conceives he is following only the example of those whose
+manners and habits he has been taught, by example, to imitate, he is
+insensibly ensnared.--Having arrived at the age of puberty, and
+meeting profligate females in those haunts of idleness, his passions
+become inflamed.--The force of evil example overpowers him.--He too
+becomes depraved.--Money must be procured to administer to the new
+wants which are generated by depravity.--Aided by the facilities held
+out by Old Iron Shops, he pilfers from his master to supply those
+wants, or associates himself with Thieves, whose acquaintance he made
+in progress of his seduction.[87]
+
+[Footnote 87: In the course of the Author's investigations, in his
+official situation as a Magistrate, he actually discovered that clubs
+of apprentice-boys were harboured in Public-houses, for the purpose of
+supporting their fellow-apprentices who ran away from their masters.
+The means of thus indulging themselves in lewdness and debauchery was
+obtained by pilfering from their Masters, and disposing of the
+property at Old Iron Shops.]
+
+Under the circumstances thus stated, where so many temptations assail
+the young and inexperienced, the transition from innocence to guilt is
+easy to be conceived.--And in a Metropolis where there are seldom
+fewer than 150,000 apprentices bound to mechanical employments, the
+crimes which spring from this source must be very extensive.--That
+there are, however, many good and virtuous young men among the class
+of apprentices, who, from a better education, or being under the
+control of reputable masters, and attentive parents, escape the snare,
+or resist these temptations, is _certain_; and fortunate too for the
+best interests of Society. It is to be lamented, however, that the
+major part, and particularly parish apprentices, have not always these
+advantages; and hence it is that so many become disorderly, and
+require the interference of legal authority and punishment for the
+purpose of compelling obedience and good conduct.[88]
+
+[Footnote 88: It is to be feared that much evil arises from the want
+of attention on the part of Masters among the superior classes of
+Tradesmen with respect to their apprentices, who too seldom consider
+the morals of their apprentices as a matter in which they have any
+concern.--It is even the practice to allow apprentices a certain sum
+of money weekly, for the purpose of enabling them to provide
+themselves out of doors, and to prevent the trouble of boarding them
+in the house. If it were possible for a Master, after exerting all his
+ingenuity, to invent one mode more likely than another to ruin his
+apprentices, it is by adopting this plan. If he means to subject
+himself to great risques with respect to the security of his property,
+he will permit his apprentice, at the age of puberty when open to
+seduction, to be at large in this great Town, where he is liable to be
+assailed by swindlers, cheats, and sharpers, who, availing themselves
+of the inexperience of youth, may corrupt the mind, and give it a
+wrong bias. The dangers arising from allowing apprentices to victual
+out of doors, extend much farther than masters are generally aware of:
+and they who suffer it do great injury to themselves, and even great
+injustice to their apprentices, whose morals they are virtually, at
+least, bound to preserve pure. This is not to be expected where
+apprentices are not under the eye of the master at Meal-times. Their
+Sundays, in such cases, are their own, which they waste in idleness,
+not seldom in water-parties on the River, where they are introduced
+into low and bad company, which gives frequently a taint to their
+manners of the most injurious nature. The result is, that their
+master, without reflecting that he himself was the cause of their
+idleness, withdraws his confidence, and turns them adrift after their
+time expires, if not before; and in the end ruin, as might well be
+expected, inevitably ensues.]
+
+_Another cause_ of the increase of crimes, arises from the number of
+individuals in various occupations among the lower and middling ranks
+of life, (and which must naturally be expected in a large Metropolis)
+who, from their own mismanagement and want of industry, or attention
+to their business, are suddenly broke down, and in some degree
+excluded from the regular intercourse with Society. Unable to find
+employment, from want of character, or want of friends, with constant
+demands upon them for the means of subsistence to themselves and
+families, they resort to Public-houses, under the influence of
+despondency, or to kill time which hangs heavy upon them.
+
+In these haunts of depravity they meet persons who perhaps have been
+in the like circumstances; but who have resorted to illegal Lottery
+Insurances, and other swindling devices for subsistence, under whose
+banners they inlist; and thus strengthen the phalanx of low gamblers,
+swindlers, and cheats, whose various pursuits have been developed in
+this Work.--From one vice to another the transition is easy when the
+mind becomes depraved, and the pursuits which are ultimately followed,
+depend in a considerable degree on the persons with whom this class of
+men associate.--If at the low gaming-houses, to which from idle habits
+they are led to resort, they meet with highwaymen and footpads, they
+are easily persuaded to become associates in their iniquitous
+pursuits; or if in the wide range of their acquaintance, by living
+chiefly in Public-houses, they become acquainted with venders of base
+money, they enter with equal facility into their views, as a means of
+supplying their pecuniary wants.
+
+In cases where they have been bred to ingenious mechanical
+employments, they embrace, wherever a proper opportunity offers, such
+propositions as may be made them, to become forgers of Bank Bills and
+Notes, and Coiners of Counterfeit Money.
+
+Such is the lamentable progress of vice in the human mind, that by
+degrees it embraces eagerly what could not have been indured at the
+commencement of the career.
+
+_Another cause_ of the increase of Crimes in the Metropolis and its
+environs, may be traced to the situation of idle and profligate menial
+servants out of place, and destitute of the means of obtaining
+situations from the loss of character.--These too, seek for resources
+in Public-houses, where they soon become the associates of Thieves,
+Pickpockets, Burglars, and Highwaymen; and it is believed to be
+chiefly from this class, particularly _Riding Footmen_, and
+_Postillions_, that the corps of Highway Robbers is constantly
+recruited.--While others less skilled in horsemanship become Footpads,
+Burglars, and Pickpockets.
+
+With the major part of this class the transition is easy--depravity
+had previously taken hold of their minds--every other resource has
+failed them, and to this they resort, as soon as they can find means,
+to enlist in any gang that will receive them, where, to those who
+confine themselves chiefly to burglaries, their knowledge of the
+interior of the houses of their former masters, and their probable
+acquaintance with some of the female servants, will be a considerable
+recommendation, and even a ground of seduction.
+
+_Another Cause_, and no inconsiderable one, of the progress and
+increase of crimes may be developed, by contemplating the deplorable
+state and condition of the lower order of the Jews in the Metropolis,
+who are of the Society of the Dutch Synagogue.[89]--Totally without
+education, and very seldom trained to any trade or occupation by which
+they can earn their livelihood by manual labour:--their youths
+excluded from becoming apprentices, and their females from hiring
+themselves generally as servants, on account of the superstitious
+adherence to the mere ceremonial of their persuasion, as it respects
+meat not killed by Jews, nothing can exceed their melancholy
+condition, both with regard to themselves and Society. Thus excluded
+from these resources, which other classes of the Community possess,
+they seem to have no alternative but to resort to those tricks and
+devices, which ingenuity suggests, to enable persons without an honest
+means of subsistence to live in idleness.
+
+[Footnote 89: Another class of Jews which belong to the Portuguese
+Synagogue are generally opulent and respectable, and hold no community
+with the others; they use a different Liturgy and their language is
+even different; their number does not exceed three thousand; they
+never intermarry with the Jews of the Dutch Synagogue.--They generally
+pride themselves on their Ancestry, and give their Children the best
+education which can be obtained in the countries where they
+reside.--While the Dutch Jews (or rather _the German Dutch Jews_) get
+no education at all. Even the most affluent of them are said to be
+generally unable either to read or write the language of the country
+which gave them birth.--They confine themselves to a Bastard or vulgar
+Hebrew which has little analogy to the original. The Portuguese
+Synagogue has been established in England ever since the
+Usurpation.--Their place of worship is in Bevis Marks.--The Members of
+it being mostly wealthy are extremely attentive to their poor, among
+whom there is said not to be a single beggar or itinerant.--The
+Brokers upon the Exchange of the Jewish Persuasion, are all or chiefly
+of the Portuguese Synagogue. Their number is limited to _Twelve_ by a
+particular Act of Parliament.--Originally this privilege was given
+gratis by the Lord Mayor, but afterwards 100_l._ was required, which
+has gradually increased to _One Thousand Guineas for each Broker_.
+
+The schism between the two classes of Jews prevail all over the world,
+though the rational Jews treat the distinction as absurd.
+
+The German Dutch Jews, who may amount to from twelve to fifteen
+thousand have Six Synagogues, the principal of which are in _Duke's
+Place, Leadenhall Street_, and _Church Row, Fenchurch Street_. They
+observe the particular ritual of the German Synagogue, and also
+include the _Polish_, _Russian_, and _Turkish Jews_, established in
+London.--With the exception of three or four wealthy Individuals, and
+as many Families who are in trade on the Royal Exchange, they are in
+general a very indigent class of people, through whose medium crimes
+are generated to a considerable extent.--Their Community is too poor
+to afford them adequate relief, whence they have resorted to the
+expedient of lending them small sums of money at interest to trade
+upon, which is required to be repaid monthly or weekly, as the case
+may be. Otherwise they forfeit all claim to this aid.--The reproach
+arising from their evil practices and idleness, is said to have
+engaged the attention of the respectable part of both Synagogues with
+a view to a remedy, but all their attempts have been heretofore
+unsuccessful.]
+
+The habits they thus acquire are the most mischievous and noxious to
+the Community that can be conceived.--Having connexions wherever the
+Dock-yards are situated, as well as in several other large trading
+towns in the Kingdom, they become in many respects the medium through
+which stolen goods are conveyed to and from the Metropolis; and as
+their existence depends on this nefarious traffick, they keep alive a
+System of Fraud and Depredation which, perhaps, is generated in a
+greater degree by their peculiar situation in respect to Society, than
+by any actual disposition on their parts to pursue these nefarious
+practices.
+
+Even the system of supporting the poor of this Community, by lending
+them small sums of money by which they may support themselves by a
+species of petty traffick, contributes in no small degree to the
+commission of crimes; since in order to render it productive to an
+extent equal to the wants of families who do not acquire any material
+aid by manual labour, they are induced to resort to unlawful means by
+dealing in stolen goods and in counterfeit money, by which they become
+public nuisances in the Countries where they receive an asylum.
+
+As there appears in reality to be no distinction made by the rational
+part of the Jewish persuasion, between the Portuguese and the Dutch
+Synagogues, it is earnestly to be hoped that the opulent and
+respectable of the former Community will lend a helping hand in
+devising some means of rescuing this part of the Nation of the Jews
+who reside in England, from the reproach, which it is to be feared,
+has been too justly cast upon them. Policy dictates the measure, while
+humanity ardently pleads for it.--In so good a work every man of
+feeling, be his religious persuasion what it may, will join in
+promoting and carrying into effect a measure so beneficial to the
+Community at large, by devising some means to render their labour
+productive; since it is clear to demonstration that to the idle habits
+of this numerous class of people, is to be ascribed a considerable
+proportion of the petty crimes, as well as some of the more atrocious
+offences by which the Metropolis and the Country is afflicted.
+
+_Another cause_ of the increase and multiplication of crimes has
+arisen from the depraved morals of the Aquatic labourers and others,
+employed on the wharfs and quays, and in ships, vessels, and craft,
+upon the River Thames; and from the want, _until lately_, of an
+appropriate Preventive System to check these depredations.
+
+The analogy between actual pillage and smuggling in the conception of
+nautical labourers, and the uncontrolled habit of plunder which too
+long existed, trained up myriads of delinquents who affixed in their
+minds no degree of moral turpitude to the offence; which of course
+extended itself both with respect to Commercial and Public Property
+beyond all bounds, until a remedy was imperiously called for, and at
+length applied by means of an experimental System of Police applicable
+to that object.
+
+_Another cause, and certainly none of the least_, which has tended to
+facilitate the commission of crimes, has been the want of a proper
+control over persons of loose conduct and dishonest habits, who have
+opened shops for the purchase and sale of _Old iron_, and _other
+metals--Old stores--Rags--Old furniture--Old building materials, and
+second-hand wearing apparel, and other goods_;--and _also
+cart-keepers_ for the collection and removal of these articles from
+place to place.
+
+The easy and concealed mode of disposing of pilfered articles, through
+the medium of these receptacles, has tended more to the corruption of
+the morals of youth, and to the multiplication of crimes, than it is
+possible to conceive; nor has the mode of Licensing _Pawnbrokers_,
+without a due regard to character and a more effectual control, been
+in many respects less mischievous to the Community.--To the reputable
+part of this class of dealers it is degrading and even cruel that the
+reproach and stigma, arising from the nefarious practices of the
+fraudulent, should unavoidably in the public mind, attach upon those
+that are blameless, and fair in their dealings.--While the law admits
+of no power of discrimination, and no means of excluding improper
+characters exist, the evil must continue; and while it remains on the
+present footing, it must also be considered as no inconsiderable
+medium, by which both petty and more atrocious crimes are produced.
+
+_But perhaps the greatest source of delinquency and crimes is to be
+ascribed to ill-regulated Public Houses_, conducted by men of loose
+conduct and depraved morals--Since it is in these receptacles that the
+corruption of morals originates.--It is here that the minds of youth
+are contaminated, and the conspiracies for the purpose of committing
+frauds and depredations on the Public formed and facilitated.
+
+A disorderly and ill-regulated Public-house, therefore, is one of the
+greatest nuisances that can exist in civil Society.--Innumerable are
+the temptations which are to be found in these haunts of idleness to
+seduce the innocent, and to increase the resources of the
+evil-disposed to do mischief.
+
+Whatever tends to promote vice and dissipation, whether arising from
+low gaming, by means of cards, dice, dominos, shuffleboard, and other
+sedentary games; or fraudulent insurances in the lottery, calculated
+to fascinate and seduce the unwary, and to poison the minds of all
+ranks in the humble walks of vulgar life, is here to be found; in
+spite of every laudable precaution, exercised by Magistrates, under
+the present System of Police applicable to this object.--Even
+Prostitutes of the lowest cast are not seldom introduced, where the
+gains of the landlord are thereby to be promoted.
+
+It is in these receptacles that Thieves and Robbers of every
+description hold their orgies, and concert and mature their plans of
+depredation on the peaceful Subject; and here too it not unfrequently
+happens, that their booty is deposited and concealed.
+
+It is here also that markets are held for the sale of Base Money,
+where every facility is afforded for the purpose of concealment, and
+assistance in escaping justice.
+
+In fact, there is scarce any moral evil by which _Society is
+afflicted--the mind debauched--the virtuous parent_ and _master
+distressed_, and the _ruin of families and individuals affected_,
+which is not generated in Public-houses.
+
+At present, in the Metropolis and its environs, there are at least
+five thousand of these receptacles, of which it is computed that about
+one thousand change tenants from once to three times a year.--Hence it
+follows that not less than two thousand individuals are in a floating
+state, either from one Public-house to another, or perhaps, more
+frequently, from the Alehouse to a Gaol.
+
+When a depraved character loses his licence in one division of the
+Metropolis, he generally finds means to obtain admission in another
+where he is not known. The separation of jurisdictions without a
+centre point, and the numerous changes which are constantly taking
+place, preclude the possibility of detection; while the facility, with
+which the worst characters obtain the certificates required by law,
+(which are too often signed, without the least previous inquiry, by
+the Clergyman and Parish Officers as a matter of course,) enable them
+to effect their purpose; and such houses being generally of the
+inferior class in point of trade, every species of disorder is
+permitted for the purpose of obtaining custom. This is soon discovered
+by those who have criminal objects in view; and to such houses they
+generally resort, where it has sometimes been discovered that the
+Landlord himself belongs to the gang; _and_ that he has become a
+Publican the better to facilitate its designs. That the Ale-houses are
+yet by far too numerous, is incontestibly proved by the frequent
+changes which take place in so large a proportion in the course of a
+year, while the irregularities which prevail render it equally clear
+that a more general control is necessary to prevent the mischiefs
+which have been detailed.
+
+It is chiefly in houses where the trade is inadequate to the support
+of the establishment that the greatest disorders prevail, as in such
+cases every lure is held out to invite customers, and to entice them
+to expend money.--And in return for this, where the Landlord is not
+himself of the fraternity of Thieves or Receivers, he is induced at
+least to afford them his assistance, as a medium of concealment.
+
+If a plan could be devised, with equal advantage to the Revenue, by
+the introduction of more innocent and less noxious gratifications,
+whereby the lower ranks of the people could be gradually led into
+better habits, much benefit would arise to the State, both with
+respect to health and morals.
+
+The quantity of Beer, Porter, Gin, and Compounds, which is sold in
+Public-houses in the Metropolis and its environs, has been estimated,
+after bestowing considerable pains in forming a calculation, at nearly
+3,300,000_l._ a year.[90]
+
+[Footnote 90: In a Tract entitled 'Observations and Facts relative to
+Public-Houses,' by the Author of this Work, the mode of conducting
+Ale-houses in the Metropolis, and the evils arising from this source
+of iniquity and idleness is very fully explained. By this publication
+it is discovered, after much investigation, that there is consumed and
+sold in the 5000 Public-houses in and round the Metropolis:
+
+  158,400,530 pots of Porter, Ale, and Twopenny     L.2,311,466 15 10
+
+  Gin and Compounds from the Distillers and
+  Rectifiers                                            975,000  0  0
+                                                    -----------------
+                                                      3,236,466 15 10
+
+  To which add Pipes, Tobacco, &c. at least             113,533  4  2
+                                                    -----------------
+                                             Total  L.3,310,000  0  0]
+
+This immense sum, equal to double the Revenue of some of the Kingdoms
+and States of Europe, independent of other evil consequences in
+producing indigence and promoting crimes, must in a certain degree
+debilitate manhood--in lessening the powers of animal life, and in
+shortening its duration long before the period arrives, when an adult
+ceases to contribute by his labours to the resources of the State. In
+this point of view, independent of considerations of a moral tendency,
+and of all the other train of evils which have been detailed, it would
+seem of importance, as a political measure, to check the growing
+propensity to consume a greater quantity of Porter, Beer, and ardent
+Spirits, than is necessary to health.--To the State, indeed, it
+creates a Revenue; but it is a Revenue too dearly purchased if it
+wastes the human species--if it deprives the nation, prematurely, of
+the benefit of their labour, and occasions infinitely greater
+pecuniary pressures in the support of an indigent and helpless
+offspring, who must be reared again to manhood at the expence of the
+Public; not to speak of the grain, labour, fuel, &c. unnecessarily
+consumed in creating this poison to the health, the morals, and
+comforts of the poor.[91]--However unpopular it may appear in the
+view of those who have not fully considered the subject, it may be
+clearly demonstrated that a triple duty on Malt Spirits, and a much
+higher duty on Strong Beer and Porter would be an act of the greatest
+humanity on the part of the Legislature.--The present Revenue might
+thus be secured, while that which is even of more importance to a
+State than any other consideration would be preserved--_the health and
+morals of the labouring people_. It is a mistaken notion, that a very
+large quantity of Malt Liquor is necessary to support labourers of any
+description.--After a certain moderate quantity is drank, it enervates
+the body, and stupefies the senses.--A Coal-heaver who drinks from 12
+to 16 pots of Porter in the course of a day, would receive more real
+nourishment, and perform his labour with more ease and a greater
+portion of athletic strength, if only one-third of the quantity were
+consumed. He would also enjoy better health, and be fitter for his
+labour the following day. On a supposition that the excesses in which
+perhaps 200,000 of the labouring people in the Metropolis _indulge_,
+shortens the natural period of their existence only five years each on
+an average, the labour of one million of years is lost in the lives
+of this class of men, after the expence is incurred in rearing them to
+maturity, which, during a period of 36 years of adult labour, at
+25_l._ a year, establishes a deficiency to the Community of
+_Twenty-five Millions sterling_: independent of the numerous other
+train of evils, which arise to a nation from idle, dissolute and
+immoral habits, by which the rising generation is contaminated, and
+great inconvenience imposed on the innocent and peaceful subject, from
+the increase of crimes which are generated through this medium.
+
+[Footnote 91: It is a curious and important fact, that during the
+period when Distilleries were stopped in 1796 and 1797, although
+Bread, and every necessary of life was considerably higher than during
+the preceding year, the Poor in that quarter of the Town where the
+chief part reside were apparently more comfortable, paid their rents
+more regularly, and were better fed than at any period for some years
+before;--even although they had not the benefit of the extensive
+charities which were distributed in 1795. This can only be accounted
+for by their being denied the indulgence of Gin, which had become in a
+great measure inaccessible from its very high price. It may fairly be
+concluded, that the money formerly spent in this imprudent manner had
+been applied in the purchase of provisions and other necessaries to
+the amount of some hundred thousand pounds.--The effects of their
+being deprived of this baneful Liquor was also evident in their more
+orderly conduct.--Quarrels and assaults were less frequent, and they
+resorted seldomer to the Pawnbrokers' shops: and yet during the chief
+part of this period Bread was 15_d._ the Quartern Loaf, and Meat
+higher than the preceding year, particularly Pork, which arose in part
+from the stoppage of the Distilleries; but chiefly from the scarcity
+of Grain.]
+
+It is to be lamented, that in pursuing this subject, new sources
+giving origin and progress to crimes press upon the mind in the course
+of the inquiry. To the catalogue already detailed may be added,
+_Gaming-Houses_ of every description, particularly _houses of the
+lower cast_; but as this subject has been very fully handled in a
+preceding Chapter, it will be unnecessary to do more than place it in
+the general list of causes, which have contributed exceedingly to the
+evils, which have afflicted Society in this Metropolis, and which can
+only be remedied by a _Responsible Police_, attaching particularly
+upon this baneful propensity by appropriate regulations.
+
+Next to Gaming, Illicit Trade or Smuggling may be mentioned as a very
+productive source of criminality. The vast extent of the Trade and
+Revenues of the Country; its insular situation, and the temptations
+arising from the magnitude of the duties, contribute exceedingly to
+the corruption of morals, not only of these engaged in illicit
+pursuits, but it is to be lamented also of the inferior officers
+themselves, whose duty it is to prevent this evil.
+
+Severe and pointed as the laws unquestionably are with an immediate
+view to the prevention of this evil, experience proves how ineffectual
+they have been, since every idle and profligate character becomes a
+smuggler. But it is not merely the offence of smuggling as it relates
+to the revenue, which is to be deplored as a grievance to the Public,
+since those on the Sea Coasts of the kingdom, concerned in such
+pursuits, are generally of ferocious habits, which produce such
+excesses and depredations upon the unfortunate, when suffering the
+calamity of shipwreck, as would disgrace the rudest savages.
+
+With contaminated minds, depraved hearts, men given up to such warfare
+upon helpless humanity, become fit instruments for every species of
+criminality.--_Vagabonds by trade_, the transition from one offence to
+another is easy, and hence through this medium many culprits are added
+to the general catalogue of delinquency, which nothing can check or
+prevent but a System of Police, attaching responsibility _some-where
+instead of no-where as at present_.
+
+Crimes are also generated in no inconsiderable degree, by the evil
+examples exhibited in _Prisons_, and by the length of time persons
+charged with offences are suffered to remain in gaols previous to
+their trial, particularly in the counties adjoining the Metropolis,
+where they frequently are in confinement five and six months before
+the assizes.--If they were novices in villainy before, the education
+they receive in these seminaries, in the event of their escaping
+justice, returns them upon society, completely proselyted and
+instructed in the arts of mischief and depredation.
+
+Nor have the unequal scale of punishments, and the ultimate
+unconditional pardons, dictated no doubt by the purest motives of
+humanity, a less tendency to generate new crimes. Encouraged by the
+chances of escaping free, _even after conviction_, many delinquents
+pursue their evil courses, trusting ultimately to this resource, if
+other devices shall fail.
+
+To shew mankind that crimes are sometimes wholly pardoned, and that
+punishment is not the necessary consequence, is to nourish the
+flattering hope of impunity, and is the cause of their considering
+every punishment which is actually inflicted, as an act of injustice
+and oppression.
+
+Let the Legislator be _tender_, _indulgent_, and _humane_; but let the
+Executors of the Laws be inexorable in punishing;--at least to a
+certain extent.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. XII.
+
+     _The Consideration of the causes of the progress and
+     increase of Crimes pursued.--The condition of the unhappy
+     Females, who support themselves by Prostitution--Their
+     pitiable Case.--The progress from Innocence to Profligacy
+     explained.--The morals of Youth corrupted by the multitudes
+     of Prostitutes in the streets.--These temptations excite
+     desires which suggest undue means of obtaining
+     money.--Apprentices and Clerks are seduced--Masters are
+     robbed--Parents are afflicted.--The miserable consequences
+     of Prostitution explained.--The impossibility of preventing
+     its existence in a great Metropolis.--The propriety of
+     lessening the Evil:--By stripping it of its indecency and
+     much of its immoral tendency.--The shocking indecency which
+     has lately been suffered by Prostitutes at the
+     Theatres.--The number of Prostitutes in the Metropolis
+     estimated--Suggestions for rendering the consequences
+     arising from Female Prostitution less noxious to
+     Society.--The advantages of the measure in reducing the mass
+     of turpitude.--Reasons offered why the interests of Morality
+     and Religion will be promoted by prescribing Rules with
+     respect to Prostitutes.--The example of Holland, Italy, and
+     the East Indies quoted.--Strictures on the offensive manners
+     of the Company who frequent Public Gardens:--Imputable to
+     the want of a proper Police.--Tea Gardens under a proper
+     Police might be rendered beneficial to the State.--The
+     Ballad Singers might also be rendered instruments in giving
+     a right turn to the minds of the Vulgar.--Crimes generated
+     by immoral Books and Songs.--Responsibility as it relates to
+     the execution of the Laws rests no where at present.--The
+     nature and advantages of the Police System explained._
+
+
+In addition to the prominent causes, which contribute to the origin
+and the increase of crimes, which have been developed in the preceding
+Chapter, there are other sources of a minor nature still to be traced,
+from which infinite evils to the Community spring.
+
+Among these the most important is, the state and condition of the
+unhappy Females, who support themselves by Prostitution in this great
+Metropolis.
+
+In contemplating their case, it is impossible to avoid dropping a tear
+of pity.--Many of them perhaps originally seduced from a state of
+innocence, while they were the joy and comfort of their unhappy
+parents. Many of them born and educated to expect a better fate, until
+deceived by falsehood and villainy, they see their error when it is
+too late to recede. In this situation, abandoned by their relations
+and friends; deserted by their seducers, and at large upon the world;
+loathed and avoided by those who formerly held them in estimation,
+what are they to do? In the present unhappy state of things they seem
+to have no alternative, but to become the miserable instruments of
+promoting and practising that species of seduction and immorality, of
+which they themselves were the victims.[92] And what is the
+result?--It is pitiable to relate.--They are compelled of necessity to
+mingle with the abandoned herd, who have long been practised in the
+walks of infamy, and they too become speedily polluted and
+depraved.--Oaths, imprecations, and obscene language, by degrees,
+become familiar to their ears, and necessity compels them to indure,
+and at length to imitate, and practise in their turn, upon the unwary
+youth, who too easily falls into the snare.
+
+[Footnote 92: It is in the first stage of Seduction, before the female
+mind becomes vitiated and depraved, that Asylums are most useful. If
+persons in this unhappy situation had it in their power to resort to a
+medium, whereby they might be reconciled to their relations, while
+uncontaminated by the vices attached to _General Prostitution_,
+numbers, who are now lost, might be saved to Society.]
+
+Thus it is from the multitudes of those unhappy Females, that assemble
+now in all parts of the Town, that the morals of the youth are
+corrupted. That unnecessary expences are incurred; and undue, and too
+often criminal, means are resorted to, for the purpose of gratifying
+passions, which but for these temptations, which constantly assail
+them in almost every street in the Metropolis, would not have been
+thought of. Through this medium _Apprentices, Clerks and other persons
+in trust_ are seduced from the paths of honesty--Masters are
+plundered, and Parents are afflicted; while many a youth, who might
+have become the pride of his family--a comfort to the declining years
+of his Parents, and an ornament to Society, exchanges a life of Virtue
+and Industry, for the pursuits of the Gambler, the Swindler, and the
+Vagabond. Nor is the lot of these poor deluded females less
+deplorable. Although some few of them may obtain settlements, while
+others bask for a while in the temporary sun-shine of ease and
+splendour, the major part end a short life in misery and wretchedness.
+
+What has become of the multitudes of unfortunate females, elegant in
+their persons, and sumptuous in their attire, who were seen in the
+streets of the Metropolis, and at places of public Amusement twenty
+years ago? Alas! Could their progress be developed, and their ultimate
+situations or exit from the world disclosed, it would lay open a
+catalogue of sufferings and affliction, beyond what the most romantic
+fancy could depict or exhibit to the feeling mind.
+
+Exposed to the rude insults of the inebriated and the vulgar:--the
+impositions of brutal officers and watchmen, and to the chilling
+blasts of the night, during the most inclement weather, in thin
+apparel, partly in compliance with the fashion of the day, but more
+frequently from the pawnbroker's shop rendering their necessary
+garments inaccessible--diseases, where their unhappy vocation does not
+produce them, are generated. No pitying hand appears to help them in
+such situations. The feeling parent or relation is far off. An
+abandoned monster of the same sex, inured in the practice of infamy
+and seduction, instead of the consolation which sickness requires,
+threatens to turn the unhappy victim out of doors, when the means of
+subsistence are cut off, and the premium for shelter is no longer
+forth-coming; or perhaps the unfeeling landlord of a miserable
+half-furnished lodging afflicts the poor unhappy female, by
+declarations equally hostile to the feelings of humanity, till at
+length turned out into the streets, she languishes and ends her
+miserable days in an hospital or a workhouse, or perhaps perishes in
+some inhospitable hovel alone, without a friend to console her, or a
+fellow-mortal to close her eyes in the pangs of dissolution.
+
+If no other argument could be adduced in favour of some arrangements,
+calculated to stop the progress of Female Prostitution, Compassion for
+the sufferings of the unhappy victims would be sufficient; but other
+reasons occur equally powerful, why this evil should be controlled.
+
+To prevent its existence, even to a considerable extent, in so great a
+Metropolis as London, is as impossible as to resist the torrent of the
+tides. It is an evil therefore which must be endured while human
+passions exist: but it is at the same time an evil which may not only
+be lessened, but rendered less noxious and dangerous to the peace and
+good order of society: it may be stript of its indecency, and also of
+a considerable portion of the danger attached to it, to the youth of
+both sexes.
+
+The lures for the seduction of youth passing along the streets in the
+course of their ordinary business, may be prevented by a Police,
+applicable to this object, without either infringing upon the feelings
+of humanity or insulting distress; and still more is it practicable to
+remove the noxious irregularities, which are occasioned by the
+indiscreet conduct, and the shocking behaviour of Women of the Town,
+and their still more blameable paramours, in openly insulting Public
+Morals; and rendering the situation of modest women at once irksome
+and unsafe, either in places of Public Entertainment, or while passing
+along the most public streets of the Metropolis, particularly in the
+evening.
+
+This unrestrained licence given to males and females, in the Walks of
+Prostitution, was not known in former times at places of public
+resort, where there was at least an affectation of decency. To the
+disgrace, however, of the Police the evil has been suffered to
+increase; and the Boxes of the Theatres often exhibit scenes, which
+are certainly extremely offensive to modesty, and contrary to that
+decorum which ought to be maintained, and that protection to which the
+respectable part of the Community are entitled, against indecency and
+indecorum, when their families, often, composed of young females,
+visit places of public resort.
+
+In this instance, the induring such impropriety of conduct, so
+contrary to good morals, marks strongly the growing depravity of the
+age. To familiarize the eyes and ears of the innocent part of the sex
+to the scenes which are often exhibited in the Theatres, is tantamount
+to carrying them to a school of vice and debauchery--
+
+     Vice is a monster of such frightful mien,
+     That to be hated needs but to be seen;
+     Yet seen too oft--familiar with her face,
+     We first endure--then pity--then embrace.
+
+For the purpose of understanding more clearly, by what means it is
+possible to lessen the evils arising from Female Prostitution in the
+Metropolis, it may be necessary to view it in all its ramifications.
+
+In point of extent it certainly exceeds credibility: but although
+there are many exceptions,--the great mass, (whatever their exterior
+may be,) are mostly composed of women who have been in a state of
+menial servitude, and of whom not a few, from the love of idleness and
+dress, with (in this case) _the misfortune of good looks_, have partly
+from inclination, not seldom from previous seduction and loss of
+character, resorted to Prostitution as a livelihood.
+
+They are still, however, objects of compassion, although under the
+circumstances incident to their situation they cannot be supposed to
+experience those poignant feelings of distress, which are peculiar to
+women who have moved in a higher sphere and who have been better
+educated.--
+
+_The whole may be estimated as follows:_
+
+  1. Of the class of Well Educated women it is
+     earnestly hoped the number does not exceed                  2,000
+
+  2. Of the class composed of persons above the rank
+     of Menial servants perhaps                                  3,000
+
+  3. Of the class who may have been employed as
+     Menial Servants, or seduced in very early life, it
+     is conjectured in all parts of the town, including
+     Wapping, and the streets adjoining the River,
+     there may not be less, who live wholly by Prostitution,
+     than                                                       20,000
+                                                                ------
+                                                                25,000
+
+  4. Of those in different ranks in Society, who live
+     partly by Prostitution, including the multitudes
+     of low females, who cohabit with labourers and
+     others without matrimony, there may be in all, in
+     the Metropolis, about                                      25,000
+                                                                ------
+                                                         Total  50,000
+
+When a general survey is taken of the Metropolis--The great numbers
+among the higher and middle classes of life, who live unmarried--The
+multitudes of young men yearly arriving at the age of puberty--The
+strangers who resort to the Metropolis--The seamen and nautical
+labourers employed in the Trade of the River Thames, who amount at
+least to 40,000--And the profligate state of Society in vulgar life,
+the intelligent mind will soon be reconciled to the statement, which
+at first view would seem to excite doubts, and require investigation.
+
+But whether the numbers of these truly unfortunate women are a few
+thousands less or more is of no consequence in the present discussion,
+since it is beyond all doubt, that the evil is of a magnitude that is
+excessive, and imperiously calls for a remedy.--Not certainly a remedy
+against the possibility of Female Prostitution, for it has already
+been stated, that it is a misfortune that must be endured in large
+societies.--All that can be attempted is, to divest it of the faculty
+of extending its noxious influence beyond certain bounds, and restrain
+those excesses and indecencies which have already been shewn to be so
+extremely noxious to society, and unavoidably productive of depravity
+and crimes.
+
+The Author is well aware, that he treads on tender ground, when in
+suggesting any measure, however salutary it may be in lessening the
+Calendars of Delinquency, _it_ shall have the appearance of giving a
+Public sanction to Female Prostitution.
+
+Under the influence of strong prejudices long rooted in the human
+mind, it may be in vain to plead _plus apud me ratio valebit quam
+vulgi Opinio_.
+
+If however the political maxim be true--_Qui non vetat peccare, cum
+possit, jubet_--it certainly follows, that by suffering an evil to
+continue, when we have it in our power, in a great measure, to lessen
+or prevent it, we do _violence to reason_ and _to humanity_.--That a
+prudent and discreet regulation of Prostitutes in this great
+Metropolis, would operate powerfully, not only in gradually
+diminishing their numbers, but also in securing public morals against
+the insults to which they are exposed, both in the open streets and at
+places of public entertainment, cannot be denied.
+
+That young men in pursuit of their lawful business in the streets of
+this Metropolis, would be secured against that ruin and infamy, which
+temptations thus calculated to inflame the passions, have brought upon
+many, who might otherwise have passed through life as useful and
+respectable members of Society, is equally true:--While _frauds_,
+_peculations_ and _robbery_, often perpetrated for the purpose of
+supporting those unhappy women, with whom connections have been at
+first formed in the public streets (and in which they themselves are
+not seldom the chief instruments) would be prevented.
+
+Were such proper regulations once adopted, the ears and eyes of the
+wives and daughters of the modest and unoffending citizens, who cannot
+afford to travel in carriages, would no longer be insulted by gross
+and polluted language, and great indecency of behaviour, while walking
+the streets. Indeed it is to be feared, that the force of evil
+example, in unavoidably witnessing such scenes, may have debauched
+many females, who might otherwise have lived a virtuous and useful
+life.
+
+Whatever consequences might be derived from a total removal of
+Prostitutes (if such a measure could be conceived practicable) with
+respect to the wives and daughters, who compose the decent and
+respectable families in the Metropolis, this apprehension is allayed
+by the proposed measure. While virtue is secured against seduction,
+the misery of these unhappy females will also be lessened. Their
+numbers will be decreased, and a check will be given, not only to
+female seduction by the force of evil example, but to the extreme
+degree of depravity, which arises from the unbounded latitude which is
+at present permitted to take place, from the unavailing application of
+the laws, made for the purpose of checking this evil. If it were
+either politic or humane to carry them into effect, the state of
+society where such members are congregated together render it
+impossible.
+
+Although by the arrangement proposed, a kind of sanction would, in
+appearance, be given to the existence of Prostitution, no ground of
+alarm ought to be excited, if it shall be proved, that it is to lessen
+the mass of turpitude which exists; that it is to produce a solid and
+substantial good to the Community, which it is not possible to obtain
+by any other means.
+
+What therefore can rationally be opposed to such an arrangement? Not
+surely Religion, for it will tend to advance it: Not Morality, for the
+effect of the measure will increase and promote it; not that it will
+sanction and encourage what will prove offensive and noxious in
+society, since all that is noxious and offensive is by this
+arrangement to be removed.--Where then lies the objection?--_In vulgar
+prejudice only._--By those of inferior education, whose peculiar
+habits and pursuits have generated strong prejudices, this excuse may
+be pleaded; but by the intelligent and well-informed it will be
+viewed through a more correct medium.
+
+Ingenuous minds are ever open to conviction; and it is the true
+characteristic of virtuous minds, where they cannot overcome or
+destroy, to lessen as much as possible the evils of human life.
+
+To the numerous unhappy females in the Metropolis who live by
+Prostitution, this observation peculiarly applies.--The evil is such
+as must be endured to a certain extent--because by no human power can
+it be overcome; but it can certainly be very much diminished--perhaps
+only in one way--namely, _by prescribing rules_--"Thus far shall you
+go, and no farther"--the rules of decorum shall be strictly preserved
+in the streets and in public places. In such situations Women of the
+Town shall no longer become instruments of seduction and debauchery.
+
+It may be asked, will not all this promote the cause of religion and
+morality:--admitted; but could not this be done without giving the
+sanction of the Legislature to pursuits of infamy. The answer is
+obvious:--the Legislature has done every thing already short of this,
+to effect the object; but instead of promoting good, the evil has
+increased; and it is to be lamented _that it is daily increasing_.--Instead
+of the walks of Prostitutes being confined as formerly, to one or two
+leading streets in Westminster, they are now to be found in every part
+of the Metropolis--even within the jurisdiction of the city of London;
+where the dangers arising from seduction are the greatest, they
+abound the most of all of late years.
+
+In adopting the proposed measure, the example of Holland may be
+quoted, where, under its former Government, the morals of the people
+in general were supposed the purest of any in Europe, while the Police
+System was considered as among the best. Italy has also long shown an
+example, where Prostitutes were actually Licensed, with a view to
+secure Chastity against the inroads of violence, and to prevent the
+Public eye from being insulted by scenes of lewdness and indecorum.
+
+Female Chastity, which is highly regarded by the natives of India, is
+preserved by rearing up a certain class of females, who are under the
+conduct of discreet Matrons, in every town and village; and with whom,
+under certain circumstances, an indiscriminate intercourse is
+permitted--a measure of political necessity. Their morals, however, in
+other respects are strictly guarded, and their minds are not
+susceptible of that degree of depravity which prevails in Europe. They
+are taught the accomplishments of singing and dancing--they exhibit at
+public entertainments, and are even called upon to assist at religious
+ceremonies.
+
+The unrestrained latitude which is permitted to unfortunate females in
+this Metropolis, is certainly an inlet to many crimes.
+
+The places of resort in Summer, and particularly the Public Gardens,
+which were formerly an innocent relaxation to sober and discreet
+families, can now no longer be attended with comfort or satisfaction,
+from the offensive manners of the company who frequent such places.
+
+It is not that the Gardens are in themselves a nuisance, or that to
+the inferior exhibitions any blame is to be imputed; for both might be
+rendered the medium of that rational recreation so necessary both for
+the health and comfort of the middling or lower ranks of the people,
+to whom _policy_ and _reason_ must admit occasional amusements are
+necessary.--If so, what can be more innocent, or better calculated for
+health and occasional recreation than the assemblage of decent people
+in a Tea Garden?--
+
+Many of them, however, have been shut up, and this recreation denied
+to the people, because Prostitutes resorted to those places; insulted
+public morals,--promoted lewdness and debauchery, and banished modest
+and decent families.
+
+This, if the true cause was developed, is not to be imputed to the
+place, which in itself was favourable to the innocent amusement of the
+people, but to a deficiency in the Police System.--It was not the
+Gardens nor their Keepers that offended.--The evil arose from the want
+of proper regulations, to restrain these excesses and to keep them
+within bounds.
+
+Such places of resort under appropriate Police regulations, might be
+rendered a considerable source of revenue to the State, while they
+added greatly to the comfort and innocent recreation of the
+People.--By shutting up the Gardens the People are driven to the
+Ale-houses, where both air and exercise, so necessary to health, are
+denied them, and where the same excesses often prevail, tending in a
+still greater degree, to the corruption of morals.
+
+Wherever multitudes of people are collected together, as in a great
+Metropolis like London, amusements become indispensably
+necessary.--And it is no inconsiderable feature in the science of
+Police to encourage, protect, and controul such as tend to innocent
+recreation, to preserve the good humour of the Public, and to give the
+minds of the People a right bias.
+
+This is only attainable through the medium of a well-regulated
+Police.--It is perfectly practicable to render Public Gardens as
+innocent and decorous as a Private Assembly: although under the
+present deficient System they are the greatest of all nuisances.--Decent
+and respectable families are compelled to deny themselves the
+privilege of visiting them, because no restraint is put upon
+indecency, and vice reigns triumphant.
+
+It is because things are either done by halves, or nothing is done at
+all to secure the privileges of innocence, that the sober and harmless
+part of the community are compelled to forego those recreations which
+contributed to their comfort: while the young and thoughtless,
+heedless of the consequences and inexperienced as to the effect, rush
+into the vortex of dissipation, and unable to discriminate, become
+victims to the licentiousness which is suffered to prevail.
+
+Since recreation is necessary to Civilized Society, all Public
+Exhibitions should be rendered subservient to the improvement of
+morals, and to the means of infusing into the mind a love of the
+Constitution, and a reverence and respect for the Laws.--How easy
+would it be under the guidance of an appropriate Police, to give a
+right bias through the medium of Public amusements to the dispositions
+of the People.--How superior this to the odious practice of besotting
+themselves in Ale-houses, hatching seditious and treasonable designs,
+or engaged in pursuits of the vilest profligacy, destructive to health
+and morals.
+
+Even the common Ballad-singers in the streets might be rendered
+instruments useful under the controul of a well-regulated Police, in
+giving a better turn to the minds of the lowest classes of the
+People.--They too must be amused, and why not, if they can be amused
+innocently.--If through this medium they can be taught loyalty to the
+Sovereign, love to their Country, and obedience to the Laws, would it
+not be wise and politic to sanction it?
+
+If in addition to this, moral lessons could occasionally be conveyed,
+shewing in language familiar to their habits, the advantages of
+_Industry and Frugality_--The pleasure of living independent of the
+Pawnbroker and the Publican--The disgrace and ruin attached to
+drunkenness and dishonesty, and the glory and happiness of a _good
+Husband_, a _good Father_, and _an honest Man_, might it not
+reasonably be expected, that in a religious as well as a moral point
+of view, advantages would be gained, while the people were both
+instructed and amused?
+
+Crimes have been generated in a considerable degree both by immoral
+and seditious books and songs.--It is true the laws are open to
+punishment. The road however to justice, with respect to the former,
+is circuitous and difficult, while in the latter case their execution
+is felt to be _harsh_, _severe_, and _ultimately ineffectual_: hence
+licentious and mischievous Publications prevail, and Ballad-singers
+are suffered often to insult decency, and to disseminate poison in
+every street in the Metropolis.
+
+Like many other evils they remain in spite of the statutes made to
+prevent them.--They were evils suffered centuries ago where the laws
+proved equally unavailing: but the state of society and manners
+rendered them less dangerous.
+
+In the Machine of Government there are many component parts where
+responsibility attaches;--_but with respect to objects of Police, it
+would seem at present to rest no where_, and hence is explained at
+once, the want of energy in the execution of our laws, and why so many
+excellent Statutes remain a dead letter.--To live encircled by _fears_
+arising from uncontrolled excesses of the human passions, either
+leading to turpitude or terminating in the commission of crimes, _is
+to live in misery_.--Police is an improved state of Society, which
+counteracts these excesses by giving energy and effect to the law. It
+is like the Mechanical power applied to an useful Machine, devoid of
+which, it remains without motion, or action, and without benefit.
+
+"Government," _says the benevolent Hanway_, "originates from the love
+of order.--Watered by Police it grows up to maturity, and in course of
+time spreads a luxuriant comfort and security.--Cut off its branches,
+and the mere trunk, however strong it may appear, can afford no
+shelter."
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. XIII.
+
+     _Indigence a cause of the increase of Crimes.--The System
+     with respect to the Casual Poor erroneous.--The miserable
+     condition of many who seek for an Asylum in the
+     Metropolis.--The unhappy State of broken-down Families, who
+     have seen better days.--The effect of Indigence on the
+     Offspring of the Sufferers.--The discovery of the Children
+     of unfortunate Families applying for Soup at the
+     Establishments.--The unparalleled Philanthropy of the
+     opulent Part of the Community.--Estimate of the Private and
+     Public Benevolence amounting to 850,000l. a year.--The
+     noble Munificence of the Merchants.--An Appeal to the
+     exalted virtue of the Opulent, who have come forward in acts
+     of Humanity.--The deplorable State of the Lower Ranks
+     attributed to the present System of the Poor Laws.--An
+     Institution to inquire into the Causes of Mendicity in the
+     Metropolis explained.--The State of the Casual Poor
+     resumed.--The abuses and inefficacy of the relief
+     received.--A new System proposed with respect to them and
+     Vagrants in the Metropolis.--Its advantages explained.--The
+     distinction between Poverty and Indigence explained.--The
+     Poor divided into five Classes, with suggestions applicable
+     to each.--The evil Examples in Workhouses a great cause of
+     the Corruption of Morals.--The Statute of 43 Elizabeth
+     considered.--The defective System of Execution
+     exposed--Confirmed by the opinion of Lord Hale.--A partial
+     Remedy proposed in respect to Vagrant and Casual Poor.--A
+     Public Institution recommended for the care of this class of
+     Poor, under the direction of three Commissioners.--Their
+     Functions explained.--A Proposition for raising a Fund of
+     5230l. from the Parishes for the support of the
+     Institution, and to relieve them from the Casual
+     Poor.--Reasons why the Experiment should be tried.--The
+     assistance of Sir Frederick Eden, and other Gentlemen of
+     talents, who have turned their thoughts to the Poor,
+     attainable.--The advantages which would result to the
+     Community, from the united Efforts of men of investigation
+     and judgment, previous to any final Legislative
+     Regulation.--Conclusion._
+
+
+Indigence, in the present state of Society, may be considered as a
+principal cause of the increase of Crimes.
+
+The System which prevails in the Metropolis, with respect to these
+unfortunate individuals who are denominated the _Casual Poor_, will be
+found on minute inquiry to be none of the least considerable of the
+causes, which lead to the corruption of morals, and to the
+multiplication of minor offences in particular.
+
+The number of persons, who with their families, find their way to the
+Metropolis, from the most remote quarters of Great Britain and
+Ireland, is inconceivable. In hopes of finding employment they incur
+an immediate and constant expence, for lodging and subsistence, until
+at length their little all is in the Pawnbrokers' shops, or sold to
+raise money for the necessaries of life. If they have been virtuously
+brought up in the country, despondency seizes upon their minds, in
+consequence of the disappointments and hardships, their adventurous or
+incautious conduct has doomed them to suffer; which as it applies to
+the most deserving of this class, who will not steal, and are ashamed
+to beg, often exceeds any thing that the human mind can conceive.
+
+Their Parochial Settlements are either at a great distance, or perhaps
+as natives of Scotland or Ireland, they are without even this
+resource. The expence of removing, as the Law directs, is too serious
+a charge to be incurred by the parish where accident has fixed them.
+They are treated with neglect and contumely by the parochial Officers;
+and even occasionally driven to despair. Willing to labour, but bereft
+of any channel or medium through which the means of subsistence might
+be procured. It is assigned to no person to hear their mournful tale,
+who might be able to place them in a situation, where they might gain
+a subsistence; and under such circumstances it is much to be feared,
+that not a few of them either actually perish for want, or contract
+diseases which ultimately terminate in premature death.
+
+Such is frequently the situation of the more decent and virtuous class
+of the labouring people, who come to seek employment in the
+Metropolis. The more profligate who pursue the same course have
+generally other resources. Where honest labour is not to be procured,
+they connect themselves with those who live by petty or more atrocious
+offences, and contribute in no small degree to the increase of the
+general phalanx of delinquents. The young female part of such families
+too often become prostitutes, while the males pursue acts of
+depredation upon the Public, by availing themselves of the various
+resources, which the defects in the Police System allow.
+
+In addition to the families who thus resort to the Capital, young men
+frequently wander up who have become liable to the penalties of the
+laws, in consequence of being unable to find security for the support
+of a natural Child in their own parish; or who perhaps have incurred
+the punishment due to some other offence.--Without money, without
+recommendations, and bereft of friends, and perhaps afraid of being
+known, they resort to low public houses, where they meet with thieves
+and rogues, who not unfrequently in this way recruit their gangs, as
+often as the arm of Justice diminishes their numbers.
+
+But it is to be lamented, that in contemplating the mass of indigence,
+which, in its various ramifications, produces distresses more
+extensive and more poignant than perhaps in any other spot in the
+world, (Paris excepted) its origin is to be traced in almost every
+rank of Society; and though sometimes the result of unavoidable
+misfortune, is perhaps more frequently generated by idleness,
+inattention to business, and indiscretion. But at all events, the tear
+of pity is due to the helpless and forlorn offspring of the criminal
+or indolent, who become objects of compassion, not only as it relates
+to their immediate subsistence; but much more with respect to their
+future situations in life. It is in the progress to the adult state,
+that the infants of parents, broken down by misfortunes, almost
+unavoidably learn, from the pressure of extreme poverty, to resort to
+devices which early corrupt their morals, and mar their future success
+and utility in life. Under the influence of these sad examples, and
+their necessary consequences, do many females become Prostitutes, who
+in other circumstances, might have been an ornament to their sex,
+while the males, by contracting early in life habits that are
+pernicious, become, in many instances, no less noxious to Society.
+Familiarized in infancy to the Pawnbroker's shop, and to other even
+less reputable means of obtaining temporary subsistence, they too soon
+become adepts in falsehood and deceit. Imperious necessity has given
+an early spring to their ingenuity. They are generally full of
+resource, which in good pursuits might render them useful and valuable
+members of the Community: but unhappily their minds have acquired a
+wrong bias, and they are reared insensibly in the walks of vice,
+without knowing, in many instances, that they are at all engaged in
+evil pursuits.
+
+In all these points of view, from indigence is to be traced the great
+Origin and the Progress of Crimes.
+
+In attending the different _Soup Establishments_ (where 50,000
+indigent families, at the expence of one halfpenny per head, have a
+meal furnished every day during the winter)[93] the Author has
+observed, with a mixture of pain and satisfaction, particularly at one
+of them, the children of unfortunate and reduced families, who, from
+their appearance, have moved in a higher sphere, the humble suitors
+for this frugal and nourishing aliment.
+
+[Footnote 93: See page 81 and 82 for an account of this Charity.]
+
+To have contributed in any degree to the relief of distress rendered
+painful in the extreme from the recollection of better days, is an
+ample reward to those benevolent individuals, who have joined in the
+support and conduct of an undertaking, of all others the most
+beneficial that perhaps was ever devised, for the purpose of assisting
+and relieving suffering humanity.
+
+While the wretchedness, misery and crimes, which have been developed,
+and detailed in this work, cannot be sufficiently deplored, it is a
+matter of no little exultation, that in no country or nation in the
+world, and certainly in no other Metropolis, does there exist among
+the higher and middle ranks of Society, an equal portion of
+Philanthropy and Benevolence.--Here are to be discovered the extremes
+of vice and virtue, strongly marked by the existing turpitude on one
+hand, and the noble instances of charitable munificence, displayed by
+the opulent part of the Community, on the other.
+
+Nothing can place this in a stronger point of view, and perhaps
+nothing will astonish strangers more than the following summary
+Estimate of the various Institutions, supported chiefly by Voluntary
+Contributions, in addition to the legal Assessments, all tending to
+ameliorate and better the condition of human life, under the
+afflicting circumstances of indigence and disease.[94]
+
+[Footnote 94: For a specific account of these Institutions, see the
+Chapter on Municipal Police.]
+
+ESTIMATE.
+
+  1. Asylums for the Relief of Objects of Charity             L.
+     and Humanity                                           30,000
+
+  2. Asylums and Hospitals, for the Sick, Lame, and
+     Diseased                                               50,000
+
+  3. Institutions for Benevolent, Charitable, and
+     Humane Purposes                                       205,000
+
+  4. Private Charities                                     150,000
+
+  5. Charity Schools for Educating the Poor                 10,000
+
+  6. To which add the annual Assessments for the
+     Poor Rates, paid by the Inhabitants of the
+     Metropolis and its Environs                           255,000
+
+  Total estimated amount of the annual Sums paid
+  for the support and benefit of the Poor in the         ---------
+  Metropolis, &c.                                        L.700,000
+
+  7. Besides the endowed Establishments, for which
+     the Poor are chiefly indebted to our Ancestors        150,000
+                                                         ---------
+                                                  Total  L.850,000
+
+In addition to this, it is highly proper to mention the noble
+benevolence, which has been displayed by the Opulent of all ranks, but
+particularly the Merchants, in the very large sums which have been, at
+various times, subscribed for the relief of the brave men, who have
+been maimed and wounded, and for the support of the widows, orphans,
+and relations of those who have meritoriously lost their lives in
+fighting the battles of their country.
+
+Such exalted examples of unbounded munificence the history of no other
+nation records.
+
+It is to this source of elevated virtue, and nobleness of mind, that
+an appeal is made, on the present occasion, in behalf of those unhappy
+fellow-mortals; who, in spite of the unexampled liberality which has
+been displayed, still require the fostering hand of Philanthropy.
+
+The cause of these distresses has been explained; and also the evils
+which such a condition in human life entails upon Society. It is not
+pecuniary aid that will heal this _gangrene_: this _Corruption of
+Morals_. There must be the application of a correct System of Police,
+calculated to reach the root and origin of the evil.--Without
+_System_, _Intelligence_, _Talents_, and _Industry_, united in all
+that relates to the affairs of the Poor, millions may be wasted as
+millions have already been wasted, without bettering their condition.
+In all the branches of the Science of Political Oeconomy, there is
+none which requires so much skill and knowledge of men and manners, as
+that which relates to this particular object: and yet, important as it
+is to the best interests of the Community, the management of a
+concern, in which the very foundation of the national prosperity is
+involved, is suffered to remain, as in the rude ages, when Society had
+not assumed the bold features of the present period,--in the hands of
+changeable, and in many instances, unlettered agents; wholly
+incompetent to a task at all times nice and difficult in the
+execution, and often irksome and inconvenient.
+
+One great feature of this evil, on which it is deplorable to reflect,
+is, that nearly one million of the inhabitants of a country, the
+utmost population of which is supposed to be short of nine millions,
+should be supported in part or in whole by the remaining eight.
+
+In spite of all the ingenious arguments which have been used in favour
+of a System admitted to be wisely conceived in its origin, the effects
+it has produced incontestably prove, that with respect to the mass of
+the Poor, there is something radically wrong in the execution.
+
+If it were not so, it is impossible that there could exist in the
+Metropolis such an inconceivable portion of human misery, amidst
+examples of munificence and benevolence unparalleled in any age or
+country in the world.
+
+Impressed with these sentiments, so far as they apply to the state of
+indigence in the Metropolis, a design has been sanctioned by the
+_Benevolent Society for bettering the Condition of the Poor_, the
+object of which is to establish a department for inquiring into the
+history, life, and the causes of the distress of every person who asks
+relief in any part of the Metropolis: not with a view to support these
+unfortunate persons in idleness and vice; but to use those means which
+talents, attention, and humanity can accomplish--(means which are
+beyond the reach of parochial officers), for the purpose of enabling
+them to assist themselves.[95]
+
+[Footnote 95: An office has for some time past been instituted under
+the direction of _Mathew Martin, Esq._ assisted by one or two
+philanthropic individuals, for inquiring into cases and causes of
+distress.--The generality of the poor persons have been invited to the
+office by the distribution of tickets, directing them when and where
+they are to apply. On such occasions a small relief has been afforded,
+arising from a fund constituted by private benevolence;--but the chief
+advantage which these poor people have derived has been from the
+consolatory advice given them, and still more from the assistance
+afforded by the indefatigable industry, and laudable zeal of Mr.
+Martin, in getting those into workhouses who have parochial
+settlements in the Metropolis, or assisting in procuring the means of
+passing them to their parishes, where such settlements are in the
+country. Seasonable pecuniary relief has been also extended in certain
+cases, and small loans of money, made to enable those who are able to
+work to redeem their apparel, and tools to rescue them from
+despondence, and to help themselves by their own labour, in such
+employments as they could either themselves obtain, or as could be
+procured for them.
+
+From the beginning of the year 1796 to the end of the year 1797, Mr.
+Martin investigated the cases of 120 poor persons, who attended him in
+consequence of the tickets which were distributed.--Of these 21 were
+men; the greater part maimed or disabled by age or sickness, only two
+of whom had any legal settlement in London.--Of the women, 99 in
+number, 48 were widows, about one-third were aged--some crippled, and
+others distressed for want of work, while many were embarrassed by
+ignorance of the mode of obtaining parochial relief, or by the fear of
+applying for it--of the wives, in most cases, the difficulty arose
+from want of work or incapacity of doing it, on account of a child in
+arms. There were cases of very great distress. Above half had two or
+more children. Some of them infants, and the chief part too young to
+work. Of the women 24 claimed settlements in London and
+Westminster--33 in different parts of England--22 belonged to Scotland
+and Ireland, and the remaining 20 said they could give no account of
+their place of settlement. In most instances by an application to
+their parishes, and in some to their friends, Mr. Martin was enabled
+to obtain effectual relief to all of them; the gift of a little food,
+and hearing their melancholy story, afforded some comfort; and had a
+small fund been appropriated to this object, it might have been
+possible to have enabled those who were in health to have earned a
+livelihood. See 12th Report of the _Society for bettering the
+Condition of the Poor_.]
+
+In the Metropolis the Magistrates interfere very little in parochial
+relief, except when appeals are made to them in particular cases, or
+when called upon to sign orders of removal, which is generally done as
+a matter of course. Hence it is that the poor are left almost entirely
+to the management of the Parochial Officers for the time being, who
+frequently act under the influence of ignorance or caprice, or are
+irritated by the impudent importunity of the profligate Gin-drinking
+poor. These Officers also, it is to be remembered, have private
+affairs which necessarily engage the chief part of their attention,
+and are frequently no less incapable than unwilling to enter on those
+investigations which might enable them to make the proper
+discriminations: the modest and shame-faced poor are thus frequently
+shut out from relief, while the vociferous and idle succeed in
+obtaining pecuniary assistance, which is soon improvidently
+dissipated.
+
+The distress which is thus shewn to prevail, by no means arises from
+the want of competent funds:--the misfortune is, that from the nature
+of the present mode of management it is not possible to apply these
+funds beneficially for the proper relief of those for whom they were
+intended. A much more moderate assessment, under a regular and proper
+management, would remove great part of the evil.
+
+The expence of the class of persons denominated _Casual Poor_, who
+have no settlement in any parish in the Metropolis, amounts to a large
+sum annually.--In the united parishes of St. Giles in the Fields, and
+St. George, Bloomsbury, this expence amounted to 2000_l._ in the year
+1796. It arose from the support of about 1200 poor natives of Ireland,
+who but for this aid must have become vagrants. The shocking abuse of
+the vagrant passes previous to the year 1792, produced the Act of the
+32 Geo. III. cap. 45. which requires that Rogues and Vagabonds should
+be first publicly whipt, or confined seven days in the House of
+Correction, (females to be imprisoned only, and in no case whipped)
+before they are passed, as directed by the Act of the 17 Geo. II. c.
+5. Hence it is that so many who are either on the brink of vagrancy
+or have actually received alms, are permitted to remain a burden on
+the parishes; the Magistrates being loth to incur the charge of
+inhumanity, by strictly following the letter of the Act, in whipping
+or imprisoning poor miserable wretches, whose indigence have rendered
+relief necessary.
+
+In all the 146 parishes within and without the walls, including the
+Bills of Mortality, &c. it is not improbable that the casual charity
+given in this way may amount to 10,000_l._ a year.
+
+The loose manner in which it is given, and the impossibility either of
+a proper discrimination, or of finding in the distributing these
+resources, that time for investigation which might lead to the solid
+benefit of the Pauper, by restoring him to a capacity of earning his
+own livelihood, makes it highly probable that instead of being useful,
+this large sum is perhaps hurtful, to the major part of the poor who
+receive it. The trifle they receive, from being injudiciously given,
+and frequently to get rid of the clamour and importunity of the most
+profligate, is too often spent immediately in the Gin-shop.--No
+inquiry is made into the circumstances of the family--No measures are
+pursued to redeem the apparel locked up in the Pawnbrokers' shop,
+although a small sum would frequently recover the habiliments of a
+naked and starving family--no questions are asked respecting the means
+they employ to subsist themselves by labour; and no efforts are used
+to procure employment for those who are willing to labour, but have
+not the means of obtaining work.
+
+Hence it is that poverty, under such circumstances, contributes in no
+small degree to the multiplication of crimes. The profligate thus
+partly supported, too often resorts to pilfering pursuits to fill up
+the chasm, and habits of idleness being once obtained, labour soon
+becomes irksome.
+
+Why should not the whole nation, but particularly the Metropolis, be
+considered, so far at least as regards the vagrant and casual Poor, as
+one family, and be placed under the review of certain persons who
+might be considered as worthy of the trust, and might devote their
+time sedulously to that object?--Were such an establishment,
+instituted, and supported in the first instance by a sum from each
+parish, equal to the casual relief they have each given on an average
+of the five preceding years, with power to employ this fund in
+establishing Houses of Industry, or Work-rooms, in various parts of
+the Metropolis, where the Poor should receive the whole of their
+earnings and a comfortable meal besides:--it is highly probable that
+while the expence to the parishes would gradually diminish, beggary
+would be annihilated in the Metropolis--the modest and deserving Poor
+would be discovered and relieved, while the idle and profligate, who
+resorted to begging as a trade, would be compelled to apply to honest
+labour for their subsistence.
+
+This is a point in the political oeconomy of the Nation highly
+important, whether it relates to the cause of humanity or to the
+morals of the people, upon which all good Governments are
+founded.--That such an institution is practicable is already proved
+from the partial experiments that have been made. That the advantages
+resulting from it would be great beyond all calculation, is too
+obvious to require elucidation.
+
+While it operated beneficially to the lower classes of the people and
+to the State, it would relieve Parochial Officers of a very irksome
+and laborious task, perhaps the most disagreeable that is attached to
+the office of an Overseer in the Metropolis.
+
+To give this branch of Police vigor and effect, the aid of the
+Legislature would be necessary; which would be easily obtained when
+the measure itself was once thoroughly understood, and it could not
+then fail to be as popular as it would unquestionably be useful.
+
+They who from their habits of life have few opportunities of
+considering the state of the Poor, are apt to form very erroneous
+opinions on the subject.
+
+By _the Poor_ we are not to understand the whole mass of the people
+who support themselves by labour; for those whose necessity compels
+them to exercise their industry, become by their poverty the actual
+pillars of the State.
+
+Labour is absolutely requisite to the existence of all Governments;
+and as it is from the Poor only that labour can be expected, so far
+from being an evil they become, under proper regulations, an
+advantage to every Country, and highly deserve the fostering care of
+every Government. It is not _Poverty_ therefore, that is in itself an
+evil, while health, strength, and inclination, afford the means of
+subsistence, and while work is to be had by all who seek it.--The evil
+is to be found only in _Indigence_, where the strength fails, where
+disease, age, or infancy, deprives the individual of the means of
+subsistence, or where he knows not how to find employment when willing
+and able to work.
+
+In this view _the Poor_ may be divided into five Classes:--
+
+     _The first Class_ comprehends what may be denominated _the
+     useful Poor_, who are able and willing to work--who have
+     already been represented as the pillars of the State, and
+     who merit the utmost attention of all Governments, with a
+     direct and immediate view of preventing their _poverty_ from
+     descending unnecessarily into _indigence_. As often as this
+     evil is permitted to happen, the State not only loses an
+     useful subject, but the expence of his maintenance must be
+     borne by the Public.--The great art, therefore, in managing
+     the affairs of the Poor, is to establish Systems whereby the
+     poor man, verging upon indigence, may be propped up and kept
+     in his station. Whenever this can be effected, it is done
+     upon an average at one-tenth of the expence at most that
+     must be incurred by permitting a family to retrograde into
+     a state of indigence, where they must be wholly maintained
+     by the Public, and where their own exertions cease in a
+     great measure to be useful to the Country.
+
+     _The second Class_ comprehends the _vagrant Poor_, who are
+     able but not willing to work, or who cannot obtain
+     employment in consequence of their bad character. This class
+     may be said to have descended from poverty into beggary, in
+     which state they become objects of peculiar attention, since
+     the State suffers not only the loss of their labour, but
+     also of the money which they obtain by the present
+     ill-judged mode of giving charity. Many of them, however,
+     having become mendicants, more from necessity than choice,
+     deserve commiseration and attention, and nothing can promote
+     in a greater degree the cause of humanity, and the real
+     interest of the Metropolis, than an establishment for the
+     employment of this class of indigent Poor, who may be said
+     at present to be in a very deplorable state, those only
+     excepted who make begging a profession. It is only by a
+     plan, such as has been recommended, that the real indigent
+     can be discovered from the vagrant, and in no other way is
+     it possible to have that distinct and collected view of the
+     whole class of beggars in the Metropolis, or to provide the
+     means of rendering their labour (where they are able to
+     labour) productive to themselves and the State.--And it may
+     be further added with great truth, that in no other way is
+     it possible to prevent the offspring of such mendicants from
+     becoming _Prostitutes_ and _Thieves_.
+
+     If, therefore, it is of importance to diminish crimes, and
+     to obstruct the progress of immorality, this part of the
+     Community ought to be the peculiar objects of a branch of
+     the National Police, where responsibility would secure an
+     accurate execution of the System. This measure ought to
+     begin in the Metropolis as an experiment, and when fully
+     matured might be extended with every advantage to the
+     Country.
+
+     _The third Class_ may be considered under the denomination
+     of the _Indigent Poor_, who from want of employment,
+     _sickness, losses_, insanity or disease, are unable to
+     maintain themselves.
+
+     In attending to this description of Poor, the first
+     consideration ought to be to select those who are in a state
+     to re-occupy their former station among the labouring Poor;
+     and to restore them to the first class as soon as possible,
+     by such relief as should enable them to resume their former
+     employments, and to help themselves and families.
+
+     Where insanity, or temporary disease, or infirmity actually
+     exist, such a course must then be pursued as will enable
+     such weak and indigent persons, while they are supported at
+     the expence of the Public, to perform such species of
+     labour, as may be suited to their peculiar situations,
+     without operating as a hardship, but rather as an
+     amusement. In this manner it is wonderful how productive the
+     exertions of even the most infirm might be rendered.--But it
+     must be accomplished under a management very different,
+     indeed, from any thing which prevails at present.
+
+     _The fourth Class_ comprehends the _aged and infirm_, who
+     are entirely past labour, and have no means of
+     support.--Where an honest industrious man has wasted his
+     strength in labour and endeavours to rear a family, he is
+     well entitled to an asylum to render the evening of his life
+     comfortable. For this class the gratitude and the humanity
+     of the Community ought to provide a retreat separate from
+     the profligate and vagrant Poor. But, alas! the present
+     System admits of no such blessing.--The most deserving most
+     submit to an indiscriminate intercourse in Workhouses with
+     the most worthless: whose polluted language and irregular
+     conduct, render not a few of those asylums as great a
+     punishment to the decent part of the indigent and infirm as
+     a common prison.
+
+     _The fifth Class_ comprises the _Infant Poor_, who from
+     extreme indigence, or the death of parents, are cast upon
+     the public for nurture. One fifth part of the gross number
+     in a London Workhouse is generally composed of this class.
+     Their moral and religious education is of the last
+     importance to the Community. They are the children of the
+     Public, and if not introduced into life, under circumstances
+     favourable to the interest of the State, the error in the
+     System becomes flagrant.--Profligate or distressed parents
+     may educate their children ill; but when those under the
+     charge of Public Institutions are suffered to become
+     depraved in their progress to maturity, it is a dreadful
+     reproach on the Police of the Country.--And yet what is to
+     be expected from children reared in Workhouses, with the
+     evil examples before them of the multitudes of depraved
+     characters who are constantly admitted into those
+     receptacles? Young minds are generally more susceptible of
+     evil than of good impressions; and hence it is that the
+     rising generation enter upon life with those wicked and
+     dangerous propensities, which are visible to the attentive
+     observer in all the walks of vulgar life in this great
+     Metropolis.
+
+The limits of this Treatise will not permit the Author to attempt more
+than a mere outline on the general subject of the Poor; a System of
+all others the most difficult to manage and arrange with advantage to
+the Community; but which is at present unhappily entrusted to the care
+of those least competent to the task.
+
+The principle of the Statute of the 43d of Elizabeth is certainly
+unobjectionable; but the execution, it must be repeated, is defective.
+In short, no part of it has been effectually executed, but that which
+relates to raising the assessments. It is easy to make Statutes; but
+omnipotent as Parliament is said to be, it cannot give _knowledge_,
+_education_, _public spirit_, _integrity_ and _time_, to those
+Changeable Agents whom it has charged with the execution of the Poor
+Laws.
+
+In the management of the affairs of the State, the Sovereign wisely
+selects men eminent for their talents and integrity:--Were the choice
+to be made on the principle established by the Poor Laws, the Nation
+could not exist even a single year.
+
+In the private affairs of life, the success of every difficult
+undertaking depends on the degree of abilities employed in the
+management. In the affairs of the Poor, the most arduous and intricate
+that it is possible to conceive, and where the greatest talents and
+knowledge is required, the least portion of either is supplied. How
+then can we expect success?--The error is not in the original design,
+which is wise and judicious. The 43d of Elizabeth authorizes an
+assessment to be made for three purposes.
+
+     1st. To purchase Raw Materials to set the Poor to work, who
+     could not otherwise dispose of their labour.
+
+     2d. To usher into the world, advantageously, the Children of
+     poor people, by binding them apprentices to some useful
+     employment.
+
+     3d. To provide for the lame, impotent and blind, and others,
+     being poor and not able to work.
+
+Nothing can be better imagined than the measures in the view of the
+very able framers of this act: but they did not discover that to
+execute such a design required powers diametrically opposite to those
+which the law provided. The last two centuries have afforded a series
+of proof of the total inefficacy of the application of these powers,
+not only by the effects which this erroneous superintendence has
+produced; but also from the testimony of the most enlightened men who
+have written on the subject, from the venerable Lord Hale to the
+patriotic and indefatigable Sir Frederick Eden. But the strongest
+evidence of the mischiefs arising from this defective execution of a
+valuable System, is to be found in the Statute Books themselves.[96]
+
+[Footnote 96: In the Preamble of the Statute on 3 & 4 _William_ and
+_Mary_ _cap._ 11. and particularly Sec. 11 of that Act, in which the
+sense entertained by Parliament, of the shocking abuses of the Statute
+of Elizabeth, "through the unlimited power of Parish Officers," is
+very forcibly expressed--the truths there stated are found to have
+full force, even at the distance of more than a Century.]
+
+"The want of a due provision," says Lord Hale, "for the relief and
+education of the Poor in the way of _industry_, is what fills the
+gaols with Malefactors, the Country with idle and unprofitable
+persons, that consume the stock of the Kingdom without improving it;
+and that will daily increase even to a desolation in time--and this
+error, in the first concoction, is never remediable but by gibbets and
+whipping."
+
+That this will continue to be the case under any species of changeable
+management, however apparently correct in theory the System may be,
+must appear self-evident to every man of business and observation,
+whose attention has been practically directed to the general operation
+of the present mode in various parishes, and who has reflected deeply
+on the subject.
+
+But to return to the immediate object of inquiry, namely, the means of
+more effectually preventing the numerous evils which arise from
+indigence and mendicity in the Metropolis, whether excited by idleness
+or extreme and unforeseen pressures: Under every circumstance it would
+seem impracticable without any burthen upon the Public, to provide for
+all such at least as are denominated Casual Poor (from whom the
+greatest part of this calamity springs) by adopting the following or
+some similar plan, under the sanction of Government, and the authority
+of the Legislature.
+
+     That a Public Institution shall be established in the
+     Metropolis, with _three Chief Officers_, who shall be
+     charged with the execution of that branch of the Police,
+     which relates to STREET BEGGARS, and those classes of Poor
+     who have no legal settlements in the Metropolis, and who now
+     receive casual relief from the different Parishes, where
+     they have fixed their residence for the time;--and that
+     these principal Officers, (who may be stiled _Commissioners
+     for inquiring into the Cases and Causes of the Distress of
+     the Poor in the Metropolis_) should exercise the following
+
+     FUNCTIONS:--
+
+     1st. To charge themselves with the relief and management of
+     the whole of the _Casual Poor_, who at present receive
+     temporary aid from the different Parishes, or who ask alms
+     in any part of the Metropolis or its Suburbs.
+
+     2d. To provide Work-rooms in various central and convenient
+     situations in the Metropolis, where persons destitute of
+     employment may receive a temporary subsistence for labour.
+     To superintend these work-houses, and become responsible for
+     the proper management.
+
+     3d. To be empowered to give temporary relief to prop up
+     sinking families, and to prevent their descending from
+     poverty to indigence, by arresting the influence of
+     despondency, and keeping the spirit of industry alive.
+
+     4th. To assist in binding out the Children of the Poor, or
+     the Unfortunate, who have seen better days, and preventing
+     the females from the danger of becoming Prostitutes, or the
+     males from contracting loose and immoral habits, so as if
+     possible to save them to their parents, and to the state.
+
+     5th. To open offices of inquiry in different parts of the
+     Metropolis, where all classes of indigent persons, who are
+     not entitled to parochial relief, will be invited to resort,
+     for the purpose of being examined, and relieved according
+     to the peculiar circumstances of the case.
+
+     6th. To exercise the legal powers, through the medium of
+     Constables, for the purpose of compelling all Mendicants,
+     and idle destitute Boys and Girls who appear in the streets,
+     to come before the Commissioners for examination; that those
+     whose industry cannot be made productive, or who cannot be
+     put in a way to support themselves without alms, may be
+     passed to their Parishes, while means are employed to bind
+     out destitute Children to some useful occupation.
+
+     7th. To keep a distinct Register of the cases of all
+     Mendicants or distressed individuals, who may seek advice
+     and assistance, and to employ such means for alleviating
+     misery, as the peculiar circumstances may suggest--never
+     losing sight of indigence, until an asylum is provided for
+     the helpless and infirm, and also until the indigent, who
+     are able to labour, are placed in a situation to render it
+     productive.
+
+     8th. That these Commissioners shall report their proceedings
+     annually, to his Majesty in Council, and to Parliament; with
+     abstracts, shewing the numbers who have been examined--How
+     disposed of--The earning of the persons at the different
+     Work-rooms--The annual expence of the Establishment;
+     together with a general view of the advantages resulting
+     from it; with the proofs of these advantages.
+
+Towards defraying the whole expence of this Establishment it is
+proposed, that (in lieu of the Casual Charity, paid at present by all
+the Parishes in the Metropolis, which under this System will cease,
+together with the immense trouble attached to it,) each Parish in the
+Metropolis shall pay into the hands of the Receiver of the Funds of
+this _Pauper Police Institution_, a sum equal to what was formerly
+disbursed in casual relief, which for the purpose of elucidation, is
+estimated as follows:--
+
+                                                         L.  _s._ _d._
+   97 Parishes within the Walls,
+      average 10_l._ each                                970  0    0
+
+   16 Parishes without the Walls, in London and
+      Southwark, average 60_l._ each                     960  0    0
+                                                     ---------------
+                                                     L.1,930  0    0
+
+   23 Out-parishes in Middlesex and Surry,
+      average 100_l._ each                             2,300  0    0
+
+   10 Parishes in Westminster,
+      average 100_l._ each                             1,000  0    0
+  ---                                                ---------------
+  146                                                L.5,230  0    0
+  ---
+
+This sum (which is supposed to be not much above one half of the
+average Annual disbursements of the 146 Parishes above-mentioned;
+especially since it has been shewn, that the expence in St. Giles' and
+St. George Bloomsbury alone, has been 2000_l._ in one year) will
+probably, with oeconomy and good management, be found sufficient for
+all the relief that is required; more especially as the object is not
+to maintain the indigent, but to put them in a way of supporting
+themselves by occasional pecuniary aids well and judiciously applied.
+
+The experiment is certainly worth trying. In its execution some of the
+most respectable and intelligent individuals in the Metropolis, would
+gratuitously assist the Commissioners, who as taking responsibility
+upon them, in the direction of a most important branch of Police,
+ought undoubtedly to be remunerated by Government, especially as it is
+scarcely possible to conceive any mode in which the Public money could
+be applied, that would be productive of such benefit to the State.
+
+If that utility resulted from the design, which may reasonably be
+expected, it would of course extend to other great towns, as the
+private _Soup Establishments_ have done, and the condition of the poor
+would undergo a rapid change. The destitute and forlorn would then
+have some means of communicating their distress, while information and
+facts of the greatest importance, to the best interests of Society,
+would spring from this source.
+
+With respect to the general affairs of the poor, much good would arise
+from consolidating the funds of all the parishes in the Metropolis.
+
+The poor for instance, who are supported from the parochial funds of
+Bethnal Green, and other distressed parishes in the eastern parts of
+the Metropolis, are the labourers of the citizens and inhabitants of
+the 97 Parishes within the Walls, who, although opulent pay little or
+nothing to the Poor, since the city affords no cottages to lodge them.
+
+Why, therefore, should not the inhabitants of the rich parishes
+contribute to the relief of the distresses of those who waste their
+strength in contributing to their _ease_, _comfort_, and _profit_? In
+several of the most populous Parishes and Hamlets in the eastern part
+of the Town, the Poor may actually be said to be assessed to support
+the indigent. In the very populous Hamlet of Mile-End New Town, where
+there is scarcely an inhabitant who does not derive his subsistence
+from some kind of labour, the rates are treble the assessments in
+Mary-le-bone, where opulence abounds. Nothing can exceed the
+inequality of the weight for the support of the Poor in the
+Metropolis; since where the demand is greatest, the means of supply
+are always most deficient and inadequate.
+
+Certain it is that the whole system admits of much improvement, and
+perhaps at no period, since the Poor Laws have attracted attention,
+did there exist so many able and intelligent individuals as at
+present, who have been excited by motives of patriotism and
+philanthropy, to devote their time to the subject.
+
+At the head of this most Respectable Group stands Sir FREDERICK EDEN;
+a gentleman, whose entrance into life, has been marked by a display of
+the most useful talents, manifested by an extent of labour and
+perseverance, in his elaborate work on the Poor, which may be said to
+be unparalleled in point of information, while it unquestionably
+exhibits the respectable Author as a character in whose patriotism and
+abilities the State will find a considerable resource, in whatever
+tends to assist his Country, or to improve the condition of Human
+Life.
+
+To the Lord Bishop of Durham, the Earl of Winchelsea, Count Rumford,
+Sir William Young, Thos. Ruggles, Esq. William Morton Pitt, Esq.
+Jeremy Bentham, Esq. Robert Saunders, Esq. Thomas Bernard, Esq.
+William Wilberforce, Esq. Rowland Burdon, Esq. the Rev. Dr. Glasse,
+the Rev. Thomas Gisburn, the Rev. Mr. Howlet, Mr. Davis, Mr. Townsend,
+Arthur Young, Esq. and William Sabatier, Esq. as well as several other
+respectable living characters, who have particularly turned their
+thoughts to the subject of the Poor, the Public are not only already
+much indebted, but from this prolific resource of judgment, talents,
+and knowledge, much good might be expected, if ever the period shall
+arrive when the revision of the Poor Laws shall engage the attention
+of the Legislature.
+
+The measure is too complicated to be adjusted by men, who have not
+opportunities or leisure to contemplate its infinite ramifications.
+
+It is a task which can only be executed with accuracy by those, who
+completely understand the subject as well in practice as in theory,
+and who can bestow the time requisite for those laborious
+investigations, which must be absolutely necessary to form a final
+opinion, and to report to Parliament what is most expedient, under all
+circumstances, to be done in this important National Concern.
+
+Happy is it for the country, that a resource exists for the attainment
+of this object, than which nothing can contribute, in a greater
+degree, to the prevention of Crimes, and to the general improvement of
+Civil Society.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. XIV.
+
+     _The state of the Police, with regard to the detection of
+     different classes of offenders, explained.--The necessity,
+     under the present circumstances, of having recourse to the
+     known Receivers of stolen Goods, for the purpose of
+     discovering Offenders, as well as the property stolen.--The
+     great utility of Officers of Justice as safeguards of the
+     Community.--The advantages to be derived from rendering them
+     respectable in the opinion of the Public. Their powers, by
+     the common and statute law, are extensive.--The great
+     antiquity of the Office of Constable, exemplified by
+     different Ancient Statutes.--The authority of Officers and
+     others explained, in apprehending persons accused of
+     felony.--Rewards granted in certain cases as encouragements
+     to Officers to lie vigilant:--The statutes quoted,
+     applicable to such rewards, shewing that they apply to ten
+     different offences.--The utility of parochial Constables,
+     under a well-organized Police, explained.--A fund for this
+     purpose would arise from the reduction of the expences of
+     the Police by the diminution of Crimes.--The necessity of a
+     competent fund explained.--The deficiency of the present
+     System exemplified in the effect of the presentments by
+     Constables to the Grand Inquest.--A new System
+     proposed.--The functions of the different classes of
+     Officers, explained.--Salaries necessary to all.--The System
+     of rewards, as now established, shewn to be radically
+     deficient; exemplified by the circumstance, that in 1088
+     prisoners, charged at the Old Bailey in one year, with 36
+     different offences, only 9 offences entitled the
+     apprehenders to any gratuity:--Improvements suggested for
+     the greater encouragement of Officers of Justice.--1043
+     Peace Officers in the Metropolis and its vicinity, of whom
+     only 90 are stipendiary Constables.--Little assistance to
+     be expected from Parochial Officers, while there exists no
+     fund for rewarding extraordinary services.--Great advantages
+     likely to result from rewarding all Officers for useful
+     services actually performed.--The utility of extending the
+     same gratuities to Watchmen and Patroles.--Defects and
+     abuses in the System of the Watch explained.--The number of
+     Watchmen and Patroles in the Metropolis estimated at
+     2044:--A general System of superintendance suggested.--A
+     view of the Magistracy of the Metropolis.--The efficient
+     duty shewn to rest with the City and Police
+     Magistrates.--The inconvenience of the present
+     System.--Concluding Observations._
+
+
+As it must be admitted, that the evils arising from the multiplied
+crimes detailed in the preceding Chapters, render a correct and
+energetic System of Police with regard to the _detection_,
+_discovery_, and _apprehension_ of offenders, indispensably necessary
+for the safety and well-being of Society; it follows of course, in
+the order of this Work, to explain _how this branch of the public
+service is conducted at present, the defects which are apparent,--and
+the means of improving the System_.
+
+When robberies or burglaries have been committed in or near the
+Metropolis, where the property is of considerable value, the usual
+method at present, is to apply to the City Magistrates, if in London;
+or otherwise, to the Justices at one of the Public Offices,[97] and to
+publish an Advertisement offering a reward on the recovery of the
+articles stolen, and the conviction of the offenders.[98]
+
+[Footnote 97: It is a well-known fact, that many persons who suffer by
+means of small Robberies, afraid of the trouble and expence of a
+prosecution, submit to the loss without inquiry; while others from
+being strangers to the laws, and to the proper mode of application,
+fall into the same mistake; this, by proving a great encouragement to
+thieves of every class, is of course an injury to the Public.--In all
+cases where robberies are committed, the parties sustaining the loss
+have only to inquire for the nearest Public Office, and apply there,
+and state the case to the sitting Magistrates, who will point out the
+proper mode of detection; every assistance through the medium of
+constables, will then be given for the purpose of recovering the
+property and apprehending the offenders.--The same assistance will be
+afforded by the Lord Mayor and Aldermen, sitting at the Mansion-house
+and Guildhall, whenever the offence is committed within the limits of
+the City of London.]
+
+[Footnote 98: It had been usual for many years previous to 1752, when
+robberies were committed, to make a composition of the felony, by
+advertising a reward to any person who would bring the property
+stolen, to be paid without asking any questions; but the pernicious
+consequences of recovering goods in this way from the encouragement
+such advertisements held out to thieves and robbers of every
+description, became so glaring and obvious, that an Act passed the
+25th year of George II. cap. 36. _inflicting a penalty of 50l. on
+any person_ (including the printer and publisher) _who shall publicly
+advertise a reward for the return of stolen goods with "no questions
+asked," without seizing the person producing the goods stolen:--or who
+shall offer to return to any pawnbroker, or other person, the money
+lent thereon, or any other reward for the return of the articles
+stolen_.]
+
+In many cases of importance, to the reproach of the Police, recourse
+is had to noted and known Receivers of stolen Goods for their
+assistance in discovering such offenders, and of pointing out the
+means by which the property may be recovered: this has on many
+occasions been productive of success to the parties who have been
+robbed; as well as to the ends of public justice; for however
+lamentable it is to think that Magistrates are compelled to have
+recourse to such expedients, yet while the present System continues,
+and while robberies and burglaries are so frequent, without the means
+of prevention, there is no alternative on many occasions _but to
+employ a thief to catch a thief_.
+
+It is indeed so far fortunate, that when the influence of Magistrates
+is judiciously and zealously employed in this way, it is productive in
+many instances of considerable success, not only in the recovery of
+property stolen, but also in the detection and punishment of atrocious
+offenders.
+
+Wherever activity and zeal are manifested on the part of the
+Magistrates, the Peace Officers, under their immediate direction,
+seldom fail to exhibit a similar desire to promote the ends of public
+justice. And when it is considered that these Officers, while they
+conduct themselves with purity, are truly _the safeguards of the
+Community_, destined to protect the Public against the outrages and
+lawless depredations of a set of miscreants, who are the declared
+enemies of the State, by making war upon all ranks of the body
+politic, who have property to lose;--they have a fair claim, while
+they act properly, to be esteemed as "_the civil defenders of the
+lives and properties of the People_."
+
+Every thing that can heighten in any degree the respectability of the
+office of _Constable_, adds to the security of the State, and the
+safety of the life and property of every individual.
+
+Under such circumstances, it cannot be sufficiently regretted that
+these useful constitutional officers, destined for the protection of
+the Public, have been (with a very few exceptions) so little regarded,
+so carelessly selected, and so ill supported and rewarded for the
+imminent risques which they run, and the services they perform in the
+execution of their duty.
+
+The common Law, as well as the ancient Statutes of the kingdom, having
+placed extensive powers in the hands of _Constables_ and _Peace
+Officers_;--they are, in this point of view, to be considered as
+_respectable_;--and it is the interest of the Community, that they
+should support that rank and character in society, which corresponds
+with the authority with which they are invested.--If this were
+attended to, men of credit and discretion would not be so averse to
+fill such situations; and those pernicious prejudices, which have
+prevailed in vulgar life, and in some degree among the higher ranks in
+Society, with regard to _thief-takers_, would no longer operate; for
+it is plain to demonstration, "_that the best laws that ever were made
+can avail nothing, if the Public Mind is impressed with an idea, that
+it is a matter of infamy, to become the casual or professional agents
+to carry them into execution_."
+
+This absurd prejudice against the office of Constable, and the small
+encouragement which the major part receive, is one of the chief
+reasons why unworthy characters have filled such situations; and why
+the public interest has suffered by the increase of crimes.
+
+The office of Constable is as old as the Monarchy of England;--and
+certainly existed in the time of the Saxons.[99]--The law requires
+that he should be _idoneus homo_: or in other words, _to have honesty
+to execute the office without malice, affection, or partiality;
+knowledge to understand what he ought to do; and ability, as well in
+substance or estate, as in body_, to enable him to conduct himself
+with utility to the public.
+
+[Footnote 99: Fineux.]
+
+The Statute of Winchester, made in the 13th year of Edward the First
+(anno 1285) appoints two Constables to be chosen in every Hundred; and
+such seems to have been the attention of the Legislature to the Police
+of the Country at that early period of our history, "_that suspicious
+night-walkers are ordered to be arrested and detained by the
+watch_."[100]
+
+[Footnote 100: Winton, chap. 4.]
+
+The Statute of 5 Edward III. _cap._ 14, (anno 1332) empowers
+Constables "_to arrest persons suspected of man-slaughter, felonies,
+and robberies, and to deliver them to the Sheriff, to be kept in
+prison till the coming of the Justices_:" and another Act of the 34th
+of the same reign, _cap._ 1, (made anno 1361,) empowers Justices,
+(_inter alia_) "_to inquire after wanderers, to arrest and imprison
+suspicious persons, and to oblige persons of evil fame to give
+security for good behaviour; so that the People may not be troubled by
+rioters, nor the peace blemished; nor Merchants and others travelling
+on the highways be disturbed or put in peril by such offenders_."
+
+By the common law, every person committing a felony may be arrested by
+any person whomsoever present at the fact, who may secure the prisoner
+in gaol, or carry him before a Magistrate,[101]--and if a prisoner
+thus circumstanced, resists and refuses to yield, those who arrest
+will be justified in the beating him,[102] or, in case of absolute
+necessity, even killing him.[103]
+
+[Footnote 101: Hale.]
+
+[Footnote 102: Pult. 10, a.]
+
+[Footnote 103: Hale.]
+
+In arresting persons on suspicion of a felony, actually committed,
+_common fame_ has been adjudged to be a reasonable cause.[104]
+
+[Footnote 104: Dalton.]
+
+There are four methods, known in law, by which Officers of Justice,
+as well as private individuals, may arrest persons charged with
+felony.--1. _By the warrant of a Magistrate._--2. _By an Officer
+without a warrant._--3. _By a Private Person without a warrant._--And
+4. _By Hue-and-Cry._[105]
+
+[Footnote 105: Blackstone.]
+
+When a warrant is received by an Officer, he is bound to execute it,
+so far as the jurisdiction of the Magistrate and himself extends.--But
+the _Constable_ having great original and inherent authority, may,
+_without warrant_, apprehend any person for a breach of the Peace: and
+in case of felony, _actually committed_, he may, on probable
+suspicion, arrest the felon: and for that purpose (as upon the warrant
+of a Magistrate,) he is authorised to break open doors, and even
+justified in killing the felon, if he cannot otherwise be taken.[106]
+
+[Footnote 106: Blackstone.]
+
+All persons present, when a felony is committed, are bound to arrest
+the felon, on pain of fine and imprisonment, if he escapes through
+negligence of the by-standers; who will (the same as a constable) in
+such case be justified in breaking open doors, to follow such felon,
+and even to kill him if he cannot be taken otherwise.[107]
+
+[Footnote 107: Blackstone.]
+
+The other species of arrest is called _Hue-and-Cry_, which is an
+_alarm raised in the country_ upon any felony being committed. This
+was an ancient practice in use as far back as the reign of Edward the
+First, (1285) by which, in the then infant state of society, it
+became easy to discover criminal persons flying from justice.
+
+However doubtful the utility of this ancient method of detecting
+offenders may be, in a great Metropolis, in the present extended state
+of Society, it is plain, that it has been considered as an important
+regulation of Police so late as the 8th George II. (1735;) since it
+was enacted in that year, (stat. 8, George II. cap. 16.) that the
+Constable who neglects making _hue-and-cry_, shall forfeit five
+pounds; and even the district is liable to be fined (according to the
+law of Alfred) if the felony be committed therein, and the felon
+escapes.[108] This, however, applies more particularly to the country,
+and where the practice cannot fail to be useful in a certain degree.
+
+[Footnote 108: Blackstone.]
+
+When a _hue-and-cry_ is raised, every person, by command of the
+Constable, must pursue the felon, on pain of fine and imprisonment.
+
+In this pursuit also, Constables may search suspected houses if the
+doors be open: _but unless the felon is actually in the house_, it
+will not be justifiable to use force; nor even then, except where
+admittance has been demanded and refused.
+
+A Constable, even without any warrant, may break open a door for the
+purpose of apprehending a felon; but to justify this measure, he must
+not only shew that the felon was in the house, but also that access
+was denied after giving notice that he was a Constable, and demanding
+admittance in that capacity.[109] In the execution of the warrant of a
+Magistrate, the Officer is certainly authorized to break open the
+doors of the felon, or of the house of any person where he is
+concealed.--The first is lawful under all circumstances; but forcibly
+entering the house of a stranger may be considered as a trespass, if
+the felon should not be there.[110]
+
+[Footnote 109: Hale.]
+
+[Footnote 110: Hale.]
+
+Such are the powers with which Constables are invested,--and which
+are, in many instances, enforced by penalties; that public justice may
+not be defeated.[111]
+
+[Footnote 111: It may not be improper in this place to hint, that
+there is a deficiency in the present state of the Law, which calls
+aloud for a remedy. None can be arrested on a Sunday, but for felony
+or breach of the peace (except in certain cases, where their guilt has
+been previously decided on, as in _Escape_, &c.) By this means
+Lottery-Vagrants, Gamblers, Sharpers, and Swindlers, bid defiance to
+the Civil Power on that day; while a person guilty of pushing or
+striking another in an accidental squabble, may be arrested and
+confined.]
+
+In addition to this, the wisdom of the Legislature, as an
+encouragement to officers and others to do their duty in apprehending
+and prosecuting offenders, has granted rewards in certain cases;
+_Namely_,
+
+  4 Will. & Mary,    1. For apprehending, and prosecuting           L.
+  c. 8; and 6        to conviction, every robber, on the
+  Geo. I. c. 23.     highway, including the streets of the
+                     Metropolis, and all other towns, a reward
+                     of 40_l._ besides the _horse_, _furniture_,
+                     _arms_, and _money_, of the said robber,
+                     if not stolen property: to be paid
+                     to the person apprehending, or if killed
+                     in the endeavour, to his Executors.            40
+
+                     And the Stat. 8 Geo. II. c. 16. superadds
+                     10_l._ to be paid by the Hundred
+                     indemnified by such taking.
+
+  6 & 7 Will. and    2. For apprehending, and prosecuting
+  Mary, c. 17;       to conviction every person who
+  and 15 & 16        shall have counterfeited, clipped, washed,[112]
+  Geo. II. c. 28.    filed, or diminished the current
+                     coin; or who shall gild silver to make
+                     it pass as gold, or copper, as silver,--or
+                     who shall utter false money, (being
+                     the third offence) or after being once
+                     convicted of being a common utterer,
+                     &c. a reward of                                40
+
+                     3. For apprehending, and prosecuting
+                     to conviction, every person counterfeiting
+                     copper money, a reward of                      10
+
+  10 and 11 Will.    4. For apprehending, and prosecuting
+  III. c. 23.        to conviction, every person privately
+                     stealing to the value of 5_s._ from any
+                     _shop_, _warehouse_, or _stable_, a Tyburn
+                     ticket,[113] average value, about              20
+
+  10 & 11 Will.      5. For apprehending, and prosecuting
+  III. c. 23.        to conviction, every person charged
+  5 Ann. c. 32.      with a burglary, a reward of 40_l._ (to
+                     the apprehender, or if killed, to his
+                     executors) in money, and a Tyburn
+                     ticket, 20_l._                                 60
+
+                     6. For apprehending, and prosecuting
+                     to conviction, every person charged
+                     with house-breaking in the day-time,
+                     40_l._ in money, and a Tyburn ticket           60
+
+                     7. For apprehending, and prosecuting
+                     to conviction, any person charged
+                     with horse-stealing, a Tyburn Ticket           20
+
+  6 Geo. I.          8. For apprehending, and prosecuting
+  c. 23.             with effect, a person charged with
+                     the offence of compounding a felony,
+                     by taking money to help a person to
+                     stolen goods, without prosecuting and
+                     giving evidence against the felon              40
+
+  14 Geo. II.        9. For apprehending, and prosecuting
+  c. 6.              with effect, a person charged with
+  15 Geo. II.        stealing, or killing to steal, any sheep,
+  c. 34.             lamb, bull, cow, ox, steer, bullock,
+                     heifer, or calf                                10
+
+  16 Geo. II.        10. For apprehending, and prosecuting
+  c. 15.             with effect, persons returning from
+  8 Geo. III.        transportation                                 20
+  c. 15.
+
+[Footnote 112: In consequence of some doubts which have been started
+relative to washed money, the reward in this case is not paid; it is
+confined entirely to the conviction of _Coiners_.]
+
+[Footnote 113: This is a Certificate which may be assigned _once_,
+exempting the person who receives it, or his immediate assignee, from
+all offices within the parish or ward where the felony was committed.
+In some parishes it will sell from 25_l._ to 30_l._ In others it is
+not worth above 15_l._ to 18_l._ according to local situation.]
+
+These rewards apply to ten different offences, and ought, no doubt, to
+be a considerable spur to Officers to do their duty; but it may be
+doubted whether this measure has not, in some degree, tended to the
+increase of a multitude of smaller crimes which are pregnant with the
+greatest mischiefs to Society.--It is by deterring men from the
+commission of _smaller_ crimes (says the Marquis Beccaria) that
+_greater_ ones are prevented.
+
+If small rewards were given in cases of _Grand Larceny_, (now very
+numerous,) as well as of several other felonies, frauds, and
+misdemeanors, a species of activity would enter into the system of
+detection, which has not heretofore been experienced.
+
+While rewards are limited to higher offences, and CONVICTION _is the
+indispensable condition upon which they are granted_, it is much to be
+feared that lesser crimes are overlooked; and the Public subjected, in
+many instances, to the intermediate depredations of a rogue, from his
+first starting upon the town until he shall be worth 40_l._
+
+This system of giving high rewards only on conviction, also tends to
+weaken evidence: since it is obvious that the Counsel for all
+Prisoners, whose offences entitle the Prosecutors and Officers to a
+reward, generally endeavour to impress upon the minds of the Jury an
+idea, that witnesses, who have a pecuniary interest in the conviction
+of any offender standing upon trial, are not, on all occasions,
+deserving of full credit, unless strongly corroborated by other
+evidence; and thus many notorious offenders often escape justice.
+
+By altering the system entirely, and leaving it in the breast of the
+Judge who tries the offence, to determine what reward shall be
+allowed, with a power to _grant_ or _withhold_, or to _limit_ and
+_increase the same_, according to circumstances connected with the
+trouble and risk of the parties, _whether there is a conviction or
+not_, a fairer measure of recompence would be dealt out;--the public
+money would be more beneficially distributed,[114] so as to excite
+general activity in checking every species of criminality;--and the
+objections, now urged against Officers and Prosecutors as interested
+witnesses, would, by this arrangement, be completely obviated.
+
+[Footnote 114: The expence to the Public for rewards paid by the
+Sheriffs of the different Counties for 12 years, from 1786 to 1797
+inclusive, appears from the Appendix of the 28th Report of the Select
+Committee on Finance, page 104, to stand thus:
+
+  1786               L.10,840
+  1787                 15,060
+  1788                  6,590
+  1789                  7,340
+  1790                  8,970
+  1791                  6,050
+                     --------
+                     L.54,850
+
+  1792                L.7,330
+  1793                  8,160
+  1794                  7,140
+  1795                  3,290
+  1796                  4,010
+  1797                  9,650
+                     --------
+                     L.39,580
+                     --------
+  Total in 12 years, L.94,430.]
+
+For the purpose of elucidating these suggestions, it may be useful to
+examine the different offences which constitute the aggregate of the
+charges made against criminals arraigned at the Old Bailey, in the
+course of a year.
+
+With this view the following statement is offered to the consideration
+of the Reader.--It refers to a period of profound peace (as most
+likely to exhibit a true average) and contains a register of the
+trials, published by authority, including eight sessions from
+September 1790 to 1791. From this it appears that 1088 prisoners were
+tried for different offences in that year, and that 711 were
+_discharged_! and yet, striking as this may appear, it may be asserted
+on good grounds, that the following melancholy Catalogue (extensive as
+it seems to be) does not probably contain even _one-tenth part_ of the
+offences which are actually committed!
+
+    6  For Treason in making false money                            L.
+       _A reward in money on conviction amounting for each to_      40
+
+   81  Highway Robberies
+       _A reward (besides the highwayman's property) for each_      40
+
+   41  Burglaries
+       _A reward 40l. besides a Tyburn ticket worth 20l._           60
+
+   10  House Breaking in the day time
+       _A reward 40l. besides a Tyburn ticket worth 20l._           60
+
+   23  Stealing goods to the value of 5_s._ from a shop, &c.
+       _A Tyburn ticket value as above, average_                    20
+
+    3  Coining Copper Money
+       _A reward in money_                                          10
+
+   17  Horse stealing
+       _A reward in a Tyburn ticket, average value_                 20
+
+   10  For Stealing Cattle and Sheep
+       _A reward in money_                                          10
+
+    2  Returning from Transportation
+       _A reward in money_                                          20
+  ---
+  193  Prisoners tried for offences entitling the apprehenders to
+  ---  rewards on conviction; and 895 also tried, for which
+       no rewards are allowed, _viz._
+
+   10  for Murders
+    4  Arson
+   10  Forgeries
+    2  Piracies
+    4  Rapes
+  642  Grand Larcenies[115]
+   32  Stealing privately from persons
+   13  Shop-lifting under 5_s._
+   16  Ripping and stealing Lead
+   12  Stealing Pewter Pots
+   22  Stealing from furnished Lodgings
+    1  Stealing Letters
+    1  Stealing a Child
+   22  Receiving Stolen Goods
+    9  for Dealing in and uttering base Money
+    1  Sodomy
+    7  Bigamy
+    6  Perjuries
+    6  Conspiracies
+    3  Fraudulent Bankrupts
+   15  Frauds
+    9  Misdemeanors
+    1  Assaulting, and cutting Clothes
+    1  Smuggling
+    7  Obstructing Revenue Officers
+    1  Wounding a Horse maliciously
+   38  Assaults
+  ---
+   89, Total.
+
+  193  For which rewards were paid.
+
+  445  Prisoners from the late Sheriffs.
+  ---
+  Aggregate number 1533
+
+[Footnote 115: Grand Larceny is defined to be a felonious and
+fraudulent taking away by any person, of the mere personal goods of
+another, above the value of _twelve pence_.--1 _Hawk. P.C._ _c._ 33. Sec.
+1.]
+
+  _Disposed of as follows, viz._
+
+  Executed                          32
+  Died                              25
+  Sent to the Hulks                  2
+  Transported                      517
+  Removed to other Prisons          95
+  Transferred to the new Sheriffs  151
+  Discharged upon the town         711
+                                  ----
+                                  1533
+
+Thus it appears that murders, as well as several other very atrocious
+crimes, are committed, where officers of justice are not entitled to
+any reward for their trouble and risque in apprehending the offenders.
+
+Receivers of stolen Goods in particular, who, as has been repeatedly
+stated, are _the nourishers and supporters of thieves_, and who, of
+all other offenders, are of that class where the greatest benefit to
+the public is to arise from their discovery and apprehension, seem to
+be totally overlooked.
+
+If it should be thought too loose a system to allow rewards _not
+exceeding a certain sum in any one case_, to be distributed according
+to the discretion of the Judges who try the offence; perhaps it might
+be possible _to form a scale of premiums_ from _one guinea up to fifty
+pounds_, which, by holding out certain encouragement _in all cases
+whatsoever_, might not only excite a desire on the part of men of some
+property and respectability to become Officers of Justice: but would
+create that species of _constant vigilance and attention_ to the means
+of apprehending every class of offenders, which cannot be expected at
+present, while the rewards are so limited.
+
+The _Officers of Justice_, (parochial and stipendiary) who are
+appointed to watch over the Police of the Metropolis and its environs,
+in keeping the peace, and in detecting and apprehending offenders,
+amount at present (as near as possible) to 1040 individuals, under
+five separate jurisdictions, _and are arranged as follows_:
+
+OFFICERS, &c.
+
+  _London, 1st._  { The City of London in   } City Marshals     2
+                  { 25 Wards, exclusive of  } Marshals' Men     6
+                  { Bridge Without.         } Beadles          36
+
+                                            { Principals       98
+                  Parochial Constables      { Substitutes     145
+                                            {                 --- 243
+                                            { Extra Officers   32
+                                                              --- 319
+
+  _Westminster,   { The City and Liberty    } High Constable    1
+  2d._            { of Westminster, 9       }
+                  { parishes and 2          } Parochial
+                  { precincts               }   Constables     70
+                                                              ---  71
+
+  _Middlesex,     { The Division of         } High Constable    1
+  3d._            { Holborn, in Middlesex,  } Parochial
+                  { joining the Metropolis, }   Constables &
+                  { in 13 parishes,         }   Headboroughs   78
+                  { liberties, and manors   }                  --  79
+                  {
+                  { The Division of         } High Constable    1
+                  { Finsbury, in Middlesex, } Parochial
+                  { joining the Metropolis  }   Constables &
+                  { 4 parishes and          }   Headboroughs   68
+                  { 1 liberty               }                  --  69
+                  {
+                  { The Division called     } High Constable    1
+                  { the Tower Hamlets,      } Parochial
+                  { including the eastern   }   Constables &
+                  { part of the Metropolis, }   Headboroughs  217
+                  { and comprehending 10    }                 --- 218
+                  { parishes, 4 hamlets, 1  }
+                  { liberty, and            }
+                  { 2 precincts             }
+
+  _Tower Liberty, { The liberty of the      } High Constable    1
+  4th._           { Tower of London,        } Constables &
+                  { being a separate        }   Headboroughs   16
+                  { jurisdiction            }                  --  17
+
+                  The Division of           } High Constable
+                  Kensington, Chelsea, &c.  } Parochial
+                  comprehending 2 parishes  }   Constables &
+                  and 3 hamlets             }   Headboroughs  ---  22
+
+  _Surry, 5th._   { The Borough of          } High Constable    1
+                  { Southwark, &c.          } Constables       87
+                  { comprehending 9         }                  --  88
+                  { Parishes.               }
+                                                                  ---
+                                        Total Parochial Officers  883
+
+  To which are to be added the stated Officers of Police,
+  specially appointed for the purpose of preventing crimes,
+  and of detecting and apprehending offenders.
+
+  1. The establishment at Bow-Street, under the
+  direction of the three Magistrates presiding at
+  that Office, viz. Constables                                  6
+
+  and (under the direction of Sir W. ADDINGTON,
+  Knt.) Patroles for the Road                                  68
+                                                               --  74
+
+  2. The establishment of seven Public Offices by
+  the Act of the 32d of his present Majesty,
+  cap. 53, under the direction of three Magistrates
+  at each Office, viz.
+
+  Constables at the Public Office, Queen-Square                 6
+                                   Marlborough-St.              6
+                                   Hatton Garden                6
+                                                               --
+                                                               18
+
+  Constables at the Public Office, Worship-Street               6
+                                   Whitechapel                  6
+                                   Shadwell                     6
+                                   Union Hall, Southw.          6
+                                                               --  42
+                                                                  ---
+                             Total Civil Force in the Metropolis  999
+
+  To which add the Civil Force of the Thames Police
+  Establishment;[116] established in July 1798,
+  under the sanction of Government                                 41
+                                                                 ----
+                                                          Total  1040
+
+[Footnote 116: The Thames Police Establishment fluctuates according to
+the Season of the year, and the number of West India ships on the
+River.--
+
+  The permanent force in House Constables, Boat Surveyors,
+  and Water Officers, &c. is                                       41
+
+  The fluctuating Civil Force in { Ship Constables                150
+                                 { Quay Guards                     30
+                                                                  ---
+  Total Civil Force of the Marine Police Establishment
+  when the West-India Fleets are in port                          221]
+
+Of these 1040 Officers the Reader will observe, that only 89
+(exclusive of the thirty-two extra officers in the City of London; and
+the sixty-eight patroles at Bow-street; making in the whole no more
+than 189,) _are Stipendiary Officers_, particularly pledged to devote
+their whole time to the service of the Public:--and hence a question
+arises, Whether so small a number are sufficient for the purpose of
+watching and detecting the hordes of villains who infest the
+Metropolis, and who must be considerably increased on the return of
+peace?
+
+Little assistance can be expected under the present System from
+parochial officers; who, depending on their daily labour principally
+for their support, can afford to devote no more time than is
+absolutely necessary for their indispensable duties, during the 12
+months they are in office: and more especially since Magistrates have
+no power, or funds, to remunerate such parochial officers for
+extraordinary exertions in the Public service, however meritorious
+they may be;--hence it is, that their zeal and activity are checked in
+many instances; when under proper regulations (such as are hereafter
+suggested) and subject to a certain degree of control and discipline,
+and properly remunerated for their services they might be rendered
+extremely useful. These facts, joined to the further elucidation of
+this particular branch of the subject, it is earnestly to be hoped,
+may produce an arrangement of more _energy_ and _effect_ than exists
+under the present system.
+
+Officers of Justice, who are subjected not only to considerable risks,
+but also to want of rest, and to the inconvenience of being exposed
+much in the night-time, ought certainly to be liberally paid; so as to
+make it an object to _good_ and _able men_ even to look up to such
+situations.
+
+It having been thus shewn that the Stipendiary Constables are so
+inconsiderable in point of numbers, and their duty confined to
+particular objects, it follows that on the parochial officers the
+Public ought, in a considerable degree, to depend for the general
+prevention of offences, and particularly for defeating the crafty and
+iniquitous devices which are resorted to for the purpose of evading
+the operation of justice.--These men also from their local knowledge
+are, or ought to be, best qualified to procure accurate information,
+and to supply what may be necessary to enable Magistrates to discharge
+their duty with advantage to the Community, and by this means they
+might be rendered useful auxiliaries to the existing Police.
+
+It would seem, therefore, of the highest importance that arrangements
+should be formed, calculated to give to these constitutional
+safe-guards of the peaceful subject, that utility, energy, and effect,
+which originally resulted from the exercise of their functions,--which
+the present state of Society imperiously calls for, and without which
+the preventive System of Police can never be effectual.
+
+On looking accurately into the nature and effect of the institution of
+Constables, it will be found that the vigor and efficacy of the Civil
+Power, the security of innocence,--the preservation of good order, and
+the attainment of justice, depend in a great measure on the accuracy
+of the System, with respect to these Officers assigned to keep the
+peace in the respective parishes of the Metropolis; and it is because
+the original spirit of the design has been, in so many instances,
+abandoned that crimes have multiplied, and that the public are so
+insecure.
+
+The evil, however, admits of practicable remedies, which the
+Superintending Board of Police, recommended by the Select Committee
+of the House of Commons, might considerably facilitate, by methodizing
+the general design, and giving strength, intelligence, and uniformity
+to the whole.
+
+Preparatory to this object, however, the System in the respective
+parishes must be greatly improved, before a co-operation can be
+expected that will prove extensively beneficial to the Public.
+
+The first step to be pursued, is to establish a fund for the
+remuneration of Constables of every description. It will not be
+difficult to demonstrate that a resource may be found for this
+purpose, which will not impose any new burden on the Country, provided
+these Officers do their duty.
+
+The enormous expence at present incurred, and which is either defrayed
+from the County Rates, or the general Revenue of the Country, arises
+chiefly after offenders are detected and punished. Out of 234,153_l._
+a year stated by the Committee on Finance, to be the annual amount of
+the Police expences, only 26,183_l._ is incurred previous to
+detection.--By diminishing crimes, therefore, the chief part of the
+burden upon the Country will be taken away; and hence in this saving
+will be established a resource for the remuneration of those who may
+contribute to so important an object.
+
+The present expenditure of the County Rates for criminal offences, is
+estimated to amount to 50,000_l._ a year. In proportion as offences
+diminish, through the medium of a well-organized and energetic
+Police, will this burden upon the Poor Rates also be diminished.
+
+Independent, therefore, of the policy of improving the system with
+respect to parochial Constables, by attaching a greater degree of
+responsibility to their situation, and introducing that discipline and
+systematic activity, which can alone render their services
+effectual--the plan may even be recommended as a proper arrangement in
+point of oeconomy.
+
+It is in vain to expect energy or attention in the execution of any
+Public duty, unless there be that personal responsibility which is not
+to be obtained without emolument. To render Officers of Justice,
+therefore, useful to the Public, they must be stimulated by
+interest:--they must, in fact, be paid for devoting a portion of their
+time to the comfort and security of others. The Law may inflict, and,
+indeed, has inflicted, penalties for the neglect of specific duties;
+but this will not establish that sort of Police which the present
+state of Society requires.--This is strongly exemplified in what may
+not be improperly called the _Mockery of Police_, which is exhibited
+in the periodical presentments by Constables, of public grievances and
+nuisances, before the Grand Inquest, four times a year at
+Westminster-hall, and twice before the Magistrates of the Sessions
+held at Guildhall in the City of Westminster. These presentments,
+although in themselves of the highest importance, have degenerated
+into what may now be considered as an useless and burdensome
+formality; at best it is a tedious, expensive, and circuitous, mode of
+removing nuisances and inconveniences, and so ill-suited to the
+present state of Society, that several modern parochial Acts have
+given relief in a summary way before Magistrates.
+
+The fact is, that in a great majority of instances where presentments
+are made, the evils they describe, though often highly prejudicial,
+are suffered to accumulate with increasing malignity, at the same time
+frequently generating other mischiefs and pressures of a tendency
+equally pernicious to the Community.
+
+It is admitted, that the proper Officer of the Crown notifies to the
+parties implicated in the presentment, the determination of the
+Inquest; but a prosecution seldom ensues. The Constable has neither
+money nor time to follow it up; and the matter is discharged when the
+customary term expires, on the payment of a Fee of 16_s._ 9_d._ or
+more, according to the length of the presentment; and thus the
+business terminates in the emolument of an individual, and in the
+continuance of the abuse.
+
+The same system prevails at the Sessions at Westminster. When Juries
+make presentments of nuisances or evils in their respective districts,
+the Constables have general orders to prosecute, which is not done;
+and, indeed, to compel an Officer serving gratuitously, to incur an
+expence for the Public interest which he cannot afford, would be an
+act of manifest injustice; and unless a fund be provided in numerous
+cases, he must be under the necessity of declining such prosecutions.
+
+But would it not be far better to bring such minor offences at once
+under the cognizance of Magistrates, with the power of appeal to the
+Quarter Sessions?--This is already the case in Spitalfields, under a
+parochial Act, where nuisances and annoyances are in consequence
+instantly removed. Matters of much greater importance are submitted to
+the same authority. The advantage in this case would be, that justice
+would be promptly administered at a small expence, and the evil would
+be put an end to, instead of remaining as at present a reproach to the
+Police, arming at the same time every noxious and bad member of
+Society, with a kind of licence to do offensive acts to the
+neighbourhood, and the Public at large, with impunity.
+
+To render parochial Constables useful, rules must be established to
+compel every qualified person to serve in his turn, or pay a fine. No
+person should be empowered to offer a Substitute.--It is of the
+highest importance that an Office invested with so much power should
+be executed by reputable men, if possible of pure morals, and not with
+hands open to receive bribes.--This important office in the Metropolis
+at least, has too long been degraded by the introduction, in many
+instances, of men of loose principles, undeserving of public
+confidence. The reason is obvious:--A man in the more reputable
+classes on whom the lot may fall, surrenders his functions to a
+Substitute who probably makes the office a trade;--performs the
+service of the year for four or five Guineas, trusting to other
+emoluments, many of which are obtained by corruption, to enable him to
+subsist.
+
+To render this branch of Police pure and efficient, an Act of
+Parliament should enforce the following or similar regulations:
+
+     1st. To assign a competent number of local Constables to
+     each parish, in proportion to the number of inhabited
+     houses; to be chosen by the whole number of qualified
+     inhabitants paying parish Rates--to be presented to the
+     Court Leet, or to the Magistrates of the Division, according
+     to a prescribed rule, which shall preclude the possibility
+     of exemptions or preferences; for which purposes the
+     qualifications shall be clearly defined in the Act.--Thus
+     might the abuses which at present prevail, in the selection
+     and choice of Constables, cease to be felt and complained
+     of: an equal distribution of the burden would take place,
+     and the duty be confined to men sufficiently respectable, to
+     establish in the Public mind a confidence that it would be
+     executed with fidelity, and an attention to the Public
+     interest.
+
+     2d. That with a view to that necessary discipline, and
+     knowledge of the duty to be performed, without which
+     Officers of Justice can be of little use, and may often be
+     converted into instruments of oppression by an abuse of
+     power; the High-Constable of the Division shall become _a
+     responsible permanent Officer_, with a competent Salary; and
+     shall have under his direction certain subordinate Officers,
+     not exceeding _one for a large Parish_, and _one for every_
+     25 _Constables in any number of smaller Parishes, Hamlets,
+     Precincts, and Liberties_, who shall be stiled _the
+     Parochial Chief Constable_, whose situation shall also _be
+     permanent_, with a moderate Salary, and who shall each be
+     _responsible_ for the execution of the regular duty which
+     may be assigned to the petty Constables, either by the Act
+     of Parliament, or by the Commissioners of Police, having
+     powers for that purpose granted by law.--That a certain
+     stipend or gratuity for trouble, shall also be paid to each
+     of the petty Constables, in consideration of the ordinary
+     duty they are bound to perform, besides 5_s._ a day for all
+     extraordinary duty. That among other things it shall be the
+     business of the parochial Chief Constable to instruct the
+     petty Constables in their duty--to attend them in their
+     perambulations, and to marshal them on receiving a precept
+     from the High-Constable, or an order from two Magistrates,
+     in case of any tumult or disorder requiring their
+     interference--to impress upon their minds the necessity of
+     purity, vigilance, and attention to orders--and of being
+     humane, prudent and vigorous, in the execution of such
+     duties as belong to their functions.--That they shall
+     instantly assemble on any alarm of Fire.--That the
+     Public-houses, in the parish or district, shall be visited
+     regularly; and also the Watchmen while upon duty, and
+     regular returns made to the Police Magistrates of the
+     District, stating the occurrences of the night. That
+     wherever suspicious characters reside in the parish, who
+     have no visible means of supporting themselves, the utmost
+     vigilance shall be exercised in watching their conduct, to
+     prevent as much as possible the commission of crimes, and to
+     preserve peace and good order in the parish; and wherever
+     the execution of any specific law depends on Constables, the
+     utmost attention to be manifested in giving it effect, and
+     preventing it from remaining a dead Letter.--That care be
+     taken to make regular, impartial, and accurate returns of
+     Jurors; and of persons eligible to serve in the
+     Militia;--and that immediate cognizance be also taken of all
+     nuisances and annoyances, and timely notice given to
+     Magistrates of all occurrences threatening to disturb the
+     Public peace, or to overturn the established Government of
+     the Country.
+
+     3d. That the different High Constables should return to the
+     Commissioners of Police annually, after a change of Officers
+     has taken place, a list of the number of persons who compose
+     the Civil Force, under their direction in their respective
+     divisions; and regularly, every quarter, a list of the
+     Publicans, with such facts as have occurred, respecting
+     their orderly or disorderly conduct in the management of
+     their Houses.--The state of the Division with respect to
+     Prostitutes--to the situation of the Poor for the preceding
+     quarter, and their resource for employment.--The number and
+     nature of the offences committed in the District during the
+     preceding quarter, and the detections of the delinquents,
+     shewing how many offenders have been discovered, and how
+     many have escaped justice, and stating the means used and
+     using to detect such as are at large, charged with specific
+     offences within the division: so as to bring under the
+     review of the Central Board a clear statement of the
+     criminal Police in every part of the Metropolis on the first
+     day of each quarter, with such other information as the
+     Commissioners may require.
+
+     4th. It is humbly suggested, that the Salaries and
+     allowances to be paid to the _High Constables_ and
+     _parochial Chief Constables_ should be paid out of the
+     General Police Fund, under the Management of the Board, and
+     the gratuities and allowances to the petty Constables out of
+     the County Rate.
+
+It might be expedient that the Stipend of the petty Constables should
+be very moderate, and that their remunerations should, partly at
+least, arise from _premiums_ and _gratuities_, granted by the Judges
+and Magistrates, for meritorious services to the Public, _actually
+performed_; for which there would so many opportunities occur, that no
+fit man, acting as a Constable under such a system, and doing his duty
+conscientiously, need be under any apprehension of obtaining a very
+comfortable livelihood.
+
+The invariable rule of rewarding, in every case where it can be made
+appear that any useful Public service has been performed, would have a
+most wonderful effect in preventing crimes: The expence, if
+judiciously and oeconomically managed, need not exceed, in any
+material degree, _the present aggregate_ of what is disbursed in
+different ways, in all the branches of the Police and Criminal
+Establishment; it might, in fact, be defrayed, as well as every other
+charge, _by the Police itself_, under the direction of the _Central
+Board_, hereafter more particularly alluded to, from the produce of
+the _Licences_ proposed to be granted for regulating particular
+classes of Dealers, by whose aid and assistance, in supporting Thieves
+and Pilferers, such a system is rendered necessary.
+
+Nor should the rewards be wholly confined to Officers of Justice,
+either _parochial or stipendiary_. The Public Good requires, that they
+should extend also to Watchmen and Patroles, who should have every
+reasonable encouragement held out to them to be honest and vigilant,
+by small premiums paid down immediately, for every service they may
+render the Public; either in detecting or apprehending persons who are
+guilty of felonies, or other offences against the public peace.
+
+At present, the watchmen destined to guard the lives and properties of
+the inhabitants residing in near _eight thousand_ streets, lanes,
+courts, and alleys, and about 160,000 houses, composing the whole of
+the Metropolis and its environs, are under the direction of no less
+than above seventy different Trusts; regulated by perhaps double the
+number of local acts of Parliament, (varying in many particulars from
+one another,) under which the _directors_, _guardians_, _governors_,
+_trustees_, or _vestries_, according to the title they assume, are
+authorised to act,--each attending only to their own particular
+_Ward_, _Parish_, _Hamlet_, _Liberty_, or _Precinct_; and varying the
+payment according to local circumstances, and the opulence of the
+particular district, from 8-1/2_d._ up to 2_s._ each night.[117]
+
+[Footnote 117: There is, in some respect, an exception to this rule,
+with regard _to the City and Liberty of Westminster_, and the parishes
+of _St. Clement Danes_,--_St. Mary le Strand_,--_The Savoy_, The
+united parishes of _St. Giles_ and _St. George, Bloomsbury_,--The
+united parishes of _St. Andrew, Holborn above the Bars_, and _St.
+George the Martyr_, and the liberty of _Saffron Hill_, _Hatton
+Garden_, and _Ely Rents_.--The Act of the 14th George III. cap. 90,
+contains regulations applicable to the whole of these Parishes and
+Liberties, fixing the _minimum_ of watchmen at 523, and patroles at 56
+men, for the _whole_; but leaving the management still to the
+inhabitants of each respective Parish or Liberty. The same act fixes
+the _minimum_ of wages at 1_s._ a night, and patroles 15_d._ In the
+City of London, the salaries given to watchmen vary in each Ward, from
+13_l._ to 18_l._ 19_l._ 20_l._ 21_l._ 7_s._ 23_l._ 8_s._ up to 26_l._
+and patroles are allowed from 13_l._ to 35_l._ and 40_l._ a year.]
+
+The encouragement being, in many instances, so small, few candidates
+appear for such situations, who are really, in point of character and
+age, fit for the duty which ought to be performed; the managers have
+therefore no alternative but to accept of such aged, and often
+superannuated, men, living in their respective districts, as may offer
+their services; this they are frequently induced to do from motives of
+humanity, to assist old inhabitants who are unable to labour at any
+mechanical employment, or perhaps with a view to keep them out of the
+workhouse, and to save the expence of maintaining them.
+
+Thus circumstanced, and thus encouraged, what can be expected from
+such watchmen?--
+
+Aged in general;--often feeble:--and almost, on every occasion, half
+starved, from the limited allowance they receive; without any claim
+upon the Public, or the least hope of reward held out, even if they
+perform any meritorious service, by the _detection of Thieves and
+Receivers of stolen Goods_, or idle and disorderly persons: and above
+all, _making so many separate parts of an immense system, without any
+general superintendance, disjointed from the nature of its
+organization_, it is only a matter of wonder, that the protection
+afforded is what _it really is_.[118]--Not only is there small
+encouragement offered for the purpose of insuring fidelity, but as has
+been already shewn innumerable temptations are held out to dishonesty,
+by Receivers of stolen Goods, to the watchmen and patroles in their
+vicinity; as well as by thieves and housebreakers in all situations
+where they contemplate the commission of a burglary.
+
+[Footnote 118: This proves how highly meritorious the conduct of the
+_Managers_ and _Trustees_ of this branch of the Police of the
+Metropolis must, in many instances, be. There can indeed be no manner
+of doubt, but that great advantages arise from dividing the labour,
+where all the benefits of local knowledge enter into the system.--So
+far as this goes, it ought not to be disturbed. But it is also
+necessary to consider the Metropolis as a _great Whole_, and to
+combine the organs of Police which at present exist, in such a manner,
+by a general superintendance, as to give equal encouragement, and to
+instil one principle of universal energy into all its parts.]
+
+Money is also received from disorderly persons in the night, to permit
+them to escape from the just punishment of the Laws; while on the
+other hand, unfortunate females are often cruelly oppressed and laid
+under contribution, for permission to infringe the very laws, which it
+is the duty of these nocturnal guardians of the Police to put in
+execution.
+
+Excepting in the city of London, under the jurisdiction of the Lord
+Mayor and Aldermen, (where there are, in the 25 wards, 765 watchmen,
+and 38 patroles) and the parishes and liberties combined by the act of
+the 14th Geo. III. cap. 90, it will not be easy to ascertain the exact
+number of watchmen, &c. employed by the great variety of different
+Trusts, in every part of the Metropolis; more especially, as in
+several instances they vary in their numbers according to the season
+of the year, and other circumstances; but the following statement is
+believed to be very near truth:--
+
+                                                          _Beadles,
+                                                          Watchmen,
+                                                        and Patroles._
+
+  25 Wards in the City of London                              803
+
+  11 Parishes, &c. in the City and Liberty of
+     Westminster                                              302
+
+  13 Parishes, &c. in the Division of Holborn                 377
+
+   5 Parishes, &c. in that part of the Division of
+     Finsbury which joins the Metropolis                      135
+
+   7 Parishes, &c. in the Division of the Tower
+     Hamlets                                                  268
+
+   1 Liberty of the Tower of London                            14
+
+   5 Parishes and Hamlets, being part of the Division
+     of Kensington, near the Metropolis                        66
+
+   9 Parishes in the Borough of Southwark                      79
+                                                             ----
+                      Total Beadles, Watchmen, and Patroles  2044[119]
+                                                             ----
+
+[Footnote 119: Watch-houses are now placed at convenient distances all
+over the Metropolis; where a parochial constable attends, in rotation,
+every night, to receive disorderly and criminal persons, and to carry
+them before a Magistrate next morning.--In each watch-house also (in
+case of fire) the names of the turn-cocks, and the places where
+engines are kept, are to be found. This circumstance is mentioned for
+the information of strangers unacquainted with the Police of the
+Metropolis; to whom it is recommended, in case of fire, or any
+accident or disturbance requiring the assistance of the Civil Power,
+to apply immediately to the Officer of the night, at the nearest
+watch-house, or to the watchmen on the beat.]
+
+Nothing can certainly be better calculated for _complete protection_
+against acts of violence in the streets, than _the System of a
+well-regulated Stationary Watch_; composed of fit and able-bodied
+men, properly controlled and superintended: and from the number of
+persons already employed, independent of private Watchmen, it would
+seem only to be necessary to lay down apposite legislative rules, with
+respect to _age or ability_, _character_, _wages_, _rewards for useful
+services_, and _general superintendance_, in order to establish that
+species of additional security, which would operate as a more
+effectual means of preventing crimes within the Metropolis.
+
+Let the same system of moderate rewards also be extended to
+beadles,[120] for useful Public service _actually performed_, as is
+proposed with regard to officers of justice, watchmen, and patroles;
+and much good will arise to the community, without any great
+additional expence.
+
+[Footnote 120: Beadles are, in many instances, employed at present as
+local superintendants of the watch, within their respective Parishes.]
+
+It is in vain to expect that the Public can be well served, unless the
+emolument becomes an object to good and able men; but these
+extraordinary rewards (as has already been observed) should always
+depend upon the vigilance and exertion of the parties themselves, in
+detecting offenders of every description: and should be paid, on its
+appearing to the Magistrate, that no _impropriety_ or _indiscretion_
+has marked their conduct. If, on the contrary, they should be proved
+to have acted oppressively or improperly, a power of immediate
+dismission and punishment should, in all instances, be lodged in
+Justices of the Peace, to be exercised according to the nature of the
+offence.
+
+Having thus stated the civil force of the Metropolis, in
+peace-officers, watchmen and patroles, making an aggregate of 3084
+men--it may be necessary and useful to give such information relative
+to the Magistracy, as may tend to shew the present state of the
+Police, and to illustrate what remains to be further suggested on the
+subject of its improvement; for the preservation of the Public peace,
+and the _detection_ and _apprehension_ of every class of offenders.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+There exist at present no less than _five_ separate jurisdictions
+within the limits of the Metropolis--namely,--
+
+                                                         _Magistrates._
+
+  1. The City of London, where there are, including
+     the Lord Mayor, 26 Aldermen, who have an exclusive
+     jurisdiction within the ancient limits                         26
+
+  2. The City and Liberty of Westminster--where there
+     are upwards of 100 Justices of the Peace, who have
+     jurisdiction only in that particular District; but
+     where the Magistrates of the County of Middlesex have
+     an equal jurisdiction.--The number resident, of those
+     who are not Magistrates of Middlesex, is supposed to
+     be about                                                       50
+
+  3. That part of the Metropolis, which is situated in the
+     county of Middlesex, where there are about 800 Justices,
+     including the Princes of the Royal Family--many
+     of the Nobility--Great Officers of State--Members
+     of Parliament--and other Gentlemen of respectability;--of
+     those in the commission about 200 have qualified;
+     and of these who have taken out their _Dedimus
+     Potestatum_, only about 150 reside in or near the
+     Metropolis                                                    150
+
+  4. That district of the Metropolis lying near, or
+     particularly belonging anciently to the Tower of London,
+     comprehending about 750 houses--where the Magistrates
+     (52 in number) have an exclusive jurisdiction,
+     and hold separate Sessions of the Peace.--The number
+     who are not Magistrates in Middlesex, is                       31
+
+  5. The Borough of Southwark, and that part of the Metropolis
+     adjoining thereto, within the Bills of Mortality--where
+     the City Magistrates have jurisdiction, besides
+     the whole of the Magistrates of the County of
+     Surry--namely--132, but of whom not more than 28 reside
+     in Southwark, and 15 in London, &c. (in all)                   43
+                                                                   ---
+                                                      Total about  300
+                                                                   ---
+
+But, notwithstanding the great number of respectable names, which are
+in the different commissions in and near the Metropolis; and although
+all who have qualified have equal jurisdiction with the Police
+Justices, within their respective districts; yet the efficient
+duty for the whole of the Metropolis, so far as it relates to the
+detection of offenders, is principally limited to two classes of
+Magistrates--namely,--
+
+  1. The 26 Aldermen of London, whose jurisdiction is
+     confined to the ancient limits of the City, comprehending
+     25 Wards, in which are 21,642 houses on the London
+     side, and Bridge Ward without, in the Borough                  26
+
+  2. The established Magistrates, three of whom preside
+     at each of the seven Public Offices, appointed by the Act
+     of the 32d of his present Majesty, cap. 53. viz.--
+
+     1.  Public Office, Queen's-Square, Westminster          3
+     2.  Public Office, Marlborough-Street                   3
+     3.  Public Office, Hatton-Garden                        3
+     4.  Public Office, Worship-Street, Shoreditch           3
+     5.  Public Office, Whitechapel                          3
+     6.  Public Office, Shadwell                             3
+     7.  Public Office, Union-Street, Southwark              3
+                                                            --
+                                                            21
+
+     8.  Existing (previous to the Act) at the Public
+         Office, Bow-Street                                  3
+                                                            --
+                                                            24
+
+     9.  The Thames Police Institution at Wapping, for
+         the River only                                      2
+                                                            --      26
+
+                  Total efficient Magistrates who sit in rotation,  --
+                  daily, in the Metropolis                          52
+
+The jurisdiction of the Magistrates presiding at the seven Public
+Offices, not only extends to Westminster and Middlesex; (and, in most
+instances, lately, to the liberty of the Tower:) but also to the
+counties of Surry, Kent, and Essex, from which considerable advantages
+in the prompt detection and apprehension of offenders have accrued to
+the Public: The only difficulty that now remains to be removed, with
+respect to the clashing of jurisdictions, is that which regards the
+city of London; where, from its contiguity, and immediate and close
+connection with every other part of the Metropolis, considerable
+inconveniences and injuries to the public are felt, not only from the
+circumstance of the jurisdiction of the City Magistrates not being
+extended over the _whole_ of the Metropolis, as well as the four
+adjoining counties; but also from the Police Magistrates having no
+authority quickly to follow up informations, by issuing warrants to
+search for property, and to apprehend persons charged with offences in
+the City. The whole difficulty resolves itself into a mere matter of
+_punctilio_, founded perhaps on ill-grounded jealousy, or
+misapprehension, which a little explanation would probably remove.
+
+Where the object is to do good;--and where not even the shadow of harm
+can arise, no limits should be set to local jurisdictions; especially
+where privileges are proposed to be given; (as in this case, to the
+city of London;)--and where none are to be taken away.
+
+For the purpose of establishing a complete and well-connected System
+of _detection_, some means ought certainly to be adopted, more closely
+to unite the City and Police Magistrates,[121] that they may, in a
+greater degree, go hand in hand in all matters regarding the general
+interest of the Metropolis and its environs; making the suppression of
+crimes one common cause, and permitting no punctilio, regarding
+jurisdiction, to prevent the operation of their united energy in the
+prompt detection of offenders; This, from the extended state of
+Commerce and Society, and the great increase of property, is now
+rendered a measure in which the inhabitants of the whole Metropolis,
+as well as the adjacent villages, have a common interest. It is an
+evil, which affects all ranks, and calls aloud for the speedy adoption
+of some effectual remedy.
+
+[Footnote 121: The Select Committee of the House of Commons, in their
+28th Report, 1798, on Finance, have strongly recommended a Concurrent
+Jurisdiction; and also, that two Police Offices should be established
+in London, upon the plan of the others, with Magistrates to be
+appointed by the Lord Mayor and Aldermen.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. XV.
+
+     _The prevailing practice explained, when offenders are
+     brought before Magistrates.--The necessary caution, as well
+     as the duty of Magistrates in such cases
+     explained.--Professed thieves seldom intimidated when put
+     upon their trial, from the many chances they have of
+     escaping.--These chances shortly detailed.--Reflections on
+     the false humanity exercised by prosecutors towards
+     prisoners.--Their rudeness and cruelty, when engaged in acts
+     of criminality.--The delays and expences of prosecutions, a
+     great discouragement, inducing sufferers to put up with
+     their loss, in silence.--How the inconvenience may be
+     remedied.--An account of the different Courts of Justice,
+     appointed for the trial of offences committed in the
+     Metropolis.--Five inferior and two superior Courts.--A
+     statement, shewing the number of prisoners convicted and
+     discharged during the last year.--Reflections on this sad
+     catalogue of depravity.--A radical defect somewhere.--The
+     great purity of the Judges of England.--The propriety of a
+     co-operation with them, in whatever shall tend to promote
+     the ends of Public Justice.--This object to be attained, in
+     the greatest possible degree, by means of an authorised
+     Public Prosecutor.--The advantages of such an institution,
+     in remedying many abuses which prevail in the trial of
+     offenders.--From 2500 to 3000 persons committed for
+     trial, by Magistrates, in the Metropolis, in the course of a
+     Year.--The chief part afterwards returned upon Society._
+
+
+Arriving at that _point_ in the progress of this Work, where persons
+accused of offences are detected and brought before Magistrates for
+examination, ultimately to be committed for trial, if the evidence
+shall be sufficient:--It is proper to explain the prevailing practice
+under such circumstances.
+
+The task, in this case imposed upon the Magistrate, is arduous and
+important; requiring not only great purity of conduct, a profound
+knowledge of mankind, and of the common affairs of life; but in a more
+peculiar manner those powers of discrimination which may enable him to
+discover how far criminality attaches to the party accused; and
+whether there are grounds sufficient to abridge for a time, or
+ultimately to deprive the prisoner of his liberty, until a Jury of his
+country shall decide upon his fate.
+
+It frequently happens that persons accused of crimes are apprehended
+under circumstances where no doubt can rest on the mind of the
+Magistrates as to the guilt of the prisoner; but where the legal
+evidence is nevertheless insufficient to authorize an immediate
+commitment for trial.
+
+In these instances, (while he commits _pro tempore_,) he is called
+upon in a particular manner to exert the whole powers of his mind, by
+adopting such judicious measures as shall be the means of detecting
+the offenders; by discovering the goods or property stolen, or by
+admitting such evidence for the Crown as may, with other corroborating
+testimony, prevent the ends of justice from being defeated.
+
+Where a Magistrate proceeds with indefatigable zeal and attention, and
+at the same time exercises good judgment, he will seldom fail of
+success; for in this case a similar spirit will animate the officers
+under his controul, whose activity and industry are generally in
+proportion to that manifested by their superiors.
+
+Much as every active Magistrate must regret that deficiency of
+pecuniary resource, which, under the present system, prevents him from
+rewarding those who must occasionally be employed to detect notorious
+offenders, this circumstance ought not to abate this zeal in any
+respect; since by perseverance it generally happens, that every good
+and proper arrangement for the immediate advantage of the Public, may
+be ultimately obtained.
+
+The Magistrate having done his duty by committing an offender for
+trial, satisfied of his guilt and the sufficiency of the evidence to
+convict him: and having also bound over the prosecutor and the
+witnesses as the Law directs, to attend the Grand Jury, and (if a bill
+be found) to prosecute and give evidence upon the indictment; it might
+appear to the common observer, that the culprit's case becomes
+hopeless and forlorn.
+
+This, however, is by no means a stage in the progress that intimidates
+a professed thief; he feels and knows that, although guilty of the
+crime laid to his charge, he has many chances of escaping; and these
+chances unquestionably operate as encouragements to the commission of
+crimes.
+
+His first hope is, that he shall intimidate the Prosecutor and
+Witnesses, by the threatenings of the gang with whom he is
+connected;--his next that he may compound the matter; or bribe or
+frighten material witnesses, so as to keep back evidence; or induce
+them to speak doubtfully at the trial, though positive evidence was
+given before the Magistrate; or if all should fail, recourse is had to
+perjury, by bringing the Receiver, or some other associate, to swear
+an _alibi_.
+
+Various other considerations also operate in strengthening the hopes
+of acquittal; partly arising from the vast numbers who are discharged
+or acquitted at every Session of gaol-delivery; and partly from the
+carelessness and inattention of Prosecutors, who are either unable or
+unwilling to sustain the expence of Counsel to oppose the arguments
+and objections which will be offered in behalf of the prisoner: or are
+soured by loss of valuable time, experienced, perhaps in former
+prosecutions;[122]--or ultimately from a dread entertained by timid
+persons, who foolishly and weakly consider themselves as taking away
+the life of a fellow-creature, merely because they prosecute or give
+evidence; not reflecting that it is the _Law_ only that can punish
+offenders, and _not_ the individual prosecutor or witnesses.
+
+[Footnote 122: It is true, that by the Acts of 25th Geo. II. cap. 36,
+and 18th Geo. III. cap. 13, the expences of the prosecutors and
+witnesses are to be paid; and also (if the parties shall appear to be
+in poor circumstances) a reasonable allowance made for trouble and
+loss of time; but this is connected with the regulations of the
+Justices, confirmed by one of the Judges of Assize, which vary
+according to local circumstances, and it is also necessary to plead
+poverty in order to be remunerated for loss of time: _but as the poor
+seldom suffer by thieves_, these Acts appear to have had little effect
+in encouraging prosecutors to come forward; and it is believed few
+applications are made excepting in cases of real poverty.--In the
+County of Middlesex there is an exception; where witnesses are
+directed to be paid by the Overseers of the Poor of the Parish, where
+the person was apprehended; but this mode of payment is seldom if ever
+adopted.--The fund, however, which the Legislature has thus provided,
+if oeconomically and judiciously applied by a Public Prosecutor,
+would remove many difficulties, without any material addition to the
+county rates.]
+
+False Humanity, exercised in this manner, is always cruelty to the
+public, and not seldom to the prisoners themselves.--All depredations
+upon property are _public wrongs_, in the suppression and punishment
+of which it is the duty of every good man to lend his assistance; a
+duty more particularly incumbent upon those who are the immediate
+sufferers: through their means only can Public Justice operate in
+punishing those miscreants, by whom the innocent are _put in fear,
+alarmed and threatened with horrid imprecations--with loss of life by
+means of loaded pistols_; or bodily injury, from being hacked with
+cutlasses, or beaten with bludgeons--under circumstances where neither
+age nor sex is spared.--
+
+Yet experience has shewn that these arguments, powerful as they are,
+are insufficient to awaken in the mind of men that species of Public
+spirit which shall induce sufferers in general, by robberies of
+different kinds, to become willing prosecutors, under the various
+trying delays of Courts of Justice; and frequently with the trouble of
+bringing a number of witnesses from the country, who are kept in
+attendance on the court perhaps several days together, at a very
+considerable expence.
+
+Such a burden imposed upon the subject, in addition to the losses
+already sustained, in a case too where the offence is of a public
+nature, is certainly not easily reconcileable with that spirit of
+justice, and attention to the rights of individuals, which forms so
+strong a general feature in the Jurisprudence of the Country.
+
+From all these circumstances it happens that innumerable felonies are
+concealed, and the loss is suffered in silence as the least of two
+evils; by which means thieves are allowed to reign with impunity,
+undisturbed, and encouraged to persevere in their evil practices.
+
+Nothing, it is to be feared, can cure this evil, and establish a
+general system of protection, but a vigorous Police; strengthened and
+improved by the appointment of Deputy-Prosecutors for the Crown,
+acting under the Attorney-General for the time being. An establishment
+of this sort, even at a very small salary, would be considered as an
+honourable _entre_ to many young Counsel; who, in protecting the
+Public against the frauds, tricks, and devices of old and professed
+thieves, by which at present they escape punishment, might keep the
+stream of justice pure, and yet allow no advantage to be taken of the
+prisoner.[123]
+
+[Footnote 123: The propriety of this suggestion is sanctioned by the
+recommendation of the Finance Committee of the House of Commons in
+their 27th and 28th Report; and forms part of that System of general
+controul and arrangement for the prevention of crimes, stated more at
+large in a subsequent Chapter.]
+
+As it must be admitted on all hands, that it is the interest of the
+Public that no guilty offender should escape punishment;--it seems to
+be a position equally clear and incontrovertible, that wherever, from
+a defect in the system of prosecutions, or any other cause, a prisoner
+escapes the punishment due to his crimes, substantial justice is
+wounded, and public wrongs are increased.
+
+It has been already stated in the preceding Chapter, that there are
+five separate Jurisdictions in the Metropolis, where Magistrates
+exercise limited authority.--Of course, there are five inferior Courts
+of Justice, where lesser offences, committed in London and its
+vicinity, are tried by Justices of the Peace.
+
+     1. The general and Quarter Sessions of the Peace; held eight
+     times a year, by the Lord Mayor and Aldermen, at
+     Guildhall--_for the trial of small Offences committed in
+     London_.
+
+     2. The Quarter Sessions of the Peace; held four times a year
+     at Guildhall, Westminster, by the Justices acting for that
+     City and Liberty--_for the trial of small Offences committed
+     in Westminster only_.
+
+     3. The General and Quarter Sessions of the Peace; held eight
+     times a year, at the New Sessions House on
+     Clerkenwell-Green, (commonly called Hicks's Hall) by the
+     Justices only of the County of Middlesex--_for the trial of
+     small Offences committed in Middlesex and Westminster_.
+
+     4. The General Quarter Sessions of the Peace; held in the
+     Sessions-House in Well-Close-Square, by the Justices for the
+     Liberty of the Tower of London--_for the trial of small
+     Offences committed within the Royalty_.
+
+     5. The Quarter Sessions of the Peace; held by the Justices
+     for the County of Surry, at the New Sessions House at
+     Newington, Surry, in January;--At Reigate, in April;--At
+     Guildhall, in July;--and Kingston-upon-Thames, in October,
+     each year;--_where small Offences committed in Southwark and
+     the Neighbourhood are tried_.
+
+These five inferior Courts of Justice take cognizance of _Petty
+Larcenies, Frauds, Assaults, Misdemeanors, and other offences
+punishable by fine, imprisonment, whipping, and the pillory_:--and in
+certain cases, the power of the Justices extends to transportation.
+
+The higher and more atrocious offences committed in London and
+Middlesex, are tried at the Justice-Hall, in the Old Bailey; by a
+special commission of Oyer and Terminer to the Lord Mayor, and a
+certain number of the Judges, with the Recorder and Common Serjeant of
+the City of London.
+
+Offences of this latter degree of atrocity, perpetrated in that part
+of the Metropolis which is situated in the Borough of Southwark and
+County of Surry, are tried at the assizes, held twice a year at
+_Kingston-upon-Thames_, _Croydon_, or _Guildford_.[124]
+
+[Footnote 124: Considerable inconvenience arises (and, indeed, great
+hardship, where prisoners are innocent) from the length of time which
+must elapse, where offences have been committed in Southwark, before
+they can be brought to trial; either for inferior or more atrocious
+crimes. In the former case, prisoners must remain till the Quarter
+Sessions, (there being no intermediate General Sessions of the Peace)
+and in the latter case till the Assizes, held only twice a year; this
+occasions a confinement, previous to trial, lengthened out, in some
+instances, to three, four, five, and even nearly to six months.]
+
+Thus it appears, that five inferior and two superior Tribunals of
+Justice are established for trying the different crimes committed in
+the Metropolis.
+
+As it may be useful, for the purpose of elucidating the suggestions
+already offered upon this branch of the subject, that a connected view
+of the result of these _Trials_ should make a part of this Work;--the
+following Abstract, (including the discharges of Prisoners by
+Magistrates) has been made up for this immediate purpose: from
+authentic documents obtained from the keepers of the eight different
+prisons and houses of correction in the city of London, and in the
+counties of Middlesex and Surry.
+
+It applies to the period, from September, 1794, till September, 1795,
+which is chosen as a sort of medium between Peace and War.
+
+It is impossible to contemplate this collected aggregate of the
+prisoners annually discharged upon the Public, without feeling a
+strong anxiety to remedy an evil rendered extremely alarming, from the
+number which composes the dismal catalogue of Human Depravity.
+
+Every inquiry in the progress of this Work proves a radical defect
+somewhere.
+
+While the public tribunals are filled with Judges, the purity of whose
+conduct adds lustre to their own and the national character, why
+should not every subordinate part of the Criminal Jurisprudence of the
+Country be so organized, as to co-operate, in the greatest possible
+degree, with the efforts of those higher orders of the Magistracy in
+accomplishing the purposes of substantial justice?
+
+Nothing could tend more to promote this object, than the appointment
+already proposed of a Public Prosecutor for the Crown.
+
+An institution of this kind would terrify the hordes of miscreants now
+at open war with the peaceable and useful part of the Community, in a
+greater degree than any one measure that could possibly be adopted.
+
+It would be the means of destroying those hopes and chances which
+encourage criminal people to persevere in their depredations upon the
+Public.
+
+
+A Summary View of the Prisoners _committed_, _tried_, _punished_,
+_disposed of_, and _discharged_ in the Metropolis, in _One Year_,
+ending in October, 1795.
+
+_Number of prisoners, punished and disposed of._
+
+   +-----------+---------------------------------------------------
+   |Names of   |Died
+   |Prisons    |  |Capitally convicted[A]
+   |           |  |  |Sentenced to Transportation[B]
+   |           |  |  |   |Imprisoned in Newgate
+   |           |  |  |   |  |Imprisoned in Bridewell Hospital
+   |           |  |  |   |  |   |Imprisoned in the House of
+   |           |  |  |   |  |   |Correction of Middlesex
+   |           |  |  |   |  |   |  |Imprisoned in Tothil-Fields
+   |           |  |  |   |  |   |  |Bridewell
+   |           |  |  |   |  |   |  |  |Imprisoned in Surry Goals
+   |           |  |  |   |  |   |  |  |  |Sent to the Philanthropic
+   |           |  |  |   |  |   |  |  |  |and Marine Societies
+   |           |  |  |   |  |   |  |  |  |  |Sent to serve his
+   |           |  |  |   |  |   |  |  |  |  |Majesty in the Navy
+   |           |  |  |   |  |   |  |  |  |  |and Army
+   |           |  |  |   |  |   |  |  |  |  |   |Passed to
+   |           |  |  |   |  |   |  |  |  |  |   |Parishes
+   |           |  |  |   |  |   |  |  |  |  |   |    |Sent to
+   |           |  |  |   |  |   |  |  |  |  |   |    |Hospitals
+   |           |  |  |   |  |   |  |  |  |  |   |    |   |Total
+   +-----------+--+--+---+--+---+--+--+--+--+---+----+---+---------
+   +--         |  |  |   |  |   |  |  |  |  |   |    |   |
+   |Newgate    | 7|51|153|85|   |54|  |20|  | 39|    |   | 409
+   |           |  |  |   |  |   |  |  |  |  |   |    |   |
+  L|Poultry    |  |  |   |  |   |  |  |  |  |   |    |   |
+  O|Compter    |  |  |   |  |334|  |  |  |10| 44|  72|   | 460
+  N|           |  |  |   |  |   |  |  |  |  |   |    |   |
+  D|Giltspur   |  |  |   |  |   |  |  |  |  |   |    |   |
+  O|Compter    |  |  |   |  |249|  |  |  |  | 75| 125| 44| 493
+  N|           |  |  |   |  |   |  |  |  |  |   |    |   |
+   |Bridewell  |  |  |   |  |   |  |  |  |  |   |    |   |
+   |Hospital   | 4|  |   |  |   |  |  |  |  |   | 835| 44| 883
+   +--         |  |  |   |  |   |  |  |  |  |   |    |   |
+   +--         |  |  |   |  |   |  |  |  |  |   |    |   |
+   |           |  |  |   |  |   |  |  |  |  |   |    |   |
+   |New Prison |  |  |   |  |   |  |  |  |  |   |    |   |
+  M|Clerkenwell| 5|  |  3|  |   |  |  |  |  | 58|    |   |  66
+  I|           |  |  |   |  |   |  |  |  |  |   |    |   |
+  D|House of   |  |  |   |  |   |  |  |  |  |   |    |   |
+  D|Correction |  |  |   |  |   |  |  |  |  |   |    |   |
+  L|in Cold    |  |  |   |  |   |  |  |  |  |   |    |   |
+  E|Bath       |  |  |   |  |   |  |  |  |  |   |    |   |
+  S|Fields     | 4|  |   |  |   |  |  |  |  |   | 128|   | 132
+  E|           |  |  |   |  |   |  |  |  |  |   |    |   |
+  X|Tothil-    |  |  |   |  |   |  |  |  |  |   |    |   |
+   |Fields     |  |  |   |  |   |  |  |  |  |   |    |   |
+   |Bridewell  | 2|  |  7|  |   |  |37|  |  |   | 122| 26| 194
+   |           |  |  |   |  |   |  |  |  |  |   |    |   |
+   +--         |  |  |   |  |   |  |  |  |  |   |    |   |
+   +--         |  |  |   |  |   |  |  |  |  |   |    |   |
+  S|           |  |  |   |  |   |  |  |  |  |   |    |   |
+  U|           |  |  |   |  |   |  |  |  |  |   |    |   |
+  R|New Goal,  |  |  |   |  |   |  |  |  |  |   |    |   |
+  R|Southwark  |  |10| 11|  |   |  |  |16|  |   |    |  1|  38
+  Y|           |  |  |   |  |   |  |  |  |  |   |    |   |
+   +--         |  |  |   |  |   |  |  |  |  |   |    |   |
+   |           +--+--+---+--+---+--+--+--+--+---+----+---+---------
+   |           |22|61|174|85|583|54|37|36|10|216|1282|115|2675
+   |           +--+--+---+--+---+--+--+--+--+---+----+---+---------
+
+[Footnote A: 16 executed]
+
+[Footnote B: 106 transported]
+
+_Number of Prisoners discharged by the Magistrates, and from the Eight
+Gaols, in One Year._
+
+   +-----------+-------------------------------------------------
+   |Names of   |Discharged by Magistrates for want of Proof
+   |Prisons    |    |Discharged by Proclamation and Gaol Delivery
+   |           |    |   |Discharged by Acquitals [Transcriber's Note: Acquittals]
+   |           |    |   |   |Discharged after being whipt
+   |           |    |   |   |  |Discharged after being fined
+   |           |    |   |   |  |  |Discharged after suffering
+   |           |    |   |   |  |  |imprisonment
+   |           |    |   |   |  |  |   |Apprentices discharged
+   |           |    |   |   |  |  |   |   |Offenders bailed out
+   |           |    |   |   |  |  |   |   |of Prison
+   |           |    |   |   |  |  |   |   |   |Discharged
+   |           |    |   |   |  |  |   |   |   |by Pardon
+   |           |    |   |   |  |  |   |   |   |   |Total
+   |           |    |   |   |  |  |   |   |   |   |discharged
+   +-----------+----+---+---+--+--+---+---+---+---+--------------
+   +--         |    |   |   |  |  |   |   |   |   |
+   |Newgate    |    |134|272|12|11| 20|   |   |129| 578
+   |           |    |   |   |  |  |   |   |   |   |
+  L|Poultry    |    |   |   |  |  |   |   |   |   |
+  O|Compter    | 199|   |   |  |  |   |   | 27|   | 226
+  N|           |    |   |   |  |  |   |   |   |   |
+  D|Giltspur   |    |   |   |  |  |   |   |   |   |
+  O|Compter    | 287| 10| 10|  |45| 11|   |114|   | 477
+  N|           |    |   |   |  |  |   |   |   |   |
+   |Bridewell  |    |   |   |  |  |   |   |   |   |
+   |Hospital   |    |   |   |  |  |249| 38|   |   | 287
+   +--         |    |   |   |  |  |   |   |   |   |
+   +--         |    |   |   |  |  |   |   |   |   |
+   |           |    |   |   |  |  |   |   |   |   |
+   |New Prison |    |   |   |  |  |   |   |   |   |
+  M|Clerkenwell| 237|170| 35| 9|  |   |  9|   |127| 587
+  I|           |    |   |   |  |  |   |   |   |   |
+  D|House of   |    |   |   |  |  |   |   |   |   |
+  D|Correction |    |   |   |  |  |   |   |   |   |
+  L|in Cold    |    |   |   |  |  |   |   |   |   |
+  E|Bath       |    |   |   |  |  |   |   |   |   |
+  S|Fields     | 568|231| 60|  |  |353|111|   |   |1323
+  E|           |    |   |   |  |  |   |   |   |   |
+  X|Tothil-    |    |   |   |  |  |   |   |   |   |
+   |Fields     |    |   |   |  |  |   |   |   |   |
+   |Bridewell  | 253|274|  6| 1|  | 27|   |154|   | 715
+   |           |    |   |   |  |  |   |   |   |   |
+   +--         |    |   |   |  |  |   |   |   |   |
+   +--         |    |   |   |  |  |   |   |   |   |
+  S|           |    |   |   |  |  |   |   |   |   |
+  U|           |    |   |   |  |  |   |   |   |   |
+  R|New Goal,  |    |   |   |  |  |   |   |   |   |
+  R|Southwark  | 130| 74| 35| 2|  | 28|   |   |   | 269
+  Y|           |    |   |   |  |  |   |   |   |   |
+   +--         |    |   |   |  |  |   |   |   |   |
+   |           +----+---+---+--+--+---+---+---+---+--------------
+   |           |1674|893|418|24|56|697|149|422|129|4462
+   |           +----+---+---+--+--+---+---+---+---+--------------
+
+     N.B. Although the Author has been at infinite pains to
+     render this Summary as exact as possible, yet from the
+     different modes adopted in keeping the accounts of Prisons,
+     he is not thoroughly satisfied in his own mind that the View
+     he has here given is accurate, to a point.--He is, however,
+     convinced that it will be found sufficiently so for the
+     purpose.
+
+     [To face page 430.]
+
+It would not only remove that aversion which Prosecutors manifest on
+many occasions, to come forward, for the purpose of promoting the ends
+of public justice; but it would prevent, in a great measure, the
+possibility of compounding felonies, or of suborning witnesses.[125]
+
+[Footnote 125: Notwithstanding the severity of the Law, the
+composition of felonies and misdemeanors is carried to a much greater
+height than it is almost possible to believe; and various artifices
+are resorted to, to elude the penalties.--An instance occurred in
+August 1792; where a Jew was ordered to take his trial for a rape,
+committed on a married woman.--The offence appeared, on examination,
+to be extremely aggravated.--The Grand Jury however did not find a
+bill; which was thought a very singular circumstance, as the proof had
+been so clear before the Magistrate. The reasons were afterwards
+sufficiently explained; which show, what corrupt practices, artifices,
+and frauds will be used to defeat the ends of justice:--In consequence
+of a previous undertaking between the Jew and the husband of the woman
+who had been so grossly abused, a sum of L.20 was left in the hands of
+a publican, which the prosecutor was to receive if the bill was not
+found. In this confidence the woman gave a different evidence from
+that which she had given before the Magistrate. The Jew, however,
+cheated both the husband and the wife; for he no sooner discovered
+that he was safe, than he demanded the money of the publican and
+laughed at the prosecutor.]
+
+It would also be the means of counteracting the various tricks and
+devices of old thieves; and occasion an equal measure of Justice to be
+dealt out to them, as to the novices in crimes:--It would do more,--It
+would protect real innocence,--for in such cases the Public Prosecutor
+would never fail to act as the friend of the prisoner.
+
+The prevailing practice in criminal trials, in the true spirit of
+mildness and humanity, induces the Judge to act in some degree as
+counsel for the prisoner.--Without a Prosecutor for the Crown,
+therefore, every trifling inaccuracy in the indictment is allowed to
+become a fatal obstacle to conviction;[126] circumstances which would
+frequently throw great light upon the charges, are not brought under
+the review of the jury, and thus public justice is defeated.
+
+[Footnote 126: In criminal cases, a defective indictment is not aided
+by the verdict of a Jury, as defective pleadings are in civil cases.
+Indeed wherever life is concerned, great strictness has been at all
+times observed. That able and humane Judge, SIR MATTHEW HALE,
+complained above a century ago,[C] "_That this strictness has grown to
+be a blemish and inconvenience in the law and the administration
+thereof; for that more offenders escape by the over-easy ear given to
+exceptions in indictments, than by their own innocence: and many times
+gross murders, burglaries, robberies, and other heinous and crying
+offences remain unpunished, by those unseemly niceties; to the
+reproach of the Law, to the shame of the Government, to the
+encouragement of villainy, and to the dishonour of God_."[D]]
+
+[Footnote C: He died 1676.]
+
+[Footnote D: Hale, P.C. 193.]
+
+Upon an average, the Magistrates of the Metropolis commit annually,
+(out of many times that number who are equally objects of punishment,)
+from about 2500 to 3000 persons, male and female, for trial, at the
+seven different Courts of Justice in and near the Metropolis; charged
+with a variety of felonies, misdemeanors, and other petty offences.
+But after fully convincing their own minds, from a careful, and in
+many instances, a most laborious investigation, that the parties are
+guilty, they are obliged, from experience, to prepare themselves for
+the mortification of seeing their labour and exertions in a great
+measure lost to the Community: the major part of these criminals being
+returned upon Society, without any effectual steps adopted for their
+reformation, or any means used for the prevention of a repetition of
+their crimes. A considerable proportion of this wretched number may
+have suffered perhaps a slight punishment for their demerits; but
+which produces no effect that is not ultimately mischievous to the
+Community; since it serves merely to initiate them, in a greater
+degree, in the knowledge and means of committing new acts of fraud and
+villainy.
+
+To establish a System calculated to prevent criminals from returning
+to their evil practices after punishment is the very essence of good
+Police; but notwithstanding its importance to the Community, no
+measures have ever yet been adopted, calculated to attain so desirable
+an object.--It is however ardently to be hoped, that the period is
+fast approaching, when this great desideratum will be in a certain
+degree obtained; and that the suggestions offered in the subsequent
+Chapters, may tend to accelerate the renovation of this forlorn and
+miserable class of outcasts, by means of an appropriate _Penitentiary
+System_.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. XVI.
+
+     _On Punishments.--The mode authorized by the ancient
+     laws.--The period when Transportation commenced.--The
+     principal crimes enumerated which are punishable by
+     Death.--Those punishable by Transportation and
+     Imprisonment.--The courts appointed to try different degrees
+     of crimes.--Capital punishments, extending to so many
+     offences of an inferior nature, defeat the ends of
+     justice.--The system of Pardons examined:--their evil
+     tendency.--New regulations suggested with regard to Pardons
+     and Executions.--An historical account of the rise and
+     progress of Transportation.--The expedients resorted to,
+     after the American War put a stop to that mode of
+     punishment.--The System of the Hulks then adopted.--Salutary
+     Laws also made for the erection of Provincial and National
+     Penitentiary Houses.--The nature and principle of these Laws
+     briefly explained.--An account of the Convicts confined in
+     the Hulks for twenty-two years.--The enormous expence of
+     maintenance and inadequate produce of their labour.--The
+     impolicy of the system exposed by the Committee on
+     Finance.--The system of Transportation to New South Wales
+     examined.--Great expence of this mode of
+     punishment.--Improvements suggested, calculated to reduce
+     the expence in future.--Erection of one or more National
+     Penitentiary Houses recommended.--A general view of the
+     County Penitentiary Houses and Prisons:--their inefficacy
+     in reforming Convicts.--The labour obtained uncertain, while
+     the expence is enormous.--The National Penitentiary House
+     (according to the proposal of Jeremy Bentham, Esq.)
+     considered.--Its peculiar advantages over all others which
+     have been suggested, with respect to health, productive
+     labour, and reformation of Convicts.--General reflections on
+     the means of rendering imprisonment useful in reforming
+     Convicts.--Concluding observations._
+
+
+Imperfect in many respects as the criminal Law appears, from what has
+been detailed and stated in the preceding Chapters, and much as the
+great increase of capital offences, created during the last and
+present Century, is to be lamented:--it cannot be denied that several
+changes have taken place in the progress of Society, favourable to the
+cause of humanity, and more consonant to reason and justice, in the
+appropriation and the mode of inflicting punishments.
+
+The Benefit of Clergy, which for a long period exempted clerical
+people only, from the punishment of death in cases of felony, was by
+several statutes[127] extended to _peers_, _women_, and all persons
+_able to read_; who, pleading their Clergy, suffered only a corporal
+punishment, or a year's imprisonment; and those men who _could not
+read_, if under the degree of peerage, were hanged.[128]
+
+[Footnote 127: 1 Edward VI. cap. 12: 21 Jac. I. cap. 6: 3 and 4
+William and Mary, cap. 9: 4 and 5 William and Mary, cap. 24.]
+
+[Footnote 128: Blackstone.]
+
+This unaccountable distinction was actually not removed until the 5th
+of Queen Anne, cap. 6, which extended the benefit of clergy to all who
+were intitled to ask it, _whether they could read or not_.[129]
+
+[Footnote 129: The benefit of Clergy originated in injustice and
+inhumanity, and can only be palliated by the rude state of society,
+when so disgraceful a privilege was legalized and interwoven in the
+criminal code.--It partakes of the nature of a compromise with
+villainy.--It perplexes the system of criminal jurisprudence; and
+since its sting is taken away it would be an improvement to
+discontinue it totally.]
+
+In the course of the present century, several of the old sanguinary
+modes of punishment have been either, very properly, abolished by acts
+of parliament, or allowed, to the honour of humanity, to fall into
+disuse:--such as _burning alive (particularly women) cutting off hands
+or ears, slitting nostrils, or branding in the hand or face_; and
+among lesser punishments, fallen into disuse, may be mentioned _the
+ducking-stool_.
+
+The punishment of death for felony (as has already been observed) has
+existed since the reign of Henry I. nearly 700 years.--Transportation
+is commonly understood to have been first introduced, anno 1718, by
+the act of the 4th George I. cap. 11; and afterwards enlarged by the
+Act 6th of George I. c. 23, which allowed the court a discretionary
+power to order felons who were by law entitled to their clergy, to be
+transported to the American plantations for seven or fourteen years,
+according to circumstances.[130]
+
+[Footnote 130: It is said that exile was first introduced as a
+punishment by the Legislature in the 39th year of Queen Elizabeth,
+when a statute (39 _Eliz._ _c._ 4.) enacted that such rogues as were
+dangerous to the inferior people should be banished the realm, _Barr.
+Ant. Stat._ 269: and that the first statute in which the word
+Transportation is used is the 18th of _Charles_ II. _c._ 3. which
+gives power to Judges at their discretion either to execute or
+transport to America _for life_ the Moss-Troopers of _Cumberland_ and
+_Northumberland_; a law which was made perpetual by the Act 31 _Geo._
+II. _c._ 42. 2 WOODD. 498.]
+
+Since that period the mode of punishment has undergone several other
+alterations; and many Crimes which were formerly considered of an
+inferior rank, have been rendered capital: which will be best
+elucidated by the following Catalogue of Offences, divided into six
+classes according to the Laws now in force.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+     1. CRIMES _punishable by the_ Deprivation of Life; _and
+     where, upon the Conviction of the Offenders the sentence of
+     Death must be pronounced by the Judge.--Of these, it has
+     been stated, the whole, on the authority of Sir William
+     Blackstone, including all the various shades of the same
+     offence, is about 160 in number._
+
+     _The principal are the following:_
+
+     Treason, and Petty Treason; _See page_ 38, &c. Under the
+     former of these is included the Offence of Counterfeiting
+     the Gold and Silver Coin, _See page_ 191-211.
+
+     Murder, _See page_ 44, &c.
+
+     Arson, or wilfully and maliciously burning a House, Barns
+     with Corn, &c. _See page_ 56.
+
+     Rape, or the forcible violation of chastity, &c. _See page_
+     46.
+
+     Stealing an Heiress, _See page_ 48.
+
+     Sodomy, a crime against nature, committed either with man or
+     beast, _See page_ 46.
+
+     Piracy, or robbing ships and vessels at sea: under which is
+     included, the Offences of sailors forcibly hindering their
+     captains from fighting, _See page_ 55, 56.
+
+     Forgery of Deeds, Bonds, Bills, Notes, Public Securities,
+     &c. &c. Clerks of the Bank embezzling Notes, altering
+     Dividend Warrants: Paper Makers, unauthorised, using moulds
+     for Notes, &c.
+
+     Destroying Ships, or setting them on Fire, _See page_ 57.
+
+     Bankrupts not surrendering, or concealing their Effects
+
+     Burglary, or House Breaking in the night time, _See page_
+     57.
+
+     Highway Robbery
+
+     House Breaking in the day time, _See page_ 54, 55.
+
+     Privately Stealing or Picking Pockets above one Shilling
+
+     Shop Lifting above Five Shillings, _See page_ 55.
+
+     Stealing Bonds, Bills, or Bank Notes
+
+     Stealing Bank Notes, or Bills from Letters
+
+     Stealing above 40_s._ in any House, _See page_ 55.
+
+     Stealing above 40_s._ on a River
+
+     Stealing Linen, &c. from Bleaching Grounds, &c. or
+     destroying Linen therein
+
+     Maiming or Killing Cattle maliciously. _See_ the Black Act,
+     9 Geo. I. cap. 22.
+
+     Stealing Horses, Cattle or Sheep
+
+     Shooting at a Revenue Officer; or at any other person, _See_
+     the Black Act
+
+     Pulling down Houses, Churches, &c.
+
+     Breaking down the head of a Fish-Pond, whereby Fish may be
+     lost, (_Black Act_)[131]
+
+     [Footnote 131: The unwillingness which it must be expected a
+     Jury would have to convict a man capitally for _this
+     offence_, might be adduced among many other instances, to
+     show to what extent public justice is defeated, merely from
+     the severity of the laws, and the want of a Scale of
+     punishments proportioned to the offences.]
+
+     Cutting down Trees in an Avenue, Garden, &c.
+
+     Cutting down River or Sea Banks.
+
+     Cutting Hop Binds
+
+     Setting fire to coal mines
+
+     Taking a Reward for helping another to Stolen Goods, in
+     certain cases, _See page_ 295
+
+     Returning from Transportation; or being at large in the
+     Kingdom after Sentence
+
+     Stabbing a Person unarmed, or not having a weapon drawn, if
+     he die in six months
+
+     Concealing the death of a Bastard Child
+
+     Maliciously maiming or disfiguring any person, &c. lying in
+     wait for the purpose, _See page_ 50.
+
+     Sending Threatening Letters (Black Act)
+
+     Riots by twelve or more, and not dispersing in an hour after
+     proclamation
+
+     Being accessaries to Felonies deemed capital
+
+     Stealing Woollen Cloth from Tenter Grounds
+
+     Stealing from a Ship in Distress
+
+     Government Stores, embezzling, burning or destroying in
+     Dock-Yards; in certain cases, _See pages_ 261-263
+
+     Challenging Jurors above 20 in capital felonies; or standing
+     mute
+
+     Cottons selling with forged Stamps
+
+     Deer-Stealing, second offence; or even first offence, under
+     Black Act, not usually enforced
+
+     Uttering counterfeit Money, third offence
+
+     Prisoners under Insolvent Acts guilty of perjury
+
+     Destroying Silk or Velvet in the loom; or the Tools for
+     manufacturing thereof; or destroying Woollen Goods, Racks or
+     Tools, or entering a House for that purpose
+
+     Servants purloining their Masters' Goods, value 40_s._
+
+     Personating Bail; or acknowledging fines or judgments in
+     another's name
+
+     Escape by breaking Prison, in certain cases
+
+     Attempting to kill Privy Counsellors, &c.
+
+     Sacrilege
+
+     Smuggling by persons armed; or assembling armed for that
+     purpose
+
+     Robbery of the Mail
+
+     Destroying Turnpikes or Bridges, Gates, Weighing Engines,
+     Locks, Sluices, Engines for Draining Marshes, &c.
+
+     Mutiny, Desertion, &c. by the Martial and Statute Law
+
+     Soldiers or Sailors enlisting into Foreign Service
+
+            *       *       *       *       *
+
+     2. CRIMES _denominated_ Single Felonies; _punishable by
+     Transportation, Whipping, Imprisonment, the Pillory, and
+     Hard Labour in Houses of Correction, according to the Nature
+     of the offence._
+
+     _The principal of which are the following:_
+
+     Grand Larceny, which comprehends every species of Theft
+     above the value of One Shilling, not otherwise distinguished
+
+     Receiving or buying Stolen Goods, Jewels and Plate. _See
+     page_ 299
+
+     Ripping and stealing Lead, Iron, Copper, &c. or buying or
+     receiving, _See page_ 295
+
+     Stealing (or receiving when stolen) Ore from Black Lead
+     Mines
+
+     Stealing from Furnished Lodgings
+
+     Setting fire to Underwood
+
+     Stealing Letters, or destroying a Letter or Packet,
+     advancing the Postage, and secreting the Money
+
+     Embezzling Naval Stores, in certain cases, _See pages_
+     261-263
+
+     Petty Larcenies, or Thefts under one Shilling
+
+     Assaulting with an intent to Rob
+
+     Aliens returning after being ordered out of the kingdom
+
+     Stealing Fish from a Pond or River--Fishing in inclosed
+     Ponds, and buying stolen Fish
+
+     Stealing Roots, Trees, or Plants, of the value of 5_s._ or
+     destroying them
+
+     Stealing Children with their apparel
+
+     Bigamy, or Marrying more Wives or Husbands than one (now
+     punishable with transportation)
+
+     Assaulting and Cutting, or Burning Clothes
+
+     Counterfeiting the Copper Coin, &c.--_See page_ 191-211
+
+     Marriage, solemnizing clandestinely
+
+     Manslaughter, or killing another without Malice, &c. _See
+     page_ 44
+
+     Cutting or Stealing Timber Trees, &c. &c. &c.
+
+     Stealing a Shroud out of a Grave
+
+     Watermen carrying too many passengers in the Thames, if any
+     drowned
+
+            *       *       *       *       *
+
+     3. OFFENCES _denominated_ Misdemeanors, _punishable by Fine,
+     Imprisonment, Whipping, and the Pillory._
+
+     _The principal of which are the following:_
+
+     Perjury, or taking a false Oath in a judicial proceeding,
+     &c.
+
+     Frauds, by Cheating, Swindling contrary to the rules of
+     common honesty, &c. &c.
+
+     Conspiracies, for the purpose of injuring or defrauding
+     others
+
+     Assaults by striking or beating another person, &c.
+
+     Stealing Dead Bodies
+
+     Stealing Cabbages, Turnips, &c. growing
+
+     Cutting and stealing Wood and Trees
+
+     Robbing Orchards and Gardens
+
+     Stealing Deer from Forests
+
+     Stealing Dogs
+
+     Setting fire to a House to defraud the Insurance Office
+
+     Making and selling Fire-Works and Squibs
+
+     Throwing the same when on fire about the streets
+
+     Uttering Base Money
+
+     Selling Base Money under its denominated value
+
+     Embezzlement in the Woollen, Silk, and other Manufactures
+
+     Offences by Artificers and Servants in various Trades
+
+     Combinations and Conspiracies for raising the price of
+     Wages, &c. (_See stat._ 39 _Geo._ III. _c._ 81)
+
+     Smuggling Run Goods, and other Frauds relative to the Excise
+     and Customs
+
+     Keeping Bawdy Houses and other Disorderly Houses
+
+            *       *       *       *       *
+
+     4. IDLE and Disorderly Persons _described by the Act of the
+     17th Geo. II. cap. 5. and subsequent Acts_; punishable with
+     one Month's Imprisonment--_namely_,
+
+     1. Persons threatening to run away and leave their wives and
+     children on the Parish
+
+     2. Persons who tipple in Ale Houses, and neglect their
+     Families, &c. as described in the 3d Geo. III. cap. 45
+
+     3. Persons who shall unlawfully return to the Parish or
+     place from which they have been legally removed, without
+     bringing a Certificate
+
+     4. Persons, who not having wherewithal to maintain
+     themselves, live idly without employment, and refuse to work
+     for the usual Wages
+
+     5. Persons begging in the streets, highways, &c.
+
+            *       *       *       *       *
+
+     5th. ROGUES and VAGABONDS _described by the said Act of the
+     17th Geo. II. cap. 5. and subsequent Acts_; punishable by
+     Six Months' Imprisonment--namely,
+
+     1. Persons going about as Patent Gatherers or Gatherers of
+     Alms, under pretence of Loss by Fire, or other casualty.
+
+     2. Fencers, Bearwards, Strolling Players of Interludes, or
+     other Entertainments
+
+     3. Minstrels, (except those licensed by the Lord Dutton in
+     Cheshire)
+
+     4. Persons pretending to be, and wandering in the habit of,
+     Gypseys
+
+     5. Fortune-Tellers, pretending Skill in Physiognomy,
+     Palmistry, &c. or using any subtle craft to deceive and
+     impose on others
+
+     6. Persons playing or betting at any unlawful Games or Plays
+
+     7. Persons who run away, and leave their Wives and Children
+     upon the Parish
+
+     8. Petty Chapmen and Pedlars wandering abroad without a
+     Licence
+
+     9. Persons wandering abroad, and lodging in Ale-Houses,
+     Out-Houses, or the open Air, and not giving a good account
+     of themselves
+
+     10. Persons wandering abroad, and pretending to be Soldiers
+     or Sailors, without proper Certificates from their Officers,
+     or Testimonials from Magistrates
+
+     11. Persons wandering abroad, pretending to go to work in
+     Harvest, without a proper Certificate from the Parish
+
+     12. Persons having Implements of House-breaking or Offensive
+     Weapons, with a Felonious intent
+
+     13. Persons concerned in illegal Lottery Transactions, as
+     described in the Lottery Acts, 27th, 33d, 34th, and 35th
+     Geo. III.
+
+            *       *       *       *       *
+
+     6th. INCORRIGIBLE ROGUES, _punishable with Two Years'
+     Imprisonment and Whipping, or Transportation for Seven
+     Years, if they break out of Prison--namely_,
+
+     1. Persons stiled End-Gatherers, buying, collecting, or
+     receiving Ends of Yarn in the Woollen Branch, against the
+     stat. 13 Geo. I. cap. 23.
+
+     2. Persons, who being Rogues and Vagabonds, have escaped
+     after being apprehended, or who shall refuse to be examined
+     by a Magistrate, or who shall give a false account of
+     themselves after being warned of their punishment
+
+     3. Persons who shall escape out of any House of Correction
+     before the period of their imprisonment empires
+
+     4. Persons, who being once punished as Rogues and Vagabonds,
+     shall again commit the same offence.
+
+     [-->] _There are a great many other trivial Offences
+     denominated Misdemeanors, subject to pecuniary Fines, which
+     it is not easy to enumerate. Since almost every statute,
+     whether public or private, which passes in the course of a
+     Session of Parliament, creates new offences--the shades vary
+     as Society advances, and their number is scarcely within the
+     reach of calculation._
+
+The crimes mentioned in the first and second classes of the foregoing
+Enumeration (except Petty Larceny) are always tried by the Superior
+Courts:--The offences specified in the third class, as also Petty
+Larceny, and every species of misdemeanor and vagrancy, are generally
+tried, (with some few exceptions) by the Justices in their General and
+Quarter Sessions, where, in certain cases in Middlesex, they act under
+a commission of Oyer and Terminer. The Magistrates in Petty Sessions,
+and in several instances a _single Magistrate_, have also the power of
+convicting in a summary way, for a variety of small misdemeanors, and
+acts of vagrancy: and of punishing the delinquents with fine and
+imprisonment.
+
+It generally happens in the Metropolis, that out of from 2000 to 2500
+prisoners who are tried for different crimes, in the various Courts of
+Justice, above 5-6th parts are for larcenies, acts of vagrancy, and
+smaller offences; where the Benefit of Clergy, either attaches, or
+does not apply at all. The major part are, of course, returned upon
+Society, after a short imprisonment, or some corporal punishment, too
+frequently to renew their depredations on the public.--But a vast
+proportion (as has already been shewn) are always acquitted.[132]
+
+[Footnote 132: All endeavours towards the prevention of crimes will
+ever be attended with unconquerable difficulty, until some general
+House of Industry can be established in the Metropolis: where persons
+discharged for petty offences, as well as strangers and others out of
+work, may have an opportunity of finding, at least a temporary
+employment, sufficient to maintain them. An Institution of this sort
+would be a work of great charity and humanity; and it is earnestly to
+be hoped, that the view of the subject given in this Work may induce
+the Legislature to form a Police Establishment, calculated to promote
+such a multitude of good and useful objects;[E] more especially as
+with proper management it would very soon pay itself.]
+
+[Footnote E: Vide _page_ 99 _n._]
+
+In order to form a judgment of the proportion of the more atrocious
+offenders tried at the Old Bailey: the number acquitted; and the
+specific punishments inflicted on the different offences in case of
+conviction, one year has been selected; a year in which it was natural
+to expect from the immense, and indeed, unparalleled bounties which
+were given for seamen and soldiers, that the number of thieves and
+criminals would be greatly reduced,--namely--_from the month of
+April_, 1793, _to the month of April_, 1794,--including eight Sessions
+at the Old Bailey--
+
+The following Table shews in what manner 1060 prisoners, put on their
+trials during that period, were disposed of.[133]
+
+[Footnote 133: In the year 1795, 1894 prisoners were tried at the Old
+Bailey, and the different Assizes in the Country, exclusive of a much
+greater number at the General and Quarter Sessions of the Peace, in
+the different Counties. These trials in the Superior Courts of
+Judicature, produced the following results:--
+
+                                               Assizes
+                                      London.  in the     Total.
+                                               Country.
+
+  Received Sentence of Death            44       174       218
+      "       "     "  Transportation   84       159       243
+  Imprisoned and Whipt                 129       411       540
+  Judgment respited to serve
+    his Majesty                         23        25        48
+  Acquitted                            150       351       501
+  Discharged for want of
+    Prosecutors                         91       253       344
+                                       ---      ----      ----
+                                       521      1373      1894]
+
+The Crimes for which the different Offenders were tried, were these
+following:
+
+  Murder             46   Felony       315   Manslaughter  29
+  Arson               5   Larceny      998   Bigamy         3
+  Burglary          101   Receiving          Beastiality    2
+  Robbery            58   stolen Goods  61   Rape           9
+  Horse and Cattle        Frauds and         Perjury        2
+  stealing          108   Misdemeanors 101   Sedition       2
+  Forgery            16   Rogues and                      ---
+  Coining            17   Vagabonds     21                 47
+                    ---               ----                ---
+                    351               1496
+                    ---               ----
+
+
+_A_ TABLE, _shewing the Prisoners tried at the Old Bailey, from April
+1793, to March 1794, inclusive._
+
+  -------------+------------------------------------------------------
+               |Persons committed for trial.
+               |    |Of whom, acquitted and discharged.
+               |    |     |Prisoners convicted, and their Punishments.
+               |    |     |Death.
+               |    |     |  |Transported for 14 years.
+  London,      |    |     |  | |Transported for 7 years.
+  Middlesex,   |    |     |  | |   |Whipt & Imprisoned.
+  and          |    |     |  | |   |  |Imprisoned 6 months and
+  Westminster. |    |     |  | |   |  |upwards.
+               |    |     |  | |   |  |  |Imprisoned 3 months
+               |    |     |  | |   |  |  |& otherwise disposed of.
+               |    |     |  | |   |  |  |  |Sent to serve
+               |    |     |  | |   |  |  |  |the King.
+               |    |     |  | |   |  |  |  |  |Judgment
+               |    |     |  | |   |  |  |  |  |respited
+               |    |     |  | |   |  |  |  |  |  |Total
+               |    |     |  | |   |  |  |  |  |  |punished.
+  -------------+----+-----+--+-+---+--+--+--+--+--+-------------------
+  London       |    |     |  | |   |  |  |  |  |  |
+  Sessions     | 199|   70| 6|1| 50|10|29|20| 8| 5|129
+               |    |     |  | |   |  |  |  |  |  |
+  Middlesex and|    |     |  | |   |  |  |  |  |  |
+  Westminster  | 861|  497|62|1|117|38|51|49|30|16|364
+               +----+-----+--+-+---+--+--+--+--+--+-------------------
+               |1060|  567|68|2|167|48|80|69|38|21|493
+               |    |[134]|  | |   |  |  |  |  |  |
+  -------------+----+-----+--+-+---+--+--+--+--+--+-------------------
+
+[Footnote 134: The acquittals will generally be found to attach mostly
+to small offences which are punishable with death: where Juries do not
+consider the crime deserving so severe a punishment, the delinquent
+receives no punishment at all. If all were convicted who were really
+guilty of these small offences, the number of victims to the severity
+of the Law would be greatly increased.]
+
+Thus it appears, that in London only, of 1060 prisoners, tried in the
+course of a year, only 493 were punished; of whom 197, after a
+temporary confinement, would return upon the Public, with little
+prospect of being better disposed to be useful to Society, than
+before.--It may be estimated that in all England, including those
+offenders who are tried at the County Sessions, upwards of five
+thousand individuals, charged with criminal offences, are thrown back
+upon Society every year.--
+
+But this is not all,--for according to the present System, out of
+about _two hundred_ and upwards who are, upon an average every year,
+doomed to suffer the punishment of death, _four-fifths_ or more are
+generally pardoned[135] either on condition of being transported, or
+of going into His Majesty's service, and not seldom without any
+condition at all.
+
+[Footnote 135: As punishments became more mild, clemency and pardons
+became less necessary.--Clemency is a virtue that ought to shine in
+the code, and not in the private judgment.--The Prince in pardoning
+gives up the Public Security in favour of an individual; and by the
+exercise of this species of benevolence proclaims a public act of
+impunity.--Let the Executors of the Laws be inexorable; but let the
+Legislature be tender, indulgent and humane.
+
+BECCARIA, cap. 46.]
+
+Hence it is, that, calculating on all the different chances,
+encouragements to commit crimes actually arise out of the System
+intended for their prevention:--_first, from the hope of avoiding
+detection and apprehension;--secondly, of escaping conviction, from
+the means used to vitiate and suborn the evidence;--thirdly, from the
+mercy of the Jury, in considering the punishment too severe;--and
+fourthly, from the interest of persons of rank or consideration,
+applying (under circumstances where humanity becomes the friend of
+every person doomed to die), for the interference of Royal Mercy, by
+Pardons_.
+
+God forbid that the Author of these pages should do so much violence
+to his own feelings, as to convey an idea hostile to the extension of
+that amiable Prerogative vested in the Sovereign; and which His
+Majesty has exercised with a benevolent regard to the feelings of
+Humanity, and a merciful disposition truly characteristic of the mind
+of a great and good King.
+
+These animadversions are by no means pointed against the exercise of a
+privilege so benign, and even so necessary, in the present state of
+the Criminal Law;--they regard only the impositions which have been
+practised upon so many well-intentioned, respectable, and amiable
+Characters, who have, from motives of humanity, interested themselves
+in obtaining _free pardons for Convicts_, or _pardons on condition of
+going into the Army or Navy_.
+
+If these humane individuals, who exert themselves in applications of
+this sort, were to be made acquainted with one half of the gross
+impositions practised upon their credulity, or the evil consequences
+arising to Society from such pardons, (particularly unconditional
+pardons) they would shudder at the extent of the cruelty exercised
+towards the Public, and even, in many instances, to the Convicts
+themselves, by this false humanity.
+
+In a Country, where, from the great caution which mingles in that part
+of the Criminal Jurisprudence which relates to the trial of
+Offenders,--it is scarcely possible that an honest or an innocent
+person can be convicted of a capital offence.[136]--It would seem to
+be a good criterion, that the Royal Mercy should only be extended on
+two indispensable conditions.
+
+[Footnote 136: It is not here meant to say there have not been some
+instances, and even one of a recent date, where an innocent man may be
+convicted; but they are certainly very rare, and when discovered, the
+Royal mercy, of course, relieves the unfortunate person.]
+
+     1. _That the Convict under sentence of death should, for the
+     sake of Public Justice, (and to deter others from the
+     commission of crimes) discover all his accomplices, and the
+     robberies, or other crimes he has committed._
+
+     2. _That he should be transported; or make retribution to
+     the parties he has injured by being kept at hard labour for
+     life; or until ample security shall be given for good
+     behaviour after such retribution is made._
+
+The precaution not having been used of knowing _for certain_, before
+pardons were granted, whether the parties were fit for His Majesty's
+service or not; the Convicts themselves carefully concealing every
+kind of bodily infirmity;--and the pardons containing no eventual
+condition of ultimate Transportation, in case the persons should be
+found unfit for the Army or Navy;--the result has been, that many
+Convicts, who have been since actually Thieves upon the Town, were
+almost instantly thrown back upon the Public.--Some, even before they
+were attested by the Magistrate, in consequence of the discovery of
+bodily incapacity; and others, in a very short time after they had
+gone into His Majesty's Service, from the like unfitness being
+discovered; from some artful device practised to procure a
+discharge--or from desertion.--A professed Thief is never deficient in
+that species of artifice and resource which is necessary to rid him of
+any incumbrance.
+
+This, however, is seldom taken into the calculation when Humanity
+urges philanthropic Characters to interest themselves in behalf of
+Criminals; nor could it perhaps otherwise have been known, or
+believed, that so many of these outcasts of Society have found means
+again to mingle with the mass of the people.
+
+What impression must these facts make on the intelligent mind!--will
+they not warrant the following conclusion?
+
+     1. That every individual, restored to Society in this way,
+     is the means of affording a species of encouragement,
+     peculiarly calculated to bring others into the same dreadful
+     situation, from which the unhappy Convict is thus rescued.
+
+     2. That for this reason every pardon granted, without some
+     lesser punishment, or removing the convicts from Society, is
+     a link broken in the chain of justice, by annihilating that
+     united strength which binds the whole together.
+
+     3. That by removing the terror of punishments by frequent
+     pardons, the design of the Law is rendered in a great
+     measure ineffectual; the lives of persons _executed_ are
+     thrown away, being sacrificed rather to the vengeance of the
+     Law than to the good of the Public; and no other advantage
+     is received than by getting rid of one thief, whose place,
+     (under present circumstances,) will speedily be supplied by
+     another.[137]
+
+[Footnote 137: That able and excellent Magistrate, the late Henry
+Fielding, Esq. (to whose zeal and exertions in the exercise of the
+duties of a Justice of the Peace, in the Metropolis, the Public were
+under infinite obligations)--manifested, half a century ago, how much
+he was impressed with the injuries arising from frequent
+pardons.--Those who will contemplate the character and conduct of this
+valuable man, as well as that of his brother, the late Sir John
+Fielding, will sincerely lament that their excellent ideas, and
+accurate and extensive knowledge upon every subject connected with the
+Police of the Metropolis, and of the means of preventing crimes, were
+not rendered more useful to the Public. It is to be hoped, however,
+that it is not yet too late, since the state of Society, and the
+progress and increase of crimes, call loudly for the establishment of
+a responsible preventive System.]
+
+Nothing can sanction the punishment of death for crimes short of
+murder, _but the terror of the example operating as the means of
+prevention_.--It is upon this principle alone that one man is
+sacrificed to the preservation of thousands.--Executions, therefore,
+being exhibited as seldom as a regard to the public interest really
+required, ought to be rendered as _terrific_ and _solemn_ to the eyes
+of the people as possible.
+
+The punishment now in use, considered in point of law to be next to
+that of deprivation of life, is _Transportation_.
+
+It has been already mentioned that Parliament authorized this species
+of punishment in the year 1718--when the general plan of sending
+Convicts to the American Plantations was first adopted. This System
+continued for 56 years; during which period, and until the
+commencement of the American War in 1775, great numbers of Felons were
+sent chiefly to the Province of Maryland. The rigid discipline which
+the colonial Laws authorized the masters[138] to exercise over
+servants, joined to the prospects which agricultural pursuits, after
+some experience was acquired, afforded to these _Outcasts_, tended to
+reform the chief part; and after the expiration of their servitude,
+they mingled in the Society of the Country, under circumstances highly
+beneficial to themselves and even to the Colony. Possessed in general
+(as every adroit thief must be) of good natural abilities, they
+availed themselves of the habits of industry they acquired in the
+years of their servitude--became farmers and planters on their own
+account; and many of them, succeeding in these pursuits, not only
+acquired that degree of respectability which is attached to property
+and industry; but also in their turn became masters, and purchased
+the servitude of future Transports sent out for sale.[139]
+
+[Footnote 138: By the Acts 4 George I. c. 11, and 6 George I. c. 23,
+the persons contracting for the transportation of convicts to the
+Colonies, or their assigns, had an interest in the service of each,
+for seven or fourteen years, according to the term of transportation.]
+
+[Footnote 139: For some years previous to the commencement of the
+American War, the adjudged services of convicts became so valuable in
+Maryland, that contracts were made to convey them without any expence
+whatsoever to Government, who had formerly allowed 5_l._ a head; for
+the reasons already assigned, they generally were more adroit, and had
+better abilities than those who voluntarily engaged themselves to go
+to America.]
+
+The Convicts having accumulated greatly in the year 1776, and the
+intercourse with America being shut up, it became indispensably
+necessary to resort to some other expedient; and in the choice of
+difficulties the System of the _Hulks_ was suggested, and first
+adopted under the authority of an Act of the 16th of his present
+Majesty.
+
+The Legislature, uncertain with regard to the success of this new
+species of punishment, and wishing to make other experiments, by an
+Act of the same Session,[140] empowered the Justices of every county
+in England to prepare Houses of Correction for the reception of
+Convicts under sentence of death, to whom his Majesty should extend
+his Royal Mercy, to be kept at hard labour for a term not exceeding
+ten years.
+
+[Footnote 140: 16 George III. cap. 43, sect. 1st, 3d, and 11th.]
+
+The same Act, among many other excellent regulations, ordered the
+Convicts to be kept separate, and not allowed to mix with any
+offenders convicted of crimes less than Larceny--and that they should
+be fed with coarse inferior food, water, and small beer, without
+permission to have any other food, drink, or cloathing, than that
+allowed by the Act, under certain penalties:--they were to be clothed
+at the public expence.
+
+And as an encouragement to these delinquents, while such as refused to
+work were to receive corporal punishment, those who behaved well had
+not only the prospect held out of shortening the period of their
+confinement, but also were to receive decent clothes, and a sum of
+money not less than _forty shillings_, nor more than _five pounds_,
+when discharged.
+
+This well-intentioned Act[141] (which certainly admits of many
+improvements), was followed up, three years afterwards, by another
+Statute, (19 Geo. III. cap. 74,) which had two very important objects
+in view.
+
+[Footnote 141: An enormous expence has been incurred in building
+Penitentiary-Houses in various Counties, and many philanthropic
+individuals have exerted their best endeavours to carry this Act into
+execution; but it is to be lamented, that crimes have been by no means
+diminished. The fact is, that the System is erroneous--Responsibility
+is no where established.--No uniformity of System prevails, and no
+general superintendance or center point exists.--Like the Poor Laws,
+the only part of the Act which is rigidly carried into execution is
+raising a fund, which, without imputing blame to Magistrates (for the
+error is in the System), has increased the expence of this branch of
+the Police of the Country very far beyond what could have been
+conceived--and it now becomes a heavy burden upon many of the
+Counties.--The reform began at the wrong end.--The same expence
+applied in establishing a System of Preventive Police, ought to render
+numerous penitentiary houses in a great measure unnecessary.]
+
+The first was to erect, in some convenient common or waste ground, in
+either of the counties of _Middlesex_, _Essex_, _Kent_, or _Surry_,
+_Two large Penitentiary Houses_, the one to hold 600 _male_, and the
+other 300 _female Convicts_, with proper _storehouses_, _workhouses_,
+and _lodging-rooms_; an _infirmary_, _chapel_, and _burying-ground_; a
+_prison_, _kitchen_, _garden_, and _air-grounds_: with proper
+_offices_, and other _necessary apartments_.
+
+The expence of these grounds and erections was to be paid out of the
+treasury; and his Majesty was empowered to appoint three persons as a
+Committee of Management for regulating the Establishment; under the
+controul of the Justices of the Peace of the County, and Judges of
+Assize, with power to appoint a _clerk_, _governor_, _chaplain_,
+_surgeon_, or _apothecary_, _store-keepers_, and _task-masters_; and
+also a _matron_ for the females;--and to allow salaries to each, which
+were to be paid out of the profits of the work, to be performed by the
+Convicts.
+
+As soon as the buildings should be completed, the Court, before whom
+any person was convicted for a transportable offence, might, in lieu
+thereof, order the prisoner to be punished by confinement, in any of
+these Penitentiary Houses, there to be kept to hard labour in the
+proportion of 5 _years_ instead of 7 _years' transportation_, and not
+exceeding 7 years in lieu of 14 _years' transportation_; limiting at
+the same time the number of Convicts to be sent annually from the
+Circuits in the Country, and from the different Sessions in the
+Metropolis.
+
+This Act lays down various specific rules for the government of the
+Establishment, and for the employment of the Prisoners; and the
+following works, as being of the most servile kind and least liable to
+be spoiled by ignorance, neglect, or obstinacy, are selected, namely--
+
+  1. Treading in a wheel for moving machinery.
+  2. Drawing in a capstan, for turning a mill or engine.
+  3. Sawing stone
+  4. Polishing marble
+  5. Beating hemp
+  6. Rasping logwood
+  7. Chopping rags
+  8. Making cordage
+  9. Picking oakum
+  10. Weaving sacks
+  11. Knitting nets,
+  &c. &c.
+
+The food of the different offenders, as in the former Act, was limited
+to bread and any coarse meat, with water and small beer; and the
+Prisoners were to be cloathed in uniform apparel, with badges affixed,
+agreeable to the Institution.
+
+Certain other rules were established for the discipline of the house,
+under the direction of the Committee to be appointed by his Majesty;
+who were to attend every fortnight, and to have power to reward such
+offenders as should appear most diligent and meritorious, by giving
+them a part of their earnings, to be applied for the use of themselves
+end families.
+
+And when an offender should be discharged, decent clothing was to be
+delivered to him; with a sum of money for present subsistence, not
+less than _twenty shillings_, nor more than _three pounds_.
+
+The second purpose of this Act (and which is the only part of it which
+was ever carried into effect), regards _the continuation of the System
+of the Hulks_.
+
+It declares that for the more effectual punishment of atrocious male
+offenders liable to be transported, the Court may order such Convicts
+as are of proper age, and free from bodily infirmity, to be punished
+by being kept on board ships or vessels; and employed in hard labour
+in raising sand, soil, and gravel, and cleansing the River Thames, or
+any other river, or port, approved by the Privy Council; or in any
+other works upon the banks or shores of the same, under the direction
+of superintendants approved of by the Justices, for a term not less
+than _one_ year, nor more than _five_; except an offender be liable to
+transportation for 14 years, in which case his punishment may be
+commuted for 7 years on board the Hulks.
+
+The mode of feeding is the same as already explained, and the clothing
+is to be at the discretion of the superintendant. A similar
+discipline, varied only by local circumstances, is also established;
+and on the discharge of any of the convicts, they are to receive for
+present subsistence from 20_s._ to 3_l._ according to circumstances.
+
+The concluding part of the Act obliges the governors and
+superintendants of the two Establishments to make annual returns to
+the Court of King's Bench: and also authorizes his Majesty _to appoint
+an Inspector of the two Penitentiary Houses, of the several vessels or
+hulks on the River Thames, and of all the other gaols and places of
+criminal confinement within the City of London and County of
+Middlesex_; these Inspectors are personally to visit every such place
+of confinement at least once a quarter, to examine into the
+particulars of each, and to make a return to the Court of King's
+Bench, of the _state of the buildings--the conduct of the
+officers--treatment of the prisoners--state of their earnings and
+expences_--and to follow up this by a report to both Houses of
+Parliament, at the beginning of each Session.
+
+It is much to be lamented that neither of these two salutary Acts, so
+far as regarded _National Penitentiary Houses_, which seemed to hold
+out so fair a prospect of employing convicts, in pursuits connected
+with _productive labour_, _industry_, and ultimate _reformation_,
+without sending them out of the kingdom, have been carried into
+execution. In the year 1784, the System of Transportation was again
+revived, by the Act of the 24th Geo. III. Stat. 2. cap. 56; "which
+empowers the Court, before whom a male Felon shall be convicted, to
+order the prisoner to be transported beyond seas, either within his
+Majesty's dominions or elsewhere; and his service to be assigned to
+the contractor who shall undertake such transportation."
+
+The same Act continues the System of the Hulks for a further length of
+time; by directing the removal of Convicts, under sentence of death,
+and reprieved by his Majesty, and also such as are under sentence of
+Transportation (being free from infectious disorders) to other places
+of confinement, either inland, or on board of any ship or vessel in
+the river Thames, or any other navigable river; and to continue them
+so confined until transported according to law, or until the
+expiration of the term of the sentence should otherwise entitle them
+to their liberty.
+
+This plan of Transportation, through the medium of contractors,
+although some Felons were sent to Africa,[142] does not appear to have
+answered; from the great difficulty of finding any situation, since
+the Revolution in America, where the service of Convicts could be
+rendered productive or profitable to Merchants, who would undertake to
+transport them; and hence arose the idea of making an Establishment
+for these outcasts of Society in the infant colony of New South
+Wales, to which remote region it was at length determined to transport
+atrocious offenders.--Accordingly, in the year 1787, an Act passed,
+(27 Geo. III. cap. 2,) authorizing the establishment of a Court of
+Judicature for the trial of offenders who should be transported to New
+South Wales.
+
+[Footnote 142:
+
+  In 1785, George Moore, Esq. received for
+             transporting convicts           L.1,512  7 6
+
+           John Kirby for expences               540 19 4
+
+     1786, John Kirby; further expences          578 10 1
+
+           Anthony Calvert for Transportation    286 14 0
+
+           Thomas Cotton, Esq. Cloathing,
+             &c.                                 303  2 7
+                                             ------------
+                                             L.3,721 13 6[F]]
+
+[Footnote F: See Appendix (L. i.) to the 28th Report of Select
+Committee on Finance.]
+
+Another Act of the following year, (28 Geo. III. cap. 24,) empowered
+his Majesty, under his Royal Sign Manual, to authorize any person to
+make contracts for the Transportation of offenders, and to direct to
+whom security should be given for the due performance of the contract.
+
+By the Act of 30 George III. cap. 47, the Governor of the Settlement
+may remit the punishment of offenders there: and on a certificate from
+him their names shall be inserted in the next General Pardon.
+
+Under these various legislative regulations, the two Systems of
+Punishment, namely, the _Hulks_ and _Transportation_ to New South
+Wales, have been authorized and carried into execution.
+
+The System of the Hulks commenced on the 12th day of July, in the year
+1776; and from that time until the 12th of December 1795,
+comprehending a period of nineteen years, 7999 Convicts were ordered
+to be punished by hard labour on the river Thames, and Langston and
+Portsmouth harbours, which are accounted for in the following manner:
+
+  1. Convicts ordered to hard labour on the
+  River Thames, from 12th July 1776, to the
+  12th January, 1778                                        2024
+
+  2. Convicts, _under sentence of Transportation_,
+  put on board the Hulks on the River Thames,
+  from 11th January, 1783, to 12th December,
+  1795                                                      4775
+
+  3. _Deduct_, under sentence of Transportation,
+  put on board the Hulks in Langston and
+  Portsmouth Harbours, received from the
+  Hulks at Woolwich, on the 20th of June,
+  1791                                                       466
+                                                            ----  4309
+
+  Additional Convicts sent from different prisons
+  to Portsmouth and Langston from 1791,
+  to 1st December, 1795                                     1200
+
+  To which, add those from Woolwich as above                 466
+                                                            ----  1666
+                                                                  ----
+                                                           Total  7999
+  Of the above convicts there have been
+    Discharged                                        1610
+    Pardoned                                           790
+    Escaped                                            130
+                                                      ----  2530
+  Removed to other Gaols                                      17
+  Transported to New South Wales                            2207
+  Died[143]                                                 1946
+                                                            ----
+                                                            6700
+
+  And there remain in the Hulks on the
+  Thames                                               523
+
+  And at Langston Harbour                              776
+                                                      ----  1299
+                                                  Total as above  7999
+
+[Footnote 143: A malignant fever, at one period, carried off a vast
+number, in spite of every effort to prevent it.]
+
+By a subsequent account laid before the Select Committee of the House
+of Commons on Finance, and stated in Appendix, M. of their 28th
+Report, dated the 26th of June, 1798, it appears that the number of
+Convicts stood thus:
+
+  In the Hulks on the Thames, at Woolwich   501
+  At Portsmouth                             948
+                                           ----
+                                    Total  1449
+
+     Besides 415 under Sentence of Transportation in the
+     different Gaols, making in all 1864.
+
+From the same authentic Documents, (pages 115, 116,) it appears, that
+of these Convicts, the following numbers will be discharged upon
+Society in the succeeding 13 years:[144]
+
+                     Portsmouth.    Woolwich.
+  In 1800               140            115
+     1801               106             43
+     1802               127             26
+     1803               107             46
+     1804               149             77
+     1805                33              3
+     1806                 1              1
+     1807                 1              1
+     1808                 1              1
+     1809                 1              0
+     1810                 1              0
+     1811                10              4
+     1812                 1              0
+                        ---  678       ---  317
+     For life            76             22
+
+[Footnote 144: See page 98 of this volume, for an Account of the
+Convicts enlarged the preceding eight years,
+
+  in all                     1383
+  To be discharged as above   995
+                             ----
+                      Total  2378]
+
+
+RECAPITULATION.
+
+  Convicts discharged from the Hulks, from 1792 to
+  1799 inclusive (_See page 98 of this Treatise_)           1383
+
+  To be discharged from the Hulks at Langston chiefly
+  in 6 years                                                 678
+
+  From Woolwich, chiefly within the same period              317
+                                                            ----
+                                                     Total  2378
+
+In the same authentic Documents, namely the Appendix (L. 1 & 2) page
+103 of the 28th Report of the Select Committee on Finance, a Statement
+is given of the Expence which has been incurred by Government, "for or
+in respect of the Conviction, Confinement, and Maintenance of
+Convicts, from the 1st January, 1775, to the year ending the 31st
+December, 1797," of which the following is an abstract:
+
+  1 Jan. 1775 to 1 Jan.  1776 paid at the Exchequer  L.8,660  0  0
+   --    1776     --     1777          --              7,950 16 10
+   --    1777     --     1778          --             13,676 14  5
+   --    1778     --     1779          --             17,939 18  0
+   --    1779     --     1780          --             22,292 11  1-1/2
+   --    1780     --     1781          --             21,034  0  1-1/2
+   --    1781     --     1782          --             18,686 19  0
+   --    1782     --     1783          --             22,320 10  9
+   --    1783     --     1784          --             17,669  3 11
+   --    1784     --     1785          --             31,555 18 11
+   --    1785     --     1786          --             32,343 17  7
+   --         to 7 March 1786          --              9,353 17  0
+
+          To 31 December 1786                         22,282 18  4
+                         1787                         33,927  9  7
+                         1788                         34,059 14  8
+                         1789                         62,656 15  5
+                         1790                         46,865  4  6
+                         1791                         43,840  9  0
+                         1792                         22,300 12  7
+                         1793                         25,403 16  0
+                         1794                         25,751  3  7-1/2
+                         1795                         14,195  7  4-1/2
+                         1796                         36,174  7  9
+                         1797 }                     { 19,506 15 11
+                         1797 }                     { 12,574  0  0
+                                                   ---------------
+  Total Expence of Convicts in the }
+  Hulks, from the Commencement     }               L.623,022 14  5
+  of the System to 1 January 1798  }
+
+The Contractors for the Convicts at Woolwich and Langston Harbour, (as
+appear from documents laid before the House of Commons) entered into
+an agreement with the Lords of the Treasury obliging themselves for
+_the consideration of 1s. 3d. per day_, (being 22_l._ 16_s._ 3_d._
+a year _for each Convict_,) to provide at their own cost or charge,
+_one_ or more _Hulks_, to keep the same in proper repair, to provide
+proper Ship's Companies for the safe Custody of such Convicts; and
+sufficient _meat_, _drink_, _clothing_ and _medical assistance_, for
+the Convicts; as also to sustain all other charges (excepting the
+expence of the _Chaplain_, _Coroner_, and bounties to discharged
+Convicts;[145]) obeying, at the same time, all the orders of his
+Majesty's Principal Secretary of State for the Home Department,
+respecting the Convicts. A subsequent contract was made at 14-1/2_d._
+which reduced the expence to 22_l._ 1_s._ 0-1/2_d._ per man: and which
+is the allowance made to the present Contractors.
+
+[Footnote 145: This expence, by an account laid before the House of
+Commons, for one Year, ending the 15th Feb. 1792, appears to be--
+
+  Expence of Chaplain, Coroner, and Bounties
+  for Convicts at Woolwich                    L.221 17  4
+
+  At Langston and Portsmouth Harbours           153 19  8
+                                                ---------
+                                       Total  L.375 17  0]
+
+The terms of these contracts appear to be as favourable for Government
+as could reasonably be expected, under all circumstances; and it would
+appear, that some advantages are reaped by the Public, as the
+documents laid before the House of Commons in 1792 and 1798, shew that
+the labour performed by the Convicts is productive in a certain
+degree.--The following Statements explain how their labour is
+valued:--
+
+  From the 1st of January 1789 to the 1st of
+  January 1792, it appears that 653,432 days'
+  work had been performed at Langston Harbour,
+  Portsmouth, and Woolwich Warren;
+  which being estimated at 9_d._ a day, is               L.24,503 14 0
+
+  and
+
+  From the 1st of January 1789 to the 1st of January
+  1792, it also appears that 260,440
+  days' work had been performed at the
+  Dock yard at Woolwich; which being
+  partly performed by artificers in a more
+  productive species of labour, is estimated
+  at 1_s._ a day                                           13,022  0 0
+                                                         -------------
+  Total value of Convicts' labour in 3 years             L.37,525 14 0
+
+It appears from the 28th Report of the Select Committee on Finance,
+Appendix, No. 7 and 8--
+
+  That the work done by Convicts confined on
+  board the Hulks in Langston Harbour,
+  during the year 1797, was performed by
+  about 421 convicts upon a daily average,
+  and computing the labour of each artificer
+  at 19_l._ 8_s._ 9_d._ per annum, and each
+  labourer at 11_l._ 13_s._ 3_d._ it will
+  amount to                                         L.5,997  18  3
+
+  The work performed in the same year by
+  about 250 convicts, confined on board the
+  Hulks at Portsmouth, computed as above
+  will amount to                                      3,226  15  0
+                                                    --------------
+                                                      9,224  13  3
+
+  From which is to be deducted, to make the
+  amount correspond with the valuation
+  made by the Ordnance Board                          1,440   5  3
+                                                    --------------
+                                                    L.7,784   8  0
+
+  The work done by convicts, confined on board
+  the _Prudentia_ and _Stanislaus_ Hulks at
+  Woolwich Dock-yards and Warren, performed
+  by 359 convicts, rated at 1_s._ and
+  1_s._ 2_d._ for labourers, and 1_s._ 5_d._
+  per day for artificers, is calculated to
+  amount to                                           6,578   4  7
+                                                   ---------------
+                                                   L.14,362  12  7
+
+  Deduct allowances made, and articles supplied,
+  by the Board of Ordnance                            1,498  14 10-1/2
+                                                   -------------------
+  Total Estimate of the value of the labour of
+  Convicts in 1797                                 L.12,863  17  8-1/2
+                                                   -------------------
+
+Upon this last statement the Select Committee on Finance (whose
+various elaborate Reports on the State of the Nation, do them immortal
+honour as Patriots and Legislators) very justly observe, that it is
+extremely difficult to calculate the value of labour, performed under
+such circumstances, with any degree of accuracy; and after several
+views of the subject a conclusion is drawn, that the net expence to
+the Public, for the maintenance of 1402 convicts in 1797, after
+deducting the estimated value of labour, amounted to 20,878_l._ 14_s._
+10-1/2_d._ being at the rate of 14_l._ 17_s._ 9-1/2_d._ per man.
+
+It appears, however, that out of the whole number of 1402 maintained
+in 1797, only 1030 were actually employed. The labour of the remaining
+370 was, therefore, in a great measure, lost to the Community.
+
+At any rate, the value of this species of labour must be precarious,
+and the advantages resulting from it problematical.
+
+Since the mere "possession of so many idle hands will sometimes be a
+temptation to engage in works, which but for this inducement, would
+not recommend themselves by their intrinsic utility."[146]
+
+[Footnote 146: See 28th Report of Finance Committee, page 17.]
+
+While it is admitted, that considerable improvements have been made
+with regard to the reduction of the expence; that provision has also
+been made for religious and moral instruction, by established
+salaries to chaplains;--and that the contractors have honourably
+performed their part of the undertaking; it is much to be lamented,
+that this experiment has not been attended with more beneficial
+consequences to the Public; not only in rendering the labour of the
+convicts productive in a greater degree, so as at least to be equal to
+the expence; but also in amending the morals of these miserable
+out-casts; so that on their return to Society, they might, in some
+respect, atone for the errors of their former lives, by a course of
+honest industry, useful to themselves and to their country. On the
+contrary, experience has shewn, that although an expence exceeding
+623,000_l._ has been incurred by Government in the course of 22 years,
+most of them, instead of profitting by the punishment they have
+suffered (forgetting they were under sentence of death, and undismayed
+by the dangers they have escaped) immediately rush into the same
+course of depredation and warfare upon the public: nay, so hardened
+and determined in this respect have some of them been, as even to make
+proposals to their old friends, the Receivers, previous to the period
+of their discharge, to purchase their newly acquired plunder. It has
+already been shewn, that those few also, who are less depraved, and
+perhaps disposed to amend their conduct, can find no resource for
+labour; and are thus, too frequently, compelled, by dire necessity, to
+herd with their former associates in iniquity, and it is much to be
+feared, that the chief part of the multitudes, who have been
+periodically discharged, have either suffered for new offences, or are
+actually at present afflicting Society by reiterated depredations.[147]
+
+[Footnote 147: See the Examination of the Author before the Select
+Committee of the House of Commons.]
+
+After maturely considering the enormous expence, and the total
+inefficacy of the System of the Hulks, aided by the new lights which
+have been thrown upon the subject by the important documents called
+for by the Select Committee on Finance, it appears clear to
+demonstration, that it would be for the interest of the Country to
+abandon the present System; and the Author heartily joins in the
+opinion expressed by those respectable members of the Legislature,--"_That
+our principal places of Confinement, and modes of Punishment, so far
+from the Conversion and Reformation of the Criminal, tend to send him
+forth at the expiration of the period of his imprisonment more
+confirmed in vice; and that the general tendency of our oeconomical
+arrangements upon this subject, is ill calculated to meet the
+accumulating burdens, which are the infallible result of so much error
+in the System of Police_."
+
+Having thus explained the nature and effect of the punishment
+inflicted on convicts, through the medium of the Hulks, and also the
+expence attending these establishments; it will be necessary in the
+next place, to examine the authentic documents, as they relate to the
+transportation of Felons to New South Wales.
+
+From the Appendix, page 122, of the 28th Report of the Select
+Committee on Finance, printed the 26th of June 1798, it appears that
+the number of Convicts sent to New South Wales and Norfolk Island[148]
+from the year 1787 to the year 1797 inclusive, stood thus:--
+
+          Men and
+           Women.   Children.  TOTAL.
+  1787      778        17       795
+  1789     1251        22      1273
+  1790     2029         9      2038
+  1791      408        11       419
+  1792      412         6       418
+  1794       82         2        84
+  1795      133         3       136
+  1796      279        13       292
+  1797      393        10       403
+           ----        --      ----
+           5765        93      5858
+
+[Footnote 148: Norfolk Island is a small fertile spot, containing
+about 14,000 acres of land, situated about 1200 miles distant from
+Sydney Cove in New South Wales, where the seat of Government is
+fixed.]
+
+It appears also from another document in the same Report (being the
+last return of Convicts in the two Settlements) that their numbers
+stood as stated in the following Table,--
+
+                 Convicts  |Convicts  |Convicts   |Total     |Total
+                           |Victualled|Emancipated|          |Men
+                           |          |           |          |and
+                 Men  Women|Men  Women|Men   Women|Men  Women|Women
+                 ----------+----------+-----------+----------+-----
+  In New South }           |          |           |          |
+  Wales on the }           |          |           |          |
+  31 Aug. 1796 } 1633   755|  78     5|  20      9|1731   769|2500
+                           |          |           |          |
+  In Norfolk   }           |          |           |          |
+  Island on the}           |          |           |          |
+  22 Oct. 1796.}  379   167|  53     0|  12      3| 444   170| 614
+                 ----   ---| ---     -|  --     --|----   ---|-----
+                 2012   922| 131     5|  32     12|2175   939|3114
+
+  To which add the Convicts sent in 1796 and 1797,
+  including Children                                           695
+                                                              ----
+                                                       Total  3809
+
+The diminution of Convicts from 5858 to 3809 is to be accounted for,
+by a certain proportion leaving the Settlement after the expiration of
+their time, and also by deaths,[149] which in the natural course of
+things must be expected.
+
+[Footnote 149: In 21 months after the arrival of the first Convicts in
+May 1788, there were 77 deaths and 87 births in the whole Settlement.]
+
+In resorting to this mode of disposing of Convicts, which at the time
+must be considered as a choice of difficulties, a very large sum of
+money has been expended.--Certainly much more than could have been
+foreseen at the commencement: Since it appears from the 28th Report of
+the Select Committee on Finance, who certainly have bestowed infinite
+pains in the investigation, that the total amount exceeds _One Million
+Sterling_, as will be seen from the following Statement, extracted
+from page 120 of that 28th Report, viz:
+
+  Disbursed for 5858 Convicts including 93 Children, transported
+  to New South Wales
+
+                                               L.   _s._ _d._
+  In 1786                                    28,346   3    6
+  -- 1787                                    29,242  11   10-1/2
+  -- 1788                                    18,008   9    2
+  -- 1789                                    88,057  18    2
+  -- 1790                                    44,774   4    6-1/4
+  -- 1791                                   129,019  19   10-3/4
+  -- 1792                                   104,588   2    3-3/4
+  -- 1793                                    69,961  16    6-1/2
+  -- 1794                                    79,381  13   11-1/2
+  -- 1795                                    75,280  19    0-3/4
+  -- 1796                                    83,854  18    0
+  -- 1797                                   120,372   4    8-3/4
+  To which add the total Naval Expences     166,341   4   11
+                                        ------------------------
+            Total Expences in 12 Years  L.1,037,230   6    7-3/4
+
+Specification of the heads of Expences above stated--
+
+  Expences of the first Establishment of the
+  Settlement and Transportation of Convicts         264,433  11  0
+
+  Expences of Victualing Convicts and the
+  Settlement from hence                             186,270   1  3-1/4
+
+  Expences of Cloathing, Tools, and Sundry
+  Articles                                          116,658  15  3
+
+  Bills drawn for the purchase of Provisions,
+  &c. for the use of the Colony                     138,225   9  8-3/4
+
+  Expence of the Civil Establishment                 48,134   0  2-1/4
+
+  Expence of the Military Establishment              94,993  11  3
+
+  Expence of the Marine Establishment                22,173  13  0-1/2
+
+  Naval Expences as above                           166,341   4 11
+                                                ----------------------
+                                         Total  L.1,037,230   6  7-3/4
+                                                ----------------------
+
+Thus it appears, that in executing the sentence of the Law on 5765
+Convicts more than One Million Sterling has been expended, nearly
+equal to 180_l._ for each Convict, exclusive of the expence incurred
+by the Counties, and by Government in the maintenance at home; and
+without taking into the account the very considerable charge, which
+must have been borne by the private Prosecutors in bringing these
+Offenders to Justice.
+
+The Select Committee in their laborious investigation of the effects
+of this System, very justly observe, "that the numbers of the Convicts
+do not appear to have kept pace with the increase of the
+expence."--They proceed to state (page 27 of the Report) "that after a
+trial of twelve years, it seems not too early to inquire whether the
+peculiar advantages likely to arise from this plan are such as may be
+considered as compensating for its probable expence. The security held
+out by the difficulty of return on the part of the convicts is the
+only advantage that strikes the eye: but the nature of this advantage,
+the amount of it, and the certainty of it, seem not altogether
+undeserving of inquiry; nor whether a security of the same sort more
+at command, and more to be depended on, might not be purchased on less
+exceptionable terms. It may be also worthy of inquiry (add the
+Committee) whether the advantages looked for, from this establishment
+may not be dependent on its weakness? and whether as it grows less
+disadvantageous in point of finance, it will not be apt to grow less
+advantageous in the character of an instrument of Police? The more
+thriving the Settlement the more frequented: The more frequented the
+less difficulty of return.--The more thriving too the less terrible.
+To persons in some circumstances;--to persons who otherwise would have
+been disposed to emigrate, it may loose [Transcriber's Note: lose] its
+terrors altogether, especially if by money or other means the
+servitude be avoidable. This inconvenience had already become sensible
+in the instance of the comparatively old planted Colonies. Many,
+though innocent, went thither voluntarily, even at the price of
+servitude, while others under the notion of punishment, were sent
+thither for their crimes; so that while to some the emigration remains
+a punishment, to others it may become an adventure; but a punishment
+should be the same thing to all persons, and at all times."
+
+Contingencies, the Committee remark, may diminish the utility of the
+Establishment, or may increase the expence. "Bad seasons, and the
+destruction of the vegetable part of the stock of food: Mortality
+among the as yet scanty stock of cattle.[150] Mischief from the
+natives,--from insurrection among the convicts, or from the enemy.
+
+[Footnote 150: An account of the Live Stock in the possession of, and
+Land in cultivation by, Government, and the Officers civil and
+military, 1st September 1796, extracted from page 123, of the above
+Report of the Select Committee on Finance.
+
+                                      Civil and
+                                      Military
+                         Government.  Officers.  Settlers.  Total.
+
+  Mares and Horses           14          43         0          57
+  Cows and Cow Calves        67          34         0         101
+  Bulls and Bull Calves      37          37         0          74
+  Oxen                       46           6         0          52
+  Sheep                     191        1310        30        1531
+  Goats                     111        1176       140        1427
+  Hogs                       59         889       921        1869
+                           ----        ----      ----        ----
+                            525        3495      1091        5111[G]
+                           ----        ----      ----        ----
+
+[Footnote G: In addition to the above Stock 61 head of Cattle were
+discovered in the year 1795, about 50 miles S.W. of the town of
+Sydney, which must have been produced from three Cows which strayed
+from the Settlement in 1788. This proves that at least one of the Cows
+at the time must have been big with a Bull Calf, and also gives the
+data for calculating the rate of the increase.]
+
+  Land in cultivation, viz:--      Acres.
+
+  Government                       1700
+  Civil and Military Officers      1172
+  Settlers                         2547
+                                   ----
+                                   5419
+
+The above 1700 acres were unemployed in 1796, on account of the want
+of public labourers, and the many buildings required--about 4-5th
+parts of the 1172 acres were sown with wheat--much timber cut, but not
+burnt off, on the 2547 acres belonging to the settlers.]
+
+"Here, as at Sierra Leone, malice may produce an expedition of
+devastation. The illusions to which the spirit of rapine is so much
+exposed may give birth to an enterprize of depredation; apprehensions
+of any such event entertained here would necessarily give birth to
+preparations of defence. The apprehensions may be well or ill
+grounded--the measures taken for defence successful or unsuccessful;
+but the expence in the mean time is incurred. The distance is
+unexampled, and all danger as well as all expence swells in proportion
+to the distance: these topics appear to merit consideration.
+
+"Another circumstance is, that the labour of the whole number of
+persons sent to these colonies, whether as Convicts or Settlers, _is
+entirely lost to the Country_, nor can any return, to compensate such
+a loss, be expected till that very distant day, when the improved
+state of the Colony may, by possibility, begin to repay a part of the
+advance, by the benefits of its trade.
+
+"Supposing abundance established, and remaining for ever without
+disturbance, it may be deserving of consideration, in what shape and
+in what degree, and with what degree of assurance, Government, in
+point of Finance, is likely to profit by the abundance: for the stock
+of the individuals, which each individual will consume, lay up or
+sell, is on his own account; is not the Stock of Government. The
+saving to Government depends upon the probity and zeal, and
+intelligence of the Bailiffs in Husbandry, acting without personal
+interest in the concern at that immense distance."
+
+After opinions so decided, the result of an inquiry, aided by
+extensive information, and conducted by men of talents and judgment,
+it would ill become the Author of this Work to offer (if he could
+suggest,) additional arguments to prove the disadvantages which have
+attended, and which are likely to attend the transportation of
+Convicts to New South Wales. Although with regard to mere
+_subsistence_, there may be a prospect (and it is yet a distant one),
+of the Colony becoming independent of supplies from this Country; yet
+with respect to most other articles its wants will experience no
+diminution, and having once engaged in the project, humanity requires
+that the Settlement should be supplied at the expence of the Nation.
+
+When the measure of establishing this Colony was adopted, a hope was
+probably entertained that while the great difficulty and expence of
+the passage home, joined to the fertility of the soil and the
+salubrity of the climate, might induce convicts to remain after the
+expiration of the period specified in their sentence, so as not to
+become offensive again to their native Country; the removal to an
+unknown region, inhabited by Savages, and situated at such a remote
+distance from Great Britain would exhibit this species of punishment
+in so terrific a light as to operate powerfully in preventing crimes.
+
+Experience, however, has shewn that this salutary effect has not been
+produced, and that crimes are not to be diminished by the dread of
+punishment in any shape. This great desideratum is only to be attained
+by a well-regulated Police, calculated to destroy the sources from
+whence evil propensities spring, and to remove the facilities by which
+criminality is nourished and assisted.
+
+Under the present circumstances, where the mind continues depraved,
+and where the harvest is so prolific, it ceases to be a matter of
+wonder that a considerable proportion of the convicts transported to
+New South Wales, have found their way back to their native
+Country;--and that not a few of them have again afflicted Society by
+renewing their depredations on the Public.--It is, indeed, lamentable
+to reflect, that after the extreme labour which has been bestowed, and
+the unparalleled expence which has been incurred, no effect whatsoever
+favourable to the interest of the Community, or to the security of
+innocence, has been produced. Looking back to the period when
+Government was relieved of the expence of Convicts, almost of every
+description under sentence of Transportation, and reflecting on the
+enormous expence which has been incurred since the channel of
+disposal, through the medium of the late American Colonies, has been
+shut up; considering that within the short period of twenty-five years
+no less a sum than 1,663,974_l._[151] has been expended in
+transporting and maintaining about 15,000 Convicts, which would have
+cost nothing under the old System;--it cannot be sufficiently
+lamented, that so liberal a provision had not been employed in
+establishing Systems of Prevention. One fourth part of this enormous
+sum expended in a proper establishment of Preventive Police, would
+probably have rendered transportation and punishment in a
+considerable degree unnecessary, while the Country would have
+benefitted by the industry of a large proportion of these outcasts,
+who would then have been compelled to earn an honest livelihood by
+their labour.
+
+[Footnote 151:
+
+  Expence of maintaining about 9000 Convicts in
+  the Hulks, from January 1, 1795, to January 1,
+  1798                                                    L.  623,022
+
+  Expence of Transporting Convicts in 1785 and 1786             3,722
+
+  Expence of Transporting and Maintaining Convicts
+  from 1786 to 1797, New South Wales                        1,037,230
+                                                          -----------
+                                                   Total  L.1,663,974]
+
+Deploring the mass of turpitude which has drawn from the resources of
+the Country so enormous a portion of wealth, it is no little
+consolation to be able to look forward to a measure recommended by the
+Select Committee, and in the train of being adopted by Government,
+which holds out so fair a prospect not only of gradually diminishing
+this expence in future, but also of rendering the labour of Convicts
+productive, and of securing the Public against the repetition of those
+depredations which have been rather increased than prevented, by the
+System of punishments which have been heretofore adopted.
+
+The advantages in contemplation are to be attained by carrying into
+effect a _proposal for a new and less expensive mode of employing and
+reforming Convicts_, which has been offered to the consideration of
+Government by JEREMY BENTHAM, Esq. and which appears to have been
+fully investigated by the Finance Committee, who state it (p. 20, of
+Report 28,) "to be no small recommendation to the plan, that the
+Contractor proposes to employ the prisoners on his own account,
+receiving a proportionally smaller sum from the Public for their
+maintenance.--That the great and important advantages which
+distinguish that plan from any other which has been hitherto
+suggested, consist in the certain employment and industrious
+livelihood which it insures to those whose terms of confinement are
+expired. In the responsibility which the Contractor proposes to take
+upon himself, for the future good behaviour of Criminals entrusted to
+his care, even when they shall be no longer under his control: in the
+publicity which is meant to be given to the whole conduct and effect
+of the Establishment, _moral_, _medical_, and _oeconomical_, as well
+by an annual report of the state and proceedings, as by the constant
+facility of inspection, which will in an unusual manner be afforded by
+the very form and construction of the building, upon which the prompt
+and easy exercise of the superintending power of the Governor himself
+principally depends."
+
+These advantages appear to the Committee of more importance, when the
+periods of the enlargement of the several Convicts now on board the
+Hulks are taken into consideration. The pernicious effects produced
+upon the unfortunate persons confined in these seminaries of vice; and
+the circumstance of 1411 destined to be enlarged in the course of 7
+years, to afflict the Society from which they have been separated--the
+Committee consider as deserving of very serious consideration: and
+they conclude their view of the subject by expressing, an uncommon
+degree of solicitude, that no delay should take place in the execution
+of the contract with Mr. Bentham, "because it would deprive the Public
+for a longer time of the benefits of a plan, which they cannot but
+look to as likely to be productive of the most essential advantage,
+both in point of oeconomy and Police."
+
+The object in view is by the aid of ingenious machinery, to render the
+labour of every class of Convicts so productive to the Contractor, as
+to admit of their being maintained at 25 per cent. less than the
+expence incurred on board the Hulks; while a rational prospect is held
+out of reforming these Convicts and returning them upon Society, not
+only with purer morals, but with the knowledge of some trade or
+occupation by which they may afterwards earn their bread;--but this is
+not all.--The proposer of this important design insures to the
+Convicts, after the expiration of their time, the means of obtaining a
+_livelihood_; by setting up a _Subsidiary Establishment_, into which
+all who found themselves otherwise destitute of employment would be
+admitted, and where they would be continued in the exercise of the
+trades in which they were employed during their confinement.
+
+It is, however, impossible to do justice to the merit of this
+_Proposal_, without laying it wholly before the Public. It seems to
+embrace every object calculated to remove the errors and difficulties
+of the present System, while it promises in a short time to relieve
+the Finances of the Country from the enormous and unparalleled expence
+which is incurred by the Establishment of the Hulks, and by
+Transportation to New South Wales.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+PROPOSAL
+
+FOR A NEW AND LESS EXPENSIVE MODE OF
+
+_EMPLOYING_ AND _REFORMING CONVICTS_.
+
+The Author, having turned his thoughts to the Penitentiary System from
+its first origin, and having lately contrived a Building in which any
+number of persons may be kept within the reach of being inspected
+during every moment of their lives, and having made out, as he
+flatters himself, to demonstration, that the only eligible mode of
+managing an Establishment of such a nature, in a Building of such a
+construction, would be by _Contract_, has been induced to make public
+the following Proposal for Maintaining and Employing Convicts in
+general, or such of them as would otherwise be confined on board the
+Hulks, for 25 per cent. less than it costs Government to maintain them
+there at present; deducting also the average value of the work at
+present performed by them for the Public: upon the terms of his
+receiving the produce of their labour, _taking on himself the whole
+expence of the_ BUILDING, _fitting up and stocking_,[152] without any
+advance to be made by Government for that purpose, requiring only that
+the abatement and deduction above-mentioned shall be suspended for the
+first year.
+
+[Footnote 152: All these articles taken into the account, the
+originally-intended Penitentiary Houses on the late Mr. Blackburne's
+plan, would not have cost so little as L.200 per man:--for 1000
+Prisoners, L.200,000: exclusive of the whole _annual_ expence of
+maintenance, &c. to an unliquidated amount.]
+
+Upon the above-mentioned Terms, he would engage as follows:
+
+     I. To furnish the Prisoners with a constant supply of
+     wholesome _Food_, not limited in quantity, but adequate to
+     each man's desires.
+
+     II. To keep them _clad_ in a state of tightness and
+     neatness, superior to what is usual even in the Improved
+     Prisons.
+
+     III. To keep them supplied with _separate Beds_ and Bedding,
+     competent to their situations, and in a state of cleanliness
+     scarcely any where conjoined with liberty.
+
+     IV. To insure to them a sufficient supply of artificial
+     _warmth_ and _light_, whenever the season renders it
+     necessary: and thereby save the necessity of taking them
+     prematurely from their work, at such seasons (as in other
+     places) as well as preserve them from suffering by the
+     inclemency of the weather.
+
+     V. To keep constantly from them, in conformity to the
+     practice so happily received, every kind of _strong_ and
+     spirituous liquor; unless where ordered in the way of
+     medicine.
+
+     VI. To maintain them in a state of inviolable, though
+     mitigated seclusion, in _assorted_ companies, without any of
+     those opportunities of promiscuous association, which in
+     other places, disturb, if not destroy, whatever good effect
+     can have been expected from occasional solitude.
+
+     VII. To give them an interest in their work, by allowing
+     them a share in the produce.
+
+     VIII. To convert the prison into a _school_, and, by an
+     extended application of the principle of _the Sunday
+     Schools_, to return its inhabitants into the world
+     instructed, at least as well as in ordinary schools, in the
+     most useful branches of vulgar learning, as well as in some
+     trade or occupation, whereby they may afterwards earn their
+     livelihood. Extraordinary culture of extraordinary talents
+     is not, in this point of view, worth mentioning: it would be
+     for his own advantage to give them every instruction by
+     which the value of their labour may be increased.
+
+     IX. To pay a penal sum for every _escape_, with or without
+     any default of his, irresistible violence from without
+     excepted; and this without employing _irons_ on any
+     occasion, or in any shape.
+
+     X. To provide them with _spiritual_ and _medical_
+     Assistants, constantly living in the midst of them, and
+     incessantly keeping them in view.
+
+     XI. To pay a sum of money for every one who _dies_ under his
+     care, taking thereby upon him the insurance of their lives
+     for an ordinary premium: and that at a rate grounded on an
+     average of the number of deaths, not among imprisoned
+     Felons, but among persons of the same ages in a state of
+     liberty within the Bills of Mortality.
+
+     XII. To lay for them the foundation-stone of a _provision
+     for old age_, upon the plan of the _Annuity Societies_.
+
+     XIII. To insure to them a _livelihood_, at the expiration of
+     their terms, by setting up a _Subsidiary Establishment_,
+     into which all such as thought proper, should be admitted,
+     and in which they would be continued in the exercise of the
+     trades in which they were employed during their confinement,
+     without any further expence to Government.
+
+     XIV. To make himself personally responsible for the
+     reformatory efficacy of his management, and even make
+     amends, in most instances, for any accident of its failure,
+     by paying a sum of money for every Prisoner convicted of a
+     Felony after his discharge, at a rate, increasing according
+     to the number of years he had been under the Proposer's
+     care, viz. a sum not exceeding 10_l._ if the Prisoner had
+     been in the Penitentiary Panopticon _one_ year: not
+     exceeding 15_l._ if _two_ years; not exceeding 20_l._ if
+     _three_ years; not exceeding 25_l._ if _four_ years; not
+     exceeding 30_l._ if _five_ years or upwards: such sum to be
+     paid immediately on conviction, and to be applied to the
+     indemnification of the persons injured by such subsequent
+     offence, and to be equal in amount to the value of the
+     injury, so long as it did not exceed the sums respectively
+     above specified.
+
+     XV. To present to the Court of King's Bench, on a certain
+     day of every Term, and afterwards print and publish, at his
+     own expence, a Report, exhibiting, in detail, the state,
+     not only moral and medical, but economical, of the
+     Establishment; showing the whole profits, if any, and in
+     what manner they arise; and then and there, as well as on
+     any other day, upon summons from the Court, to make answer
+     to all such questions as shall be put to him in relation
+     thereto, not only on the part of the Court or Officer of the
+     Crown, but, by leave of the Court, on the part of any person
+     whatsoever; questions, the answer to which might tend to
+     subject him to conviction, though it were for a capital
+     crime, not excepted: treading under foot a maxim, invented
+     by the guilty for the benefit of the guilty, and from which
+     none but the guilty ever derived any advantage.
+
+     XVI. By neatness and cleanliness, by diversity of
+     employment, by variety of contrivance, and above all, by
+     that peculiarity of construction, which, without any
+     unpleasant or hazardous vicinity, enables the whole
+     Establishment to be inspected at a view, from a commodious
+     and insulated room in the centre, the Prisoners remaining
+     unconscious of their being thus observed, it should be his
+     study to render it a spectacle such as persons of all
+     classes would, in the way of amusement, be curious to
+     partake of: and that, not only on Sundays, at the time of
+     Divine Service, but on ordinary days, at meal-times, or
+     times of work: providing thereby a _system of
+     superintendance, universal, unchargeable and uninterrupted_,
+     the most effectual and _indestructible_ of all securities
+     against abuse.
+
+Such are the methods that have occurred to him for accomplishing that
+identification of "_interest with duty_," the effectuating of which,
+in the person of the Governour, is declared to be one of the leading
+objects of the Penitentiary Act.--[19 GEO. III. ch. 74.]
+
+The station of Gaoler is not in common account a very elevated one:
+the addition of Contractor has not much tendency to raise it. He
+little dreamt, when he first launched into the subject, that he was to
+become a suitor, and perhaps in vain, for such an office. But
+inventions unpractised might be in want of the inventor: and a
+situation, thus clipped of emoluments, while it was loaded with
+obligations, might be in want of candidates. Penetrated, therefore,
+with the importance of the end, he would not suffer himself to see any
+thing unpleasant or discreditable in the means.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+_Outline of the Plan of Construction alluded to in the above
+Proposal._
+
+The Building _circular_--about the size of _Ranelagh_--The Prisoners
+in their Cells, occupying the Circumference--The Officers, (Governor,
+Chaplain, Surgeon, &c.) the Centre.
+
+By _Blinds_, and other contrivances, the Inspectors concealed (except
+in as far as they think fit to show themselves) from the observation
+of the Prisoners: hence the sentiment of a sort of invisible
+omnipresence.--The whole circuit reviewable with little, or, if
+necessary, without any change of place.
+
+_One_ Station in the Inspection-Part affording the most perfect view
+of every Cell, and every part of every Cell, unless where a screen is
+thought fit occasionally and purposely to be interposed.
+
+     Against _Fire_ (if, under a system of constant and universal
+     inspection, any such accident could be to be apprehended,) a
+     pipe, terminating in a flexible hose, for bringing the water
+     down into the central Inspection-Room, from a cistern, of a
+     height sufficient to force it up again by its own pressure,
+     on the mere turning of a cock, and spread it thus over any
+     part within the Building.
+
+For _Visitors_, at the time of Divine service, an _Annular Gallery_,
+rising from a floor laid immediately on the cieling of the Central
+Inspection-Room, and disclosed to view, by the descent of a central
+_Dome_, the superior surface of which serves, after descent, for the
+reception of Ministers, Clerk, and a select part of the Auditory: the
+Prisoners all round, brought forward, within perfect view and hearing
+of the Ministers, to the front of their respective Cells.
+
+_Solitude_, or _limited Seclusion_, _ad libitum_.--But, unless for
+punishment, limited seclusion in assorted companies is preferred: an
+arrangement, upon this plan alone, exempt from danger. The degree of
+_Seclusion_ fixed upon may be preserved, in all places, and at all
+times, _inviolate_. Hitherto, where solitude has been aimed at, some
+of its chief purposes have been frustrated by occasional associations.
+
+     The _Approach_, _one_ only--_Gates_ opening into a walled
+     _avenue_ cut through the area. Hence, no strangers near the
+     building without _leave_, nor without being _surveyed_ from
+     it as they pass, nor without being known to come _on
+     purpose_. The gates, of _open_ work, to _expose hostile_
+     mobs: On the other side of the road, a wall with a branch of
+     the road behind, to _shelter peaceable_ passengers from the
+     fire of the building. A mode of fortification like this, if
+     practicable, in a city, would have saved the _London
+     Prisons_, and prevented the unpopular accidents in _St.
+     George's Fields_.
+
+     The _surrounding Wall_, itself surrounded by an open
+     palisade, which serves as a fence to the grounds on the
+     other side.--Except on the side of the Approach _no public
+     path_ by that fence.--A _Centinel's Walk_ between; on which
+     no one else can set foot, without forcing the fence, and
+     declaring himself a trespasser at least, if not an enemy. To
+     the four walls, four such walks _flanking_ and _crossing_
+     each other at the ends.--Thus each Centinel has two to check
+     him.
+
+In contemplating the whole of this important design, it is impossible
+to avoid congratulating the Public on the prospect which now opens by
+a recent vote of Parliament,[153] for the purpose of carrying it
+speedily into effect.
+
+[Footnote 153: At the close of the Session in June 1798, the House of
+Commons voted 36000_l._ to Mr. Bentham, toward the expence of carrying
+his plan into execution. See the Appropriation Act, 39 Geo. III. c.
+114.]
+
+It comprizes in its structure every thing humanity can dictate, or
+which a mind full of resource, and a judgment matured by great depth
+of thought could suggest, for the purpose of relieving Society from a
+dreadful and oppressive evil.
+
+It is even to extend comforts to offenders in the course of
+punishment; and they are to be returned to Society after the period
+expires, not as at present, polluted and depraved beyond what the
+human mind can conceive; but impressed with the force of religious and
+moral instructions, with an abhorrence of their former course of life,
+and with a resource for obtaining an honest livelihood by the trade or
+occupation which they were taught during their confinement.--And if
+employment should fail, when at liberty to make their own election, an
+asylum is provided, into which they will be admitted, and where they
+may continue to exercise the trades in which they were employed during
+their confinement, with certain advantages to themselves.
+
+These Convicts are, moreover, while in confinement, to have an
+interest in the work they perform, by being allowed a share of the
+produce, which may be either partly or wholly applied in laying the
+foundation-stone of a provision for old age, upon the plan of the
+Annuity Societies, which is to form one of the oeconomical
+arrangements of this excellent Establishment.
+
+Among many other advantages calculated to improve the morals of
+delinquents, and to render them useful to Society, it will possess,
+after a certain period, the singular faculty of extending to the
+Public these incalculable benefits, _perhaps without any expence
+whatsoever_; since it may be reasonably expected, that by training
+both Sexes to productive labour, extended and rendered valuable by the
+proposed introduction of ingenious machinery, it will hereafter become
+an object of advantage to new Contractors, (after the System is fully
+matured, and the profits arising from it clearly ascertained), to take
+upon them the conduct of the design, without stipulating for any
+annuity or assistance whatsoever from Government. Nay, the certainty
+of this profit, and its magnitude arising from labour alone, may,
+perhaps, ultimately even create a competition of Contractors, who,
+instead of _receiving_, will be induced to _offer_ a premium to
+Government for the appointment to the situation; the value of which
+will be evidenced by the increasing annual profits.
+
+It is, indeed, highly probable, that as the Institution advances to
+maturity, under a plan so admirably adapted to render labour
+productive in the greatest possible degree; in the same manner will
+the profits gradually increase year after year until they shall be
+rendered obvious and certain, and not as at present depending on
+speculative opinions.
+
+The proposed annual report to the Court of King's Bench, through which
+medium the progressive profits will be generally promulgated, will
+create notoriety, and excite attention; and it is by no means
+improbable, that when the contract becomes open, by the decease of
+the two Gentlemen to whom the Public are to be indebted for this
+invention, that it will acquire _a precise value_, like any other
+saleable commodity.
+
+This was exemplified in the instance of Convicts sent to America,
+which for a great length of time cost Government a large sum annually,
+until a discovery of the profits, arising from the disposal of the
+services of Felons, created a competition, which eased the Public of
+every expence whatsoever on account of their Transportation.
+
+But these are not the only advantages which the Country will derive
+from this new Penitentiary System. Its success will rapidly change the
+oeconomy of the many unproductive Houses of Correction, which have
+been erected at an enormous expence to the different Counties, under
+the Act of the 16th of Geo. III. cap. 43. Those in the management of
+these respective Establishments will gladly follow an example which
+mingles in so great a degree--_humanity with reform and profit_,
+thereby holding out a prospect both of diminishing crimes, and
+reducing the County Rates, now estimated by the Finance Committee at
+_fifty thousand pounds a year_ for prisons, and criminal Police alone.
+
+Such are some of the benefits which may be reasonably expected to
+arise from the proposed Penitentiary System. If they shall be realized
+to the extent which is contemplated, so as to render transportation,
+as well as the Hulks, unnecessary, the pecuniary saving to Government
+in twenty years will be immense. This may be ascertained by referring
+to a preceding page, where the disbursements in the criminal
+department are inserted, which have taken place since the commencement
+of the American war, which rendered a new System necessary. If to this
+sum is added the expences incurred by the Counties, it will probably
+be found to have exceeded _Two millions sterling in all_.
+
+But still further advantages may be contemplated in addition to those
+of a pecuniary nature.--By retaining delinquents in the Country, and
+rendering their labour profitable to the State, a new source of wealth
+is opened which never existed at any former period, since the labour
+of convicts transported, whether to America or New South Wales, has
+been totally unproductive to the Country.
+
+The success of such a design, once clearly manifested, would give a
+new and favourable turn to the System of Punishments. Labour would be
+exacted in almost every case, not more for the benefit of the State
+than the advantage of the Prisoner, since labour and reform generally
+go hand in hand.--Without the aid of labour, it is in vain to expect
+an improvement in the morals or habits of delinquents--without an
+asylum to which discharged prisoners can resort for employment, their
+punishment produces no advantage. On the contrary, the vices of a
+Gaol send them forth more hardened in iniquity, and greater adepts in
+the trade of thieving than before.
+
+Nothing, therefore, can be more hostile to the diminution of crimes
+than the present mode of punishment for small offences, by a short
+imprisonment, without being employed in useful and productive labour.
+
+Under this defective System the different Gaols in the Metropolis and
+the Kingdom, are periodically vomiting forth hordes of Minor
+Delinquents, who serve as recruits to the more desperate gangs, and
+remain in a course of turpitude until cut off by the commission of
+higher offences. Some exceptions, doubtless, there are; but while the
+resource for honest labour is so effectually shut out, many who have
+totally lost character, and are without friends, seem to have no other
+resource.
+
+To all who may be confined in the proposed Penitentiary Establishment,
+this difficulty will be removed.--A difficulty in the present state of
+things, the magnitude of which cannot be estimated, since it generates
+most of those evils to which are to be attributed the extensive
+corruption of morals, and the increase and multiplication of crimes.
+
+Upon the whole, it would be expedient to give full effect to the new
+Penitentiary System as soon as possible; which, to use the language of
+the Select Committee, (p. 30.) "seems to bid fairer than any other
+that was ever yet offered to the Public, to diminish the Public
+expenditure in this branch, and to produce a salutary reform in the
+objects of the proposed institution."
+
+At the same time for the purpose of rendering the System of
+Punishments useful in the greatest possible degree to the Community,
+and that they may operate, in the fullest extent, as an example,
+tending to the prevention of crimes, it would seem that the following
+general principles should be adopted.
+
+     1st. That examples of punishment by death, (except, perhaps,
+     in cases of Murder), should only take place twice a year:
+     and that the impression upon the Public mind may be stronger
+     from the less frequency of such painful exhibitions, they
+     ought on all occasions to be conducted with a degree of
+     solemnity suited to the object in the view of the
+     Legislature, when the life of a fellow-creature is
+     sacrificed, that it may really prove useful in deterring
+     others; and not be contemplated with indifference, as is too
+     often the case at present, without making the least
+     impression, or being in any degree beneficial to the great
+     ends of Public justice.
+
+     2d. That the System of the Hulks should be at once wholly
+     abandoned, as a source of great expence, producing in the
+     result infinitely more evil than good, and thereby
+     exhausting the Finances of the Country without any one
+     beneficial consequence.
+
+     3d. That Transportation to New South Wales and Norfolk
+     Island, should be limited to a few of the most depraved,
+     incorrigible, and irreclaimable Convicts, whose vicious and
+     ungovernable conduct, while under the discipline of a
+     Penitentiary House, rendered their reform hopeless.--That
+     shipments should only take place once in three years, and
+     that the Civil and Military Establishment of the Colony
+     should be gradually reduced, so as to bring the National
+     Expenditure on this branch of Police within moderate bounds.
+
+     4th. That every thing should be done to accelerate the
+     erection of National Penitentiary Houses.--That their
+     capacity, including appendages, should be equal to the
+     accommodation of 3,500 Convicts of all descriptions, so as
+     to admit of different degrees of treatment and labour,
+     according to the _age, sex, and state of health of the
+     Convicts_.
+
+     5th. That the local Penitentiary Houses in the different
+     Counties, destined for the Punishment of persons convicted
+     of Larcenies, and other minor offences, should be conducted,
+     as nearly as possible, upon the plan of the National
+     Establishments; and also by contract, under circumstances
+     where the labour of the Convicts may, by the resources of
+     the Contractor, be rendered (without hardship) equal, or
+     nearly equal, to the expence; a measure conceived to be
+     almost, in every instance, practicable, where knowledge of
+     business, stimulated by interest, shall form an ingredient
+     in the executive management.
+
+     6th. That there should be attached to each County
+     Penitentiary House, a Subsidiary Establishment, into which
+     all discharged prisoners should be admitted who choose it,
+     and where they might be continued in the exercise of the
+     trades in which they were employed during their confinement,
+     and for which they should receive wages in proportion to
+     their earnings, until they could otherwise find a settled
+     employment through an honest medium: thus giving those who
+     are desirous of reforming an opportunity of sheltering
+     themselves from the dangers of relapse, which arise from
+     being afloat upon the Public--idle, and without the means of
+     subsistence.
+
+In carrying the Penitentiary System into effect, it ought not to
+escape notice, that the hardship imposed on Convicts, with respect to
+manual labour, would be no more than every honest artisan who works
+industriously for his family, must, during the whole course of his
+life, impose upon himself. The condition of a Convict would, even in
+some respects, be superior, inasmuch as he would enjoy medical
+assistance, and other advantages tending to the preservation of
+health, which do not attach to the lower classes of the people, whose
+irregularities not being restrained, while their pursuits and labours
+are seldom directed by good judgment and intelligence, often produce
+bad health, and extreme indigence and distress.
+
+The difficulty which has heretofore been experienced with respect to
+productive labour in the Provincial Houses of Correction will vanish,
+when the System shall be exemplified in the National Penitentiary
+Establishment. To conduct a Plan of this nature with advantage to the
+Public and to the individual, an assemblage of _qualities_,
+_dispositions_, and _endowments_, which rarely meet in one man, will
+be necessary--namely, _education, habits of business, a knowledge of
+the common affairs of life--an active and discriminating
+mind--indefatigable industry--the purest morals, and a philanthropic
+disposition, totally divested of those hurtful propensities which lead
+to idle amusements_.
+
+Such men are to be found, and would come forward, as Contractors, with
+ample security as often as opportunities offered, after the System
+became matured. It is only by the uncontrolled energy of talents,
+where duty and interest go hand in hand, that labour is to be obtained
+from Convicts.--No fluctuating management, nor any superintendance
+whatsoever, where a spring is not given to exertion by motives of
+interest, can perfect any Penitentiary design; or, indeed, any design
+where profit is to be derived from labour. Hence the ill success of
+almost all the well meant establishments with respect to the Poor,
+and to most of the local Penitentiary Houses. In some instances a few
+establishments at first hold out prospects of success; but at length
+they dwindle and decay, and in the result they have mostly all been
+unprofitable. The death or removal of an active or philanthropic
+Magistrate produces a languor, which terminates often in the ruin or
+the abandonment of the design.
+
+The National Penitentiary System is guarded against this contingency;
+and until the local Establishments can enjoy equal advantages, success
+in any degree is scarcely to be expected, and _permanent success_ is
+altogether hopeless.
+
+The object to be attained is of great magnitude.--Let an appeal be,
+therefore, made to the good sense of the country, and to the feelings
+of humanity in behalf of an unfortunate and noxious class of
+individuals. Let the effects of the present System be candidly
+examined, in opposition to the benefits which may result from that
+which is proposed, and let the decision be speedy, that Society may no
+longer be tormented by the evils which arise from this branch of the
+Police of the country.
+
+The suggestions which are thus hazarded on the subject of punishments,
+are by no means the refinements of speculation doubtful and uncertain
+in their issue.
+
+The System accords either with what has been already enacted by the
+Legislature or recommended by the Finance Committee. And the whole
+has been admitted to be practicable under an able and permanent
+superintendence. A hope may, therefore, be indulged, that where the
+interest of Society and the cause of Humanity is so deeply concerned,
+a design which holds out so many advantages, will experience that
+general support which it unquestionably merits; since its object is
+not only to reclaim the Out-casts of the present generation, but also
+to rescue thousands yet unborn from misery and destruction.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. XVII.
+
+     _The Police of the Metropolis examined--Its organization
+     explained, with regard to that branch which relates to the
+     prevention and suppression of Crimes.--The utility of the
+     new System, established in 1792, examined and
+     explained.--Reasons assigned why this System has not tended,
+     in a greater degree, to the suppression and prevention of
+     atrocious Crimes--Its great deficiency from the want of
+     funds, by which Magistrates are crippled in their exertions,
+     with regard to the detection and punishment of
+     Offenders.--Reasons in favour of a New System.--The Police
+     of the City of London (as now constituted) explained and
+     examined.--Suggestions relative to established Justices, and
+     the benefits likely to result from their exertions in
+     assisting the City Magistrates: from whose other engagements
+     and pursuits, that close and laborious attention cannot be
+     expected which the Public interest requires.--The
+     Magistrates of London the most respectable, perhaps, in the
+     world.--The vast labour and weight of duty attached to the
+     chief Magistrate.--The Aldermen have certain duties assigned
+     them, which ought not, in justice to be augmented, as they
+     act gratuitously.--The benefits which result to the
+     Community from established Police Magistrates, considered in
+     different points of view; and exemplified in the advantages
+     which have arisen from the System under the Act of
+     1792.--General Reflections on the advantages which would
+     arise from the various remedies which have been proposed in
+     the course of this Work.--These benefits, however, only of a
+     partial nature, inadequate to the object of complete
+     protection, for want of a centre-point and superintending
+     Establishment, under the controul of the first Minister of
+     Police.--Reasons assigned in favour of such a System.--The
+     advantages that would result from its adoption.--The ideas
+     of enlightened Foreigners on the Police of the Metropolis
+     explained.--Reflections suggested by those
+     ideas.--Observations on the Police of Paris previous to the
+     Revolution in France: elucidated by Anecdotes of the Emperor
+     Joseph the Second and Mons. de Sartine.--The danger of an
+     inundation of Foreign Sharpers and Villains on the return of
+     Peace.--The situation of Europe requires, and the necessity
+     of a well-regulated Police points out the utility of, a
+     Central Board of Commissioners for Managing the
+     Police.--This measure recommended by the Select Committee of
+     Finance, since the publication of the last Edition of this
+     Work._
+
+
+Having in the preceding Chapters endeavoured to bring under the review
+of the Reader, not only those prominent causes which have occasioned
+that great increase of Public Wrongs, which every good man must
+deplore, but also the _various classes of delinquents_ which compose
+the melancholy catalogue of human depravity; having also stated such
+observations and facts, relative to _detection_, _trials_, and
+_punishments_, as seemed to be necessary for the purpose of
+elucidating a subject of great importance to be understood; it remains
+now to explain and develope the _System_ hitherto established for the
+purpose of protecting the Public against those enormities; and from
+which is to be expected that energy, and those exertions, which have
+been shewn to be so indispensably necessary, for the suppression and
+prevention of crimes.
+
+The POLICE _of this great Metropolis_ is undoubtedly a System highly
+interesting to be understood, although heretofore (as far as the
+Author has had access to know) it has never been, at any period, fully
+explained through the medium of the press;--and hence it is, that a
+vast proportion of those who reside in the Capital, as well as the
+multitude of strangers who resort to it, have no accurate idea of the
+principles of organization, which move so complicated a machine.
+
+It has been already stated in a preceding Chapter, that twenty-six
+Magistrates, forming that respectable body, comprehending the
+Lord-Mayor and Aldermen,[154] sit in rotation every forenoon, at the
+Mansion-house, and at Guildhall, and take cognizance of all matters
+of Police within the ancient jurisdiction of the City of London; while
+twenty-six established Magistrates appointed for every other part of
+the Metropolis,[155] including the River Police, having particular
+offices or courts of justice assigned them at convenient distances in
+Westminster, Middlesex, and Surry, sit every day (Sunday excepted)
+both in the morning and evening, for the purpose of executing all the
+multifarious duties, connected with the office of a Justice of the
+Peace, which unavoidably occur in large societies.[156]
+
+[Footnote 154: The following are the names of the Aldermen at present
+in the Magistracy of the City; arranged according to their Seniority.
+
+  1761  Right Hon. Thos. Harley,      Bridge Ward Without
+    72  Sir Watkin Lewis, Knt.        Lime-street
+    72  Sir William Plomer, Knt.      Bassishaw
+    74  Nathaniel Newnham, Esq.       Vintry
+    82  John Boydell, Esq.            Cheap
+    84  Paul Le Mesurier, Esq.        Dowgate
+    84  Brock Watson, Esq.            Cordwainers
+    85  Thomas Skinner, Esq.          Queenhithe
+    85  William Curtis, Esq.          Tower
+    86  William Newnham, Esq.         Farringdon Within
+    86  G.M. Macauley, Esq.           Coleman-street
+    89  J.W. Andersen, Esq.           Aldersgate-street
+    90  Harvey C. Combe, Esq.         Aldgate
+    90  Sir Richard Carr Glyn, Knt.   Bishopsgate-street
+    93  William Staines, Esq.         Cripplegate
+    95  Sir John Eamer, Knt.          Langborne
+    96  Sir William Herne, Knt.       Castle-Baynard
+    96  Robert Williams, Esq.         Cornhill
+    97  Charles Hamerton, Esq.        Bread-street
+    98  Charles Price, Esq.           Farringdon Without
+    98  Peter Perchard, Esq.          Candlewick
+    98  Thomas Cadell, Esq.           Walbrook
+    98  George Hibbert, Esq.          Bridge Within
+    98  James Shaw, Esq.              Portsoken
+    98  John Perring, Esq.            Broad-street
+    99  William Leighton, Esq.        Billingsgate
+
+Sir John William Rose, Knt. Recorder of London, a Magistrate, holding
+rank above the Aldermen who have not served the office of Lord
+Mayor.--He assists at the General and Quarter Sessions of the Peace,
+and in the principal affairs of the City; but does not sit in
+rotation.
+
+Richard Clark, Esq. Chamberlain, acting judicially with respect to
+Apprentices.
+
+Mr. Newman, Clerk to the Lord-Mayor, or Sitting Alderman at the
+Mansion-house.
+
+Mr. Whittle, Clerk to the sitting Alderman at Guildhall.]
+
+[Footnote 155: The following are the Public Offices in the Metropolis;
+(exclusive of the City of London;) and the respective Magistrates who
+_preside_, and the Clerks who _officiate_ at each.
+
+  Westminster.
+
+    Bow-street,      Sir William Addington, Knt. }
+    Covent Garden.   Nicholas Bond, Esq.         } _Magistrates_.
+                     Richard Ford, Esq.          }
+                     Mess. Lavender and Davies, _Clerks_.
+
+    The following seven Public Offices were established by the
+    Act 32 Geo. III. cap. 53. and continued for 5 years by 36
+    Geo. III. cap. 75.
+
+    Queen's Square,  Cranley Thomas Kerby, Esq. }
+    St. Margaret's   Henry James Pye, Esq.      } _Magistrates_.
+    Westminster.     Patrick Colquhoun, Esq.    }
+                     Mess. Arthur Gliddon and J. Jones, _Clerks_.
+
+    Great Marl-      Nathaniel Conant, Esq.  }
+    borough-street,  John Scott, Esq.        } _Magistrates_.
+    Oxford Road.     Phillip Neave, Esq.     }
+                     Mess. H.P. Butler and J. Thornton, _Clerks_.
+
+  Middlesex.
+
+    Hatton Garden    William Bleamire, Esq. }
+    Holborn.         Aaron Graham, Esq.     } _Magistrates_.
+                     Robert Baker, Esq.     }
+                     Mess. A. Todd and W. Upton, _Clerks_.
+
+    Worship-street,  John Floud, Esq.      }
+    Finsbury-Squ.    William Brodie, Esq.  } _Magistrates_.
+                     John Nares, Esq.      }
+                     Mess. Chas. Lush and J. Chalmers, _Clerks_.
+
+    Lambeth-street,  Rice Davies, Esq.      }
+    Whitechapel.     Henry Reynett, D.D.    } _Magistrates_.
+                     Daniel Williams, Esq.  }
+                     Mess. John Smith and J. Bailey, _Clerks_.
+
+    High-street,     George Storie, Esq. }
+    Shadwell.        John Staples, Esq.  } _Magistrates_.
+                     Rupert Clarke, Esq. }
+                     Mess. J. Rowswell and G. Skeen, _Clerks_.
+
+  Surrey.
+
+    Union-street,    Gideon Fournier, Esq.         }
+    Southwark.       Benjamin Robinson, Esq.       } _Magistrates_.
+                     Richard Carpenter Smith, Esq. }
+                     Mess. D. Campbell and J.A. Jallicoe, _Clerks_.
+
+  Marine Police,     P. Colquhoun, Esq. superintending Magistrate,
+  Wapping New          gratis
+  Stairs.            John Harriot, Esq. Resident Magistrate
+                     Henry Lang, Esq. Chief Clerk
+                     William Brooke, Cashier
+                     Three Junior Clerks, and Ten Surveyors, &c.
+
+N.B. The whole Fees and Penalties taken and received at the seven
+Offices, established by 32 Geo. III. cap. 53. are paid into the
+_Receiver_ on account of the Public, and the whole expences of the
+Establishments are defrayed from the funds placed in his hands for
+that purpose.]
+
+[Footnote 156: The Marine Police Magistrates, on account of the extent
+of the Establishment, and the number of River Officers under their
+Control, never leave the Office from the time that business commences
+in the morning until a late hour in the evening.]
+
+This Institution of established Justices (except with regard to the
+three Magistrates at Bow-street, and the Justices at the Marine Police
+Office,) was suggested to the Legislature, in consequence of the
+pressure felt by the Public, from the want of some regular and
+properly-constituted Tribunals for the distribution of justice; where
+the System should be uniform; and where the purity of the Magistrates,
+and their regular attendance, might insure to the People, the
+adjustment of their differences, at the least possible expence; and
+the assistance of gratuitous advice in every difficulty; as well as
+official aid, in all cases within the sphere of the Magistrates in
+their respective districts.
+
+The duty of these established Magistrates, (in conjunction with
+other Justices of the Peace, who find it convenient to give
+their assistance,) extends also to several important judicial
+proceedings; where, in a great variety of instances, they are
+empowered and required to _hear_ and _determine_, in a summary way;
+particularly in cases relative to the _customs, excise, and
+stamps--the game laws--hawkers and pedlars--pawn-brokers--friendly
+societies--highways--hackney coaches, carts, and other carriages--Quakers
+and others refusing to pay tythes--appeals of defaulters in parochial
+rates--misdemeanors committed by persons unlawfully pawning property
+not their own--bakers for short weight, &c.--journeymen leaving their
+services in different trades--labourers not complying with their
+agreements--disorderly apprentices--alehouse keepers keeping
+disorderly houses--nuisances by different Acts of Parliament--acts of
+vagrancy by fraudulent lottery insurers--fortune-tellers; or persons
+of evil fame found in avenues to public places, with an intent to
+rob--As well as a multitude of other offences, in which Justices have
+power to proceed to conviction and punishment, either by fine or
+imprisonment_.
+
+The duty of the Magistrates also extends to a vast number of other
+objects, such as _licencing Public Houses_, and establishing Rules and
+Orders for Publicans,[157] _watching over the conduct of
+Publicans--swearing in, charging and instructing parochial constables
+and headboroughs from year to year, with regard to their duty--issuing
+warrants for privy searches; and in considering the cases of persons
+charged with being disorderly persons, or rogues and vagabonds, liable
+to be punished under the Act of the 17th of George II. cap. 5, and
+subsequent acts of Parliament--in making orders to Parish Officers,
+Beadles, and Constables, in a variety of cases--in Parish Removals--in
+billeting soldiers--in considering the cases of poor persons applying
+for assistance, or admission to workhouses--in granting certificates
+and orders to the wives of persons serving in the Militia_, and also
+_in attesting recruits, for the Army--in attending the General and
+Quarter Sessions of the Peace, and in visiting the Workhouses,
+Bride-wells, and Prisons_.[158]
+
+[Footnote 157: See Tract on Public Houses, by the Author of this
+Treatise.]
+
+[Footnote 158: The Magistrates at the Marine Police confine their
+attention almost wholly to the cognizance of offences, either
+committed on the River, or connected with Maritime Affairs, and his
+Majesty's Stores in the Public Arsenals.]
+
+In addition to these various duties, many criminal cases occur in the
+course of a year, which are examined for the purpose, if necessary, of
+being sent to superior tribunals for trials:--such as charges of
+_Treason, Murder, Coining, and uttering Base Money, Arson,
+Manslaughter, Forgery, Burglary, Larceny, Sedition, Felonies of
+various descriptions, Conspiracies, Frauds, Riots, Assaults, and
+Misdemeanors of different kinds_:--all which unavoidably impose upon
+every official Magistrate, a weight of business requiring great
+exertion, and an unremitting attention to the Public Interest, in the
+due execution of this very important Trust.
+
+When the Police System was first established in the year 1792, the
+public mind became impressed with an idea that the chief, if not the
+only, object of the institution was to prevent _Robberies_,
+_Burglaries_, and other _atrocious Offences_; and that the suppression
+of those crimes, which bore hardest upon Society, and were most
+dreaded by the Public at large, was to be the result. These
+expectations shewed, that neither the powers nor authorities granted
+by the Act of Parliament, nor the other duties imposed upon the
+Magistracy of the Police, were understood. For this Statute (useful as
+it certainly is in a very high degree in many other respects,) does
+not contain even a single regulation applicable to the prevention of
+crimes; except that which relates to the apprehension of suspected
+characters, found in the avenues to public places, with intent to
+commit felony; who are liable to be punished as rogues and
+vagabonds,--and even this provision does not extend to the city of
+London.
+
+But this is not all--an establishment has been created, without the
+most necessary of all engines to give vigour and effect to the
+exertions of the Magistrates; namely, a pecuniary Fund to defray the
+expences of detecting criminals, and of rewarding those who bring
+informations useful to Public Justice. The expence of each Public
+Office being restricted to _two thousand pounds_ a year, and the
+establishment in _salaries_, _rents_, _taxes_, and other
+_contingencies_ exhausting that sum, nothing remains for one of the
+most necessary purposes of the Institution--the _Prevention_ and the
+_Suppression of Crimes_.[159]
+
+[Footnote 159: It is by no means to be understood, that this
+deficiency arose from any want of real attention or public spirit on
+the part of the respectable individuals who framed and promoted this
+act. It was perhaps as much as could reasonably be expected at the
+time, until the public mind could be more fully informed. It was by
+the operation of this act, that a correct view of the improvements
+necessary to complete the System, were to be obtained. This first step
+was, therefore, of great importance; and it is but justice to state,
+that to the Authors of this Act the Public will be indebted for every
+subsequent arrangement, which may be adopted for perfecting the Police
+of the Metropolis.]
+
+It is in vain to expect that either vigour or energy can enter into
+that part of the System, where a great deal of _both_ is necessary,
+_without Funds_.
+
+If criminals, at war with the Community, are to be detected--if risks
+are to be run to effect this purpose--if it is to be done, (as it must
+frequently be) at the hazard of the loss of health, and _even of
+life_, by watching desperadoes in the night time--if accurate
+informations are necessary, either to discover where stolen property
+is deposited, or where the delinquents are to be found; a Fund must be
+provided, or the Public cannot be protected. Those, whose province it
+is to watch over the Police must not expect that men, capable of
+giving them useful information, will return a second time, if they
+have not some adequate reward bestowed upon them for their labour,
+risk, and trouble. Without such power of granting small rewards, (so
+far as that part of his duty which relates to the discovery of
+property plundered, and the detection of the offenders is of
+importance to the Public,) a Magistrate is placed in the situation of
+a person pledged to work, _without tools or implements of labour_, by
+which he can in any respect accomplish his purpose. And hence it is,
+that among the numerous causes assigned in the course of this Work,
+for the increase of Crimes,--this is none of the least.
+
+Not that it is meant that any additional burthen on the Public, by an
+extensive expenditure of money, would be necessary--A very moderate
+sum judiciously and oeconomically laid out, would bring to
+Commissioners of the Police, or to the _disbursing Magistrates_,
+through some medium or other, an early account of most of the
+depredations committed upon the Public, as well as every circumstance
+relative to coiners and sellers of base money.--This would lead to the
+detection and apprehension of most of the offenders; and thereby
+strike such an universal terror, as (assisted by the other salutary
+regulations proposed in this Work) would soon reduce the number of
+Thieves, Coiners, and other delinquents; and thus, of course, diminish
+the ultimate and great additional expence which follows conviction, in
+all cases where felons are in the course of punishment.
+
+In this view of the subject, it would prove a Regulation calculated
+greatly to reduce the aggregate expence; for surely, if _a few
+guineas_ judiciously laid out, in the first instance, would save
+_fifty_ afterwards to the State, it must be a wise and a good
+arrangement; and in this way it would probably operate. But this would
+not be the only saving to the Nation: by preventing crimes, all those
+concerned in projects of mischief must, instead of preying upon the
+industry of others, assist the State, by contributing their share to
+the national stock of labour.
+
+Next to the want of a sufficient pecuniary Fund, the most obvious
+deficiency in the present System of executive Police in the
+Metropolis, is that which regards the Magistracy of the City of
+London; _where the case is precisely reversed_; for _there_ the funds
+for the detection and discovery of offenders, may be made as ample as
+the Corporation shall think fit; but the want of a _Stipendiary
+Establishment_ must prevent the operation of that System of vigour and
+energy, which the increase of Criminals and the present state of
+Society demand.
+
+The Magistrates of the City of London form a body, perhaps the most
+_respectable_, and _independent_ of any in the world; but besides the
+unavoidable, important, and multiplied affairs of the Corporation, in
+attending the various Courts of the Lord-Mayor--Aldermen--Common
+Council--Common Hall--Wardmotes--Conservancy--Courts of
+Requests--Court of Orphans--and General and Quarter Sessions of the
+Peace, and Justice Hall at the Old Bailey, they have avocations and
+engagements in business, which must necessarily occupy their minds.
+It cannot, therefore, reasonably be expected, that they should forego
+their own important private interests, and bestow upon the business of
+the Public that attention which their situation as Magistrates seems
+to require.[160]
+
+[Footnote 160: The Author having had occasion to represent to a late
+Chief Magistrate, of great talents and respectability, the enormous
+evil arising from _base coin_:--He very judiciously observed, that to
+do any good in protecting the Public against this species of offence,
+_it would require the mind of a Magistrate to be given up to that
+object alone_. This pointed and accurate remark is sufficient to
+elucidate, in an eminent degree, the necessity of Magistrates with
+salaries, in all large Communities.]
+
+The Chief Magistrate cannot, in the nature of things, while the
+immense load of municipal affairs, joined to his own private concerns,
+presses constantly upon his mind, bestow either time or attention in
+considering the cases of delinquents brought before him; or in
+following up informations, and devising plans necessary to detect
+offenders; and yet this detail of duty, even from the pass-vagrant to
+the most atrocious villain, is imposed on him, by ancient immemorial
+custom and usage; at the very moment when he is overpowered with other
+official business, of great magnitude and importance; which can be
+transacted by no other person. Hurried with constant engagements,
+inseparable from the functions and dignity attached to his high
+office, and the general government of the City, a Lord-Mayor is just
+beginning to understand the duties attached to the Chief Magistracy,
+at the period when he must lay it down.
+
+The other Magistrates of the City having had a precise line of duty
+anciently chalked out, when Commerce and Society had made less
+progress, the same System continues; nor would it be proper to expect
+an augmentation of labour, or a greater proportion of time, from
+Magistrates who serve the Public gratuitously.--The unremitting
+attendance and indefatigable industry, which the Public interest
+requires, it would be vain and unjust to expect, from any but
+Magistrates selected for that purpose, and that only.[161]
+
+[Footnote 161: The Select Committee of the House of Commons on
+Finance, in their 28th Report (already repeatedly quoted), appear to
+be very strongly impressed with the necessity of Police Magistrates,
+and a Concurrent Jurisdiction for the City of London.--They express
+themselves in the following words: "It is further to be stated, that a
+considerable defect is felt in the Police of the Metropolis, from the
+limited jurisdiction of the present Magistrates in every part of it,
+and from the want of an Institution similar to that of the Police
+Offices to be established in the City of London, as was originally
+intended and proposed: that the delay which necessarily takes place in
+obtaining the sanction of the local Magistracy in either case, to the
+warrants of those presiding in other districts, operates in all cases
+to the advantage of offenders against the Laws, and to the obstruction
+of Public Justice: add to which, that the numerous and important
+avocations, both public and private, of the truly respectable
+Magistracy of the City, is too often inconsistent with that constant
+and unremitting attention which the due preservation of the Police of
+the Metropolis requires. That it would be unfortunate indeed if any
+local jealousy founded upon no just grounds, though entertained by
+honourable minds, should continue to deprive even the Inhabitants of
+the City itself, as well as those of the rest of the Metropolis, of
+that security which a more permanent attendance, and a perfect
+intercommunity of Jurisdiction in Criminal matters between the
+Magistrates of every part of the Metropolis, and of the five adjoining
+Counties, could not fail to produce."--See p. 13, 28th Report, 26th of
+June, 1798.]
+
+With the increase of those blessings which are supposed to arise from
+a course of prosperity and wealth, there is generally an increase also
+of _evils_ and _inconveniences_; and hence it is that while an influx
+of riches preponderates in _one scale_, an augmentation of crimes acts
+as a counterbalance in the _other_:--thus requiring the constant and
+progressive application of such antidotes and remedies as will
+preserve the _good_, while the _evil_ is diminished or kept within
+bounds.
+
+It seems that the Metropolis is now in that situation where the active
+and unceasing attention of Magistrates with salaries, has become
+necessary to promote a vigorous and energetic execution of the Law,
+for the general protection of property, and the safety of
+individuals.[162]
+
+[Footnote 162: If this were the case, neither the Bank, nor the
+avenues to every part of Cheapside, &c.[H] would be beset with gangs
+of rogues and sharpers, both men and women, who support themselves
+principally by the resource which the vast amount of moving property,
+in money and portable goods, affords them, in this part of the
+Metropolis; where, it appears, capital offenders are rarely detected;
+since, at the Old Bailey, those convicted in the course of a year,
+from the City and County, run in the proportion of about 1-7th part
+for London, and 6-7th parts for Middlesex.[I]]
+
+[Footnote H: See p. 106.]
+
+[Footnote I: Vide Table, p. 429.]
+
+Contemplating the various existing evils detailed in this Work, and
+which form so many prominent features of Police, requiring the
+constant and watchful eye of the Magistrate, it seems clear to
+demonstration, that unless official duties become the sole business
+and pursuit of the parties engaged in them, the Public Interest must
+suffer; and (although imperceptible in their progress), Crimes will
+increase and multiply; at a time when the comfort, happiness and
+security of Society, require that they should be diminished.
+
+In consequence also of the great accumulation of the Statute Laws,
+requiring the attention of Justices in a vast number of instances,
+which did not occur a century ago, their duty has so multiplied as to
+require the _whole time_ of Magistrates acting in all great Societies;
+an observation which applies not merely to the Metropolis, but to many
+large Provincial Towns. It follows, therefore, almost as a matter of
+course, that Stipendiary Justices have become indispensably
+necessary.[163]
+
+[Footnote 163: In the measures finally proposed by the Finance
+Committee, in the 9th Article (page 30), they recommend it to
+Parliament, "That two additional Offices of Police should be
+established in the City, consisting each of three Magistrates, to sit
+at the Mansion-house, and at Guildhall, for the purpose of assisting
+the Lord-Mayor and the Court of Aldermen: such Magistrates to be named
+by the Lord-Mayor and Court of Aldermen; and paid out of the General
+Funds arising from the proposed regulations; to sit permanently, as at
+the other Offices, with Commissions from the Crown, extending over the
+whole Metropolis, and the counties of Middlesex, Kent, Essex, and
+Surry."]
+
+If men of business, integrity, and talents, could once be prevailed on
+to accept of such employments, and execute the trust reposed in them
+with zeal and attention to the public interest, and with firm and
+independent minds, attached to no Party, infinite advantages must
+result to the Community from their services.[164]
+
+[Footnote 164: A Police Magistrate has nothing to do with the politics
+of the Country; and he is incapable, and unworthy of the trust reposed
+in him, if he permits any bias, or influence, but that which is
+immediately connected with a correct and chaste execution of the Laws,
+to take hold of his mind.--It is only by this line of conduct, that he
+can either render himself useful or respectable.]
+
+Where men of this description pledge themselves, as they must
+necessarily do, to give up every other pursuit, assiduously and
+constantly to execute the laborious duties of a Police Magistrate;
+Justice also requires that the reward should be commensurate to the
+sacrifices which are made. It is the interest of the Community that it
+should be so: for in the present extended state of Commerce and
+Society, no gratuitous System can ever be expected to answer any
+purpose of real utility.
+
+While the higher order of Magistrates receive the just reward of their
+useful labour, bestowed in the exercise of their functions in
+promoting the public good--where can be the impropriety of extending
+the same species of remuneration to inferior Magistrates; who must
+devote even a greater portion of time and attention to the
+multifarious duties assigned them?
+
+The office of _Assistant Magistrates_ in the City might be assigned to
+six active and honourable men, who would give _their whole attention
+to_ the criminal department of the Police. The proceedings of these
+Magistrates should be sanctioned by the presence of the Aldermen, as
+often as one or more could conveniently attend; on which occasions
+they would necessarily preside, as holding within their own district,
+the highest rank in the Magistracy.
+
+The difference in point of benefit to the Community between a _Mind_
+constantly occupied in objects of public utility, and that which is
+only occasionally employed, is great beyond all possible
+calculation.--Nor is the measure without precedent, even in the City
+of London, since the Recorder may, in his high office, be fairly
+considered in the light of a Magistrate with a salary.
+
+Ready on every occasion at their Sittings in the morning and evening,
+to offer their advice or assistance to the labouring people, as well
+as all ranks of the Community, who apply for it--to adjust their
+differences, and to protect them against wrongs and oppressions:
+prepared also, as a matter of business, to receive and follow up
+informations where crimes have been committed, and never to lose sight
+of the object while it is practicable to attain it; these Assistant
+Magistrates would afford incalculable advantages to the City: which
+would be still farther increased, if a System of co-operation of the
+other Police Magistrates were established, upon a plan which would
+unite their energy, and render their jurisdiction co-extensive. (See
+_ante_ pages 419, 420).
+
+It is a well-known fact, that since the establishment of Police
+Magistrates for Westminster, and the parts of Middlesex and Surry,
+contiguous to the City of London, great benefits have been experienced
+from the assistance and advice which have been afforded to the
+indigent, and the ignorant.
+
+Many quarrels and little law-suits have been prevented, and
+innumerable differences immediately reconciled without any expence.
+
+It is in this manner that Magistrates, acting up to the spirit of
+their Public Duty, and bestowing their _whole_ attention upon whatever
+relates to that duty, confer those obligations upon the Community
+which no moderate remuneration can repay.
+
+The office of a Police Magistrate is not like other public
+situations:--for the business is multifarious, seldom admits of any
+recess or a vacation.--It is, or ought to be, _constant_, _laborious_,
+and without _intermission_.[165]
+
+[Footnote 165: In the month of October, 1793, a respectable Committee,
+representing the great body of the Manufacturers in Spitalfields,
+waited on His Majesty's Principal Secretary of State for the Home
+Department, with an Address of Thanks for the Establishment of the
+Police System; the substance of which is as follows:
+
+"That it is the opinion of this Society, that great benefits have
+arisen, with regard to the security of property, from the correct and
+regular manner in which the judicial business has been conducted by
+the Magistrates of Police; in consequence of whose vigilance and
+attention, an effectual check has been given to a System of
+depredation which heretofore occasioned a loss of many thousands per
+annum to the Silk Manufacturers:"--And it was Resolved,--"That the
+Thanks of this Society are due to the Right Honourable Henry Dundas,
+one of His Majesty's Principal Secretaries of State; and also to Mr.
+Burton, and the other Members of Parliament, who proposed and
+supported the Police System, for the share they had in the
+establishment of a judicial Tribunal, which has been found to extend,
+to the Silk Manufacturers, many advantages in a just and proper
+execution of the Laws which were not heretofore experienced."]
+
+But with all these advantages, even improved by competent funds
+appropriated to the different Public Offices, still a _Centre-point_
+is wanted to connect the whole together, so as to invigorate and
+strengthen every part, by a superintending Establishment, under the
+immediate controul of the Secretary of State for the Home Department:
+There, indeed, the constitutional superintendence of the Police of the
+Metropolis, as well as of the whole country, rests at present; but
+from the vast weight and increase of other Public Business, connected
+with the general affairs of the State, foreign, colonial, and
+domestic, it has been found impracticable to pursue that particular
+System which has now become, more than ever, necessary for the
+detection of criminals. It seems then, that in executing a task so
+complicated and multifarious, a delegation of subordinate _Responsible
+Management_ to a _Central Board of Police_ should be resorted to: as
+the only means of giving strength, vigour, and energy to a System,
+heretofore only partially useful; and which, in its present disjointed
+state, is incapable of extending that Protection and Security, which
+has been shewn in the course of this Work, to be so much wanted, and
+so indispensably necessary.
+
+To understand the Police of the Metropolis to that extent which is
+necessary to direct and superintend its general operations, it must be
+acted upon _practically_; and those who undertake the _superintendence_
+and _management_ alluded to, must be men _able_, _intelligent_,
+_prudent_, and _indefatigable_: devoting their whole attention to this
+object alone. Clerks might be continually employed with great
+advantage in entering and posting up under the proper heads, such new
+information as should be obtained from day to day; and hours should be
+appointed for receiving such intelligence from all proper and
+well-informed persons, who might choose to offer the same; so far as
+such information related to Public wrongs, and offences against the
+peace, safety, and well-being of Society.
+
+Under such a System, with a proper power of remunerating Officers and
+others, scarcely a _Robbery_, _Burglary_, _Larceny_, or _fraudulent
+Transaction_, could be committed, where the perpetrators would not be
+very speedily detected and brought to justice; for then the
+Magistrates, in their respective districts, would be enabled to act
+with confidence, vigour, and energy, in the discovery and apprehension
+of offenders;--and the effect would be to excite a general terror in
+the minds of every class of delinquents; which could not fail to
+operate strongly as a means of preventing crimes, and improving the
+morals and the happiness of the lower orders of the People.
+
+In addition to this these responsible Commissioners of Police might,
+with great propriety, and with no little public utility, have
+committed to them the superintendence of _all Receipts and
+Disbursements of the accounts_, and of _all monies applicable to
+objects of Police_: these they should lay annually before Parliament,
+if required, accompanied by a General Report; that the Legislature, as
+well as the Public at large, might see in what manner the funds had
+been applied; and what progress had been made in the prevention of
+crimes, and in restoring among the Labouring People that sense of
+morality, which never, perhaps, was at a lower ebb than at present.
+
+The most enlightened Foreigners who have visited this Metropolis, and
+contemplated the nature and organization of our Police System, join in
+one general remark upon it; viz.--"_That we have some shadow of
+Police, for apprehending Delinquents, after crimes are actually
+committed; but none for the purpose of preventing them_."--This
+certainly is, in one sense, literally true;--and from this source,
+combined with the imperfection of the Criminal Code, have arisen all
+those enormities and inconveniences already so amply detailed.
+
+Attached to the Laws and Government of his country, even to a degree
+of enthusiasm, the Author of this Work will not be too prone to seek
+for greater perfection in other nations: or to quote them as examples
+to be imitated in the Metropolis of the British Empire; and still less
+if such examples should tend, in the slightest degree, to abridge that
+freedom which is the birth-right of every Briton. But as all true
+liberty depends on those fences which are established in every
+Country, for the protection of the Persons and Property of the People,
+against every attack whatsoever: and as prejudices ought to be
+banished from the mind in all discussions tending to promote the
+General Weal, we ought not to be ashamed of borrowing good Systems
+from other Nations; wherever such can be adopted, consistent with the
+Constitution of the Country, and the Liberty of the Subject.
+
+In France, under the Old Government, how much soever many parts of the
+System of that Country were justly reprobated, by all who were
+acquainted with the blessings of Freedom, yet, in the management and
+regulation of what was denominated _The Police_, there existed that
+kind of Establishment, with regard to personal security, and
+protection against the depredations of the most depraved part of the
+community, which Englishmen have certainly never enjoyed; who, on the
+contrary, have suffered manifold inconveniences from an idea, (surely
+a very erroneous one,) "that we must endure these public wrongs, and
+expose our property and lives to the attack of murderers, robbers, and
+highwaymen, as the price of _Liberty_."
+
+When difficulties are felt, it is our duty to look at them
+dispassionately; to face them with fortitude, and to discuss them with
+intelligence--divested of all prejudices generated merely by habit and
+education. By pursuing this mode of investigation, it will be
+discovered that in other Governments there may be some Establishments
+worthy of imitation; and which, perhaps, might in part be adopted, not
+only in perfect consistency with the Freedom of the Subject; but with
+the advantage of extending to the mass of the People, who are not in a
+course of delinquency, more real liberty than they at present enjoy.--
+
+At the commencement of the troubles in France, it is a curious fact,
+that the Lieutenant-General of the National Police, as well as that of
+the Metropolis, had upon his Registers the names of not less than
+twenty thousand suspected and depraved characters, whose pursuits were
+known to be of a criminal nature; yet, by making this part of Police
+the immediate object of the close and uniform attention of one branch
+of the Executive Government, Crimes were much less frequent than in
+England; and the security extended to the Public, with regard to the
+protection of Life and Property against lawless depredation, was
+infinitely greater.--To elucidate this assertion, and to shew to what
+a wonderful height the System had advanced, the Reader is referred to
+the following Anecdotes; which were mentioned to the Author by a
+Foreign Minister of great intelligence and information, who resided
+some years at the Court of France.
+
+"A Merchant of high respectability in Bourdeaux had occasion to visit
+the Metropolis upon commercial business, carrying with him bills and
+money to a very large amount.
+
+"On his arrival at the gates of Paris, a genteel looking man opened
+the door of his carriage, and addressed him to this effect:--_Sir, I
+have been waiting for you some time; according to my notes, you were
+to arrive at this hour; and your person, your carriage, and your
+portmanteau, exactly answering the description I hold in my hand, you
+will permit me to have the honour of conducting you to Monsieur De
+Sartine._
+
+"The Gentleman, astonished and alarmed at this interruption, and still
+more so at hearing the name of the Lieutenant of the Police mentioned,
+demanded to know what _Monsieur De Sartine_ wanted with him; adding,
+at the same time, that he never had committed any offence against the
+Laws, and that he could have no right to interrupt or detain him.
+
+"The Messenger declared himself perfectly ignorant of the cause of the
+detention; stating, at the same time, that when he had conducted him
+to _Monsieur De Sartine_, he should have executed his orders, which
+were merely ministerial.
+
+"After some further explanations, the Gentleman permitted the Officer
+to conduct him accordingly. _Monsieur De Sartine_ received him, with
+great politeness; and after requesting him to be seated, to his great
+astonishment, he described his portmanteau; and told him the exact sum
+in bills and specie which he had brought with him to Paris, and where
+he was to lodge, his usual time of going to bed, and a number of other
+circumstances, which the Gentleman had conceived could only be known
+to himself.--_Monsieur De Sartine_ having thus excited attention, put
+this extraordinary question to him--_Sir, are you a man of
+courage?_--The Gentleman, still more astonished at the singularity of
+such an interrogatory, demanded the reason why he put such a strange
+question, adding, at the same time, that no man ever doubted his
+courage. _Monsieur De Sartine_ replied,--_Sir, you are to be robbed
+and murdered this night!--If you are a man of courage, you must go to
+your hotel, and retire to rest at the usual hour: but be careful that
+you do not fall asleep; neither will it be proper for you to look
+under the bed, or into any of the closets which are in your
+bed-chamber_; (which he accurately described);--_you must place your
+portmanteau in its usual situation, near your bed, and discover no
+suspicion:--Leave what remains to me.--If, however, you do not feel
+your courage sufficient to bear you out, I will procure a person who
+shall personate you, and go to bed in your stead._
+
+"The Gentleman being convinced, in the course of the conversation,
+that _Monsieur de Sartine's_ intelligence was accurate in every
+particular, he refused to be personated, and formed an immediate
+resolution, literally, to follow the directions he had received: he
+accordingly went to bed at his usual hour, which was eleven
+o'clock.--At half past twelve (the time mentioned by _Monsieur De
+Sartine_), the door of the bed-chamber burst open, and three men
+entered with a _dark lantern_, _daggers_ and _pistols_.--The
+Gentleman, who of course was awake, perceived one of them to be his
+own servant.--They rifled his portmanteau, undisturbed, and settled
+the plan of putting him to death.--The Gentleman, hearing all this,
+and not knowing by what means he was to be rescued, it may naturally
+be supposed, was under great perturbation of mind during such an awful
+interval of suspense; when, at the moment the villains were preparing
+to commit the horrid deed, four Police Officers, acting under _Mons.
+De Sartine's_ orders, who were concealed under the bed, and in the
+closet, rushed out and seized the offenders with the property in their
+possession, and in the act of preparing to commit the murder.
+
+"The consequence was, that the perpetration of the atrocious deed was
+prevented, and sufficient evidence obtained to convict the
+offenders.--_Monsieur De Sartine's_ intelligence enabled him to
+_prevent_ this horrid offence of robbery and murder; which, but for
+the accuracy of the System, would probably have been carried into
+execution."
+
+Another Anecdote, was mentioned to the Author by the same Minister,
+relative to the Emperor Joseph the Second: "That Monarch, having, in
+the year 1787, formed and promulgated a new Code of Laws relative to
+criminal and civil offences;[166] and having also established what he
+conceived to be the best System of Police in Europe, he could scarcely
+ever forgive the French Nation, in consequence of the accuracy and
+intelligence of _Mons. De Sartine_ having been found so much superior
+to his own; notwithstanding the immense pains he had bestowed upon
+that department of his Government.
+
+[Footnote 166: Vide page 63 & _seq._ of this Volume.]
+
+"A very notorious offender, who was a subject of the Emperor, and who
+committed many atrocious acts of violence and depredation at Vienna,
+was traced to Paris by the Police established by His Majesty, who
+ordered his Ambassador at the Court of France to demand that this
+delinquent should be delivered up to Public Justice.
+
+"_Mons. De Sartine_ acknowledged to the Imperial Ambassador, that the
+person he inquired after had been in Paris;--that, if it would be any
+satisfaction, he could inform him where he had lodged, and the
+different gaming-tables, and other places of infamous resort, which he
+frequented while there;--but that he was now gone.--
+
+"The Ambassador, after stating the accuracy and correct mode by which
+the Police of Vienna was conducted, insisted that this offender must
+still be in Paris; otherwise the Emperor would not have commanded him
+to make such an application.
+
+"_Monsieur de Sartine_ smiled at the incredulity of the Imperial
+Minister, and made a reply to the following effect:--
+
+"_Do me the honour, Sir, to inform the Emperor, your Master, that the
+person he looks for left Paris on the 10th day of the last month; and
+is now lodged in a back room looking into a garden in the third story
+of a house, number 93, in ---- street, in his own Capital of Vienna;
+where his Majesty will, by sending to the spot, be sure to find
+him._--
+
+"It was literally as the French Minister of Police had stated.--The
+Emperor, to his astonishment, found the delinquent in the house and
+apartment described; but he was greatly mortified at this proof of the
+accuracy of the French Police; which, in this instance, in point of
+intelligence _even in Vienna_, was discovered to be so much superior
+to his own."--
+
+The fact is, that the French System had arrived at the greatest degree
+of perfection; and though not necessary, nor even proper, to be copied
+as _a pattern_, might, nevertheless, furnish many useful hints,
+calculated to improve the Police of this Metropolis, consistent with
+the existing Laws; and even to extend and increase the Liberty of
+Subject without taking one privilege away; or interfering in the
+pursuits of any one class of individuals; except those employed in
+purposes of _mischief_, _fraud_, and _criminality_.
+
+The situation of this Country, (indeed of every country in Europe,)
+has changed materially since the dissolution of the ancient Government
+of France.--The horde of sharpers and villains, who heretofore
+resorted to Paris from every part of Europe, will now consider London
+as their general and most productive theatre of action; for two
+obvious reasons:--1st. Paris being exhausted of riches, its Nobility
+banished, and the principal part of the active property there
+annihilated, the former resources for the support of criminal and
+depraved characters no longer exist; while that Metropolis holds out
+no allurements similar to what were formerly experienced. 2dly. The
+ignorance of the English language (a circumstance which formerly
+afforded us some protection), will no longer be a bar to the resort of
+the continental sharpers to the Metropolis of this kingdom. At no
+period was it ever so generally understood by Foreigners; or the
+French language so universally spoken, by at least the younger part of
+the People of this Country.--
+
+The spirit of gaming and dissipation which prevails in London,
+promoted already in no inconsiderable degree by profligate characters
+from the Continent, the opulence of the People, and the great mass of
+active property in circulation, will afford a wide field for the
+exercise of the invention and wits of that description of men, both
+foreigners and natives, who infested Paris under the old Government,
+and which rendered a more than ordinary attention to its Police
+indispensably necessary.--
+
+The termination of the present war will probably throw into this
+country a vast number of idle, profligate, and depraved characters,
+natives of this, as well as of other nations, who will require to be
+narrowly watched by a vigilant and well-regulated Police. The
+probability of such an accession to the numbers already engaged in
+acts of delinquency, serves to establish new and incontrovertible
+arguments in favour of the proposed _Board of Responsible
+Commissioners_, for managing the affairs of the Police of the
+Metropolis; to form a _Centre-point_, and to bind the System together.
+
+To be well prepared against every possible evil, is one great step
+towards prevention; and among the many advantages already detailed, as
+likely to result from a _Board of Police Revenue_, this would be none
+of the least.
+
+In every view in which the subject can be considered, such a System,
+strengthened by good and apposite Laws, could not fail to be
+productive of vast benefits to the Community. _Petty Thefts_ affecting
+all ranks who have any property to lose, and destroying the moral
+principle, would be greatly abridged:--as would also the plunder from
+vessels in the River Thames, as well as from the public Arsenals,
+Dock-yards, and Ships of War. The more atrocious Crimes of Burglary
+and Highway Robbery, would suffer a severe check, in the
+embarrassments which would arise from the System of detections and
+Rewards--from the restrictions proposed to be laid upon Receivers of
+Stolen Goods; upon Night Coaches,--and from other regulations
+applicable to those particular offences. A large proportion of the
+_Coiners_, _Dealers_, and _Utterers of Base Money_, feeling the risk
+of detection, as well as of punishment, greatly extended and
+increased, would probably abandon the business as hazardous and
+destructive. The completion of the General System would also, either
+collaterally or immediately, reach the tribe of Cheats, Swindlers, and
+Lottery Offenders, in such a manner as to occasion a considerable
+reduction of their number, by narrowing the ground, and destroying the
+resources by which they at present flourish.
+
+The establishment of such a System would be an immediate benefit to
+every man of property, as an individual, independent of the Public at
+large; but even in another point of view, it is doubly necessary at
+this juncture, when new events are daily occurring, of a nature truly
+interesting to the peace and well-being of Society, and to the
+tranquillity of the State; rendering it more than ever necessary to
+establish a System of unremitting vigilance. It is a fact well
+established, that it was principally through the medium, and by the
+assistance, of many of the twenty thousand miscreants who were
+registered, previous to the anarchy of France, on the books of the
+Lieutenant of Police, that the contending Factions in that distracted
+country, were enabled to perpetrate those horrid massacres and acts of
+atrocity, which have been beheld with detestation, abhorrence, and
+astonishment, by every civilized nation in the world.
+
+Let it be recollected, at the same time, that Mankind, in a state of
+depravity, arising from a long course of criminal turpitude, are
+nearly alike in every country; and that it becomes us to look with a
+jealous eye on the several thousand miscreants of the same description
+which now infest London; for they too, upon any fatal emergency,
+(which GOD forbid!) would be equally ready as their brethren in
+iniquity were, in Paris, to repeat the same atrocities, if any
+opportunity offered.
+
+As the effectuating such an object has become so great a
+desideratum;--and as it is to confer those blessings which spring from
+a well-regulated Police, calculated to extend a species of
+protection[167] to the inhabitants of this great Metropolis, which
+has never been heretofore experienced:--it can scarcely fail to be a
+matter of general satisfaction to know that the Select Committee of
+the House of Commons on Finance, have strongly recommended to
+Parliament a System of Police, similar to that which had been
+submitted to the consideration of the Public in the former editions of
+this Work.
+
+[Footnote 167: In mentioning what regards the protection of the
+Metropolis, with the inefficiency of the existing Civil Force in
+Constables, it is impossible to overlook those eminent advantages
+which have arisen from the excellent institutions of the Honourable
+Artillery Company, the Light Horse Volunteers, and the other
+associated Corps, who have so nobly stood forth in the hour of danger
+to support the deficient Police of the Country.
+
+To these Patriotic individuals, the inhabitants of the Metropolis are
+under infinite obligations.
+
+Regardless of their own _ease_, _convenience_, _interest_, or _personal
+safety_, the members of these public-spirited associations have ever
+stood forward in the hour of tumult and disorder gratuitously, and at
+their own expence, for the protection of their Fellow-citizens, and
+for the preservation of the Public peace.
+
+The assistance they have, on every occasion, afforded the civil power,
+and the sacrifices of valuable time which they have made, at the risk
+of health, and under circumstances where they were compelled to forego
+that ease and comfort, which, in many instances, from their opulence
+and rank in life, are attached to their particular situations--it is
+to be hoped will never be forgotten by a grateful Public.]
+
+In order that improvements, sanctioned by such high authority, and the
+adoption of which are so important to the best interests of Society,
+may be fully explained and elucidated; a detail of the measures, which
+have been recommended, with general observations on the proposed
+System, are reserved for the ensuing Chapter.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. XVIII.
+
+     _The System of Police recommended by the Select Committee on
+     Finance explained.--A proposition to consolidate the two
+     Boards of Hawkers and Pedlars, and Hackney Coaches, into a
+     Board of Police Revenue.--The whole Revenues of Police from
+     Fees, Penalties, and Licence Duties, to make a common
+     Fund.--Accounts to be audited.--Magistrates to distribute
+     small Rewards.--A power to the Board to make Bye-Laws.--A
+     concurrent jurisdiction recommended--also the Penitentiary
+     House for reforming Convicts.--Other measures proposed after
+     the Board is established--namely, a Public Prosecutor for
+     the Crown--A Register of Lodging Houses--The establishment
+     of a Police Gazette.--Two leading objects to be
+     attained--The prevention of Crimes: and raising a Revenue
+     for Police purposes.--The enumeration of the Dealers who are
+     proposed to be Licenced.--A General View of the annual
+     expence of the present Police System. Observations on the
+     effect of the System recommended by the Finance Committee,
+     with respect to the Morals and Finances of the
+     Country.--Suggestions respecting a chain of connection with
+     Magistrates in the Country, and the mode of effecting
+     it.--Licences to be granted by select Magistrates in the
+     Country, and by the Central Board in London and the
+     neighbourhood.--The Functions of the proposed Board
+     explained.--Specifications of the Trades to be regulated and
+     Licenced.--General Reflections on the advantages likely to
+     result from the adoption of the plan recommended by the
+     Finance Committee.--Concluding Observations._
+
+
+Impressed with a deep sense of the utility of investigating the nature
+of the Police System, the Select Committee of the House of Commons on
+Finance turned their attention to this, among many other important
+objects in the Session of the year 1798; and, after a laborious
+investigation which occupied several months, (during which period the
+Author of this Treatise underwent several examinations),[168] they
+made their _final Report_--in which, after stating it as their
+opinion, "that the general tendency of our oeconomical arrangements
+upon this subject is ill calculated to meet the accumulating burdens,
+which are the infallible result of so much error in our System of
+Police"--they recommended it to Parliament to reduce or consolidate
+"the two offices of Hawkers and Pedlars, and Hackney Coaches, into a
+Board of Police Revenue, under the direction of a competent number of
+Commissioners, with such Salaries as should bid fair to engage
+talents adequate to the situation, and as should be sufficient to
+command the whole exertion of those talents.--That the Receiver of the
+Police offices, should be the Receiver-General of the funds proposed
+to be collected by this Board.--That the superintendence of aliens
+should form a part of its business.--That the fees and penalties
+received at the several offices of Police, together with the
+Licence-duties and penalties, if any, which shall be in the collection
+of this consolidated Board, shall make one common fund, out of which
+all salaries and expences of the several offices of Police should be
+defrayed, as well as all those of the Consolidated Board, and that all
+payments whatever should be made by the Receiver, under the sanction
+of this Board, subject to the approbation of the Lords Commissioners
+of his Majesty's Treasury.--That the accounts of the Receiver should
+be audited and signed by the Board before being delivered to the
+Treasury, or the office for auditing accounts.--That the balances in
+the hands of the Receiver, after retaining what may be sufficient for
+current expences, should be paid into the Exchequer at frequent and
+fixed periods.--That Magistrates of Police should be impowered to
+distribute small rewards to Constables or others, for meritorious
+services, to be paid by the Revenue, after receiving the sanction of
+the Board: And further, that the Board should have power to make
+Bye-laws, for the regulation of such Minor Objects of Police as
+relate to the objects of their superintendence, and to the control of
+all Coaches, Chairs, Carts, Barrows, and the conduct of all Coachmen,
+Chairmen, Carters, &c. and the removal and prevention of annoyances,
+and the correction of all offences against the cleanliness, the quiet,
+and the free passage of the Streets of the Metropolis, similar to the
+powers now possessed by the Commissioners of Hackney Coaches, and
+subject in like manner to the approbation of the Superior Judges in
+the Courts in Westminster-Hall."--The Committee further recommend that
+two additional Police Offices should be established in the City of
+London, consisting each of three Magistrates, to be named by the Lord
+Mayor and Aldermen, and paid out of the General funds, and to have
+Commissions from the Crown, extending over the whole Metropolis, and
+the Counties of Middlesex, Kent, Essex, and Surry; and that the
+Commissions of the Magistrates of the other eight Offices should
+extend in like manner over the whole Metropolis, and the four
+above-mentioned Counties.[169] And finally, the Committee recommend
+that no time should be lost in carrying into effect the Plan and
+Proposal of Jeremiah Bentham, Esq. for employing and reforming
+Convicts, as a measure which bids fairer than any other that was
+offered to the Public, to diminish the Public expenditure in this
+branch, and to produce a salutary Reform in the object of the proposed
+Institution.
+
+[Footnote 168: See Appendix to the 28th Report of the Committee.]
+
+[Footnote 169: It is not proposed in the Bill, now in preparation,
+hereafter stated, to introduce any thing respecting the City of
+London, unless the consent of the Lord-Mayor, Aldermen, and
+Common-Council, shall be previously obtained.]
+
+Other measures are stated by this Committee as well calculated to
+facilitate the means of detection and conviction of Offenders, and to
+reduce the expence which is now borne by the Public, or sustained by
+private Individuals, in the maintenance of a very inefficient Police;
+while they seem calculated to lessen the growing Calendars of
+Delinquency, but which may be better matured after the consolidation
+of the Offices here proposed shall have taken place.--"Such as the
+appointment of Counsel for the Crown, with moderate Salaries, to
+conduct all Criminal Prosecutions, and rendering the Solicitor to the
+Board useful, either in such Prosecutions as any of the Public
+Officers might find it necessary to institute; or in such Criminal
+Prosecutions at the suit of Individuals, as the Public Justice of the
+Country should render expedient.--Such as a Register of Lodging-houses
+in the Metropolis.--Such as the establishment of a Police Gazette, to
+be circulated at a low price, and furnished gratis to all persons
+under the superintendence of the Board; who shall pay a licence duty
+to a certain amount: And such also as an Annual Report of the state of
+the Police of the Country."
+
+In considering this Report in general, it is no slight gratification
+to the Author of this Treatise, to discover that all the great
+features of his original design for giving to Police its genuine
+character, unmixed with those judicial Powers which lead to
+punishment, and properly belong to Magistracy alone, have been
+sanctioned by such high authority.
+
+In taking a general view not only of what is specifically recommended
+by the Select Committee of the House of Commons; but also of the
+Report itself, two leading objects appear to be in contemplation,
+namely--
+
+     1st. The prevention of crimes and misdemeanors, by bringing
+     under regulations a variety of dangerous and suspicious
+     trades;[170] the uncontrolled exercise of which by persons
+     of loose conduct, is known to contribute in a very high
+     degree to the concealment, and by that means to the
+     encouragement and multiplication of crimes.
+
+     [Footnote 170: The Trades alluded to are these
+     following,--vide Appendix (C) 28th Report of Select
+     Committee of the House of Commons on Finance, page 45, 46,
+     and 47.
+
+     _New Revenues._
+
+     1. Wholesale and Retail Dealers in old Naval Stores,
+     Hand-stuff, and Rags.
+
+     2. Dealers in second-hand wearing Apparel, Stationary and
+     Itinerant.
+
+     3. Dealers in old Iron and other Metals, &c.
+
+     4. Founders and others using Crucibles.
+
+     5. Persons using Draught and Truck Carts for conveying
+     Stores, Rags, and Metals.
+
+     6. Persons Licenced to slaughter horses.
+
+     7. Persons keeping Livery Stables, and letting Horses for
+     hire.
+
+     8. Auctioneers, who hold periodical or diurnal Sales.
+
+     _Existing Revenues proposed to be transferred with a view to
+     a more effectual control, and to an improved Finance._
+
+     9. Hackney Coaches and Chairs.
+
+     10. Hawkers and Pedlars.
+
+     11. Pawn Brokers.
+
+     12. Dealers in Horses.
+
+       N.B. The new Revenues are Estimated to yield         L.64,000
+       The increase of the existing Revenues is stated at     19,467
+                                                            --------
+                                                            L.83,467
+                                                            --------]
+
+     2d. To raise a moderate Revenue for Police purposes from the
+     persons who shall be thus controlled, by means of Licence
+     Duties, and otherwise so modified as not to operate as a
+     material burden; while a confident hope is entertained, that
+     the amount of this revenue will go a considerable length in
+     relieving the finances of the country, of the expences at
+     present incurred for objects of Police, and that, in the
+     effect of the general System, a considerable saving will
+     arise, in consequence of the expected diminution of crimes,
+     particularly as the chief part of the expence appears to
+     arise after delinquents are convicted.[171]
+
+[Footnote 171: The amount of the general expence of the Criminal
+Police of the Kingdom as stated by the Committee on Finance in their
+28th Report is as follows:
+
+  1st. The annual average of the total expence
+  of the Seven Public Offices in the Metropolis,
+  from the institution in August
+  1792 to the end of the year 1797, being
+  a period of 5-1/2 years                              L.18,281  18  6
+
+  2d. The total expence of the Office at Bow-street,
+  in the year 1797, including remunerations
+  to the Magistrates in lieu
+  of fees, perquisites, and special services,
+  and the expence of the patrole of 68
+  persons                                                 7,901   7  7
+                                                         -------------
+                       Total expence for the Metropolis  26,183   6  1
+
+  3d. The money paid to the several Sheriffs for
+  the conviction of Felons in 1797                        9,650   0  0
+
+  4th. The expence of maintaining
+  Convicts on board
+  the Hulks, (exclusive
+  of 415 under Sentence
+  of Transportation in
+  the different gaols),
+  amounted in 1797 to           L.32,080   0  0
+
+  5th. The expences incurred in
+  the employment of
+  Convicts by the Navy
+  and Ordnance Boards,
+  probably amounting to
+  not less than from 10_l._
+  to 20_l._ per Man per
+  annum, were by computation       1,498  14 10-1/4
+
+  6th. The annual average of
+  cloathing, victualling,
+  and transporting Convicts,
+  and of the Civil,
+  Military, and Marine
+  Departments of New
+  South Wales, and Norfolk
+  Island, from 1786
+  to 1797                          86,457 12 11-1/2
+                                   ----------------
+                                                     120,036  7  9-3/4
+                                                     -----------------
+                                                     155,869 13 10-3/4
+  To which add the farther sums
+  annually charged on the
+  County Rates, or incurred
+  in places having peculiar
+  Jurisdiction in England          50,000  0  0
+
+  Borne by the Sheriffs in
+  England                          10,000  0  0       60,000  0  0
+                                   ----------------- -----------------
+                              Total for all England  215,869 13 10-3/4]
+
+By the consolidation of the two Boards of Hackney Coaches, and Hawkers
+and Pedlars, the functions of the Commissioners will become very
+extensive and laborious, since in addition to the inspection and
+control of the different suspicious trades proposed to be licenced, it
+will be useful to the Public, and, indeed, the System will be
+incomplete, unless they not only keep constantly in their view the
+general Calendar of delinquency; but also carry into effect such plans
+as, on mature deliberation, and (many will unquestionably be
+found practicable), shall, in a great measure, prevent the
+terror--dangers--losses and inconveniences which arise from foot-pad
+and highway robberies, burglaries, and other atrocious offences,
+which are so prevalent in and near the Metropolis at present.--This
+duty will naturally attach to the Central Board, and which the
+Commissioners, (from the accurate information their situation will
+enable them to procure, and the Civil Force they may have at their
+disposal,) will be well qualified to execute with advantage to the
+Community; and while competent pecuniary resources will arise from the
+Licence Duties imposed, aided by legislative regulations, applicable
+to this, and other objects tending to the general prevention of
+Crimes, blame may fairly be imputed wherever a considerable degree of
+success is not manifest, by the gradual diminution of the more
+atrocious, as well as the minor offences.
+
+The Select Committee of the House of Commons having stated it as their
+opinion, that the principle upon which the plan which has been brought
+under their review is founded, "_if liable to no error; and that
+supposing it faithfully executed it gives the fairest prospect of
+success_:" the Public will naturally become anxious for an enjoyment
+of the benefits which may be expected to result from its adoption.
+
+As its leading feature is the security of the _rights of the
+innocent_, with respect to their Life, Property, and Convenience, the
+measures of this board must, in a peculiar degree, be directed with
+prudence and discretion to this particular object. This will be
+effected not only by increasing the difficulty of perpetrating
+offences, through a control over those Trades by which they are
+facilitated and promoted, but also by adding to the risk of detection,
+by a more prompt and certain mode of discovery wherever crimes are
+committed. Thus must the idle and profligate be compelled to assist
+the State, by resorting to habits of industry, while the more
+incorrigible delinquents will be intimidated and deterred from
+pursuing a course of turpitude and criminality, which the energy of
+the Police will render too hazardous and unprofitable to be followed
+up as a trade; and the regular accession of numbers to recruit and
+strengthen the hordes of criminal delinquents, who at present afflict
+Society, will be in a great measure prevented.
+
+These objects (in the opinion of the Select Committee) are to be
+attained by the establishment of a _Central Board of Police Revenue_;
+the views of the Members of which should be directed to the means of
+adding "Security to the Person and Property of the peaceful Subject;
+the Morals of the People, and the general Finances of the Country; by
+those powers of action which are likely to operate most beneficially
+towards the prevention of Crimes."
+
+To accomplish these purposes it would seem, (after mature
+deliberation), to be necessary not only to extend the Licensing System
+over the whole Kingdom; but also to form _a chain of connection_
+between the Central Board, and every district of the Country, with a
+view as well to a more effectual Control ever those suspicious
+Traders, who are to become immediate objects of attention on the part
+of the Police, as to establish a more correct and certain mode of
+collecting the proposed Revenue.
+
+This chain of connection would appear to be only attainable through
+the medium of Select local Magistrates,[172] to whom a certain degree
+of responsibility would attach, and who by means of Stationary
+Surveyors, (being Constables), appointed by themselves, and under
+their immediate Control, would be enabled to superintend the
+collection of the Licence Duties, and in a particular manner to
+inspect into, and regulate the general Police of the District, while
+in conjunction with other Justices in the division, they granted the
+Annual Licences to the different Dealers upon the same plan which is
+at present pursued with respect to Alehouses.
+
+[Footnote 172: It is presumed, that the distinction of _Select
+Magistrates_, joined to the patronage arising from the appointment of
+inferior Officers of Police in the respective Districts of the
+Country, (as Surveyors and Collectors of Licence Duties), would be
+considered as a sufficient inducement to men of Property, talents, and
+respectability, to undertake this very honourable Trust: to which it
+may reasonably be hoped, that many would be stimulated, in a
+particular degree, by the impulses of patriotism, and a desire to
+introduce a correct and improved System of Police in their respective
+Districts.]
+
+From this general rule, however, on account of the peculiar situation
+of the Metropolis, a deviation might be necessary and useful to the
+Public. It would, therefore, seem that the Dealers resident within a
+certain distance round the Metropolis, should receive their Licences
+from the Central Board, and be immediately under its control.--The
+advantages resulting from this arrangement are obvious.--The chief
+part of the Receivers, and Criminal Dealers, who contribute in so
+great a degree to the increase and concealment of the numerous
+offences, which are committed in and near the Metropolis, require that
+the superintendance should not be divided, but that it should be
+confined entirely to the Board, where all intelligence is supposed to
+center; and whose peculiar duty it will be to watch the progress of
+Crimes in all their ramifications, and to adopt measures for
+preventing the growing corruption of Morals, by which every species of
+delinquency is generated.
+
+For the purpose therefore of compassing this and every other object in
+the view of the Select Committee, it is suggested that the proposed
+Board should be authorized to exercise the following
+
+     FUNCTIONS:
+
+     I. To manage that branch of the Police which relates to
+     Hackney Coaches and Chairs.--To enforce strictly the laws
+     now in being for the better ordering this system so
+     necessary to the comfort and convenience of the
+     Metropolis.--To obtain new powers (where wanting) to compel
+     a greater degree of cleanliness and security, with respect
+     to these vehicles.--To banish, if possible, from the
+     fraternity those criminal characters denominated _Flash
+     Coachmen_, and to secure civility, and prevent
+     imposition.--For this last purpose a department should be
+     continued, as at present, (a part of the Institution,)
+     having a concurrent jurisdiction with other Magistrates, for
+     the purpose of hearing and determining disputes between
+     Coachmen and the Public.
+
+     II. To execute the laws relative to Hawkers and Pedlars.--To
+     regulate and improve the System respecting this suspicious
+     class of Dealers, and more effectually to extend the control
+     over them by means of the Select Magistrates in each
+     District of the Country where they travel, for the purpose
+     of more narrowly watching their conduct.
+
+     III. To grant Licenses in the Town District (_i.e._ within
+     the limits of the Penny-Post, while the Select and other
+     Justices grant similar Licences in the Country;) under the
+     authority of the proposed general Police Bill, to the
+     following Traders, and others,[173] viz.
+
+     [Footnote 173: Nothing can exceed the pains and labour which
+     have been bestowed in settling the description of the
+     persons, proposed to be licenced, with a view to an accurate
+     system of Legislation. A regard to this accuracy made it
+     necessary to abandon [Transcriber's Note: blank in original;
+     probably 'two'] classes recommended by the proposer to the
+     Select Committee; because on attempting to frame a Bill, it
+     was found impracticable in one case, and impolitic in
+     another, to apply Legislative rules that would not either be
+     defeated or invade the privileges of innocence.[J]]
+
+     [Footnote J: Persons keeping Crucibles, and Auctioneers.]
+
+     1st. Purchasers of second-hand, and other Household goods,
+     for Sale.
+
+     2d. Wholesale purchasers of Rags, and unserviceable Cordage,
+     for Sale to Paper-makers.
+
+     3d. Retail Purchasers of Rags, and unserviceable Cordage,
+     for Sale to Paper-makers.
+
+     4th. Purchasers of second-hand Apparel, made-up Piece-Goods,
+     and Remnants for Sale.
+
+     5th. Walking or Itinerant Purchasers of second-hand Apparel,
+     made-up Piece-goods, and Remnants for Sale.
+
+     6th. Purchasers of second-hand Naval Stores, for Sale.
+
+     7th. Wholesale Purchasers of second-hand Metals, for Sale.
+
+     8th. Retail Purchasers of second-hand Metals, of persons in
+     general, for working up.
+
+     9th. Every Worker of second-hand Metals purchasing the same,
+     from persons in general, and not from Licensed Dealers.
+
+     10th. Purchasers of second-hand Building Materials for Sale.
+
+     11th. Persons keeping Draught-Carts for second-hand goods,
+     purchased for Sale.
+
+     12th. Persons keeping Hand or Truck Carts for second-hand
+     goods, purchased for Sale.
+
+     13th. Sellers of Unredeemed Pledges, otherwise than by
+     Auction: and also to control and inspect the conduct of
+     these dealers, so as if possible to confine them to the
+     innocent part of their Trades; and to collect and receive
+     the respective Licence Duties.[174]
+
+     [Footnote 174: If Twine Spinners and Rope Spinners of a
+     certain class could be brought under similar regulations, it
+     would prove extremely beneficial, inasmuch as the small
+     Manufacturers in this line are known to give considerable
+     facilities to the Stealers of Hemp on the River Thames.--A
+     number of small Rope and Twine Manufacturers have undersold
+     the fair trader, by working up Stolen Hemp, purchased at
+     half price; and it is but too evident from discoveries which
+     have recently been made, that this evil has gone to a very
+     great extent, and that considerable benefits would be
+     derived to the Public, by placing _Twine and White Rope
+     Spinners_ under the control of the Police, at least within
+     the proposed District of the Metropolis.]
+
+     IV. To grant Licences also in like manner to other Traders,
+     which are already under some degree of Legislative
+     regulations; (but which require a more efficient Control),
+     provided it shall be thought expedient by the Legislature to
+     transfer these branches to the proposed Board, as requiring
+     in a particular degree the superintendance of the Policy
+     System, viz.
+
+     1st. Pawnbrokers in Town and Country.
+
+     2d. Persons keeping Slaughtering-houses for Horses, and
+     other Animals, not for the food of Man.
+
+     3d. Dealers in Horses, and persons hiring, keeping at
+     Livery, and transferring Horses from hand to hand, with a
+     view to establish a check against Highway Robberies, and to
+     defeat those subtle tricks which prevail in the Sale of
+     Horses.
+
+     And also to collect the Licence and other Duties, (which
+     might, in respect to the transfer of Horses, be rendered
+     extremely productive without being felt as a burden), and to
+     inspect the conduct of these classes with a view to the
+     prevention of Frauds, and other offences.
+
+     V. To grant Licences in like manner to all persons (except
+     those employed in his Majesty's Mints), who shall erect or
+     set up any cutting Engine for cutting round Blanks by the
+     force of a Screw; or any Stamping Press, Fly, Rolling Mill,
+     or other instrument for Stamping, flatting, or marking
+     Metals, or Bank Notes; or which, with the assistance of any
+     Matrix, Stamp, Die, or Plate, will stamp Coins or Notes--so
+     as to prevent the enormous evils constantly experienced by
+     the Coinage of Base Money, and the counterfeiting of Bank
+     Notes:--A System whereby the criminal part of ingenious
+     Artists could be kept under the immediate view of the
+     Police, is so obvious in a Commercial Country, as to require
+     no elucidation. And the measure is the more desirable, as
+     the reputable part of the Artists and Manufacturers who have
+     occasion to keep Presses for innocent and useful purposes,
+     have no objection to such regulations.[175]
+
+     [Footnote 175: See the Chapter on the subject of Base Coin,
+     in this _Treatise_; and the remedies ultimately proposed for
+     suppressing this enormous evil.--The Author has great
+     satisfaction in stating that a Bill is now nearly prepared,
+     grounded chiefly on his suggestions, for improving the
+     Coinage Laws; and that sanguine hopes are entertained of its
+     passing during the present Session of Parliament.--The
+     proposition now made of bringing this feature of Police, so
+     far as relates to _Presses_, and other _Machinery_, under
+     the inspection of the proposed _Central Board_, will
+     certainly have a powerful effect in deterring evil-minded
+     persons from following the Trade of Coiners of Base Money,
+     or Engravers and Stampers of forged Bank Notes.--In this
+     kind of Control, the Police Revenue Board would have an
+     advantage arising from the nature of the System, which may
+     be considered as _invaluable in a national point of view_,
+     since no part of the Country, however remote, could be said
+     to be out of their reach, as Officers, under their immediate
+     direction, would be found every where.]
+
+     VI. These Commissioners, after deducting the necessary
+     expences, should pay into the Exchequer weekly, through the
+     medium of a Receiver, the whole Revenues collected by them
+     for Police purposes; and it is to be hoped, notwithstanding
+     the very low Rates of the Licence Duties proposed, that,
+     _including the Horse Police_, the aggregate Collection would
+     go very far towards easing the resources of the Country of
+     the expence of what the Select Committee of the House of
+     Commons denominate, _a very inefficient System of
+     Police_.[176]
+
+     [Footnote 176: From an estimate which has been made, the
+     three Classes mentioned in division IV. might be made to
+     produce above 100,000_l._ for Police purposes, in addition
+     to what is received at present from Pawnbrokers, and Horse
+     Dealers.--The chief part would arise from the transfer of
+     Horses.]
+
+     VII. It would be the duty of the Commissioners to
+     superintend, with great strictness, the conduct of their
+     Subordinate Officers, both in the Town and Country
+     Districts, and to be careful that those who were entrusted
+     with the collection of the Licence Duties gave proper
+     Security;[177] and that in their conduct, in Surveying and
+     Watching the Movements of the different Dealers, they
+     manifested the greatest degree of vigilance, prudence, and
+     discretion.--Above all, that they were regular in their
+     Payments, and remittances, so as not to incur the penalties
+     inflicted by the proposed Act on defaulters.
+
+     [Footnote 177: The most oeconomical mode would,
+     apparently, be to consolidate in one person the office of
+     _Constable_ and _Collector of the Licence Duties_ in the
+     respective Districts; having it understood that the poundage
+     received on the money paid to the Board, should not only be
+     considered as a remuneration for the Collection, but also as
+     a reward for occasional Services in the general Police
+     Department.--By such an arrangement, a chain of Select and
+     reputable Officers may be established all over the Country,
+     without being felt as a burden of any kind on the Community;
+     while those Services under the general arrangements of the
+     Board, could not fail to be productive of infinite benefits
+     in the well-ordering of Society.]
+
+     VIII. To correspond with the Select Magistrates in every
+     District in the Kingdom, and not only to receive from them
+     useful information, relative to offences which have been
+     committed, and all other matters within the scope of the
+     Functions of these Select Magistrates; but also to give them
+     their advice and assistance in every case where it is found
+     necessary, for the purpose of the preservation of peace and
+     good order, and the due administration of the Laws; and
+     particularly as it may apply to those Select Magistrates
+     who reside near the Sea-Coasts of the Kingdom, that in all
+     cases of Shipwreck, measures may be pursued, and the laws
+     enforced, to prevent those horrid barbarities, pillage and
+     spoliation, which have, to the disgrace of civilized
+     Society, prevailed on such melancholy occasions.[178]
+
+     [Footnote 178: The Registers of our Courts of Record, and
+     other well-attested accounts, have developed scenes of
+     unfeeling Cruelty and Rapacity, in cases of Shipwrecks,
+     which would have disgraced the rudest and most ferocious
+     Savages, and would lead a Stranger to suppose that we have
+     no Laws for the prevention of such outrages.]
+
+     IX. To make arrangements with the Select Magistrates in the
+     Country, relative to the due execution of the proposed
+     General Police Act, with respect to the Control over the
+     persons Licenced, and all other Duties which may be required
+     under such a Legislative System.
+
+     X. To obtain accurate Information, by means of regular
+     returns from Clerks of Assize, Clerks of the Peace, Keepers
+     of Prisons, Houses of Correction, Penitentiary Houses, and
+     other places of Confinement; and to have constantly in view
+     the state of delinquency in the Metropolis, and in every
+     part of the country; preserving such accounts in registers
+     for the purpose of reference, as occasions might arise to
+     render them useful to public Justice.--To assist the acting
+     Magistrates in Town and Country by conveying all useful
+     information applicable to their local situations,
+     respecting the commission of crimes, and the detection of
+     offenders, and which might tend to the prevention of
+     disorders, or offences meditated against the Laws.
+
+     XI. To watch the proceedings of the herds of criminal
+     delinquents who generally leave Town every year in the month
+     of March, after the drawing of the English Lottery, for the
+     purpose of attending _fairs_, _races_, and other places of
+     amusement and dissipation in the country, carrying with them
+     quantities of _base Money, and EO Tables_, with a view to
+     commit frauds on the unwary--And to give notice to the
+     Select local Magistrates, that they and their officers may
+     be upon their guard in defeating the nefarious designs of
+     these miscreants, who are often disguised as farmers and
+     labourers, the better to enable them to effect their
+     purposes, by cheating and stealing, particularly _horses_,
+     to the great loss and injury of the country.
+
+     XII. It is recommended by the Select Committee of the House
+     of Commons, that the Commissioners of this Central Board
+     should have it in their power to distribute rewards to
+     Constables or others for meritorious services, through the
+     medium of the Magistrates of Police, and to use such other
+     means as should best promote the ends of Justice, and the
+     general utility of the Institution to the community.
+
+     XIII. Under the direction of the principal Secretary of
+     State for the Home Department, these Commissioners should
+     avail themselves of the knowledge their situation would
+     afford them of the degree of depravity and danger attached
+     to the character of the different convicts; to select such
+     as they thought proper objects for transportation to New
+     South Wales; and to follow any other instructions they may
+     receive for oeconomizing this branch of the criminal
+     Police of the nation, so as, if possible, to reduce the
+     annual expence.
+
+     XIV. These Commissioners being authorized by the Lords of
+     the Treasury, might take under their management all matters
+     relative to the Lottery; not only with a view to a more
+     oeconomical mode of drawing the same, but also for the
+     purpose of rendering the Revenue productive to the State,
+     without the evil consequences which at present arise from it
+     to the morals of the lower orders of the people, and the
+     distresses and miseries to which its fascinating delusions
+     subject them.
+
+     XV. It would be the duty of the Board, availing itself of
+     the practical knowledge which may be obtained by means of a
+     System of general superintendence in the Police Department,
+     to attend closely to the operation of the whole of the
+     present code of penal Laws, with respect to its efficacy and
+     utility; and where imperfections are discovered, to suggest
+     from time to time such improvements as may appear useful and
+     beneficial to the Police, and to the Revenue.
+
+     XVI. The Select Committee in their Report recommend, that
+     the proposed Board should have power "to make Bye-Laws for
+     the regulation of such minor objects of Police as relate to
+     the objects of their superintendence, and to the control of
+     all Coaches, Chairs, Carts, Barrows, and the conduct of all
+     Coachmen and Chairmen, Carters, &c. and the removal and
+     prevention of all annoyances, and the correction of all
+     offences against the cleanliness and quiet, and the free
+     passage of the streets of the Metropolis, in like manner as
+     is now possessed, by the Commissioners of Hackney Coaches,
+     and subject to the approbation of the Superior Judges."
+
+     XVII. To superintend the general receipts and disbursements
+     of the Establishment, and to report the same quarterly to
+     the Treasury, and to the principal Secretary of State for
+     the Home Department.
+
+     XVIII. To receive and execute the instructions of the
+     Treasury in all matters respecting Finance and Revenue; and
+     the instructions and directions of His Majesty's Secretary
+     of State for the Home Department in all matters of Police.
+
+     XIX. To establish a more correct System through the medium
+     of the Select Magistrates, whereby the Laws for the
+     prevention and punishment of offences may be more
+     effectually and universally carried into execution, and not
+     in many instances remain a dead letter, as at present, to
+     the great injury of the community; or be partially carried
+     into effect in particular parts of the country, against a
+     few individuals, or for mere temporary purposes.
+
+     XX. Finally, it will be the duty of the Board to report to
+     his Majesty in Council, and to Parliament (if required) the
+     State of the Metropolis and the Country, with respect to
+     criminal _Police_ in all its branches, so as to bring under
+     the review of the Executive Government _the whole
+     criminality of the Country_, at a given period each year,
+     where it will be accurately discovered whether it increases
+     or diminishes.
+
+Such are the functions apparently necessary to be assigned to the
+proposed Board of Commissioners, for the purpose of accomplishing the
+objects of improvement in the Police System, which have been
+recommended to Parliament by the Select Committee.
+
+These objects are of too much importance to the Public, to the
+Security of the State, and to the peace and good order of Society, to
+be lost sight of, even for one moment.
+
+While the morals and habits of the lower ranks in Society are growing
+progressively worse and worse--while the innocent and useful part of
+the Community are daily suffering evils and inconveniences originating
+from this source--while crimes multiply in all instances under the
+existing systems, (the Thames Police only excepted[179]) it becomes of
+importance to apply a remedy. In legislating with this view, the same
+disadvantages and difficulties do not present themselves as in many
+other cases, since much previous labour and investigation has been
+bestowed in forming a ground-work for the proposed General Police
+System.
+
+[Footnote 179: Nothing can be offered as a more irrefragable proof of
+the utility of a Police Institution, such as has been recommended by
+the Select Committee on Finance, than the effect of the Marine Police
+Establishment upon the River Thames; where, in spite of a crippled
+System, and deficient Laws, the energy of the superintendence, and the
+strength of the Civil force, has, at a very trifling expence, applied
+with strict oeconomy, worked such a change in the Port of London,
+both with respect to the security of commercial property, and the
+Revenue, as would scarcely have been conceived possible. For an
+Account of this System, see the 8th Chapter of this Work: but for a
+more enlarged and comprehensive view of the nature and effect of the
+design, recourse must be had to the Author's _Treatise on the Commerce
+and Police of the River Thames, &c._ now in the press; in which the
+whole plan is developed, together with the Legislative System
+necessary to give permanent effect to the design.]
+
+Under the Sanction of his Majesty's Principal Secretary of State for
+the Home Department, a Bill has been prepared, in which, while every
+attention has been paid to the means of accomplishing the views of the
+Select Committee, nothing can exceed the pains which have been
+bestowed _in preserving the rights of innocence, and in divesting
+power of the faculty of abuse_.
+
+A line has been carefully drawn between the _noxious_ and the
+_blameless_ and useful part of the community; and while the injuries
+arising from the pursuits of the former are checked and restrained,
+the privileges of the latter are extended and enlarged. This, when
+properly contemplated, will be found to be the _true essence of good
+Police_--and this explains in the shortest compass that is possible,
+the _ultimate object of the design_.
+
+The Bill comprehends five divisions:--The _first_ authorizes _the
+imposition of Licence Duties on certain classes of Dealers already
+enumerated_:--The _second_ establishes a _Board of Police Revenue, and
+explains its powers and functions_:--The _third_ explains _the powers
+and regulations which apply to the Licensing System_:--The _fourth_
+relates to _penalties_ and _procedure_: and the _fifth_ transfers the
+functions of _the Commissioners of Hackney Coaches and Chairs, and
+Hawkers and Pedlars, to the new Establishment, and makes provision for
+such Officers as may cease to be employed_.--While the proposed
+duties, although light upon the individuals, promise to be productive
+to a certain extent; the Licensing System is likely "to purge the
+occupations placed under control from the imputations which are now
+but too deservedly cast upon them; and to make them by gradual steps
+the instruments of detection, instead of the means of concealment, of
+every species of fraud and violence."[180]
+
+[Footnote 180: See the 28th Report of the Select Committee, page 4.]
+
+The functions of the Board, by comprehending whatever relates to the
+delinquency of the country, will establish a general responsibility
+which does not now exist, and which never has existed, with respect to
+the evils arising from the multiplication of crimes, while their
+diminution will depend on the zeal, ability, and discretion to be
+manifested by those to whom this important duty may be assigned.
+
+By this establishment of a general Police System, will it become the
+duty of one class of men to watch over the general delinquency of the
+Metropolis, and the country;--to check its progress by lessening the
+resources of the evil disposed to do injuries, and to commit acts of
+violence on the peaceful subject; and gradually to lead the
+_criminal_, _the idle_, and _the dissolute_ members of the community
+into the paths of innocence and industry.
+
+The collateral aids to be derived from this System of Control over
+Dealers and others of loose conduct, in pursuit of evil courses, will
+give considerable strength to the Legislative measures which are in
+contemplation, with respect to the _Police of the River Thames_: _The
+frauds and plunder in the Naval and other public departments_:--_The
+Coinage of base Money_, and the _fabrication of counterfeit Bank
+Notes_.--Whatever has been contemplated for the purpose of checking
+and preventing these evils cannot be complete or effectual, until the
+proposed Board is established, and the Licensing System in full
+action. The control of this Board is absolutely necessary to
+contribute to the success of the measures proposed, and to the
+security of public and private property against the present extensive
+depredations. In fact the whole System is linked together, and its
+energy and success will depend on the passing of the respective Laws
+applicable to each object of which the Police Board may not
+improperly be denominated _the key-stone_.
+
+It is this responsible superintendance which is to give _life_,
+_vigour_, and _effect_, not only to the Laws which are in
+contemplation, but to many other excellent Statutes which remain at
+present as _a dead letter_.--Let it once become the duty of one body
+of men to charge themselves with the execution of the Laws for the
+prevention of crimes, and the detection of offences--let them be armed
+with proper and apposite powers for that purpose, and the state of
+Society will speedily become ameliorated and improved; a greater
+degree of security will be extended to the peaceful subject, and the
+blessings of civil liberty will be enlarged.
+
+A new aera in the world seems to have commenced, which imperiously
+calls for the adoption of such measures; not only in this country, but
+all over Europe. The evil propensities incident to human nature appear
+no longer restrained by the force of religion, or the influence of the
+moral principle.--On these barriers powerful attacks have been made,
+which have hitherto operated as curbs to the unruly passions peculiar
+to vulgar life: they must therefore be strengthened by supports more
+immediately applicable to the object of preserving peace and good
+order.
+
+The period is approaching when to the phalanx of delinquents who at
+present prey upon Society, will be added multitudes of idle and
+depraved characters discharged from the Army and Navy on the return
+of Peace.--Policy and humanity require that an adequate remedy should
+be provided for such a contingency.--_Qui non vetat peccare cum
+possit, jubet._ Where the powers of a State are not employed to avert
+apparent and threatened evils, a tacit assent is given to the
+commission of crimes. On the contrary, where means are used to check
+the progress of turpitude and vice, and to compel obedience to the
+Laws, the comfort of Society is promoted, and the privileges of
+innocence are secured.
+
+If in the accomplishment of the design which has been recommended by
+the highest authority, these objects shall be gradually attained--If
+it shall operate in preventing acts of violence and fraud from being
+committed upon the peaceful subject; while means are discovered
+through the medium of a well-regulated Police, whereby the
+unfortunate, and even the idle and the dissolute, may possess a
+resource for subsistence by honest industry, without having any
+pretended plea of necessity for resorting to Crimes; great, indeed,
+would be the benefits which would result to the Public. This would be
+at once the triumph both of reason and humanity.
+
+The first step is, to attend to the Morals and the Habits of the
+rising Generation; to adapt the Laws more particularly to the manners
+of the People, by minutely examining the state of Society, so as to
+lead the inferior orders, as it were, insensibly into better Habits,
+by gentle restraints upon those propensities which terminate in
+Idleness and Debauchery;--to remove temptations, in their nature
+productive of evil, and to establish incitements to good and useful
+pursuits.
+
+Among a variety of other Functions which would devolve on the proposed
+Commissioners, perhaps one might be to offer suggestions to the
+Executive Government, with respect to such useful Regulations as might
+arise from the extensive knowledge which they must necessarily acquire
+as to the condition and pursuits of the labouring People; and hence
+would result one of the greatest means of preventing Crimes, and
+improving the Condition of human Life.
+
+But while it is acknowledged to be a vain hope to reduce the
+tumultuous passions of Men to absolute regularity, so as to render the
+Commission of offences impracticable; it is equally clear (and it is
+even proved by the State of Society, where Public Morals have been
+more effectually guarded,) that it is possible to diminish the Evil
+very considerably.
+
+By the establishment of a well-conducted Board of Police, a confident
+hope is entertained that this purpose is attainable; and in this view
+(although it is to take nothing from the present Resources of the
+State), it is a blessing to the Nation, which could scarce be too
+dearly purchased at any price.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. XIX.
+
+     _The unparalleled Extent and Opulence of the Metropolis,
+     manifested in the number of streets, lanes, alleys, courts,
+     and squares, estimated at above 8000;--containing above 4000
+     Churches and Places for religious Worship,--more than 400
+     Seminaries of Education;--several Institutions for promoting
+     Religion and Morality;--11 Societies for promoting Learning,
+     and the useful and the fine Arts;--a great number of
+     charitable Asylums for the indigent and forlorn;--Hospitals
+     and Dispensaries for the lame, sick, and diseased;--and
+     above 1700 Institutions of various other kinds for
+     Charitable and Humane Purposes.--A detail of the Courts of
+     Law, and other Establishments connected with the
+     distribution of Justice.--The public Prisons in the
+     Metropolis.--A View of the number of Persons employed in the
+     different departments of the Law, estimated in all at about
+     7000.--Suggestions for improving the civil Jurisprudence in
+     the Metropolis, so far as relates to the recovery of small
+     Debts.--The Evils arising from the present System,
+     exemplified in the multiplicity of actions for trivial sums
+     in the course of a year; the enormous expence, and the ill
+     effects of the severity of the punishment in such cases;
+     debasing the mind, and proving the destruction of many
+     families, in their morals; and injuring the State.--The
+     necessity of an Alteration of the System, farther enforced
+     by the propriety of relieving the supreme Judges from a
+     weight of labour unreasonable in the vast increase of
+     business, which the extensive and growing intercourse of
+     Commerce occasions.--The same Observations extended to the
+     great Officers of State; and the necessity and utility of a
+     division of labour, in proportion to the increase of public
+     duty, explained; as a means of preventing inconveniences.--A
+     view of the Municipal Regulations which have been
+     established in the Metropolis for the accommodation and
+     convenience of the inhabitants; grounded on various acts of
+     the Legislature, passed at different periods, during the
+     last and the present century.--Each district of the
+     Metropolis a separate Municipality; where the power of
+     assessing the inhabitants for the purposes of paving,
+     watching, lighting, cleansing, and removing nuisances, is
+     placed in the hands of Trustees, under a great number of
+     local acts of Parliament.--These regulations mostly founded
+     on Laws made in the last and in the present Reign.--The
+     principal public acts detailed, viz:--The General Act of the
+     2d William and Mary, cap. 8, for paving the Metropolis;--the
+     10th Geo. II. cap. 22, for watching the City of London; 11th
+     Geo. III. cap. 29, for removing signs, and establishing a
+     complete System of Municipal Police.--The Acts relative to
+     Westminster and Southwark for similar purposes.--The
+     Statutes relative to Common Sewers detailed; their origin,
+     and the great advantages resulting from them.--The Laws
+     relative to Hackney Coaches and Chairs--also to Carts and
+     other Carriages.--The Acts relative to Watermen on the
+     Thames.--The Law for restraining bullock-hunting. And
+     finally, the Regulations by the 14th Geo. III. cap. 78,
+     relative to the Mode of building Houses, and the Rules laid
+     down for extinguishing Fires. Concluding Observations, on
+     the advantages which would result to the Metropolis at large
+     from these numerous Acts of Parliament being rendered
+     uniform, and conformable to the excellent Regulations
+     established for the City of London.--The advantages of
+     simplifying the System.--The burden upon the Inhabitants
+     equal to one million a year for the expence of Municipal
+     Police.--Suggestions for improving the System and reducing
+     this expence.--Concluding Reflections.--The present epoch,
+     more than any other, presses for arrangements calculated to
+     amend the Morals of the People, by improving the Laws of the
+     Country._
+
+
+It cannot fail to prove an interesting inquiry, not only to the
+inhabitants of the Metropolis, but also to Strangers, by what means
+that department of its oeconomy and government, which may be
+denominated _Municipal Police_, is regulated; so as to convey the
+comforts, and procure the various accommodations and conveniences
+which, with some few exceptions, are felt to exist in every part of
+the Capital and its environs.
+
+When it is known that this great City, (unparalleled, as will be
+hereafter shewn, in extent and opulence, through the whole habitable
+Globe,) comprehends, besides _London_, _Westminster_, and _Southwark_,
+no less than forty-five Villages, now exceedingly inlarged,
+independent of a vast accession of buildings upon the open fields in
+the vicinity; it becomes less a matter of surprize, to learn, that it
+extends to nearly eight miles in length,--is three miles at least in
+breadth, and not less than twenty-six in circumference; containing
+above eight thousand streets, lanes, alleys, and courts, and
+sixty-five different Squares; in which are more than one hundred and
+sixty thousand houses, warehouses, and other buildings; besides
+_Churches_ and _Chapels_ for religious worship, of which the following
+enumeration is imagined not to be very distant from truth:--
+
+  For Religious Instruction.
+
+    Of the Established     1 Cathedral, dedicated to St. Paul.
+    Religion.              1 Abbey Church of St. Peter, Westminster.
+                         120 Parish Churches.
+                         120 Chapels, and Chapels of Ease.
+                         ---
+                         242
+
+    Meeting-houses for       { Consisting of Chapels for Methodist
+    Dissenters.              { Nonconformists, Presbyterians,
+                         150 { Independents, Anabaptists,
+                             { Quakers, and English Roman
+                             { Catholicks.
+
+                             { Consisting of Chapels for French,
+                             { German, Dutch, Swedish, Danish,
+    Chapels and              { and Helvetic Protestants,
+    Meeting-houses for    30 { for Foreign Roman Catholics,
+    Foreigners.              { and those of the Russian or
+                             { Greek Church.
+
+    Synagogues             6 for the Jewish Religion.
+                         ---
+          _Total about_  428 _Places of Public Worship._
+
+The number of Inhabitants of this great Metropolis, occupying these
+various houses and buildings, may, under all circumstances, be
+rationally estimated at one million at least; for whose accommodation,
+convenience, and security, the following Institutions have been
+formed, _namely_,--1st. _For Education_;--2d. _For promoting good
+Morals_;--3d. _For useful and fine Arts_;--4th. _For objects of
+Charity and Humanity_;--5th. _For distributing Justice_;--and 6th.
+_For punishing Offenders_.
+
+
+EDUCATION.
+
+  1st. For Education.
+
+      16 Inns of Court and Chancery, for educating Students to
+         the profession of the Law, &c. &c.
+
+       5 Colleges--viz. One for the improvement of the Clergy,
+         London Wall; one for Divinity and Astronomy,
+         called Gresham College; one for Physicians, Warwick
+         Lane; one for the study of Civil Law, Doctors-Commons;
+         and the Heralds College.
+
+      62 Schools, or public Seminaries; the principal of which
+         are Westminster School, Blue-coat School or Christ's
+         Hospital, St. Paul's, Merchant Taylors, Charter-house,
+         St. Martin's School, &c. &c. &c. where
+         about 5000 young persons are educated.
+
+     237 Schools belonging to the different Parishes; where
+         about 9000 male and female Children are educated
+         in Reading, Writing, and Accompts.
+
+    3730 Private Schools, for all the various branches of male and
+         female Education; including some for Deaf and
+         Dumb.
+    ----
+    4050 Seminaries of Education.
+
+_The following Schools seem to deserve particular Enumeration; though
+probably there are many others which might equally deserve notice:--_
+
+  For Education.
+
+     1 Asylum for poor friendless, deserted girls, under
+       twelve years of age, Vauxhall Road                         1758
+
+     2 Orphan Working-School, for Children of Dissenters,
+       City Road.
+
+     3 Philanthropic Society, St. George's Fields, for
+       children of criminal parents, and young delinquents.
+
+     4 Freemasons' School, for Female Orphans, St.
+       George's Fields                                            1788
+
+     5 Marine Society, for educating poor destitute boys
+       to the Sea, in Bishopsgate-street                          1756
+
+     6 British or Welsh Charity School, Gray's Inn
+       Lane                                                       1718
+
+     7 French Charity School, Windmill-street, Tottenham
+       Court-Road                                                 1747
+
+     8 School for Soldiers' Girls, at Chelsea, supported
+       by Ladies                                                  1709
+
+     9 Neal's Mathematical School, for teaching Navigation,
+       &c. to poor children, King's Head
+       Court, Gough-Square, Fleet-street                          1715
+
+    10 School for Children of the Clergy; the Boys at
+       _Thirsk_, Yorkshire, the Girls at _Lisson-Green_,
+       Paddington.--Secretary, J. Topham, Esq.
+       No. 5, Gray's Inn Square                                   1749
+
+    11 Day-School of Industry, for Boys and Girls,
+       Paradise-street, Mary-le-bone                              1791
+
+    12 Another, No. 68, Edgware-Road, for Girls                   1784
+
+    13 Ladies' Charity School, King-street, Snow Hill             1702
+
+    14 Walworth Female Charity School.
+
+    15 Saint Anne's Society, hitherto at Lavenham,
+       Suffolk, about to be removed to Camberwell,
+       for Boys and Girls, (extended in 1733 and
+       1791)                                                      1709
+
+    16 Grey Coat Hospital, Artillery Ground, Westminster.
+
+    17 Green Coat Hospital, Ditto.
+
+
+RELIGION AND MORALS.
+
+  2. For promoting Religion and good Morals.
+
+     1 The Society for giving effect to his Majesty's
+       proclamation against Vice and Immorality                   1787
+
+     2 The Society for promoting Christian Knowledge,
+       Bartlett's Buildings, Holborn                              1699
+
+     3 The Society for propagation of the Gospel in
+       Foreign Parts, Dean's Yard, Westminster                    1701
+
+     4 The Society for promoting Religious Knowledge,
+       by distributing books among the poor.--Secretary,
+       Mr. Watts, Founder's Hall, Lothbury                        1715
+
+     5 The Society for promoting Charity Schools in
+       Ireland, Merchant Seaman's Office.
+
+     6 The Society for Religious Instruction to the Negroes
+       in the West Indies                                         1793
+
+     7 The Society for preventing Crimes, by prosecuting
+       Swindlers, Sharpers, and Cheats; Gough-Square,
+       Fleet-street                                               1767
+
+     8 British Society for the Encouragement of Servants,
+       No. 27, Hay-market                                         1792
+
+     9 Society for giving Bibles to Soldiers and Sailors,
+       No. 427, Oxford-street                                     1780
+
+    10 Dr. Bray's Charity for providing parochial Libraries,
+       No. 5, Ave-Maria Lane.
+
+    11 Society for Relief of poor pious Clergymen                 1788
+
+    12 Queen Anne's Bounty for the Augmentation of
+       small Livings of Clergymen.--Secretary, R.
+       Burn, Esq. Duke-street, Westminster                        1703
+
+    13 Sunday Schools, in various parishes.
+
+    14 Sunday School Society, for giving Bibles, &c.
+       and otherwise furthering the purposes of Sunday
+       Schools.--Sec. Mr. Prestill, No. 47,
+       Cornhill                                                   1785
+
+
+THE ARTS.
+
+  3. For learning, and the useful and fine Arts.
+
+     1 Royal Society, incorporated for promoting useful
+       Knowledge;--_Instituted_                                   1663
+
+     2 Antiquarian Society, Somerset Place                        1751
+
+     3 Society or Trustees of the British Museum                  1753
+
+     4 Society of Artists of Great Britain, Strand                1765
+
+     5 Royal Academy of Arts, Somerset Place                      1773
+
+     6 Society for the encouragement of Learning,
+       Crane-Court, Fleet-street.
+
+     7 Society for encouragement of Arts, Manufactures,
+       and Commerce, Adelphi Buildings.
+
+     8 Medical Society of London, Bolt-court, Fleet-street        1773
+
+     9 Society for the improvement of Naval Architecture.
+
+    10 Veterinary College, near St. Pancras Church.
+
+    11 Royal Institution for applying the Arts to the
+       common purposes of Life                                    1799
+
+  4. Asylum for the Indigent and Helpless.
+
+    107 Alms-houses endowed at different periods, where 1352
+        old men and women are supported; the principal of these
+        houses are,--_The Trinity Alms-houses_, for 28 decayed
+        Ship Masters, in Mile End; _Bancroft's Alms-houses_,
+        Mile End, for 24 Poor Men; _Fishmongers' Alms-houses_,
+        Newington Butts; _Haberdashers' Alms-houses_, in Hoxton;
+        _Jeffries' Alms-houses_, Kingsland Road; _Sir John
+        Morden's College_, for decayed Merchants, at Blackheath;
+        _Emanuel_, or _Lady Dacre's Hospital_, Tothilfields,
+        Westminster.
+
+      1 London Workhouse, Bishopsgate-street, for decayed old
+        Men.[181]
+
+      1 Bridewell Hospital, an Asylum for Apprentices to different
+        trades, Bridge-street, Blackfriars.
+
+      1 Charter-house Hospital, an Asylum for 80 indigent
+        persons, in Charter-house Square, _founded_               1611
+
+      1 Scottish Hospital for decayed Natives of Scotland,
+        in Crane-court, Fleet-street.
+
+      1 Welsh Hospital, for decayed Natives of Wales,
+        in Gray's Inn Lane.
+
+      1 French Hospital, for decayed Frenchmen, in St.
+        Luke's, Middlesex                                         1719
+
+      1 Foundling Hospital, for deserted Infants,
+        Lamb's-Conduit-street                                     1739
+
+      1 Magdalen Hospital, for the admission of seduced
+        Females, St. George's Fields                              1769
+
+      1 Lock Asylum, for penitent Female Patients, cured
+        in the Lock Hospital                                      1787
+
+      1 Chelsea Hospital, for worn-out and disabled Soldiers      1670
+
+      1 Greenwich Hospital, for worn-out and disabled
+        Seamen                                                    1694
+    ---
+    118
+    ---
+
+[Footnote 181: London Workhouse is a large building, which might, with
+great advantage, be turned into a house of industry, or Penitentiary
+House for Petty offenders, for which purpose it was used in ancient
+times. Although it is said to be sufficient to lodge about 500 people,
+it is now used only as an asylum for a few old persons; and is a
+sinecure for the Keepers and Officers, who live comfortably as the
+servants of the Community without doing any good. This house is amply
+endowed by a power of levying contributions on all the parishes for
+its support.]
+
+
+ASYLUMS FOR SICK, LAME, DISEASED, AND FOR POOR PREGNANT WOMEN.
+
+  Hospitals for Sick, Lame, and Diseased, and Pregnant Women.
+
+     1. St. Bartholomew's Hospital, in West Smithfield, for
+        the reception of afflicted and diseased Persons           1539
+
+     2. St. Thomas's Hospital, Southwark, for the reception
+        of sick and lame, especially sailors                      1553
+
+     3. Guy's Hospital, Southwark, for sick and impotent
+        persons; and lunatics                                     1721
+
+     4. London Hospital, Whitechapel Road, for the reception
+        of all persons meeting with accidents                     1740
+
+     5. St. George's Hospital, Hyde Park Corner, for the
+        reception of sick and lame                                1735
+
+     6. Westminster General Infirmary, James-street, Westminster,
+        for sick and diseased persons                             1719
+
+     7. Middlesex Hospital, Charles street, near Oxford-street,
+        for sick and lame, and pregnant women                     1745
+
+     8. Lock Hospital, Hyde Park Turnpike, for persons
+        afflicted with the venereal disorder                      1746
+
+     9. Hospital Misericordia, Goodman's-fields, for the
+        same purpose                                              1774
+
+    10. Small-pox Hospital, St. Pancras, for inoculation
+        of poor persons                                           1746
+
+    11. London Lying-in Hospital, Aldersgate-street, for
+        poor _married_ women                                      1750
+
+    12. City of London Lying-in Hospital, Old-street, City
+        Road, _Idem._                                             1751
+
+    13. British Lying-in Hospital, Brownlow-street, Long-Acre,
+        _id._                                                     1749
+
+    14. Westminster Lying-in Hospital, Surry Road,
+        Westminster Bridge, for poor pregnant women
+        _generally_.
+
+    15. Queen's Lying-in Hospital, Bayswater Hall, Oxford
+        Road, _id._
+
+    16. Lying-in Hospital, Store-street, Tottenham Court
+        Road, _id._                                               1767
+
+    17. Lying-in Charity, for delivering pregnant women
+        at their own houses; _W. Manning_, Esq. Governor;
+        Physician, Dr. _Sims_, Blackfriars                        1757
+
+    18. Society for delivering married women in their own
+        habitations, by whom 32 midwives are employed,
+        No. 18, Strand                                            1757
+
+    19. Bethlem Hospital, for Lunatics, Moorfields                1558
+
+    20. St. Luke's Hospital for Lunatics, Old-street Road         1751
+
+    21. Samaritan Society for relieving Persons discharged
+        from Hospitals                                            1791
+
+    22. Society for visiting and relieving the Sick in their
+        own Houses.
+
+  Dispensaries for Sick, Lame, and Diseased.
+
+     1 Eastern Dispensary, Whitechapel
+
+     2 Western Dispensary, Charles-street, Westminster
+
+     3 Middlesex Dispensary, Great Ailiff-street
+
+     4 London Dispensary, Primrose-street, Bishopsgate-street
+
+     5 City Dispensary, Bevis Marks
+
+     6 New Finsbury Dispensary, St. John-street, Clerkenwell
+
+     7 Finsbury Dispensary, St. John's Square, Clerkenwell
+
+     8 General Dispensary, Aldersgate-street
+
+     9 Public Dispensary, Cary-street, Lincoln's Inn Fields
+
+    10 Infant Poor Dispensary, Soho-square
+
+    11 St. James's Dispensary, Berwick-street, Soho
+
+    12 Westminster Dispensary, Gerard-street, Soho
+
+    13 Mary-le-bone Dispensary, Well-street, Oxford-street
+
+    14 Ossulston Dispensary, Bow-street, Bloomsbury
+
+    15 Surry Dispensary, Union-street, Borough
+
+    16 Royal Universal Dispensary, Featherstone Buildings,
+       Holborn
+
+  Institutions for Charitable and Humane Purposes.
+
+    Humane Society, for the recovery of drowned and suffocated
+    Persons, Spital-square and London Coffee-house                1773
+
+    Society for the Relief of Clergymen's Widows, Paper
+    Buildings, Temple
+
+    Society for the Relief of Widows and Orphans of Medical
+    Men, founded by Dr. Squires and Mr. Chamberlaine              1788
+
+    Laudable Society, for the benefit of Widows, Crane-Court,
+    Fleet-street
+
+    Society for the support of Widows, Surry-street, Strand
+
+    Society for the support of poor Artists, and their Widows,
+    Strand
+
+    Three Societies for the support of decayed Musicians,
+    their Widows and Children
+
+    Society for the Relief of decayed Actors
+
+    ABC-darian Society, for the Relief of decayed
+    School-masters
+
+    Society for the Relief of Authors in distress
+
+    Society for the Relief of Officers, their Widows, Children,
+    Mothers, and Sisters
+
+    Society for Annuities to Widows, Old Fish-street,
+    St. Paul's, No. 25
+
+    Society for the Relief of sick and maimed Seamen in
+    the Merchant's Service                                        1747
+
+    Society for the Relief of poor Widows and Children
+    of Clergymen, instituted by Charter                           1768
+
+    Rayne's Hospital for 40 girls, who receive 100_l._ portion
+    on their marriage                                             1736
+
+    Society called the Feast of the Sons of the Clergy, for
+    apprenticing their indigent Children, No. 5, Gray's
+    Inn Square
+
+    Freemason's Charity
+
+    Society for the relief of Persons confined for Small
+    Debts, Craven-street, Strand
+
+    Society for bettering the condition, and increasing
+    the comforts of the Poor
+
+    Society for improving the condition of Chimney-Sweepers
+
+    Five Soup Societies
+
+    Workhouses
+
+    Private Asylums for Lunatics
+
+    91 Public Companies in the City of London, who give
+    in charity above L.75,000 a year
+
+    Stock's Blind Charity, distributed by the Painters-Stainers'
+    Company                                                       1786
+
+    Hetherington's Blind Charity, payable at Christ's
+    Hospital                                                      1787
+
+    Asylum for Deaf and Dumb Poor, Grange Road,
+    Bermondsey                                                    1792
+
+    Charitable Society for Industrious Poor, School
+    House, Hatton Garden
+
+    Society for Charitable Purposes, Wardour-street,
+    Soho                                                          1773
+
+    1600 Friendly Societies in the Metropolis and its vicinity,
+    of which about 800 have enrolled themselves
+    under the Act of Parliament, 33 Geo. III. cap.
+    54. They are composed of mechanics and labouring
+    people, who distribute to sick members,
+    and for funerals, sums raised by monthly
+    payments, amounting on an average to 1_s._ 8_d._
+    a month, or 20_s._ a year, and consisting of
+    about 80,000 members, who thus raise annually
+    80,000_l._
+
+Reflecting on the foregoing list of various laudable Institutions,
+which it cannot be expected should be altogether perfect, but which
+may be said to be unparalleled in point of extent, as well as
+munificence, and conferring the highest honour on the National
+Character for Charity and Humanity; the mind is lost in astonishment,
+that greater and more extensive benefits have not arisen to the
+inhabitants of the Metropolis; not only in improving their morals,
+but in preventing the lowest orders of the People from suffering that
+extreme misery and wretchedness, which has already been stated to
+exist in so great a degree in London.
+
+When it is also recollected, that large sums are annually expended by
+Societies instituted for promoting religion, virtue, and good morals,
+it must be evident, as human misery does not appear to be alleviated,
+and the morals of the People grow worse--that there must be some cause
+to produce effects so opposite to what might have been expected from
+such unparalleled philanthropy; the cause, indeed, may easily be
+traced to that evident deficiency in the general System of Police,
+which has so often been mentioned in the course of this Work.[182]
+
+[Footnote 182: But particularly that branch of it, which relates to
+the management of the Poor, than which nothing in a greater degree
+requires immediate improvement; since it is unquestionably true, and
+has, indeed, been already shewn, that from this source incalculable
+evils have arisen, which must proportionately increase, until some
+effectual remedy is applied.--See Chapter 13th, where a remedy is
+proposed.]
+
+In the next place, it may be useful, and certainly cannot be improper,
+in a Treatise on the Police, to insert a brief detail of the different
+Courts of Law, and public Prisons, established in the Metropolis; for
+the distribution of Justice, and the punishment of delinquents, for
+civil as well as criminal offences; together with the number of
+professional men attached to these various Law establishments.
+
+
+COURTS OF JUSTICE
+
+IN THE
+
+_METROPOLIS_.
+
+  Supreme Courts.
+
+    The High Court of Parliament.
+
+    The House of Lords; being the Appeal in the last resort in
+    all causes criminal and civil.
+
+    The Court of Exchequer Chamber, before which Writs of
+    Error are brought on judgments in the Court of King's Bench
+    and other Courts; it is composed, in certain cases, of all the
+    Twelve Judges, and the Lord Chancellor; but sometimes of
+    a smaller number.
+
+    The High Court of Chancery--at Westminster Hall--and
+    Lincoln's Inn Hall.
+
+    The Court of King's Bench, held in Westminster Hall.
+
+    The Court of Common Pleas, held in Westminster Hall.
+
+    The Court of Exchequer--a Court of Law, Equity and
+    Revenue; held at Westminster Hall and Serjeant's Inn.
+
+    The Court of Appeals in Colonial and Prize Causes; before
+    the Lords of his Majesty's Privy Council at Whitehall.
+
+    The High Court of Admiralty, for Prizes, &c. at Doctor's
+    Commons; and in criminal Cases, twice a year, at the Old
+    Bailey.
+
+    Four Ecclesiastical Courts. Doctors' Commons.
+
+      Prerogative Court, for Wills
+      and Administrations
+
+      Court of Arches, for Appeals
+      from inferior Ecclesiastical
+      Courts in the Province of
+      Canterbury; the Court of
+      Peculiars is a branch of this
+      Court.
+
+      Faculty Court, to grant Dispensations
+      to marry, &c.
+
+      Court of Delegates for Ecclesiastical
+      Affairs.
+
+  The Court of Oyer and
+  Terminer and Gaol-Delivery
+  for trying
+  Criminals at the Justice
+  Hall, Old Bailey
+
+    Held by His Majesty's Commission
+    to the Lord-Mayor, Judges, Recorder
+    and Common Serjeant, &c.
+
+  Seventeen Courts in the City of London.
+
+    Court of Hustings
+
+      The Supreme Court of the City for Pleas of
+      Land and Common Pleas
+
+    The Lord-Mayor's Court
+
+      For Actions of Debt and Trespass, and for
+      Appeals from inferior Courts and for foreign
+      attachments; giving decisions in all
+      cases whatsoever, in 14 days, at an expence
+      not exceeding thirty Shillings; held in the
+      King's Bench, Guildhall, by the Lord-Mayor,
+      Recorder, and Aldermen.
+
+    Court of Requests
+
+      Held by two Aldermen and four Members of
+      the Common Council, appointed by the
+      Lord-Mayor and Aldermen; three of
+      whom form a Court for the recovery of
+      small debts under 40_s._ at the expence of 10_d._
+
+    Chamberlain's Court
+
+      Held every day to determine differences between
+      masters and apprentices; and to admit
+      those qualified to the freedom of the
+      City.
+
+    Sheriff's Court
+
+      Held every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday,
+      and Saturday, at Guildhall; where Actions
+      of Debt and Trespass, &c. are tried by the
+      Sheriff, and his Deputy, who are Judges of
+      the Court.
+
+    Court of Orphans
+
+      Held before the Lord-Mayor and Aldermen,
+      as Guardians of the Children of deceased
+      Freemen under twenty-one years of age, &c.
+
+    Pie Poudre Court
+
+      Held by the Lord-Mayor and Stewards, for
+      administering instantaneous Justice between
+      Buyers and Sellers at Bartholomew Fair, to
+      redress all such disorders as may arise there.
+
+    Court of Conservancy
+
+      Held by the Lord Mayor and Aldermen four
+      times a year, in Middlesex, Essex, Kent,
+      and Surry; who inquire by a Jury, into
+      Abuses relative to the Fishing on the River
+      Thames, and redress the same; from Staines
+      _West_, to Yenfleet _East_.
+
+    Court of Lord-Mayor, and
+    Aldermen.--Court of Common
+    Council.--Court of
+    Common Hall.--Court of
+    Wardmotes
+
+      These relate to setting the Assize
+      on Bread and Salt--to the municipal
+      Officers of the City--to
+      the Elections of Lord-Mayor,
+      Sheriffs, and Officers of the
+      City--and to the Management
+      of the Public Property of the
+      City, and removing Nuisances.
+      The Wardmotes are held chiefly
+      for the Election of Aldermen
+      & Common Councilmen.
+
+    General and Quarter Sessions of the Peace, held by the Lord-Mayor
+    and Aldermen, eight times a year.
+
+    Petty Sessions for small Offences, &c. held at
+    the Mansion House by the Lord-Mayor
+    and one Alderman: and at Guildhall by
+    two Aldermen in rotation
+
+      Daily, in the forenoon
+
+    Coroners' Court
+
+      To inquire into the causes of sudden deaths,
+      when they arise.
+
+    Court of the Tower of London
+
+      Held within the verge of the City by a Stewart
+      appointed by the Constable of the
+      Tower, before whom are tried Actions of
+      Debt, Trespasses, and Covenants.
+
+  Courts of Justice within the City and
+  Liberty of Westminster.
+
+    Court of the Duchy of Lancaster
+
+      A supreme Court of Record, held in Somerset
+      Place, for deciding by the Chancellor of the
+      said Duchy, all matters of Law or Equity belonging
+      to the County Palatine of Lancaster
+
+    Quarter Sessions of the Peace
+
+      A Court of Record, held by the Justices of the
+      City and Liberty of Westminster, four
+      times a year, at the Guildhall, Westminster,
+      for all Trespasses, Petty Larcenies, and
+      other small Offences, committed within the
+      City and Liberty
+
+    Westminster Court
+
+      Or Court Leet, held by the Dean of Westminster
+      or his Steward, for choosing parochial
+      Officers, preventing and removing
+      Nuisances, &c.
+
+    Court of Requests,
+    Castle-street, Leicester-square
+
+      Held by Commissioners (being respectable
+      Housekeepers) for deciding without appeal,
+      all Pleas for Debts under forty shillings.
+      For the parishes of St. Margaret, St. John,
+      St. Martin, St. Paul Covent Garden, St.
+      Clement Danes, St. Mary le Strand, and
+      that part of the Dutchy of Lancaster which
+      joins Westminster
+
+    Court of Requests,
+    Vinestreet, Piccadilly
+
+      Held in the same manner, and for the same
+      purposes; for the parishes of St. Anne,
+      St. George Hanover-square, and St. James,
+      Westminster
+
+    Petty Sessions, or Police Court,
+    held at Bow-street
+
+      A Court of Petty Sessions, held by two Magistrates
+      every day, (Sunday excepted) morning
+      and evening, for matters of Police, and various
+      Offences, and Misdemeanors, &c.
+
+    Police Court or Petty Sessions,
+    held at Queen-sq. Westminster
+
+      A Court of Petty Sessions established by Act
+      of Parliament, held every day, morning &
+      evening, (Sunday excepted) by two Magistrates,
+      for matters of Police, and various
+      Offences, Misdemeanors, &c.
+
+    Police Court, or petty Sessions,
+    held at Great Marlborough-str.
+
+      The same.
+
+  Courts of Justice in that part of the Metropolis,
+  which lies within the County of Middlesex.
+
+    St. Martins-le-Grand Court
+
+      _A Court of Record_, subject to the Dean and
+      Chapter of Westminster, held every Wednesday,
+      for the trial of all personal Actions.
+      The process is by a Capias against the body,
+      or an Attachment against the goods in this
+      particular Liberty
+
+    East Smithfield Court
+
+      A Court Leet and Court Baron, held for this
+      Liberty, to inquire into Nuisances, &c.--In
+      the Court Baron Pleas are held to the
+      amount of forty shillings
+
+    Finsbury Court
+
+      A Court Leet held once a year, by a Steward
+      of the Lord-Mayor, as Lord of the Manor of
+      Finsbury, for inquiring into those Nuisances
+      competent for Leet Juries, by ancient usage,
+      and swearing in Constables for the Manor
+
+    St. Catherine's Court
+
+      Two Courts are competent to be held within
+      this small Precinct, for Actions of Debt and
+      Trespass, at St. Catherine's near the Tower
+
+    Whitechapel Court
+
+      A Court held by the Steward of the Manor of
+      Stepney, by whom, and a Jury, are tried Actions
+      of Debt for 5_l._ and under, &c. &c.
+
+    Sheriff's Court
+
+      For the County of Middlesex, for Actions of
+      Debt, Trespasses, Assaults, &c.
+
+    Quarter and General sessions
+    of the Peace, and Sessions of
+    Oyer and Terminer
+
+      Held by the Justices of the County of Middlesex,
+      eight times a year, at the New Sessions
+      House, Clerkenwell Green, for all
+      Trespasses, Petty Larcenies, Misdemeanors,
+      and other offences, &c. and for Roads,
+      Bridges, and other County Affairs
+
+    Petty Sessions or Police Court,
+    established by Act of Parliament
+
+      A Court of Petty Sessions, held every morning
+      and evening, (Sunday excepted) by two
+      Magistrates, at the Public Office, in Hatton
+      Garden, for matters of Police and various
+      Offences, Misdemeanors, &c.
+
+    Petty Session, or Police Court
+
+      At the Public Office, Worship-street, near
+      Finsbury-square, by two Justices, for objects
+      of Police, &c.
+
+    _Idem_
+
+      At the Public Office, Lambeth-street, Whitechapel
+
+    _Idem_
+
+      At the Public Office, High-street, Shadwell
+
+    Two Coroner's Courts
+
+      For inquiring into causes of sudden death
+
+    Court of Requests
+
+      Small debts under 40_s._ without appeal,
+      held in Fulwood's Rents, Holborn, for the
+      Division of Finsbury
+
+    Court of Requests
+
+      For small debts under 40_s._ without appeal,
+      held in Osborn-street, Whitechapel, by
+      Commissioners, under the Act of Parliament,
+      chosen annually by the several Parishes
+      in the Tower Hamlets
+
+    General and Quarter Sessions of the
+    Peace for the Liberty of the Tower of London.
+
+      Held by the Justices of that Liberty,
+      8 times a year for Petty Larcenies,
+      Trespasses, Felonies, and Misdemeanors,
+      &c. within that particular District
+
+  Courts of Justice in the Borough
+  of Southwark, Surry.
+
+    Court of Record
+
+      Held at St. Margaret's Hill, Southwark, by
+      the Lord-Mayor's Steward, for Actions of
+      small Debts, Damages, Trespass, &c.
+
+    Court of Record
+
+      For the Clink Liberty, held near Bankside,
+      in Southwark, by the Bishop of Winchester's
+      Steward, for Actions of Debt, Trespass, &c.
+      within that Liberty
+
+    Marshalsea Court
+
+      A Court of Record (or the Court of the Royal
+      Palace) having jurisdiction 12 miles round
+      Whitehall (exclusive of the City of London)
+      for actions of Debts, Damages, Trespasses,
+      &c. and subject to be removed to a higher
+      Court of Law, when above 5_l._
+
+    Court of Requests
+
+      For the recovery of small Debts under 40_s._
+      without appeal, held at St. Margaret's Hill,
+      by Commissioners chosen under the Act of
+      Parliament, by the different Parishes
+
+    Coroners' Court
+
+      To inquire into causes of sudden Death--in
+      Southwark, &c.
+
+    Quarter Sessions of the Peace
+
+      Held by the Lord-Mayor and Aldermen, at
+      St. Margaret's Hill, for the Borough of
+      Southwark
+
+    Quarter Sessions of the Peace
+    for the County of Surry
+
+      Held at the New Sessions House in
+      Southwark, by the Magistrates of the
+      County of Surry
+
+    Petty Sessions, or Police Court,
+    established by Act of Parliament
+
+       A Court held every morning and evening
+       by two Justices, at the Public Office, Union
+       Hall, Union-street, Southwark, for Objects
+       of Police, &c.
+
+
+PRISONS _in the_ METROPOLIS.
+
+   1. King's Bench Prison, for Debtors on Process or Execution in the
+      King's Bench, &c. St. George's Fields
+
+   2. Fleet Prison, for Debtors on Process, &c. in the Common Pleas,
+      &c. Fleet Market
+
+  For the City of London.
+
+     3. Ludgate Prison, Bishopsgate-street
+
+     4. Poultry Compter, in the Poultry
+
+     5. Giltspur-street Compter, Giltspur-street
+
+   6. Newgate, or City and County Gaol, Old Bailey
+
+   7. New Prison, Clerkenwell--Gaol for the County of Middlesex
+
+   8. Prison for the Liberty of the Tower of London, Well-close-square
+
+   9. Whitechapel Prison for Debtors in the five pound court
+
+  10. Savoy Prison for Deserters and Military Delinquents
+
+  Houses of Correction.
+
+    11. City Bridewell--Bridewell, Bridge-street, Blackfriars
+
+    12. Tothill Fields Bridewell--Tothill Fields
+
+    13. Spa Fields Penitentiary House
+
+    14. New Bridewell in the Borough of Southwark
+
+  15. County Gaol for Surry in the Borough of Southwark
+
+  16. Clink Gaol, in ditto
+
+  17. Marshalsea Gaol, in the Borough, for Pirates, &c.
+
+  18. New Gaol, in the Borough.
+
+Nothing, perhaps, can manifest, in a greater degree, the increased
+commerce and population of the Metropolis of the Empire, than the
+following summary detail of the different classes of professional men
+connected with the various departments of the Law.
+
+It appears from the preceding Statements, that there are in the
+Metropolis
+
+   9 Supreme Courts; to which are attached            270 officers[183]
+   4 Ecclesiastical Courts                             54 do.
+  18 Inferior Courts for small Debts                  146 do.
+   1 Court of Oyer and Terminer, and Gaol Delivery     27 do.
+   4 Courts of General and Quarter Sessions of the
+       Peace                                           46 do.
+  10 Courts and Petty Sessions for purposes of
+       Police                                         190 do.
+   5 Coroners' Courts                                  20 do.
+                                                      ---
+                                                      753
+
+  King's Serjeants, Attorney and Solicitor General,
+    and King's Advocate                                 8
+  Serjeants at Law                                     14
+  Doctors of Law                                       14
+  King's Counsel                                       25
+  Masters in Chancery                                  10
+  Barristers at Law                                   400
+  Special Pleaders                                     50
+  Proctors in Doctors' Commons                         50
+  Conveyancers                                         40
+  Attorneys at Law in the different Courts          1,900
+  Clerks, Assistants, and others, estimated at      3,700
+  Notaries Public                                      36
+                                                    -----
+                                       Total about  7,000
+
+[Footnote 183: See for some further particulars the 27th Report of the
+Finance Committee.]
+
+It is impossible to contemplate this view of a very interesting
+subject, without being forcibly struck with the vast extent of the
+wealth and commercial intercourse of the Country, which furnish
+advantageous employment for such a multitude of individuals in one
+particular profession. Every good man, and every lover of his country,
+must anxiously wish that the advantages may be reciprocal; and that
+men of talents, integrity, and ability, in the profession of the Law,
+while they extend their aid to the removal of those evils which are a
+reproach to the criminal jurisprudence of the Country, would also
+assist in procuring the removal of the inconveniences at present felt
+in the recovery of small debts. This is peculiarly irksome to every
+well-disposed person, who, in the course of business, having
+transactions with the mass of mankind, cannot avoid frequently meeting
+with bad or litigious characters, by whom disputes are unavoidably
+generated.
+
+According to the prevailing System, if the debt exceeds 40_s._ the
+action may be brought in a superior Court, where, if contested or
+defended, the expence, at the lowest computation, must be upwards of
+fifty pounds. Prudent men, under such circumstances, will forego a
+just claim upon another, or make up a false one upon themselves, as by
+far the least of two evils, in all cases where they come in contact
+with designing and bad people; and hence it is, that the worthless
+part of mankind, availing themselves in _Civil_ as others do in
+_Criminal Cases_, of the imperfections of the Law, forge these
+defects into a rod of oppression, either to defraud the honest part of
+the Community of a just right, or to create fraudulent demands, where
+no right attaches; merely because those miscreants know that an action
+at Law, even for 20_l._ cannot either be prosecuted or defended,
+without sinking three times the amount in Law expences; besides the
+loss of time, which is still more valuable to men in business.
+
+To convince the Reader that this observation is not hazarded on weak
+grounds, and that the evil is so great as to cry aloud for a remedy,
+it is only necessary to state, that in the County of Middlesex alone,
+in the year 1793, the number of bailable writs and executions, for
+debts from _Ten_ to _Twenty_ pounds, amounted to no less than 5,719,
+and the aggregate amount of the debts sued for was the sum of
+L.81,791.
+
+It will scarcely be credited, _although it is most unquestionably
+true_, that the mere costs of these actions, although made up, and not
+defended at all, would amount to 68,728_l._--And if defended, the
+aggregate expence to recover 81,791_l._ must be--(_strange and
+incredible as it may appear_), no less than 285,905_l._! being
+considerably more than three times the amount of the debts sued for.
+
+The mind is lost in astonishment at the contemplation of a
+circumstance, marking, in so strong a degree, the deficiency of this
+important branch of the jurisprudence of the Country.
+
+Through this new medium we discover one of the many causes of the
+increase of crimes.--And hence that caution which men in business are
+compelled to exercise (especially in the Metropolis), to avoid
+transactions with those who are supposed to be devoid of principle.
+
+Whenever the Laws cannot be promptly executed, at an expence, that
+will not restrain the worthy and useful part of the Community from the
+following up their just rights, bad men will multiply. The morals of
+the People will become more and more corrupted, and the best interests
+of the State will be endangered.
+
+In a political as well as in a moral point of view, it is an evil that
+should not be suffered to exist; especially when it can be
+demonstrated, that a remedy may be applied, without affecting the
+pecuniary interest of the more reputable part of the Profession of the
+Law, while it would unquestionably produce a more general diffusion of
+Emolument.
+
+If, instead of the various inferior Courts for the recovery of debts,
+(exclusive of the Courts of Conscience) which have been mentioned in
+this Chapter, and which are of very limited use on account of appeals
+lying in all actions above 5_l._--the Justices, in General Sessions of
+the Peace, _specially commissioned_, were to be empowered to hear and
+determine _finally, by a Jury_, all actions of debt under 50_l._ and
+to tax the Costs _in proportion to the amount of the Verdict_, great
+benefits would result to the Public. _At present, the rule is to allow
+the same cost for forty shillings as for ten thousand pounds!_[184]--It
+depends only on the length of the pleadings, and not on the value of
+the action.
+
+[Footnote 184: The following authentic table, divided into four
+Classes, will shew in forcible colours, the evils which arise from
+there being no distinction between the amount of the sum to be
+recovered in one action and another, in settling the costs. In the
+county of Middlesex, in the year 1793, the actions for recovering
+debts stood thus:
+
+  Classes.
+   |                  |Number of Writs.
+   |                  |      |of which Bailable.
+   |                  |      |      |Executions.
+   |                  |      |      |     |Costs of Actions
+   |                  |      |      |     |undefended at 12_l._ each.
+   |                  |      |      |     |       |Costs of Actions
+   |                  |      |      |     |       |defended at 50_l._
+   |                  |      |      |     |       |each.
+   |                  |      |      |     |       |       |Net Amount
+   |                  |      |      |     |       |       |of Debts
+   |                  |      |      |     |       |       |sued for
+   |                  |      |      |     |L.     |L.     |L.
+  1|from 10 to  20_l._| 5,719| 4,966|  753| 68,728|285,950|   81,791
+  2|     20 to  30_l._| 2,267| 1,878|  389| 21,090|113,350|   85,675
+  3|     30 to 100_l._| 4,367| 2,492|1,875| 52,404|238,350|  237,358
+  4|  L.100 &  upw.   | 2,324| 1,769|  555| 27,160|116,200|1,010,379
+   |                  +------+------+-----+-------+-------+---------
+   |                  |14,677|11,105|3,572|169,382|753,850|1,385,203
+
+Thus it appears, that upwards of one million of money, in the 4th
+class, is recovered at considerably less than half the expence of
+81,791_l._ in the 1st class.]
+
+Humanity, Justice, and Policy, plead for an improvement of the System;
+more particularly when it is recollected that, between _Six_ and
+_Seven Thousand_ unfortunate persons are arrested annually on _mesne
+process_ in Middlesex alone, one half of whom are for debts _under
+twenty pounds_. In the kingdom at large, the number is not less than
+_Forty Thousand_ for trifling debts in the course of a year!--The
+unavoidable expence, therefore, at the lowest computation, is a most
+grievous burden, which on many occasions, sends both the plaintiff and
+defendant to a gaol, for the Attorney's bills, to the total ruin of
+themselves, and often to the destruction of their families.
+
+The Evil, in this view, is exceedingly prominent.--It involves in it
+consequences which trench upon the best interests of the Country. The
+Mischief increases, unperceived by the people at large, and Remedies
+are not applied; because few men will subject themselves to
+investigations of great labour, without which facts are not to be
+obtained; and without facts it is impossible to reason with accuracy,
+or to draw just conclusions upon any subject.
+
+It will be found upon inquiry, that the miseries of a gaol, by which
+the inferior orders of the people are often punished, do not so
+frequently attach to the worthless and profligate part of the
+Community, as to those who have been useful members of the State--Like
+the adroit thief, encouraged to proceed by many escapes, Knaves are
+seldom victims to the severity of the Law.--The Innocent, and often
+the Industrious, unskilled in the tricks and artifices which bad men
+pursue to rid themselves of incumbrances, (for which there is abundant
+resource in the chicane of the Law;) are generally the sufferers.
+
+To incarcerate one member of the body politic, whose misfortunes and
+losses may have arisen from giving credit to another, who is relieved
+by a Commission of Bankrupt,[185] because his debts amounted to more
+than 100_l._ seems not well to accord with Justice, Humanity, or State
+Policy. It debases the minds of thousands whose conduct never deserved
+such a fate--who were from the nature of their dealings, _although
+small_, entitled upon the principle adopted by the Legislature, to the
+same relief which is extended to the higher classes by whom they often
+suffer--and sometimes too by the most worthless and depraved.--While
+no good can arise from their confinement, it is thus rendered
+infinitely more severe than that, which is, in many instances,
+inflicted on criminal offenders.--Their labour is lost to the
+Community.--Their families are neglected--and perhaps reared up in
+vice and idleness to become Nuisances in that Society, of which they
+might have been virtuous and useful Members.
+
+[Footnote 185: It is to be observed, that the Debtors comprised, in
+the first three classes mentioned in the foregoing note, page 587, are
+generally the objects of imprisonment; while the bankrupt-laws relieve
+the fourth, the insolvency of which class generally produces the
+distress of the other; who must languish in a gaol and suffer a severe
+punishment, although it is clear to demonstration, that the Debtor for
+_ninety-nine_ pounds is equally an object of commiseration as another
+whose debt amounts to _one hundred_; and almost in the same degree
+subject to accident and misfortune.
+
+Under a System so contrary to reason, and so shocking to humanity, too
+much praise cannot be bestowed on the founders and supporters of the
+excellent Institution for the relief of honest, industrious persons
+imprisoned for small debts. The immense number relieved by this
+benevolent Society, who have appeared upon inquiry not to have brought
+misfortunes upon themselves by imprudence, is one of the strongest
+proofs that can be adduced of the imperfection of the laws; which are
+tacitly acknowledged to be erroneous, in the case of every person who
+is discharged by the bounty of the Public.]
+
+This, therefore, is a most important branch of what may be called
+_Civil Police_, highly deserving the attention of the Legislature;
+because it is not only contrary to Reason, but pregnant with evils
+which tend to the increase of crimes in a greater degree than is
+generally supposed.
+
+The extensive and growing intercourse in commercial dealings, and the
+diffused state of property must, of course, progressively, increase
+the number of Appeals to Courts of Justice, even under the present
+System; till at length the duty of the Judges (infinitely more
+extensive than their predecessors experienced, and increasing every
+day,) will so multiply, as to render it an act of great cruelty and
+injustice, not to ease them of the unreasonable labour arising from
+small Law-suits.
+
+The same reasoning applies to the Members of the Executive Government.
+As we advance in riches, population, and crimes, the management of the
+Country becomes more complicated. The labour attached to the higher
+departments of the State of all descriptions is infinitely greater
+than a century ago; and yet there is no increase in the number of the
+first executive responsible officers.--This, (although it has not
+heretofore attracted notice), when duly considered, will be found to
+be a very serious misfortune.
+
+The mind, however active or enlightened, can only compass certain
+objects. It requires relaxation; it cannot always be upon the
+stretch.--There is a point beyond which human exertion cannot go--and
+hence the necessity of the division of labour, in proportion to the
+increase of responsible public duty. Wherever this does not take
+place, the Country suffers; an unreasonable burden attaches, by which
+means matters of great consequence to the Community must be
+overlooked, because it is impossible to compass every thing.
+
+Having thus briefly explained that branch of the Police of the Capital
+which is connected with the department of the Law, together with some
+of the most prominent features of abuse, which have grown out of the
+present System; as well as the Remedies which have occurred, as
+apparently best calculated to remove these accumulating evils. It
+remains now to bring under the review of the Reader, the various
+_Municipal Regulations_, which have been established for the comfort,
+accommodation, and convenience of the inhabitants; and the means used
+in carrying them into execution.
+
+The Metropolis of the Empire having been extended so far beyond its
+ancient limits;--every parish, hamlet, liberty, or precinct, now
+contiguous to the Cities of _London_ and _Westminster_, may be
+considered as a separate Municipality, where the inhabitants regulate
+the Police of their respective districts, under the authority of a
+great variety of different Acts of Parliament; enabling them to raise
+money for paving the streets, and to assess the householders for the
+interest thereof, as well as for the annual expence of _watching,
+cleansing, and removing nuisances and annoyances_. These funds, as
+well as the execution of the powers of the different Acts, (excepting
+where the interference of Magistrates is necessary) are placed in the
+hands of Trustees, of whom in many instances, the Church Wardens, or
+Parish Officers for the time being, are Members _ex officio_; and by
+these different Bodies, all matters relative to the immediate safety,
+comfort and convenience of the inhabitants are managed and regulated.
+
+These Regulations, however, are mostly founded upon Statutes made in
+the last and present Reign.
+
+The Act of the 2d of William and Mary, cap. 8, for paving, cleansing,
+&c. within the City and Liberties of _Westminster_, and the Bills of
+Mortality, not having been found applicable to modern improvements,
+new regulations became necessary; and an incredible number of private
+Statutes applicable to the different Parishes, Hamlets, and Liberties,
+composing the Metropolis, have been passed within the last 50 years.
+
+The Act of the 10th George II. cap. 22, established a System for
+paving and lighting, cleansing, and watching the City of London: but
+the Statute which removed _signs and sign-posts_, _balconies_,
+_spouts_, _gutters_, and those other _encroachments_ and _annoyances_,
+which were felt as grievances, by the inhabitants, did not pass till
+the year 1771.--The 11th of Geo. III. cap. 29, contains a complete and
+masterly System of that branch of the Police which is connected with
+municipal regulations, and may be considered as a model for every
+large City in the Empire. This excellent Act extends to every
+obstruction by carts and carriages, and provides a remedy for all
+nuisances, which can prove, in any respect, offensive to the
+inhabitants; and special Commissioners, called _Commissioners of
+Sewers_, are appointed to ensure a regular execution. It is further
+improved by the 33d of his present Majesty, cap. 75, by which the
+power of the Commissioners is increased, and some nuisances arising
+from Butchers, Dustmen, &c. further provided against.
+
+In the City and Liberty of Westminster also, many useful Municipal
+Regulations have been made within the present Century. The Acts of the
+27th of Elizabeth, and the 16th of Charles I. (private Acts) divided
+the City and Liberties into 12 Wards, and appointed 12 Burgesses to
+regulate the Police of each Ward; who, with the Dean, or High Steward
+of Westminster, were authorised to govern this District of the
+Metropolis.
+
+The Act of the 29th of George II. cap. 25, enabled the Dean, or his
+High Steward, to choose 80 Constables in a Court Leet: and the same
+act authorised the appointment of an Annoyance-Jury of 48 inhabitants,
+to examine weights and measures; and to make presentments of every
+public nuisance, either in the City or Liberty.--The Acts of the 31st
+of George II. cap. 17 and 25, improved the former Statute, and allowed
+a free market to be held in Westminster.--The Act of the 2d of George
+III. cap. 21, extended and improved the System for _paving, cleansing,
+lighting and watching_ the City and Liberty, by including six other
+adjoining Parishes and Liberties in Middlesex: This Act was afterwards
+amended by the 3d of his present Majesty, cap. 23.--The Acts 5th Geo.
+III. caps. 13, 50; 11th Geo. III. cap. 22; and particularly 14th Geo.
+III. cap. 90, for regulating the nightly Watch and Constables, made
+further improvements in the General System by which those branches of
+Police in Westminster are at present regulated.
+
+In the Borough of Southwark also the same System has been pursued; the
+Acts 28th Geo. II. cap. 9; and 6th Geo. III. cap. 24, having
+established a System of Municipal Regulations, applicable to this
+District of the Metropolis; relative to _markets_, _hackney-coach
+stands_, _paving_, _cleansing_, _lighting_, _watching_, _marking
+streets_, and _numbering houses_, and placing the whole under the
+management of Commissioners.
+
+In Contemplating the great leading features of Municipal Regulation,
+nothing places England in a situation so superior to most other
+countries, with regard to cleanliness, as the _System of the Sewers_,
+under the management of special Commissioners, in different parts of
+the kingdom; introduced so early as by the Act 6th Henry VI. cap. 5,
+and regulated by the Acts 6th Henry VIII. cap. 10; 23d Henry VIII.
+cap. 5; and 25th Henry VIII. cap. 10.--afterwards improved by the 3d
+and 4th Edward VI. cap. 8; 1st Mary, stat. 3, cap. 11; 13th Elizabeth,
+cap. 9; 3d James I. cap. 14; and 7th Anne, cap. 10.
+
+Sewers being so early introduced into the Metropolis, as well as into
+other Cities and Towns, in consequence of the general System, every
+offensive nuisance was removed through this medium, and the
+inhabitants early accustomed to the advantages and comforts of
+cleanliness.
+
+Another feature, strongly marking the wisdom and attention of our
+ancestors, was the introduction of _Water_, for the supply of the
+Metropolis, in the reign of James I. in 1604. The improvements which
+have been since made for the convenience of the inhabitants, in
+extending the supplies by means of the New River, and also by the
+accession of the Thames water, through the medium of the London
+Bridge, Chelsea, York Buildings, Shadwell, and other water-works, it
+is not necessary to detail.
+
+The Act 9th Anne, cap. 23, first established the regulations with
+regard to _Hackney Coaches_ and _Chairs_, which have been improved and
+extended by several subsequent Statutes, _viz._ 10 Anne, cap. 19; 12
+Anne, stat. 2, cap. 14; 1 Geo. I. cap. 57; 12 Geo. I. cap. 12; 30 Geo.
+II. cap. 22; 4 Geo. III. cap. 36; 7 Geo. III. cap. 44; 10 Geo. III.
+cap. 44; 11 Geo. III. caps. 24, 28; 12 Geo. III. cap. 49; 24 Geo. III.
+stat. 2. cap. 27; 26 Geo. III. cap. 72; 32 Geo. III. cap. 47; 33 Geo.
+III. cap. 75.
+
+These Acts authorize _one thousand coaches_, and _four hundred hackney
+chairs_, to be licensed for the accommodation of the inhabitants of
+the Metropolis; and Magistrates, as well as the Commissioners, are
+empowered to decide, in a summary way, upon all complaints arising
+between Coachmen or Chairmen, and the inhabitants, who may have
+occasion to employ them.
+
+Carts and other carriages have also been regulated by several
+different Acts, _viz._ 1 Geo. I. stat. 2. cap. 57; 18 Geo. II. cap.
+33; 24 Geo. II. cap. 43; 30 Geo. II. cap. 22; 7 Geo. III. cap. 44; and
+24 Geo. III. cap. 27. The Statutes contain a very complete System,
+relative to this branch of Police; by virtue of which all complaints
+arising from offences under these Acts, are also cognizable by the
+Magistrates, in a summary way.
+
+The Act of the 34th of George III. cap. 65, established an improved
+System, with regard to _Watermen plying on the River Thames_.--The
+Lord Mayor and Aldermen are empowered to make Rules and Orders for
+their government;[186] and, with the Recorder and the Justices of the
+Peace of the respective Counties, and places next adjoining to the
+Thames, have equal jurisdiction in all situations between Gravesend
+and Windsor, to put in execution not only the _Laws_, but also the
+Rules and Orders relative to such Watermen, which shall be sent to the
+several Public Offices in the Metropolis, and to the Clerks of the
+Peace of the Counties joining the Thames, within 30 days after such
+Rules are made or altered. The Magistrates have power given them to
+fine Watermen for extortion and misbehaviour: and, persons refusing to
+pay the fares authorised by Law, may be compelled to do so, with all
+charges, or be imprisoned for one month; and whoever shall give a
+Waterman a fictitious name or place of abode, forfeits 5_l._
+
+[Footnote 186: No Rules or Orders have yet been published, although
+nearly six years have elapsed since the passing of this Act. The
+Public are, therefore, without the means of punishing or controlling
+Watermen, which is felt as a serious misfortune.]
+
+Offences relative to the Driving of Cattle improperly, usually termed
+_Bullock Hunting_, are also determined by the Magistrates, in the same
+summary way, under the authority of an Act 21st Geo. III. cap. 67; by
+which every person is authorised to seize delinquents guilty of this
+very dangerous offence.
+
+The last great feature of useful Municipal Police which the Author
+will mention, consists in the excellent regulations relative to
+_Buildings_, _Projections_, and _Fires_; first adopted after the Fire
+of London in 1666, and extended and improved by several Acts of
+Parliament passed, from that time, down to the 14th of his present
+Majesty.
+
+The Act of the 14th of George III. cap. 78, which repeals the former
+Acts, besides regulating the mode of building houses in future, so as
+to render them _ornamental_, _commodious_, and _secure_ against the
+accidents of fire, established other useful rules for the prevention
+of this dreadful calamity; by rendering it incumbent on Churchwardens
+to provide one or more engines in every parish, to be in readiness, on
+the shortest notice, to extinguish fires, and also ladders to favour
+escapes; And, that every facility might be afforded with regard to
+water, it is also incumbent on the Churchwardens to fix stop-blocks
+and fire-plugs at convenient distances, upon all the main pipes within
+the parish; and to place a mark in the street where they are to be
+found, and to have an instrument or key ready to open such fire-plugs,
+so that the water may be accessible on the shortest possible notice.
+That every thing also might be done to ensure dispatch, the person
+bringing the first parish engine to any fire is entitled to 30_s._ the
+second to 20_s._ and third to 10_s._ paid by the parish; excepting in
+cases where chimnies are on fire, and then the expence ultimately
+falls upon the person inhabiting the house or place where it
+originated.
+
+This excellent Statute, so salutary in its effects with regard to many
+important Regulations of Police, also obliges all Beadles and
+Constables, on the breaking out of any fire, to repair immediately to
+the spot, with their long staves, and to protect the sufferers from
+the depredation of thieves; and to assist in removing effects, and in
+extinguishing the flames.
+
+These outlines will explain, in some measure, by what means the System
+of the Police, in most of its great features, is conducted in the
+Metropolis--to which it may be necessary to add, that the Beadles of
+each Parish, are the proper persons to whom application may be made,
+in the first instance, in case of any inconvenience or nuisance. The
+City and Police Magistrates, in their respective Courts, if not
+immediately authorized to remedy the wrong that is suffered, will
+point out how it may be effected.
+
+It is, however, earnestly to be wished, that (like the Building-Act
+just mentioned), one general Law, comprehending the whole of the
+excellent regulations made for the City of London, so far as they will
+apply, could be extended to every part of the Metropolis, and its
+suburbs; that a perfect uniformity might prevail, in the penalties and
+punishments to be inflicted for the several Offences against the
+comfort or convenience of the Inhabitants.--At present it often
+happens, that an Offence in one Parish, is no act of Delinquency in
+another.
+
+The great object is to simplify every System as much as
+possible;--complicated Establishments are always more expensive than
+is necessary, and constantly liable to abuses.
+
+The annual expence to the Inhabitants, in consequence of all those
+Municipal Regulations just detailed, is, perhaps, higher than in any
+other City in the world.--Including the Poor's-rate, it amounts, on an
+average, to full 25 per cent. on the gross rental of the Metropolis;
+and is supposed to exceed one million sterling a year!
+
+A Superintending Police would, in many instances, correct the want of
+intelligence, which is apparent, and enlighten the local Managers in
+such a manner, as not only to promote objects of oeconomy,
+calculated to abridge and keep within bounds an enormous and growing
+expence, but also to suggest improvements by which it might be
+reduced, and many solid advantages be acquired by the Community.
+
+It is impossible to examine, with the mind of a man of business, the
+various Establishments which have become necessary for promoting the
+comfort and convenience of great Societies, without lamenting, in many
+instances, the unnecessary waste that prevails, and the confusion and
+irregularity which often ensue, merely for want of system, judgment,
+and knowledge of the subject.
+
+Various, indeed, are the evils and disorders which Time engenders, in
+every thing connected with the affairs of civil Society, requiring a
+constant and uniform attention, _increasing, as the pressures
+increase_, for the purpose of keeping them within bounds; that as much
+happiness and comfort may be extended to the People as can possibly
+arise from a well-regulated and energetic Police, conducted with
+purity, zeal, and intelligence.
+
+We are arrived at an epoch full of difficulties and dangers, producing
+wonderful events, and still pregnant with consequences, in their
+nature, stretching beyond the usual course of human conjecture, where
+it is impossible to judge of the ultimate issue.
+
+Under such circumstances, it becomes, more than ever, necessary to
+make prudent arrangements for the general safety, for amending the
+morals, and promoting the happiness of the People; by improved Laws,
+extending protection to all, and correcting those evils, which are
+felt as a burden upon the Community.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. XX.
+
+     _A summary View of the Evils detailed in the preceding
+     Chapters.--The great opulence and extensive Trade of the
+     Metropolis assigned as a Cause of the increase and
+     multiplication of Crimes, and of the great extent of the
+     Depredations which are committed.--Arguments in favour of a
+     more energetic Police as the only means of remedying those
+     Evils.--A wide Field opened to Men of Virtue and Talents to
+     do good.--A general View of the estimated Depredations
+     annually in the Metropolis and its Vicinity, amounting in
+     all to Two Millions Sterling.--General Observations and
+     Reflections an the strong Features of degraded Humanity,
+     which this Summary of Turpitude exhibits.--Observations on
+     the further Evils arising from the deficiency of the System
+     with respect to Officers of Justice.--The want of a
+     Prosecutor for the Crown, and the inadequacy of
+     Punishments.--A View of the Remedies proposed--1st. With
+     respect to the Corruption of Morals.--2d. The means of
+     preventing Crimes in general.--3d. Offences committed on the
+     River Thames.--4th. Offences in the Public Arsenals and
+     Ships of War.--5th. Counterfeiting Money and fabricating
+     Bank Notes; 6th. Punishments.--7th. Further advantages of an
+     improved System of Police.--Concluding Reflections._
+
+
+In taking a summary view of the various evils and remedies, which have
+been detailed in this Work, it may be right, previously to apprize the
+Reader, that in contemplating the extent and magnitude of the
+aggregate depredations, which are presumed to be committed in the
+course of a year, it is necessary to measure them _by a scale
+proportioned to the unparalleled amount of moving property exposed in
+transit in this great Metropolis_, as well as the vast and unexampled
+increase of this property, within the last half century; during which
+period there has certainly been an accumulation of not less than
+two-thirds, in commerce as well as in manufactures.
+
+It has not, perhaps, generally attracted notice, that, besides being
+the Seat of the _Government_--_of the Law_,--_Learning_, and the _Fine
+Arts_,--the resort of the Nobility and the Opulent from every part of
+the British Empire, however distant; LONDON, from being a great
+_depot_ for all the manufactures of the country, and also the goods of
+foreign nations as well as East India and colonial produce, is not
+only the first Commercial City at present existing, but is also one of
+the greatest and most extensive Manufacturing Towns, perhaps in the
+World; combining in one spot every attribute that can occasion an
+assemblage of moving property, unparalleled in point of extent,
+magnitude, and value in the whole Globe.--From the abstract of Imports
+and Exports in _page_ 215 of this Work, it appears that above 13,000
+vessels,[187] including their repeated voyages, arrive at, and depart
+from, the Port of London, with merchandize, in the course of a year;
+besides a vast number of river craft, employed in the trade of the
+interior country, bringing and carrying away property, estimated at
+above _Seventy Millions Sterling_.[188]
+
+[Footnote 187: See Table in page 215.]
+
+[Footnote 188: See page 216.]
+
+In addition to this, it is calculated, that above 40,000 waggons and
+other carriages, including their repeated journies, arrive and depart
+laden, in both instances, with articles of domestic, colonial, East
+India and foreign merchandize; occasioning a transit of perhaps (when
+cattle, grain, and provisions sent for the consumption of the
+inhabitants, are included) _Fifty Millions more_. If we take into the
+account the vast quantity of merchandize and moveable property of
+every species deposited in the various _maritime magazines_,
+_timber-yards_, _piece-goods' warehouses_, _shops_, _manufactories_,
+_store-houses_, _public markets_, _dwelling-houses_, _inns_, _new
+buildings_, and _other repositories_, and which pass from one place to
+another, it will establish a foundation for supposing that, in this
+way, property to the amount of _Fifty Millions_ more at least, is
+annually exposed to depredation; making a Sum of _One Hundred and
+Seventy Millions_; independent of the moving articles in ships of war
+and transports, and in the different Arsenals, Dock-yards, and
+Repositories in the Tower of London, and at Deptford, Woolwich,
+Sheerness, and various smaller magazines, in the daily course of being
+received and sent away, supposed to amount to _Thirty Millions_ more;
+making in the whole an aggregate sum of _Two Hundred Millions_. Thus
+an immense property becomes exceedingly exposed, in all the various
+ways already explained in the course of this Work; and the _estimated_
+amount of the _annual depredations_ hereafter enumerated under these
+respective heads will cease to be a matter of surprise, if measured by
+the enormous scale of property above particularized. Although it is
+supposed to amount to about _Two Millions_ sterling, it sinks to a
+trifle, in contemplating the magnitude of the capital, _scarcely
+reaching one per cent. on the value of property passing in transit in
+the course of a year_.
+
+It is not, therefore, so much the actual loss that is sustained (great
+as it certainly is) which is to be deplored _as the mischief which
+arises from the destruction of the morals of so numerous a body of
+people; who must be directly or collaterally engaged in perpetrating
+smaller offences, and in fraudulent and criminal pursuits_.
+
+This, in a political point of view, is a consideration of a very
+serious and alarming nature, infinitely worse in its consequences than
+even those depredations which arise from acts of violence committed by
+more atrocious offenders; the numbers of which latter have been shewn
+to be small, in comparison with other delinquents, and not to have
+increased in any material degree for the last 50 years; while
+_inferior thefts, river-plunder, pillage, embezzlement, and frauds, in
+respect to public property, coining base money, forgeries under
+various ramifications, cheating by means of swindling and other
+criminal practices, and purchasing and dealing in stolen goods_, have
+advanced in a degree, commensurate to the great and rapid influx of
+wealth, which has arisen from the vast increase of the commerce and
+manufactures of the Country, and the general accumulation of property
+by British subjects in the East and West Indies, and in foreign
+Countries.
+
+The evils, therefore, are the more prominent, as they have become so
+exceedingly diffused; and implicate in criminality numerous
+individuals, of whom a very large proportion were formerly untainted
+with any of that species of Delinquency, which now renders them, (for
+their own sakes--for the benefit of their families--and for the
+interest of public morals,) objects of peculiar attention on the part
+of the Legislature, as well as the Police of the Country.
+
+The habits they have acquired are, doubtless, very alarming, as in the
+destruction of their own morals, they also destroy those of the rising
+generation; and still more so, as the existing Laws, and the present
+System of Police, have been found so totally inadequate to the Object
+of Prevention.
+
+Indeed it is but too evident, that nothing useful can be effected
+without a variety of Regulations, such as have been suggested in
+different parts of this Work. It is not, however, by the adoption of
+any one _remedy_ singly applied, or applied by piece-meal, but by a
+combination of the whole Legislative _Powers_, _Regulations_,
+_Establishments_, and _superintending Agencies_ already suggested,
+(and particularly by those recommended by the Select Committee of the
+House of Commons _which may be considered as the Ground Work_) that
+Crimes are, in any degree, to be prevented, or kept in check. And it
+is not to be expected, that such Remedies can be either complete or
+effectual, unless there be a sufficient Fund appropriated for the
+purpose of giving vigour and energy to the General System.
+
+The object is of such astonishing magnitude, and the abuses which are
+meant to be corrected, are of so much consequence to the _State_, as
+well as to the _Individual_, and the danger of a progressive increase
+is so evidently well established by experience, that it is impossible
+to look at that subject with indifference, when once it is developed
+and understood.
+
+It opens a wide field for doing good, to men of virtue, talents, and
+abilities, who love their Country, and glory in its prosperity. Such
+men will speedily perceive, that this prosperity can only be of short
+duration,--if public morals are neglected,--if no check is given to
+the growing depravity which prevails, and if measures are not adopted
+to guard the rising generation against the evil examples to which
+they are exposed.
+
+Philanthropists will also, in this volume, find abundant scope for the
+exercise of that benevolence, and those efforts in the cause of
+humanity, which occupy their attention, and constitute their chief
+pleasure.--It is earnestly to be hoped, that it may produce an
+universal desire to attain those objects, which are shewn to be so
+immediately connected with the Public good.
+
+For the purpose of elucidating, in some degree, the dreadful effect of
+the profligacy and wickedness, which have been opened to the view of
+the Reader, and occasioned the perpetration of Crimes and offences of
+every species and denomination, the following Estimate has been made
+up from information derived through a variety of different
+channels.--It exhibits at one view, the supposed aggregate amount of
+the various depredations committed in the Metropolis and its environs,
+in the course of a year.
+
+The intelligent reader will perceive at once, that in the nature of
+things, such a calculation cannot be perfectly accurate; because there
+are no precise data upon which it may be formed; but if it approaches
+in any degree near the truth, (and the Author has discovered nothing
+in the course of four years to alter the opinion he originally formed
+in any material degree,) it will fully answer the purpose intended; by
+affording many useful and important hints favourable to those
+improvements which are felt to be necessary by all; though till of
+late, understood by very few.
+
+It is introduced also (merely as a calculation) for the purpose of
+arresting the attention of the Public, in a greater degree, and of
+directing it not only to inquiries similar to those upon which the
+Author has formed his conjectures; but also to the means of procuring
+those improvements in the Laws, and in the System of the Police, which
+have become so indispensably necessary for the security of every
+individual possessing property in this great Metropolis.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+AN ESTIMATE _of the Annual Amount and Value of the Depredations
+committed on Public and Private Property in the Metropolis and its
+Vicinity_, IN ONE YEAR. _Specifying the Nature of such Depredations
+under Six different Heads, viz:--_
+
+1. _Small Thefts_, committed in a little way by _menial Servants,
+Chimney-Sweepers, Dustmen, Porters, Apprentices, Journeymen, Stable
+Boys, Itinerant Jews, and others_, from _Dwelling-Houses, Stables,
+Out-Houses, Warehouses, Shops, Founderies, Workshops, New Buildings,
+Public Houses_, and in short every other place where property is
+deposited; which may be specifically estimated and subdivided as
+follows:
+
+                                           _Tons._  L.
+  Articles new and old, of iron and
+  steel                                     5000    100,000
+
+    brass                                   1500    150,000
+
+    copper                                  1000    120,000
+
+    lead                                    2500     50,000
+
+    pewter, solder, and tin                  300     35,000
+
+  Pewter pots, stolen from 5204 Publicans    500     55,000[189]
+
+  Small articles of plate, china, glass
+  ware, sadlery, harness, and other
+  portable articles of house and table
+  furniture, books, tea, sugar, soap,
+  candles, liquors, &c. &c. &c.                     100,000
+
+  Piece-Goods from shops and warehouses,
+  by servants, porters, &c.                          50,000
+
+  Wearing apparel, bed and table
+  linen, &c.                                         40,000
+
+  Silk, cotton, and worsted yarn, embezzled
+  by Winders and others in
+  Spitalfields, &c. formerly 20,000_l._ a
+  year, now supposed to be                           10,000
+                                                     ------  L.710,000
+
+  2. _Thefts upon the River and Quays_,
+  committed in a little way on board
+  ships in the River Thames, whilst
+  discharging their cargoes; and afterwards
+  upon the Wharfs, Quays,
+  and Warehouses, when the same
+  are landing, weighing, and storing;
+  by glutmen, lumpers, jobbers, labourers,
+  porters, lightermen, boys
+  called mudlarks, and others employed,
+  or lurking about for
+  plunder, _viz._
+
+  Raw sugars, rum, coffee, chocolate,
+  pimento, ginger, cotton, dying
+  woods, and every other article of
+  West-India produce, estimated at
+  the commencement of the Marine
+  Police Establishment at 232,000_l._
+  a year; but now reduced to                         50,000
+
+  East-India goods, and merchandize
+  from Africa, the Mediterranean,
+  America, the Baltic, the Continent
+  of Europe, coasting trade, &c. &c.
+  274,000_l._ now reduced by the
+  Marine Police Institution to                      155,000
+
+  Ship stores and tackling, including
+  cordage, sails, tar, pitch, tallow,
+  provisions, &c. taken from above
+  10,000 different vessels, estimated
+  at 100,000_l._ but now reduced since
+  the Establishment of the Marine
+  Police, according to Estimate, to                  45,000
+                                                    -------  L.250,000
+
+  3. _Thefts and Frauds_ committed in
+  his Majesty's Dock-yards and other
+  public Repositories, situated on the
+  River Thames; including the plunder,
+  pillage, and frauds, by which
+  public property (exclusive of metals)
+  is embezzled in the said stores, and
+  from ships of war. (Besides the
+  frauds, plunder and pillage, in the
+  Dock-yards, and from ships of war
+  at Chatham, Portsmouth, Plymouth,
+  &c. at all times enormous,
+  but especially in time of war; when
+  public property is unavoidably most
+  exposed, equal at least to 700,000_l._
+  a year more:) making in all, one
+  million sterling, at least; but reduced
+  by the Marine Police from
+  300,000_l._ to                                               200,000
+
+  4. _Depredations_ committed by means
+  of burglaries, highway robberies,
+  and other more atrocious thefts, viz.
+
+    1. Burglaries by Housebreakers, in
+       plate, and other articles                    100,000
+
+    2. Highway Robberies, in money,
+       watches, bank-notes, &c.                      55,000
+
+    3. Private stealing, and picking of
+       pockets, &c.                                  25,000
+
+    4. Stealing horses, cattle, sheep,
+       poultry, corn, provender, potatoes,
+       turnips, vegetables, fruit,
+       &c. in London and the Vicinity               100,000
+                                                    -------  L.280,000
+
+  5. _Frauds_ by the coinage and recolouring
+  of base money, counterfeited
+  of the similitude of the current gold,
+  silver and copper coin of the Realm                          310,000
+
+  6. _Frauds_ by counterfeiting bank
+  notes, public securities, powers of
+  attorney, bonds, bills, and notes;
+  by swindling, cheating and obtaining
+  money and goods by false
+  pretences, &c. &c.                                           250,000
+                                                           -----------
+                                                           L.2,000,000
+
+[Footnote 189: The Publicans in their petition to the House of Commons
+(1796) estimated their loss at 100,000_l._ But there is some reason to
+suppose this was exaggerated.]
+
+
+RECAPITULATION.
+
+  1. Small Thefts                                  L.710,000
+
+  2. Thefts upon the Rivers and Quays                250,000
+
+  3. Thefts in the Dock-yards, &c. in the Thames     200,000
+
+  4. Burglaries, Highway-Robberies, &c. &c.          280,000
+
+  5. Coining base Money                              310,000
+
+  6. Forging Bills, Swindling, &c.                   250,000
+                                                 -----------
+                                          Total  L.2,000,000[190]
+                                                 -----------
+
+[Footnote 190: This sum will, no doubt, astonish the Reader at first
+view; and may even go very far to stagger his belief: but when the
+vast extent of the trade and commerce of London is considered, the
+great quantity of money, Bank notes, and stationary or fixed property
+of a portable nature, as well as moving effects, all which has been
+estimated, exclusive of horses, cattle, corn, provender, fruit,
+vegetables, &c. at two hundred millions sterling, (_See p._ 605.) it
+will cease to be a matter of surprise, that under an incorrect System
+of Police and deficient Laws, the depredations are estimated so high.
+It would have equally attracted attention with a view to an
+improvement in the Police, and of course have answered the Author's
+purpose full as well to have reduced the estimate to _one half the
+present sum_: but being solicitous to approach as nearly to the truth
+as possible, he considered himself bound to offer it in its present
+form, which after being four years under the view of the Public, not
+only stands unimpeached; but altho' the Author himself, after the
+additional experience he has acquired, has attempted a new
+modification; and although the River Plunder is greatly reduced, the
+aggregate remains nearly as before.]
+
+The foregoing Estimate, grounded on the best information that can be
+procured, exhibits a melancholy picture of the general depravity which
+prevails; and which is heightened in a considerable degree by the
+reflection, that among the perpetrators of the crimes there
+particularized, are to be numbered persons, who from their rank and
+situation in life would scarcely be suspected of either committing or
+conniving at frauds, for the purpose of enriching themselves at the
+expence of the Nation.
+
+Avarice is ever an eager, though not always a clear sighted passion;
+and when gratified at the price of violating the soundest principles
+of honesty and justice, a sting must remain behind, which no affluence
+can banish,--no pecuniary gratification alleviate.
+
+In contemplating these strong features of degraded Humanity, it cannot
+escape the observant Reader, how small a part of the annual
+depredations upon public and private property is to be placed to the
+account of those Criminals who alone attract notice, from the force
+and violence they use; and to whose charge the whole of the
+inconveniences felt by the Public, is generally laid, namely, _common
+thieves and pick-pockets; highway-men and foot-pad robbers_.--But for
+this Estimate, it could not have been believed how large a share of
+the property annually plundered, stolen, embezzled, or acquired in a
+thousand different ways, by means _unlawful_, _unjust_, and _immoral_,
+in this great Metropolis, is acquired by Criminals of other
+descriptions; whose extensive ravages on property are the more
+dangerous, in proportion to the secrecy with which they are conducted.
+
+Next to the evils which are experienced by the general corruption of
+morals, and by the actual depredations upon public and private
+property as now brought under the review of the Reader, by means of a
+summary detail, it has been shewn, in the course of this Work, that
+many pressures arise from the defects in the Laws relative to the
+detection, trial, and conviction of Offenders, from the want of an
+improved System respecting Constables, and particularly from the
+deficiency of Jurisdiction in the City and Police Magistrates,--the
+want of Funds to remunerate Officers of Justice, and to reward
+Watchmen, Patroles, and Beadles, who may act meritoriously in
+apprehending Delinquents; and lastly, in the trial of Criminals, for
+want of a general _Prosecutor for the Crown_, to attend to the Public
+interest, and to prevent those Frauds (in suborning evidence, and in
+compounding Felonies,) whereby many of the most abandoned are let
+loose upon Society, while those who are novices in crimes are often
+punished.
+
+The next stated in the class of evils is, that which arises from the
+Laws as they now stand, relative to _Punishments_.--Their extreme
+severity, in rendering such a multitude of Crimes capital, which
+Juries can never be made to believe are of that nature, in point of
+actual atrocity, has proved a very serious misfortune to the Country,
+in the administration of criminal Justice.--Because the punishment is
+too severe, it frequently happens that the Delinquent is sent back
+upon Society, encouraged to renew his depredations upon the Public by
+his having escaped (although guilty) without any chastisement at all.
+
+It is unquestionably true, and little doubt will be entertained by any
+who attentively examine this Work, that the dread of severe
+punishment, in the manner the Law is executed at present, has not the
+least effect in deterring hardened Offenders from the commission of
+Crimes.
+
+An opinion seems to have been formed, that Crimes were to be prevented
+by the severity of the punishment. That this opinion has been
+erroneous seems to be proved by incontestable evidence adduced in
+various parts of this Work; and elucidated by a variety of reasoning,
+which it is hoped cannot fail to bring conviction to the mind of every
+Reader, who will bestow time in the investigation of a subject of so
+much importance to Society.
+
+Last, in the enumeration of the evils detailed, are those deficiencies
+and imperfections, which arise from the _Police System_; as explained
+in the 16th and 17th Chapters.--A variety of inconveniences, it
+appears, originate from this source; and reasons are adduced to
+demonstrate that the National Security, and Prosperity, are more
+dependant on a well-regulated and correct System of Police, than has
+been generally supposed; and that the adoption of the Plan of Police,
+explained in the 18th Chapter, and recommended by the Select Committee
+on Finance, would prove an inestimable blessing to the Country.
+
+Having thus briefly glanced at the Evils, detailed in this Work, it
+now becomes necessary to lay before the Reader a similar collected
+view of THE REMEDIES.
+
+In accomplishing this object, while the Author ventures to indulge a
+hope that these which have been suggested, or at least a part of them,
+may be brought in due time, under the consideration of the
+Legislature, for the purpose of being enacted into Laws, or otherwise
+carried into effect; they are now presented to the Reader under the
+following heads, _viz._
+
+I. THE PREVENTION OF THE PRESENT CORRUPTION OF MORALS; as originating
+from ill-regulated Public Houses, Tea Gardens, Theatres, and
+other places of Public Amusement; indecent Publications;
+Ballad-Singers--Female Prostitution--Servants out of Place--The
+Lottery; Gaming--Indigence, and various other causes.
+
+II. THE PREVENTION OF OFFENCES; and first of those denominated
+_Misdemeanors_; such as Cheating and Swindling; Robbing Orchards;
+Petty Assaults, and Perjury.--Next of Counterfeit Coinage; River
+Plunder; Plunder in Dock-yards, &c. Lastly, of the Prevention of
+Crimes in general, under _twelve_ different heads, specifying the
+Remedies proposed on this subject in the course of the Work.
+
+III. AMENDMENT OF THE EXISTING LAWS; respecting the obtaining _Goods_
+and _Chattles_ under false pretences--Pawnbrokers--Forgeries--Receiving
+Stolen Goods--Arson--Lodgers--Registering Lodging Houses--Plunder on
+Houses--Gypsies--Milk--Speedy Trial of Offences committed within five
+Miles of the Metropolis--Imprisonment for Debt, and Recovery of Debts
+under 50_l._
+
+CONCLUDING OBSERVATIONS.
+
+
+SUMMARY VIEW
+
+OF THE
+
+_REMEDIES PROPOSED._
+
+THE First Step to all improvements in Civil Society is that which
+relates to the _Morals of the People_.--While in the higher and middle
+ranks of life a vast portion of Virtue and Philanthropy is manifested,
+perhaps in a greater degree than is to be found in any Country or
+Nation in the World, it is much to be lamented, that among the lower
+Classes a species of profligacy and improvidence prevails, which as it
+applies to the Metropolis of the Empire, is certainly not exceeded in
+any other Capital in Europe.--To this source may be traced the great
+extent and increasing multiplication of Crimes, insensibly generating
+evils calculated, ultimately, to sap the foundation of the State.
+
+The grand object, therefore, must be to devise means for the purpose
+of checking, and gradually preventing the evils arising from the
+
+
+CORRUPTION OF MORALS.
+
+To effect so valuable a purpose to the Community at large--to render
+the labour of the lower orders of the people more productive to
+themselves, and more beneficial to the Nation, recourse must be had to
+that superintending System of _preventive Police_ which has been
+recommended generally by the Select Committee of the House of Commons,
+and which has been particularly detailed in the 18th Chapter of this
+Treatise.
+
+It is thus by giving Police its true and genuine character, and
+divesting it of those judicial functions which are the province of
+Magistrates alone, that a proper line will be drawn between
+_Prevention_, and those proceedings which lead to _Punishment_ after
+an offence is actually committed. It is through this medium also that
+a change is to be effected in the Morals of the People, calculated to
+abridge the number of acts of delinquency, and to lead the
+perpetrators gradually into the walks of innocence, sobriety, and
+industry.--One of the first steps towards the attainment of these
+objects will be a Systematic attention to
+
+PUBLIC-HOUSES.
+
+In the eleventh Chapter of this Work, the progress of the corruption
+of Morals through this medium, from the Infant to the Adult, is
+brought under the review of the Reader; and it is considered as of the
+highest importance that general and apposite rules for the proper
+conduct of those houses, now the haunts of vice and profligacy, should
+be formed and recommended by a Board of Police to the Magistrates
+acting in all the Licensing Divisions of the Country. The benefits
+arising from an uniform and well-digested System might thus be
+extended throughout the Country: and an accurate and permanent
+administration of this branch of Police secured, thro' the medium of a
+general _Center_, where responsibility should rest, and from which
+the Licensing Magistrates should receive _information_, _assistance_,
+and _support_, in whatever related to the proper regulation of
+Alehouses, particularly in the Metropolis and the surrounding
+Counties.
+
+Regular reports of the number of these Alehouses in each Licensing
+District in proportion to the extent of population; and details of the
+effects produced by an adherence to the general Rules which may be
+prescribed, would lead to new and useful suggestions which must
+ultimately give a favourable turn to the manners of the lower classes
+of the people, not only with respect to the diminution of Crimes, but
+also with regard to their domestic Comforts.--They would be rendered
+more independent of Parochial aid; and above all, the education and
+habits of the rising generation would be easily improved--_Apprentices_
+thus secured against the evil examples of which young minds are but
+too susceptible, would enter upon life with dispositions differently
+formed, and with that sort of bias which stimulates to industry and
+virtue, instead of idleness, profligacy, and vice.--In this, as in
+many other instances, the happiness and virtue of the individual are
+intimately combined with the best interests of the state.
+
+Such prudent and discreet regulations would have a general tendency to
+make Public-houses what they were originally intended to be by the
+Legislature--_Places of mere refreshment_, and not haunts of idleness
+as at present.--The resource now afforded by them to actual
+_Thieves_, _Burglars_, _Pickpockets_, _Highwaymen_, _Swindlers_,
+_Cheats_, _Gamblers_, and _Dealers_ in _Counterfeit Money_, would not
+only be cut off, but those who have been accustomed to resort to these
+Houses from the temporary want of employment:--such as persons broke
+down by misfortune and indiscretion--servants out of place, and
+strangers resorting to the Metropolis, would no longer be assailed by
+those temptations which contribute in so great a degree to recruit the
+gangs of Criminal Depredators. Nothing but a well-regulated Police,
+under a proper System of Controul, can remedy those evils arising from
+Public-houses, and it is earnestly to be hoped, that the Functions
+proposed to be exercised by the Central Board of Police would effect
+this valuable purpose.
+
+PUBLIC GARDENS.
+
+The corruption of Morals has been in a considerable degree promoted,
+not only by the assemblage of lewd and debauched company who have of
+late years crowded to Public Gardens; but also by the unrestrained
+Licence which has been permitted in these places of amusement.--This
+circumstance has not only called upon the Magistrates to refuse the
+renewal of the Licenses to several of the Occupiers, Lessees, and
+Proprietors, but it has precluded the more decent and respectable part
+of the Public in the middle walks of life, from what might, under
+proper regulations, be considered as an innocent and a desirable
+recreation for the Inhabitants of an overgrown Metropolis.--Most of
+the remaining Public Gardens have of late years fallen into disrepute,
+to the injury of the Proprietors, who, under the present deficient
+System of Police, have no means of protecting themselves against the
+consequences of those irregularities which operate powerfully in
+diminishing the number of visitors, upon which their emolument
+depends.
+
+While profligate and debauched characters of both Sexes find not only
+an easy access to these places of amusement, but also have permission
+to insult Public Morals, by doing violence to the rules of decency and
+decorum; it is evident that they must gradually cease to be desirable
+as a recreation to the virtuous part of the Community; and there
+appears to be no remedy but by means of _Police regulations_,
+prescribing proper rules, with Officers appointed by the Central
+Board, for the purpose of carrying them into effect.[191] Indeed, if
+such places of resort were licensed only by the proposed Central
+Board, it might be productive of the greatest advantages; and they
+might be a fair Source of Revenue for Police purposes, to a certain
+moderate extent.
+
+[Footnote 191: See pages 345, 346, and 347.]
+
+PLACES OF PUBLIC AMUSEMENT LICENSED BY MAGISTRATES.
+
+The general concourse of loose and immoral characters of both Sexes
+who frequent the Summer Exhibitions, and the irregularities which are
+unavoidable under such circumstances, tend in no small degree to the
+corruption of Morals; and while it is admitted that such amusements
+are necessary in great Communities, it is of the utmost importance
+that they should not only be regulated by the Police, with respect to
+the nature of the _Spectacle_ or _Exhibition_, so as clearly to
+ascertain that it has no immoral tendency[192], but also that the
+utmost decorum should be preserved by means of proper Officers acting
+under the proposed Central Board.--This becomes the more important, as
+a large proportion of the frequenters of these places of amusement are
+of the middle and inferior ranks of life, and many of them very young
+and susceptible of loose impressions, which renders it highly
+necessary that authority should be vested only in the responsible
+Board of Police, to grant or to refuse Licenses: to which a moderate
+Revenue might be attached to defray the expence of a regulating
+System.
+
+[Footnote 192: See page 348.]
+
+THE THEATRES.
+
+Without entering upon a discussion how far many of the Theatrical
+Exhibitions which are brought forward tend to improve, or to injure
+the Morals of the People--it is, at least, evident that the
+unrestrained License which is permitted to Males and Females in the
+walks of Prostitution in the Lobbies, and even in the Boxes of the
+Playhouses, and the indecent behaviour and unbecoming language which
+is frequently uttered in the view and hearing of the respectable part
+of the Community who frequent these places of resort, with the younger
+branches of their families, must tend in no inconsiderable degree to
+the corruption of Morals.[193] It is, therefore, suggested that a
+Police, applicable to this object, should be formed by the proposed
+Central Board; and also for the purpose of effectually securing the
+Public against the attacks and depredations of the hordes of
+Pickpockets who infest the avenues of the Theatres, and have long been
+a reproach to the Police of the Metropolis.
+
+[Footnote 193: See page 338.]
+
+IMMORAL AND INDECENT PUBLICATIONS, AND PRINTS.
+
+Nothing can exhibit in a stronger point of view the deficiency of the
+Police System than the number of immoral Books which are published and
+circulated, and the indecent Prints which are exhibited and sold in
+the various streets of the Metropolis, all tending in no
+inconsiderable degree to the corruption of Morals.--Let it once become
+a part of the Functions of the proposed Board of Police to take
+cognizance of these abuses, and they will soon cease to convey that
+poison to young minds, which ultimately leads to dissolute manners and
+loose conduct in the general intercourse of life.
+
+BALLAD-SINGERS.
+
+Since it has never been possible, under the existing Laws, to suppress
+the herd of Ballad-Singers which are to be found in such multitudes in
+every part of the Metropolis, and, indeed, in all the large Towns in
+the Kingdom: and which at present are under the controul of a very
+feeble Police, which does not, and indeed cannot, restrain effectually
+the immoral, and often seditious tendency of the Songs sung to the
+listening multitude--Why might not this lowest cast of amusement be
+turned to good purposes, tending to counteract and prevent the
+corruption of Morals, which are at present generated through this
+medium? Under a responsible Board of Police such an object is
+certainly attainable[194] and the present state of things points out
+the policy and necessity of carrying it into effect.
+
+[Footnote 194: See page 349.]
+
+FEMALE SEDUCTION.
+
+In contemplating the excessive evils, and the dreadful consequences
+which result from Female Seduction, whether it applies to married or
+single women,[195] it would seem to be a matter of astonishment that
+no punishment has been inflicted by the criminal Law, by which the
+destroyers of innocence, and of the peace of families, could be held
+up as public examples of infamy.--A corporal punishment, accompanied
+with circumstances of obloquy and disgrace, is certainly not too
+severe where a delinquent plunges a Female (whether married or single)
+into a situation, in most instances, worse than death itself; since
+when abandoned by her Seducer, she is not only exposed to the reproach
+and contumely of the World, but subjected to herd with the phalanx of
+Prostitutes who contribute so much to the corruption of Morals, and
+where the miserable victim may be said to die, perhaps, _a thousand
+deaths_ before her actual dissolution.--Surely an offence producing
+such dreadful consequences should, as a mean of prevention, be marked
+not only as an object of _Criminal Punishment_, but of _pecuniary
+retribution_ to _the injured party_.--Were such a law in force, the
+numerous instances of Female Seduction would be greatly diminished;
+while the injured woman, under such unhappy circumstances, might,
+after the Conviction of a Jury, have a fair prospect of being again
+restored to her friends, and, perhaps, to Society.
+
+[Footnote 195: See pages 33, and 34.]
+
+FEMALE PROSTITUTION.
+
+In the 12th Chapter of this Treatise,[196] a general view is given of
+the shocking corruption of Morals, which is generated by the vast
+increase of common Prostitutes in the Metropolis.--It now becomes
+necessary to explain the specific remedies which the Author had in
+view for the purpose of lessening this enormous and afflicting evil.
+
+[Footnote 196: See pages 333 to 345.]
+
+Its magnitude, and the wrongs that result from it, are too vast and
+extensive to admit of any common remedy.--The excellent Institution of
+the Magdalen Hospital in the course of 40 years, has only been able to
+reform or reconcile to their friends 2,217, out of 3,250 who have been
+actually admitted within that period--and even some of these have
+relapsed into their former errors: though others, who have been
+discharged at their own request, have behaved well.
+
+But when a survey is taken of the aggregate number of unhappy women
+who have entered the walks of Prostitution within the last 40 years in
+the Metropolis, succeeding one another perhaps, every 13 years upon an
+average, it is probable that from 80 to 100,000 have passed through a
+miserable life, the irreclaimable victims to this debasing turpitude,
+without the means of rescuing themselves from a situation so pitiable
+and calamitous.
+
+The fact is, that the evil is of too great a magnitude to admit of a
+cure through the medium of private benevolence.--Relief without
+_reform_, and _reputable employment_, or reconciliation to relations,
+will do nothing towards a diminution of the evil.--It will require an
+extensive System and a corresponding expence, which can only be
+compassed by a Police applicable to this particular object, aided by
+appropriate regulations.
+
+After the maturest consideration of the subject, the Author ventures
+to offer the following Propositions as the most likely, in the first
+instance, to excite a desire in many of those unhappy women to alter
+their degrading course of life, and to facilitate their introduction
+into situations, where, through the medium of a reconciliation with
+their friends, or otherwise, at least a considerable part might be
+restored to Society who are lost at present; while, under the
+regulations hereafter proposed, the streets of the Metropolis will no
+longer hold out allurements to vice and debauchery, ruinous to the
+Morals of youth, and disgraceful to the Police of the Metropolis.
+
+     1st. It is proposed, with a view to prevent common
+     Prostitutes from walking the streets to assail passengers,
+     and promote the Seduction of Youth, that a Select Body of
+     discreet Officers should be appointed, under the direction
+     of the Central Board, who should apprehend all who can be
+     clearly ascertained to be in pursuit of objects of
+     Prostitution.--That each should be conveyed to their
+     respective homes, and when the Landlord's name, or the
+     person to whom they pay rent or lodging, is by that means
+     ascertained; that such person's name and place of abode, and
+     the names of his or her lodgers be registered, and a penalty
+     of 10_s._ for the first, and an advance of 5_s._ more for
+     every additional offence, be inflicted on each hirer of
+     Board or Lodgings for every Female apprehended in the
+     Streets, upon proper proof of an overt-act leading to
+     Prostitution.
+
+     In all cases where Prostitutes refuse to discover their real
+     place of abode, they shall be detained in a house to be
+     provided for their reception until such discovery be made.
+
+     2d. That every male person who shall be proved to have made,
+     or to have accepted, overtures from any Female walking the
+     Streets, shall in like manner be apprehended, and shall give
+     security for his appearance before a Magistrate next day, or
+     be detained in the Watch-house, and shall, on conviction,
+     forfeit and pay a penalty of _Twenty Shillings_.
+
+     3d. That for the purpose of holding out encouragement to
+     that class of unfortunate Females who have been abandoned by
+     their Seducers, and whose minds are not yet debased by an
+     indiscriminate intercourse of Prostitution; and also such
+     others as may have friends likely to assist them, _Twelve_
+     or more _sensible and discreet Matrons_ shall be appointed,
+     under the Board of Police, with a moderate Salary, and
+     residing (with proper accommodation) in different parts of
+     the Town, on whom it shall be incumbent to receive into
+     their houses, and to provide a temporary residence for every
+     unfortunate Female who may apply, for the purpose of stating
+     her case, with a view to a reconciliation with her friends,
+     and to the exposure of her Seducer, as a check upon such
+     acts of villainy hereafter.--That it shall be the duty of
+     the Matron, after being mistress of the whole case, to open
+     a negociation with the nearest relations or friends of the
+     unfortunate Female, and to use every means to effect a
+     reconciliation; or where that is found impracticable, to
+     endeavour to procure her some reputable employment.
+
+     And as an encouragement to such Matrons, to use all
+     diligence in promoting the object in view, they shall be
+     entituled to a certain premium from the Police funds,
+     (independent of what private Societies of benevolent
+     Individuals may be induced to bestow,) for every unfortunate
+     Female who shall be thus rescued from the walks of
+     Prostitution: to be paid at the end of 12 months, in case
+     such Female shall then be in society with her relations, or
+     in some reputable employment, and shall not have relapsed
+     into her former course of life.--That these Matrons shall be
+     distinguished for talents and humanity, and shall be capable
+     of exercising such powers as could, in other instances, be
+     employed to promote reconciliation with relations and
+     friends; and also to devise employments by which the
+     unfortunate persons, _ad interim_, under their care should
+     be able to subsist, by taking in _Military Shirts_,
+     _Slop-work_, and other branches of Female labour; to procure
+     which, it is not doubted, but Societies of benevolent
+     Individuals would contribute their aid, so as to secure, at
+     all times, the means of full employment for all the various
+     applicants in succession.
+
+     In so noble a work of humanity, especially when it is
+     understood that the labour of the Matrons would be
+     remunerated by such a moderate Salary, as might be an object
+     to many deserving well-educated women, little doubt can be
+     entertained of there being many Candidates for such
+     Situations, who, from having no family, would be perfectly
+     competent to the execution of so benevolent a design.
+
+     4th. That with a view to the reformation of Prostitutes who
+     have no relations or friends, or in cases where a
+     reconciliation is hopeless, and who may be disposed to
+     abandon their evil courses, _Houses of Industry_ shall be
+     provided in different parts of the Town, with large Kitchens
+     for the purpose of preparing wholesome and nourishing food
+     at a cheap rate, into which all who apply for an asylum will
+     be received; on condition that a true and faithful account
+     of the various circumstances of their lives shall be given,
+     and that they agree not only to submit to the discipline of
+     the Establishment, but also to perform such labour as shall
+     be assigned them for their subsistence, lodging and apparel.
+     That these _Houses of Industry_ shall also be superintended
+     by _discreet Matrons_, who shall receive a moderate Salary,
+     and a certain portion of the profit, arising from the work
+     done, and a premium for every Female restored to Society,
+     or to their friends by their means; and in honest employment
+     or living with relations, for the space of 12 months, in
+     addition to such other premiums as benevolent Societies of
+     Individuals may choose to bestow, in consequence of the
+     impression made on their minds of the utility of such
+     Establishments, and the success which may appear to attend
+     them.
+
+     5th. That all the laws now in being against Prostitution,
+     and against the Keepers of Brothels, shall remain in full
+     force; with this alteration only, that instead of proceeding
+     against Offenders in the latter case, by the difficult,
+     expensive, and circuitous mode of Presentment and
+     Indictment, which has heretofore proved so ineffectual, the
+     proceedings shall be _summary_ before two Magistrates, as in
+     Lottery and other offences, and the Delinquents if convicted
+     shall be subject to immediate punishment.
+
+These are the regulations which the Author would humbly propose, as a
+mean [Transcriber's Note: means] of preventing the disasters and
+miseries which arise from Seduction, and of diminishing the number of
+Prostitutes in this great Metropolis.--Perhaps, after the experiment
+is tried of the House of Industry, it might be expedient to convert
+the whole into a large Penitentiary House, where only unfortunate
+women should be admitted.--The suggestions which are now offered,
+appear to be not only easy with respect to their execution, but
+likely to be compassed at a moderate expence.--They are, however, to
+be considered as mere outlines of a practicable design, which should
+certainly precede the removal of the unfortunate Females from the
+Streets, as humanity points out the necessity of offering them
+asylums: since by suddenly abridging their present resources, however
+iniquitous and reprehensible they may be, without such asylums, it
+would certainly be the means of many of them perishing for want.
+
+The object to be attained is of vast importance; but it is too
+unwieldy for the efforts of private benevolence, and certainly cannot
+be accomplished through any other medium than that of _Public
+Institutions_, under the protection of a Superintending Police.
+
+MENIAL SERVANTS.
+
+Among the various evils, which, in the present state of Society, tend
+to the corruption of Morals, the state and condition of Menial
+Servants, Male and Female, are none of the least; particularly those
+who are out of place, and who swarm in multitudes, idle and
+unemployed, at all times in this great Metropolis.--This is chiefly to
+be attributed to the want of those legal restraints and punishments
+for improper behaviour, which apply to other classes of labourers.
+
+Such regulations, independent of infinite advantages which must, in
+other respects, arise to the Community, would be _an act of great
+humanity to the Individuals_ who compose this class; since they would
+check, or in most instances prevent, those indiscretions which are the
+result of being under no controul, and by restraining the influence of
+ungovernable and ill-regulated passions, would produce that degree of
+steadiness which is the characteristic of a good Servant; and of
+course the constant disposition to shift about would not be felt,
+while they would be rescued from the vices which are generated at
+those intervals of idleness, when Servants, Male and Female, out of
+place, are exposed to every species of Seduction, till at length, by
+loss of character, they too frequently become Thieves and
+Prostitutes.[197]
+
+[Footnote 197: It is calculated that there are seldom less than Ten
+Thousand Servants of both Sexes, at all times out of place in the
+Metropolis. This shews, in strong colours, the importance of the
+regulations which are proposed.]
+
+It would certainly promote in an eminent degree the cause of Morality,
+if the whole Laws respecting Servants of every description were
+revised, and accommodated in a greater degree to the present state of
+Society. Some of them might perhaps be stript of their severity; while
+the penalties or breaches of moral duty, and a refusal to fulfil a
+civil contract, or Conspiracies and Associations for mischievious
+purposes, ought certainly to apply to menial Servants, in the same
+manner as to Servants in Husbandry, Handicrafts and Labourers. A
+general exclusive Register of Servants out of place, under the
+inspection of an appropriate branch of the general Police System,
+would also have an excellent effect in bringing to light the evil
+pursuits of bad Servants; while it operated favourably to those who
+were deserving of confidence. Much might be done through this medium,
+favourable both to the interest of the Master and Servants; and this
+with many other benefits are to be attained, by means of a
+Superintending System of Police. In no other way can it be
+effected.[198]
+
+[Footnote 198: See page 150.]
+
+THE LOTTERY.
+
+In spite of the persevering efforts of Government, who incur a great
+annual expence[199] for the purpose of restraining the baneful effects
+of illegal Insurances among the lower classes of the people, the evil
+still continues; _its consequences are lamentable_, for the delusion
+of this infatuation tends, in a very eminent degree, to the corruption
+of morals, producing scenes of distress, by which thousands suddenly
+descend from a state of comfort to extreme indigence.--In the 6th
+Chapter of this Treatise, a general view is given of the effects of
+this contagion, and various remedies are proposed, which, under the
+conduct of a Board of Police, would certainly be effectual; while the
+Revenue drawn from the sale of Tickets might certainly be preserved.
+In the mean time, the following are suggested as useful expedients:--
+
+     1st. That in every Parish and District in the Metropolis,
+     Masters, and heads of Families, should sign and publish an
+     engagement to discharge all Servants who shall be concerned
+     in Insurances in the Lottery; to be printed and hung up in
+     every Servants' Hall and Kitchen, that none might pretend
+     ignorance.
+
+     2d. That all Members of Friendly Societies, should, by a
+     regulation of their own, and enforced by Parliament, be
+     excluded from the benefits of such Societies, on being
+     convicted of any concern whatever in such Insurances.[200]
+
+[Footnote 199: Said to be above Two Thousand pounds a year.]
+
+[Footnote 200: See page 151 to 170.]
+
+GAMING.
+
+The magnitude and extent of the pernicious propensity to Gaming have
+at all times proved a prolific source from whence has sprung an
+extensive corruption of morals. The reader is referred to the 6th
+Chapter of this work for details, which will fully elucidate the
+baneful effects of this evil, in generating _Cheats, Swindlers and
+Sharpers of every description_. For the purpose of more effectually
+checking this mania, and the consequences which flow from it, it might
+be expedient to extend the Laws now in being respecting Lottery
+vagrants, _to the Proprietors or Keepers of Gaming-Houses, and also to
+the Waiters, Servants and Assistants, who, on being apprehended,
+should, on proper proof, be punished as rogues and vagabonds_.--It
+is, however, by the operation of the General Police System, that this
+and other evils are to be checked or remedied.
+
+THE LOWER CLASSES OF THE JEWS.
+
+Nothing would be more desirable than the adoption of some effectual
+plan, through the medium of the opulent and respectable individuals of
+the Jewish persuasion, whether of the Dutch or Portuguese Synagogues,
+by which the lower classes, particularly of the German Jews, might be
+regularly trained to some useful employment, since their present
+pursuits not only tend, in an eminent degree, to the corruption of
+Morals, but also to the commission of Crimes; and under circumstances,
+where the necessity of the case imperiously calls for a remedy,
+Legislative regulations might be resorted to; which might not only
+better the condition of this miserable class of the community, by
+compelling parents to bind their children to some employment, but also
+render them useful, instead of being too generally noxious members of
+the Body Politic,[201] from the idle and useless pursuits in which
+they are engaged.
+
+[Footnote 201: See pages 319 to 323, Chap. 11th.]
+
+INDIGENCE AND BEGGARY.
+
+The various causes which produce Indigence in the Metropolis,
+discoverable through the medium of Beggary or Idleness, tend, in an
+eminent degree, to the corruption of Morals, and the consequent
+increase of Crimes.--In the 13th Chapter of this Treatise this subject
+is examined, and _a remedy proposed_, through the medium of a _Pauper
+Police_, for the purpose of examining into the circumstances of the
+numerous class of individuals who have no parochial settlements in the
+Metropolis, or perhaps in any part of England, and are, from that
+circumstance, denominated _Casual Poor_.--There could not be a greater
+act of humanity to these often afflicted, and sometimes oppressed
+individuals, or of greater utility to the Public at large, than the
+establishment of a System whereby the most deserving could be propt
+up, rescued from despondency, and enabled to help themselves; while by
+discriminating between the _virtuous_ and _vicious_ poor, a proper
+line might be drawn, and the streets of the Metropolis freed from the
+multitude of Beggars, without doing violence to humanity.[202]
+
+[Footnote 202: See pages 351 to 380.]
+
+Various other causes might be assigned for the general corruption of
+Morals, which has in so great a degree increased the calendars of
+delinquency.--Among these might be mentioned _Smuggling_, or illicit
+Trade; the evil examples arising from an indiscriminate _mixture in
+Workhouses_ and Prisons; the profligate examples of parents, and the
+want of religious and moral education, so universal among the children
+of the labouring people.--And the too frequent cohabitation without
+marriage among the lowest classes of the Community. These, like other
+evils, which have been more particularly detailed, are objects to
+which the proposed Police System would gradually attach, and through
+which preventive medium the Public are to expect those ameliorating
+designs, which are to secure the privileges of innocence, and better
+the condition of Society.
+
+
+PREVENTION OF OFFENCES.
+
+_MISDEMEANORS_.
+
+CHEATING AND SWINDLING.
+
+The 5th Chapter of this Treatise developes the extensive mischiefs and
+evils which arise from the phalanx of Cheats and Swindlers who infest
+the Metropolis.--There appear to be two remedies, namely--
+
+     1st. To look accurately at the evil in all its branches, and
+     then to improve the two Statutes now in being[203] by
+     framing an act of Parliament that would include all the
+     various cases which have been shown to have occurred, where
+     the barrier of common honesty is broken down.--These cases
+     are detailed from page 115 to 132.
+
+     [Footnote 203: 33 Henry VIII. cap. 1. and 30 Geo. II. cap.
+     24.]
+
+     2d. The Establishment of a Board of Police on the plan
+     detailed in the 18th Chapter of this Work, with functions
+     calculated to check and prevent this evil, by giving to
+     Police the full energy of the Law.
+
+STEALING FRUIT FROM ORCHARDS, &C.
+
+This offence is only punishable by the act of 43 Eliz. c. 7. by
+compelling the party to refund the value of the fruit stolen, or in
+default suffer the punishment of whipping, which never takes place, as
+the small value of the fruit detected is always paid. It is probable
+at that early period Fruit was not a species of property of much
+consequence.--The case is, however, different at the present time, and
+surely it would not be thought too severe to place this offence on the
+same footing as stealing Cabbages, Turnips, &c.
+
+ASSAULT AND BATTERY.
+
+It would seem to be a great improvement in the Police, if Magistrates
+in Petty Sessions had a power finally to determine on offences
+denominated Assaults--Subject, however, to an appeal to the Quarter
+Sessions.--It would even be an act of humanity to the labouring
+people, who are often imprisoned from the time of the charge till the
+Sessions, when a confinement of a shorter duration might atone for the
+offence.--It would likewise save much trouble and expences to the
+parties, and the time and attention of Courts and Juries would not be
+wasted by matters extremely frivolous; but by which a certain expence
+is incurred, and a loss of valuable time to the parties, who are not
+seldom both in the wrong.
+
+PERJURY.
+
+This shocking offence, particularly prevalent among the inferior ranks
+in Society, is to be attributed in no small degree to the want of
+proper _solemnity_ and previous explanation on the administration of
+oaths.--Nothing can exceed the unimpressive and careless manner which
+is in practice in calling upon witnesses to make _this solemn appeal
+to the Supreme Being_.--It would seem highly necessary that all oaths
+should be administered in the most impressive manner by the Judge, and
+that a form should be devised, calculated in the greatest possible
+degree, to impress upon the mind of the party a high sense of the
+obligation he or she has come under to speak the truth.
+
+On the whole, it may be asserted that nothing could tend to improve
+the Police of the Country and the Metropolis more than a general
+revision of the Laws respecting Misdemeanors, and particularly the Act
+of the 17 Geo. II. cap. 5. and subsequent Acts respecting vagrants,
+and rogues and vagabonds; so as to assimilate them in a greater degree
+to the present state of Society, and to render their execution more
+certain and beneficial to the Community.
+
+PREVENTION OF THE COINAGE OF BASE MONEY.
+
+In the 7th Chapter of this Work, the various modes in practice, by
+which the Public is defrauded by the coining, fabricating, and
+colouring of Base Money are fully developed, and specific Remedies
+proposed from page 195 to 210, to which the Reader is referred.
+
+A confident hope is entertained, that those Remedies will speedily be
+brought under the consideration of Parliament, in the form of a
+Bill.--If this should be passed into a Law, and accompanied by a new
+Coinage of Silver, and aided by the energy of an appropriate Police,
+little doubt can be entertained of the measure being effectual in
+securing the Public against the enormous evil of Counterfeit Coin.
+
+PREVENTION OF PILLAGE AND PLUNDER ON THE RIVER THAMES.
+
+The 8th Chapter of this Treatise displays not only the immense
+importance of controlling the evil habits of aquatic labourers and
+others on the River Thames and in the Warehouses adjacent; but also
+the advantages to be expected _from a general Police System_;
+reasoning on the extensive success which has attended the partial
+experiment on the same principle _of vigilance_ applied to this
+object.
+
+The extensive benefits which are known and acknowledged to have been
+derived from the _Marine Police_ (even under all the disadvantages of
+a _Crippled System_ and _Deficient Powers_) joined to a review of the
+state of the River _before_ and _since_ this important measure was
+adopted, afford the best proof that can be adduced of its utility; and
+also of the indispensable necessity, not only of immediately
+perfecting a System, by which the Commerce and Revenue of the Port of
+London have been in so great a degree secured; but also of extending
+the same beneficial designs, wherever the state of things require a
+similar antidote.
+
+It remains only for the Legislature to pass a Bill which has been
+prepared, grounded on more than a year's experience of the powers and
+regulations requisite for the purpose of giving full effect and
+permanency to this important Establishment, in order to secure to the
+Commerce and Revenue of the River Thames, those advantages which will
+arise from the Preservation of Property against the numerous and
+unexampled Depredations to which it was exposed; and the Revenue of
+the Crown from many frauds which arose not only from the loss of the
+Duties of Customs and Excise on goods plundered, but also from an
+extensive illicit trade, which has been controlled and prevented by
+the known vigilance of the River Guards, particularly during the
+night.
+
+If to those advantages shall be added an increase of Salaries to the
+inferior Officers of the Customs and Excise employed on the River, the
+renovated morals and improved habits of multitudes heretofore deeply
+implicated in a species of turpitude, hurtful in the extreme to the
+Public interest, will become no less a matter of triumph than
+advantage to the Government of the Country. Every individual
+concerned in the Commerce of the Port, will rejoice to see so useful
+an Institution supported and rendered permanent by that Legislative
+Aid, upon which its ultimate success must in a great measure depend.
+
+An evil of unexampled magnitude existed, for which an effectual remedy
+has been found:--not in _Speculation_, but proved in _Practice_ to
+answer the purposes of _future security_.
+
+Let the Legislature, therefore, avail itself of the measures which are
+proposed, by which incalculable benefits will be extended both to the
+_Commerce_, _Revenue_, and _Police_ of the Port of London, especially
+when strengthened and invigorated by a Central Board.
+
+PREVENTION OF PLUNDER OF PUBLIC STORES: IN SHIPS OF WAR, DOCK-YARDS,
+&C.
+
+The collateral Influence of the Marine Police System, in checking in
+an eminent degree, the Embezzlements and Pillage of his Majesty's
+Stores in Ships and Public Arsenals, within the limits of its
+Jurisdiction, is the strongest proof which can be adduced of what may
+be expected by applying a similar System to all the Dock-yards in the
+Kingdom. In the 9th Chapter of this Treatise, the _Evils_ and the
+_Remedies_ are so minutely detailed as to render a reference only
+necessary to pages 264 to 287.--If the measures there suggested shall
+be adopted by the Legislature and the Lords of the Admiralty, little
+doubt can be entertained of complete success in securing the Public
+Property (_unparalleled in point of extent in any nation in the
+world_)[204] against those Frauds and Depredations to which it has
+heretofore been exposed to a very large amount annually.
+
+[Footnote 204: The floating Public Property is estimated, including
+Ships of War, Naval, Victualing, Ordnance and Military Stores, in time
+of War at upwards of Forty Millions sterling.]
+
+PREVENTION OF CRIMES IN GENERAL.
+
+It has been demonstrated in the course of this Work, that the more
+atrocious offences of Highway and Footpad Robberies, Burglaries, and
+other acts of Felony[205] may be greatly diminished, if not nearly
+annihilated by improved Laws and a responsible Agency, through the
+medium of a well-regulated Board of Police to carry those Laws into
+effect.
+
+[Footnote 205: See Chapters III. and IV.]
+
+It must, however, be obvious to the Reader, from what has been
+repeatedly stated, that it is not by any _single regulation_, nor by
+any portion of civil strength, however well it may be systematized,
+that this desirable object is to be effected.
+
+Success in any material degree is only to be expected from a
+_combination of the various controlling regulations which have been
+proposed, with a vigorous and energetic civil force_, and a correct
+and pointed execution of the Laws and Regulations, upon which the
+Preventive System is founded.--These _Regulations_ may be summed up
+under the following heads:
+
+     1st. The adoption of eight propositions contained in the
+     10th Chapter, pages 303 to 307, relative to _the Receivers
+     of Stolen Goods, &c._
+
+     2d. An improved mode of granting rewards to Officers of
+     Justice and others, for meritorious services, in the
+     detection and conviction of Offenders--as elucidated and
+     explained in Chapter XIV. pages 390 to 396.
+
+     3d. An improved and modernized System, with respect to
+     Parochial Constables, so as to restore to the Community the
+     original efficacy of this useful Institution--as explained
+     in Chapter XIV. pages 401 to 410.
+
+     4th. An improved System also, with respect to Watchmen and
+     Patroles--with a view to render this branch of the Police
+     _efficient_, and to insure to the Public, that vigilance and
+     protection to which the expence they incur justly intitles
+     them.
+
+     5th. An extension of the Jurisdiction of the City
+     Magistrates, over the whole of the Metropolis and the four
+     adjoining Counties, and a power to Police Magistrates to
+     issue Search Warrants, and to follow and apprehend persons
+     charged with offences, who take shelter within the limits of
+     the City of London--as explained in Chapter XIV. pages 418
+     to 420.
+
+     6th. The appointment of a Prosecutor for the Crown to
+     obviate the difficulties which occur at present in bringing
+     Offenders to Justice; and which is elucidated and explained
+     in the 15th Chapter, particularly in pages 426 to 432.
+
+     7th. The Establishment of certain general Rules and
+     Conditions, according to which the Royal Mercy might be
+     extended to Offenders, on terms beneficial to themselves and
+     to the Community--as explained in the 16th Chapter, pages
+     450 to 452.
+
+     8th. An improved System with respect to the Punishment of
+     Convicts, by means of Penitentiary Establishments,
+     calculated to insure the reformation of Felons, and to
+     render this class useful afterwards to the Community--as
+     explained in the 16th Chapter, pages 481 to 494, and 497 to
+     500.
+
+     9th. General Rules laid down with respect to different modes
+     of Punishment, under six heads, page 495 to 497, with an
+     immediate view to render them more useful in the Prevention
+     of Crimes.
+
+     10th. An improved System of Police, aided by competent
+     Funds, and an extension of the Police Establishments, under
+     the 32 Geo. III. (1792) to the City of London--as explained
+     in Chap. XVII. pages 509 and 514 to 523.
+
+     11th. By the adoption of the General System of Police,
+     recommended by the Select Committee of the House of Commons,
+     and explained in Chapter XVIII.--By licensing and regulating
+     certain dangerous and suspicious Trades therein specified;
+     and by raising a Revenue for Police purposes, from persons
+     who shall be thus controlled.--See pages 536 to 546.
+
+     12th. By the Establishment of a Board of Police Revenue, who
+     shall exercise the specific Functions detailed and explained
+     in Chapter XVIII. pages 546 to 559: and finally, by an Act
+     of Parliament, authorising such a system, the heads of which
+     and the elucidating observations are also specified in pages
+     560 to 564.
+
+Let these measures only be adopted by the Legislature, not by
+_piece-meal_, but _in the gross_; and little doubt need be entertained
+of the most beneficial effects being experienced by the innocent part
+of the Community, whose privileges will be extended, in proportion as
+the Licence which an imperfect Police afforded to Robberies,
+Burglaries, and other acts of violence on the person and property of
+the peaceful subject is abridged.
+
+The General Police, and the powers of making it effectual, will then
+be a charge committed to responsible Agents; whose duty it will be to
+penetrate into all its mazes, and to accomplish its purposes by a
+variety of Regulations, all tending to embarrass, and to render
+difficult and hazardous, the pursuits and operations of
+Criminals.--Experience will suggest modifications, which, aided by
+competent funds, must in a short time attain that point which shall
+establish _Security_.--But this is not all--Without taking large sums
+(as at present) from the Revenue of the Country, the effect of the
+System will unquestionably be, to add to its resources in the
+diminution of the enormous expence now incurred in the punishment of
+Convicts;[206] and which still must continue a burden on the Finances
+of the Country, until the General Police System is fully (not
+partially) in activity.
+
+[Footnote 206: See Chapter VI. page 430, where it is stated, that in
+25 years about 15,000 Convicts have cost the Nation no less than
+1,663,974_l._]
+
+It will collaterally extend to every thing that can improve the Morals
+of the People, and better the condition of Human Life.--Its influence
+will be felt by giving vigour to the Systems proposed for checking all
+Misdemeanors, for securing Commercial Property, and also the Public
+Stores, from embezzlement and depredation; while the offences against
+the Mint Laws, under the new Regulations which are suggested, will
+tend much to the prevention of that enormous evil.
+
+
+AMENDMENT OF THE EXISTING LAWS.
+
+When in addition to the adoption of the foregoing measures, further
+improvements shall be made in the Laws now in force, or perhaps a
+general consolidation of the whole Criminal Code be effected, so as to
+render the System more simple, and in a greater degree applicable to
+the attainment of the ends of Public Justice, great indeed will be the
+blessings conferred on the Metropolis, and on the Nation at large.
+
+The celebrated Lord Bacon denominated them almost two centuries ago,
+when they were much less voluminous, and infinitely more simple than
+at the present day--
+
+     "An heterogeneous mass, concocted too often on the spur of
+     the occasion, and frequently without that degree of
+     accuracy, which is the result of able and minute discussion,
+     or a due attention to the revision of the existing Laws."
+
+But voluminous as they certainly are, many omissions are apparent,
+partly arising from the causes assigned by the able Lawyer whose
+strictures have been just quoted, and more particularly from the rapid
+changes, which Commerce and Property have made in the state of
+Society.
+
+Among these, the following have occurred to the Author as highly
+deserving attention.--
+
+     1st. The Act of the 30 Geo. II. cap. 24. makes it a
+     transportable Misdemeanor, to obtain _Goods_ or _Chattels_
+     by false pretences.--But as _Horses_, _Cattle_, _Poultry_,
+     _Bank Notes_, _Bills of Exchange_, or _Notes of Hand_,
+     although equally objects of Fraud, are not deemed in Law to
+     be _Goods_ or _Chattels_, offences of equal, if not of
+     greater magnitude, are not within the meaning of the
+     Statute, and hence appears the necessity of an Amendment.
+
+     2d. The present Act relative to Pawnbrokers is extremely
+     deficient, and not only in several important points
+     ambiguous; but also inapplicable in a variety of instances
+     to the general views of the Legislature, as they regard the
+     security and interest of the Poor, while in others, perhaps
+     unnecessary and useless restrictions are imposed on the
+     Pawnbrokers themselves.
+
+     3d. As the Laws respecting Forgeries now stand--the act of
+     forging the Firm of a Commercial House, and obtaining goods
+     on the Credit of such Firm, is only punishable as a
+     Misdemeanor; although in this case this offence is of a
+     tendency _the most dangerous that can be conceived_, in a
+     Commercial Country, where (from the unbounded confidence
+     which prevails) it is so easy to obtain credit.
+
+     A case occurred and came under the cognizance of the Author
+     in 1796, where a Swindler assuming the Firm of a respectable
+     House in Bristol, ordered goods from Manchester to be sent
+     to Portsmouth, where the person (committing the Forgery)
+     stated, that one of the Partners meant to go to meet
+     them.--Two parcels of goods were obtained by this device,
+     and immediately sold at half the value by the Sharpers,
+     which led to a discovery, and enabled the Author to guard
+     the unsuspecting Manufacturers in York and Lancashire,
+     against the injuries they were likely to sustain, by the
+     operation of a very complicated and artful conspiracy to rob
+     them of their property to a great amount.
+
+     4th. The Receiving of _Cash or Specie, Bank Notes, Bills of
+     Exchange, or Notes of Hand, knowing the same to be stolen_,
+     is not at present a Criminal Offence: In a Commercial
+     Country where such offences may be productive of much evil
+     to Society, Why should not the Law extend to every species
+     of Property in the same manner as to Goods and Chattels?
+
+     5th. Although Arson is considered (and justly so) as a high
+     Criminal Offence, yet the offence of a person setting fire
+     to his own house, with a view to defraud the Insurers, is
+     considered only _a simple Misdemeanor_, and punished as
+     such; and where a house at a distance from others is set on
+     fire so as to occasion no danger to the neighbourhood, _it
+     is not an Offence known in the Criminal Code_, even although
+     it may appear to have been done for the purpose of
+     defrauding the Insurers.
+
+     With a view to the prevention of this very atrocious crime
+     (of which there have been but too many instances of late
+     years) it would seem right that it should be _clearly
+     defined_; and that it would not be too severe to punish
+     offenders by Transportation; since in all cases, where the
+     fire extends to a neighbouring house the offence of Arson is
+     committed, and the punishment is Death.
+
+     6th. Much inconvenience is at present experienced from the
+     circuitous and expensive process of Law, which must be
+     resorted to for the purpose of removing bad and profligate
+     _Lodgers_.--In cases of small concern, where the rent does
+     not exceed a few shillings a week, it would be an act of
+     great humanity to empower Magistrates to decide in a
+     summary way.--It would check that spirit of litigation,
+     which is the destruction of the Labouring People.
+
+     7th. As a means of controlling many offences, which are
+     generated by an assemblage of loose and immoral characters,
+     who are constantly afloat in the Metropolis, _a General
+     Register of Lodging-Houses_, would certainly be attended
+     with very beneficial effects: and to use the language of the
+     Select Committee of the House of Commons in their 28th
+     Report, page 31,--would also "be a Regulation, which, if
+     discreetly used, might probably afford the means of
+     materially assisting both the Police and the Revenue."[207]
+
+     [Footnote 207: See pages 105 and 539 in this Work.]
+
+     8th. The extensive Plunder committed on the Farmers round
+     the Metropolis, under the pretence of _Gleaning in Harvest_
+     is a very serious evil, and calls aloud for a remedy.--The
+     practice is pernicious and ruinous to the Morals of the
+     Families of the Labouring People in every part of the
+     Country, since through this medium children learn pilfering
+     habits, before they know that it is a crime.
+
+     A slight punishment on all who gleaned in any case previous
+     to a complete removal of the corn or vegetables, and on
+     every occasion, without first obtaining leave of the
+     Proprietor, would prove a very salutary Regulation--for it
+     appears that every Thief charged with stealing corn pretends
+     it was obtained by _Gleaning_.
+
+     9th. The existing Laws being found ineffectual in
+     controlling the habits, and in turning into a course of
+     useful industry the labour of the herds of Gypsies, who
+     surround the Metropolis, and commit depredations in every
+     part of the Country, it would be exceedingly desirable,[208]
+     both with respect to policy and humanity, to provide some
+     effectual Legislative Remedy, since the idle, vagrant, and
+     miserable life of this profligate community can be as little
+     desirable to themselves as it is hurtful to the
+     Public.--Compelling a residence which shall be _stationary_,
+     and obliging them to bind out their children apprentices at
+     a certain age, so as to incorporate them with the mass of
+     the people, would certainly prove a very salutary
+     Regulation.
+
+     [Footnote 208: See pages 84, 5.]
+
+     10th. The frauds and adulterations in the article of _Milk_
+     sold in the Metropolis, as detailed in the 3d Chapter of
+     this Work, pages 89 to 92, seem to justify the interference
+     of Parliament for the purpose of placing _Milk Dealers_
+     under the inspection and controul of the Police: Here the
+     injury is not merely confined to the frauds thus practised
+     on the Public, but the healths of the Consumers are in some
+     measure endangered from the infamous devices which are
+     practised.
+
+     11th. For the purpose of saving much unnecessary expence,
+     and also to remove the inconvenience arising from the length
+     of time, which frequently elapses before persons charged
+     with offences, in Southwark, Greenwich, and the villages
+     surrounding the Metropolis, make it lawful to try offences
+     committed in Surry, Kent, and Essex, within five miles of
+     the three Bridges, at the Justice Hall of the Old Bailey,
+     which may be done before a Jury of the Vicinage, with great
+     advantages to Public Justice, and without touching on the
+     rights of the Accused.[209]
+
+     [Footnote 209: See pages 428 and 429.]
+
+     12th. To establish certain Legislative Regulations, for the
+     purpose of preserving the Morals of unfortunate unoffending
+     families, by restoring to them such parents whose
+     misfortunes and not their crimes, have doomed them to the
+     horrors of perpetual Imprisonment.--And to establish
+     arrangements for the improvement of what may be denominated
+     _Civil Police_, by adopting inferior Tribunals for
+     distributing Justice in all actions of Debt under 50_l._ for
+     the purpose of reducing the present enormous expence, and
+     extending relief to traders in general.[210]
+
+     [Footnote 210: See pages 584 to 590.]
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Thus has the Author of this Work endeavoured to develope that infinite
+variety of crimes and misfortunes, which have been long felt and
+deplored as a pressure upon the innocent part of the Community.
+
+In travelling over so extensive a field, where almost every step is
+stained with turpitude and depravity, no little consolation is derived
+from being able thus to place upon record _practicable Remedies_,
+applicable to the chief part of the evils, which have been brought
+under the review of the Reader.
+
+Nor is it less a matter of gratification to the Writer of the
+preceding pages, than it must be satisfactory to the Public at large,
+to discover that the leading features of the whole improvements which
+he suggested in the preceding editions of this Work, _have attracted
+the notice, and received the sanction of the Select Committee of the
+House of Commons_.
+
+The conclusion which may naturally be drawn is, that the laborious
+efforts of the Author in bringing a new and interesting subject under
+the review of the Public have not been in vain; and that a confident
+hope may now be entertained that his humble endeavours, for the good
+of his Country, will ultimately produce arrangements _in the New
+Science of Police_, calculated to secure and protect the peaceful
+subject against injury, and to ameliorate the state and condition of
+Civil Society, particularly in this great Metropolis, by the adoption
+of such measures _as shall be conducive to the more effectual
+Prevention of Crimes:--by lessening the demand for Punishments:--by
+diminishing the expence and alleviating the burden of Prosecutions:--by
+turning the hearts and arresting the hands of evil doers: by
+forewarning the unwary, and preserving the untainted in purity_; thus
+attaching to Police its genuine preventive character, unmixed with
+those judicial powers which lead to Punishment, and properly belong to
+Magistracy alone.
+
+
+FINIS.
+
+
+[_Printed by H. Baldwin and Son, New Bridge-Street, London._]
+
+
+
+
+_INDEX._
+
+[Transcriber's Note: The original index resembles a table of contents,
+with page numbers at the right margin; and for sequential page
+numbers, only the last digit or two is given, e.g., 504, 5. For
+clarity in this e-book, the page numbers immediately follow the
+entries, separated by a comma, and for sequential page numbers the
+full number is given.]
+
+
+  A.
+
+  _Abstract_ of the annual Imports into, and Exports from the Port of
+  London (_table_), 215, 216
+
+  ---- of Persons committed, and discharged from Prisons in one year,
+  an extraordinary document (_table_), 430
+
+  _Account_ of Pawnbrokers in the Metropolis, and the vast property in
+  their houses belonging to the poor, 110
+
+  ---- of various descriptions of Cheats, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127
+
+  ---- of the number of Streets, Lanes, Houses and Families in the
+  Metropolis, 568
+
+  ---- of the previous Plans and Arrangements of Thieves when a Robbery
+  or Burglary is contemplated, 291
+
+  ---- of the usual Mode of proceeding to recover stolen property, 383
+
+  ---- of the Number of Persons engaged in fraudulent Lotteries, 156
+
+  ---- of the Trials at the Old Bailey in 1790 and 1791, 394, 395
+
+  ---- of ditto in 1793 and 1795, 446-448
+
+  ---- of the Officers of Justice in the Metropolis, 397
+
+  ---- of the Watchmen and Patroles there, 414
+
+  ---- of the Magistrates there, 398, 399
+
+  ---- of the Criminal Courts there, 428
+
+  ---- of the specific Criminals punishable by Law, 437-444
+
+  ---- of the Convicts in the Hulks, 455
+
+  ---- of the Names of the City and Police Magistrates, 504, 505
+
+  ---- of the Churches and other places of Worship in the Metropolis,
+  568
+
+  ---- of the Seminaries of Education in the Metropolis, 569, 570
+
+  ---- of the Societies for promoting Religion and Morality, 570, 571
+
+  ---- of the Societies for promoting the Arts, 571
+
+  ---- of the Asylums for the Indigent and Helpless, 572
+
+  ---- of the Hospitals for the Sick and for Pregnant Women in the
+  Metropolis, 573
+
+  ---- of the Institutions for Charitable and Humane Purposes, 574, 575
+
+  ---- of the Charity annually distributed in the Metropolis estimated
+  at L850,000 a year, 357, 358
+
+  ---- of the Courts for Civil and Criminal Justice in the Metropolis,
+  577-582
+
+  ---- of the Prisons in the Metropolis, _ibid._
+
+  ---- of the different Classes of Professional Men connected with the
+  departments of the Law, about 7000 in all, 583
+
+  ---- of the Number of Writs issued in Middlesex in 1793, with an
+  extraordinary statement of the Expences on small Law-suits, 585, 586,
+  587
+
+  _Acquittals_, _See_ Prisoners.
+
+  _Actions_ at Law for small Debts, 584, 587
+    Expence enormous beyond all credibility, _ibid._
+
+  ACTS OF PARLIAMENT referred to in this Work.
+
+    2 Geo. 3. _c._ 28. for preventing Frauds by Persons navigating
+    Bum-boats on the River Thames, 237, _n._, 269
+
+    31 Elizabeth, _c._ 4              }
+    22 Charles 2d. _c._ 5             }
+     9 & 10 William 3d. _c._ 41       }
+     1 George 1st. _stat._ 2. _c._ 25 } Relative to the
+     9 George 1st. _c._ 8             } Protection of
+    17 Geo. 2d. _c._ 40               } his Majesty's
+     9 Geo. 3d. _c._ 35               } Stores, 261-263
+    12 Geo. 3d. _c._ 24               }
+
+    14 Geo. 3d. _c._ 90, for regulating the Westminster Watch, &c., 107
+
+    25 Edward 3d. _stat._ 5. _c._ 2   }
+     1 Mary, _stat._ 2. _c._ 6        }
+     1 & 2 P. & M. _c._ 11            }
+     5 Eliz. _c._ 11                  }
+    14 Eliz. _c._ 3                   }
+    18 Eliz. _c._ 1                   }
+     7 William 3d. _c._ 3             } Relative to the
+     8 & 9 William 3d. _c._ 26        } Coinage and
+     9 & 10 William 3d. _c._ 21       } disposal of
+     7 Anne, _c._ 24, 25              } Base Money, 192, 193, 194
+    15 & 16 Geo. 2d. _c._ 28          }
+    11 Geo. 3d. _c._ 40               }
+    37 Geo. 3d. _c._ 126              }
+    38 Geo. 3d. _c._ 59-67            }
+    39 Geo. 3d. _c._ 75               }
+
+    33 Henry 8th. _c._ 1              } Relative to Cheats
+    30 Geo. 2d. _c._ 24               } and Swindlers, 113, 114
+
+     9 Anne, _c._ 14                  }
+     8 Geo. 1st. _c._ 2               } Relative to
+    12 Geo. 2d. _c._ 28               } Gaming, 134, 135
+
+    9 Geo. 2d. _c._ 5. relative to Fortune-tellers being punished by
+    standing four times in the Pillory, 130
+
+     3 & 4 William 3d. _c._ 9         }
+     1 Anne, _c._ 9                   }
+     5 Anne, _c._ 31                  }
+     4 Geo. 1st. _c._ 11              } Relative to
+    29 Geo. 2d. _c._ 30               } Receivers of
+    30 Geo. 2d. _c._ 24               } Stolen Goods, 298-300
+     2 Geo. 3d. _c._ 28               }
+    10 Geo. 3d. _c._ 48               }
+    21 Geo. 3d. _c._ 69               }
+    22 Geo. 3d. _c._ 58               }
+
+     5 Edw. 3d. _c._ 14               } Relative to the Office &
+    34 Edw. 3d. _c._ 1                } power of Constables, 387
+
+    8 Geo. 2d. _c._ 16. relative to Hue and Cry, 389
+
+     4 William & Mary, _c._ 8         }
+     6 & 7 William & Mary, _c._ 17    }
+    10 & 11 William 3d. _c._ 23       }
+     5 Anne, _c._ 31                  }
+     6 Geo. 1st. _c._ 23              } Relative to Rewards
+     3 Geo. 2d. _c._ 16               } for apprehending
+    14 Geo. 2d. _c._ 6                } different classes
+    15 Geo. 2d. _c._ 34               } of offenders, 390-392
+    15 & 16 Geo. 2d. _c._ 28          }
+    16 Geo. 2d. _c._ 15               }
+     3 Geo. 3d. _c._15                }
+
+    25 Edward 3d. stat. 5. _c._ 2; 36 Geo. 3d. _c._ 7, relative to
+    _High Treason_, 38, 39
+
+    25 Henry 8th. _c._ 6. Sodomy made capital, 46
+
+    18 Eliz. _c._ 7, Rape made capital, 46, 47
+
+     3 Henry 7th. _c._ 2              } Forcible marriage and
+    39 Eliz. _c._ 9                   } Defilement made capital, 48
+
+     6 Henry 4th. _c._5               } Mayhem or Maiming
+    22 & 23 Charles 2d. _c._2         } made capital, 49
+
+    35 George 3d. _c._ 67, Polygamy punished by Transportation, _ibid._
+
+    King Athelstan's Law (anno 956) punished Theft with Death, if
+    above the value of One Shilling, 51
+
+    9 Henry 1st. punished Theft with Death (anno 1108), 52
+
+    23 Henry 8th. _c._ 1              }
+     1 Edw. 6th. _c._ 12              }
+     5 & 6 Edw. 6. _c._ 9             } As to Felonies in
+    39 Eliz. _c._15                   } Dwelling-Houses, 54, 55
+     3 & 4 William & Mary, _c._ 9     }
+    10 & 11 William 3d. _c._ 23       }
+    12 Anne, _stat._ 1 _c._ 7         }
+
+    23 Henry 8th. _c._ 1              } Relative to Arson and
+    43 Eliz. _c._ 13                  } Burning Houses,
+    22 & 23 Charles 2d. _c._ 7, 11    } Barns, Corn, Underwood,
+     1 Geo. 1st. _c._ 48              } Ships, &c., 56, 57
+     4 George 1st. _c._ 12            }
+     9 ---- 1st. _c._ 22              }
+    10 ---- 2d. _c._ 32               }
+    27 ---- 2d. _c._ 25               }
+     9 ---- 3d. _c._ 21               }
+    12 ---- 3d. _c._ 24               }
+
+    18 Eliz. _c._ 7                   }
+     3 & 4 William & Mary, _c._ 9     } Relative to
+    12 Anne, _stat._ 1. _c._ 7        } Burglary, 57
+
+     1 Edw. 6th. _c._ 12              }
+    21 Jac. 1st. _c._ 6               } Relative to the
+     3 & 4. William & Mary, _c._ 9    } Benefit of Clergy, 439
+     4 & 5 William and Mary, _c._ 24  }
+     5 Anne, _c._ 6                   }
+
+    4 Geo. 13. _c._ 11; 6 Geo. 1st. _c._ 23, legalizing Transportation
+    to the Colonies, 436, 437
+
+    The same Statute appropriated the Services of Convicts, 454
+
+    16 Geo. 3d. first legalized the system of the Hulks, 455
+
+    16 Geo. 3d. _c._ 23, legalized Penitentiary Houses in Counties,
+    _ibid._
+
+    19 Geo. 3d. _c._ 74, legalized two National Penitentiary Houses,
+    456
+
+    24 Geo. 3d. _stat._ 2. _c._ 56, relative to Transportation and the
+    Hulks, 460
+
+    27 Geo. 3d. _c._ 2; 30 Geo. 3d. _c._ 47, relative to New South
+    Wales, 462
+
+    28 Geo. 3d. _c._ 24, contracts for Convicts, _ibid._
+
+    2 Will. & Mary, _c._ 8, relative to paving the Metropolis, 592
+
+    10 Geo. 2d. _c._ 22               }
+    11 Geo. 3d. _c._ 29               } Relative to the
+    14 Geo. 3d. _c._ 78               } Police of the City
+    33 Geo. 3d. _c._ 75               } of London, 592-597
+    34 Geo. 3d. _c._ 65--(_Watermen_),}
+
+
+    27 Elizabeth   } divided the City }
+    16 Chars. 1st. } into Wards       }
+    29 George 2d. _c._ 25             }
+    31 ---- 2d. _c._ 17               } Relative to the
+     2 ---- 3d. _c._ 21               } Police of London
+     3 ---- 3d. _c._ 23               } and Westminster, 593, 594
+     5 ---- 3d. _c._ 13 & 50          }
+    11 ---- 3d. _c._ 22               }
+    14 ---- 3d. _c._ 90               }
+
+    28 ---- 2d. _c._ 9                } Relative to the Police
+     6 ---- 3d. _c._ 24               } of Southwark, 594
+
+     6 Henry 6th. _c._ 5              }
+     6 ---- 8th. _c._ 10              } Relative to the System
+    23 ---- 8th. _c._ 5               } of the Sewers, 594, 595
+    25 ---- 8th. _c._ 10              }
+     3 & 4 Edw. 6th. _c._ 8           }
+     1 Mary, _stat._ 3. _c._ 11       }
+    13 Eliz. _c._ 9                   }
+     8 James, _c._ 14                 }
+     7 Anne, _c._ 10                  }
+
+     9 Anne, _c._ 23                  }
+    10 ---- _c._ 19                   }
+    12 ---- _stat._ 1. _c._ 14        }
+     1 Geo. 1st. _c._ 57              }
+    12 ---- 1st. _c._ 2               }
+    30 ---- 2d. _c._ 22               }
+     4 ---- 3d. _c._ 36               } Relative to Hackney
+     7 ---- _c._ 44                   }  Coaches and Chairs, 595
+    10 ---- _c._ 44                   }
+    11 ---- _c._ 24, 28               }
+    12 ---- _c._ 49                   }
+    24 ---- _stat._ 2. _c._ 27        }
+    26 ---- _c._ 72                   }
+    32 ---- _c._ 47                   }
+    33 ---- _c._ 75                   }
+
+     1 Geo. 1st. _c._ 57              }
+    18 ---- 2d. _c._ 38               } Relative to Carts and
+    24 ---- 2d. _c._ 43               }  other Carriages in
+    30 ---- 2d. _c._ 22               }  the Metropolis, 596
+    24 ---- 3d. _c._ 27               }
+
+    21 Geo. 3d. _c._ 57, relative to Bullock-hunting, 597
+
+    26 Geo. 3d. _c._ 71, as to Slaughtering Horses, 104, _n._
+
+  _Adultery_, not in the Criminal Code, 35
+
+  _Advertising_ Bill-discounters and Money lenders to be regulated,
+  118, 119
+
+  _Alehouses_, a great source of Crimes and Nuisances when
+  ill-regulated, 85, 311, &c. 324, &c.
+    In 5000 Alehouses within the Bills of Mortality upwards of
+      L3,300,000 a year spent in Beer, Spirits, &c., 327
+    Profligate Characters entrusted with Licences a source of much
+      mischief, 325, 326
+
+  _Alfred_, His Laws relative to Murder, 44
+
+  _Alton's_ Liquid Test to detect counterfeit Gold and Silver Coin, 180
+
+  _Ancestors._ Their Laws had an immediate reference to the prevention
+  of Crimes, 3
+
+  _Anecdotes_--Of an American Vessel plundered in the Thames in an
+  extraordinary manner, 219
+
+  ---- of a Guinea Vessel plundered, _ibid._
+
+  ---- of the plunder and imposition on a Canada Merchant, 229
+
+  ---- of an Officer of Justice, who discovered an instance of pillage
+  in one of the dock-yards, 283
+
+  ---- Respecting the Lottery, the astonishing number of persons
+  supported by fraudulent Insurances, 156, _n._
+
+  ---- of the Jews in London, the extraordinary depravity of the
+  lowest orders, 148-150
+
+  ---- of the different Classes of Cheats, 130
+
+  ---- of a Robbery in the Drawing-room at St. James's, 127
+
+  ---- of a Female Money-lender to Barrow Women, _ibid._
+
+  ---- of a Fortune-teller, 129
+
+  ---- of a Police Officer watching the house of a Receiver of Stolen
+  Goods, 306, _n._
+
+  ---- of a Jew who had committed a Rape, 431, _n._
+
+  ---- of Sir Matthew Hale, 432, _n._
+
+  ---- of the Justices of Chester, a singular circumstance, 52, 53
+
+  ---- of a respectable Magistrate of the City, 513, _n._
+
+  ---- of Monsieur De Sartine Minister of the Police of Paris, an
+  extraordinary circumstance, 525-530
+
+  ---- of the Emperor Joseph the Second, 527, 528, 529
+
+  _Apprentices_ corrupted by Receivers of Stolen Goods, &c., 12
+
+  ---- harboured in Public-houses, in Clubs for purposes of lewdness
+  and debauchery, 315, _n._
+
+  ---- Their immoral education, one cause of the origin of Crimes,
+  314-317
+
+  ---- Neglect of superior Tradesmen in boarding Apprentices out of
+  their houses, 316, 317, _n._
+
+  _Arrests_ for Felony, four modes practised, 388
+
+  ---- deficiency in the Law protecting Lottery vagrants and others
+  from being arrested on Sundays, 390
+
+  _Arson_, punished capitally, 56
+
+  _Asylums_, an establishment recommended for discharged Convicts, 99,
+  100
+
+  ---- for the Indigent in the Metropolis, 572
+
+  ---- for Sick, Lame, and Diseased, 573
+
+  _Athelstan's_ Laws relating to Death, 51
+
+  _Athenian_ Laws relative to Murder, 43
+
+  _Auctioneers_ called _diurnal_, with Puffers, 117
+
+
+  B.
+
+  _Bacon_, Lord--Suggested a revision of the Criminal Code, 7
+
+  _Ballad Singers_--might, from an Evil, be made an advantage to
+  Society, 348
+
+  _Bank Notes_ and Bills received, knowing the same to be stolen--not
+  an offence by any existing Law, 8, 114 _n._
+
+  _Barkers_ at Auctions, 117
+
+  _Beadles_ ought to be rewarded for useful public Services, 415
+
+  ---- The proper persons to apply to when nuisances are to be removed,
+  598
+
+  _Beccaria_, Marquis, his opinion of Punishments, 53, _n._
+
+  ---- his maxim relative to Pardons, 449, _n._
+
+  _Beggars_, _See_ Poor.
+
+  _Benefit of Clergy_ extended to all ranks, 436
+
+  _Bentham_ (Jeremy, Esq.) his proposal for a Penitentiary House for
+  Convicts, and remarks thereon, 481-495
+
+  _Bill Discounters_, or Advertising Money-Lenders, 118, 119
+
+  _Board of Police_, _See_ Police.
+
+  _Bolton_, Matthew, Esq. of Birmingham, number of Penny Pieces
+  supplied by him, 186, _n._
+
+  _Botany Bay_, _See_ Convicts, New South Wales.
+
+  _Brokers_, in pawns, to be registered, 108, 304
+
+  _Building Materials_, dealers in, to be licenced, 549
+
+  _Bullock-hunting_, the Laws relative to it, 597
+
+  _Burglary_, not so frequent on the Continent as in England, 94
+
+  ---- by what classes of men committed, 95, 96
+
+  ---- systematically planned and executed, 101, 103
+
+  ---- remedies proposed, 104
+
+  ---- definition of Burglary and how punished, 57
+
+  ---- called Hamsockne in the North of England, 58
+
+
+  C.
+
+  _Carts_ and other Carriages, the Laws relative to them, 595, 596
+
+  _Casual Poor_, _See_ Poor.
+
+  _Chance Medley_, how punished, 45
+
+  _Charities_ in the Metropolis:
+    Parish Schools for Education, 569
+    Societies for promoting Religion and Morality, 570
+    Asylums for the Helpless and Indigent, 572
+    Hospitals for the Sick and Pregnant Women, 573
+    Dispensaries for the Poor, 574
+    Institutions for Charitable Purposes (_See Poor_), _ibid._
+
+  _Cheapside_, a general rendezvous for Thieves, and the reason, 106,
+  107
+
+  _Cheats_, the offence of cheating defined by Law, 113
+    The different classes of Cheats explained; who are more or less
+      engaged in acts of Fraud, in the Metropolis, 109, 110, &c. 131
+
+  _China_, its Laws, and Punishment for High-Treason, 40
+    Parricide, 41
+    Murder, 44
+    Theft, 52
+
+  _Chips_, _See_ Dock-yards.
+
+  _Churches_ and Places of Worship in the Metropolis, 568
+
+  _Coaches and Chairs_ in the Metropolis (_and See Hackney Coaches;
+  Night Coaches_), 595, 596
+
+  _Coasting Vessels_, &c. purchase embezzled Stores, 255
+
+  _Coin_ counterfeited, and Coiners:
+    Extensive Circulation of base Coin, 15, 16
+    The evils attending it, 117, 118
+    Foreign Coin fabricated in England, _ibid._
+
+  _Coiners_, 120 discovered, 18
+    Vast amount of Coin counterfeited, 181
+    Different Coins fabricated, 173
+    The process used in making the different kinds of base Money, 174,
+      184
+    The period when the trade of dealing in base Money acquires its
+      greatest vigour, 188
+    Deficiencies of the present Laws, 208
+    Remedies proposed, 191-208
+
+  _Colleges_, five in London, 569
+
+  _Commons and waste Lands_, the source of evil by encouraging the
+  idle Poor, 83
+
+  _Constables_, in the Metropolis, 1040 in London, Westminster,
+  Middlesex, the Tower Liberty and Southwark, 397, 398, 399
+    Their power by the Common Law extensive, explained, 390
+    Rewards necessary to excite attention, 392
+    Rewards to Constables, and persons apprehending various classes of
+      Criminals, 390
+    Propositions for rendering them more useful and respectable,
+      405-410
+
+  _Convicts_ discharged from the Hulks from 1792 to 1799, 98
+    Number sent to the Hulks from the commencement of the
+      Establishment, to December 12, 1795, 7999, 463
+    Expence of the support of Convicts transported in the Hulks, 465,
+      466-480, _n._
+    General Statements, shewing the periods of their discharge, and
+      the number pardoned, escaped and discharged, 463-465
+    A statement of their Earnings at Woolwich and Langston Harbour,
+      467, 468
+    The inefficacy of this mode of Punishment, 469, 470
+    Transported to New South Wales--Accounts of the Number and
+      Expence, 472-474
+    Opinion of the Finance Committee on the inefficacy of the whole
+      System, 475, &c.
+    Proposals for employment of Convicts in Penitentiary Houses by
+      Jeremy Bentham, Esq., 481-495
+    Further Regulations in the Penitentiary System suggested, 495, 500
+
+  _Copper_ Money, _See_ Coiners.
+
+  _Corn_, and Provender stolen in the Country, how disposed of in the
+  Metropolis, 88
+
+  _Courts_ of Justice in the Metropolis:
+    Courts for the trials of Crimes, Misdemeanors, Trespasses, &c.
+      _Two_ superior and _Five_ inferior, 428
+    9 Supreme Courts in the Metropolis, 577
+    4 Ecclesiastical Courts, Doctors Commons, _ib._
+    17 Courts of Justice in the City of London, 478, 479
+    8 Courts of Justice in Westminster, 579, 580
+    15 Courts of Justice in that part of Middlesex which joins the
+      Metropolis, 580, 581
+    8 Courts of Justice in Southwark, 581, 582
+
+  _Crimes_, Specification of some not punishable by Law, 8, 35, 36
+    The cause of their increases, &c., 24, 25
+    should be prevented rather than punished, 32, 33
+    punishable with Death--a List of them, 437, 438, 439
+    punishable with Transportation, 440, 441
+    punishable with Fine and Imprisonment, 442
+    punishments on Rogues and Vagabonds, 443
+    the encouragements to Crimes held out by the present System, 449
+    increased by the imperfections of the Law, relative to small
+      Debts, 585, 586
+    _See_ Offenders: Thieves.
+
+  _Criminal_ Code, a Revision of proposed, 7, 8
+
+  ---- its imperfections, 24, 25
+
+  ---- its great severity, 33, 53
+    _See_ Emperor Joseph's Criminal Code.
+
+  _Criminal_ People, Their boldness and many chances of escaping, 20,
+  21
+
+  ---- many thousands in the Metropolis who subsist illegally, 21
+
+  ---- likely to be increased, 24
+
+  ---- although unfit for the Navy and Army from diseases, ruptures,
+  &c. are yet capable of committing crimes, 99, 100
+
+  ---- the measures used to effect their purposes, 100, 104
+
+  ---- they make contracts with Receivers, 104
+
+  ---- increase by means of base Money, 211
+
+  _Custom_-House Officers, called Glut-men, connive at pillage and
+  plunder, 232
+
+
+  D.
+
+  _Dead Horses_, and other Animals, Dealers in, to be regulated, 109
+
+  _Dealers_ in old Metals and Stores, their great increase, 12
+
+  ---- their mischievous tendency, 292, 293
+
+  ---- Regulations proposed, 292, 293, 303, 548, 549
+
+  _Death_, The number of Crimes punishable with Death by the English
+  Law, 5, 437
+
+  ---- Abrogated in the Roman Empire, by the Portian Law, 6
+
+  ---- Inadequate to the ends of Justice, 6
+
+  ---- Impropriety of inflicting death, except for the highest
+  offences, 30, 53, 58
+
+  ---- Jewish Law relative to death, 43
+
+  ---- Athenian Law, _ib._
+
+  ---- Roman ditto, _ib._
+
+  ---- Chinese ditto, 44
+
+  ---- Persian ditto, 43
+
+  ---- Saxon ditto, 44
+
+  ---- Alfred's ditto, _ib._
+
+  ---- Athelstan's ditto, 51
+
+  ---- Abolished in the Imperial Dominions of Joseph II. anno 1767, 60
+
+  ---- Theft first punished by death by Henry I. nearly 700 years ago,
+  437
+
+  ---- A specification of the several offences punishable with death
+  by the Laws of England, 437, 438, 439
+
+  _Debts_, The difficulty and expence of recovering small sums, 584,
+  585, 586, 587
+
+  ---- An astonishing Document, proving the vast extent of the injury,
+  587, _n._
+
+  ---- A Remedy proposed, 586, 588
+
+  _Depredations_ on the Public, in the River and Dock-yards, Chap.
+  viii. 214, &c. ix. 250, &c.
+
+  ---- on Sugar and West India Produce, 240, 241
+
+  ---- from Sugar Samples, upwards of 60,000_l._ a year, 235, _n._
+
+  ---- does not much exceed 15_s._ per cent. on the Moving Property,
+  215
+
+  _Detection_ of Offenders:
+
+  ---- The deficiency of the Law in this respect, 12, 13, 14, 15-20
+
+  ---- further elucidated and explained, 381, 421, 422
+
+  _Die Sinkers_ for base Money, the number employed, 184
+
+  _Directions_, and Cautions to avoid being cheated, 124, 125, 126,
+  127, &c.
+
+  ---- As to the mode of proceeding in case of Fraud or Robbery, 383,
+  _n._
+
+  _Dispensaries_, in London, 574
+
+  _Distresses_ of the Poor arising from the delusion of the Lottery
+  (See _Lottery_), 154, 155
+
+  _Docks_ in the River will not supersede the necessity of a River
+  Police, 217, _n._
+
+  _Dock-yards_, on the Plunder and Peculation therein, 249-287
+
+  ---- Fees to Officers one source of the Evil, 251
+
+  ---- Frauds in receiving, detaining, and selling Stores, 253-259
+
+  ---- The Perquisite of Chips, 256, 257, _n._
+
+  ---- The amount of Public Property in Navy, Victualing and Ordnance
+  Stores, estimated at 7,000,000_l._, 260
+
+  ---- Laws now existing for protecting of this Property, 261-3
+
+  ---- Their deficiency, and Remedies proposed through the means of
+  the Legislature, by A General Police System, 264
+
+  ---- A Local Police for the Dock-yards, 265
+
+  ---- Legislative Regulations in aid of these Systems, 269
+
+  ---- Through the Admiralty, by regulating the sale of old Stores,
+  274-280
+
+  ---- Abolishing the Perquisite of Chips, 281
+
+  ---- ---- of Fees, and increasing Salaries, 282
+
+  ---- Improving the mode of keeping Accounts, 284
+
+  ---- Making an annual Inventory of Stores, 286
+
+  _Dollars_, counterfeited, 173
+
+  ---- (stamped) the iniquities practised in counterfeiting and
+  exporting, detected by the Author of this Work, 172, 173, _n._
+
+  _Draco_, his sanguinary boast, 33
+
+
+  E.
+
+  _Education_, The great inattention to in the lower ranks one cause
+  of Crimes, 34, 311
+
+  ---- Seminaries for, in the Metropolis, estimated at 4050, 569
+
+  _Egyptians_, Their Laws for the punishment of certain offences, 41
+
+  _Embezzlement_ of Public Stores. See _River Plunder--Dock-yards_.
+
+  _Emperor_ Joseph the Second abolished the punishment of Death, 60
+
+  ---- His edict on promulgating his New Criminal Code, 61
+
+  ---- Abstract of his New Code, 63
+
+  ---- A singular Anecdote concerning this Prince, 528, 529
+
+  _Estimates_, That Receivers of stolen Goods have increased from 300
+  to 3000 in the Metropolis, 9, 12
+
+  ---- of moving Property on the River Thames (_table_), 215
+
+  ---- ---- arriving, departing, and circulating in the Port of
+  London, 216, 217
+
+  ---- ---- belonging to the Public, Naval, and Warlike Stores, &c.,
+  260
+
+  ---- of Chips in Dock-yards, 256, 257, _n._
+
+  ---- of Streets, Houses, and Families in London, 411, _n._
+
+  ---- of Public Houses, 110
+
+  ---- of Persons employed in fraudulent Lotteries, 156, _n._
+
+  ---- of the number of Members of Friendly Societies, 157
+
+  ---- of the number of Jews, 147, 148
+
+  ---- of the Officers of Justice, Beadles, Watchmen, and Patroles
+  2044, 413, 414
+
+  ---- of Magistrates, acting in the Metropolis, 416, 417, 418
+
+  ---- of Convicts, and others discharged from Prisons, 96, _n._, 97
+
+  ---- of Prisoners tried in 1793 and 1754, 448
+
+  ---- of the Produce of Labour of Convicts in the Hulks (See
+  _Convicts: Police_), 467
+
+  _Exports_ from the River Thames in one year 29,640,000_l._
+  (_table_), 215, 216
+
+
+  F.
+
+  _Farmers_, petty Depredations on them, 86, 89
+
+  _Faro Tables_ and Games of Chance, their evil Tendency, 135, 136
+
+  ---- particularly in private Houses of Persons of Rank, 148
+
+  _Felo de se_, how punished by different Laws, 43, 44
+
+  _Felonies_, Public and Private defined, 43
+
+  ---- A specific Detail of the different Felonies, distinguishing the
+  Punishments, 437, 438, 439, 440, 441
+
+  _Female Prostitution._ _See_ Prostitutes.
+
+  _Fielding_, Henry    } Excellent Magistrates, &c., 453, _n._
+  _Fielding_, Sir John }
+
+  _Finance Committee_ of the House of Commons, their useful Labours
+  and Opinions on various Subjects (See _Police_), 251, _n._, 264,
+  419, 427, 469, 514, 516, 558, _n._
+
+  _Fires_ in London, the Laws relative to them, 597, 598
+
+  _Forcible Marriage_, how punished by different Laws, 48
+
+  _Foreign Coin_ counterfeited in England, 17, 18, 184, 190
+
+  _Foreigners_, their opinion of the English System of Police, 522
+
+  ---- the insecurity likely to arise from so many of them acquiring
+  a knowledge of the English Language, 530
+
+  _Fortune-tellers_, their evil tendency, &c., 128, 130
+
+  _Founders_ of Metals, an object of regulation as a means of
+  preventing Crimes, 10, 540, _n._
+
+  _France_, its Laws relative to Receivers of stolen Goods, 302, _n._
+
+  ---- ---- to Sodomy, 46
+
+  ---- its former Police, curious Anecdotes of, 525
+
+  _Frauds_ on the Public in the Metropolis:
+
+  ---- in the Naval Department of two sorts, 256, 257
+
+  ---- and Forgeries specifically detailed, 111, 112, &c.
+
+  _French language_, the inconvenience and insecurity from its being
+  so generally spoken, 530
+
+  _Friendly Societies_, an Estimate of the number of Members, 575
+
+  ---- a proposition to guard them against the Evils of the Lottery,
+  157
+
+
+  G.
+
+  _Gaming_, among the lower Ranks in Public Houses, a vast source of
+  Crimes, 324
+
+  ---- the Law relative to, and Penalties, 134, 135
+
+  ---- the systematic confederacy of certain Gaming Establishments
+  fully developed, 136-147
+
+  ---- Estimated amount of the Money annually lost and won by Gaming,
+  143
+
+  ---- the evil Consequences of Gaming, and dreadful effects to many
+  respectable Families, 148
+
+  ---- the bad example to menial Servants of Persons of Fashion, 150,
+  151
+
+  _Gin_, the astonishing quantity drank in London, 327, _n._
+
+  ---- the advantages arising from a High Price, 328, _n._
+
+  _Grecian Law_ relative to Sodomy, 46
+
+  ---- ---- to Polygamy, 49
+
+
+  H.
+
+  _Hackney Coaches_, to be regulated by the Police, (and see _Night
+  Coaches_), 105, 106, 305, 547, 556
+
+  ---- Laws relative to them, 402
+
+  _Hale_, Sir Matthew, his opinion of criminal Indictments, 432, _n._
+
+  _Hawkers and Pedlars_, to be licensed by Magistrates, 116, 117
+
+  ---- their fraudulent Practices, 116, &c.
+
+  _High Treason_, See _Treason_.
+
+  _Highway Robberies_, by what classes committed, 95
+
+  ---- systematically planned and executed, 102, 103
+
+  ---- suggestions for preventing them by means of a Travelling
+  Police, 109, _n._
+
+  _Homicide_, 45, 46
+
+  _Horse Patroles_ proposed, 109, _n._
+
+  _Horses Stolen_, receiving them as such no Crime, 9, _n._
+
+  ---- how to be remedied, 303, 550
+
+  ---- Frauds and Felonies respecting, immense, 103, _n._, 115, _n._
+
+  _Hospitals_ in the Metropolis, 573
+
+  _Houses_ in the Metropolis 160,000, and upwards, 568
+
+  _Houses of Correction_, authorized in different Counties, 455
+
+  ---- Regulations, 459, 460
+
+  _Hue and Cry_, a particular means of arresting Criminals, 388, 389
+
+  _Hulks_, the depravity of the Convicts confined in them, 24
+
+  ---- First instituted in 1776, 455
+
+  ---- Regulations by Parliament (See _Convicts_), 461
+
+
+  I. & J.
+
+  _Idle Poor_, the Funds appropriated for their support a Public Evil,
+  80, 82, &c.
+
+  _Jews_, (Dutch) their mode of Education a National Injury, as it
+  promotes Idleness and Profligacy among the lower ranks, 119, 319
+
+  ---- Objects of regulation as Dealers in old Metals and Apparel, 120
+
+  ---- the principal Utterers of base Coin, 182, 190
+
+  ---- the deplorable state of the lower orders belonging to the Dutch
+  Synagogues, and the difficulties in making them useful, 120, 319, &c.
+
+  ---- they are generally the medium by which stolen Goods are
+  concealed and sold, 292
+
+  _Jewish Synagogues_ in London, 568
+
+  _Jewish Laws_ relative to Murder, 43
+
+  ---- ---- Sodomy, 46
+
+  ---- ---- Rape, 47
+
+  ---- ----Theft, 52
+
+  _Immorality_ of worse consequence than Political Crimes, 34
+
+  ---- striking proofs adduced, 35, 36
+
+  _Imports and Exports_ to and from the Port of London, abstract of
+  (_table_), 215, 216
+
+  ---- of Sugar and Rum for a year to March 25, 1799, 234, _n._
+
+  _Imprisonment for Debt_, its impolicy and evil consequences in
+  producing moral Crimes, 390, 394, &c.
+
+  _Indigence_, one cause of Crimes (See _Poor_), 352
+
+  _Inhabitants_ of London, number estimated at one Million at least,
+  569
+
+  _Inns of Court_ and Chancery in London, _ib._
+
+  _Institutions_ for useful, charitable, and humane purposes in the
+  Metropolis, 376, 381
+
+  _Irish_, the lower Ranks great Utterers of base Money, 189
+
+  _Iron Shops_, great Receptacles of stolen Goods, 293
+
+  _Judges of England_, their great purity adds lustre to their own and
+  the National Character, 430
+
+  ---- the extreme labour attached to their Situations, a Proposition
+  for the reducing it, 590
+
+
+  K.
+
+  KING, his Majesty's goodness and love of Mercy exemplified in pardon
+  to Convicts, 22
+
+  _King's Stores_, Men employed to remove the _broad arrow_ from
+  Public Stores, 258
+
+  ---- Abuses and Evils from the Sale of Old Stores, 256
+
+  ---- Stolen, embezzled, &c. in the Thames, 257
+
+
+  L.
+
+  _Landed Interest_, Depredations on by petty Thefts calculated at
+  4_s._ per Acre per annum, 89
+
+  _Larceny_, the Definition of this Offence, and the punishment, 50
+
+  ---- Grand Larceny defined, 50, 55
+
+  _Law_, the different classes of Professional Men in the Metropolis,
+  583
+
+  _Laws_ of England, (_Criminal_) Deficient with regard to the
+  prevention of Crimes, abridging Liberty, and rendering Property
+  insecure, and in some instances even Life itself, 94, 95, 100
+
+  ---- Punishments, from their severity, defeat the ends of Justice,
+  43, 53
+
+  ---- Above 160 Offences punishable with Death, 437
+
+  ---- When incompatible with Justice Law should be repealed, 8, 301
+
+  ---- Some Offences, injurious to Society, not punished at all, 8, 9,
+  34, 35, 36
+
+  ---- Criminal Law explained, with respect to various Offences:
+    High Treason, 38
+    Public Felonies against the State, 42
+    Private Felonies specifically considered, viz:
+      Murder, 43, 44
+      Manslaughter, 44, 45
+      Homicide by Misadventure, 45
+      Chance Medley, _ib._
+      Self-Defence, _ib._
+      Rape, 46, 48
+      Forcible Marriage, 48
+      Polygamy, 49
+      Mayhem, _ib._
+      Grand Larceny, 50
+      Petty Larceny, 50, 51
+      Mixed Larceny, 54, 55
+    Offences punishable by the Laws of England; a List of, 437, &c.
+
+  _Law-suits_, See _Writs_, _Debts_.
+
+  _Lewdness_ and Debauchery prevail in all ill-regulated Public Houses
+  (See _Alehouses_), 311
+
+  _Liberty_ of the subject abridged by Thieves and Robbers, 2, 93
+
+  ---- not by salutary Regulations to prevent Robbery, 13, 14, 308,
+  309, 545
+
+  _Licences_ proposed on Milk Dealers, 92
+
+  ---- on various trades connected with the Receivers of stolen Goods
+  (See _Police_), 540, _n._, 549, 550
+
+  _Lightermen_ on the Thames assist in Pillage and Plunder, 228
+
+  _Lighting_, &c. the Metropolis, 592
+
+  _Little Goes_, a private Lottery, a contrivance of a recent date,
+  brought forward by the Lottery Cheats to keep alive the delusion and
+  fever on the minds of the Poor all the year round, 152
+
+  _Livery Stable Keepers_, proposed to be regulated (See _Horses_),
+  109, 541
+
+  _Lodgers_, and Lodging Houses, proposed to be registered, 105, 539
+
+  _London_, comprehending the Metropolis. Its Commerce (See _River
+  Plunder_)
+
+  ---- The Magistrates, a list of; also Public Offices, 504, 505
+
+  ---- Houses, Streets, Families, and Inhabitants, 411
+
+  ---- Its prodigious Extent and Opulence, 567
+
+  ---- Places of Religious Worship, 482
+
+  ---- Seminaries for Education, 569
+
+  ---- Institutions for promoting Morality, 570
+
+  ---- For the Arts, 571
+
+  ---- Asylums for the Indigent and Helpless, 572
+
+  ---- For the Sick, Lame, &c., 573
+
+  ---- Dispensaries, 574
+
+  ---- Charitable Institutions, 574
+
+  ---- Courts of Justice, 577, 578, 579, 580, 581, 582
+
+  ---- Prisons, 582
+
+  ---- Municipal Regulations of the Metropolis, relative to Watching,
+  Lighting, Fires, &c. &c., 591
+
+  _London_, so called, (the City):
+
+  ---- The utility of a closer Connection between the Aldermen and
+  Police Justices, 420
+
+  ---- The great respectability of the Magistrates of London, 512
+
+  ---- The vast Labour of their official Situation, 513
+
+  ---- Magistrates with Salaries proposed, to ease them of that part
+  of the Labour which relates to Criminal Offences, 518
+
+  ---- The great Labour attached to the Office of Lord Mayor, 513
+
+  ---- Reasons assigned in favour of an Improvement of the Police of
+  the City, by means of assisting Justices, _ib._
+
+  ---- The advantages which would result from such a System, 517
+
+  _Lottery_, A great means of corrupting the Morals of the Lower
+  Orders of the People, 11
+
+  ---- Lottery Insurers cheats of the worst class, 151-159
+
+  ---- Their evil Practices explained, and their devises to carry them
+  on in despite of the Law, 152, 153
+
+  ---- Menial Servants contribute considerably to their support, 153,
+  154
+
+  ---- The astonishing extent of their Transactions, 154, 155
+
+  ---- The misery attendant on the Lottery delusion to the Poor, who
+  fill the Pawnbrokers' Shops during the drawing of it, 155
+
+  ---- The amazing amount of the premiums for Insurances yearly, 154,
+  156, _n._
+
+  ---- Estimated amount of fraudulent Insurances per annum
+  10,460,000_l._, 143
+
+  ---- The astonishing number of Lottery Insurers, with their
+  Appendages, consisting of _Clerks_, _Morocco-men_, _Bludgeon-men_,
+  and _Ruffians_, employed during the Drawing of the Two Lotteries
+  each year, 156, _n._
+
+  ---- The Lottery might be rendered useful to the State if the poorer
+  classes could be shielded from its mischief, 157, 556
+
+  ---- The evils attending on its present Plan, and the audacious
+  conduct of the miscreants engaged in fraudulent Insurances in
+  resisting the Civil Power, explained, 156, _n._, 158, 159
+
+  ---- Their Profits said to be immense during the English Lottery
+  1796, 159
+
+  ---- The exertions of the Magistrates rendered more peculiarly
+  necessary to check this evil during the time of drawing the
+  Lotteries, 159
+
+  ---- Expedients proposed for guarding the Poor against the
+  mischiefs, of future Lotteries, digested under eight different
+  Heads, 160, 161, 162
+
+  ---- Three plans for drawing the Lottery in such a manner as to
+  prevent Insurance, 163, 170
+
+  _Louis d'Ors_, coined in England, 17, 190
+
+  _Loyal Military Associations_, the Country much indebted to them,
+  533, _n._
+
+  _Lumpers_ or Labourers on the River (See _River Plunder_), 226
+
+
+  M.
+
+  _Magistrates_, their Duty with regard to Public Houses (See
+  _Alehouses_.)
+
+  ---- Their great utility when their Power and Influence are
+  prudently and judiciously employed, 383, 422, 423
+
+  ---- The number Of Magistrates in the Metropolis, 270
+
+  ---- The number who sit daily in rotation, 417, 418
+
+  ---- The number of persons committed annually for Trial 2500 to
+  3000, 432, 433
+
+  ---- The mortification experienced by the Magistrates in seeing
+  their labour lost in consequence of the chief of these Prisoners
+  thrown back on Society without punishment, 432, 433
+
+  ---- A List of the City Magistrates, 504
+
+  ---- ---- the Police Magistrates, 505
+
+  ---- Their Duty explained, 506
+
+  ---- Their Labours cramped for want of pecuniary Funds, 509, 510
+
+  ---- Magistrates with salaries necessary in every part of the
+  Metropolis, and benefits arising from them, 517
+
+  ---- Avocations of the City Magistrates explained, 522
+
+  _Manslaughter_ defined, how punished, 44.
+
+  _Marine Police Institution_, Origin and Progress of, 239, 248
+  [Transcriber's Note: should be p. 240]
+
+  ---- Annual Advantages resulting therefrom to the West India
+  Planters and the Revenue estimated at 160,000_l._ and upwards,
+  240, 241, _n._, 242, _n._
+
+  ---- The effect in restraining River Plunderers, 242, 244
+
+  ---- Necessity of its being sanctioned by Legislative Regulations,
+  245, &c.
+
+  ---- Testimonies to the utility of the System, and the benefits it
+  has already produced, 242, _n._, 247, 248, _n._, 558, _n._
+
+  ---- The number employed in this Establishment, 399, _n._, 418
+
+  _Marriage_, The evil consequence of the prevailing practice of
+  Cohabitation without it, 340
+
+  _Martin_, Matthew, Esq. his benevolent exertions for relieving the
+  Poor, 360, 361, _n._
+
+  _Mayhem_, Laws relative to it, 49
+
+  _Menial Servants_, Their Morals corrupted, how, 154, 155
+
+  _Metals_, Dealers in proposed to be regulated, 108, 540, 549
+
+  _Metropolis_, vide _London_.
+
+  _Milk_, curious particulars as to the Adulteration of, 89, 90, &c.
+
+  _Misadventure_, Homicide by, defined, 45
+
+  ---- how punished, 45, 46
+
+  _Misdemeanors_, A list of them punishable by Law, 442
+
+  _Money_ counterfeit, vide _Coin_.
+
+  _Montesquieu_, Baron, his opinion relative to Thefts, &c., 30, 53
+
+  _Morals_, The moral Principles destroyed among the Lower Ranks, 11,
+  310, &c.
+
+  ---- Can only be preserved by preventing Crimes, 14
+
+  ---- Bad education and bad habits destroy Morals, and are the chief
+  causes of atrocious Crimes, 34, 35, 94, 95, 310, &c.
+
+  ---- The deficiency of the System for guarding the Morals of the
+  Lower Orders one great cause of the Corruption of Manners, 36
+
+  ---- _Other Causes_, The temptations of a great Capital, 35
+
+  ---- The habit of living improvidently and luxuriously, 312
+
+  ---- The temptation of fraudulent Lotteries, 151, 152, 159
+
+  ---- The Facilities held our by Pawnbrokers, Old Iron Shops, and
+  other Receivers of Stolen Goods, enabling persons to raise Money on
+  pilfered articles in an easy way, 288, 323
+
+  ---- The bad examples in ill-regulated Public Houses one great cause
+  of the Corruption of Morals, 310-324
+
+  ---- The habit recently practised of Men, Women and Children
+  spending their time in the Tap-rooms of Alehouses, where all sorts
+  of Profligacy prevails, exhibited in language and conduct, 310, 314,
+  324
+
+  ---- The profligate Characters intrusted with Licences to keep
+  Alehouses (See _Alehouses_), 325, 326
+
+  ---- The immoral or careless Education of Apprentices, 314
+
+  ---- The failure in Business by Mismanagement, Idleness, &c., 317
+
+  ---- Servants out of Place, 318
+
+  ---- The mode of Education and Superstition of the Jews, which
+  prevent them from being apprenticed to Mechanical Employments, 319
+
+  ---- The vast temptations to plunder, which are held out to Lumpers,
+  Scuffle-hunters, Mudlarks, Scullers, Lightermen, &c. on the Thames,
+  from the want of proper Guards, and a proper System for protecting
+  Property (See _River Plunder--Dock-yards_), 322
+
+  ---- The temptations held out to fraud from the shocking state of
+  the Silver and Copper Coinage, and the imperfection of the Mint
+  Laws, 171, 172
+
+  ---- The temptations held out in a great Metropolis from the
+  resource which the influx of Wealth affords to commit acts of
+  Criminality, giving so many opportunities to live in Idleness, 111,
+  112
+
+  ---- The deficiency of the Laws in not taking cognizance of Moral
+  Crimes, 35, 36
+
+  ---- Morals of Public Depredators, 251
+
+  _Morality_--Men of pure Morals make the best Subjects, 36
+
+  ---- Against its principle to punish small offences with Death, 59
+
+  ---- Societies for promoting it, 570
+
+  _Mudlarks_, _See_ River Plunder, 230
+
+  _Murder_, Laws relative to it, in this and other Countries, 43, 45
+
+
+  N.
+
+  _Naval_ Embezzlements and Plunder, &c.
+    Reasons why not heretofore corrected, 252
+    Gratuities given, a great evil, 251
+    The Depredations enormous (_See River Plunder--Dock-yards_), 253
+
+  _New South Wales_, Transportation there when first legalized (_See
+  Convicts_), 460, 462
+
+  _Night Coaches_, a great means of promoting Burglaries, 105
+
+  ---- Propositions for regulating them, 106, 305, 547, 556, 557
+
+
+  O.
+
+  _Offences_, 160 punishable with Death, 58
+    Some not punishable by the Laws, 8, 30, 35
+    A general List of the various classes of Offences, 437, &c.
+    _See_ further _Punishments_.
+
+  _Officers of Justice_--Their Zeal always proportioned to that shewn
+  by the Magistrates under whom they act, 384
+    The importance of choosing men of Respectability, _ibid._
+    The absurd prejudices against Officers of Justice, 385
+    The Antiquity and Power of the Officers of Justice, 386
+    Number of them in the Metropolis, 397, 411, _n._
+    Officers subjected to considerable risks, 400
+    Ought to be rewarded--vide _Rewards_.
+
+  _Old Bailey_--Its registers shew the necessity of a Prosecutor for
+  the Crown, 21
+    Trials anno 1790 and 1791, eight Sessions, 394, 395, 396
+    Idem and Convicts 1793 and 1794, 448
+
+  _Old Iron Shops_, Owners for the most part, generally Receivers--(See
+  _Receivers_), 10
+
+  _Origin of Crimes_, Traced to Alehouses--Bad education of
+  Apprentices--Servants out of Place--Jews--Receivers--Pawnbrokers--Low
+  Gaming-Houses--Smuggling--Prisons, Chap. XI. 310-332
+
+  ---- Female Prostitution (See _Prostitutes_), Ch. XII. 333-345
+
+  ---- Tea Gardens, 346, 347
+
+  ---- Ballad Singers, 348, 349
+
+  ---- State of the Poor (See _Poor_), Chap. XIII. 351-380
+
+
+  P.
+
+  _Pagoda_, of Arcot, counterfeited in London, 17, 184, 190
+
+  _Pardons_--The devices used to obtain them, 22
+    Granted to four-fifths of those found guilty of death, 449
+    Marquis Beccaria's Opinion of Pardons, 450, _n._
+    Impositions practised to obtain them, _ibid._
+    Conditions under which they ought to be granted, 451
+    The evil consequences of free Pardons, 451, 452
+    A tacit disapprobation of the Law, (_Beccaria_), 59
+
+  _Parents_, their Profligacy and inattention to the Education of
+  their Children, 311, &c.
+
+  _Parochial_ Officers in the Metropolis, 397, 398, 416
+
+  ---- of little use to the Police in the Metropolis, why, 400
+
+  _Parricides_, their punishment by the Roman Law, 41
+    By the Chinese and Egyptian Laws, _ibid._
+
+  _Patroles and Watchmen_, their number, 399
+
+  ---- frequently conspire with Thieves, 106, 108
+
+  _Pawnbrokers_ hold out many temptations to the Poor, 115
+
+  ---- A proposition for regulating them, 116, 550
+
+  ---- To give security for good behaviour, 116
+
+  ---- The number in London and the Country, 115, _n._
+
+  ---- The immense amount of the Goods of the Poor at all times in
+  their hands, 116, _n._
+
+  _Peace_, an epoch when much danger is to be apprehended in the
+  return of Criminals, 100, 529, 530
+
+  _Peace-Officers_--Safeguards of the Community, 384, 385
+
+  ---- The ill effects of the absurd prejudice against them, 385
+
+  ---- The number in the Metropolis, 408, 413, 414
+
+  _Penitentiary Houses._ Two national ones authorised, but never
+  erected, 456, 457, 459
+    An Inspector of Penitentiary Houses should be appointed, (See
+      _Convicts_), 460
+
+  _Penny-Pieces_, 40 Millions of them coined by Mr. Bolton of
+  Birmingham, 186, _n._
+
+  ---- why not likely to be much counterfeited, 183, _n._
+
+  _Petty Larceny_, how punished, 50, 51
+
+  _Pewter Pots_ and Pewter, purchased by Dealers in Old Iron--Protected
+  by Act 21 Geo. 3d. _c._ 69, 299
+
+  _Piracy_ a capital offence, 55
+
+  _Pirates_ on the River, their audacious conduct, (See _River
+  Plunder_).
+    _Plunder on the River, and Dock-yards_ (See those titles).
+
+  POLICE--The advantages resulting from it when well regulated, 1, 2
+    The insecurity from a deficient Police no where so great as in
+      England, 3, 4
+    One cause for the increase of Criminals is the insufficiency of
+      the Police, 4, 310
+    The specific causes of the deficiency explained, and the means of
+      improvement, 24, 25, 26
+    The disjointed State of the Police one of the causes of the
+      increase of Stolen Goods, 289
+    The Establishment of an active Principle strongly enforced, 307
+    The expences of the Police might be defrayed by itself, under an
+      improved System, 410
+    No place of Industry provided by the Police for discharged
+      Prisoners, (See _Convicts_), 99
+    Police of the Metropolis explained, 503
+    City and Police Magistrates now acting, their Names, 504, 505
+    Their Duty explained, 506, 507
+    Inconveniences arising from want of Funds, Robberies and Burglaries
+      not prevented, from this among other Causes, 509, 510
+    Police Magistrates should have power to give small Rewards for
+      useful Services, 510, 511
+    Police Magistrates necessary in all large Societies, 514
+    Police Magistrates have nothing to do with Politics, 517, _n._
+    Police System approved by the Manufacturers of Spital Fields, 519,
+      520, _n._
+    The great deficiency of the System for want of a Centre Point, 520
+    Constitutional superintendence of Police rests with the Secretary
+      of State for the Home Department, 521, 522
+    The increase of State Business, and the increase of Crimes,
+      renders a delegation of subordinate management necessary, 520
+    The utility and absolute necessity of such a System explained,
+      521, 522
+    The opinion of Foreigners of the Police of London, _ibid._
+    The Police of France under the old Government, observations upon
+      it illustrated by two Anecdotes of M. de Sartine, 524, 525, &c.
+    The situation of this as well as every Country in Europe makes a
+      correct System of Police necessary, on account of the profligate
+      Characters who will infest the Metropolis on the return of
+      Peace, 529, 530
+    _A Board of Police_ proposed as the only means of binding together
+      a disjointed System, and of giving it that energy which the
+      interest of the Country requires, 531
+    The new System of Central Police recommended by the
+      Finance-Committee fully detailed and explained, Chap. XVIII., 535
+    Reasons suggested by the Committee, 535-539
+    The leading object the prevention of Crimes, and the raising a
+      Revenue by Licence Duties, 540, 541
+    Trades proposed to be Licensed, 540, _n._, 549, 550
+    Expence of the Police of the Kingdom near L216,000, 542, 543
+    A Central Board of Police Revenue to be formed by the
+      consolidation of the two Boards of Hackney Coaches, & Hawkers,
+      &c., 542-545
+    The Licensing System to be extended over the Kingdom under the
+      Controul of this Board, 545-547
+    Functions of the Commissioners of this Central Board of Police
+      amply detailed under 20 heads, 547-558
+    Outline of the Bill proposed to be brought into Parliament for
+      establishing this Central Board of Police, 559, &c.
+
+  _Polygamy_, an improved mode of punishment for, 49
+
+  _Poor_, their Distresses, 312, 313, _n._
+
+  ---- Particularly from the Lottery delusion, 151, 152
+
+  ---- State of, Cap. XIII., 352-380
+
+  ---- Casual, the erroneous System respecting them one great cause
+  of the increase of Crimes, 351
+    Estimate of Voluntary Contributions for their Relief, L850,000
+      _per Ann._, 358
+    Present expence of the Casual Poor not less than L10,000 _per
+      Ann._, 362, 363
+    This Relief ill applied, _ibid._
+    Propriety of consolidating and superintending this Relief, 364
+    Poverty not an Evil if it does not degenerate into Indigence, 365,
+      366
+    The Poor divided into five Classes:
+      The useful and industrious, 366
+      Vagrant, 367
+      Indigent, 368
+      Aged and Infirm, 369
+      Infants, _ibid._
+    The Statute 43 Elizabeth unexceptionable in its principle, but its
+      execution deficient, 370, 373, 575
+    Proposals for a _Pauper Police_, to regulate Street Beggars and
+      Casual Poor, 373-376
+    Expence thereof L5,230 to be defrayed by contributions from the
+      Parishes proportioned to the sums now paid by them for Casual
+      Relief, _ibid._
+    Benefit of consolidating the Funds of all the Parishes in the
+      Metropolis, 377, 378
+    The System should be perfected by the joint efforts of
+      well-informed individuals, _ibid._
+
+  _Prisoners._ An Asylum proposed for those that are discharged, to
+  prevent their returning to evil practices for want of Work, (See
+  _Convicts_), 97, 98, _n._, 486
+
+  ---- Abstracts of the number committed and discharged in the
+  Metropolis in the course of a year, ending Oct. 1795 (_Table_), 430
+
+  ---- Number discharged from the eight Gaols in the Metropolis in a
+  period of four years:
+
+  ---- ---- 1st. by Proclamation  5,592
+
+  ---- ---- 2d. Acquittals        2,962
+
+  ---- ---- 3d. After Punishment  2,484
+                                 ------
+                                 11,038, 96, 97
+
+  ---- Discharged from 1792 to 1799:
+
+  ---- ---- 1.                     8,650}
+  ---- ---- 2.                     4,935} 20,510, 97
+  ---- ---- 3.                     6,925}
+  ---- ---- from the Hulks, ditto         11,383
+  [Transcriber's Note: this figure should be 1,383]
+                                          ______
+                                          21,893, 98
+
+  ---- Tried at the Old Bailey from Sept. 1790 to 1791, 394
+
+  ---- Tried at the Old Bailey from April 1793 to 1794, 448
+
+  ---- Tried in the year 1795, their Crimes and Sentences, 446, 447
+
+  ---- Committed annually for trial in the Metropolis from 2,500, to
+  3,000, 96
+
+  _Prisons_ in the Metropolis, 331, 582
+
+  _Prosecutor for the Crown_--The Utility of such an Establishment,
+  21, 26
+    The injury occasioned by the want of it in defeating Justice,
+      426, 427
+    A severe Burden on the subject to prosecute, 426
+    Further Reasons in favour of the Proposition, 430, 432, 539
+
+  _Prostitutes_--Their unhappy Situation, and the dreadful
+  consequences of it, Cap. XII., 333
+    The evil cannot be prevented, but may be alleviated, 337
+    Number of Prostitutes of various classes estimated at 50,000, 340
+    Proposals for regulating them not inconsistent either with
+      Religion or Morality, 343
+    The Example of Holland and India quoted, 345
+
+  _Public Houses_, vide _Alehouses_.
+
+  _Punishments_--defeat their ends by too much Severity, 6
+    Death should be inflicted as seldom as possible, _ibid._
+    Disproportionate to the Offences, 6, _n._, 8
+    A Definition of Punishments, 29
+    Should be proportioned to the Offence, &c., 29, 30
+    The objects of inflicting Punishments, _ibid._
+    General Rules relative to Punishments, 32, 33
+    The Severity of Punishments exposed, 34, 35, 36, 94
+    Punishments examined as they apply to the various Offences known
+      in the English Law, 38, 39, &c.
+    Punishments by the new Code of the Emperor Joseph, 60, 63
+    Marquis Beccaria's Opinion and Maxims, 53, _n._
+    The System of Punishments fully considered, Cap. XVI., 434-500
+    Punishments inflicted on various Offences by the English Law,
+      437, 438, 439, &c. &c.
+    Punishments as now regulated tend to increase Crimes, (See
+      _Convicts_), 449-452
+
+
+  Q.
+
+  _Quarter_ Sessions of the Peace:
+
+  ---- and General Sessions of Middlesex, in certain Cases, act under
+  a Commission of Oyer and Terminer, 445
+
+  ---- Held in London, eight times a year, 428
+
+  ---- in Westminster, four times a year, _ibid._
+
+  ---- in Middlesex, eight times a year, _ibid._
+
+  ---- in Tower Liberty, eight times a year, _ibid._
+
+  ---- in Surry, four times a year, _ibid._
+
+  _Quays_--Plunder committed upon--See _River Plunder_.
+
+
+  R.
+
+  _Rape_, Laws Relative, to it in England, Death by 18 Eliz. _c._ 7,
+  47
+    The Egyptian Law relative to this Crime, _ib._
+    The Athenian ditto, _ib._
+    The Roman ditto, _ib._
+    The Jewish ditto, _ib._
+
+  _Receivers_ of Stolen Property:
+    Receivers of Cash, or Bank Notes, not punishable, 8
+    nor of Horses and Cattle, 9, _n._
+    3000 estimated to be in the Metropolis, 10
+    The greatest encouragers of Thieves, 9
+    Their wonderful increase in the last 20 years, 12
+    Restraints upon them a public benefit, 13, 14, 104
+    Make previous contracts with Thieves, 103, 291
+    Hostlers at Watering Houses often Receivers of Corn, &c., 88
+    Journeymen Butchers receive Cattle, 104
+    Receivers considered separately, Cap. VIII., 288, 308, &c.
+    The chief cause of Public Depredation, 289
+    The different Classes detailed, 292, 293
+    By 3 and 4 William and Mary, _c._ 9. made Accessaries after the
+      fact, 294
+    By 4 Geo. I. _c._ 11. punishable by Transportation for fourteen
+      Years, 295, 301
+    The Laws enumerated relative to Receivers, and their defects
+      pointed out, 293, 301
+    A proposition to make the Receiving Stolen Goods an original
+      Offence, 302
+    Remedies proposed under eight different heads by regulating
+      certain Classes of Dealers, 303, 307
+    A System of inspection recommended, 308
+    Applied to for their assistance in recovering valuable Property
+      which is stolen, 384
+
+  _Religion_, Places of Public Worship in the Metropolis, 568
+
+  _Register_ of delinquency proposed to be kept by the Central Board
+  of Police, 554
+
+  _Remedies for Evils mentioned in this Work_:
+    To remove the Imperfections in the Criminal Code, 24
+    To improve the System of the Hulks, 27
+    To improve also the Mode of Transportation, and the Employment of
+      Convicts, 481, &c.
+    To establish National Penitentiary Houses, 457, 460
+    To improve the System in granting Licences to Public Houses--See
+      _Alehouses_.
+    To regulate Dealers in Old Iron, Metals, Stores, Old Wearing
+      Apparel, Founders of Metals, &c. by Licence, 304
+    To improve the Laws relative to the prevention of Pillage and
+      Plunder in the River Thames--See _River Plunder_.
+    To improve the Laws relative to the prevention of Frauds,
+      Embezzlements, Pillage and Plunder in Ships of War, and
+      Transports, and in the Naval and other public Arsenals (See
+      _Dock-yards_), 26, 253, 254, 255, 256, 257, 258
+    To prevent Highway Robberies and Burglaries, 103
+    To prevent the Coinage of base Money, and the Sale and Circulation
+      of the same, 190, 211
+    To prevent the evil effects of the Devices of Cheats, Swindlers,
+      Gamblers and fraudulent Persons, viz.
+      Swindlers in general, 113, 150
+      Fraudulent Pawnbrokers, 109
+      Hawkers and Pedlars, 116
+      Puffing diurnal Auctioneers, 117
+      Puffing Money Lenders, 118
+      Illegal Lottery Insurers, 151, 162
+      Itinerant Jews, 147, 148
+    Various Classes of Cheats and Swindlers, &c. with Cautions to
+      Tradesmen and others to beware of them, 131
+        A general Remedy proposed, 131, 132
+    To prevent the evil of receiving Stolen Goods, and through this
+      medium the Commission of Robberies, Burglaries, Thefts,
+      Larcenies, Embezzlements, Frauds and Swindling, &c. under eight
+      different heads, 302, 303, 304, &c.
+    To prevent Justice from being defeated in the apprehension of
+      Offenders, by Rewards to Officers and others apprehending them
+      (See _Rewards_), 392, 393
+    To prevent Frauds in the trial of Offenders by appointing a
+      Prosecutor for the Crown, 21, 26
+    To proportion all punishments to the nature of the Offence, and to
+      abolish sanguinary and severe Punishments, 28, 29, 59, 60
+    To improve the System with regard to Pardons--(See _Pardons_), 27
+    To improve the System of Police for the Metropolis, by
+      establishing a Fund for Rewards, 509, 512
+    To establish a concurrent Jurisdiction over the whole of the
+      Metropolis, 419, 420
+    To establish Police Magistrates in London, 513, _n._
+    To establish a Board of Police as a centre point, where a
+      responsible superintending agency, under the Secretary of State
+      for the Home Department, should be pledged to attend to the
+      great outlines of the Police of the Metropolis--(See POLICE),
+      25, 26
+    A System for the more easy recovery of small Debts, 584, 585, 586,
+      587
+    To improve the Municipal Police, by extending the same Laws,
+      Penalties and Punishments to every part of the Metropolis, 599,
+      &c.
+    General View of all the Remedies proposed in this Work, against
+      the existing Evils which at present infest the Metropolis, Ch.
+      XX. p. 602, &c.
+
+  _Restraints_ imposed on Criminal People cannot affect the Liberty of
+  the Subject, 13
+    Those already established to obtain Revenue, severer, 14
+
+  _Revenue_ of the Customs greatly injured by River Plunder, 241, _n._
+
+  _Rewards_--To be given by Magistrates in order to enable them to
+  detect offenders--The utility explained, 509-511
+    Rewards necessary to all classes of Public Officers of Justice,
+      for the purpose of exciting vigilance, 409, 410
+    Rewards granted at present for ten specific Offences, detailed,
+      390, 391
+    Amount paid by Sheriffs from 1786 to 1797, L.94,430, 393, _n._
+    Rewards paid on Prosecutions at the Old Bailey from Sept. 1790 to
+      1791, 394, 395
+    Small Rewards recommended for detecting inferior Offences, 393, 394
+    The quantum of the Reward to be left to the discretion of the
+      Judge, and allowed according to the merit of the parties,
+      whether there is a conviction or not, 393, 396
+    Rewards proposed for the detection of Coiners and Utterers of Base
+      Money, 207
+    For the detection of Plunderers in the Dock-yards, 272
+
+  _River Plunder_, its amazing extent, probably not less than _Half a
+  Million per annum_, Cap. VIII., 215, 237, 238, 239
+    Yet not exceeding 15_s._ per Cent. on the value of the Property
+      exposed, 215, 216, & _table_
+    13,000 Vessels and more discharge and receive three millions of
+      Packages annually in the River, 217
+    Various classes of River Plunderers.
+    [Transcriber's Note: reference missing in original]
+
+  _River Pirates_, (particular instances of their audacious
+  Depredations), 218, 220
+    _Night Plunderers_, 220, 223
+    _Light Horsemen_, or nightly Plunderers of West India Ships,
+      223, 226
+    _Heavy Horsemen_, or Lumpers, 226, 227
+    _Game Watermen_, _ibid._
+    _Game Lightermen_, 228, 231
+    _Mud-Larks_, 230
+    _Revenue Officers_, 231, 232
+    _Scuffle-hunters_, 233, 234
+    _Copemen_, or Receivers, 235, 236
+    See further _Marine Police_.
+
+  _Robberies and Burglaries_--not prevented by the Police System of
+  1792, and the reason why, 509
+    Chiefly for want of giving small Rewards, 510
+
+  _Robbery_, defined, 54
+
+  _Roman Laws_, relative to Murder, Theft, 41, 51
+
+
+  S.
+
+  _Salaries_, proposed to be increased to the Servants of the Crown,
+  on the abolition of Perquisites, 282
+
+  _Sartine, M. de_, Minister of Police in Paris, two singular
+  Anecdotes of, 525, 526, &c.
+
+  _Saxon Laws_ relative to Murder, 44
+
+  _Schools_ in the Metropolis, 569
+
+  _Scuffle-hunters_, A class of Labourers who hunt after Work when
+  Ships are discharging, chiefly with a view to plunder, 233, 234
+
+  _Sequin_ of Turkey, counterfeited in London, 18, 184, 190
+
+  _Servants_--Corrupted by the temptations of the Metropolis, 12
+    Particularly by the Lottery, 153, 155
+
+  _Sewers_, their origin and great utility, the Acts relative to
+  them, 591
+
+  _Sharpers_, an account of noted Females concerned in different kinds
+  of Frauds, 127, 130
+
+  _Sharpers and Swindlers_, their various devices to defraud the
+  Public, 114, 115
+
+  ---- Ought to find security for their Good Behaviour, 135
+
+  _Ships_, in the River Thames, the Loss and Inconvenience arising
+  from the present mode of discharging, (See _River Plunder_)
+
+  _Silk Manufacturers_ of Spital-Fields, their Address of Thanks for
+  the Establishment of the Police System in 1792, 519, 520, _n._
+
+  _Societies_ in London for Morals, Arts, &c., 570, 571
+
+  _Society_ for the Relief of Persons imprisoned for small Debts, an
+  excellent Institution, 589
+
+  _Sodomy_, the Laws relative to it, and the Punishment, 46
+
+  ---- Introduced into England by the Lombards, _ibid._
+
+  _Soup Charities_, their peculiar excellence in relieving the Poor,
+  81, 82, _n._, 356
+
+  _Southwark_, the Acts relative to its Police, 594
+
+  _Spirituous Liquors_, the astonishing Consumption of, &c., 327, _n._
+
+  _Statutes_, See _Acts of Parliament_.
+
+  _Statute Law_--Necessity of its Revisal, and the steps taken for
+  that purpose, 7, _n._, 32
+
+  _Stolen Goods_, See _Receivers_.
+
+  _Stores_, Government, See _Embezzlement_; _Naval Embezzlements_;
+  _Acts_, 257
+
+  _Streets_ in the Metropolis, estimated at 8000, 411
+
+  _Sugars_, the Plunder of, estimated at L.97,000 a year, lost by the
+  Planters and Merchants, and L.25,000 by the Revenue, 241, _n._
+
+  ---- Annual losses by Samples, L.60,000 and upwards, 235, _n._
+
+  _Suicide_, the effect of Gambling in the Lottery, 144, _n._
+
+  _Summary View_ of the Causes of the Insufficiency of the Police,
+  under nine different heads, 24, 25, 26, 27
+
+  ---- Of Prisoners committed in one year, 429
+
+  _Superstition_ of the Jews, See _Jews_.
+
+  _Swindlers_, See _Sharpers_.
+
+
+  T.
+
+  _Tea Gardens_, Public Evils, 345
+
+  ---- Proposals for regulating them, 347
+
+  _Thames_ (River) See _River Plunder--Marine Police_.
+
+  _Thefts_ (_petty_) Causes and Progress of, Cap. III., 74, & _seq._
+
+  ---- By Persons not belonging to the Fraternity of Thieves,
+  estimated at L.700,000, 10
+
+  ---- From Ships in the River and upon the Wharfs, See _River
+  Plunder_.
+
+  ---- From Dock-yards, Ships of War, &c. See _Dock-yards_.
+
+  ---- Burglaries, Highway Robberies, &c., 93, 94, 103
+
+  _Theft._ First punished with Death by Henry I. 1108, 52
+    The Laws relative to Theft in this and other Nations, 51
+
+  _Thieves._ Professed Thieves not intimidated when put on their
+  Trial; reasons assigned, 424, 425, 426, 449, 450
+    The different classes of persons who resort to thieving and
+      robbing, 95, 96
+    Many Thieves taken off by the War, but many remain behind on
+      account of ruptures and other disabilities, which, however, do
+      not prevent their committing Crimes, 99, 100
+    The means used by them to accomplish their purposes, 100, 105, 291
+
+  _Tokens_, Provincial Coins, respecting which Regulations are
+  proposed, 198
+
+  _Transportation_, when first introduced as a Punishment, 454
+    Offences punishable in this way detailed, 440
+    Expence of the Transportation of Convicts to New South Wales, and
+      their Confinement in the Hulks, 460, 469
+
+  _Travelling Police_, A plan of hinted at, 109, _n._
+
+  _Treason_, The Laws relative to it explained, viz:
+    Of High Treason, 38, 39, 40
+    The great inaccuracy of the Act of Edward III. in blending
+      together Crimes disproportionate in their nature, 39
+    The Laws of China relative to High Treason, 40
+    Petty Treason, how punished, 41
+
+  _Twenty Thousand_ rise every morning in the Metropolis, without
+  knowing how they are to be subsisted through the day, 313, _n._
+
+  _Tyburn Ticket_, A premium given for apprehending and prosecuting
+  Burglars, House-Breakers and Horse-stealers, explained, 391, _n._
+
+
+  U.
+
+  _Useful Cautions_, to Tradesmen and others against the devices of
+  Cheats and Swindlers, and to prevent frauds and Impositions, 124, 131
+
+
+  V.
+
+  _Vagrants and Vagrancy._ A specification of what constitutes this
+  Offence:
+
+  ---- Idle and disorderly persons, how punished, 442, &c.
+
+  ---- Rogues and Vagabonds, 443
+
+  ---- Incorrigible Rogues, _ib._
+
+  _Vessels_, trading to the River Thames, nearly 13,500 in the course
+  of a year, 215-217
+
+  _Volunteers_, See Loyal Military Associations.
+
+
+  W.
+
+  _War_, The means of employing Criminals, 99, 100
+
+  ---- Civil Wars seldom waged from considerations of Virtue or the
+  security of Liberty, 37
+
+  _Watch-houses_ in the Metropolis, 414, _n._
+
+  _Watching_ the Metropolis, the Laws relating thereto, 411, 412
+
+  _Watchmen_ and Patroles to be placed under the control of the
+  Police, 106, 107
+
+  ---- Their miserable Establishment from 8-1/2_d._ to 2_s._ a night,
+  107
+
+  ---- How appointed and paid, 411, 412, 411 [Transcriber's Note: sic],
+  _n._
+
+  ---- Their general unfitness, 412, 413
+
+  ---- The abuses which arise from this source, _ib._
+
+  ---- The number in the Metropolis, 414
+
+  ---- Rewards proposed to excite vigilance, 415, 416
+
+  _Watchmakers_ to be registered, 108
+
+  _Water_ and Waterworks, 595
+
+  _Watermen_ on the Thames, Act 34 Geo. III. regulating their Fares,
+  &c., 596
+
+  _West India Produce_ pilfered in a year, 240, 241, _n._
+
+  _Westminster_, The Acts of Parliament relative to its Police,
+  411, _n._, 412, _n._
+
+  _Women and Children_ of late years regularly frequent the Tap rooms
+  of Public Houses a proof of the Corruption of Morals, 310-314
+
+  _Writs._ An extraordinary Statement of the astonishing expence of
+  small Law-suits, exemplified by an authentic Table of the number of
+  Writs issued in Middlesex in the course of a year, 587
+    The Subject further explained, 585, 588
+
+
+_FINIS._
+
+
+[_Printed by H. Baldwin and Son, New Bridge-street, London._]
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of A Treatise on the Police of the
+Metropolis, by Patrick Colquhoun
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