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._]