An Act, passed in 1774, has operated through the following clause, in suppressing some of the enormities which lead to the crimes Sir John deprecated. "That every watchman, as well patroles as others, and every beadle, shall, during his respective time of watching, to the utmost of his power endeavour to prevent as well all mischiefs happening by fire, as all murders, burglaries,

robberies, affrays, and other outrages and disorders; and to that end, during the time of watching, each and every of them shall and may, and are hereby authorised and impowered to arrest and apprehend all night-walkers, malefactors, rogues, vagabonds, and other loose, idle, and disorderly persons, and all persons lying or loitering in any street, square, court, mews, lane, alley, or elsewhere; to apprehend and bring them as soon as convenient before the constable of the night. And if any person or persons shall assault or resist any watchman in the execution of his office, they shall pay any sum not exceeding five pounds."

The publication of obscene prints and books (though so justly reprobated by Sir John Fielding) had proceeded with very little interruption, almost through the space of time which elapsed between his charge and the termination of the century. A few prosecutions were instituted, but nothing systematic in opposition took place, till the Society for the Suppression of Vice attacked the enemies of virtue and decency with vigour, and obtained almost a complete victory. For this essential service rendered to the community they deserve every praise; and, however the publick may be divided in opinion as to their methods of proceeding, and the propriety of some of their operations, all will agree that vending obscene books and prints, riotous and disorderly

houses, lotteries, and little-goes, and cruelty to animals, ought to be finally prevented. I shall close this article with a summary of their convictions during the first year of their establishment, ending in April 1803.

Profanation of the Sabbath.

Offenders.Punishments.No.
Two hundred and twenty-two Shop-keepers, for pursuing their ordinary callings; and two hundred and eighteen Publicans, for suffering Tippling during Divine Service, (having disregarded the warning previously delivered them).Some convicted in the full penalty, with costs, and others in costs only.—Before the Magistrates.440

Vending Obscene Books and Prints.

Offenders.Punishments.No.
Gainer, an Itinerant Hawker.Six Months Imprisonment.—Middlesex Sessions.7
Harris, a Vender of Ballads and Obscene Books and Prints, at Whitehall.Two Years Imprisonment and Pillory.—Westminster Sessions.
Bertazzi[*], an Italian Itinerant Hawker.Six Months Imprisonment. Middlesex Sessions.
Bertazzi, on two other Indictments.Six Months Imprisonment for each offence, and twice Pillory.—Court of King's Bench.
Ann Aitkin, Printseller, Castle-street, Leicester-fields.One Year's Imprisonment and hard Labour.—Court of King's Bench.
Baines, Keeper of a Stall, Skinner-street, Snow-hill.One Year's Imprisonment.—Old Bailey Sessions.
[*] N.B. This man, in connection with many others, went about the City selling obscene books and prints, at boarding-schools of both sexes.

Riotous and Disorderly Houses, &c.

Offenders.Punishments.No.
Four Keepers of Houses where unlawful Dances were held, two on Sundays; three Keepers of Public-houses, and two of Private Theatres—being all receptacles for disorderly and abandoned characters, and places for the seduction of youth of both sexes; and two Keepers of Brothels, where practices of the grossest prostitution were carried on.All suppressed in a summary way.—Before the Magistrates.11