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.