These thoughts were occasioned by the present state lottery; which plainly discovers that the people would run into the excesses of the South Sea year, had they the same opportunities. The spring and source of this unreasonable passion, is the luxury of the age. Tradesmen commence gentlemen and men of pleasure, when they should be men of business; and begin where they should end. This sets them a madding after lotteries; business is neglected, and poverty, vice, and misery spread among the people. It is hoped that the Parliament will never come into another lottery. All other gaming should be also discouraged. Who but laments that unfortunate young lady at the Bath, who was ruined by gaming, and rather than submit to a mean dependance, thought it best to resign her life?[456]

The tone of dissuasion from lotteries and gambling in the year 1731, prevails through the writings of the different persons who opposed such schemes and practices. The story of the “unfortunate young lady at the Bath, who was ruined by gaming,” referred to in the last paragraph, and already related in this work, is exceedingly affecting.

Westminster Bridge Lottery.

In the 9th year of George II. parliament passed an act for building this bridge by a lottery, and the following scheme was issued to the public:—

LOTTERY 1736, for raising 100000l. for building a Bridge at Westminster, consisting of 125000 Tickets, at 5l. each.

Prizes 1— of —20000l.— is —20000l.
21000020000
3500015000
10300030000
40100040000
6050030000
10020020000
20010020000
4005020000
10002020000
2880010288000
30616Prizes, amounting to523000
94384Blanks.
First Drawn1000
Last Drawn1000
125000 525000

The Prizes to be paid at the Bank in 40 Days after Drawing, without Deduction. N.B. There is little more than Three Blanks to a Prize.[457]

Parliament granted successive lotteries for the building and completion of Westminster-bridge.