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.