Although in this arduous pursuit, the Author of this work has experienced infinite difficulties and discouragements, yet is he rewarded by the consciousness that he was engaged in an undertaking in which the best interests of Society were involved:--that independent of the pecuniary benefits derived by the State, and the Proprietors of Commercial Property (which already have unquestionably been very extensive,) he has been instrumental in bringing forward a great preventive System, and by administering the Laws in conjunction with a very zealous, able, and humane Magistrate,[66] in a manner rather calculated to _restrain_ than to _punish_,[67] a multitude of individuals, together with a numerous offspring, are likely to be rendered useful members of the Body Politic, instead of nuisances in Society.--The advantages thus gained (although his labours have been in other respects gratuitous,) will abundantly compensate the _dangers_, the _toils_, and the anxieties which have been experienced. In the accomplishment of this object, both the interests of _humanity_ and _morality_, have been in no small degree promoted: unquestionably, there cannot be a greater act of benevolence to mankind, in a course of _criminal delinquency_, than that which tends to _civilize their manners_;--_to teach them obedience to the_ Laws;--_to screen themselves and their families from the evils and distress attendant on punishment, by preventing the commission of crimes_; and _to lead them into the paths of honest industry, as the only means of securing that real comfort and happiness which a life of criminality, however productive of occasional supplies of money, can never bestow_.--If it shall be considered (as it certainly is) a glorious atchievement to subdue a powerful Army or Navy, and thereby secure the tranquillity of a State--is not the triumph in some degree analogous, where a numerous army of delinquents, carrying on a species of warfare no less noxious, if not equally hostile, shall not only be subdued by a mild and systematic direction of the powers of the Law; but that the conquered enemy shall be converted into an useful friend, adding strength instead of weakness to the Government of the country? [Footnote 66: John Harriott, Esq. the Resident Magistrate.] [Footnote 67: So powerful was the effect of the preventive System, wherever it was permitted to be applied, that no instance has occurred in the course of more than fifteen months, since the Marine Police was established, of sufficient grounds for a criminal prosecution having taken place by the commission of any Larceny or Felony in ships or craft under the immediate protection of the Institution.]