The object to be attained is of great magnitude.--Let an appeal be, therefore, made to the good sense of the country, and to the feelings of humanity in behalf of an unfortunate and noxious class of individuals. Let the effects of the present System be candidly examined, in opposition to the benefits which may result from that which is proposed, and let the decision be speedy, that Society may no longer be tormented by the evils which arise from this branch of the Police of the country. The suggestions which are thus hazarded on the subject of punishments, are by no means the refinements of speculation doubtful and uncertain in their issue. The System accords either with what has been already enacted by the Legislature or recommended by the Finance Committee. And the whole has been admitted to be practicable under an able and permanent superintendence. A hope may, therefore, be indulged, that where the interest of Society and the cause of Humanity is so deeply concerned, a design which holds out so many advantages, will experience that general support which it unquestionably merits; since its object is not only to reclaim the Out-casts of the present generation, but also to rescue thousands yet unborn from misery and destruction. CHAP. XVII. _The Police of the Metropolis examined--Its organization explained, with regard to that branch which relates to the prevention and suppression of Crimes.--The utility of the new System, established in 1792, examined and explained.--Reasons assigned why this System has not tended, in a greater degree, to the suppression and prevention of atrocious Crimes--Its great deficiency from the want of funds, by which Magistrates are crippled in their exertions, with regard to the detection and punishment of Offenders.--Reasons in favour of a New System.--The Police of the City of London (as now constituted) explained and examined.--Suggestions relative to established Justices, and the benefits likely to result from their exertions in assisting the City Magistrates: from whose other engagements and pursuits, that close and laborious attention cannot be expected which the Public interest requires.--The Magistrates of London the most respectable, perhaps, in the world.--The vast labour and weight of duty attached to the chief Magistrate.--The Aldermen have certain duties assigned them, which ought not, in justice to be augmented, as they act gratuitously.--The benefits which result to the Community from established Police Magistrates, considered in different points of view; and exemplified in the advantages which have arisen from the System under the Act of 1792.--General Reflections on the advantages which would arise from the various remedies which have been proposed in the course of this Work.--These benefits, however, only of a