In this view of the subject, it would prove a Regulation calculated greatly to reduce the aggregate expence; for surely, if _a few guineas_ judiciously laid out, in the first instance, would save _fifty_ afterwards to the State, it must be a wise and a good arrangement; and in this way it would probably operate. But this would not be the only saving to the Nation: by preventing crimes, all those concerned in projects of mischief must, instead of preying upon the industry of others, assist the State, by contributing their share to the national stock of labour. Next to the want of a sufficient pecuniary Fund, the most obvious deficiency in the present System of executive Police in the Metropolis, is that which regards the Magistracy of the City of London; _where the case is precisely reversed_; for _there_ the funds for the detection and discovery of offenders, may be made as ample as the Corporation shall think fit; but the want of a _Stipendiary Establishment_ must prevent the operation of that System of vigour and energy, which the increase of Criminals and the present state of Society demand. The Magistrates of the City of London form a body, perhaps the most _respectable_, and _independent_ of any in the world; but besides the unavoidable, important, and multiplied affairs of the Corporation, in attending the various Courts of the Lord-Mayor--Aldermen--Common Council--Common Hall--Wardmotes--Conservancy--Courts of Requests--Court of Orphans--and General and Quarter Sessions of the Peace, and Justice Hall at the Old Bailey, they have avocations and engagements in business, which must necessarily occupy their minds. It cannot, therefore, reasonably be expected, that they should forego their own important private interests, and bestow upon the business of the Public that attention which their situation as Magistrates seems to require.[160] [Footnote 160: The Author having had occasion to represent to a late Chief Magistrate, of great talents and respectability, the enormous evil arising from _base coin_:--He very judiciously observed, that to do any good in protecting the Public against this species of offence, _it would require the mind of a Magistrate to be given up to that object alone_. This pointed and accurate remark is sufficient to elucidate, in an eminent degree, the necessity of Magistrates with salaries, in all large Communities.]