Whilst one part of the immense property by which this confederacy was so strongly fortified was employed in the establishment of _Gaming-Houses_, holding out the most fascinating allurements to giddy young _men of fortune_, and others, having access to money, by means of splendid entertainments,[35] and regular suppers, with abundance of the choicest wines, so as to form a genteel lounge for the dissipated and unwary; another part of the capital was said to form the stock which composes the various Faro-Banks which were to be found at the routes of _Ladies of Fashion_: Thus drawing into this vortex of iniquity and ruin, not only the _males_, but also the _females_ of the thoughtless and opulent part of Society; who too easily became a prey to that idle vanity which frequently overpowers reason and reflection; and the delusion of which is seldom terminated till it is too late. [Footnote 35: The expence of entertainments at a Gaming-House of the highest class, during eight months, has been said to exceed _Six Thousand Guineas_! What must the profits be to afford such a profusion?] Evil example, when thus sanctioned by apparent respectability, and by the dazzling blandishment of rank and fashion, is so intoxicating to those who have either suddenly acquired riches, or who are young and inexperienced, that it almost ceases to be a matter of wonder that the fatal propensity to Gaming should become universal; extending itself over all ranks in Society in a degree scarcely to be credited, but by those who will attentively investigate the subject. At the commencement of the troubles in France, and before this Country was visited by the hordes of Emigrants of all descriptions, who fixed a temporary or permanent residence in this Metropolis, the number of Gaming-Houses (exclusive of those that are select, and have long been established by Subscription,) did not exceed above _four_ or _five_: In the year 1797, not less than _thirty_ were said to be actually open; where, besides _Faro_ and _Hazard_, the foreign games of _Roulet_, and _Rouge et Noir_, were introduced, and where there existed a regular gradation of establishment, accommodating to all ranks; from the man of fashion, down to the thief, the burglar, and the pick-pocket--where immense sums of money were played for every evening, for eight months in the year.[36] [Footnote 36: The latter part of the Affidavit, already mentioned, also illustrates these assertions, and proves that they are but too well founded: It states--"That Gaming-Houses have increased to such a degree, that there were lately not less than six in one street near the Hay-Market, at all which persons stood at the door to entice passengers to play--That the generality of persons keeping these houses are _prize-fighters_, and persons of a desperate description, who threaten assassination to any person who will molest them."]