An Act, passed in 1774, has operated through the following clause, in suppressing some of the enormities which lead to the crimes Sir John deprecated. "That every watchman, as well patroles as others, and every beadle, shall, during his respective time of watching, to the utmost of his power endeavour to prevent as well all mischiefs happening by fire, as all murders, burglaries, robberies, affrays, and other outrages and disorders; _and to that end_, during the time of watching, each and every of them shall and may, and are hereby authorised and impowered to arrest and apprehend _all night-walkers_, malefactors, rogues, vagabonds, and other loose, idle, and disorderly persons, and all persons lying or loitering in any street, square, court, mews, lane, alley, or elsewhere; to apprehend and bring them as soon as convenient before the constable of the night. And if any person or persons shall assault or resist any watchman in the execution of his office, they shall pay any sum not exceeding five pounds." The publication of obscene prints and books (though so justly reprobated by Sir John Fielding) had proceeded with very little interruption, almost through the space of time which elapsed between his charge and the termination of the century. A few prosecutions were instituted, but nothing systematic in opposition took place, till the Society for the Suppression of Vice attacked the enemies of virtue and decency with vigour, and obtained almost a complete victory. For this essential service rendered to the community they deserve every praise; and, however the publick may be divided in opinion as to their methods of proceeding, and the propriety of some of their operations, all will agree that vending obscene books and prints, riotous and disorderly houses, lotteries, and little-goes, and cruelty to animals, ought to be finally prevented. I shall close this article with a summary of their convictions during the first year of their establishment, ending in April 1803. _Profanation of the Sabbath._ ---------------------------+----------------------------+----------- _Offenders._ | _Punishments._ | _No._ ---------------------------+----------------------------+----------- Two hundred and twenty-two | Some convicted in the | Shop-keepers, for | full penalty, with costs,| pursuing their ordinary | and others in costs | callings; and two hundred| only.--Before the | 440 and eighteen Publicans, | Magistrates. | for suffering Tippling | | during Divine Service, | | (having disregarded | | the warning previously | | delivered them). | | _Vending Obscene Books and Prints._