their causes, are to be punished in the persons, the properties, and the relations of those who practice them: but, the earliest ages were no less depraved than the present, and youthful Time beheld what he blushes to recollect, now his head is bald with age, and his forelock white as snow. What remedy then can we expect to suggest, by which to counteract a disposition in theory so unnatural, but in practice so universal? Solomon had not wisdom sufficient to controul it: he beheld it in others; he sunk under it himself. Sampson had not strength sufficient to repel it; O impotence of mind, in body strong! It prevails in Asia; it triumphs in Europe; nor has the new world been able to exclude it. But, the more dignified principles of Christianity have cast on the illieit intercourse of the sexes, a brand of infamy which had not always been deemed its deserts: and herein, the superiority of that religious dispensation under which we live, is evident. It is our duty to maintain that superiority, in our conduct, our institutions, our sentiments, and our argumentations; and whatever professes such intentions shall be recommended by that profession to our most sedate reflection for, who knows from what unex pected quarter the blessing we desire may spring up to advantage mankind? We shall not affect to be disciples of Cato or of Cicero ; we are not heathens: we are Christians. We cannot contemplate the ravages made by iniquity and guilt, disease, sorrows, and premature dissolution, without the most pungent grief. When we think on the benefits daily and hourly conferred by the sex as guided by virtue, we cannot but regret the immense subtraction which vice produces from those benefits. The aggregate of those comforts which might be diffused, but are lost, the kindnesses which might, with angel grace, sparkle in a thousand familiar offices, but are now an absolute non-entity: the waste of life, the blank of so many of the human species; these are serious evils; but, rendered infinitely more serious by the positive turpitude in which they issue: the debaucheries, the profligacies, the pilferings, the robberies, the murders, the Mr. Hale is a gentleman whose be volence exerted itself to good purpose behalf of the poor of Mile End and Spit fields parishes; and who called the att tion of the public to sufferings which ceeded his ability to alleviate. We h formed a most favourable idea of his p lanthropy; and we shall not be ea persuaded that the pamphlet now to reported on, is to be taken as any dimi tion of his character. The best of ped are not bound to see every thing ali the advantage to be derived from collision of opinions, is not trivial in judgment of the truly wise. The caution inspired by the hints of a respe ble antagonist, may operate to abid and abundant advantages, years after incidents which gave occasion to it forgotten. Mr. Hale's pamphlet has might be expected, met with answere different abilities, and the subject is exhausted. desolations of families, the extinctions of social comfort, the increase of lunacy,— But we place first on the list w forms this article, the letter to the Bis of London, by a Citizen. We certa lament, that there is so much occasion the complaints of this citizen, and the metropolis stands in such great nee amelioration on the subject of open p titution. But we can assure him, t in our younger days, the profligacy equally open: whether it may now more extensive, we know not. would however, recommend a disting here: the city of London, restricti taken, may be tolerably free from enormity, yet the metropolis at large be deeply disgraced by it. Whether author be right in addressing the bis all things considered, we cannot de Compare Panorama, Vol. I. pp. 178; a mine; but, it does not appear from his consideration is, that the public morals of pamphlet, that he ever, himselt, exerthis district are also confided to them; it is cised any office of magistracy, by which the duty of this body of individuals, this ge to contribute to the reformation he so neral vestry, to watch over the conduct of its strongly desires. Plain matter of fact paupers, to let there be no gambling or riotmen would have paid greater attention to ous proceedings in any of their public houses; his statement of what he had observed streets, nor any house of ill-fame to lurk to suffer no one prostitute to be seen in their when constable, or churchwarden, &c. within its borders. These, with many other than to all his wishes. The extent of the important things of a like nature, devolve up-' power he had exerted, the manner in on the parishioners, and the legislature has which he had exerted it, the efficacy atten- with consummate wisdom, attended to this dant on that manner, notwithstanding the part of political economy, by giving them tricks and evasions of the criminals, every statute that cautious prudence, and would have placed his principles in “ perspective reasoning could devise:-they tangible shape." They would have serhave headboroughs, constables, watchmen, ved as guides and guards to other good mand, to obey their brders; and magistrates with many other like officers at their com citizens: for the remark is obvious to all: always upon the spot, to advise with upon if the citizens themselves determine to any case of difficulty, and at all times with z clear their streets from this nuisance, it zeal and activity to put the laws in execution. may be done; or the impeding cause From this brief sketch of the nature and will be, at least, discovered; and discove-government of a parish, I think the reader ry will lead to removal;-if the citizens are not intent on removing this evil, what hope can the bishop have, of effectually doing their duty for them? The bishop may, no doubt, excite his clergy, and he clergy may excite the parish officers but an address, combined with example, to the parish officers, at once, would have been more likely to answer this writer's purpose. We infer, that this is not unknown to the writer himself: for he has added a postscript, addressed" to the magistrates of London, Westminster, and the borough of Southwark : this is well; but it is not enough. " Mr. Hale insists that the desired reformation might be effected by the parochial governors and we shall do him the justice to let him state his opinion in his own words. will be led to reflect, how much good is within the reach, and might be accomplished but, alas! what an awful reverse is exhibited! by the steady perseverance of its inhabitants must observe, that the primary cause of all In stating the reason of this sad defect, I this evil is, that total departure from all pa rochial duties, by those, from whose amiable conduct in other respects, better things might have been expected. It is a fact no less true than lamentable, that men fearing God,—men which renders them so respected in society; that possess that virtue and benevolence, all (generally speaking) withdraw from attending to any of the concerns of that parish in which they reside, and in which Providence has blessed their undertakings ;-as soon as they are called upon in their turn to be overseers, they usually pay a fine to evade the office, and all, as with one consent, retire from that post in which they could best have served the cause of religion, by suppressing vice, and giving a superior tone to the morals of society. The metropolis is divided into many districts, each of which are subdivided into The parish thus neglected, gradually sinks parishes, the geographical boundaries of in its reputation; its concerns are left to those which are all accurately known. In taking who have no regard to religion, and the most a view of the internal government of a parish, respectable offices are occupied by men, who and the method of choosing its officers, we find it much resembles a little republic ;are eager for the situation, because it will offord them an opportunity of spending a part ach individual who pays scot and lot, has an of that money in excess, which was raised for interest in the management of all its affairs, a better purpose: in this state of things, and and a voice in the election of every person, from men actuated by such motives, it will who is called upon more immediately for one easily be conjectured, what kind of watchyear, to attend its parochial concerns:allinen, headboroughs, &c. are appointed by The principal inhabitants are once a quarter them, to fulfil the menial duties of the parish. summoned, to make an assessment upon themselves, to raise a sum of money for relieving their indigent poor, and to defray the accessary expences that occur in the governart of the parish. But the most important Now, with all our respect for the Bishop of London's authority, and the exhortative power of the clergy, we cannot help acquiescing in this blame imputed to : the laity and the rather, because we woman applied to an overseer or magi have known instances in which, when a trate, with this simple story, Sir, resolute set of neighbours determined to desire to reclaim, and to break off serve the offices of inquest, churchwarden, criminal conections "-who was direct &c. they actually did accomplish this very put into a way of fulfilling her intention article in question, and removed no less We should be glad to learn that su than fourteen houses in one vicinity, compassion were common. The office together with other nuisances. This is a magistrate is usually terrific to the aba no place in which to enlarge on the im-doned : Could it be combined with a portance of the office of constable; but sistance to the penitent-but, here sta we can affirm that some truly conscientious in the idea of imposition :-who will wa men have accepted this office on purpose rant that the profligate shall not obta to exercise the powers of it, for the pub- the boon intended for the penitent ? lic good. Others indeed have scrupled the oath of that office, as repugnant to their feelings; others, after all their exertions, accomplished nothing, because their office terminated before they could mature their plans; while others have had the mortification to see all their labours overthrown in an instant, by the imbecility, the immorality, or the supineness of their successors. In what does this originate?-or if that be too difficult a question,-what circumstances contribute to support this state of things?-We answer, one most certainly is, the multiplicity, intricacy, distinctions, and expences attending our laws, and law proceedings. What will it cost the parish?"-"Who must conduct the business?"-Not an honest conscientious well-intentioned tradesman, who in giving his own time and attention, offers no small sacrifice to public morals; but, a vestry clerk, a lawyer by profession; a man supposed necessary in order to meet the chicanery that will be employed against him. There is no possibility of a summary disposal of the charge appeal may prolong the matter beyond endurance. The difficulty also of procuring legul evidence, is usually so great, that those who are themselves upright know not how to obtain it. It must be derived from accomplices, in some shape or other; but who chuses to be noted as an accomplice, either with such persons, or for such purposes? Mr. Hale indeed affirms that the magistrates will be glad to exert their power in assisting a prostitute inclined to forsake her way of life; and that any woman of this description is certain of a favourable reception at the parish workhonse. We hope it may be true by law but what is it by practice? Does Mr. H. know an instance in which an unhappy young This, in fact, is one of Mr. H's stron est objections against the Penitentiar He thinks that, the inconsiderate m remit of their guard against vice, fro the notion of a place of refuge in case distress and that those who have be received into this asylum may profe the desire of reformation, but after the have obtained all they can obtain, m return to the practice of vice. Now, th is an evil which really does attend t parish workhouse: parties enter a depart, with so little ceremony that th make themselves sure of a receptio whether or not they have taken any ca to deserve it. They consider such ins tutions as Asyla against disease; but n as places for reformation of characte What honest way of life do they ado when they quit them? Whence do th procure characters and recommendation Inasmuch then as Mr. H. would extremely unwilling (as we presume) admit that the establishment of part workhouses has been the cause of i creasing prostitution, so we incline think that he need not to be great alarmed at the addition of one more as lum for the miserable. We do not pretend to an intima knowledge of the practical part of th subject: but if we may trust report, t average of the ages of the persons appl ing for admission is about 16 to 17 yea This is not the time of life at which retreat from contingent evil is likely to deeply premeditated. We may add, th the most profound ignorance as to crin reigns among persons of this description and so far, pity may be suffered to soft judgment.-But what shall we say to t character of that nation in which su ignorance prevails? A nation in which regular trade is carried on in this unhap portion of the human species-who a bought as property-of whom one dealer alone has three establishments; one in London, another at Bath, another at Cheltenham; and these are changed, transported, &c. as the demand at market varies. WHEN WILL THE SLAVE TRADE BE COMPLETELY ABOLISHED? Surely we are speaking of heathen Rome, not of the British metropolis: the facts must be drawn from Juvenal, not from a churchwarden of a London parish! Nevertheless, we adhere to Mr. H. in his caution against deception; in his wish that the moral and respectable part of a parish would come forward, and put the goodwill of the magistrates to the test, on this subject: and happy should we be to allow in our parish overseer's accounts an article charging "To the rescuing of such a number of young women from prostitu tion." There is yet another view of this sub. ject not commonly adverted to:-What are the numbers of public women derived from the different religious sects among us? How many are Jewesses, Catholics, Quakers, Dissenters, Methodists, &c.? How many of these unhappy persons ever had any religious instruction from their natural guardians?—If, according to the proportion of their numbers to that of the nation, the children of dissenting parents might be calculated at ten, when, in fact, they prove to be but three; what withholds the other seven? Would not the principle which withholds these seven sectaries withhold seven of another persuasion, were it called into exercise? And what prevents it from being called into exercise? That sectaries may be vicious privately does not bear on this question, though often affirmed by way of rejoinder the question is, why do we not see females of this or the other sect, depending for a maintenance on the wages of prostitution? Is it religion, is it industry, is it shame, is it habit, what is it, that prevents this evil? What says fact to this inquiry? and if the hint it comprizes be well founded, may it not furnish some plea for the permission of sects by Providence, since, in truth, smaller bodies of proselytes are, and can be, more carefully inspected by their leaders, than the immense mass of general population, which, though of no. church, religious persuasion, or principle, at all, yet is laid to a national establish ment, as a dernier resort? Who ought to have taught these transgressors better? Who ought to have enforced discipline of some kind, calculated to restrain, to deter, to correct, or to punish such offenders? or at least, to clear the public ways from this public nuisance, which will, of course, whether justly or not, be attributed to the nation, and to remissness in the instituted guardians of national manners. The answerers of Mr. Hale have taken different paths: not one of them has considered the subject, as to its evils, their causes, consequences, and the means of prevention. They have restricted their endeavours to a vindication of the London Penitentiary, as an Institution; and to a refutation of Mr. H's. arguments. This is not all we could have wished. The first on this list is Juvenis: who suggests some good hints; but whose knowledge of the world will be more mature in time. He contrasts the rules of the institution with Mr. Hale's conception of them, and shews that some of the evils he fears have been anxiously guarded against. Mr. Hale remarks, that "whatever system is exhibited to the view of the lower orders of society, that removes punishment from flagitions crimes, must naturally lead them to think lighter of those sins; and in proportion as these impressions are fastened in their minds, so in proportion will their corrupt inclinations approximate towards those very evils this institution is designed to prevent." This is certainly of serious import, and had it any foundation in truth, as applicable to the Female Penitentiary, I should immediately relinquish the opinion I have hitherto held of this asylum: but the fact is, they have not removed one penalty attached to the delinquency of the prostitute, except it be confinement, and training her nor have they power to inflict punishment, up to industrious habits. But I would ask, which way is the most preferable: to drive her, by coercion, from the paths of lasciviousness, or to draw her from them by the blan dishments of virtue, and the satisfaction im parted to her in the pursuit of some honest, For when the laws industrious, calling? are put in force to expel her from the haunts of prostitution, she must have a livelihood, tion, pay some hireling for a false character, and will therefore, when driven to despera and by this means gain admittance into a family under the garb of virtue, without one bad habit corrected, or any religious instruction imparted, to amend her future conduct, while those sent from under the fostering care, that the pangs of remorse they must most, if Reconciled to friends, placed in service, Lunatics troubled with fits or incurable Discharged at their own request...... not all of them, feel at their former bad con- In the House, 1st January, 1807....... duct, the reiterated calls of conscience, and the religious instruction they have received, cannot allow them to pass their hours in that "gaiety of heart we might at first thought suppose; for they must ever after look with horror upon those sufferings and privations they have endured. This is one of the greatest difficulties attending such institutions. To withdraw these persons for a time from their vicious courses, and to let them go at large again without enabling them to maintain themselves by some honest calling, has greatly the air of a mockery of their unhappy condition. To place in respectable families such as may relapse, without having cautioned the heads of such families, is unjust yet, what matron having been so cautioned, would admit such said to be reclaimed characters, and run the risque of their perseverance in virtue? We understand,that this has always been a most copious source of perplexity to the benevolent conductors of the Magdalen: and much "discretion, with abundance of trouble, is demanded in the management of this branch of their most honourable institution. It is true, also, that this demands the exercise of a confidence and privacy, which we shall not presume to break. We speak on information received from a member of the committee. Mr. Hale is justly reprimanded by his answerers, especially by Mr. Shrubsole, for having overlooked the benefits derived from the Magdalen; the directors of which report, that two thirds of the women whom they have befriended, have afterwards proved worthy of the advantages they had enjoyed. If this be true, much that is said against similar institutions on a smaller scale falls to the ground; and we are led to wish for a number of Magdalen retreats alike in nature, though not in establishment. To enable our readers to judge of this, we insert the Magdalen Report, from 10th of August 1758, to the 1st of January 1907. Note. Of the number reconciled friends, or placed in service, some, undo edly, have relapsed into their former er but many, who left the house at their request, have since behaved well; and se of those discharged for improper behavio the house, have, to the certain know of the Committee, never returned to evil courses. In the year 1791 great were taken to trace out the situation those women, who left the house during years from May, 1786, to May, 1790; the result of that inquiry, which was with the utmost accuracy, shews, that du that period, about two-thirds of the w number of women admitted, 'were pe nently reclaimed. The wonen, when charged from the house, are, for the part, under twenty years of age, and it invariable rule, not to dismiss any wo (unless at her own desire, or for miscond without some means being provided, which she may obtain a livelihood in honest manner.” We now revert to Mr. Shrubsole w having noticed a similar statement, ad I may now be allowed to ask,what truth is there in Mr. Hale's assert that females, who having deviated from paths of virtue, and are desirous of b restored by religious instruction, are no be found in the walks of prostitution ? I may also be allowed to remark, that the the intentions and exertions of the ben lent supporters of the Magdalen,' have been happily realized in some cases; yet the aggregate of good, actually done, app to be considerably greater than the amoun the failures in their endeavours to accomp it. And that the supporters of the L Penitentiary are warranted and encourag notwithstanding Mr. Hale's arguments censures, to pursue the same measures, to hope for even greater success. And let it be observed, that for the two months after a female is admitted i the Penitentiary, she is considered and tre as in a state of probation; that she is un the industrious, moral, and religious di |