( 175 )
¬immense city, in which there were many imper- fections, but in my opinion often referable to a population which no magistracy could duly superintend, and to houses of entertainment for the lower orders multiplied beyond the calls of necessity, and too much cherished on account of the revenue they produced. — No vigilance could repress all the disorders they created, nor protect the moral character of the people, the debasement of which, in many instances, was frightful. — Thefts and robberies M r ere almost of nightly occurrence, and so far was there from being any prospect of safety by sweeping away the gangs of old and hardened offenders, that juvenile delinquency maintained a more depraved succession. — Thousands of boys, from the vices of parents, neglect of education, and want of employment, were to be found in the streets, the associates of professed thieves, and of girls sub- sisting by prostitution, frequenting houses of the most infamous description, where they con- cealed and divided their plunder. ¬I was ¬
