in New York

and some of the neighbouring coun-
ties. These draw together crowds of people, who
engage in wagering, all kinds of games of chance,
and in debauchery, which produce habits that lead
to the ruin of many, and drive numbers to the com-
mission of crimes. Horse-races, billiard-tables, and
all games of chance, ought to be strictly prohibit-
ed. Baiting of animals with dogs, and every spe-
cies of amusement which may tend to harden the
heart, and render the manners of the people ferocious,
ought to be prevented by a well regulated police.
Laws are made for the preservation of decency and
order on the first day of the week ; and it remains
only to have them more faithfully executed. Perhaps
there is no city of equal extent, where fewer crimes
escape detection and punishment, or where greater
order and tranquillity prevail. Too much praise can-
not be bestowed on those to whom the peace and
safety of our city is entrusted, for their unwearied
attention and vigilance in the discharge of duties, the
extent and importance of which are not generally
understood, or fully estimated. But, notwithstanding
the improved state of our police, and the care of our
magistrates, every year furnishes new objects of atten-
tion, evils which demand additional remedies, and
more powerful reasons for devising and applying
them in the best and most effectual manner.

Another object more immediately connected with
the subject of this work, is the present mode of pun-
ishment for petty crimes. The only prison in this
city for the punishment of those convicted of small
thefts and other petty offences, is the Bridewell, part
of which is also appropriated to the safe keeping of
prisoners before their trial or conviction. At present,
vagrants, disorderly persons, and convicts for petty
offences, are confined in this prison ; and are put into
rooms together, without any discrimination, or regard
to difference of character. No proper or adequate
means are used to prevent profanity, intoxication,