place yearly in the state of New York

; and yet that
country, from the rapid influx of riches and luxury,
and extensive manufactures, cannot be said to be
improving in morals. I fear the reverse is the case;
since I have been recently applied to by some of the
first public characters in that country, to suggest
means for the improvement of their police. Arrange-
ments and checks upon evil propensities, must be
accommodated gradually to the existing state of
society. The intention of all governments is to render
human nature as perfect as possible, since from this
perfection results the security and the comfort of the
whole; but errors and imperfections incident to
human nature are unfavourable, and ever will be so,
to such a state of things, which can only be main-
tained by good and appropriate laws, wisely and
prudently administered.

If the information I have transmitted, or what I
have communicated in this and my former letter,
(which I hope you have received,) can be of use in
promoting any of your benevolent objects for the
benefit of your country, it will afford me the sincerest
pleasure.

I am, with great respect and esteem, Sir,
Your most obedient and
Very faithful servant, P. COLQUHOUN.

A List of Books and Pamphlets transmitted to THOMAS EDDY

Person Information

.

Tracts on the Education of Youth, and the Poor.—
Two volumes containing a series of reports, of the
Society for Bettering the Condition of the Poor in
London, &c. A series of numbers containing the
remaining reports, down to the present period, thirteen
in all.

Tracts on the means of supporting the Poor, and pre-
venting Idleness and Vagrancy.—Preliminary sketches
on the Poor, by Jeremy Bentham

, Esq. sent by the