Page:The London Guide and Stranger's Safeguard.djvu/243

Rh other things in modern times. We are inclined to think those reveries proceeded from the fertile brain of one Harry Lemoine, well known upon the town twenty years ago, in the lowest walks. Time has rendered the whole book obsolete, shewing things as they were, probably—not as they are, certainly.

From what we have said, and seen, and know of the Police of this Metropolis, as well as that of a neighbouring nation, we do not hesitate to say, that the whole arcana must undergo alteration here, and approximate itself nearer to the foreign one,—as near as is congenial to the difference of character of the two people. More energy, greater unity of action, less confidence in individuals, and a corresponding degree of secrecy, comprise the outline sketch we would endeavour to impress upon those in whom the humane task is confided, of lessening the quality of crime, as well the number of the guilty. A sober, silent, and steady regulation of the present alarming system, will do more than an act of parliament.



In times very remote we are told, from pretty good authority, men sacrificed by wholesale the