SESSION-HOUSE
CLERKENWELL GREEN.
24th May, 1787.

WE the GRAND JURY empannelled to enquire of,
and to present Offences committed within the County of Mid-
dlesex;

Observing with great Concern the Depravity and Dissipation which
prevail at this Time, do beg leave to represent to the Magistrates of this
County the Necessity which we conceive there is, for a more active Ex-
ecution of those wife and wholesome Laws which have been framed for
the Maintenance of Peace and Good Order.

We conceive one Source of Mischief, and that a great and indeed, to
arise from an unlimited Number of Ale-Houses being suffered to be kept
open Night and Day, without Order or Regularity; where Tipling,
Gambling, and all Kinds of Vice are not only permitted but encouraged,
where Thieves and Prostitutes are harboured and protected.

We are persuaded were these Places and the pernicious Consequences
of them, Properly represented to the Magistrates, they would not be
annually sanctioned.

The great Number of Places of Public Entertainmentsome per-
mitted by Authoritysome in Defiance of the Lawappear to us to
be another Cause of that general Spirit of Dissipation and Extravagance
which so particularly distinguishes the present Times.

Much use and security to the Public we apprehended might be derived
from a more active and diligent Attention to the Laws releating to Va-
grants, and clearing the Streets and Villages of Beggars which have in-
creased beyond conception.