Supposing an accurate System of Book-keeping to be adopted, and to be followed as a part of the proposed System of Accuracy, indispensably necessary, _by an annual account of Stores_; the advantages resulting from it are not to be estimated by the most sanguine mind. Independent of the benefits which would arise from the general accuracy, which would thus incircle the whole oeconomy of the design, discoveries would be made wherever frauds or embezzlements took place, while the labour and expence, which such a task might impose, would be compensated one hundred fold, in the National advantages which it would produce.
Thus has the Author briefly gone over the whole ground, which he had assigned to himself, as comprehending every object on the subject of the depredations on his Majesty's Stores, which appeared likely to render his suggestions useful to his country, whether they relate to improved Legislative Regulations requiring the aid of Parliament, or to Measures competent for the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to carry into effect. In the prosecution of this task he has been stimulated in a particular degree, by the laudable and patriotic disposition, which has been manifested to promote improvements in Naval Police, and the honourable proofs he has received of a desire to render his suggestions useful.
If the period should indeed arrive (and it is to be hoped it may soon arrive) when these suggestions, or even a part of them, shall be acted upon, in a manner calculated to promote the National Interest, the Author of these pages will then feel himself gratified, and rewarded by the pleasing reflection, that his well-meant labours, in placing an important branch of the political oeconomy of the country in this particular point of view, have not been in vain.
_Receivers of stolen Goods more mischievous than Thieves;--the latter could not exist without the assistance of the former:--the Suppression therefore of Receivers would restore to Society, and to honest Industry, a great number who at present live by crimes.--The increase of Receivers of stolen Goods to be attributed to the imperfection of the Laws, and to the disjointed state of the Police of the Metropolis.--The number of common Receivers does not exceed sixty; of whom not above ten are persons of property able to purchase valuable articles.--Thieves, in many instances, settle with receivers before they commit robberies:--Receivers always benefit more than Thieves:--Their profit immense:--They are divided into two classes.--The immediate Receivers connected with Thieves, and those who keep shops and purchase from Pilferers in the way of trade:--The latter are extremely numerous.--The Laws are insufficient effectually to reach either class.--The existing statutes examined and briefly detailed, namely, the 3d and 4th of William and Mary, cap. 9; the 1st Anne, cap. 9; the 5th of Anne, cap. 31; 4 George I. cap. 11; 29 George II. cap. 30; 30 George II. cap. 24; 2 George III. cap. 28; 10 George III. cap. 48; 21 George III. cap. 69; 22 George III. cap. 58.--Observations on these respective statutes.--Amendments and improvements suggested.--Means proposed to ensure the due execution of these improvements._