the experiment; and, therefore, some gross immoralities are connived
at, under the plausible title of necessary evils, provided they do not
interfere with the technical duties of the profession. Though it be
admitted, that the reformation of men's manners forms no part of the
office of a politician, yet it may be fairly pleaded, on the other
hand, as vice is in its own nature a debilitating power, independent
altogether of reference to a Supreme Being, that to eradicate it, or
to apply a restraint to its influence, may be no injudicious labour of
his vocation. This, it is presumed, may be attempted in three ways,
(in addition to certain indulgences, which there appears to be an
imperious necessity to admit, with a view of preventing greater
evils,) viz. the improvement of discipline, the increase of knowledge,
and the application of a higher tone of public sentiment. There cannot
be room for a moment's controversy, that to the efficacy of these
three causes, is to be ascribed, the superiority in the appearance, at
least, of the morals and conduct of the present day, above that of
even the preceding half century. Who can deny, e.g, that the odious
vice of drunkenness is much more disreputable now than formerly,
throughout the whole of Europe? It may be said to be almost unknown in
genteel circles; and there seems not the least reason to doubt, that
as improvements in arts and sciences advance, and as education extends
to the lower classes, so as to supply sources of mental enjoyment and
exercise, it will be almost altogether extirpated from society. Let
this and other vices be held as positively dishonourable, because
unfitting for professional duty, and inconsistent with professional
dignity--let them be visited by certain punishment--give free scope to
the emulation of intellect and to the cultivation of proper self-
interest--and vindicate to popular opinion, the claims of this most
useful class, to the character of moral and rational beings, so that
no flattering but injurious unction may be applied to film over the
real turpitude of their offences--then, and then only, may it be
safely asserted, that such descriptions as we have been considering,
are the offspring of prudery or inflamed imagination, and have no
prototype in nature.--E.

[8] "We had scarcely any night during our st