The Virginia Gazette

May 21. Among other Regulations, that seem at this Juncture to be both expedient and necessary, one is, the charging a moderate Tax on Publick Diversions, towards the Support of useful Charities, and if it could be so far extended towards the Relief of the Poor; which might be done by stamping the Tickets, and bringing the Produce to a separate Account. For as Families become daily indigent through Dissipation and Extravagance: so this would either give a Check to the Humour, or correct the Mischief it occasions, by raising a Fund for alleviating the Misery of those that an idle Bent to Pleasure in such as should have provided for them, throws into the deepest Distresses. Some Regulations it is thought will be made, in the Proceedings to contest, and to establish Wills: that Points of that Nature may be more speedily determined, and with less Expence; so that there may be no Temptation to institute or to defend any Suits, upon collateral Considerations, of what may happen before it is decided independent of the real Merits of the Cause.